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

I CHEPSTOW. I Aqent.-Miss Clark SUICIDE AT CALDICOT.—On Wednesday Mr Roberts- Jones, coroner, held an inquest at Caldicot touching the death of John Hicks, aged 73 ye^rs. The old man lived with his daughter, Annie Hicks, near Caldicot Church. On Monday morning his daughter found her father in the back kitchen with his throat cut. Deceased died in about half an hour after- wards. A verdict of Suicide whilst temporarily insane" was returned. URBAN COUNCIL MEETING.—Mr Horniblow pre- sided over Monday's meeting. It was decided to ask the Water Company to meet a deputation from the Council with reference to the intention of the company to increase the charges for water in different parts of the town, and to discuss the claim for alleged damage to the mains by the steacn roller. --The Surveyor was ordered to report upon the condition of trenches left by the Electric Lighting Company.—Mr Waters, Bridge Inn, wrote askiug the Council to placa a concrete pavina alongside his house, but the Clerk ruled they had no power to do so.—In future horses and carts are not to be allowed to remain iu the Cattle Market. BOARD OF GUARDIANS,—At the fortnightly meeting on Saturday, Mr S. J. Jones asked what was going to be done in respect of the extension of the infirmary.—The Chairman said that the board bad not replied to the Local Government Board's last communication calling attention to the infirmary, and he thought the responsibility rested on those members who voted for the rejection of the scheme of extension approved by the Local Government B^ard. He proposed that a letter should be written to the Local Government Boatd informing them that the scheme of which they had approved had not been carried out.-iNIr Wrigley seconded, and the proposition was carried. THE WYE BRIDGE AT BROCKWEIR.—A difficulty has arisen with regard to the proposed bridge at Brockweir. The provisional committee accepted a tender at L4,000 for the work, and about £ 500 is already promised beyond that sum. Gloucester- shire and Monmouthshire County Councils sub- scribed £ 1,0?>0 each, Lydney Rural District Council EI,150, and a like amount in private subscriptions is promise!. Chepstow Urban District Council give £ 100, and other sums reaching the amount named have been promised. The Committee now consider that their work is done, and that a public boly ought to undertake the building of the bridge. But the county authorities decline to accept responsibility, and at a meeting of the Lydney Rural District Council, over which Mr Godfrey Seys presided, a motion to take up the scheme was defeated by one vote. There the matter rests Dr the present, but the committee will do all they can to secure the success of their scheme.

THE EEC HINT LIGHTNING FA rAITY. Ou Thursday morning, Mr Lyndon Moore, Borough Cotoner, held an inquest concerning the death of John Casey, who was killed by lightning in a field on the 30th ult. William Bartlett. blacksmith, said that he was sheltering near the hedge in a field near the Alexandra Dock, on that morning. There was a roll of thunder, and a flash of lightning, Witness's a ttentioll was attracted to a man in the field. The back part of his waistcoat was burnt, and the trousers and other parts of the clothing had been burnt. Some of the buttons were off the clothes. Witness gave information to the police. The man was lying ou his face. P.O. Foster deposed that he went to the field on the day in question. He procured the ambulance and had the man, who was dead, conveyed to the mortuary. Deceased was, apparently, between :*5 and 40 years of age. A book relating to marine engineering was found in his possession. He lodged at Mr McLaren's, in James Street, and was a second engineer of the s.s. Talavero, of New- castle. Dr Howard Jones, Medical Officer of Health, spoke to having examined the body. The clothes were very much turn. In the man's mouth were some partly consumed blackberries. Tnere was a burnt mark on the chest, and the skin had turned vellow. On the back, too, there was a burnt mark of the third degree (severe). There were no marks on the lower limbs, and no bones were broken. There were no other external injuries. Evidently there had been a terrific explosion on the body, and this scattered the clothing. Tb* shock would be quite sufficient to kill the man, apart from the electric flaid. There was no magnetic fusion, as was the case sometimes when lightning was attracted by some steel substance. The man was killed by lightning. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence. It has not transpired where the deceased belonged to, but the Coroner said the police were continuing their inquiries, with a view to finding his friends.

