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

Births, Marriages, & Deaths. Announcements under this heading are inserted at a uniform charge oj 1/- each, unless such vords as "No Cards," I I No Flowers<Jc., 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.

Empire and Liberty. The proceedings at the Albert Hall Primrose League meeting on Wednesday, savoured more of victory than of defeat, and the encouraging speeches delivered by Mr Balfour, Mr Wyndham, and Mr Hayes Fisher, have infused new life into the Unionist party, and have made it per- fectly clear that they and their followers though few in number in the present House of Commons, are prepared to fight for the principles of the Primrose League —Empire and Liberty-both civil and religious, as stoutly as though the Govern- ment majority were counted only by tens. Tossed from side to side, this coalition party has to give fragments first to one section of its friends and then to another, and the payments are all made at the general cost of the community. To quote but the latest instances. Colliers, who voted solidly for Radicals, have received two millions in the remission of the coal tax, and will forthwith demand increased wages trades unions are to be immune against the law;" and Nonconformists are to be endowed with their heart's desire—undenominational education—a Bill which Mr Balfour well said has lit a flame of indignation from one end of England to another, and which, if it passes, will not merely be a monument of intolerant folly, but will light fires of I RELIGIOUS BITTERNESS I in every parish, in every local authority throughout the Kingdom. Alluding to Z!1 the disastrous result of the General Elec- tion, the speaker said I do not mean to minimise it. But it does not carry with it as one of its consequences that we should feel any discouragement as regards the future of our party or of this great institution. We should everyone understand fully that our role in working out the political destinies of the Empire is not one which has less value now, or which is of less importance than it was when we were at the head of a large and triumphant majority. At this moment, the moment of our adversity, I am con- fident that our courage is not less high, our spirits are not less cheerful, our determination to work for the great cause for which we are organised has suffered no diminution. Indeed, it seems to me that at this moment we have, as it were, a more direct and obvious duty in the defence of the institutions for which we have been created than we had at the moment when these institutions were in the safe keeping of the Constitutional and Unionist party." Proceeding to discuss the Government's handling of Colonial affairs, Mr Balfour said "They have disturbed the mind of every loyalist in South Africa. There is not a man who has sacrificed any- thing in the Colony in order to main- tain the British connection, there is not a man who has been ready to fight for the Imperial cause who does not look upon this Government as his worst enemy, and does not feel forced to turn away from the Mother Country, to which he was ready to devote life and property, to consider whether he may not be forced by the mere perversity of home administration to protect himself in other ways. And there is not a man in South Africa who realises in what responsible government consists, who does not see in the action of the present Government a threat directed against that which is the very basis of our whole Colonial Empire, on which it rests safely and solidly, but which, if it be once tampered with either of delib- erate purpose or by careless administra- tion from Downing-street, is destined to crumble like a house of cards, and to bring the British Empire to a heap of I UNCONNECTED RUINS, in which the spectator will barely see that great structure which has been raised by our efforts and the efforts of our predecessors." The following resolution was then pro- posed by Mr Wyndham, seconded by Mr Hayes Fisher, and carried "That this meeting of the Primrose League in Grand Habitation assembled records its emphatic protest against the Education. Bill now before the House of Commons. It condemns proposals which restrict, where they do not abolish, the rights of English parents to choose the religion in which their children are to be educated, and calls upon habitations throughout the coun- try to resist a measure which attacks the civil and religious liberties of the English people and endangers the main- tenance of religion, the first principle which the Primrose League was founded to defend." I ====^^

I LORD CAWDOR'S CONDEMNATION. Speaking at a demonstration held at Taunton, on Thursday evening, under the presidency of the Marquess of Bath, in connection with the Western Union of Conservative Associations, Earl Cawdor condemned the Government as a shuffling, go-as- you-please Government which had no mind of its own. The Education Bill was an outrage of every idea of justice and equity. It had very little to do with education, but a great deal to do with the venom of party spite.

