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

The Treaty of Lhasa. I t With the signature of the Treaty of Lhasa I is achieved the object of one of the most J brilliant expeditions undertaken in the interest of our Indian Empire. Punitive expeditions on our Indian frontier are not uncommon. Here, however, we had a Mission of Peace, proceeding1 into a country hitherto deemed inaccessible by reason of the climatic and physical difficulties which enabled its people to maintain in their policy of isolation Common prudence dictated that a mission proceeding into such a country, and among a people so steeped in ignorance, bigotry, superstition and fanaticism, should have a suitable escort. Consequently, the force which accompanied Col. Younghnsband, the Commissioner acting on behalf of the Emperor of India, was of the strength of a small army. This gave occasion for the enemy to blaspheme, and not merely the enemy, but also the Friends of the Foreigner in our midst. I., SNEERS AND DENUNCIATIONS I in Parliament and out are answered by the complete success of the Mission. It had to fiht its way amid intens' cold and along almost impassable tracks, and it had to meet, from time to time, desperate attacks from the slIperstitiouR dupes of the monkish rulers of Tibet The escort, under General Macdonald's command, went through it all, reached Lhasa, and, after dilatory negotia- tions, the ter-us offered by the Imperial Government have been accepted, and the British Mission returns to India. Tibetans have learned something of the armed might, as well as of the justice and fairness, of the British Power. They realise that failure to carry out the new obligations will bring back another army, and that it will then come to stay. In short, the lesson has been impressed on them that one of the con- ditions of national independence is the fulfilment of treaty obligations. We have exacted nothing from the Tibetans but the conveniences of civilisation, They are to allow opportunities for trade, and they are not to oppress or maltreat the subjects of the Emperor, or the subjects of States under His Majesty's protection.

The Late Mr. James Lowther. I By the death of Mr James Lowther, not only the Conservative Party but the nation at large is the poorer. A perfect type of an English gentleman, Mr Lowther held a high position both in politics and sport, while his honesty and frankness endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. He was a man of firm convictions, and was not afraid to express them in perfectly clear language. He was an outspoken Protectionist when others only dared mutter the word with bated breath, and he never attempted to whittle down his opinions in order to bring them into line with those of the moment. England could do with many more such men.

[We do not necessarily endorse all our correspondent writes.—ED. C.O."] FARMERS' CLUB. Members of the Usk Farmers' Club and others interested should note that Monday next is the last day on which entries for the show, on the 29th instant, can be made. As previously stated, this year the special prizes given by the President, Mr Albert Addams-Williams, are offered to farm servants for thatching, cottage garden, hoeing, and grooming. Dr. Rutherfoord Harris, M-P., also is giving special prizes in the County Council produce classes, to the exhibits of a member's wife or daughter. Schedules and full particulars may be obtained from the Secretary, Mr A. F. Lucas, Twyn House, Usk. -# I* The Committee has decided that the radius of the Club's operations (six miles) shall be measured from the Three Salmon's corner. The question arose at the last meeting on the pro- posed election of new members farming on the district borders, and after a long discussion all the applicants were elected. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIOLIT. At a meeting of the Usk Technical Instruction Committee on Friday in last week, Mr. H. Humphreys, J.P., presiding, the programme for the coming session was drawn up. Practically all the old classes will be continued, as follows :— English, arithmetic, and ambulance, Mondays shorthand, Tuesdays; art drawing, Wednes- days elementary drawing, manual training, and dressmaking, Thursdays. The ambulance and dressmaking classes will be held in the Town Hall, and the others in the Higher Grade School. It is hoped full advantage will be taken of all these educational facilities. USK FOOTBALL CLUB. On Saturday last most of the members of last year's premier team and several candidates for positions this year turned out for practice on the Island, prior to starting the serious work of the season to-day (Saturday), when they meet Newport Nondescripts on the Island. The fixture list is probably the strongest ever arranged, and it is to be hoped that the team I will keep together and train systematically and repeat the successes