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

RED HAIR AND REVOLUTION. I It may be pretty confidently asserted that there never has been an important revolutionary move- ment without a red-haired person intimately con- cerned, if not the leader. Especially is this so with regard to religion. Lady Helen Forbes writes in the Queen: "Nearly all the great reformers or founders of religions had red hair; history mentions that Mohammed was a red-haired man. There is no tradition about the colouring of Moses before he became grey; but David, who certainly had a finger in the evolution of Judaism, was • ruddy.' Louis XIV. was a sandy-haired man, with many of the characteristic peculiarities of the type; and the greatest of all the Emperors was Barbarossa. Coming to women, their russet colouring seems to run more to wickedness than piety. Cleopatra is called the red-haired Greek.' Mary Queen of Scots had red hair; and her ill-fated descendant Prince Charlie resembled her in colouring,, Lucrezia Borgia looks in her portraits somewhat auburn. Queen Elizabeth was of decidedly red colouring, which will suit both her admirers and her detractors. Red hair is said to be a sign of mixed race, and seldom, if ever, to occur where there is not a drop of Semitic blood. A generality of this sort is a perfectly safe one to enunciate, as by this time everybody is of more or less mixed race, and all pedigrees must include a son of Shem aome- where."

Births, Marriages, & DeatSis. Announcements under this heading are inserted at a uniform charge of 1/- each, unless such words as "No Cards," "No Flowers," efc,, 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. MARRIAGE. JENKINS—ROWEN.—At St Madoc's Church, Llan- badoc, on Wednesday, December 27th, by the Rev. H. Cockson (vicar), Elizabeth Lydia (Bessie), youngest daughter of Ex-sergt. Rowen, Usk, to Merrick I. Jenkins, eldest son of Mr Alfred Jenkins, Pandy.

1IiUU- MISS BUCKINGHAM wishes to THANK all tho«e who so kindly sent flowers and showed sympathy with her in her recent sad bereavement. Ty Mawr, Llanllowell, December 26th, 1905. y

Unionism versus Disintegration. n Although there has been considerable activity in political circles and amongst party associations throughout Christmas week, the electoral campaign may be said to begin this (Friday) evening with Mr Balfour's address to Unionists at the Queen's Hall, London, when Lord Llan- gattock will take the chair and a resolution of confidence in Mr Balfour will be pro- posed. To-night, also, Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman unfolds his policy at Dunferm- line. We already know it—Home Rule by instalments for Ireland; the reduction of our Imperial forces a return to dual- control in India; no fiscal reform; popular control in this country in educational and licensing affairs; the disestablishment and disendowment of the Church in Wales; the stoppage of indentured Chinese labour in South Africa, although indentured labour has been sanctioned by Liberal Govern- ments in the past in the West Indies and in Mauritius. But the cry of slavery under the Union Jack has paid the Radicals, and is a good electioneering manoeuvre, there- fore it must be kept up. These are some of the destructive elements in Sir Henry Campbell. Bannerman's programme. He can pull down but he cannot build up- Unionists alone are constructive, and it is entirely due to the creditable retrospect their long term of office afforded that the present Government were able to say that the outlook was now favourable. Great issues will be before the country in the coming General Election—issues more important than any electors have had to face since the time of the Reform Act. Each elector, therefore, should study and fully understand the exact meaning of every item in the Radical chameleon-like programme, and be satisfied with nothing short of a direct and straightforward reply to any question he may put to the candidate who solicits his vote. In three out of the four constituencies in the County of Mon- mouth there will be contests. In South Monmouthshire Unionists will be asked to return Col. Courtenay Morgan to represent them in the next Administra- tion instead of his father, Col. the Hon. F. C. Morgan, who has held the field against all comers-and they have been many-for nearly thirty years. The prospective can- didate has already fully expounded his views on the leading questions of the day, and next week he will be adopted to cham- pion the Unionist cause at the impending General Election. Mr E. E. Micholls is no straager in the Monmouth Boroughs. He, like Col. Courtenay Morgan, has lived amongst us, and has become fully acquainted with the electors in Newport and in the contributory Boroughs of Monmouth and Usk. As the head of a large and prosperous firm in the North of England, for many years, his com- mercial knowledge and experience are extensive, and he places them at your service. In North Monmouthshire, a distinguished Naval Officer, who has held responsible posts in different countries, and has on several occasions received the thanks of the late Government, solicits your votes in opposition to Mr R. McKenna, the sitting member, a subordinate Minister under the present Government.

