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

Births, Carriages, & Deaths. Announcements wider this heading are inserted at a uniform charge oj 1/- each, unless such words as "No Cards," No Flowers," cj-c., 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. DEATH. SHEPARD.-On Sunday, the 10th April, 1904, at her residence, Ca-tle Cottage, Usk, Hannah Eliza Shepard, aged 85 years.

HPHE RELATIVES of the late Miss Hannah E. JL Shepard, of Usk, bag to THANK all those who so kindly made inquiries and who attended the funeral on Thursday. Usk, April loth, 1904.

[We do not necessarily endorse all our correspondent writes.-ED. C.O."] USK U.D.C. The cost of the recent election at Usk amounted to nine guineas, which practically amounts to the product of a rate of -id. in the £ Very 2 wisely, I think, the authority when it changed its name from Local Board to Urban District Council, decided to have a general election triennially instead of a partial election of four members every year, since it saves the rate- payers' money, gives the Council a settled term of office, and obviates the turmoil of an annual election. The cost of the election at the neighbouring town of Caerleon, where an election is an annual event, was, this year, within five or six shillings of the cost at Usk. By the annual election system ye anciente citie is mulct in the sum of three guineas yearly in the case of a walk over," while it is liable to an expenditure of nine guineas when there is a contest. It will thus be seen that the triennial election is prefer- able, from the financial point of view, at any rate, to the annual election. Last Thursday's meeting, in the Usk Town Hall, concluded with votes of thanks and con- dolences, which were very proper, seeing that it was the last meeting of the old Council, but one cannot help thinking that some of the remarks of some of the members belonged to the category of "things better left unsaid." The Chairman deserved the thanks of the Council for the able way in which he has con- ductecUthe business the Council were entitled to congratulate themselves upon their excellent decorum; and they might truly express their regret at the loss of two of their comrades but there was, surely, no necessity to refer, by inference, to the new Councillors as strangers, nor to be as pessimistic about the future as they apparently were-that is if they have sufficient faith in themselves and in the ability of one of their number to efficiently and firmly hold the reins of chairmanship. # I have myself heard complaints of the Council meetings being too much of the order of cut and dried," and whilst not going so far as some people in arguing along that line, I do think that it is to the public good to occasionally take the local government cart out of the rut it has formed, break up happy family parties, and import new blood, not that I for a moment believe there is room for any great change of policy on the Usk Council, nor that the town will be to any great extent better governed in the future than it has been in the past. Another election cry I should like to refer to, and that is with regard to alleged suppressions in the newspaper reports. On this point I can confidently say that so far as "The County Observer" is concerned, whether or not its representative is asked not to report any matter in the best interests of the town, and those not personal, a wise discretion is observed, and nothing that the public ought to know is wil- fully withheld from them, nor has any request to that effect ever been made by any Councillor. The new Council might, at their first meeting, on Monday evening next, consider the question of changing their night of meeting, say from Thursday to Monday, thereby enabling the townspeople to be given a fuller report of their proceedings than is now possible. I merely throw out the hint for what it is worth. QUARTER SESSIONS. The adverse criticism passed at the meeting of the Monmouthshire Standing Joint Committee, on Wednesday, on the action of the magistrates in Quarter Sessions assembled, with reference to the eleven licensing appeals which came before them is, surely, neither judicial nor dignified on the part of gentlemen who are themselves J.P's. It seems that politics must nowadays be intro. duced into even Courts of Law, for the com- plaint went forth that the Bench was composed of a Tory caucus, obeying the behests of a Tory Government." While a "Tory Caucus," be it noted, is unbearable, and acts against the progressive, sensible, and temperance viefrs of the citizens of the couutry," a Liberal Caucus," with similar power, under similar circumstances, would have acted by the appellants-it is implied—with strict legal impartiality, and hava downed the lot. What is black in the one case is white in the other, you see and between the two comes even-handed justice.