PONTYPOOL. I POLICE COURT, SATURDAY. Before A. A. WILLIAMS, Esq., and other Magistrates. I WITHOUT A TICKET. Jobn L. Gilbert (2o). clerk, of the Tranch, Pontypool, was summoned for travelling oil the Great Western Railway without having previously paid hie fare, aud with intent to avoid payment, p al id at Pontypool, on July 26th. Mr T. Baker Jones, solicitor, Newport, appeared for the Company, and Mr T. P. H. Watkins, solicitor, Pontypool, for the defendant. Mr Jones said defendant, w^s a draughtsman irt the employ of Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefolcte, at Cwmbran. He had been in the habit of travelling from Pontypool to Cwmbran daily for about three years, and np to May 18tb he held a season ticket. On July 26th a special examination I of tickets was made at the Ciarence Street Station, Pontypool, aud the defendant was found iu second-class carriage. When asked for his ticket he replied "Season," but as he failed to product)- it the ticket examiner reported the matter to the etationmaster, to whom the defendant subsequently admitted having travelled without a ticket on numerous occasions. Thomas Lionel Strange gave evidence as to findiug the defendant travelling without a ticket. Martin Morris, statioumaster, at Clarence Street Station, said his attention was called to the defendant, who was travelling without a ticket, and witness told him that he should report the- matter. The defendant afterwards interviewect witness, and apologi^d for what he had done. Mr Watkins argued that the defendant had no intention to defraud. The defendant, sworn, also denied that he had trifd to defraud the Company. Mr D. Jones, Belle Vue, gave evidence as to character. The Chairman said that the offence was of a serious nature, but the Bench had taken a- lenient view of the case by fining the defen- dant 20s. CHARGE OF HORSE MAIMING. Jacob Twissell, horse dealer and collier, Pontv- pool, was charged on remand, with having scabbed a horse belonging to Edwin George, a fruiterer, at Pontypool, on the 26th of August. Mr W. J. Everett defended. George said that at about six o'clock in the evening of that day he was with his horse and cars in High-street, Poutypool. Prisoner came to him and asked "How are you getting onF" He replied, "All right," and the prisoner then walked around the cart and struck ,be horse wi'h a pair of shears just under its near shoulder. The horse bled freely, and ha had some difficulty ia tiol-lingir. He aud Twissell )T?.i been friends for some time and there had been several horse delllff- between them. Twissell wanted to buy the h,-r,e which was stabbed. Defendant refus to site XIO for it. He knew that Twissell had a blow oa the head with a stone some time ago, but he did not know that he behaved strangely when he lud drink. He could not give any reason way the offence was committed. Elizabeth Jane Walters said that she saw l1 wissell strike the horse, belt thought it w s with his fist. Mr Everett contended tb; the horse made a bite at Twissell when he went, to examine its moutb, and, having a pair of shears in his hand at the time, be struck the horse on the nose with the fiat part of tbet--i, and, iu jumsMag back to avoid the bite, the shears grazed the horse's side. Prisoner confirmed this. Dr Mason said Twis»eh had had a cut on the fore- bead, and when he had drink it rose to his heact immediately. The Bench, after a short retirement, dismissed the case. QUARTER SESSIONS CASK. George Ross, travelling shoemaker, w;:¡, charged with maliciously wounding James Fissier, as Blaenavon, on Thursday. The evidence was to the effect that Fisher aiict- Ros had lodged together in Bridge Street, Blaenavon. Oil Thursday evening Fisher was asked to show the prisoner to bed. After taking bim along the passage the prisoner sLruek out at; Fisher and inflicted some severe wounds i i the face. Dr Avarne, Blaenavon, was called in and found Fisher suffering from two incised wounds— one over the left eye and the other under the eye. The cut over the eye was t inches long, extending to the one, while the other was 11, inches long. The wounds must have been caused by some sharp instrument. There was the danger of erysipelas setting in. P.C. Llewellyn proved the arrest, and prisoner, who expressed regret, was committed for trial afe. the Q larter Sessions, bail being allowed in the sum of £ 10.