of last year. There is every prospect of the Club being able to turn out a strong fifteen under the captainship of Dai. Prothero, the popular skipper of the past two years. The position of full back will again be filled by Frank Davies, who may safely be relied upon to maintain his past reputation J tl eri. -r1'r- The threequarter line seems likely to be the weak spot of the team. Of last year's quartette, Johnnie Jenkins and Ern. Symonds are again available as wings, but for the centre positions the Committee would like to discover new talent. D. Thomas, late of Cross Keys, is likely to fill one of the vaeaut places, and if Arthur Hiley could only turn out regularly the line would be satisfactorily complete. For Saturday's match the experiment is being tried of playing Symonds in the centre and Etheridge on the wing. <:> R. Husrgett, we know, has a fine turn of speed, but his defence is weak, and he has no idea of making an opening. Roland Hiley seems to give promise of becoming useful. He has plenty of dash, and is fairly fast. At half-back, of course, the redoubtable Dai." will be the biggest thorn in the side of opposing teams. Fred Waters, who it was con- fidently expected would prove a worthy partner, has left the town, and so has J. Knight. No likely talent, being available in the town, L1. Jones, who played several times last season for Pontypo"l, has consented to throw in his lot with the Uskites, and as he and Prothero have played together previously, Usk should be well served in this department. There are plenty of good forwards to choose from, and the only difficulty seems to be who shall be left out. E. Timms is again ready to don the Usk jersey, and will, no doubt, be given his place, and A. J. Thomas, H. Gibson, E. W. Waters, Arthur Bowyer, and Jim Morgan—all tried players —are again available, while John Bowen will plav when not at College. George Smith has left Usk, but will turn out whenever possible for his old team. Of the younger hands, J. H. Marfell and F. Prothero should have come on a lot, and their youth and weight should entitle them to serious consideration when the team is being picked. The question of a ground is engaging serious attention, and, fortunately, after Saturday, the next two matches will be awny, so there will be a little time available for finding a suitable enclosure. Could not the Cricket Club come to terms with the Football Club for the use of their ground ? At Monday's meeting the following were chosen to represent Usk on Saturday Back, F. M. Davies f-backs, J. Jenkins. D. Thomas, E. Syrnouds, and R. Etheridge; J-baeks, Dai. Prothero (capt.), aud Ll. Jones I forwards, E. Waters, A. J. Thomas, A. Bowyer, E, Timms, J. Bowen, J. Morgan, F. Prothero, and J. H. Marfell. USK CRICKET CLUB. From a sporting point of view the past season of the Usk Cricket Club has been successful, for while the record reads :—wins, 10 drawn, 6 lost 8-it must be remembered that a much stronger fixture list was arranged than in the previous year, and the Club was not always, unfortunately, able to put their strongest team into the field. Besides, the praiseworthy desire to bring on young players has had some effect in this respect. The wicket has played exceedingly well, thanks to the foundation laid some years ago by Mr R. W. Rickards, J.P., and the ground has been kept up to its usual standard of excel- lence. A greater interest in the game has been manifested, the spectators on several occasions being numerous. The only drawback-and that a serious one— to the Club's continued success is the difficulty of obtaining the financial support it should command. The Club's thanks are due to William H. Creese, of the Johannesburg Wanderers C.C., who has given two first-class bats for the best batting and bowling averages. Appropriately enough, the Captain of the team takes the one while W. F. Roberts has earned the other. Thanks are also given to the Umpire and to the scorers (Messrs T. Seaton and H. Wise). BATTING AVERAGES. I No of Times Most in Total Ings. not out. Ings. Runs. Avge. G. Edmunds. 21 3 38 289 16.05 A. G. Wallace 19 0 55 303 15.91 A. C. Hiley. 12 2 30 149 14.90 T. Rees. 15 1 34 163 11.434 J. Jenkins. 24 4 33 183 9.14 F. Hill. 20 0 37 179 8.95 W. F. Roberts. 13 2 38 95 8.63 R. Etheridge 12 1 21 92 8.36 F. J. Edmunds. 20 2 19 149 7.77 A.J.Thomas. II 2 31 67 7.44 S. A. Hiley 12 2 22 74 7.40 Also played in less than 10 innings Rev. H. J. Bates, Cap. S. F. Cooke, J. H. Marfell, W. Sprawson, F. Waters, S. Baines, H. Humphreys, J. Evans, J. Bowen, &c. BOWLING AVERAGES. I Ings, Overs Aldus. Runs Wkts. Avgg. W. F. Roberts 13 119 36 261 28 9.32 A. G. Wallace 20 190 49 459 43 9.97 F. Hill 16 156 32 398 37 10.75 F. T. Edmuiids 14 112 29 302 17 17.76 J. Jenkiiis 19 85 16 232 13 17.84 Also bowled W. A. Williams, R. Etheridge, A. C. Hiley, J. H. Marfell, A. J. Thomas, W. Sprawsou, T. Rees, &c.