———————— I RIVER REPORT. The river is now in capital condition for the salmon angler, and it is a long time since so many salmon have been caught in the month of April. salmon have been caught in the month of April. Some of them, however, are rather small, weighing about 7 or 8 lbs. On Friday last Mr J. T. Davies, Castle House, Usk, landed one weighing 15 lbs in the Forge stream. The Rev H. J. Bates had quite a day out, and killed three fine salmon, all on Brynderwen Flat, the weights of which were, 21 lbs, 19 lbs, and 16 lbs. Col. Morris, on his own water, also accounted for one weighing 16 lbs. Mr T. Rees, junr., was the first to catch a salmon on the town water, he killing a fish weighing 13! lbs in Prioress stream on Saturday. On Monday, Mr Rickards, Usk, killed one at Railyderry, 7^ lbs; Mr H. S.G-ostard, one on Ohain Bridge Flat, 7\ lbs and Mr Pcyce Jenkins, one. Mr G. Edmunds, janr., bad tha misfortune to be broken with a fish at Llynycoed. Mr J. Pitt, on Tuesday, caught quite a fresh run fish at Llynycoed, weighing 7 lbs. At Parker's Hole, on Weduesday, Dr. F. Ruther- foord Harris, M.P., killed a salmon 12 lbs in weight. There has been very little done trouting. On Thursday, in consequence of the rain, the river rose considerably.

I THE LATE MISS HANNAH E. SHEPARD. It is with regret we have this week to record the death of Miss Hannah E. Shepard, which took place on Sunday afternoon last, somewhat suddenly, at her residence, Castle Cottage, Usk, at the advanced age of 85 years. She had been suffering from bron- chitis for six days, but on Sunday morning said that she was better. Between one and two o'clock, how- ever, she complained of pains in the region of her heart and soon afterwards passed peacefully away. Up to the last her smart appearance and agility belied her years. Always of a happy and cheerful disposition, the townspeople held her in the highest respect and esteem. The daughter of Mr John Shepard, Solicitor, of Usk, Miss Shepard lived in the town all her life, and was one of the few old in. habitants remaining in our midst. The family may be traced back centuries in the records of the town. Her father was enrolled a burgess in October, 1813, and was portreeve of the Borough several times, as also was her brother, Mr Horace Shepard, while Mr Alexander John Shepard (surgeon), filled office once. Another brother, the Rev John Philip Reece Shepard. was master of the Grammar School from 1836 to 1847. Miss Shepard was the last of the family, The funeral took place on Thursday at noon, and, in accordance with the wishes of the deceased lady, who had left in writing full instructions as to the last sad rite, was of the most unassuming character. Only a wreath or cross, which the relatives might collectively provide, was to be placed upon her coffin, which was of old English oak, with brass fittings, the undertaker being Mr R. A. Rogers. Mr John Alexander Shepard, solicitor, Tredegar (nephew), and Dr G. Harrison Jenkins, Usk, were the chief mourners, and there were also present Dr Boulton, Messrs W. B. Gething, Joseph Davies, W. Thomas, G. Edmunds, E. W. Waters, G. Mundy, F. H. Davies, L. R. Lucas, A. F. Lucas, E. Stone, M. Pa'.ker, J, H. Salter, Ernest Jones, F. Haynes, J. Pitt, F. Tucker, A. J. Jones, A. Griffiths, J. Nicholas, J. Morley, &o. The Rector, Rev P. L. C. Nash, officiated. I

No Breakfast Table complete without La i! 1 GRATEFUL-COMFORTING. (DOOOA The Most Nutritious and Economical.

ABERGAVENNY. A(rents.—Messrs Davies <t Co. Booksellers. MILITARY FUNERAL.-On Sunday afternoon the remains of the late Private John Day, of the 4th V.B. South Wales Borderers, were interred in the old cemetery. The deceased, who was only 33, had seen ac ive service on two occasions in South Africa, the first time as a regular, and the second time as a Volunteer in the late war. The local corps, under Major Marsh, paraded to pay their last respect to the deceased, the firing party being in charge of Sergeant Allen. The L. and N.W. Band played the Dead March," and a large number of the public followed the procession, including employees of the L. and N.W. Railway. The Rev C. Bews, curate of Holy Trinity, officiated. VESTRY MEETINGS.—Holy Trinity Vestry was I held on Friday at the Institute, the Rev J. R. Phillips it. the chair. The balance in the bank was reported to be X25 Is 5d. The offertories showed a siight decrease as compared with last year. The curate's tund showed a balance in hand of L15 8- 91, and L15 was voted to the fund by church wardens. Mr J. G. Bishop was appointed Vicar's warden, and Mr John Phillips people's warden. 1. Gardner was re-elected vestry clerk.-St Mary's Vestry was held at the Vestry Hall, on Saturday, the Rev J. Hoare, curate-in- charge, in the chair. The accounts showed a balance of X12 13s Id ia hand. The Vicar had written appointing Major W. Williams his warden, and Mr J. F. Gough was appointed people's warden. Major Williams was appointed lay elector, in place of the late Mr John Nesbitt.