IF DIAMONDS WERE A PENNY EACH, How comrnon they would soon become! But they would still possess their inimit- able lustre, their extreme hardness, their matchless sparkle-they would still be diamonds. CASSELL'S SATURDAY JOURNAL" costs only a humble penny-but it's CASSELLS SATURDAY JOURNAL" for all that 'tis none the less brimful of entertaining reading, sparkling wit, interesting com- petitions, bright stories, quaint facts, helpful advice. The best and cheapest pennyworth of popular literature ever produced," says The Times. Each week's issue contains particulars ot Free Insurance for Train, Steamboat, Omnibus, Tramcar, Motor Car, Cab, and Cycling accidents. IS YOURS A MUSICAL HOME? "THE MUSICAL HOMF JOURNAL is the only penny weekly of i kind published, and the hearty, enthusias i j way in which lovers of music the worl, I "ver have taken it up proves how welc o it is in every Musical Home. It is filled with good music, easily picked up, but not easily ten :—Pianoforte Music, Organ Music, Harmonium Music, Violin Music, Mandoline Music, Banjo Music, Sacred Songs, Ballads, Coon Songs, Humorous Songs, etc. A regular feature is "True Stories of Famous Songs," a series of notable songs with a short and interesting account of their history. Another enjoyable feature is Melodies We Love," in which the old, old melodies so dear to the hearts of the people are reproduced. Among its regular contributors are such world-famous composers as H. Trotere, Milton Wellings, Clifton Bingham, Ed. St. Quentin, Theo Bonheur, etc. etc. "THE MUSICAL HOME JOURNAL is on sale everywhere, and may also be had in Monthly Parts, 6d. Back numbers can be obtained through all booksellers, news- agents, and bookstalls. FOR EVERYONE EVERYWHERE. There's more sound information, more genuine entertainment, and more pleasing and striking illustrations in U THE PENNY MAGAZINE now than ever. It is a magazine for the father, mother, son, and daughter-for the holiday, the train, the home-for everyone everywhere. It teems with bright stories, illustrated topical articles, and jokes. Illustrated Articles of special interest appear in the current issue. THE PENNY MAGAZINE can be picked up any time and enjoyed every time. Every Wednesday, id. DO YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN ? Of course you do, if you care anything at all for the pleasure of gardening. But are you doing all you can to obtain the finest flowers, the best fruit, and the most succulent vegetables? You think you are, doubtless, but if you consult "THE GARDENER" you will see where you err, and will learn many things that will be of invaluable assistance to you in your gardening operations. So don't hesitate to place a standing order with your news- agent for this leading and most up-to-date illustrated gardening paper for amateurs. Take notice of the practical hints it gives you, and you will be surprised at the wonderful difference in the appearance of your garden after a few weeks' perusal of this journal. Don't put off ordering it until to-morrow. Procure this week's number now from your newsagent, id. TURN YOUR HOBBY INTO MONEY. "WORK" will make your hobby pay. The Saturday Review says It is a curious reflection, but soundly true, that there is not a person of ordinary average intelligence and strength who could not learn from WoRK how in a short time to make a living." WORK is appreciated by all who have a hobby, not only because it teems with ingenious hints, and unravels mysterious details, but because it is a reliable guide JLO making your hobby a paying thing. "WORK" shows how to do things in the most economical way, and in the most satisfactory way. Profusely