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

JOHN H. RENNIE (Member of the Auctioneers' Institute by Exam- ination.) AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL AUC- TIONEER, VALUER, SURVEYOR, LAND AGENT, HOTEL AND INSURANCE BROKER. Newport. Usk, 9" Chepstow Districts. Sales of Fat and Store Stock in NEWPORT, USK, and CHEPSTOW CATTLE MARKETS 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. May 2-Fat and Store Stock, Usk Cattle Market 2-Store Cattle. Sheep, and Pigs at Caer- leon May Fair. 4-Fat and Store Stock, Newport Cattle Market. 10—Fat and Store Stock, Chepstow Cattle Market. In May-—Important Sale of Prime Meadow Hay. Early dates.- flotiseh old Furniture and Etfeets at Christcburch. Villa Residences at Maindee. Freehold Properti s at Blaina. Leashold Dwelling Houses at Pont- newydd. By Messrs. MARFELL & POOLE. Usk. ACCOMMODATION GRASS LAND TO LET. MESSRS MARFELL & POOLE are favoured with instructions from JOHN JENKINS, Esq., to LET BY AUCTION, iu 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 Half-a-mile 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 fieep. For further particulars apply to the AUCTION- EERS, or to Messrs GUSTARD & WADDINGTON, Solicitors, Usk. Notice of Audit. PONTYPOOL RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Half. yearly Statements of the Accounts "of this Rural District Council, togeth3r with the respective Books of Account, will, on the Sixteenth day of MAY next, 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 Ratepayer in the district of the said Council, at any reasonable hoar in the daytime when the Council is not sitting, until the Twenty-fourth day of May next, and that on the last-mentioned day, at the hour of Ten 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 Workhouse, Griffithstowo, 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 the 25th Day of April, 1904. T. WATKINS. Clerk to the Rural District Council. .j Monmouthshire. FOR SALE, FARM of 38 Acres (six wood), at GOYTREY ditto, 14 Acres, at LLANGIBBY ditto, 24 Acres, at LLANGWM. All have small Houses and good Farm Buildings; in high and healthy situations, with fine views. They would all, especially the Goytrey Farm, be suitable for development for residential purposes.—For par- ticulars, apply J. COATES CARTER, Architect, Cardiff. To Let, A SMALL FARM HOUSE, with 30 Acres of Meadow Land, in LLANBADDOC. Good supply of water.—Particulars of W. B. GETHING, Usk. M. REES, Glass, China, Earthenware Warehouse, NEAR TOWN HALL, OLD MARKET-ST., USK. Dinner Services from 12s. 6d. Tea Sets from 10s. 6d. Stamped Quart, Pint, and Half-Pint Measures. Cyclists, Light Up! Saturday, April 30th. 8.19 Sunday, May 1st. 8.21 Monday, „ 2nd. 8.23 Tuesday, „ 3rd 8.24 Wednesday, tJ 4th. 8.26 Thursday, „ 5th 8.27 Friday » 6th. 8.29 Saturday » 7th. 8.31 Being One hoar after Sunset, Hunting Appointments. MR. CURRE'S HOUNDS will meet on Monday, May 2ud Piercefield Park At 11 a.m. (To finish the season.) MR. CLAY'S SUBSCRIPTION OTTER HOUNDS Will meet next week (water permitting) :— Tuesday, May 3rd 00 Malpas Locks At 10.15 a.m. Saturday, May 7th Mardy Farm, nr. Usk At 10.30 a.m. APPOINTMENTS, &c., FOR WEEK Ending May 7th, 1904. April. Sat. 30-Pontypool Petty Sessions. Raglan Petty Sessions. May Sun. I-Fourth Sunday after Easter. Mon. 2-Usk Market. Pontypool Rural District Council. Bank Holiday in Scotland. Letting of Grass Keep at The Cattle Market and Three Salmon's Hotel, by Messrs Marfell and Poole. (See advts.) Taes. 3-Abergavenny Market. Wed. 4-Newport Cattle, Corn, and Cheese Markets Abergavenny Petty Sessions. Cookery Class, Town Hall, Usk Usk Races. Monmouthshire County Council. Thurs. 5—Usk Petty Sessions. Sat. 7—Pontypool Petty Sessions. Cricket—Uvk v Monmouth, at Usk. ilh Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers. G COMPANY, USK. Monday, May 2nd.-Company Parade, as strong as possible; Undress Uniform, Waist Belt, Frog, and one Pouch 7.30 p.m. sharp. Friday, April iOth.—Recruits' Drill, plain clothes, Usk, 7.31) p.m. MEMO.—Shoulder pads should be worn on all drill parades for the protection of jacket in hand- ling the rifle. Recruits may be enrolled on drill nights. By order, STANLEY M. WILLIAMS, Capt., Commanding G Company. 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 „ 10 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 99 10.30 22 13 17 Monmouth.. 10 26 17 21 Ross 9.30 9 4 Crickhowell.. 11 25 3 Usk 11.30 8 2