CAERLEON. I Agent-Mist M. A. Eoans. Newsagent, Cross-street- I VESTRY MEETING.-The churchwardens' accounts showed the total offertories for the year to be L117, giving an adverse balance of E15. Dis- satisfaction was expressed at the amount of the collections, aad it was resolved to adopt the system of colleming plates instead of bags. Messrs. J. Davies and T. Parry were re-appointed church- wardens for Llancrattock and Caerleou respectively. The accounts c the various charities by which widows i Caei I ion benefit were presented and passed. The R" Canon Bedwell informed the meeting that half an acre of land adjoining the churchyard had been purchased for £ 215 for the purpose -if enlarging the burying ground. This step has prevented the provision of a cemetery for Caerleon. The cost is to be met by public subscription, and a sum of JE83 had been received towards the cost. He appealed for the remaining subscriptions to be forwarded.

1 URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. I The monthly meeting was held on Tuesday evening, Mr W. Welsford presiding. There were also present-Rev D. B. Joues, Messrs. T. Parry, L. Foster Stedman, J. H. Taylor, and J. Green. MOTOR CARS, I The Clerk reported the receipt of an official circular letter relative to motor-car regulations, and in reply to the Rev D. B. Jones, said cars might pass through tha town at the rate of 20 miles an hour. Mr Taylor said it was in the hands of the Council to regulate the speed. The Rev D. B. Jones said that on Tuesday a motor-car went through the town at a terrific pace, and endaugered the lives of sctiuol children. A QUESTION OF OWNERSHIP. I There was a discussion on the question of a strip of land on the Usk road which was required for the widening of the road. It was stated that the land formerly belouged to the Council, but that it had been enclosed by one person and sold to another, and the latter now wanted dE50 for it. Mr Taylor strongly condemned sueh a state of things, and expressed the opinion that there had been some remissness in permitting it to occur. The Surveyor said that the strip now wanted was larger than what was stated to have been sold. Instructions were given to the Sarveyor to make further inquiries and report Sat the next meeting. CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH I The Medical Officer reported that the town was free from infectious disease. free from infectious disease. FINANCE. It was reported by the Collector that during the year he had paid in P,311 19s 5d. The voids, "excuseda and appeals amoanted to £33 5s lid. All the rents for the common lands had been received. The Rev D. B. Jones inquired the cost of a contested election. The Clerk replied that the cost of the "recent contested election was £ 9 5s 8d. Itgwas the same as last year. A member About a penny in the pound. The Clerk said that the cost of an uncontested election was about X3. The Rev D. B. Jones said he did not ask the question because an election had taken place but he had been asked the question outside, and his reply was challenged. An estimate was placed before the Council giving the expenditure of the coming year at Y,681, and the revenue at X673. It was stated that extraordinary traffic on the main road accounted for an increased amount as compared with the previous estimate. Mr Parry proposed that a rate of Is 8d in the pound be made for the ensuing year. Mr Green seconded, and said that the people of Caerleon bad quite enough to do to pay that rate without making any increase. Mr Taylor supported the proposal, which was carried. It was decided to hold the first meeting of the new Council on the 25th inst.

CHEPSTOW. I Ayeat.-Miss Clark I ELECTRIC LIGHT INSTALLATION.—The formal opening of the Chepstow Electric Light premises at the bnck of Nelson-street, where an up-to-date plant has been laid down by the Silvertown Electrical Co., took place on Saturday, the ceremony being performed by Mr Henry Clay, of Piercefield Park. After inspecting the works the company were entertained to tea. CHURCH PARADE.—The Volunteer season at Chepstow was opened by a church parade on Sunday morning, when occasion was also taken to publicly present South African and long service decorations. Captain Lawrence commanded, and there was a fairly good muster. The men paraded outside the Cedars, in Welsh-street at 10.30. The interesting ceremony then took place of presenting the various decorations. Sergeant Coles was handed the long service medal, and in connection with services rendered in the Boer war, the following presentations were made:—Privates H. Bailey, W. J. Hodges, S. Holley, and G. White, who formed the second contingent from Chepstow, received the Orange Free State, Transvaal South African 1901, and South African 1902 medals. Those who went out upon the occasion of the first call to arms were Sergeant Quinton, Corporal E. Lewis, Privates Ellis, H. Jones, R. T. Reeves, and J. Flower. These men had previously received the Orange Free State, Transvaal, and other decorations, and were now presented with the bar for 1901. The third contingent comprised Privates A. T. Jones and J. E. Stockham, both of whom were entitled to the Transvaal and South African medal, 1902. The presentation ceremony over, the Yolunteeis, beaded by the band, proceeded to divine service at the parish church, where an excellent and appropriate sermoc. was preached by the Vicar.