"P" SUFElRIMPOSEir) BVIDB3XTCB. In order to substantiate our claim to be by far the largest Furnishers in this part of the country, we give below a brief list of our departments at 161 and 162, Goramurciil Street, Newport. Basement.—Inexpensive Bedroom and K tchea Furnishings, Ironmongery and Hardware. Ground Floor (Main).—Middle and High-ela-s Bedroom Furnishings. Ground Floor (Annexe). Inexpensive BEDROOM SUI EES for Cottages and Smail Houses. LINOL >UM DEPARTMENT (at rear) 1st Floor (Gallery). Office FURNITURE, Overmantels, Hall Furniture, Bamboo BEDSTEADS and BEDDING. 1st Floor (Right Annexe).—Carpets, Ruf/s, Mats, etc. -1st Floor (Left Annexe). -Curtaio and Soft Goods. 2nd Floor. Inexpensive and Middle Class Dining Room Furnishings, Antique Carved 0 ik, Upholstered Goods, etc, Srd Floor. High-clai, Dining-room Furniture, Drawing-room Suites, Cabinets, aud Tables. 4th Floor -Reserve Stocks. Department for Stored Furniture, etc. It will thus be seen that no less thin six large Floors are devoted to the bU'IiofJ"s of this branch alone, displaying a selection capable of satisfying every tate, and ranging in price from the most moderate to the most costly. PTl f| 11TP The Furniture Colloseum, lUPIURnTilll E. uilNSj,161&162CommercialSt.,NEWluRT. 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" Ghepstow Districts, Sales of Fat and Store Stock in NEWPORT, USE, 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, 062.). Telegrams, Rennie Auction Fixtures. 1904. Sept. 19—Fat aid Store Stock, at Usk Cattle Market. 19-60 Tons of Hay, at Usk. 21-Fat. and Store Stock, at Newport Cattle Market. 21—Cart Colts and Horses, at Caerleon Fair. 27-Fat and Store Stock, in Chepstow Cattle Market. 27—Unreserved Sale of the Valuable Farm- ing Stock, Produce, and Effects, at Tymawr. Malpas, for Mr Edward Jenkins (leaving). 28-Fat andStore Stock, in Newport Cattle Market. 29-Stpck at Pontnewydd. -Dwelling Houses in Ronald Road, and rther Important Properties in Maindee and Newport. 30-Bigblv Important and Extensive SAle of Valuable Live and Dead Farming I Stock, at Llanpill Farm, Llanvi- hangel Tor-y-mynydd, for Mr John Fro-t,, senr., (who is giving up the Farm). Oct. 3-Fat and Store Stock, in Usk Cattle Market. 4-Larze and Very Important Sale of Farming Stock, at the Pentre, Llan- tarnam, for Mr E. C. Davies (retiring). o—Fat and Store Stock, in Newport Cattle Market. Oct. 13—The whole of the Live and Dead Stock, at Celynen Fyrm, Llanthewy Vach, for Mr J. Rogers (letting the farm.) Oct. —Important Sale of Superior Farming Stock, at Nantybanno Farm, Llan- trissent. for Mr Edward Evans (leaving). 18—Large and Important Sale of Farming Stock and Produce, at Bradbury Farm, Crick. Oct. —Highly Important Sale of Clover and Meadow Ha v, at the Coach and Horses, Caerwent. —Sale of Live and Dead Farming Stock, at the Church Farm, Llanfrechfa, for Mrs Morgan. 19-Fat Stock, at Raglan. 