Everybody know* mL__ thtt !tSL!r)r!S3! S 18 an admirable food. nicest and most nutritions wrer&go for the breakfast table, it la made in a moment wttb Dolling water or milk. and Its mi anetatntog qualities are lomb, IbYalaablt ;1 COCOA 'Q .u.'

A Local Chancery Case. On Wednesday an application was made to Mr Justice Joyce, in the Chancery Division, fIr the appointment of a new trustee u'ider the will of Thomas Ponsford (deceased), of Newport, in place of his son, Mr Thomas Ponsford. Mr Percy Wheeler (for the applicants) stated that the corpus of Thomas Ponsford s estate was to be divided amongst his seven children. One of the trustees was the eldest son, Thomas Ponsford, who had been adjudicated a bankrupt. The debts proved amounted to £ 28,000. Mr Ponsford appeared in parson, and denied that he was insolvent. The petition was presented against him by two banks, and in dlle course they had paid themselves 20s in the C. There was a credit balance in his favour of L20,000. He was also a beneficiary of his father's estate for £ 7,500. Mr Justice Joyce appointed a new trustee*

i Monmouthshire County Council. The annual meetiug of the Monmouthshire County Council took place at Newport, on Wed- nesday, when there were present :-Sir H. M. Jacksou, Bart, (iu the chair), Vi-c,-tilit Tredegar, Hon. J. M Roll", Aldermen John Daniel, G. R. Harris, S. N. Jones, D Jones, J. R. Jacob, P. Wilson R i flan, Geo Jones, J. W. Mulligan Revs. T. Thomas, T. G Janie"; Councillors A. A. A. Williams, J. A. Biadney, Isaac Butler, A. 1. R. Butler, Jame* Straker, G. H. Nurse, P. E^kersley, A. Jones'T. Du'fi Id, W. Thomas, M. Langton, T. Parry, W. P J<mes, W. Lewis, B. Nicholas, A. Onions, E. J. Richards, and W. Edwardc. THE CHAIRMANSHIP. The first business was the election of chairman, and on the motion of Alderman Dmiel, seconded by Alderman George Jones, Alderman J. R. Jacob was elected. The newly-appointed chair- man thereupon took his seat and expressed his thanks saying that increased responsibilities were being thrown upon County Councils tended to their becoming local Parliaments. He pro- posed a vote of thanks to the retiring chairman Sir Henry Mather Jackson, who had attended every meeting of the Council and had conducted the business of the Council very capably and impartially. Councillor Wtn. Thomas seconded, and the compliment was enthusiastically accorded Sir Henry Mather Jackson briefly replied. THE VICE-CHAIRMAN. Alderman P. W. Riffan proposed the election of Alderman Benjamin Phillips, Tredegar, as vice-chairman. Councillor W. P, James seconded, aud the motion was agreed to, and Alderman Phillips returued thauks. SYMPATHY. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Alderman G. R. Harris, a vote of sympathy with the family of the late Alderman J. D. James was passed. I NEW ALDERMAN. Councillor T. DutBeld proposed the election of Councillor P-irrv as alderman to fill the vacancy, Cuoucillor Nurse seconded, and the motion was unanimously carried Mr Parry expressed his thanks, and then brought up the I ASYLUM REPORT which showed that since the 1st January, 49 county and three private patients had been, admitted. One hundred patients had been ad- mitted as boarders from the Eisex County Asylum, and 37 as boarders from Cardiff. The total number of patients in the Asylum was 913 of which 677 were chargeable to unions in the county of Monmouth. The Committee had decided to reduce the weekly maintenance charge to the unions within the county from 8s. 9d. to 8s* 5!ld.. This reduction meant a sav- ing to the poor rates of about £ 700 per annum* The annual call had been made for'the sum of £ 1,188. The contracts for the installation of electric lighting had been completed at a total cost of 26,227. The following lodging money had been received from the counties of Brecon and Radnor, and the county borough of New- port, from the date of dissolution, 31st Decem- ber, 1896, to February, 1906 the date of the removal of the Newport borough patients to the new Asylum at Caerleon Brecon, 211,968 Radnor, P,6,685 and Newport, X14,461, a total of £ 33,115. Of this P,9,576 had been expended in the relief of the county rate, and 214,263 (iucludiag £ 5,037 for new boiler house, re- building house at Bowler's Barn, etc., and E6,227 for electrical installation) in additionq, alterations, and improvements, while £ 9,276 had been spent in ordinary repairs. The report was adopted. I THE ASSIZES QUESTION1. I The question of removing the assizes from Monmouth to Newport was brought up by Sir Henry Jackson, Bart., on a report of a com- mittee appointed to confer with the Corporation of Newport- The committee recommended that if the assizes were removed to Newport the corporation of the latter should contribute three- fourths (221,000) of the estimated cost, and the county council the other fourth. The Hon. J. Maclean Rolls contended that the removal of the assizes was not absolutely necessary, and that the public convenience would be met by two extra trains, which the Great Western Railway Company were willing to put on at assize time. He dissented from the council agreeing to the principle of removal, and said 11 that with the increasingly heavy outlay on- education and main roads the council were not justified in expending such an amount. An amendment moved by Mr Rolls, and seconded by Mr A. A. Williams, was lost, and the report adopted. The Clerk of the Peace said that since the, committee held its meeting and agreed to th& proportion, the Newport Council had met and offered 215,000 as their proportion on a £ 30,000 expenditure. The Chairman We could not accept that. at all. MAIN ROADS. The proposed outlay of E26,341 on the repair and improvement of main roads and bridges, due to the increased traffic (including traction- engines and motor-cars), formed the chief subject of the main roads committee's report. It was proposed to spend £ 4.150, being half the cost of widening Rumney Bridge, a work to be undertaken jointly with the Cardiff Corporation. Caerleon Bridge improvement was estimated to cost E900, and the George Bridge, Beaufort, 91,200. The largest outlay on roads was ill- regard to the widening of Risca main road from High Cross to Glas'lwch— £ 3,696. FINANCE. The finance committee congratulated the county on a reduction in the rates of 2d. The. county rate is 8d. elementary education,Is. 2d. higher education, 13d. (td. increase) and Welsh T intermediate education, d. MISCELLANEOUS:. A report was presented by the Executive- Officer (Minnie Dare) with regard to the instruc- tion of midwives, etc. This stated that there were 194 midwives on the county register, aa increase of 140 since the 3rd April, 1905. Shok had had letters notifying that some of the mid- wives had laid out the dead, but she had been informed that this was not so. Alderman J. Daniel was re-elected the Coun- cil's representative on the governing body of th& Central Welsh Board. The present members of the Board of Con- servators representing the Council (Alderman Hughes and Councillors Curre and Burchardt Ashton) were re-elected. The Council went into committee to consider the safeguarding of the water areas of the county, especially in relation to the Glamorgan Water Bill, about which the Parliamentary committeer notified that a conference had been held witG, the Glamorgan authorities.