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LLANDENNY. J Agent-Mrs Preece, The Shop. I VESTRY MEETING.—The annual vestry meeting was held in the Schoolroom, on Thursday, the 7th of April, and presided over by the Rev C. H. Fardell. The church and charity accounts were audited and found correct. The churchwardens were re-elected, Mr R James, The Mardy, as Vicar's warden, and Mr T. K. Peacock, Llandenny Court, parish warden, Mr W. W. Jones, The Oayo, and Mr J. James, The Lodge, were elected sidesmen.

LLANVAIR KILGEDDIN. I DEDICATION OF A STAINED-GLASS WINDOW.—The morning service, at the Church of St. Mary, Llan- vair Kilgeddin, was on Sunday morning supple- mented by a service of dedication-the dedication of a stained-glass window. This was a four-light perpendicular window on the south side of the Church. The central scene, which occupied the two centre lights, is the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth. Behind the latter is depicted her husband, Zacharias, and behind the former, her husband, Joseph. In the left-hand light is an exceedingly fine figure of Simeon, and in the right-hand light, one of Anna. The window is inoribed. To the Glory of God, and in memory of the families of Gardner and Fearne. who lie buried in this church- yard, and also of Elsie Gardner," In the course of the sTraon which followed, the Rector (Rev W J. n. Lindsay, referred to the various characters depicted, and to the prophesies uttered by them concerning1 onr Lord. The window was the gift of Mr Iltyd Gardner and his brother, Mr Fred Gardner. t

LLANTARNAM. I URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL.—Mr H. S. Cocker, J.P.. presided at the usual monthly meeting.-Ilr Pryer brought up the Finance Committee's report, which showed that after the payment of cheques amounting to C128 15s lOd, there would he a balance in hand of €353 16s. Dr W. E. C. Murphy reported 11 deaths and 21 births durinsr the month, giving rates of 24 and 45'8 per 1.000 per annum regnectivelv.-Th,- Surveyor reported that the magistrates had granted an application for the division of the road at Lower Pontnewydd, between the Council and the Pontypool Rural District Council, and he recommended that a division mark should be placed on the transverse line with the words Pontvpool R D.C. on one iaide and Llantarnam U.D.C. on the other. The recommendation was ad(lpfpd.-The Surveyor also reported that the railway bridges on Coronation- road had been completed by the G.W.R. Co., and the contractor could now proceed to complete the road. Some of the pioes in the sewer crossing the road near the gas works had been broken by the hanling of materials from Mr F. F. Pilliner's brick yard to the Electric Light and Power Co.s station, and the sewage was causing a nuisance at the place named. It was decided to call the con- tractor's attention to the nuisance and to ask him to remedy the same.