27-Prize-bred Poultry, at Llangibby Castle, from Dr Rutherfoord Harris, M.P. Full particulars in future advertisements, poeters and Catalogues, to be obtained from the Auc- tioneer, Newport, and at Usk. To Hay Merchants others. USK. Mr. JOHN H. RENNIE will SELL BY AUC- L.1 TION without reserve, On MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH, 1904, (Usk Market Diiy) At 3 p.m., at the THREE SALMON'S HOTEL, USK, about 60 Tons of Prime Meadow Hay, (in 5 ricks) standing at Ltansoy, Cefn Tilla, and Llangeview, Sold under powers of a Deed of As- signment executed by Mr J. T. Bambury for the benefit of his creditors. Cards with particulars obtainable from the Auctioneers. Pentre Bach, Llantarnam. THE IMPORTANT AND EXTENSIVE UN- RESERVED SALS OF Farming Stock ami Produee, r% for Mr E. C. Davies (who is leaving) is fixel for TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4th, l>-4. JOHN LI. lENH. Auctioneer. By Messrs. MARFELL & POOLE. Tkler Casks. MESSRS MARFELL & POOLE will SELL BY AUCTION, in the CATTLE MARKET, USK, on MONDAY NEXT, 19TH SEPTEMBER, 1904, at 11 o'clock, a consignment of fresh Rum Pun- cheons aud Hogsheads. Auctioneers' C fhees-The Willows, Usk. By MR JOHN H. RENNIE. Llanpill Farm, Llanvihangel Torymynydd. Seven miles from either Usk or Chepstow, and four miles from Liandenny Railway Station. HIGHLY IMPORTANT and EXTENSIVE UNRESERVED SALE OF Agrieullnral Stock, which J R JOHN H. REMNIE b is been favoured IFF. with instructions from MR. JOHN FROST, senr., who is giving up the Farm, to CONDUCT, on the premises, on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th, 1904, and comprising the Valuable Herd of 04) WELL-BRED HEREFORD CATTLE; a sound and Healthy Flock of OlO CAPITAL RADNOR. SUPERIOR 014 WELSH, and CROSS-BRED SHEEP; YOUNG and POWERFUL CART HORSES I and COLTS, 2 MARE DONKEYS, and the AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, Carts, Casks, and Effects. Luncheon (free, by Ticket) at 11 30. Sale at 12.30 prorupt. iNote.-A conveyance will run from Llnndenny nailwav Station at 11 .41), to the Sale, and return afterward", at a moderate charge. Z!1 Catalogues inax, be obtain* d on week prior to Sale, at Auctioneer's Offices, 6, Skinner-street, Newport, and at Usk and Chepstow on Market Days. Harvest Thanksgiving Services will be held NEXT SUNDAY, in the Twyn Congregational Church, Usk, When three Sermons will be preached at 11. 2.30, and 6.30 p.m., by the Rev J: G. Wllliams. All are heartily invited. Higher Education. O EVENING & CONTINUATION CLASSES will shortly be held at the USK HIGHER GRADE SCHOOL or TOWN* HALL, in the following subjects:— English. Commercial Arithmetic. Shorthand. Drawing (Art-Model, Freehand or Light and Shade,- Elementary. Manual Training-Carpentry. Ambulance. Dressmaking. Session begins MONDAY, 26TH SEPTEMBER. For particulars see handbills, or apply to the Secretary, ARTHUR F. LUCAS. Usk, 14th September, 1904. — — USK FARMERS' CLUB. PRESIDENT ALBERT ADDAMS- WILLIAMS, ESQ., J.P. The Blind Annual Meeting OF THE ABOVE CLUB, WITH Show of Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Dairy Produce, &c, WILL BE HELD IN The Cattle Market, Ush, On Thursday, September 29th, 1904 Commencing at 11 o'clock. N. B.-The Classes include Special Exhibits, late of the Ugk Colt Show Committee, which body is now amalgamated with the U "k Farmers' Club. Also, in connection with the Monmouthshir Technical Instruction Committee, a Competitive Examination in Shoeing, Exhibition of Poultry, Eggs, Butter and Cheese. Special Prizes in Classes I and 2 (County Council Classes) will be given by Dr Rutherfoord Harris, M.P.. for the best exhibits of the wife or daughter of a member of the Usk Farmers' Club. r, All Entries Close to the Secretary on Monday, September 19th. PRIZES AMOUNTING TO £ 140. Admittance to Show, 6d. Members, Sub. scribers, aud Exhibitors, Free. Luncheon on the Ground, at 12.30. Tickets of Mr C. E. Wagstaff, Three Salmon's Hotel, Usk, 2a. 6d. For Schedules and furthur particulars apply to ARTHUR F. LUCAS, Secretary. 