Births, Marriages, & Deaths. Announcements under this heading are inserted at a uniform charge of 1/- each, unless such words as "No Cards," "No Flowers," cfe,, are added, when the charge will be 2/6. All Announcements must be authenticated. Postage Stamps may be sent in plyment, Lists of Wedding Presents are inserted at the rate of 1/6 per inch in depth. DEATHS. CORNER.—On the 22nd inst., of pluro pneumonia, Florence Eliza, the beloved wife of Captain E. Elgie Corner, 20, Battersea Rise, Clapham Common, S.W, (late of Usk, Monmouthshire). JEFFREYS.—On the 25tb inst., at Peny Park, Raglan, William Jeffreys, aged 64. Deeply regretted. I'Q

Pauper Alien Immigration. The nation has revolted against the influx of pauper and criminal aliens into England. For years pressure has been brought to bear on Governments to induce them to place some restriction on this free import system, for England's hospitality to the vagabond- age of Europe has extended over some hundreds of years. But it becomes necessary to curtail that indiscriminate hospitality when strangers come over and eat the children's bread. The Aliens Bill will put a check on the immigration into this country of the criminal, the undesirable, the destitute, and the decadent surplus of Europe. They have been pouring into England in a steady stream they occupy the time of our Courts of Justice, fill our gaols, and retard improvement in the in- dustrial quarters of our great cities. They moreover pay us the high compliment of BORROWING OUR NAMES, with the result that the census figures show a less number of aliens than are known to have entered the country for the purpose of remaining here. Sir Chas. Dilke's amend- ment on the second reading, which sought to safeguard the principle of asylum for the victims of persecution," was defeated by a majority of 124. The following extracts from the Blue Book, dealing with the evidence of the Royal Commission, show the necessity for legislation on the lines of the Bill introduced by the Home Secretary. "Within six years, 107 streets in the Borough of Stepney alone have passed wholly into foreign occupation." During the last ten years, 52,000 British people have left Stepney, driven out by the alien." A Jewish witness said:—"They (the aliens) SOLD THEIR LIVES, I and do now, at the rate of sixteen hours a day, for a crust of black bread and a piece of garlic, and a corner filled with filthy straw to lie upon." An alien prisoner, tried at the Thames Police Court for picking a pocket, had only been a short time in England, and there were found on him some letters from persons in prison in Russia, in which they declared their inten- tion of joining him as soon as they were released.

I RIVER REPORT. f The river is still in good condition, especially on the middle and lower beats, but the water is rather low for the upper beat. A fair amount of sport has been obtained, and the following are the kills reported:— Friday-Mr Johnson, one, 12lbs. Saturday-Mr J. T. Davies, one, 81-lbs, in the Rock Pool. Moiidav-Afr R. Rickards, one, lllbs, in Coedy. prior; Mr H. Humphreys, one, 161bs, in the Stone Wall Mr Sword, one, 81bs, in the Lower Crows; Mr Russell Gray, one, 121bs. Tuesday—Mr G. Edmunds, junr., one, 211bs, in Harry Giles' stream Mr R. Rickards, one, 101-lbs, in the Stone Wall. Wednesday—Mr H. Humphreys, one, lglbs, in the Road Pool; Mr J. T. Davies, one, 131bs*n the Rock Pool; Rev H. J. Bates, one, 18lbs, in the Rock Pool. Thursday-Mr Crichton, one, 12lbs, in Harry Giles' stream; Mr R. Rickards, three, lllbs (2), 181b3, two in Parker's Hole and one in Pencarreg Mr R. St John Beasley, one, 231bs, in the Upper Crows. At the next meeting of the Usk and Ebbw Board of Conservators—at Brecon, May 12th-the follow. ing notice of motion, given by Mr H. Rich, will be considered:— That the following new byelaw be made, viz.: The period during which it shall be illegal to take or kill trout within the Usk and Ebbw Fishery District is hereby altered, so that such period shall commence on the 16th day of September and ter- minate on the 14th day of February, both inclu- sive, and any person offending against this byelaw shall, for each such offence, be liable to a penalty not exceeding X2. Byelaw No. 10, which relates to the close season for trout, made on the 20th day of May, 1901, and confirmed on the 13th day of November, 1901, is hereby repealed.