MONMOUTH. Agent,.—Afr.Cxtfrev. Bookseller, &lotn,3 tlt. A FISHMONGER'S INSOLVENCY.—The first meeting of creditors of the estate of Frank Hyett, Church- street, Monmouth, fishmonger, game dealer, fruiterer, &c., was held on Friday in last 'week, at the office, of the Official Receiver, Newport. The liabilities expected to rank for dividend were set down at' £ 129, .and assets at £ 23. He attributed his failure .to illness, loss through stock of fish going bad, bad debts, and bad trade. He has been adjudicated a bankrupt. The Official Receiver remains trustee. A ROYAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT,—Princess Alexander of Teck has written from Cannes to Lady Llangattock. thanking her and the ladies of Monmouth for their wedding gift, which consisted of a handsome piece of work in the shape of a medallion, on white silk, with photographic views of the locality, enclosed in a gilt frame bearing a Royal Ooronet. Her Royal Highness requests Lady Llangattock to convey to the ladies of Monmouth her "heartiest thanks for their most channing present, and her deep appreciation of the kindly interest which they have taken in her happiness." TowN COUNCIL.-The monthly meeting of the Monmouth Town Council was held at the Shire Hall, on Tuesday, the Mayor (Mr G. R. Edwards) presiding.— A letter was read from Captain Hopkins, R.E., adjutant Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia), respecting permission to use the River Wye during the training for practice in the construction of floating bridges, including pontooiis.-Partaission was granted.— The drainage committee reported that the contractor had almost completed repairs to the septic tanks they had been filled with water simultaneously, and stood the test well. A CONTRACTOR'S COMPLAINT.—At the last meeting of the Monmouth Board of Guardians the tender of Mr E. Lewis for the supply of meat was accepted, although Mr J. Breakwell tendered at prices practically !d per lb lower all round. The p il following letter from Mr J. Breakwell was read on Friday:—"I be to point out that the consider- able difference between the price of the accepted tender and my own casts a serious reflection upon me, and implies that in the opinion of the Board I am not competent to supply what is required. As I have during the last few years supplied the meat to the Workhouse for several half-yearly periods without receiving any complaint whatever, may I ask the Board to acknowledge that when contracting I gave satisfaction, so as to clear me from the above damaging inference ? —The Vice- Ohairman (Mr Elsom), said there was something in Mr Breakwell's complaint. He (Mr Elsom) was not a butcher, but he thought an injurious inference might easily be drawn. This was the first he had heard of the matter. He would, therefore, move that the Clerk he directed to write Mr Breakwell that the Board by their action had no intention to reflect upon him.—Mr C. Pritchard, in seconding, said the Board, in his opinion, bad no right to spend the ratepayers' money in accepting the higher tender.—Mr Elsom's motion was carried unanimously, and the Clerk was directed to write to Mr Breakwell conveying the decision of the Board.

NEWPORT. Aqants-Ressrs (Jreenlcmi ati C$.,N•.•ow.n'-s. MARRIAGE.—The wedding of Captain Roland Forestier-Walker, Royal Monmouthshire Roval En- gineers, son of the late Sir George Forestier-Walker, Bart., of Marshfield, near Cardiff, to Miss Olive Bassett, younger daughter of the late Mr Ralph Bassett and Mrs Bassett, of Crosswavs, Cowbridge, took place at St. George's Church, Hanover-square, London, on Thursday. LATE ALD. D. A. V AUGHAN.-Tho will, dated August 31st, 1896, of Mr Daniel Augustine Vaughan, of Danyrhiw, Maindee, Newport, who died on February 24th, has just been proved by Mrs Sarah Jane Vaughan, the widow, the value of the estate being 1613,773 19s 3d, of which £7,502 14s 9d is net personalty. The testator gives and devises all the property of whatever kind her may die possessed of to his wife absolutely. HARBOUR BOARD MEETING.—Alderman T. Goldsworthy, presided at the monthly meeting of the Newport Harbour Board on Wednesday, and said that last year was a record year, so far as receipts went. The harbour dues for the year ended March 31st, were £ 5,667, being L885 more than in the previous year. The Board has decided to support the Alexandra Dook Company's Bill, which the town council decided on Tuesday to oppose. —+

I* HXARGH ER«GS*1 (i GMRETDRMS 1 f RECISTEHEP H| itllUm 1111 Facsimile of One-Ounce Packet. Archer's Golden Returns The Perfection of Pipe Tobacco. L COOL, SWEET, AND FRAGRANT. 11

