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

The Budget. While admitting the truth of the aphor- ism that all taxation is grievous, it must be acknowledged that Mr Austen Chamberlain has faced the heavy deficit of five-and-a-half millions in the national finances in a busi- ness-like manner. The upper and middle classes are asked for an additional penny on their incomes, and the poorer classes should not object to the indirect taxation of 2d per lb on tea They escape innumerable imposts that affect their brethren in other spheres of life, and, bearing in mind their growing tendency to dictate national expen- diture, it is but equitable that they should be asked to take their share in the country's burdens also. The majority of them will, no doubt, view the impost in this light and will I ACCEPT THE TAX WITH EQUANIMITY. Foreign cigars and cigarettes are luxuries —the average working-man will be con- tented with British-manufactured tobacco, for which he will pay no more than hereto- fore. In his introductory remarks, the new Chancellor of the Exchequer regretted that the cycle of prosperity that prevailed this time last year seemed to have exhausted itself. Commercial depression at home had been aggravated by that in South Africa. Foreign competition had been keener, and markets in which we had been supreme had been invaded by other countries. Wages had fallen, and the number of unemployed increased. The revenue had been affected, and the estimated receipts had not been realised, the drop being £ 2,724,000. On the other side of the account the I EXPENDITURE HAS EXCEEDED Mr Ritchie's forecast by over three millions. The repeal of the corn duty had proved a costly one to the nation without bringing to the consumer the relief that was expected of it. The new Chancellor indulged in no great flights of fancy or digressions, inferences or essays—except one little aside comment on the growth of municipal indebtedness, which, in four and a-half years, had been increased by borrowing to a total equivalent to the whole cost of the war. This could not go on for ever, and. to protect itself, the Govern- ment will not lend money to local authori- ties able to enter the money market for themselves. Mr. Austen Chamberlain in his initial B ii, I get bad heavy responsibilities to encounter and his manipulation of them deserves the highest commendation.

I USK. I Aiiem ift's. E. K. Jones, Stationer WE are compelled to hold over a report of the last meeting of the Dressmaking Class and of the Rifle Club competition, I

SALE OF GR\ZING LAND NEAR • USK. Delightful w. •• t favoured the sale of about 100 acres of ar /g land (till December 24th, 1904), at Lanusk Farm, Llanbadoc, on Monday, after the market, when, after an excellent luncheon provided by Mr Edward Williams, the vendor, Messrs. Marfell and Poole, auctioneers, Uak, and a good company visited the ten lots of sound and rich pasture land on the farm, which is well shaded aud watered, and has the further advantage of being near the town. Mr Poole offered the lots for sale, and spirited competition resulted in an average price per acre being obtained of a fraction over JE2 19 6d, as the following particulars will show:— Lot 1.—Front meadow, lOa. Or. 36p., 55s per acre, Mr E. W. Waters, junr., Usk, being the purchaser. 2.—Meadow near Helmaen Cottage, 13d Or. 30p., Mr E. W. Waters, junr., 60s per acre. 3.-Shed meadow, 13a, Or. 6p., Mr Oliver Jenkins, Usk, 62s per acre. 4,-Cow pasture, 13a. 2r. 25p., Mr A. Jones, milkman, Llanbadoc, 55s per acre. 5.—Elm field, 13a. Or. 25p., Mr R. W. Spencer, Usk, 62s per acre. 6.-New pasture, 6a. Or. 38p., Mr G. Derrett, 73s 6d per acre. 7.—Meadow at end of lane, 5a. Or. 17p., Mr J. White, Llangibby, 61s per acre. 8.—Meadow adjoining river, 7a. 2r. 33p., Mr A. Hawker, Llant rissent, 63s per acre. 9.—Meadow adjoining river, 7a. 2r. 16p., Mr A. Jones, Llanbadoc, 58s per acre. IO.-Meadow adjoing river, 9a. lr. 13p., Air W. Stephens, butcher, Usk, 46s per acre.