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MR & MISS PRICE wish to THANK all those kind friends who sympathized with them in their great sorrow and attended the funeral. Usk, May 1st, 1906.

THE IRISH ROMAN CATHOLIC HIERARCHY I CANNOT ACCEPT. The Standing Committee of the Roman Catholic Archbishops and Bishops of Ireland have issued the following statement:— The clear, convincing, and, in our opinion, reasonable statement which our venerable brethren, the Bishops of England, published last week on the Education Bill now before Parliament, relieves us of the necessity of discussing that measure in detail. They have demonstrated its unjust and partisan character, and they have declared, in words that carry with them our heartiest consent, that it cannot be accepted by Catholics or regarded by them as a settlement of the English school question. It is founded essentially on auti-Catholic principles, and its aim is to establish a Noncon- formist ascendancy over English elementary edu- cation. Its essence has been pithily described by its real authors as a measure to put the priest outside the school and the Bible inside," to be taught there by persons of any or of no religion. That is a settlement in which Catholics can never acquiesce, for it is fundamentally at variance with our principles, and would imperil the very existence of our Church in England. As Bishops charged with the care of the interests of religion, we make these statements with the greater confidence because this Education Bill is not an ordinary social or political measure dealing with secular affairs. Its whole scope and purpose is to interfere with religion. It is designed under the dictation of one division of English Protestants to give their religious views an ascendancy in the schools. Whatever may be said of it by its authors, it is a Bill to establish and endow Nonconformist Protestantism in the public elementary schools of England, and to put every other form of religious teaching under a ban. That is a violation of the principle of religious equality, and for Catholics it is persecution for conscience sake. On such an issue there can be no doubt as to the action of Catholic Ireland. We shall rally to our own in their fight for what is dearest to them and to us.