WEDDING AND PRESENTATION. On Monday, at noon, in Usk Church, the marriage took place of Mr Oliver Redwood aud Miss Eliza A. Green, of Usk, the Rev P. L. C. Nash (rector), and the Rev D. S. W. Nicholl (curate) officiating. There was a large congrega- tion. The bridegroom's brother acted as best man, and the bride was given away by her brother, Mr John Green, while Miss Violet Morgan acted as bridemaid. The service was choral, the surpliced choir attending, and Mr Theodore Seaton presided at the organ, and played" The Wedding March." Subsequently the bells rang out a merry peal. The presents numbered about seventy. The newly-married pair left for London in the afternoon. Miss Green has for many years been a valued member of the choir, hence the honour done her on her marriage. On Friday in last week, in the vestry, she was presented with a handsome marble clock which bore the inscription:—"Presented to Miss E. A. Green on the occasion of her marriage by the clergy, organist, and members of the choir of St. Mary's, Usk, in recognition of her many years' connection with the choir, 25th April, 1904." The Rector, in making the presentation, said they asked her acceptance of the clock as a mark of their esteem and a token of their good-will. They were very much obliged to her for the regular and loyal manner in which she had attended the choir practices and services they were grateful to her not only on account of her exoellent voice, but because of the support given to the choir in other ways. Miss Green briefly returned thanks for the handsome present which she should always prize, and the kind references to her in connection with the choir. It had been a great pleasure to her to attend the practices and services, and she hoped she would be able to continue to do so.

ABERGAVENNY. I Avents.—Messrs Davies A Co. Booksellers. -11 1 CONCERT.—Abergavenny Choral Society gave their second concert for the season on Tuesday night before a large audience. Mr W. R. Carr, A.R.C.O., conducted, and is to be congratulated upon the successful rendering of the selected pieces. The principal soloists were Miss Margaret Sambrook, Mr W. E. Carslin, and Mr W. J. Ireson. THE TOWN HALL--A public meeting was held on Tuesday, to enable the burgesses to express an opinion upon the advisability, or otherwise, of alter- ing the Town Hall for the purpose of obtaining theatrical licenses, and to meet the requirement of the county surveyor. The Mayor (Councillor Straker presided, and opened the proceedings. Eventually it was deoided, on the proposition of Major Harris, seconded by Mr T. N. Bamridge, that the Town Council should be asked to make the Town Hall safe for the meetings that are necessary for the town. A vote of thanks to the Mayor concluded the proceedings.

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING. I The monthly meeting was held on Monday, the Mayor (Councillor J. Straker) presiding. The Mayor welcomed Councillor T. A. Delafield to the Council, and trusted that his help and influence would be beneficial to the town and Council.—Councillor T. A. Delafield was '.placed upon the Streets, Burial Board, and Standing Orders Committee. The Mayor reported that he had attended with the deputation on behalf of the Welsh Museum to Lord Londonderry, and gave a detailed report of the proceedings. The Gas and Finance Committee reported that the annual cost of connecting the gasworks and the Town Hall with the postal telephone would be £ 6 15s, and the offer was accepted. 5- It was agreed, subject to the landlords con- senting, to provide about 50 workmen's houses, with gas fittings free, consisting of meter, pendant, and cooker, at a cost of Y,5 5a per house.—The report was adopted. On the proposition of the Mayor, it was decided that the original plan for the proposed shelter for auctioneers be carried out in preference tojthe one submitted by the committee. The reports of the Streets, Buildings, and Improvements Committees were adopted.— Councillor J. C. Gwatkin had been elected chairman of this Committee for the remainder of the term. Firemen's caps at 4s 6d each were deemed the most suitable, and the caps will be ordered.