PONTYPOOL. Agents— if-. J. n Ma-'cet Hioistt'1, Ifr Fielclfiouse The Market, and Mestr*. Jones and Edwards. DEATH OF MR JOHN PITITCIIARD. -The somewhat sudden death of Mr John Pritchard, who for a quarter of a century carried on an extensive business as undertaker and joiner at Pnntypool. occurred at his residence in Capel-street, on Thursday in last week. His son is Mr ClifE Pritchard, the Welsh International centre. ST. JAMES'S VESTRY MEETING.-The offertories for the year amounted to E117 4s lid, leaving a balance in hand of £ 17 Is 8d. A vote of sympathy- was passed with Dr Haslett in his recent serious accident, and the Vicar (the Rev J. Evans) again. nominated him as his warden. Mr W. R Williams, draper, was unanimously re-appointed people's warden. LLANHILLKTH VESTRY MEETING.—The Rector (the Rev Daniel Felix) presided. The church- wardens (Messrs. J. Hall and N. Godfrey) were re-appointed. The accounts from St. Illtyd's, St. Mark's, and Aberbeeg and Six Bells Mission-roomer were presented. All of them showed a small balance on the right side. The Rector said that the time had now come when strenuous offorts must be made to build a Church at Aberbeeg. PONTYPOOL CONSTITUTIONAL CLUB.—At the annual meeting of the Pontypool Constitutional Club (Major D. E. Williams in the chair), the committee reported that a deficit of £28 g had been turned into a balance credit of L2 15s 71cl. The total receipts from all s Jurces for the year, including the balance brought forward, was Y,75,5 Os 9d. The bar receipts for the year were' X470 9s lid, showing an increase of £51 16s 2d. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—At Thursday's meeting —the last of the preseut Board—Major D. E. Williams reviewed the work done during the last three years. The electrification at the Workhouse was one of the chief things carried out and all that the ratepayers bad to pay for was the installation. In return for this their rates would be materially reduced through the saving effected in the lighting bill. The Chairman feelingly alluded to the retirement of Mr William Marfell, who had been a member of the Board for nearly thirty- years. SERious ACCIDEI;T.-& serious accident befell Mr Joseph James, on Saturday evening. He had been delivering some bread at Cefn-y-crib for his son, and when he was returning to the branch shop at Hafodyrynis, the horse shied, overturning the cart and throwing him on to the road. The news of the accident was immediately com- municated to Mr Francis James, who sent a cart to fetch his father, who is over 60 years of age. Mr James was conveyed to the hospital, where it was discovered that he was suffering from a broken ankle and other injuries. The cart was badly damaged, but the horse escaped with slight inj uries. SAD BURNING FATALITY —Mr W. J. Everett, deputy coroner, held an inquest at Pontypool, OIL Saturday, as to the death of Lily Mary Davies, the six-year-old daughter of Henry Davies, furnacemanr employed at Messrs. Baldwin's Lower Mill Works, and. who resides at Mill Road, Pontypool.— Evidence was given by the mother to the effect that on Saturday, April 2nd, she went out of the house for a few minutes, and during her absence- another child, named Ruth, and the deceased played with the fire. Ruth, who was the younger of the two, put a stick in the fire, and with it set fire to the deceased's clothes. When the mother returned the deceased was in flames. Medical aid was at once secured, Dr Rowlaud Hill (assistant to Dr D. J. Jones) attending. He found severe burns about the abdomen, chest, arms, and back, and ia his evidence he said death was due to shock caused by the burns.-Tiio jury returned a verdict accordingly, CHURCH RESTORATION.—The Church of St. Michael situated on the outskirts of Pontypool, on the main, road to Usk, was re-opened on Thursday afternoon, after a complete internal restoration. The improve- ments, which have cost close upon L300, include the entire re-seating of the church with new pewa of pitoh-pine. A magnificent brass eagle lectern has been presented to the church by Mrs Essex (The Woodlands) and Mrs Corbett, in memory of their late father, Mr E. J. Phillips, J.P., D.L. Other gifts presented to the churoh include a pair of brass altar candlesticks by the Rev Christopher Cook (vicar of Llanfihangel and Mtmhilad), a pair of brass flower vases for the altar by the grandchildren of the late Mr Phillips, and a fine old oak ohair for the chancel by Mrs Parkar, Court Farm. At the services ihe following officiated:—The Ven. Archdeacon Bruce of Monmouth, the Rev Canon C. E. T. Griffith (Machen), who were the preachers; the, Rev Christopher Cook (vicar) and the Rev A. Vi. A. Williams, (rector of Panteg). ST. CADOC'S CHURCH.—The Rev E. Morgan,. M.A., the vicar, presided at the Easter vestry meeting of St. Cadoc's Church, which was held at the Town Hall, Poutypool, on Thursday evening in last week. Mr W. H. Pitten, people's warden, presented the accounts, which showed that the offertories amounted to P,161 14s 10d, so that after deducting X158 10s 5d, which was the amount of expenditure, there would be a balance in hand of E13 4s 5d. At the commencement 'of the year there was about E20, but that had been wiped off The Vicar pointed out that there was a large increase in the offertories, and he attributed this to the fact that open plates were now used to take the offertories instead of the small bags. The Vicar re-nominated Mr T. B. Pearson as his warden, and stated that, as Mr Pearson would probably be unable to attend a large number of the services, he would appoint a deputy, and he asked Mr E. Fowler, J.P., to fulfil that dLtty.-Nir Fowler said he would be most pleased to accept that position- -Mr John Moseley proposed, Mr T. Davies seconded, and it was carried, that Mr W. H. Pitten be re-elected people's warden.—The sidesmen were elected.—The Vicar said he con- sidered it advisable to have the organ removed from its present position and placed nearer the choir, and he asked that a resolution to that effect should be passed.—This was agreed to. and the churchwardens and Messrs. D. J. Lougher, E. Fowler, J.P., Stanley M. Williams, J Moseley, R. Paton, and C. Wilkinson were appointed as a committee, and were asked to formulate a scheme for the carrying out of the same. y THE NATIONAL SCHOOL-—The Rev E Morgan, M.A., at the Easter vestry meeting at Trevethin. Church, said the parishioners would soon have to face a serious difficulty in connection with their national school. The County Council had made rather a huge demand on the managers of the school, and to satisfy that demand it would be necessary to make an appeal to the inhabitants of Pontypool for a sum of not less than X700, with which to carry out some improvements. He hoped that the sum named would be forthcoming, for he was certain that the Nonconformists of Pontypool had no reason to complain of the treatment they received at the school. Besides. that, there were Nonconformist teachers engaged there, and he (the Vicar) would never try to upset that arrangement. With regard to the cry "taxation with representation," he would like to say that the public would be well represented on the management of the school in comparison with the money they paid. In looking up the school record of some two or three years ago, he found that three-fourths of the expenditure of the school was paid for by Government grants, so that the ratepayers only had to find one-fourth of the amount required for the maintenance of the school. According to the Education Act, the ratepayers were entitled to appoint one-third or the managers, and he considered that, as they on y subscribed a quarter of the amount required, they were very generously represented. Besides, they must remember that the ratepayerowere composed partly of Churchmen and partly of Nonconformists, ao, that the Churchmen were not represented fc*