illustrated with simple drawings. t, Workers from all parts of the world contribute to WORK." It is the co- operative paper for you and every worker. It is published weekly, id. monthly, 6d. CASSELL & COMPANY, LIMITED, La Belle Sauvage, London, E.C. FOR BOYS. For boys-and girls, too—" CHUMS" is the brightest, best illustrated, best spirited, and most companionable paper. Interest- ing and good stories; helpful articles; handy hints. Never dry, never a trashy line. A paper that consciously fascinates and amuses, and unconsciously educates and elevates. CHUMS is published weekly, id.; and monthly, 6d. CASSELL & COMPANY, LIMITED, La Belle Sauvage, London, E.C. Ire iconis Browne's AIRW The ORIGINAL and ONLY GENUINE. The Best Remedy known for VttJf M Admitted by tim Profeaaion M f COUGHS, COLDS, |^1| Remedy ever discovered. fjl| ■ ASTHMMRONCHITIS, llfli I ML nnyOHMDTinN The only Palliative in M like a charm in H NEURALGIA, SOLD IN JiOTXLES BY ALL CBJEMISTS; at 1/1 J, 2/9. and 4/6 each. JOHN H. RENNIE I Member of the Auctioneers Institute by Exam- ination.) AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL AUC- TIONEER, TENANT RIGHT & TIMBER VALUER, SURVEYOR, LAND AGENT, HOTEL AND INSUR ANCE 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. 1906. Jan. I-Fat and Store Stock, Usk Market. 4—Fat and Store Stock, Newport Market. 8-Superior Household Furniture. Piano, and Effects, at 56, Morden Road, Maindee, for Mr Wm. Welsford (leaving the town). 9-Fat Stock. Chepstow Market. 10-Fat and Store Stock, Newport Market. 11—Live and Dead Farming Stock, at Five Lanes, Caerwent, for Mr T. Jones (quitting). 15-Fat and Store Stock, Usk Market. 15-Unreserved Sale of Farming Stock, Produce, and Effects, at Glascoed Vach, near Little Mill, for Mr T. Parry (leaving). 17—Fat and Store Stock, Newport Market. 19—Valuable Household Appointments and Effects, removed from a well-fur- nished house in Corporation Road, Newport, at Salerooms, 12, Ski>mer- street. Particulars and Catalogues to be obtained from the AUCTIONEER, 6. Skinner Street Newport. -.j- Higher Grade School, Usk (FORMERLY USK GRAMMAR SCHOOL) Examination for Scholarships, etc. AN EXAMINATION for the purpose of awarding THREE SCHOLARSHIPS and ONE BURSARY, will be held at the above School, at 2 p.m., on SATURDAY, JANUARY 6TH, 1906. The questions will be based on the work of Standard V. of the Elementary School Code, and will include questions in Geography and History. In Geography alternative questions will be set on the British Isles and the Continents. In History alternative questions will be set on each period. At the same time and place an Examination will be held for admission. The admission Examina- tion will be based on Standard IV. work. THE NEXT SCHOOL TERM will begin on I UESDAY, JANUARY 9th. 1906. SUBJECTS OF INSTRUCTION. Boys' SCHOOL.—Reading, Writing, Spelling, Composition, English Language and Literature, Arithmetic, Algebra, Euclid, Mensuration, Latin, French, Scripture, Drawing, Science, Geography, and History. The School is visited by competent Instructors for HANDICRAFT (Woodwork), HORTICUL- TURE, and PHYSICAL TRAINING, and is fiited out with up-to-date apparatus, classrooms, and workshop. GIRLS' SCHOOL. -Scripture, Reading, Writing, Composition, English Language and Literature, Spelling, Arithmetic, French, Domestic Science, Plain and Fancy Needlework, Drawing, Geo- graphy, History, and Physical Training. Every endeavour is made by individual atten- tion and thorough teaching to give each pupil a good preparation for life. FEES, 9s for the Term (12 weeks at 9d a week). All Books and Stationery free. Pupils prepared for the OXFORD LOCAL and