I FUNERAL AT USK. There was a very large attendance at the funeral of Mr Henry P. Haggett, son of Mr and Mrs John Haggett, Usk, which took place on Wednesday. Deceased, who was 23 years of age, died on Sunday in the Royal Infirmary, Bristol, after a prolonged illness. He leaves a widow and one child, with whom, as with his family generally, much sympathy is felt. The remains arrived by the 2.30 train, and the funeral party, which included a number of young men, at once proceeded to Usk Church, where the Rev D. S. W. Nicholl officiated and two appro- priate hymns were sung. The mourners were The widow, father, mother, brothers, and sisters Mr H. Haggett, Raglan Mr and Mrs T. P. Haggett, Newport Mr F. Haggett, Maindee; Mr R. Haggett, Mr and Mrs Williams, Llandenny; Alr G. Guy, Newport; Messrs J. and W. Billingham. A large number of beautiful wreaths, &c., were sent, including teu from relatives, one from Mr R. W. Rickards, His many young friends," and Miss Punfield (his hospital nurse), respectively. Mr R. A. Rogers carried out the arrangements at Usk.

CAERLEON. Agent-,Wis., M. A. Evans, Newsagent, Cross-street. SHOOTING MATCH.—The return match between teams representing Caerleon Rifle Club and the 3rd Y.B.S.W.B., Pontypool, took place at- Caerleon, on Saturday night, and a" most exciting contest ended in favour of the visitors by three points. For teams of twelve a-side it was regarded as a remarkably fine match. Captain and Adjutant H. A. Moore acted as referee. Score :— 3rd Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers 390; Caerleon, 387. AN ALARMING AcorDENT.-Oll Monday evening, while a gang of men employed at the new asylum works at Caerleon were engaged in removing one of the boilers, weighing twenty tons, a crab gave way and the boiler fell a distance of fifty feet. One of the fitters, who was at work at the winch received cuts on his head by being struck by the handle, and the new boiler-house was completely wrecked. Had the boiler slipped a moment or two sooner it would have fallen upon the gang of men working underneath, for they had only just got out of the way when the accident happened. DISTRICT COUNCIL.-The annual meeting was held on Wednesday.—The Rev D. B. Jones proposed that Mr Henry Crease, the vice- chairman, be chairman for the ensuing year.—Mr J. H. Taylor seconded, Mr Wellsford supported, and it was carried unanimously. Mr Creese then took the chair, and after returning thanks, pro- posed as his vice-chairman, Mr Foster Stedman.— Mr Parry seconded, and this also was carried with applause. Mr Parry then proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Wellsford, for the courteous manner in which he had carried out the duties last year. The Rev D. B. Jones seconded, and expressed regret at his severance from the Council.-Dr de Gruchy was re-elected medical officer. The meeting then went into committee. The rate is Is Sd, and the sum required £ 341. ALLEGED HIGHWAY ROBBERy.-Henry Mitchell and William Hinds, labourers at the new asylum works, Caerleon, were charged on Thursday, at a special police court, with robbery with violence, it being alleged that they stole E5, two books, and a bottle of rum from Cornelius Callaghan in the White Hart Lane, Caerleon, on Thursday night. Prosecutor's statement was that upon leaving the White Hart Hotel, at 10.35 on Thursday night he saw the defendants, who were strangers to him, and ha passed the remark to them that he supposed there were no lodging-houses in Caerleon. Hinds offered to take him to his house, but as a matter of fact they took him down the lane. Mitchell seized him by the throat, and put his hand in prosecutor's waistcoat pocket, while Hinds put his hand in another pocket and took out the rum. Prosecutor shouted for the police, and the two men ran away.-P.C. Harris said he went to Mitchell's house, and there found the two men under the influence of liquor. Callaghan immediately identified the men as those who had robbed him. They denied having taken anything from Callaghan, but Mitchell's wife said Hinds brought a pint bottle of rum to the house just before eleven o'clock. The constable found the empty bottle on a shelf. The prisoners were remanded in custody.

GKOSMONT. I PARISH COUNCIL, -A meeting of the new Council was held on Thursday. Mr W. Prise was re- elected chairman, and Mr John Bryan, vice- chairman. The following were appointed over- seers:—Messrs. John Price, Little Hoaldalbert; W. 0. Freeman, Springfield; Thomas Farr, Lower Tresenny; and Edwin Eynon, Kingefield. Mr W. H. S. Whitney, C.C., was unanimously re- elected trustee of the Jubilee Hospital Charity. The balance at the bank was reported as being 198 only.