The Anglo-French Agreement. The despatch from the Marquis of Lans- downe to Sir Edmund Monson, British Am- bassador in Paris, which was issued from the Foreign Office on Tuesday, is full of ZD importance and calls for thankfulness. Un- doubtedly. King Edward is mainly respon- sible for the HAPPY UNDERSTANDING that has been effected between England and France, and if His Majesty's Government had done nothing else its record would be a good one in having made this agreement possible. It may be that England has come off second-best in the negotiations, but we may take Lord Lansdowne's words as they are written that" the arrangement, taken as a whole, will be to the advantage of both parties." The treaty clears the board of MANY AWKWARD POSSIBILITIES, especially with regard to Morocco, Egypt, and Newfoundland. The most important sentence probably is the agreement that no part of the coast of Morocco between Melilla and the Sebu River is to be fortified, which protects Gibraltar for us. Our position in Egypt is recognised as permanent, and the open door will be maintained for many years to come. M. Delcasse, the French Minister, has explained that the principle which regulated the negotiations was that wher- ever French interests predominated the British would give way, and vice versa. In Morocco the French have the better of the bargain, but the INTEGRITY OF THE COUNTRY is not impaired, and as in Egypt the open door is to be maintained for thirty years. Fhe settlement of the Newfoundland fish- eries dispute is a matter of congratulation to both sides, while the new boundary in West Africa, and the cession of a group of islands which France thought might threaten 0 ZD her coast port at Konakry are simply points of administrative policy. :-LI

I USK. I Agent—Mrs. E. K. Jones, Stationer ACCIDENT WITH THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS.— Whilst iu a run last Saturday, Mr R. St John Beasley's horae fell rather heavily in taking a fence, and we regret to hear Mr Beasley has been confined to bed, suffering from rather a bad shake up. However, on inquiry at the Lawns this (Friday) morning, we are pleased to learn (though the hunting is about over) he expects to be well enough to kill a salmon next week.