PRIMROSE LEAGUE MEETING. The Hendre Habitation of the Primrose League held its annual meeting at the Town-hall, Aber- gavenny, on Thursday, the Hon J. M. Rolls pre- siding in the absence of Lady Llangattock, the ruling councillor. The Secretary (Mr Hallewell) read the annual report, which expressed regret at the loss the habi- tation had sustained by the resignation of Mr Iltyd Gardner, who had been appointed county- court registrar, and of Mr Fred Gardner, through ill-health. Lady Llangattock was re-appointed ruling councillor, and Mr Hallewell and Major Sandford were re-elected secretary and treasurer respec- tively. After an address by Mr R. A. Tipping, there was dancing.

CAERLEON. Agent-Mist M. A. Evans, Newsagent, Cross-street. A FOOTPATH QUESTION.—Mr P. Laybourne presided at a meeting of the ratepayers of Llangattock, Caerleon, on Wednesday night, when an application from Mr D. W. Jenkins, Caerleon, for power to close a footpath was further con- sidered. The land was required to start brick- works, and Mr Jenkins had been afforded an opportunity of offering some compensation. His solicitors wrote stating that if the application was refused the ratepayers would be standing in their own light.—Mr E, Harris, Penybank, said the scheme would simply enhance the value of Mr Jenkins' property and that of the Great Western Railway, and the Chairman.—The Chairman: Nothing of the kind.—Mr W. Parry proposed that the suggestion to close the footpath be disapproved of, and this was carried.—The Chairman saidjhe objected most strongly to his name being drawn into this miserable business. He owned) no property near the place. He was simply a trustee, and he was old enough to do his dutv. He attended there simply as chairman of the meeting.

CHEPSTOW. Agent.-Miss Clark RECEIVING ORDER.—A receiving order under the Bankruptcy Acts has been made against the estate of Edwin Higgins, baker, of 4, St. Anne- street, Chepstow. APPOINTMENT OF RURAL DEAN.-The Rev Egerton John Hensley, M.A., Vicar of St. Mary's, Chepstow, has been appointed, by the Bishop, Rural Dean of the Deanery of Chepstow, in the place of the Rev N. Shafto Barthropp, M.A., who resigned the appointment.

P.S. GROVES TO BE INSPECTOR. I The recent retirement of Supt. James, of Ponty- pool, has resulted in Sergt. G. Groves, of Chepstow, being promoted to the rank of inspector of the Mon. Constabulary, and he leaves almost immediately to take up his new duties at Abercarn. He will be succeeded at Chepstow by Sergt, Bullock of Aber- gavenny. The news of his departure has been received in Chepstow with general regret, and In- spector Groves will carry with him the very best wishes of the inhabitants of the town and neigbour- hood for his future welfare and success. He joined the force only eight years ago, and came to Chepstow from Abersychan upon the retirement of Sergt. Lewis.

GROSMONT. I VISITOEB.—The Rev Father Ignatius and Sisters are staying at the Angel Hotel. This is their first visit, and Father Ignatius is greatly iu fatour of the place as a tourist resort,

LLANDENNY. Agent-Mrs Preece, The Shop. LOCAL DIVORCE CA.sB.-In the Divorce Division, on Tuesday, Sir Francis Jeuae heard the suit of Richard Purchase Haggett, of Rock Farm, Llandenny. for a decree of divorce against his wife, Sarah Ann Haggett, the co-respondent being Joseph Powell. It was an undefended suit.—Mr R. F. Bayford, instructed by Mr Alfred Searle, solicitor, Newport, appeared for the petitioner. The parties were married at the District Registry Office, Newport, on April 9th, 1892, and one child was born on the 25th February, 1893. Petitioner was an ex-soldier, and was now a farm labourer. Petitioner left his wife, owing to her conduct, in the year 1892, and enlisted as a soldier. On his return after the expiration of ten years' service, be found his wife had been living with Powell, by whom she had had a child.—A decree nisi was granted with the custody of the child.