I NEWPORT. I I Agents—Messrs Qreenlomi ani Co., I I NEWPORT AND ABERGAVENNY ASYLUM.—At the first meeting of the Finance Committee of the Monmouthshire County Council it was decided to raise a loan of zC27,500 to pay out the Newport Corporation, who are erecting an asylum for the borough at Caerleon. Alderman J. Daniel was elected chairman of the committee, and Councillor T. J. Price, Tredegar, vice-chairman. FIRE AT WENTWOOD.—On Tuesday the house and offices of the manager of the Newport Corporation Water Works at Wentwood were destroyed by fire. Assistance could not be obtained in time to prevent the destruction of the buildings, which were of wood and corrugated iron. The kitchen was the scene of the outbreak, and Mr Macdonald, the manager, immediately gave the alarm, and with the assistance of a number of workmen endeavoured to stem the progress of the flames, while others removed papers and plans from the offices. So rapid was the spread of the flames that in an hour's time the whole of the premises were burnt. Mr Macdonald, in removing his grandson from the house, had his hair singed. His loss alone is estimated at £ 300. The premises were not insured.

USK. PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY. Before R. RICXABDS, Esq., H. HUMPHREYS, Esq. SUPT. JAMES* RETIREMENT. Before the commencement of the bueiness, th& Chairman elicited that this was the last appearance at the Court of Supt James, who is retiring on superannuation, and subsequently said he would like to express the regret of the Bench at losing his services. The magistrates had always found him an exceedingly active and useful officer, and he might say that personally he had very great respect for him. In addition to the performance of his duty, Supt James had a warm place in his heart, and he had often exercised his kindly feeling for the good of those whom he had sometimes had to act more harshly towards than his inclination would have allowed him. Th& magistrates would lose his services with very great regret, but on their behalf he would wish Supt. James long life to enjoy the rest he had so well earned. Mr Humphreys said that, as bon. sec. of the Monmouthshire Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, he should like to add to the words so kindly said by the Chairman an acknowledgment of the work Supt. James had done in connection therewith- work which he was not in any way called upon to do. Supt. James had always been ready to help a prisoner on his discharge. Mr Lyndon Cooper, Newport, on behalf of the legal profession, begged to associate himself with the remarks which had fallen from the Bench. Person- ally he had bad the advantage and pleasure of meeting Supt James for many years, not only at Usk, but at Caerleon and Pontypool, He thought that every one knew the Superintendent's abilities and appreciated the kindness that he showed, not only to members of the profession, but to everyone he met with in the course of his duties. It must be a source of great satisfaction to him to know that in his retirement, after so many years' useful service, be had earned the respect of everyone who knew him. Mr W. J. Everett, Pontypool, endorsed what had been said, and remarked that Supt. James knew the esteem in which they held him at Pontypool. The Chairman: We shall miss his services very much. Supt. W. James, in reply, said he bad performed his duties to the best of his ability, and it was very gratifying to find that he had given satisfaction not only to their worships but to the solicitors with whom be had come into contact. What he had done had been a matter of duty, sometimes a pleasure, some- times otherwise, but always with a sense of his responsibilities and in the least offensive way pos- sible for him. He thanked their worships and the solicitors for the kind manner in which they had referred to his retirement. EX-OFFICIO J.P. A communication was read from the Clerk to the Usk U.D.C. stating that Mr Frank Jennings had been elected chairman of the Council, and that he was, therefore, entitled to become an ex-officio J.P. The Chairman said that, without a desire to impair the welcome of the Bench to Mr Jennings, the magistrates wished to express their great regret at the loss of Mr S. A. Hiley, whom they had found a most able magistrate. ALLEGED CRUELTY TO CHILDREN. Mr Lyndon Cooper appeared, on behalf of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, to prosecute James and Margaret Cutter, described as a collier and his wife, for cruelty to their ten children, at Llangeview, on the 18th March. Defendants appeared with eight of their children, r, all of whom were small, the father nursing two on his knees and the mother suckling the youngest of the little colony. In opening, Mr Cooper said that the ages of the children ranged from ten or twelve week, to thirteen years. The case was adjourned from the list Court owing to the non-appearance of the defendants. The object the Society had was the welfare and benefit of the children. The parents were known to the Bench in connection with school attendance proceedings in October last, and representations then made induced a large amount of sympathy on their behalf, and Supt. James and other people were good enough to send food, money, and clothes to the family, while work was procured for the man. If the man's story had been absolutely correct, and the condition of the children had been due to circumstances not under their control, the de- fendants would be more entitled to be pitied than blamed, but if his instructions were correct, since that time an improvement had not taken place in the condition of the children. They had been several times visited by the police and the Society's inspector, and good advice had been given to the parents with the object of something or other being done for the children. A rather pitiful feature of the case was the fact that these children, or the majority of them, have been left alone for long intervals, sometimes a whole day, and that food had been given them on some of these occasions. At this juncture. Mrs Cutter passionately ex- claimed that she had never left her children as stated, and that the solicitor was telling untruths. She refused to keep quiet, and in a succession of exclamations said no one had brought food for her children except the Sergeant, who had given them a dry loaf of bread. She had only left her children while she was on business, and had returned ready to drop. She would not keep quiet; she would have the case stopped, &c. At length, the Chairman pointed out to the defendant that she was only making her case a great deal worse. They did not wish to be harsh with her in any wpy, but unless she desisted they wonld have to remand the case until she was in a better frame of mind. Defendant continued to assert that people had not brought food, money, and clothes to the house only Supt James and Sergt Sheddick had been kind enough to do so. The torrent of words ceasing for a time, Mr Cooper said he would say no more on that part of the case. Cutter could earn, and had been, earning, X2 Is a week when he worked full time, On March 12th and 19tb he earned that amount, and the two weeks following he earned Ll 7s 4d and £1 10a respectively. This work was obtained for him, he believed, through the instrumentality of Supt James. There could, therefore, be no suggestion of absolute poverty in the case. In. addition to that he should bring evidence to show that the man was given to drink. Poverty was no crime, and there might be some excuse if through unfortunate circumstances suffering was caused, but there could be no excuse for excessive drinking whereby a man either neglected his work, or, having work and earning good wages, he spent them upon himself instead of looking after his family In this case the family was a large one, and it was difficult to know what was best to be done for the children. Warnings had been of no use, and the Society, after careful consideration of the facts, had thought it right to lay them before the Bench, so that the parents might be advised as to the course they should pursue in the future. Another painful feature was that one child had been seriously burned and had been some time in a hospital, as a consequence of such neglect as was complained of. In a similar case elsewhere, Mr Justice Wills had thought the case so serious that a sentence of nine months' imprison* ment was passed. The Society's Inspector and P.S, Sheddick went to the cottage in February aud discovered in the house very little food, while