4th Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers. G COMPANY, USK. Monday, September 19bb.-Compauy Drill; Dress —Drill Order, at 7.30 p.m. Wednesday, September 21st.—Recruits' Drill, plain clothes, at 7.30 p.m. Thursday, September 22ud.—Meeting of all N.C. Officers and other Members, to arrange Annual Prize Shooting Competition, at 7 p.m. RECRUITS. Intending Recruits are requested to call at the Armoury on Monday next, at 7.30 p.m. for enrolment. By order, H. J. WILLCOX, Captain, Commanding G Company, Monmouthshire Asylum, Abergavenny. TO GROCERS, MILLERS, BOOT AND LEATHER MERCHANTS. THE COMMITTEE OF VISITORS of this Asylum are willing to receive TENDERS from parties desiroun of Contracting to supply the Asylum with any of the undermentioued Articles, for the periods hereinafter stated, viz: General Groceries for Six Months, from the 1st day of October next. Flour, for Three Months from the 1st day of October next. Samples of Flour, in quantities of not less than One Sack, to be sent in not later than Tuesday, the 20th day of September. A given quantity of Boots and Leather to be supplied at once. The Asylum sidings on the London and North Western Railway, and on the Hereford Section of the Great Western Railway, are available for delivering goods to the Asylum. Tenders accompanied by samples of all Articles which will admit thereof, to be sent to the Asylum not later than 10 o'clock in the Morning of TUESDAY, the 27th day of SEPTEMBER, and super- scribed "Tender for Flour," or as the case may be. Forms of Tender will be supplied on application by letter, or otherwise, at the Clerk's Office in the Asylum. The Committee of Visitors do not bind them- selves to accept the lowest or any Tender. CHAS. OWEN, Clerk and Steward. Cyclists, Light Up! Saturday, Sept. 17th. 7.10 Sunday, 18th 7. 8 Monday, 19th. 7. 5 Tuesday, 20th. 7. 3 Wednesday, 21st. 7. 1 Thursday, 22nd. 6.58 Friday, 23rd. 6.56 Saturday, 24th. 6.53 Being One hour after Sunset, APWHUTKEXTS, &c., FOR WEIK Ending September 24th, 1904. Sept. Sat. 17-Pontypool Petty Sessions. Football-Usk v. Newport Nonde- scripts, at Usk. Sun. 18—Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity. Mon. 19-Usk Market. Taes. 20-Abergavenny Market. Chepstow Petty Sessions. Wed. 21-Newport Cattle, Corn, and Cheese Markets Abergavenny Petty Sessions. Thurs. 22-Usk Petty Sessions. Fri. 23-Autumn commences. Sat. 24-Pontypool Petty Sessions. Football-Usk v. Pontypool, at Ponty- pool. Hunting Appointments. MR. CLAY'S SUBSCRIPTION OTTER HOUNDS Will meet next week (water permitting) :— Tuesday, Sept. 20th. Old Forge on Garron At 8. 30a.m. Wednesday, Sept, 21st. Llangarron At 9.30 a.m. '.J= A- 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. July Aug. Oct. Chepstow 10 8 3 Barry 10 5 2 4 Cardiff 10 6 3 5 10 7 4 6 tt 10 8 5 7 „ 10 9 6 8 Abergavenny 10 15 10 Blaenavon" 10 11 Tredegar 9.30 12 9 11 Pontypool 10 13 10 12 Newport 10.30 14 11 13 „ 10.30 15 12 14 Monmouth.. 10 19 16 15 Ross ». 9.30 13 1 Criekhowell.. 11 17 21 Usk 11 — 18 20 ===_

Births, Carriages, & Deaths. ?3 Announcements under this heading are inserted at a uniform charge of 1/- each, unless such words as "No Cards," "No Flowerscfc,, 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. o.-c.