other examinations. For further particulars please apply to MR. A. J, SMART, the Head Master, or to me, the under- signed. A. H. WATKINS, Ty Newydd, Usk. FACTS AND FANCIES. BLIND Horses are never known to make a mis- take in their diet when grazing. Like all other horses, they are guided by the nostrils in the selection of proper food. MANY curious instances of old laws may still be found in England. In Chester the man who fails to raise his hat when a funeral is passing becomes liable by an old law to be taken before a magistrate and imprisoned. THE Metropolitan Police have a colection of 70,000 sets of finger prints of criminals. It has been completely established that the thin capil- lary ridges on the tips of the fingers undergo no natural change of characteristic from the cradle to the grave. For Printing of all Descriptions try the County Observer Office. Established 1849. NEWLAND, DAVIS, & HUNT, Auctioneers, Valuers, Surveyors, Sf Land Agents. Sales of Fat and Store Stock at NEWPORT Cattle Market every Wednesday; CHEPSTOW, SEVERN TUNNEL, and LYDNEY, fortnightly. Offices: 19, COMMERCIAL STREET, NEWPORT, and WELSH STREET, CHEPSTOW. '7 IVOR MORDECAI, 11 Years with principal Firms, Cardiff and District, AUCTIONEER, VALUER, Local Markets Attended. 8, WINDSOR ROAD, GRIFFITHSTOWN. 7" L. Timber to be Sold by Tender. Dingestow Court Estate, Mon- mouthshire. LOT 1.—72 Oak, 1 Beech, 8 Elm, and 16 Ash Timber Trees, numbered with white paint, standing in Dingestow Park and land adjoining. LOT 2.—85 Oak, 34 Elm, 1 Beech, and 17 Ash Timber Trees, numbered with white paiut, standing on the West side of the Carriage Drive I to Dingestow Court. NOTB.-The above Timber is near a good road, and is an easy haul to Dingestow and Monmouth Stations. WILLIAM GRIFFITHS, keeper, Dingestow, near Monmouth, will show the Lots. For further particulars and Forms of Tender, which must reach my office on or before the IOTH JANUARY, 1906, apply to FRANCIS HO BBS, Land Agent, Crown Office, Monmouth. South Monmouthshire Conserva- tive Association. A MEETING of the MEMBERS of the CON- SERVATIVE and UNIONIST PARTY in the Southern Division of Monmouthshire will be held on Wednesday next, January 3rd, 1906, in the Large Ball Room at the King's Head Hotel, Newport, at 2.15 sharp, for the purpose of adopting Lieut. Col. Courtenay Morgan as the Candidate for the Party at the forthcoming General Election. THE RIGHT HON. VISCOUNT TREDEGAR, THE RIGHT HON. LORD LLANGATTOCK, and COL. THE HON. F. C. MORGAN, M.P., have signified their intention to be present. It is sincerely hoped that all will make an effort to attend and support us on this important occasion. E. SOUTHWOOD JONES, Chairman South Mon. Conservative Association L. FOSTER STEDMAN, Secretary. r South Monmouthshire Conserva- tive Association. A Public Meeting Will be held at the Public Hall, Raglan, On Tuesday, 2nd January, 1936. The Meeting will be addressed by Lt. Col. 0 ourtenay Igorgan, SIR HENRY MATHER. JACKSON, BART., REGINALD HERBERT, Esa., L. FOSTER STEDMAN, ESQ., and other well-known Gentlemen. Chair to be taken at 8 p.m. by S. COURTHOPE BOSANQUET, ESQ., J.P., D.L. All Electors Cordially Invited. -r -f -.r'-F Cyclists, Light Up Saturday, Dec. 30th 4.57 Sunday, 31st 4.58 Monday, Jan. lst 4.58 ( Tuesday, 2nd 4.59 Wednesday, 3rd. 5. 1 Thursday, 4th. 5. 2 Friday „ 5th. 5. 3 Saturday, 6th. 5. 4 Being One hour after Sunset, Usk Higher Education Committee. A DRESSMAKING CLASS begins at the A TOWN HALL, on THURSDAY, JANUARY 4TH, at 7 p.m. For particulars see small bills, or apply to the Secretary, ARTHUR F. LUCAS. Usk. County Coitrfo in Circuit 24. COURTS will be held at the several Court-town on this Circuit, before His Honour JUDGE OWEN, the Judge thereof, on the days and at the time hereunder mentioned:— Time, a.m. Dec. Jan. Feb. Chepatow 10 4 — 5 Barry 10 5 9 6 Cardiff 10 6 10 7 „ 10 7 11 8 „ 10 8 12 9 10 9 13 10 Abergavenny 10 51 12 Blaenavon 10 15 Tredegar 9.30 12 16 13 Pontypool. 