IRISH NATIONALISTS TO OPPOSE. I On Wednesday, at a largely-attended gathering held under the presidency of Mr John Redmond, the Irish Nationalist members of the House of Commons decided that they would vote against the second reading of the Education Bill.

OPPOSITION LEADERS TO OPPOSE SECOND READING. The Opposition Leaders have decided to move a direct negative to the second reading of the Edu. cation Bill instead of a declaratory amendment. Sir A. Acland-Hood has, therefore, given notice of the following:- Mr Wyndham.—On second reading of Educa- tion (England and Wales) Bill, to move that it be read a second time upon this day six months.

WHY THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OPPOSE. } The Archbishop of Canterbury presided on Friday over a largely attended meeting of the National Society's committee, whose members are elected from every Diocese in England and Wales, when a resolution, which may be regarded as a Church man;festo against the Education Bill, was adopted. Eleven reasons are given as justifying the National Society in "calling upon all friends of justice and religious equality to offer strenuous opposition to the Bill." (1) Because it fails to give national recog- nition to religion; (2) Because, disregarding the rights of parents, it leaves local authorities unable to establish any save undenominational religion, but gives them such power in spiritual matters that they could eliminate religion from ele- mentary education altogether; (3) Because it would commit the teaching of the Bible to teachers who-e belief in the Christian faith and whose qualifications and ability to teach religion may not in any way be ascertained, even in schools held under distinctively religious trusts; (4) Because it would interfere with the duty and privilege of the clergy and the school staff to give religious teaching in school hours; (5) Because it would introduce for the first time religious controversy in its most virulent form inside the voluntary schools; (6) Because the general provisions of the Bill place religious teaching at a disadvantage, and tend to its ultimate exclusion from the elementary day schools; (7) Because it would increase and perpetu- ate religious controversy in every local election throughout the country. (8) Because it would in effect alienate prop- erty held in trust for religious education, and altogether prevent trustees from fulfilling their trusts. (9) Because of the dangerously wide power of dealing ,¡th educational trusts and endow- ments give:! bo the Commission, under Sections 8 and 9; t > the Board of Education, under Part II; aud to the Council for Wales, under Part IV; (10) Because it gives to Wales a separate treatment, which will have the effect of exempting certain local authorities from the control by Parliament and the Board of Edu- cation, to which all the rest are subject; (11) Because, while it would add enormously to Imperial and local expenditure, it is in no sense a Bill for the improvement of education.