LLANARTH. INQUEST ON AN ENGINE DRIVER. On Friday evening in last week, Mr J. B. Walford, coroner, held an inquest at the Swan Hotel, Clytha, near Abergavenny, touching the death of Harry Birch, 48, au engine driver, in the employ of Colonel Ivor Herbert, Llanarth Court. From the evidence of the widow, Mrs Mary A* Birch, it appeared that they had been married 22 years, and that her husband had enjoyed fairly good health, but had been attended lately for pains in his head. He had not been at. work for more than a week, but he went out on Wednesday morning to start his engine. However, he returned as the pains in his head had increased, and he again went to bed. She was in the bedroom about- 3 p.m. when he got up and went downstairs- When she followed a few minutes later she found him with his throat cut. He had not been addicted to drink, and had not touched intoxica- ting liquors for the last three months. He was greatly interested in religion. Charles Birch, Quartermaster-Sergeant of the Devonshire Regiment, stated that deceased was his brother. The last time he saw him was in 1887, but he had frequently written, and his letters appeared sensible, and especially upon religious subjects. John Jones, a next door neighbour, stated that he called to see the deceased He was not dead when P.O. Thomas arrived, but he died the same day. P.C. Thomas stated that he found the razor produced. Dr Logie (Raglan), stated that he had been attending the deceased since the 13th, and he found him in a nervous condition, but could not detect signs of mental instability. He was excited, but not depressed. He gave instructions to have him watched, and his wife did so. Witness considered he had been taking too much alcohol. His nervous condition was partly attributable to this. A verdict of Suicide whilst of unsound mind was returned.

w I MONMOUTH. Agent.-Jfr.Octirre_u. Bookseller, Afoamiuth. THE ARCHDEACON'S VISITATION.—The Arch- deacon of Monmouth's vernal visitation will be held at Newport, on May 2nd; Monmouth, on May 3rd; and Chepstow, on May 4th. R.F.C.—The annual meeting of the Monmouth Rugby Football Club was held on Monday, when, Mr J. Morris presided' The accounts showed a diminished balance in hand. Lord Llangattock was re-elected president. Mr J. H. Howse was elected secretary, Mr L. Meyrick coptain (Mr Sprawson declining the honour), and Mr W. Morris vice-captain. It was decided to insure the players against accidents if the cost did not exceed JE3. IN MEMORY OF QUEEN VICTORIA.-Lady Seale, wife of Sir John Seale, Bart., of Wouastow Court, has erected as a memorial to the late Queen a beautiful stained glass window over the altar in Wonastow Church. It was designed by Mr J. M*. Compere, architect, London. In the centre is a representation of the Virgin and Child, with St. David on the right and St. George on the left. The stained glass of the old window, which is of very great antiquity, is carefully placed in the windows on each side of the chancel. The Bishop of Llandaff performed the dedication service. R.D.C.-At the first meeting of the new- Council, on Friday in last week, Mr S. CL Bosanquet was re-elected chairman, and Sir H. M. Jackson vice-chairman.—The Trelleck Parish Council wrote calling attention to the bad condition of a bye-road near Warne Cottage, alleging that at times children coald not pass it on going to school.—A committee was aprointed to inspect and report.—The Council granted permission to Sir H. Mather Jackaon to erect a gate on a private road approaching White Castle.. The offer of the Crown to make a carriage road along the south bank of the River Wye from Symonds Yat to Monmouth, provided the Monmouth District Council and other highway authorities concerned would undertake to keep it in repair, was rejected. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—The first meeting of the new Board was held on Friday in last week, when Mr S. C. Bosanquet was re-elected chairman, and Mr S. G. Elsom vice-chairman.—The Visiting: Committee met on the previous Monday to inquire into the quality of coal supplied to the house. They reported that they were of opinion that the coal was not up to the contract in quality. The contractor had intimated that the supply was from the Speech House and Trafalgar Collieries and was best Forest. -Mr Joynes said he had seen the coal, and, in his opinion, it was not supplied from either of the collieries mentioned. There was no such coal there.—Mr Stephens expressed a similar opinion, adding that best Forest coal could not be supplied at 14s per ton, the contract price.—After some discussion it was decided to write the contractor informing him that the Board dis- approved of the quality of the coal supplied.—The committee also reported on the alleged friction between the officials of the house in reference to clean linen, and, after making inquiries, recommended that an inventory be kept of articles sent to the laundry.—The report was adopted.