GENERAL. MARRIED MISERY. At Blaenavon, on Tuesday, Edwin Morgan, Shirenewton, was summoned by his wife for deserting and neglecting toliiailitein her atid her four children. Mr Fothergill Evans, solicitor, Chepstow, appeared for defendunt,. and Mr T. G. Powell, solicitor, Brynmawr, for complainant. Mr Powell said the parties were married IS years ago. There were fiye children of tha marriage, four of whom were alive. Wheu the parties were married the defendant took a farm at a place near Usk, where they lived happily for about four years. Morgan then took a situaiioa as man set van t a ciergy i&an ftt Shkeoewtwi,. and it was not until he became the landlord of the Tan House," Shirenewton, that any uapleasanP ness took place. Morgan then took to oriole heavily, and his wife remoustrated with him and also complained of the excessive amount of work she had to do. As a result of tbee complaints, Morgan suddenly pretended to be jealous of a msi* who was lodging ill the house, and since then be had continually alleged infidelity on the part. of his wife. He Bever al times told her to cieac out," and when she left him in October, 19)2, ha told her that he would not provide her with any more food. Ee had not paid towards her maintenance since then. Defendant said he was a gardener and coachman in the employ of the Rector of Shirenewton, a position, which be had held, altogether, tor about- 'He and laig I twenty years He and his wife had alwavs lived" happily together prior to the disturbance about Watkins. His wife's story as to her being over- worked at the Tan House, Shirenewton, was a fabrication. Witnesses were called who corroborated his statement as to the intimacy between his wife and Richard Watkins, the lodger. In the result, and without retiring, the Bench dismissed the case. ROBBERY. At Abercarn, ou Thursday. Alfred Morgan, collier and organist, of Crumlin, pleaded gnilty ;» stealing -023, the property of Henry Morgan, farmer, of Cefnooch, near Crumlin, on Monday.— Mr T. C. Griffiths, of Blackwood, defended Prosecutor said he had 23 sovereigns l-icked up in a box at his house. He last saw the money on Sunday. The following day while at, Bedwelity Show he was informed that the box and themonew were missing. He found the statement to be correct, and afterwards informed the police. Later in the day, he was on the show ground when prisoner was arrested. Prisoner had 1; d,ed with, him for six weeks. They were not relafed. He knew prisoner had had a lot of trouble recently, and was not anxious to press the charge if he could get his money back. Martha Morgan, wife of the prosecutor, stated that she missed the money between one and two p.m. on Monday. Edith Silbey, of Blackwood, stated that on Monday the prisoner gave her £ 3 to save for hita. As she did uot see him agaiu, witness gave the money to Mr James, prisoner's brother-in- law. William James, collier, Argoed, said that when he heard Morgan had been locked up f)r ste,lill £ 23, he went to Blackwood Police Station, aud gave Sergeant. Thomas the money. Inspector Groves, of Abercarn. said he arrested" prisoner on Monday afternoon. He coareed bunr with the offence, and in reply he said, 1 know nothing at all about it. hae not Seen it." On the way to the Police Station, however, be said "I took the money and it IS concealed under the pedals of my organ." The ourde contained All the money was found except 3s which Morgan said he had spent. Several witnesses testified to prisoner's good character. Mr Griffiths appealed to the justices for leniency, and the Chairman sai l that, owing to prisoner's previous good character, the Bench had decided to- deal with him under the First Offenders' Act, and bound him over in the sum of £ 29. He was alfea ordered to pay £3 costs.

JURORS' EXEMPTIONS. To the Editor of the COUNTY OBSERVER. I DEAR Sitt,-As so many gentlemen having legal exemptions from Jury Service omit to notify the Assistant Overseers of their respective Parishes, and who, by the way, cannot be expected to know of suoh exemptions in many cases, I thought it would be just as well that such gentlemen should be reminded that they can still claim their exemptions before the County Magistrates, who sit in their respective divisions in Special Session this month, to approve and settle the various Jury Lists. I need hardly add that the Draft Jary Lists prepared by the Overseers are generally to be found on the usual public places throughout the County, such as Church doors, etc. Yours very faithfully, PERCY LAYBOURNE. Under Sheriff's Office, Newport, Mon., 2nd September, 1904.

MONMOUTH. Agent.-Mr. Bookseller. Mo i ni'ith. TOWN COUNCIL.-The Mayor, Councillor G. R. Edwards, presided at the monthly meeting on Monday, when the sewage question was lengthily discussed.—The Towu Clerk said Mr Kirby (the engineer), bad written him that the tanks were finished and ready f >r starting. He suggested therefore that a conference between Mr Kirby, Mr Parfitt (the contractor), aud the Town Council be arranged to settle any minor matters that might be outstanding.—Alderman Vizard said the Council ought to have a formal certificate from the engineer, then they would be in a proper legal position. As some preservative coating was still needed for the tie rods in the interior of the tanks Mr Breakwell moved that Mr Kirby be invited to call upon the contractor to complete all the work, and then give his certificate.—Mr Iloueyfield moved as an amendment, that a conference be arranged, as suggested by the Town Clerk.-The amendment was lost, and the motion was carried by nine votes to four.—The Surveyor reported that the repairs to the Isolation Hospital were now completad.—Mr T. H. Jones said the work cost about L20, and asked if Corporation work of the value of 15 and upwards ought not to be advertised and tenders invited. It was unanimously agreed that in future tenders be advertised for, whenever the estimated value of work was J65 and upwards.

FATALITY TO A MONMOUTH CUR \TE. The Rev Kelk Wilson, curate of St. Mary's Church, Monmouth, was riding up Wyebridge- street, about. 11 on Tuesday, when his horse bolted. On reaching St. James's-street, which runs at right angles, he tried to turn the horse and failed. He was thrown violeivly to the ground, and received such injuries that he died a few minutes after reaching the Hospital. The deceased, who had spent many years in America, was a zealous worker, especially amongst the young, and was deservedly popular in Mon- mouth. lie WH.s unmarried, and much sympathy is felt with his mother and family who live at Scatterford, Coleford. INQUEST. On Wednesday, Mr B. H. Deakin, coroner, held an inquest on the body, when medical evidence showed that death wm caused by a complete fracture of the bise of the skull. A verdict of "Accidental death" was recorded, Coroner and jury expressing their deep regret at the sad occurrence. On Wednesday evening the body was taken into the Parish Church, aud interment took place on Thursday afternoon.