YD JOHN H. 11K NX IE (Member of the Auctioneers' Institute by Exam- ination.) AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL AUC- TIONEER, VALUER, SURVEYOR, LAND AGENT, HOTEL AND INSURANCE BROKER. Newport. Usk, 3f Chepstow Districts. Sales of Fat and Store Stock in NEWPORT, USK, and CHEPSTOW OATfLE MAtlKETS on Market Days. Horses in NEWPORT MARKET monthly. Furniture and Chattel Effects, SALEROOM, periodically. Chief Offices and Saleroom:- 6 and 12, SKINNER STREET, NEWPORT. Nat. Telephone, 0625. Telegrams, "Rennie." Auction Fixtures. 1904. April 26-Fat and Store Stock, Chepstow Cattle Market. 27—Fat and Store Stock, Newport Cattle Market. 27-After Sale of Fat Stock-Sale of Cart and Nag Horses, and Store Stock, &c., in Newport Cattle Market. 27—Important Sale of Properties at The George Hotel, Maindee, on Wednes- day evening, at 7 o'clock. 29-Household Furniture and Effects, at The Salerooms, 12, Skinner Street, Newport. May 2-Fat and Store Stock, Usk Cattle Market 2-Store Cattle, Sheep, and Pigs at CaerI. leon May Fair. About Middle of May.—Important Sale of Prime Meadow Hay. Freehold Properties at Pontnewydd. By Messrs. MARFELL & POOLE. Usk. ACCOMMODATION GRASS LAND TO LET. MESSRS MARFELL & POOLE aTe favoured with instructions from JOHN JENKINS, Esq., to LET BY AUCTION, in the CATTLE MARKET, USK, On MONDAY, MAY 2nd, 1904 (Usk Market Day), at 11 o'clock, in one Lot, Two Inclosures of Rich Meadow Land, Containing 14 Acres more or less, situate on the PONTSANDPIT ROAD, within FIalf-fi-milo of the Town of Usk, and adjoining the Olway Brook. The land can be mown or grazed. For further particulars and conditions of letting apply to the AUCTIONEERS, The Willows, Usk. Cefn Tilla Court Estate. MESSRS MARFELL & POOLE have been instructed to LET BY AUCTION, at the THREE SALMON'S HOTEL, USK, On MONDAY, MAY 2nd, 1904, At 1.30 o'clock, About 90 Acres of Grass Keep. For further particulars apply to the AUCTION- EERS, or to Messrs GUSTARD & WADDINGTON, Solicitors, Usk. Hunting Appointments. MR. CURRE'S HOUNDS will meet on Monday, April 25th The Trout At 12 a.m. Friday, April 29th Trelleck At 12 a.m. Monday, May 2ud Cleddon Hal At 12 a.m. (To finish the season.) MR. CLAY'S SUBSCRIPTION OTTER HOUNDS Will meet next week (water permitting) Monday, April 25th Caldicot Bridge At 10.30 a.m. Friday, April 29th Awre Station At 10.40 a.m. APPOINTIIENTS, &c., FOR WEEK Ending April 30th, 1904. April. Sat. 23—Pontypool Petty Sessions. St George's Day. Sun. 24-Third Sunday after Easter. Mon. 25-Monmouth Market. Taes. 26—Abergavenny Market. Wed. 27-Newport Cattle, Corn, and Cheese Mkts Abergavenny Petty Sessions. Cookery Class, Town Hall, Usk Annual Meeting Usk Cricket Club, White Hart, Usk ) Thurs. 28-Caerleon Petty Sessions. Sat. 30-Pontypool Petty Sessions. Raglan Petty Sessions. 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. April May June Chepstow 10 11 6 Barry 10 12 3 7 Cardiff 10 13 4 8 „ 1° 14 5 9 „ 10 15 6 10 10 16 7 11 Abergavenny 10 13 Blaenavon 10 18 9 Tredegar 9.30 19 10 14 Pontypool 10 20 11 15 Newport 10.30 21 12 16 „ 10.30 22 13 17 Monmouth.. 10 26 17 21 Boss 9.30 9 4 Crickhowall.. 11 25 3 Usk 11-308 2 4th Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers. G COMPANY, USK. Monday, April 25th.—Adjutant's Parade; Un- dress Uniform, Waist Belt, Frog, and one Pouch 7.30 p.m. sharp. Friday, April ':9th.-Recruits' Drill, plain clothes, Usk, 7.30 p.m. MEMO.—The Adjutant hopes to see a good muster on Monday next; also that members will be present at the time fixed for parade. Recruits may be enrolled on drill nights. By order, STANLEY M. WILLIAMS, Capt., Commanding G Company. Cyclists, Light Up! Saturday, April 23rd. 8.7 Sunday, 24th 8.8 Monday, 25th 8.10 Tuesday, 26th. 8.12 Wednesday, 27th. 8.13 Thursday, 28th. 8.15 Friday 29 th 8.17 Saturday 30th 8.19 Being One hour after Sunset,