10 13 17 14 Newport 10.30 14 8 15 1030 15 19 16 I Monmouth. 10 19 23 20 Ross. 9.30 2 3 Crickhowell 11 20 — 2 Uak. 11 21 — 1 APPOINTHSim, &c.. FOR WEEK Ending January 6th, 1906. Dec. Sat. 30-Pontypool Petty Sessions. Football—Usk v. Monmouth, at Mon- mouth. Raglan Petty Sessions. Sun. 31-SumL y after Christmas. Jan. Mon I-New Year's Day. Uek Market. Pontypool Rural District Council. Tues. 2—Abergavenny Market. Publio Meeting, Public Hall, Raglan, in connection with the South Mon- mouthshire Conservative Association. (See Advt.) Wed. 3-Newport Cattle, Corn, and Cheese Markets. Abergavenny Petty Sessions. South Monmouthshire Conservative Association. Meeting at King's Head Hotel, Newport. (See Advt.) Thnrs 4-Caerleon Petty Sessions. Fri. 5—Dividends on Consols, etc., due. Sat 6-Pontypool Petty Sessions. Football—Usk v. Pill Reserves, at Usk. Epiphany—Twelfth Day. _-=. liiiotidg Appointments. THE LLANGIBBY HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Tuesday, January 2nd. Tredunnoc Cross Roads At Eleven o'clock. Friday, January 5th The Slades At Eleven o'clock. MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS WILL MBET ON Monday, January lEt .Llanvair"Grange (Bx-eakfast). At 10.30 o'clock. Thursday, January 4th, .Pontrilas At 11.45 o'clock. Saturday, January 6th Tredilion Park At 11.30 o'clock. MR. CURRE'S HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Monday, January 1st. Shirenewton Hall At Eleven o'clock. Thursday, January 4th Fair Oak At Eleven o'clock. 4th Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers. G COMPANY, USK. Orders for the Week ending Jan. 6th, 1906. Tuesday, January 2nd.—Band Practice, at 8 p.m. Thursday, January 4th.-Band Practice, at 8 p.m. Recruits may be enrolled on Monday, between 7 and 8 p.m. By order, H. J. WILLCOX, Captein, Commanding G Company.

The first book ever printed was the book of Psalms, by Faust and Schceffer. A.D. 1457. It was printed on one side only of the leaves, which were, in the binding, pasted back to back. A caterpillar in the course of a month will devour six thousand times its own weight in food. It will tako a man three months before he eats a quantity of food equal to his own weight. THE WILLOW PATTERN PLATE. The following lines explain the well-known figures: Two little birds were flying high, A little ship was passing by. A Chinese mansion there did stand; A little tree from the Holy Land, A drooping willow bending o'er, A bridge with three men, if not four, An apple tree with thirty on, !And a little fence to end the song.

w- FIRST COPT OF A CONSTITUTION. Great precautions were taken at the Government printing-works at Pretoria to prevent the premature disclosure of the terms of the Transvaal Constitu- tion. The documents from the Colonial Secretary ■were guarded most carefully by Colonel G. Carr- Glyn, D.S.O., private secretary to the Lieutenant- Governor, and when they were in the printers' hands for publication in the Gazette the doors of the building were locked. When everything was ready, and the printing machine ready to start, Miss Gwendoline Oarr-Glyn mounted the platform and guided the paper into the "feeder." The Hon. Mrs. Carr-Giyn pressed the lever, the big cylinder revolved, and the first copy of the Gazette was presented to her as a souvenir of the occasion. The second copy was handed to her daughter. •4P9«(59B»«W. A i.