MR C. E. SAVERY'S AFFAIRS. At the London Bankruptcy Ciurt on Tuesday, before Mr Registrar Hope, the public examination of Charles E. Savery, late of North Parade House, Monmouth, architect and surveyor, was held. Debtor started in business on his own account in 1834, with a capital of £ 2,000. In 1900 he was convicted of obtaining money by false pretences, but was released after some months owing to a doubt as to whether he had been properly con- victed. He was plaintiff in a divorce suit to which Dr W. Hooker M'Gilvray, of Brynmawr, was co- respondent, and recovered jE500 damages and L400 costs, to the non-payment of which he attributes his present position. It appeared that he was administrat r of his late wife's estate, which is ve.-ited in his three children, to whom an allowance of 30 shillings a week was made by the Court, and under proceedings taken against him in the Biighton Court for neglecting his children he was sentenced to a term of imprisonment. The assistant receiver stated that dsbtor had not yet been released from prison. He had not yet filed his accounts, and he asked for an adjournment over the Long Vacation. His Honour adj ourued the c-tse to the 1st of November.

NEWPORT. AaenU — Wetsrs I til 0).% N.ont.'i*. MR E. E. MJCHOLLS has sent a donation to the bazaar held in connection with the Caerleon-road Presbyterian Church, Newport. CHILDREN'S DAY AT TREDBQAR PARK.—More than 500 children were present at the annual treat held in Tredegar Park last week. The children were collected from Bassalleg day and Sunday school,s and St. John's Sunday school.

I PONTYPOOL. Agents—Mr Fieldhouse, The Market, and Messrs. Ei>nir:ls and Co. HOCKEY CLUB MIMETI-NG.-The Pontypool Satur- day and Thursday teatas held their annual meeting on Wednesday evening. The balance sheet showed a deficit of £1 16s., but a collection made amongst those present at the meeting liquidated this balance. The. off-icers were appointed and the committee have agl1.in secured the polo ground, Pontypool. FOUND DEAD IN A FIELD.—John Samuel Thomas, 36, single, an underground haulier, of Llanhilleth, who for some weeks has been staying with his brother-in.law, at Garndiffaith, was found dead in Penlan Field, close to the path leading from Garndiffaith to Varteg, on Tuesday afternoon. Deceased left Garndiffaith eariy on Tuesday morning, when he appeared in good health. About four o'clock in the afternoon Mrs Self saw the man lying on his back in the field, and immediately informed a soldier named Langford, who. on going to the spot, found he was dead. Information was given to the police, and Dr Wilson, Garndiffaith, was sent for. On arrival, he pronounced life to be extinct. There were no marks of violence on the body.

A PONTYPOOL MYSTERY. David Thomas, aged about 32, a painter, employed by Messrs. Baldwin and Co., Pauteg Steel Works, and who lives at Drill Hall Terrace. Griffith,-town, left his home on Thursday afteruo m in last week, telling his wife that he had to visit the Victoria Colliery offices (the property of Messrs. Baldwin), which are situated in a lonely mountaiuous district near the Glyu Colliery, off the main road leading from Pontypool to Crumlin. Later in the day Thomas's hat bearing his name stamped on the lining, and the frail, in which he carried his tools, were found floating- on the surface of Jim Morgan's pond—a sheet of water of con- siderable extent, situate about a mile-and-a-half from Pontypool. This pond and two or three others near were dragged, but without effect, on the following day, when it was found thai Thomas was not at Panteg \Vorks nor at his home. Mrs Thomas does not appear to have beeu unduly anxious when her hti,b-iiid did not return during Thursday night as she thought it po-jsible he had gone to call on a friend in Pontypool or to see his father in Abergavenny. The presence of the hat and frail in the water seemed to point either to a case of suicide, or a more serious crime, and it was with considerable reluctance that the result of the search was made known to Mrs Thomas. She was naturally almost prostrated with the shock, but, on the Friday night at about eleven o'clock, when she was sitting in her house with a friend, she heard heavy foots eps in the back yard, and then a thud, as of a body falling. She ran to the back door, and found her husband sitting down on the step, with his back towards her. He was in a semi-conscious condition, and appeared to be dazed and helpless, and with the assistance of her friend, Mrs Milford, she got him into the house. She offered him a cup of tea, but he declined to take it, and mumbled, Don't play any of your tricks upon me. I won't have any more of your whisky." His moustache had been shaved off. and he was wearing, instead of his hat, a dirty old cap which did not belong to him. Further investigation showed that in his purse, which had contained three sovereigns, and a 5s piece, only 2s 6d remained. His glazier's diamond, which had a black handle, was also missing, but strangely enough he still carried the two watches (his own aud her's), which he had when he left the house. Having put him to bed she sent for Dr O'Keefe, who ordered that Thomas should be kept perfectly quiet and free from excitement. On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, he still remained in a semi- conscious condition and evidently could not realise that he had been away from home for a day and a night. In conversation, Mrs Thomas said that she was confident her husband had been drugged. He was strictly temperate, but even if he had not been, drink alone could not have accounted for his condition. She was also certain that in his helpless state he could not have walked home alone, but must have been assisted by someone who knew him and the district in which he is living. Whoever had assisted him, must have carefully walked along the grass at the back of the house, aud, after letting her husband fall on the doorstep, made off. Mr Thomas is described as an excellent workman, much valued by his employers all I both Mr and Mrs Thomas are well-known and respected in the district. On Thursday he was still too ill to be inter- viewed.