Births, Marriages, & Deaths. Z3 Announcements under this heading are inserted at a uniform charge of 1/- each, unless such words as "No Cards," C No Flowers<fe., 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.

MR and MRS HAGGETT and FAMILY wish to THANK all those who sent wreaths and flowers, those who attended the funeral (especially his boy friends), and those who expressed sym- pathy with them in their recent sad bereavement.

I HIV KR REPORT. The rive- h ill in good condition, and there are now m rp -annon anglers on the river than at any time sine lie • eason commenced. Mr Sw ret accounted for four salmon in three sncces-ive rla \c" On SrtturHu Vie lauded one in Pencarreg weigh- ing 8§lbs, m d Mr Pryce Jenkins caught one lllbs in weight. Mr Swed Tuesday, caught two at the Upper and ( ''rows, weighing 181bs and 16lbs All- R K" kards, one, 91bs, in Railyderry Mr R. St Kinsley, one, 121bs in Daniel's Bath and P c Jenkins, one, 251bs. On Tuesday e Garcoed, Mr T. Rees, junr., accounted f r II ti-h lHlbs in weight, which took 2 him three-q"ai fi' f-an-hour to laud. The same day Mr J. T IiI; vie landed one 9ilbs in the Rock Pool; Mr w-i. one, 911bs in the Bindings Stream and <>1 Morris, one. Mr Pryce .1, kllJ,, on Thursday, one, 161bs; and Mr Swor 611bs in the Lower Crows.

