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

CAERLEON. Agent-Mr Berry, Newsagent, Cross-street. THB DISUSED SCHOOLS.-The offer made by Messrs. T. Parry and Sons of £3,000 for the disused Poor-law schools at Caerleon, which it is proposed to convert into a training college, was considered by the Newport Guardians on Saturday, and it was decided to appoint a sub-committee to inquire into the details of the subject.

DINGESTOW. I AT HOME."—Mrs Bosanquet entertained a large party of friends at an "At Home," at Dingestow Coart, on Friday afternoon last, to meet Lord Radstock, who gave an address.

LLANTRISSEN T. I PARISH P A.RTY.-A very successful tea party, with dancing, swing boats, games, &c., was held in the Llantrissent School and adjoining field, on Wednesday. The weather was all that could be desired, and a very enjoyable time was spent. The company present, especially the dancers, were greatly pleased with the playing of the Messrs. Yorke, of Coleford, on the piano and piccolo. The object of the gathering was to provide a treat for the Sunday and Day School children, the proceeds, after paying expenses, to be used part for Church expenses and the remainder to be kept as a reserve fund. The field, which is a very suitable one, was as usual kindly lent by Mr Powell, Arch Farm. The principal helpers were Lady Elizabeth and Lady Georgina Legge, Mrs Jones (Vicarage), Mrs Doubting, Mrs Pitt (Cwm Farm), Mrs Powell (Arch Farm), Mrs Ernest Hunt, Mrs Fred Hayward, Misses Maggie and Harriet Thomas, Miss Evans (Usk), Miss Williams (Penyrheol), Miss Jane Williams, &c. The Vicar (Rev W. W. Jones) col- lected tickets in the school, and Mr James Pitt and Mr H. Hayward, assisted by Mr Thomas (White- hall), attended to the gate.

le MONMOUTH. I Agent.—Mr. J. G. Jones, 24, Church Street, Monmouth. SPORTs.-Atbletic sports and a carnival formed the chief Bank Holiday attractions at Monmouth, Brilliant weather prevailed. In addition to the sports, the programme included a musical military driil by the Militia detachment, a balloon ascent and parachute descent by Professor Emms, trick cyclist and trapeze performances, with a fireworks display at night.

PONTYPOOL. I Agents—Mr Fieldhouse, and Mr G. H Churchill, The Market. Messrs, Edwards and Co., and Mr. Nickels, New Inn. SCHOLASTIC SUCCESS.—Aubrey Ellis Williams, a son of Lieutenant-Colonel D. E. Williams, V.D., commanding the Paateg Battery of the 1st Monmouthehire Royal Garrisoa Artillery (Volunteers), has had the distinction of going straight from Monmouth Grammar School into Sandhurst at his first examination. MISSING Boy FOUND.-—Joseph Drongool, 14, who ball been aliasing from hie home io Liwpooi for several months, on Sunday night applied for admission to the casual ward in Pontypool Workbouge. The cuspirnn of the Mas er being aroused, he cornnrmicated with tho Griiff-hatown police, wi'h the ro-ul, that Dro'Igo.)l's idointity was discovered. After be left botne. he tried In vain to get work at strawberry picking in Worcester- shire, and then walked into M » im mthshire in searoh of w irk. His parents are willing to pay his fare back to Liverpool. PANTEG FLOWBR SHOW.—Fantes Horticultural Society, of which Mr J. C flinbtirv, -T.P., is president, held its 4th annual exhibition at Pontypool Road oil Tuesday, and was largely attended, the beautiful summer weather con- tributing largely to its general success Amongst prize-takers in the open section were r—'Cut flowers: Rev W. M. Willett. RWef. peas Rev W. M. Willett. Carnations: Iohii Morgan. Gladiolas E. Francis. Fruit (six varieties); Rev W. M. Willett. Collection of vegetables, Bev W. M. Willett.