The Registration Court. Mr Annesley Owen. the revising barrister for Mon mouthhire, sat at the Town Hall, Newport, on Thursday afternoon, for the purpose of dealing with the borough lists. Mr J. T. Hughes appeared for the Conser- vatives and Mr Christopher Lennard for the Liberals. The Conservatives have put in more lodger claims at Newport, Monmouth, and Usk than ever before. Replying to the greetings of the Agents, Mr Owen said he had acted as Revising Barrister for 2.5 years, and had always had a pleasant time. He regretted to say that he had left his son at home in a critical condition. He hoped he would not be obliged to go home before the work was completed.

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USK. PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY. Before R. RICKARDS, Esq. (in the chair), H. HUM- PHREYS, Esq. and J. r. DAYIE-S, Esq. I THE POACHING CASE. The adjourned hearing of the poaching case in which Theopiiilus Jones, Usk, and Isaac Bibey, collier, Pontypool, were concerned, wa- held. Jones now appeared, having been arrested on a warrant, on comiug to Usk by the last train on the previous niilt, and Bibey, who, it will be remembered, set up an alibi at the previous sirring, was now defended by Mr T. G. Powell, solicitor, Brynmawr. Ail the witne»ces WIrp, ordered out of Court. after i' -vo pointed out that, under the P" -Mug Preven "i Act, rabbits were specifically iii" as gAi-tj, practically pleaded guilty, ".i.'li denying he had nets. "0 obviate the repetition of the evidence given ou Tmirsday week, John Henry Salter was put into the witness box, and produced a transcript ot tne notes then taken, and swore to their co; rectliess P.S.Sheddick, to whom the record was read, also testified to its being correc and was sub- jected to cross-examination thereon by Mr Powell. He re-asserted that Bibey was frequentlyar. Usk and in the company of Jones, an i that he did j scarcely any work. He had never seen him working, but bad repeatedly seen him walking about the s'reets with Jones. He admitted that he had said Bibey had been I, on the job "—meaning poaching—many times. He did not know that of his own knowledge, but had heard it from people whom he could believe. He believed be could see more than five yards up Castle-lane from where he was concealed on the morning of the 13th August, and it was daylight. He did not know the third man in the company, but he could recognise him if he saw him again. He did not say to ihe policemen after catching Jones, Ca'ch the other if lie saw him again. He did not say to ihe policemen after catching Jones, Ca'ch the other man I believe it is Ikey' He called to Bibey when he was running away. If Jones stated he said that it wis inaccurate. The statements in the summons were correct as far as he knew. He did not actually bold Bibey, but he searched him with his eye. He was carrying one of the bags and the net sticks. He did not suppose he was nearer than II) or 16 yards to Bibey, but. he may have gained a yard or two on him in going up tlii lane. Re-examined He knew that Bibey was the man with Jones that morning. P.O. Hughes corroborated the last witness, and in cross-examination said. Bibey WitS pointed out to him first about the latter end of March, and he h-id been at Usk of f«nd on einca. For six or seven weeks he had been in the town verv nearly regularly. He had not done a lot of work, he thought, by his being about so much with Jorips. He did not say I that be did nothing at ali. He was sure be did not work regularly because he had seen him about iJsk in the day time. He had not seen Bibey poaching before or he should have reported him. When they in the day time. He had not seen Bibey poaching before or he should have reported him. When they bad ranght Jon^s the Sergeant, shouted to them to catch Bibey, or the bald-headed man, or something of the sort. The Chairman W have not heard of him before. Supt. Jam^B He was the third mn. Witness, continuing, denied that P.S. Sheddick said" Catch him; I believe it is Bibey." He be. lieved it Wlilt Catch the bald-headed man." He was nearer Bibey when he cot to Jones than when in concealment. Bibey was dressed in greyish clothes—dark grey clothes, with a c'p. He knp\1V hirri well by reoin4 him sf) otten. tIe had seen him with Jones, by himself, and with others, too. By Supt. James: Bibey was associating with Jones, who was a well-known poacher in the town. P.C. Walter Hayward, a freoh witness, also gave corroborative evidence, and swore to Bibey's iden- tity positively. Cross-examined: Bibey was wearing labouring clothes—a dark jacket and light trousers—dirty blue, or black. lip, hid a seirf aroiind Iiij iieck anl carried his cap. Wiuiess saw defendant's faceag,1.in as he looked round near the Castle, when running away. Edward Morgan, dairyman, also spoke to seeing the defendant Bibey about 9 o'clock on the evening of Friday, the 12th August, on his plot of building ground in Four Ash-street. Mr Powell, for the defence, urged that the police were honestly mistaken as to Bibey, and called The defendant, who swore he was in bed at home (Pontypool) at 4.20 a.m. on the 13th August, Defendant's wife and son gave similar evidence to that reported a fortnight ago, which was to the effect that when Bibey was alleged to have been in Castle-lane at 4.20 a.m. on the 13th August, he was—as he had been since the previous Wednesday night-at Pontypool.. Mrs Priscilla Jones also repeated her former evidence. The Bench then retired for seven or eight minutes, aud on returning into Court, The Chairman said they felt a grave doubt about the case, but in the face of the evidence they would dismiss the case against Bibey. They would caution him, however, that if he were brought up again on a similar charge he might be seriously dealt with, because they bad a lingering suspicion with regard to him. They dismissed the cape not because they thought him (absolutely innocent in the matter, but because there was a certain amount of doubt, of which they would give him the benefit. As far as Jones was concerned he was an old offender, and he would be fined L5, two months' hard labour in default. LICENSING BUSINESS. An application was made for the temoorary tratisfer of the Six Bells Inn, Usk, from William Chilcott to Albert Stephens, but, as Stephens still held the licence of an inn at Henllis, RiEca, the Bench refused to accede to it.