I ANNUAL MEETING OF THE U.D.C. The first meeting of the newly-elected Council was held at the Town Hall, Usk, on Monday evening, when all the members were present, viz.The Rev Digby S. W. Nicholl, Messrs. S. A. Hiley, H. A nit. F. Jennings, E. W. Waters, T. J. Smith, Reuben Morgan, W. Workman, G. Edmunds, W. Marfell, G. Mundy, and James Knight, with the officers. I THE CHAIRMANSHIP. Mr Waters proposed, and Mr Edmunds seconded, that Mr S. A. Hiley be chairman pro tem., and this was agreed to. Mr Workman then proposed that Mr Frank Jennings be chairman for the ensuing year. Mr Jennings, he said, had been a member of the Council 15 or 16 years, and he thought he would make a very good chairman, and that the least thing they could do would be to appoint him to that position. Mr Knight said he could quite endorse the remarks of Mr Workman, and he begged to second the proposition. Mr Waters moved, as an amendment, that Mr Hiley be re-elected chairman. Mr Hiley, he said, had been a verv useful man on the Council, and they could not have a better chairman than he had been. He said this with all due respect to Mr Jennings. Mr Hiley had served them well since the death of Mr Addis, which was only for a short time, and he thought that the least thing the Council could do would be to elect him chairman for one year. Mr Edmunds seconded the amendment, not that he bad any objection to Mr Jennings. He thought they ought to give Mr Hiley another year of office, and then Mr Jennings' turn might come. Mr Hiley said it would shorten the proceedings if he said at once that while he was very much obliged to Mr Waters and Mr Edmunds for their kind references to him, he was not disposed at this juncture to stand in opposition to Mr Jennings. Therefore, with their kind permission, he would not have his name put forward. If in the past he had given them satisfaction in the performance of his duties he was amply repaid. He was not now prepared to stand in opposition to Mr Jennings, who had been for many years a member of the Council. Mr Morgan said he was very pleased that Mr Hiley had withdrawn in favour of Mr Jennings, who, he thought, after serving for so many years and having the confidence of the majority of the ratepayers, should now be their chairman. He, at the same time. quite agieed with the other Councillors that a better chairman than Mr Hiley they could not find, and he hoped that his time would come again. The proposition was agreed to. Mr Waters remarked that he did not think they could let the occasion pass without paying Mr Hiley the compliment of asking him to be again their chairman, and thi. sentiment was endorsed by Messrs. Edmunds and Smith. Mr Jennings, in reply, said he thanked them very heartily for the honour they had done him in electing him chairman for the ensuing year. He stood in rather a unique position, for in the history of the Council this was the first time they had elected a working man as chairman. He could not understand why a working man who tried to carry out his duties and the work of administration to the best of his ability, and was willing to act with all the impartiality he could bring to bear up 'n his office, should not have the respect and esteem of others in perhaps a better position than himself. In electing him chairman they had also placed him in another position, which he was proud of, viz., that of a magistrate. While his duties ItS a guardian, which were more important to him and would have his preference, might clash somewhat with his duties as a justice of the peace, he should endeavour to perform both to the best of his ability. He welcomed the old members back to the Council, and he welcomed the new, who, he believed, had come there with the intention of doing all they possibly could in the interests and for the welfare and progress of the town. He hoped that at the end of the year they would find that they had chosen one as chairman who had brought no discredit upon the Council, and no disgrace upon the friends who had elected him as a councillor. (Hear, hear.) NO VICE-CHAIRMAN. Mr Mundy proposed that MrWm. Marfell be vice-chairman. This was the only council that had not previously appointed one. No doubt the Clerk had over-looked the matter in the agenda. The Clerk No, no. Mr G. Edmunda seconded Mr Mundy's pro- position. Mr Marfell thought preference should be given to older members than he. Mr Hiley saift they had sat for many years without a vice chairman, and he hardly saw the necessity of having one now. He proposed an amendment. Mr Smith secondpd the amendment, that there be no vice-chairman appointed, and The Chairman expressed regret at the matter having been brought np. The vice-chairman was as likely to be absent as the chairman, and everyone of the members was quite capable of presiding over a meeting if it were necessary to appoint one in the absence of the chairman. The amendment WHS carried by seven votes to four, Mr Marfell not voting. Mr Mundy It is not a matter of what has been done in the past, we are a new Council, and it is a matter of what we shall try to do in the