Visit of the Duke of Con naught to Monmouth. HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS IN A MOTOR COLLISION. The Duke of Connaught, Inspector General of the Forces, arrived at Troy Stati >n, Monmouth, by special saloon train from Ross, at about 7.30 OB Monday evening, the object of his vi-it being to make a series of military inspections in the district. His Royal Highness was accompanied by General Sir John Maxwell and the Hem Miles Pousonby, and amongst those who received him on the' platform were Lord Raglan, the Colonel com- manding the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia), Capt. Forestier-Walker, Capt. Hopkins, R E., the adjutant of the regiment, the Mayor of Monmouth (Councillor A. E. Junes), and the Town Clerk (Mr B. H. Deakin). The officers present having saluted, each was presented by Lord Raglan, and the Duke was then driven to Drybridge House, where he became the guest of Lieutenaut-Colonel Crompton Roberts. His Royal Highness took Mrs C. M. Crompton- Roberts in to dinner on the occasion, and the com- pany included Sir Henry and Lady Mather Jack- son, General Sir John Maxwell, K.C.B &o., Lord Raglan, Lieut--Col. C. M. Crompton-Roberts, Lieut.- Colonel and Mrs H. R. Crompton-Roberts, the Hon. C. M. Ponsonby, Col. and Mrs. Curre, Lieut.-Col. H. E. M. Lindsay, Capt. and Mrs. Hopkins, Lieut.- Col. A. Leetham, and Capt. L. B. Friend. On Tuesday, at 9 a.m., S.R.H. accompanied by his staff, started in a motor-car driven by Mr George Webb, of the Monmouth Car Company, to visit Rhayader, for the purpose of inspecting some new new guns in the Artillery camp The journey was rudely interrupted near the village of Winforden, about five miles from Hay, when, in negotiating a bend in the road another car was seen approaching in the opposite direction, whose driver, it is alleged, was on the wrong side of the road, with the result that the car coming from the Breoon side, belonging to Major B irrodaile, R.A.M.C., ran into the one containing the Duke, the latter being happily only slightly damaged and the ocoupants uninjured. They reaumed their journey in the spare car which accompanied them, and His Royal Highness was able to inspect the Royal Garrison Artillery at Rhayader, apparently none the worse for the accident. Major Borrodaile's car—a 7 h.p. Panhard-was being driven from Brecon to Manchester by a chauffeur named Walter Hood, and was very severely damaged, the front wheels being reduced to splinters. Hood, too, was injured, his back being badly bruised. He was arrested by the Herefordshire police and taken to Hay, where he was charged on Wednesday, with being drunk whilst in charge of a motor-car, and remanded. The Duke returned from Rhayader the same evening, passing through Brecon, Abergavenny and Raglan on his way to Monmouth, where he dined with the officers of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, at Monmouth Castle barracks. On Wednesday morning the Duke of Connaught inspected the field works at Pwlholm, about a mile and a half out of Monmouth, where the regiment is exercised in railway construction, bridging, trenching, and other forms of field fortifications. From there he and his staff pro- ceeded to the camping ground in Vauxhall meadows, and subsequently visited the Castle and inspected the books and stores of the regiment. The Duke's staff consisted of General Sir John. Maxwell, Colonel G. Parker, C.B., Inspector of Royal Engineers; Colonel L. B. Friend, Assistant. Director of Fortifications and Works; Colonel R. Thomson, chief engineer of the Western District at Chester; and Lieutenant the Hon Miles Ponsonby. Viscount Tredegar joined the party in the afternoon, and at 2 o'clock the whole regiment, was reviewed on the drill ground adjoining the, camp. No. 1 Field Company, part of which is mounted, marched on to the ground under the command of Captain C. J. Vaughan, and was immediately followed by the remainder of the. regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Morgan Lindsay. The four companies formed up in quarter-column, and in a few minutes the Duke entered by the Vauxhall Bridge entrance, and, with his staff and Colonel Lord Raglan, took his stand on the left of the drill ground. Here the No. 1 Field Company accomplished their march past, the mounted section passing a second time at the trot. His Royal Highness aud staff then crossed on foot to the saluting point, and the royal salute was given. This portion of the programme was witnessed by a limited number of the public admitted to the field by ticket, but crowds lined Priory-street and other 'vantage points overlooking Vauxhall. The fine band of the regiment, under Band- master F. A. Tyler, L.R.A.M., played during the afternoon. 0 The Duke was in General's undress uniform. Individual inspection of the lines followed, the regiment being formed up in quarter column, and on its completion arrangements were at once made, for the great spectacular event of the programme* the march past, which was accomplished in good style, first in column, and then in quarter column. The regiment afterwards formed up in line, and. with Lord Raglan at its head, advanced in review order, finishing up with another royal salute. This completed the programme, and after a few words with Lord Raglan, to whom be expressed pleasure at all that he had seen, the Duke and party entered a carriage in waiting and drove too Troy Station, where H R. H. took his departure for Ohepstow by the 4 o'clock train, en route for London. Subsequently, Colonel Lord Raglan said that Duke of Connaught, after inspecting the regiment, expressed himself well pleased with everything he had seen in connection with it. The appearance of the men on parade pleased him especially, as well as the engineering work done.