NEWPORT, POLICE COURT, SATURDAY. THE TRAMP NUISANCE.—Seven men were charged kvitti vagrat)cy.-I!ispect.or Lewis and a constable visited -N,Iae,Ias Farm, and found the prisoners in the outbuildings just after midnight on Friday.— Mr Williams, the farmer, said that he suffered much annoyance from vagrants—Some of the prisoners pleaded that they were unable to get ¡ ships.—Mr W. E. Heard stated that there were plenty of ships to be got now.—The Bench fined the men 40s each or a month's imprisonment.— Three o'her strangers were charged with vagrancy at the Cwm Farm, Christchurch. Some matches were found on the meu.—The Bench dealt with them similarly. ALLEGED ARSON.—James A. Smith was charged with maliciously setting fire to a rick of clover at Kemeya Inferior, and doing damage to the amount of £511, the property of Alfred Frost, corn merchant, Newport.—Mr H. Masfeell, schoolmaster, Llandevaud, stated that he saw the rick on fi¡ e, and with assistance prevented it spreading to another rick. He sent for the Newport Fire Brigade. —Evidence was given by Mr W. Welsh, the occupant of Llandevaud Farm, aud Mr Frost, the former stating that about 12 tons of hay were dt.rnyed.-P,O. Bale deposed that prisoner told him he had been re ting uear the rick. He lighted his pipe and threw the match down, and was unable to extinguish the fire.-Inspector Lewis also gave evidence.—The Bench dismissed the case, -There was a further charge against the prisoner for wandering abroad withoat means of subsistence, and not giving a good account of himself at Langstone.—Supt. Porter stated that tbe prisoner was a confirmed tramp. The country swarmed with tramps. Prisoner was committed to gaol for two months.