USK. I Agent-Mrs. E. K. Jones, Stationer TOWN HALL, USE.-A Sale of Work, consisting of Fancy and Useful Articles, with Jumble Stall, etc., will be held on Wednesday, May 16th, 1906. To be opened by Mrs E. L. M. Hackett, Ynys Hafod, Usk, at 3 o'clock. Vocal and Instrumental Music at intervals. Tea and Refreshments provided. Admission, 3 o'clock, 6d.; 5 o'clock, 3d.-Advt. ANGLING.—To anglers there came a welcome rise of 2ft. in the river 011 Thursday, and they are hoping for a higher rise still, which would undoubtedly result in good sport for s )me time. On Saturday, Mr R. Rickards landed a 301b salmon from the Bridge-stream, and this is the only kill heard of. There has been very little trouting done. LLANBADOC PARISH.—In his pastoral letter in the May Parish Magazine, the Vicar (Rev H. Cookson), says: In spite of certain difficulties which have hindered progress at Llanbadoc, the figures for the year from Easter, 1905, to Palm Sunday, 1906, are very encouraging; good increases are shown in the average amount collected at the Sunday Services, and in the average number of coins offered, which last testifies to increased congrega- tions, while the total number of communions for the period showa a large advance on the previous year." CHURCH PARADE. On Sunday morning, in stormy weather, G (Usk) Company marched to Llanbadoc Church for Divine Service. Capt. Willcox was in command, Capt. Davies (Newport) was present, and the Band (under Bandmaster E. B. Haynes) accompanied. There was a good muster. In the Church the Band accompanied three hymns and played the National Anthem. The Vicar (Rev. Harry Cockson) preached an appropriate sermon. Subsequently Capt. Willcox decorated Private Edward Morgan with the Long Service Medal.—In the afternoon, the weather clearing, the Band gave a sacred concert in Usk Castle, and is to be congratulated on its growing strength and its playing. TRAP ACCIDH-;T.-As Mr William Davies, cooper and greengrocer, Bridge-street, Usk, was driving in his trap from Usk to Newport, on Friday afternoon, having with him a little girl ten years ot age, daughter of his neighbaur, Mr Arnold, coal merchant, the horse shied at a bicycle near the Toll-bar, Llangibby, and Mr Davies was thrown out on a heap of stones. The horse then bolted up the embankment, and threw the little girl out. Mr Davies sustained some cuts on his head and face, but was not seriously injured. The little girl, however, sustained concussion of the brain, and was taken to the house of Mrs Richards near. The occupants of a motor-car passing at the time drove back to Caerleon and fetched Dr de Gruchy. Both are now getting over the effects of the accident. SHOOTING APPAIFt.-Cotisiderable sensation was caused in the town on Monday morning by the report that Mr F. H. Davies, of Maryport-street, had shot himself. It appears that about eleven o'clock Mrs Davies went to call her husband, and was horrified to find that he had shot himself in the head with a revolver in hi, bedroom. Dr Hackett was at once fetched, and Dr Jenkins and he extracted the bullet, which had flattened itself against the skull, but, fortunately, had not touched the brain. On Tuesday afternoon Mr Davies was conveyed to the Newport and County Hospital, where, we understand, he is progressing favouiably. He is reported to know nothing of the aff ir, and undoubtedly more serious damage was inflicted upon the brain in the serious accident which befell him two years ago last March, when he fell off a scaffold in Porthycarne-street, than had been thought. Much sympathy is felt for the relatives in their trouble.