JOHN H. RENNIE Member of the Auctioneers Institute by Exam ination.) AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL AUC- TIONEER, TENANT RIGHT & TIMBER VALUER, SURVEYOR, LAND AGENT, HOTEL AND INSURANCE BROKER Newport. Usk, 8f Chepstow Districts. Sales of Fat IInd 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 Aug. 15—Fat and Store Stock, at Newport Cattle Market. 16-Household Furniture, Shop Fittings, and Effects, 36, Backhall Street, Caerleon, for Airs Milsom (leaving). 20-Fat and Store Stock, at Usk Cattle Market. 21-Fat and Store S' (:k, at Chepstow Cattle Market. 22-Fat and Store !"t..I.;k, at Newport Cattle Market. Early date.—Valuable Leasehold Properties in Newport and Caerleon. -Builders' and Contractors' Plant, at Newport. Particulars and ( atalogues to be obtained from the AUCTIONEER, 6 Skinner Street Newport. Established 1849. NEWLAND, DAVIS, & HUNT, Auctioneers, Valuers, Surveyors, 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. IT IVOR MORDECAI, 11 Years with principal Firms, Cardiff and District AUCTIONEER, VALUER, Local Markets Attended. 8, WINDSOR ROAD, GRIFFITHSTOWN. — Abergavenny Horse Show and Agricultural Association. Annnal mmaN OF HORSES AND AGRICULTURAL STOCK. TOTAL, PRIZES, 9400. Special Jumping and Trotting Prizes (£40). SPECIAL TIMBERING PRIZES. £24. WILL BE HELD IX Bailey Park, Abergavenny, ON Thursday, 6th September, 1906. e- SPECIAL ATTRACNON. M The Tillery Colliery Prize Band (Abertillery), has been engaged for the day. Entries Close August 21st; Double Fees, September 1st. Secretaries :-Masare J AMES STRAKER & SON, Auctioneers, Valuers, and Estate Agents, Abergavenny. Cyclists, Light Ep! Saturday, Aug 11th 8.31 Sunday, „ 12th. 8.29 Monday, 13th. 8.27 Tuesday, 14th. 8.25 Wednesday, 15 th 8.23 Thursday, 16th. 8.21 Friday u 17th. 8.19 Saturday, 18th. 8.17 Being One hour after Sunset, County Courts in Circuit 24. COURTS will be held at the several Court-town on this Circuit, before His Honour JUDGH OWTO, the Judge thereof, on the days and at the time hereunder mentioned:- Time, a.m. June July Aug. Chepstow 10 18 20 Barry 10 5 10 7 Cardiff 10 6 11 8 „ 10 7 12 9 „ 10 8 13 10 „ 10 9 14 11 Abergavenny 10 11 13 BliLenavon 10 16 — Ttedegar 9-30 12 17 14 Peatypbol 10 13 18 16 Newport J* 19 16 10.30 15 20 17 Monmouth: 10 19 24 21 Roes 9.30 4 Crickhowell 11 20 3 u* 11 1 2 4 HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. Mr Clay's Subscription Otter Hounds will meet next week (water permitting) Tuesday, August 14th. Ewenny Bridge At 10 a.m. Friday, August 17th. Bear, Cowbridge At 10 a.m. APPOINTMENTS, &c.. FOR WEEK Ending August 18th, 1906. Aagust. Sat 11—Pontypool Petty Sessions. Cricket—Usk v. Newport, at Usk. Sun. 12-Ninth Sunday after Trinity. Mon 13-Monmouth Market. Tues. 14-Abergavenny Market. Usk U.D.C. Meeting. Wed. 15-Newport Cattle, Corn, and Cheese Markets. Abergavenny Petty Sessions. Thurs 16—Caerleon Petty Sessions. Usk Flower Show. (See Advt.) Sat. 18-Pontypool Petty Sessions Cricket—Usk v. Newport, at Newport. -_Jo

Births, Marriages, & Deaths. Announcements under this heading are inserted at a uniform charge of 1/- each,, unteqs such words as II No Cards," No Flowers," tfc., are added, when the charge will be 216. 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.