future. COMMITTEES. I The committees were then appointed, the most noteworthy alteration being with regard to the Fire Engine Committee, Mr Morgan resigning the chairmanship, and no one being particularly anxious to be placed on the Committee. Messrs. Workman, Mundy, Nicholl, and Knight were r, ultimately placed upon It. TO HONOUR MR. HILEY, I Mr Ault said it would be an act of well-deserved courtesy if they instructed the Clerk to write to the Lord Lieutenant asking him to place Mr Hiley upon the Commission of the Peace for the County. Mr Hiley had been a f.iiihfiil magistrate. Mr Waters said he had great pleasure in second- ing the proposition. The Chairman supported, thinking that it was a shame Mr Hiley had not been made a magistrate years ago. He was a gentleman of intelligence and ability, and well able to perform the duties. Rev D. S. W. Ni/oull, as a magistrate, said that although he had not had the pleasure of sitting on the Bench with Mr Hiley, he had heard from those who had, and, indeed, on all hands, of the impartial and excellent way in which he had disoharged his duties in that respect. The proposition was cordially agreed to. Mr Hiley, in returning thanks, said the matter had been sprung upor him. He was exceedingly obliged to them for the honour they would confer upon him if they had the power. If he were ap. pointed a J.P., he should accept the position and would carry out the duties as well as he knew how. THE TOWN ULLL. I Mr Mundy brought up the question of the hours for which the Town Hall was hired, complaints as to efforts made to close the Hall early having been made. The Clerk stated that he would report upon the matter. THE MEETING DAY. A discussion with regard to the night of meeting, initiated by Mr Ault, resulted in a change being agreed upon from the first Thursday to the second Tuesday in the month. THE FAIRS. I On the suggestion of Mr Waters, the clerk was requested to take the necessary steps to get the fixed dates of the fairs in April and October altered so that they may synchronise with the second market in those months, viz., the third Monday. It was generally thought to be a good suggestion. 0 I THE CLERK'S SALARY. I The following letter from the Clerk to the Chairman, dated 4th March, was read:— With the close of the financial year it will be ten years since my present salary of E25 was fixed. Our expenditure then was £ 498 16s lid now it is double (£958 13s 9d last year, JE923 16s the year before). Year by year new duties, responsibilities and work are added to the Council. The growth of income is not always commensurate with the work, but that it does not differ much is shown by the fact that the General District Rate for the first-named period was Is 7d, last year it was Is lid, and more than the difference—4d—was employed in an instalment for the purchase of a valuable asset, viz., the market, "Right away back at the beginning of the Council (or its predecessor), 1874—30 years agLl- the salary was X20, when the work of the Council was but small, J281 8s lOd being the ex- penditure. "I conceive I am the worst paid officer of the Council, and in the County. "I propose, therefore, asking the Council for an increase. B f I am in doubt whether the next meeting will b, ess opportune than later, and I will venture to call on you to ask your opinion." Mr Lucas said the ex-Chairman had suggested that the application should be made to the new Council, although he (the Clerk) noticed that at Caerleon the old Council raised the Clerk's salary. He had made inquiries as to the salaries paid to clerks in similar districts elsewhere, and he found that at Llantar- nam Y,45 a year was paid at Panteg (with less pretensions to a town), 250 at Blaenavon, £:0 and a bonus; at Pontypool, X70 and at Abersychan, JE70. He commenced his eighteenth year of office that night, and ha thought that, as the duties had been and were increasing, year by year, his salary was not proportionate to the work he was called upon to do. In a good many places the olerk was a solicitor, and as such got paid for extra legal work, but in Usk legal expenses" had, fortunately, dis- appeared as an item of expenditure. He really thought that, having regard to the large amount the Council now had to expend, and the fact that the income from other sources had grown with their growth, they ought to put his salary at X35, in order to make it proportionate with the salaries paid in neighbouring towns. He found it impossi- ble to do the work in what was called spare time." Mr Lucas then retired, and after consideration in private, the Council adjourned the matter till the next meeting, which, in consequence of the Hall being engaged on the second Tuesday, will be held on the second Monday in May. I GOOD WISHES. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Rev D. S. W Nicholl, as a new-comer, but as a member of a family long associated with Usk, expressed the hope that, with the best intentions on the part of all to do what was best in the interests of the town, the Council would have a pleasant and profitable period of office.