Grand County Bazaar. Wednesday was the opening day of a Grand County Bazaar at the Athletic Club Gymnasium. Newport, organised for the purpose of raising funds for building a permanent Church of England Home for Waifs and Strays in the Diocese in place of the temporary premises known as St. Cadoc's Home, Caerleon, consist- ing of two semi-detached villas, where twenty girls have been accommodated during the past two years, and taught industrial home trades. To Sir Arthur and Lady Mackworth and Miss Beryl Mackworth (superintendent) is due chiefly the credit of having initiated and carried on the Home up to the present time with such good results. But it was now felt that the work required further development and that a per- manent Home was needed. A number of County ladies, therefore, very heartily entered into the idea of raising the necessary funds by steadily working for many months and under- taking the management of the various stalls at a bazaar. The result was highly satisfactory, and an exceedingly pretty sight presented itself when the bazaar was formally opened on Wednesday afternoon by the Countess of Pem. broke, who was introduced by Lord Tredegar, and accompanied by her daughter, Lady Beatrice Wilkinson, and Lady Llangattock. 11 The hall was arranged to represent the cot- tage homes of England, and the beautifully- decorated stalls nestled beneath the gables, while flags and fqptoons added to the pleasing effect. The picturesque costumes, caps, and aprons of the stall-holders and their numerous assistants were greatly admired. The bazaar stalls and the principal holders were St Woolos—"Libarty"—Mrs Lloyd and Mrs Raikes. St Mark's—Bric-brac—Mrs Lister and Mrs George Spittle. Maindee—China and gla,s-M,rs Llewellyn- Jones, Mrs W. L. Lloyd. and Mrs T. Spittle. Chepstow-Fancy-Mrs Curre. Malpas-Haberdashery-Mrs Edward Jenkins and Mrs Ronald Wyman. Abergavenny—Hats and blouses-Lady Mather Jackson and Mrs R. W. Kennard. Viscount Tredegar's Stall-Lamp shades and stationery-Lady Forestier Walker, Lady Kather- ine Morgan, and Mrs Leoline Forestier-Walker. Bachelor's Stall-Silver and miscellaneous-Mrs E. South wood Jones, Mrs G. W. Wiikinson, Dr W. G. Coulter, and Mr Edward S. Phillips. Children's Stall—Sweets—Mrs E, H. Watts and Mrs Reginald Brewer. All Saints—Baskets—Mrs Bennett. Bassaleg—Flowers—Mrs D. Bowen. Caerleon-Toy Stall-Lady Mackworth. CaerIeonFancy Stall —Mrs Firbank. Caerleon—Antique furniture, china, and other curiosities—Mrs D. A. Thomas. Caerleon—Dairy and provisions—Mrs Bickerton Pratt, Mrs H. L. Harrison, and Mrs Arthur Ll. Edwards. St Paul's—Luncheons, dinners, and suppers- Mrs Henry Duckham, Mrs C. D. Phillips, Mrs Mitchell Innes, and Mrs Brooke Gratte. St John's and Llantarnam-Mrs Summers, Mrs Wallis, Mrs Prothero, and Miss Ward. Packing up Department— \1 rs A. M. Pilliner. Fairy Well—Miss Phyllis Owen. Scent Fountain—Miss Mary Bulwer Marsh. Shooting Gallery-Mr H. Edwards and Sergt. Parker, V.C. Chapbooke-Miss Wallis, Miss Todd, and Mr Wilmot D. Stevens. In introducing the Countess of Pembroke, Lord Tredegar sa.id they were met to create enthusiasm for and sympathy with waifs and strays. St Cadoc was a native of that part of the world, and his beautiful mother, Gwladys, was said to be buried somewhere in Tredegar Park. The saint himself was the author of many beautiful sayings. One was that the most beautiful sentiment was pity, and another that the greatest character was generosity. Pity and generosity had brought the Countess of Pembroke to Newport that day to help in creating sympathy and raising money in a good cause. 11 (Hear, hear.) The Countess of Pembroke, in declaring the bazaar open, said she was very pleased to be able to help so excellent a work. She had been very much interested in the Society's work for some years, more particularly in the cripple branch. At Hillington they had twelve homes. The youngest waif, a bright, fresh-looking little child, was then lifted on to the platform at Lord Tredegar's request, and presented the Countess with a lovely bouquet of roses, lilies, and asparagus fern. On the proposition of the Rev Maldwyn Davies (organising secretary for the Society in the Dioceses of Llandaff and St David), seconded by Sir George Forestier-Walker, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Countess of Pembroke for opening the bazaar. The various stalls were then visited, and soon a brisk business was in progress, the daintily laid-out tea room being subsequently sought. Amongst the most popular articles on sale was Ye St Cadoc Chap-Booke," a collection of poetic thoughts, for the most part local contri- butions, with a foreword and valedictory rhyme by Lord Tredegar, the whole forming a charming memento of the function. The arrangements connected with the bazaar reflect the highest credit upon all concerned, and to Mr Percy Laybourne, the hon. sec., in particular. The entertainments consisted of concerts, kindly arranged by Miss Hern, and a sketch given by Mr E. de V. Brewer, all of which were largely attended, and very enjoyable. The takings on the first day amounted to over E400. On Thursday afternoon, Viscount Tredegar opened the second day's proceedings. He was accompanied by the High Sheriff (Mr C. H. Firbank), the Mayor of Newport, Sir Arthur W. Mackworth, Bart, and Mr Percy Lay- bourne. His Lordship said no one could have a better excuse for spending money than in erecting homes for waifs and strays. There was nothing on earth so sad as a little girl left alone. 11 To-day (Friday) Colonel Ivor Herbert, M.P., opens the bazaar.