FLANNELETTE. If purchasers of this useful material for underwear all the year round would buy the best English make, which can be obtained from all leading Drapers, they would avoid the risks they undoubtedly run with the inferior qualities of Flannelette. HORROCKSES' FLANNELETTES, made by the manufacturers of the celebrated Longcloths, Twills and Sheetings, are the best. „ HORROCKSES" U J!I vedge every 5 yds 4th Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers. G COMPANY, USK. Orders for the Week ending 18th August, 1906. On Duty- Sergeant Sweet. Corporal Groves Bugler Johnston. Monday, August 13th—Company Training (for Casuals), plain clothes, waist-belt, at 7.30 p.m. Wednesday, August 15th—Recruits' Training, belt and frog, at 7.30 p.m. Friday, August 17th—Recruits' Training, plain clothes, belt and frog, at 7,30 p.m. By order, H. J. WILLCOX, Captain, Commanding G Company.

9 Tbx MISCHIEF OF OVBRTIRING BOTS. I Mr. T. C. Horsfall says, in the Contemporary, that at preparatory schools and public sehooli boys are kept out of moral danger by being en- couraged to overtire themselves. When they sit down to their books overtired they acquire a distaste and then a hatred for books. Boys ought to be kept out of mischief by living at home and feeling the combined influence of their parents and moderate wisely chosen exer- cises." Mr. Horsfall characteristically ends by saying that he is old-fashioned enough to be con- vinoed that some clear religious knowledge it necessary even for the maintenance of physical health.

THE Emperor of Japan draws a regular salary from the treasury of £ 600,000, and out of this he is expected to pay the expenses of his household. His private fortune is not supposed to be used for the purpose of keeping up his state, and since the Emperor is of a frugal mind the sum answers its purpose fully. THE British crown is made up of diamond^ rubies, sapphires, pearls, and emeralds, set in silver and gold bands. It weighs 39oz. and 5dwt. troy. In it there are 3,452 diamonds, 271 pearls, 9 rubies, 17 sapphires, and 11 emeralds. CANADA has forests which, at the present rate of consumption of timber for paper, will supply the world with paper pulp for 840 year*

I THE LARGEST BUILDING. St. Peter's is the biggest building in the world. St. Paul's could be placed inside the great cathe- dral of Rome without blocking the way through. St. Peter's stands on an area of 240,000 square feet, with a front 400ft. broad, and a length in- side of 600ft. The cost of building the cathedral was P,5,500,000 sferling-five times the cost of St. Paul's. The Vatican, which can hardly be sailed a single building, has 11,000 apartments, approached by 200 staircases; and there is a monastery in Madrid which has 12,000 windows and doors. But they can hardly be called single. buildings; and, bearing this distinction in mind, the biggest building in the world is the church of the Pope at Rome. 4

POISON IN FAMILIAB PLANTS. The berries of the yew have killed many per- sons, and it is pretty well known nowadays that it is not safe to eat many peach or cherry ker- nels at once. Among the garden plants com- monly in vogue which possess a poisonous nature, botanists mention the jonquil, white hyacinth and snowdrop, the narcissus being also particu* larly deadly—so much so, indeed, that to chew a small piece of one of the bulbs may have fatal results, while the juice of the leaves is an emetic. There is enough opium in red poppies to do mis- chief, and the autumn crocus, if the blossom* are chewed, cause illness. The lobelias are all dangerous, their Juice, if swallowed, producing giddiness with pains in the head. Lady's slipper poisons in the same way, as does poison ivy. The bulbs seem to be most harmful. Lilies-of-th»-▼*]. ley are also as poisonous. The leaTea and flowers of the oleander are deadly, and the but of the catalpa tree Is very mischievous. The water dropwort when not in flower tmmbko eelerJ aad is virulent.