11 -1 a ^loae together—a consideration having regard to the eqnirement that the Clerks should periodically visit rthe schools. He, therefore, thought there ought to be a re-arrangement of the salaries of the Clerks. Renlyiog the Vice-Chairman said the number of children in the schools affected the staffs, and the more there were to deal with, the more work there must be for the Clerks. Alderman Raffan said Mr Marsh had overlooked "the fact that the question of compensation must, be taken into consideration. Mr Daunoey was entitled to the amount, and if they refused to re-engage him be would have to be paid compensation, and there would be the addition of the salary of a new Clerk, which would add to the burdens of the ratepayers. Alderman S. N. Jones thought the amount sug- gested was in excess of what it ought to be. There should be a general scale of payment of clerks, and everyone should be treated alike. Mr W. Thomas agreed that the salaries were too much for the work to be done, but it must be re- membered that they had to take the compensation question into account, and they could not help themselves. They either had to take these clerks over or compensate them and employ otners to do the work. Rev. T. G. James followed in the same strain, and said they must give greater power to the school managers. Mr, T. Parry argued that no member of the County Council had had any cause to couaphin of the way in which Mr Gustard had carried out his duties and he would, no doubt, carry them out as courteously and impartially in the future as he had done in the past. Mr Dauncey was in the same profession as Mr Gustsrd, and it was very bad taste to compare the one with the other. The Chairman had referred to Mr Gustard's emoluments in a way to which he (Mr Parry) took exception. He did not believe in anyone inakinir statements unless he was prepared to prove them, The innuendo had been made that Mr Gustard was receiving other fees. They knew he was the returning officer at elections, and there might be some perqusites as regarded the ,oxtra work involved, but there was nothing in the assertions made by the Chairman, and nothing in the cry of economy, for the ratepayers would not be saved anything. Was Mr Gustard passed over be- cause of any default in the discharge of his duties ? -Or was it because he did not happen to be a Free- Churchman that he was not considered fit to be legal adviser? At any rate, it was a very poor compliment to pay to one who had with marked ;,ability carried out his duties. Then, he complained the minutes of the Sub-Committee presented were not a true record of their proceedings. He knew that that was a serious statement to make, but he would make it. The minutes had been tampered with, he did not know by whom. One oi the clauses was that the legal adviser should be three days a week in those buildings, but there was not ;-a word of that mentioned, and they were told he 'would be there every morning, instead of three whole days. To his mind the placing of an official over the others would, unfortunately, break up that harmony which bad existed since the forma- tion of the County Council. They did not want an expert in education in the cositiou, because ,hey bad already appointed experts to the heads of the departments. He proposed, as an amendment • Ahat the Clerk of the Peace be appointed Legal Adviser at a salary of £ 2 )0 per annum. No one, •he continued, bad a higher opinion of Mr Dauncey than he had, but he did not thiuk one professional man should stoop to do a professional brother an Injustice, aud especially after he had definitely stated that he would under no conditions accept the appointment. Therefore it was that many of his friends looked around and were prepared to support Mr Gustard's appointment, and he could taot think that Mr Dauneey would now turn round sand do a professional brother so grave and gross an iinjustice as to accept the position. Mr A. A. Williams seconded the amendment. Alderman S. N. Jones dissociated himself entirely .,irom the remarks made by the Chairman. The Chairman All right. Alderman Jones Thank you I don't want your applause. Continuing, he said he was exceedingly aorry that anything should have been said about the opinion the Clerk had given them on one occasion, because if Mr Gustard's legal opinion was given <3onscientiously, he was doing his duty. He was ^surprised at the remarks made as to Mr Gustard's ■unfitness for the position. Another thing he would sav, and that was that it seemed to him that the 'Chairman had been specially retained to advocate the cause of Mr Dauneey. They should act judicially in making the appointments. For educa- tional purposes they were already well staffed, and they wanted a legal adviser who would assist them in carrying out the Welsh educatien policy, of which Mr Dauneey had not so much experience as tibe Chairman. Newport, Cardiff, Glamorganshire, and other places had appointed their clerks to the -position, and he urged that the same should be done )in Monmouthshire. The Chairman objected to one man holding so many offices, yet they were appoint- ing Mr Dauncey to four straight off. Then, agiin, '1.hey were forcing upon localities, and the people who paid the rates, gentlemen as clerks whose places might be filled by others at home, who should have a share of the good things, and that was most unfair in his opinion. Rev T. G. James protested against the poisonous :and bitter remarks made by Mr Jones. He had ,come, there expeoting to find good manners, but it -appeared he had come to the wrong place. If Mr Jones had one iota of self-respect he would with- draw his words, which were quite unjustifiable and disgraceful. He believed that the members were -all at one with the Chairman and the Yice-Chair- ,-man in