PRIMROSE LEAGUE MEETING. The annual meeting of the Rolls Habitation of thE) Primrose League was held in the Rolls'-Hall,. Monmouth. In the absence of the Ruling Coun- cillor (Lord Llangattock) the Hon J. M. Rolls presided. He said he regretted very much the retirement of Mrs Bagnall Oakeley, the organising secretary, who had done such exoellent work for the League for twenty years. A cordial vote of thanks was accorded Mrw. Oakeley, and Mr H. T. Baillie (ex-mayor) was: elected organising seeretary. Colonel Courtenay Morgan, the Unionist can- didate for South Monmouthshire, then delivered an address. Mr W. C. A. Williams, in moving a vote of thanks to Colonel Morgan, said that although he came before them on his own merits—not as a member of the house of Tredegar-it seemed in the fitness of things that he should be returned in place of his father, a member of that family having represented Monmouthshire (with very brief intervals) since 1588.. A variety entertainmeat was given by Mr F. Valance. r —

For Printing of all Descriptions Try the County Observer Office.

Income-Tax Reform. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has ap- pointed a Committee to consider various points of income-tax reform. Mr C. T. Ritchie is chairman. The terms of reference to the Committee are:—To enquire into and report whether it is desirable to effect any alteration in the system of the income-tax as at present pre- scribed and administered, under the follow- ing heads:- (a) The prevention of fraud and evasion; (b) the treatment of income derived from copyrights, patent rights, and termi- nable annuities; (c) the allowance made in respect of the depreciation of assets charged to capital account; (d) the system of com- puting profits actually realised in the three years preceding the year of assessment; and (e) the rules and regulations governing the recovery by taxpayers of over-payments of income-tax.

Mr. Chamberlain in request. Mr Chamberlain continues to receive a very large number of pressing invitations to address meetings on Tariff Reform. He will certainly contribute a few more speeches to the discussion at meetings in agricultural districts. It is not probable, however, that he will repeat the excessive labours of last autumn, and he is reluctant to add to his existing engagements. His policy has now been fairly laid be- fore the country, and will be advocated by I the organisations, that have come into being for that purpose, assisted, it is hoped, by many Unioniat associations. K

I Shop Hours' Bill. The Government Early Closing Bill was introduced without comment in the House of Commons on Tuesday evening. It con- sists of only nine clauses, and proposes to authorise any county council to fix an hour not earlier than seven in the evening on specified days of the week, and not earlier than one in the afternoon upon one day of the week, when all retail shops, or all shops of a certain class or trade, within the area of the local authority must be closed to the public. The local authority does not take the initiative in the matter, but may be moved to action by at least I TWO-THIRDS OF THE OCCUPIERS of shops in the district affected. When the local authority is satisfied of the requisite majority, it may issue an order, which, be- fore it becomes operative, has to be ap- proved by the Home Secretary, who may, if he thinks fit, order a local inquiry into the subject. What the Bill seeks to enact should be achievable without legislation, that is by agreement amongst the shop- keepers in any given district.

I USK. Agent-Mrs. E. K. Jones. Stationer Un RACES.—There should be good racing at Usk (N.H. Rules) on Wednesday next. The entries number 47 for six events. ROGBR EDWARDS' CHARITY-—The Trftstees of the Country Branch of this Charity met on Wednesday, for the purpose of electing an inmate to the Coedcwnnwr Almshouse, a vacancy occurring by the death of Mr Francis. There were present:- Messrs. W. B. Gething, J. H. Clark, A. H. Watkins, Uriah Lewis, and the Rev E. M. Prothera.—There were four applicants, two of whom were pronounced to be eligible. It was proposed by Mr Watkins, seconded by Mr Clark, and carried unanimously, that Mary Lewis, widow, be elected to the vacant house without pay. It was also proposed by Mr Watkins, and seconded by Mr Clark, that a stipend should be paid to James Powell, who had been appointed without pay, to commence on the 22nd of April. This was unanimously agreed to. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION.—The last of the classes for this session in Scientific Cutting Out and Dressmaking, was held on Thursday evening in last week. A good number joined the class, and the average attendance was well maintained. Mrs Lucas, at the close of the evening, in thanking the teacher, Miss Rachel Davies, on behalf of the class, thought they had been very fortunate in having the services of so capable and, amiable a teacher, to whom nothing had been too much trouble, no pupil too dull. Miss Davies, in replying, said it had been very gratifying to her to notice the lively interest taken in the class. Her experience had been that sometimes ladies joined and did not persevere long enough to become interested in the work. Her report of the class would be a very high one, and she hoped to see them all again, with other new faces, next session.