A National Address. In another column we give the letter written by the Duke of Somerset to Vis- count Milner when he forwarded to him the extensively-signed list of adult males, numbering over 370,000, who sponta- neously recorded their high appreciation of his lordship's services in Africa to the Crown and Empire, and Lord Milner's grateful response thereto. Both letters are of the highest Imperial importance. The address, which at Lord Milner's ex- press request was presented privately, is unique, and the signatories, classified at an infinite amount of pains, are represent tatives of every walk of life. It was eminently suitable, too, that the idea of the address, which is well described as "an experiment in spontaneity," should have originated with Sir Bartle Frere, the bearer of a name honoured in the annals of South Africa and the Empire, the son of one whose treatment by a former Radical Government has left a stain upon the escutcheon of England. A great and devoted public man had been slandered and maligned by a noisy and ill-informed section of Englishmen with anti-English prejudices, and it was felt that something must be done to allay public indignation and raise I AN EFFECTIVE PROTEST. Various suggestions of costly gifts and of a great public demonstration were forthcoming, but Lord Milner resolutely set his face against them all, and it was then that Sir Bartle Frere, without putting any machinery in motion, con- ceived the happy plan of issuing forms which could be obtained at his private residence. Applications for forms rolled in apace, and thousands, aye tens of thousands, of Englishmen hastened to append their names and to do honour to one who, under circumstances of un- precedented stress and difficulty, has served our Sovereign and Empire with the highest ability and zeal. In his reply, Lord Milner modestly said he was fully aware that he owed that great testimony of respect and good will from hundreds of thousands of his fellow- countrymen much less to any merit of his own than to the resentment felt at some of the attacks made upon him, which were regarded not only as unfair to the particular individual who was sub- jected to them, but injurious to the public service generally. Sir Edward Grey but recently emphasized the same fact when he said that if the men on the spot were to be wantonly and falsely attacked for the performance of their duty it would be IMPOSS^SLTE TO COTJDXTCT THE 1 BUSINESS of the British Empire. The sheets of signatures, handsomely bound in about 30 volumes, and a small casket con- taining a short record of the whole in- scribed on silver tablets were forwarded to his lordship, with a Natal address signed by nearly 3,000 white men, bear- ing the following words :— We, the signatories hereto, being residents in the Colony of Natal, desire to express our appreciation of the great services rendered to South Africa and the Empire by Viscount Milner, and to place on record our conviction that, by his untiring devotion and conspicuous ability, this country was enabled to surmount the greatest crisis in its history. Cape Colony is sending a separate address containing over 20,000 signatures. Sir John Furley, C.B., and Mr. Campbell Dauncey were joint hon. secretaries with Sir Bartle Frere in the patriotic move- ment, and a small and devoted clerical staff rendered valuable service gratui- tously.