LLANTARNAM, J U.D.C.—The first meeting of the now Council was held at the St. Dial's Schools, Cwmbran, on Monday evening.—Mr D. R. Evans was voted to the chair pro. tem., and he proposed the re- election of Mr Cocker as chairman of the council. —Mr Thomas seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.—Mr Cocker briefly returned thanks, and prop 'sed that Mr Thomas should be vice-chairman.—Mr Roger Evans seconded, and it was agreed to.—Mr Thomas also briefly replied.— The Architect reported that the work of excavation on the Coronation-road bad been practically completed, and the road would be completed in about six weeks' time.—Mr R. Partridge wrote stating that he understood that the Council were desirous of building Council Chambers, and offering to sell a piece of ground near the police station, Cwmbran, for that purpose.—The Clerk was instructed to ascertain on what terms Mr Partridge would be prepared to sell the land.

I MONMOUTH. I I Agent.-—Mr. Qx¥rey% B)ok$eller% M0111Uulh. I SHOOTING COMPETITION. A shooting competition between the Permanent Staff R. M.R.E. (M.) and K Company 4th V.B. South Wales Borderers took place at the Monmouth Ranges. Conditions Seven shots each at 200, 500, and 600 yards. The weather was perfect. Scores STAFF R.M.R.E. (M.). 200 500 600 yds. yds. yds. TI. C.S.M. Little. 29 31 32 92 Q.-M.-SergtSartin 31 31 25 87 Sergeant Bannister 34 29 21 84 Sergeant Heard. 26 30 27 83 Sergeant Hosie 28 32 23 83 Sergt.-Major Hughes. 28 2§ 26 79 C.S.M. Carr 27 28 22 77 C.S.M. Faeson 30 25 21 76 K Co. 4TH V.B.S.W.B. 200 500 600 yds. yds. yds. Tl. Sergeant W. Waters. 33 29 26 88 Sergt.-Instr. Sherwood.. 28 27 18 73 Sergeant J. Walters. 25 22 23 70 Col.-Sergeant Green 27 24 18 69 Corporal S. Ruck 24 21 19 64 Private Howse 18 15 23 56 Private Jeremy. 23 24 4 51 Sergeant Howell. 24 12 14 50 +

I PONTYPOOL. I ,Iglents ..1. Ifr Fieldlouge The Market, and Messrs. Jones and Edwards. I The itfark-et, and keisrs. Jones and Edwards. I ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH.—A brass lectern has been presented to St Michael's Church, near Pontypool, by the two daughters of the late Mr E. J. Phillips, of the Woodlands. COLLIERY DISTUTE.—The Blaendara Colliery, near Pontypool, which provides employment for about 100 men, was idle on Monday in consequenoe of a dispute which has cropped up between the men and the management over the prices offered for filling "clean" coal. The matter has since been relegated to a deputation acting on behalf of the men to wait upon the management. OTTER HUNTING.—Interest in otter hunting is kept up in Pontypool by Councillor Fred Probyn, J.P., who last year collected about X14 towards the maintenance of Mr Clay's otter hounds. This year, again, Mr Probyn has taken up the move- ment, and has already secured subscriptions of close upon that amount. Hunting extends down to the pond at Chain Bridge, where last year the members had a very good "kill." RAILWAY SMASH.—A big smash-up, fortunately, not attended by any loss of life, occurred on the mineral line between Blaendare Pits and the Great Western Railway Junction at Trosnant, near Pontypool' A journey of eighteen wagons loaded with coal was proceeding down a steep incline, when one of the leading wagons jumped the metals, and pulling three other wagons with it, completely wrecked the railroad. Two of the trucks were completely smashed, while several others were badly damaged, and had their contents scattered all over the place. The mechanics and labourers from the Glyn Colliery were immediately called out, and got the line cleared and repaired by midnight. A

SKENFRITH. I PARISH COUNCTL.-The first meeting of the newly-elected Parish Council was held at Norton's Cross Board School, Skenfrith, on Monday evening last, when Mr Newton Jackson was unanimourly re-elected Chairman.—The old overseers, Messrs John Jones (Cross Ash), W. Rosser (Norton), and George Lewis (Skenfrith) were re-appointed.— It was resolved to issue a Id rate in the f, amount- ing to 19 10s., with a view to clearing off the debt on the Skenfrith water scheme.—The Clerk (Mr W. E. Taylor) reported that the accounts of the Skenfrith Blanket Charity were not to hand as usual. The question of the Charity was discussed at some length, and it was resolved to write to the Vicar (Rev C. L. Garde, M.A.) with a view to his communicating to the Charity Commissioners that it was the express wish of the Pariah Council that the tomb of the donor of the Charity in Skenfrith Churchyard (which is now in a ruinous condition) be repaired, and that the sum allotted to buy blankets be upe(i for the purpose until the tomb is repaired, as set forth 011 the tablet which records the fact that the tomb is repairable by the Charity.