Local Retrospect of the Year 1905. Another year has practically passed, and again we accept the task of looking back over the public records and presenting to our readers a short resume of the principal local happenings. JANUARY. At the beginning of the year, the further tapping of the water of the River Wye was threatened by the Birmingham Corporation, who had offered Y,8,000 to the Wye Con- servators therefor, but public opinion became aroused, and the movement was ended by the action of county and local authorities interested in the conservation of our water supply Monmouthshire Quarter Sessions were held on the 4th, when there were four prisoners for trial, three of whom were convicted. An appeal against a conviction of milk adulteration at Newport was dismissed. The annual report of the Prison Committee showed that the average number of prisoners in the gaol during the previous year was 134, as compared with 113 in 1903. The Chairman (Mr S. C. Bosanquet) brought up the report of the Committee appointed to consider the necessary steps to be taken to bring the Licensing Act of 1904 into operation, and seats on the Committee upon whom would devolve its administration were allocated to the various petty sessional divisions. At the annual meeting of the Usk and Ebbw Board of Conservators, on the 12th, Sir Shirley Salt was elected chairman, vice Mr A. D. Berrington, resigned. Lowness of water, it was stated, had spoiled what would otherwise have been a record salmon season on the Usk. The salmon taken in Monmouthshire numbered 498, and in Brecknockshire 287; 187 salmon rod licen- ces had been issued, and 2,219 trout rod licences. On the 24th January, the death occurred, at the age of 83, of the Right Rev Richard Lewis, D.D., the 93rd Bishop of Llandaff, after a primacy of 21 years, characterised by an unusual amount of active, unselfish, and unostentatious work. The funeral took place in the quiet church- yard of Llanddewi Velfrey, Pembrokeshire, on the 28th, on which day memorial ser- vices were held throughout the Dioce3e and elsewhere. The annual meeting of the South Monmouthshire Conservative and Unionist Association, at Newport, on the 25th, was of the usual enthusiastic charac- ter. Lord Tredegar was re-elected President, and Mr E. Southwood Jones was appointed Chairman for the year. Regret was ex- pressed at the absence, through ill-health, of Colonel the Hon. F. C. Morgan, the popular member. Satisfactory reports on organization, etc., were read, and interesting speeches on current politics were made by the noble President, Lieut.-Colonel Courte- nay Morgan (the prospective candidate), Mr E. E. Micholls (prospective candidate for the Monmouth Boroughs), and others. On January 28th, the death of Major W. J. R. Marsh took place at Abergavenny. The, deceased was formerly attached to the Usk Company of Volunteers and became its captain. He joined the Imperial Yeomanry for South Africa, and there served with distinction until the end of the hostilities. FEBRUARY. Educational matters came in for con- siderable discussion at the quarterly meeting of the Monmouthshire County Council, at Newport, on the 1st, there being some friction with regard to the appoint- ment of a manager of the Pontymoile Non- Provided School, and some criticism on the subject of teachers' salaries. The Main. Roads and Bridges Committee reported that the tender of Mr G. Palmer, of Neath, at Y,5,387 Os. 9d., for the erection of a bridge. at Kemeys Commander, had been accepted. The report of the County Rate Basis Com- mittee showed that the assessable value had increased to the extent that Id, in the £ would produce the increased amount of Y,327 14s. 8d. On the evening of the same day a Conservative concert was held in the Town Hall, Usk, at which, under the presidency of Mr J. Maitland Watkins, Mr E. E. Micholls gave a short political address. The Usk Waterworks Company declared a dividend at the rate of 4 per cent. per annum on the capital of the Company. Mr J. Hobson Matthews was engaged at a fee of fifty guineas to report on the ancient records of the County and prepare a catalogue. On February 2nd, Frank Key was committed for trial at Usk on two charges of perjury after some sensational. evidence, and at the ensuing Assizes, after a futile attempt to get the venue of trial removed to London, he was sentenced to 9 months' hard labour. A satisfactory report on the he iltli of the district was received from Dr G Harrison Jenkins, at the meeting of the Pontypool R.D.C., on the 6th, when the birth-rate was reported to be 30.24 per 1,000 of the estimated population and the death-rate 13.60 for the past year. Mr T. Parry presided at the annual meeting of the Monmouth Boroughs Conservative Associa- tion, at Newport, on the 8th, when the report showed that good registration work had been done. Lord Tredegar was re-ap- pointed patron and president, and Mr T. B. R. Wilson was elected chairman for the ensuing year. Lord Tredegar presided over the public meeting which followed, and which was addressed by Sir Joseph Law- rence, the sitting member, and Mr E. E. Micholls, among others. On the same date the death occurred of Mr Godfrey Seys, of Tidenham, one of the best known and most highly respected gentlemen of the district, at the comparatively early age of 39. At an inquest held at Abergavenny, on the 11th, a verdict of "suicide whilst tem- porarily insane" was returned in respect of the death of Mr Charles Nesbitt (39), solicitor, Abergavenny, who was found shot dead in his office on the previous day. A blacksmith, named John George Evans,. 23, of Chapel Hill, was killed by misad- venture in the football field during an association match on the same Saturday. The annual report of the medical officer to the Usk U.D.C, on the 14th, showed that the district had been free from infectious disease during the year. The death-rate was 12.75 per 1,000, and the birth-rata