I USK. Agent—Mrs. E. "K. Jones, Stationer DR. BOULTON.-The bulletin to-day (Friday) says that Dr. Boulton had a fairly good night, but that there was no improvement. OFF THE LiNF,While shantiug horse boxes' which were to go out by the 9.20 a.m. train from Usk Station on Monday morning, some of the wheels of the engine got off the metals at the points. A messenger was sent to Little Mill with the staff" to enable a break-down gang to come from Pontypool.road to rectify matters. The mishap prevented the leaving of the 9.20 train, and delayed the subsequent morning trains. THE BOROUGHS' CONSERVATIVE CANDIf)ATE.-We are pleased to announce that Mr E. E. Mioholls, Conservative and Unionist candidate for the Monmouth Boroughs, Mr9 Micholls, and family have arrived at Llwyn Celyn, Caerleou, where they purpose spending the next six or eight months. Mr and Sirs Micholls hope to attend the meeting of the Hendre and Talbot EJabitations of the Primrose League to be held in Tredegar Park on Thursday, 22nd inst. TRAP Accij)rNT.-Oll Monday morning, after driving Mr Jenkins, Pontsandpit, to Usk Station to catch the first down train, a young woman met with an alarming accident, the trap being upset in turning the awkward corner at the foot of the hill. The driver was, of course, pitched out, but was not much hurt. The horse was frightened, and dragged the trap on its side for some distance until it was stopped, and the vehicle righted. Fortunately, but little damage was done to the horse and trap. LLANLIIOWELL AND LLANBADOC HARVEST SERVICES, Evonillg services were held at Llaullowell, on Tuesday, and at Llanbadoc, on Wednesday, in connection with the Harvest Festival, the preacher at bosh Churches being the Rev Evau A.. Sutherland, M.A., vicar of St. Martin's Roath. Both Churchea were crowded, and tastefully decorated with flowers, corn, and fruit. Mr W- Collins, F.G.O. presided with his usual ability at the organ at Llaubadoc, and the Choir was strengthened by the kind services of the Usk Orchestral Band (violins, Mr A. E. Thomas and Mr H. G. Powell; flute, Sergt. Johnston cornet, Mr W. J. Nicholas; clariouet, Mr Geo. Smith; Euphonium, Mr C. Thomas; and bass, Mr W- Sweet). who played (1) Andante, in the form of a March (Farmer); (2) violin solo, "Thanksgiving" (Coward); and (3) March from "Eli (Costa). On the morning following the services there were Celebrations of the HolyCommunion. PRESENTATION.—Mr Theodora Seaton, choir- master of the Llandaff Diocesan Choral Associa- tion, and organist of St. Mary's, Usk. has just been presented with a baudsom, ivory baton, with silver mounts, inscribed Mr Theodore Seaton, L.D.C.A.. 1904," in recognition of his valuable services to the Association. The Rev C. H. and Mrs Fardell, Llandenny, organised the presenta- tion, which has been subscribed for by the members of the choirs in the Monmouthshire Division of the Associa'ion, and Mr Seaton begs, through our columns, to sincerely thank the kind organisers and subscribers who tuve in such a pleasing way shewn their appreciation of his efforts on their behalf, which have always been a pleasure to him. VOLUNTEER CHURCH PABADE.—On Sunday morn- ing, G Company 4th V.B S.W.B., attended Divine Service at Llanbadoc Church, and had the honour of being accompanied by the Battalion Band (under the conductorship of Bandmaster Gabb). There was a fairly good muster, Ctptain H. J. Willcox being in command, and Lieutenant Davies being also present. The men turned out in smart soldierlike style. The little Church was crowded. The Band played the opening voluntary, accom- panied the hymns, and, at the conclusion of the service, played The Hallelujah Chorus." The Rev H. Cockson preached a very appropriate sermon, in which, as one who had had the honour of holding her late Majesty's Commission, 1m extended a welcome to the Volunteers, and drew spiritual lessons from the use of the rifle. After the service the Company was drawn up outside the Church, and the officer commanding, in the presence of a large number of spectators, presented Sergeant A. J. Jones with the Long Service Medal, and Lance-Sergeant Thomas and Corporal Lewis (who already possessed the late Queen's South African medal and three clasps) with the King's clasp for South Africa, 1901. The Company then, marched back to town, and were dismissed at thes Armousy in Porthycaroe-street. If was hoped that. the Battalion Band would have given the towns- people a short selection of music in the afternoon, but this they were unable to do, as an early return. to Newport had been agreed upon.

URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Usk U.D.C. was. held at the Town Hall, Usk, on Tuesday evening, when there were preaAnt: -Messrs. F. Jennmgs, J.P. (chairman), W. Marfell, G. Mundy, E. W. Waters, G. Edmunds. W. Workman, A. F. Lucas (clerk), and T. Rees, jr. (surveyor, &c.) RE-APPOINTMENTS SANCTIONED. The Clerk reported that he had received a communication from the Local Government Board. sanctioning the re-apdoititmeiit of Dr George Harrison Jenkins as Medical Officer of Health, and Mr T. Rees, jr., as inspector of nuisances. THE BOARD MEADOW. It was reported that a pa tisfactory settlement of the question of the change of ownership of the Board Meadow had been arrived at, by which the Council will be in the same position as before. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The Surveyor reported aq follows :— I beg to report that I have had the Pound Brook, adjoinnig the New Barn Road, cleaned out, as directed, and this will now remedy the flooding of the road in future. The basement of the tower of the Jubilee Clock tequires pointing, as there are several of tha ornamental bricks loose, and may fall out and smash. The trees in Old Market-street, on premises! occupied by Miss Cooke and Mr Etheridge require lopping, as the light from the gas lamp iw obstructed, they injure the highway, are a nuisance to the inhabitants living opposite, and dangerous to the general public, as some of the trees are grown to timber. The contractor has only delivered 20 yards onfc of the 500 yards of road metalling. The County Surveyor has suggested to me that Hirwain stone should be used on the New Passage-road, and I would recommend the Council obtaining 250 tons for that purpose. FINANCE. The following accounts were ordered to be paU ;-McDowall Stevens and Co., urinal castings, £ 6 Tom Probert, fitting and fixing same, £ 2 2s 7d; T. Morgan, hauling, street watering, 8th to 29th August, £ 2; J. Edmunds, half-year's interest, less income tax, £1117s 6d; Surveyor, viz.: Manual laboir, main roads, fl 16s ditto, other roads, L5 Oil 10.1; ditto, cattle market, 3s 4d; ditto, scavenging, 12s Sd; T. Morgan, hauling, 9s; ditto, sewage disposal, 12s; ditto, scavenging, jEt 7s total, XIO Os lod, Payments to Treasurer: -Collector, on account of rate, X25 and E20 on account of market tolls, Y,2 lls 2d and L9 16s led C. N. Doubleday, game licence, 78 6d: J. J. E lwards, hire of room for meetings of Alm shouse Trustees, 10s. The Surveyor was instructed to get the base of the clock tower re-poiuted. Considerable discussion took place with reference to the tree-lopping question. The Surveyor stated that Mr Etheridge was instructed to do the work, but after doing some of it he was stopped by Miss Cooke. The tenants of the houses opposite complained of the obstruction of light caused by the branches, which nearly crossed the street in some parts. The Clerk was ultimately requested to write to Mr Ilopton A. Williams, Llangibby, ou the subject, he being the agent. 1 I THE STONE SUPPLY. The Clerk reported that he had written to Mr Davies, Cilfigan, as to the stone supply, but had received no answer. The Chairman suggested that some stone should be obtained from Hirwain. The Surveyor stated that the County Surveyor had drawn his attention to the state of the Pontsandpit road, aud bad said that it would have to be improved or the grant would be ftopped. He (Mr Rees) pointed out that it was about the most difficult piece of road in the County to deal with. Mr Tanner said Hirwain stone should be- used on it, but he (Mr Rees) said that would cost twice as much as the Prescoed stone, and he did not think his Council could afford to pay that. Discussion then followed on the relative prices of the stone. Mr Marfell favoured the stone being trucked to the town broken, but The Surveyor pointed out difficulties, such as being unable to get them on to the road for the steam roller, or, if placed in bags" prior to the working of the steam roller, the extra cost of placing them where wanted, &c. Ultimately, it was decided to get quotations and particulars as to supply from various quarries for broken and unbroken stone, the matter to be considered by the Street Committee, who would report to the Council thereon. As to the hire of a steam roller, the Clerk was instructed to make enquiries from various ownin°* firms. ° A QUESTION OF LIGHT. Mr Mundy suggested the removal of the lamp bracket at the garden gate of Castle House, Castle-parade, and the erection of a lamp post in another position, so that Castle-street might be illuminated. It was stated tbA. a similar Buggesjion bad been made before, and thrown out as unnecessary by a Committee who had considered it. The question was, however, referred to the Street Committee for another report, a complaint being also made as to the overhanging trees at tha spot.