the matter, and he hoped Mr Jones would withdraw. Rev T. Thomas associated himself with the ^previous speaker. He asked for business-like procedure, and deprecated the imputation of ,motives, concluding with the remark that the tsooner Mr Jones went to Rome, "and sat with ?that old gentleman the better. » The Chairman regarded the remarks of Mr Jones with sublime indifference, observing that they ipleased him (Mr Jones) and did not hurt him (the speaker). But he would reply to the statement that he was retained by Mr Dauneey. He had never seen nor spoken to Mr Dauncey on the subject, and there was not a scintilla-not an atom—of truth in it His remarks had been made (honestly, and he bad spoken in the most respectful way of Mr Gustard. It was open to them to do what other Councils had done, and he ventured to ;assert on behalf of himself and other members of the Committee that they had been animated solely by considerations for the public interest, and that ■they had done their best to secure efficiency in education in the County. Neither Mr Hall nor Mr Badger were legal experts, and he was sure -there was no gentleman in South Wales better • qualified for the post of legal adviser than Mr Dauncey. The vote was then taken, and 24 voted against 1:1 ■ the amendment, 7 for, and 4 remained neutral, the mames being taken. THROWN OUT. I Mr Marsh then proposed that the salaries offered 'to Mr Dauncey as clerk to the groups of schools iaamed be LIOO, £100, and £ 00 respectively. In iis case only, he thought, had notice been taken •of extra payments on account of legal work. It was stated that that was not so. <th^r 8a*d 'there must have been a mistake, eu' because he knew the expenses at Aber- gavenny had been large. li^1* ^arry seconded the proposition, remarking ,*hat; they seemed << ttuxiou8 p*ileit iat0 the one » ■to the detriment of the other clerks. Alderman Grove entered a protest against that .statement. They had been guided only by the ,Iaestion of etrlci, II.nd legal responsibility under the Act. ° j The proposition was defeated by a large tznaiority. OVERDltAET SANCTIONED. Mr Hall repotted the receipt of a communica- tion from the Local Government Board sanctioning, iif ueces<ary, as overdraft at the Bank i o; exceed- ing £ 20,000 for the purpose of putting the Education Act into operation in the County. SIR H. M. JACKSON. I Mr T. Parry regretted the absence of Sir Henry I Mather Jackson, Bart., on account of an accident lito his knee while cricketiug. I a i I DEFERRED. The naming of the following correspondents :— Mr Badger (for higher education) Board of Education Mr Hall (for elementary education*) Board of Education Mr Grant (for agriculture) Board of Agriculture; rules for management of public elementary schools, additional clerical assistance, and Alderman S. R. Jones's motion as to the appointment of a superintendent school attendance officer, wore referred to the Emergency Committee, to consider and report. SCHOOL OFFICERS SALARIES. Mr Hall brought up the question of the salaries of teachers and officers which had been raised since the circular from the Council had been sent out requesting School Boards not to grant increases. The subject presented some difficulties, and was referred to the Emergency Sub-Committee for a report. THE NON-PROVIDED SCHOOLS. I In reply to a question as to when managers could be appointed by the various districts for the non-provided schools, it was stated that the approval of the Education Department to the final draft orders was being awaited before the notices could be sent out. FEES. I Alderman Raffan drew attention to the proposed fees for every continuation class in urban and rural districts, which were higher ill the urban than in the rural districts. The classes, he con- sidered, were most important, and he favoured their being free. Mr Badger said the Board of Education practically insisted on a fee being charged, evidence going to prove that it was advan- tageous. [ A LEGAL QUESTION. It was decided to ask for the opinion of the Board of Education as to the eligibility of a school master to act as a school manager. I CLERKS TO GROUPS. It was ultimately decided that the following clerks to present School Boards be offered the clerkships to the various groups as follow Bedwas Group.—Mr William Wade, solicitor, Newport. Salary recommended, £ 50 per annum. He at present receives J630 a year salary, and emoluments as clerk to the Duffryn and Graig School Board. n Abercarn, Risca, and Rogerstone.—Mr T. S. Edwards, solicitor, Newport. Salary recommended, f,180 pet annum. He receives at present; as clerk to Risca School Board X136, and zC32 as clerk to the Bedwas Board. Eastern Valleys.—Mr Henry Bythway, solicitor, Polity pool. Salary recomriieded. E210 per annum. His salary as clerk to Trevethin School Board is £ 150 per annum, and as clerk to the Llaufrechfa School Board Z30. Abergavenny.—Mr F. Baker Gabb, solicitor, Abergavenny. Salary recommended, JE50 per annum. His salary as clerk to Abergavenny School Board is L40 a year. Monmouth.—Mr Bickerton H. Deikin, solicitor, Monmouth. Salary recommended, £ 50 per annum. His salary as clerk to Monmouth School Board is 940 per annum. Chepstow.—Mr J. W. Stanton, solicitor, Chepstow. Salary recommended, S50 per annum. His salary as clerk to the School Board is Y,40 per annum. It was resolved that the clerks to groups should also undertake prosecutions in respect of attendance in their respective districts. I HONORARIUMS. I The Sub-Committee's recommendation that Mr H. S. Gustard be awarded an honorarium of 190 guineas for services rendered up to the appointed day in connection with the Education Act, 1902, and that Mr F. Rawlings be granted an houorarium of 20 guineas for extra work in connection there. with, was agreed to.