USK CRICKET CLUB. I The annual meeting of the Usk Cricket Club was held at the White Hart, on Wednesday evening, when Mr H. Humphreys, J.P., presided, and the following were present:—Messrs A. E. Bowen (hon treasurer), A. G. Wallace (hon secretary), T. Rees, junr., G. Edmunds, junr., H. Freeman, L. S. Davies, H. C. Davies, W. F. Roberts, T. Williams, and F. Morgan. The Committee, in their report, testified with pleasure to the maintenance of local interest in the game, and tendered their hearty thanks to their supporters, especially to those who subscribed to the funds without getting much return, and all who helped to make the summer fete and winter concert such successes. The Club played 17 matches last season; seven were won, six drawn, and four lost. A much stronger fixture list has been arranged for the coming season. The number of members is now 100. The balance sheet showed an expenditure of X81 17. lId, with an adverse balance of X2 19 6d at the bank. The conoert proceeds (Z I I 18a ód), how- ever go against that, and compare very favourably with thenett receipts from the fete (L9 12s 6d). Mr Humphreys, who has always taken the warm- est and most active interest in the Club, was elected president: Sir Joseph Lawrence, M.P., and Lieut,- Colonel Morgan were appointed vice-presidents; the hon treasurer and hon secretary were re-elected; Messrs G. Edmunds and S. A. Hiley were appointed captain and vioe-captain, respeo- tively and the services of the offioers last year were duly recognised. The Committee remain as before, minus Mr C. Williams. The Secretary reported that the ground would be open on Saturday, and the first match-v Mon- mouth-will be played on May 7th, at home. Mr Rees initiated a discussion on the subject of the upkeep of the ground, and ultimately the matter was left to the Committee with the recommendation that after the first week, when the ground would re- quire the groundsman's full attention, an arrange- ment might be come to with him to keep the ground in good order for the season. A vote of thanks to the President concluded the meeting,

In further preparation for the Astor Cup, a handicap competition was held on Thursday night. Mr J. Billingham kindly furnishing the prize-a fine specimen of Turner's pocket cutlery. The conditions were 10 shots, 2in bull, 50 yards range. Mr E. B. Haynes won after a tie with Mr A. G. Wallace, the former's tie shots being 5, 3, 4, against 4, 4, 3. Details I Messrs. Hep. E. B. Haynes. 44 44 A. G. Wallace. 44 44 A. F. Lucas 41 41 T. Rees, jr 38 38 D.Rees. 35 2 37 F. Hobbs 35 2 37 T. Williams 35 2 37 G. M. Smith. 33 2 35 G.Edmunds, jr 3t 34 J. T. Davies 34 34 J. Billingham 32 2 34 H. Freeman. 31 2 33 H. W.Marfell. 31 2 33 Also shot:—Messrs. R. Morgan, P. J. Roberts, J. H. Marfell, and F. J. Edmunds. I

MONMOUTHSHIRE DISCHARGED PRISONERS' AID SOCIETY. The quarterly meeting was held at Newport Town Hall, on Friday, when there were present Mr S. C. Bosanquet (chairman), Rev D. E. Llewellyn-Jones, Rev H. Abraham, Rev G. H. Cook, Mr Horace Lyne, Mrs Horace Lyne, and Mr Humphreys (hon. sec.) The Hon. Secretary's report for the quarter ending 31st March was as follows:—121 men and 19 women came under treatment. Seven declined the help offered them, two were unworthy of help, 47 men and 9 women were doing well, 34 men and 7 women indifferently 4 men and 2 women were re-convicted; 29 men and 1 woman were lost sight of. Twenty men and four women returned to former employment, 2 to new work, 8 went to sea 10 men and 6 women returned to friends, 1 woman went to a home, 57 men and 7 women were assisted with food, 11 men and 1 woman with clothing, 10 men with lodgings, 13 men and 5 women with rail fare, 3 men and 4 women with agency only, 53 men and 7 women had their gratuities administered.