NOTES BY "OBSERVER." [We do not necessarily endorse all of correspondent writes.-ED. "(j.O-)P] USK FLOWER SHOW. We are now in the midst of the season of Flower Shows. Many have already been held in the county, with much success from all points of view, and among the prize-takers I have noted with pleasure the names of professional, amateur, and cottage gardeners of the district, whose specially great day it will be next Thurs- day, when Usk will hold its eighth annual exhibition, for which all classes have been pre- paring with the usual zest, so that the competi- tive battles in the various classes may be expected to be fought as keenly as ever* This is as it should be, for while it is produc- tive of all-round improvement and development in the world of flowers, fruit, and vegetables, thereby fulfilling the aim and object of the Society, it also commands the continued finan- cial support which has hitherto been so gener- ously granted to the show by the residents of the district. < The Cricket Field will again be the pic- turesque venue of the meeting, and, given fine weather, there should once more be a bumper gate and a good balance to carry forward. To ensure the attendance of the general public, the Committee wisely do not rely altogether upon the display of nature's wealth in the par* ticular forms with which they have to deal, cultivated under the best attainable conditions. They recognise that many cannot enter the sacred precincts of the enthusiasts' world and extract delight from viewing, judging, and ap- preciating the respective exhibits at the true worth experience has taught the gardener to set upon them or, if they can, the Committee know that there are many not able to attend until late in the dav. So to meet both classes and entice all, the day's programme includes two free entertainments—this year to be given by a marvellous wizard, Prince Omar Hassan by name, whose advertised powers are astound- in-as well as dancing to the strains of the Volunteer Band. Townspeople, one and all, will hope for a fine day and a most successful show from all points of view' it Entries closed on Thursday, and it is gratify- ing to hear that they continue to increase in number-580 as against 520 last year. VACCINATION. For the third year in succession, Dr. G. Harrison Jenkins, the public vaccinator for the district, has been awarded the extra Govern- ment grant for successful vaccination. USK'S SANITARY STATUS. Usk occupies a proud position in the "Sanitary Review of the County," annually presented by Dr T Hall Redwood, F.R.S.I., Chairman of the County Sanitary Committee to his Council. The work is compiled from the annual reports of the medical officers. # The paragraph dealing with Usk states:— There were no deaths from zymotic or tuber- cular diseases, and the rate under five years of age was the lowest in the County. Only one case of infectious disease (typhoid fever) was notified, and that occurred in the Prison, and was contracted outside the district. The sewers and filtration beds are all work- ing satisfactorily, with the exception that there are no means of ventilating or flushino, the former The water supply is good and abun- dant, and mnny cottages (43) that used to depend on weUs. &c for all purposes have it now laid on. We hope the use of wells and rain water will be entirely abandoned, and Waterworks water substituted throughout the district. House accommodation has been improved j by the addition of new cottages, but more are required in order that several blocks of old, un- healthy ones may be effectively dealt with—re- built." It may be added that the death-rate (at all ages) was also the lowest in the County. Amongst the things to which special attention is drawn is "To the desirability of more frequent visiting of cowsheds and milkshops, and the more strict carrying out of regulations as to air space, ventilation, drainage, water supply, and cleanli- ness in and about them." USK FARMERS' CLUB. Attention might now fittingly be drawn to the programme of the above Club for the year. The annual show is fixed for the 27th September, and the schedule of prizes therefor is practically the same as last year's. As a result of the movement inaugurated by Mr S. T. Griffin, C.C., there will also be a return to a ploughing match, &c., 'which will be txeld at Tjla.vica.yo Farm, near TJsk, by the kihd invitation of Mr J. James, on another date, viz., Friday, October 19th, for which several special subscriptions have been obtained in addition to the amount set aside by the Club for the purpose of carrying out the programme. There are four ploughing and two hedging classes, the prizes amounting in value to £ 20 2s. and X3 10s. respectively. The schedule will shortly be issued. USK FOOTBALL CLUB. The Committee appointed at the general meeting last week to arrange for a local sports meeting in aid of the funds of the above Club have been hard at work since, and have already met with encouraging support. They have fixed the date for September 5th, and have engaged the Usk Volunteer Band. It is hoped that the Cricket Club will grant the sister club the use of their field for the event. ..J v

USK. Agent-Mrs. E. K. Jones, Stationer TEA ON THE CASTLB.-On Wednesday the members of the Twyn Congregational Chapel, Usk, held their annual tea on Usk Castle in delightful weather. There was a good attendance, and after tea all kinds of games, &c., were indulged iu, and a happy time was spent. LOCAL ATHLETES.—At Swansea, on Monday, Arthur Weare ran second in the 220 yards flat (Welsh Championship); and at Blaenavon, on the same day Harold Morgan ran second in the 120 yards flat handicap. On Tuesday, at Aberga- venny, A. Weare ran third in the 120 yards flat handicap. BANK HOLIDAY.—There was a very large influx of visitors to Usk on Monday, many no doubt being drawn from the Pontypool district by the fact that the Band of the 3rd V.BS.W.B. (Bandmaster Roderick) was playing within the walls of the ancient castle. Ideal summer weather prevailed. The sun was exceptionally powerful, and there was little or no breeze to temper its rays and make it a little less uncomfortably hot. Usk Cricket Club played the Cardiff Y.M.C.A. Cricket Club, on the picturesque Usk ground, and the game had its share of attention. — USK CHURCH BAZAAR. I On Thursday, Usk National Schools were con- verted into a picturesque, prettily decorated bazaar, filled with all kinds of good things wherem with to lure from the pockets of visitors all the money they carried with them. The cause, as usual, was a very meritorious and praiseworthy one-the raising of funds to provide a new heating apparatus for the Parish Church, which last winter's experiences of the clergy and congrega- tion demonstrated is much needed. Mrs Mitchell, of Llanfrechfa Grange, was advertised to perform the opening ceremony, but she was prevented attending, and Mrs Godfrey Williams kindly stepped into the breach and acted in her stead. Punctually at 3 p.m., the Rector (Rev P. L. C. Nash), accompanied by Lieutenant-Colonel and Mrs Godfrey Williams, and surrounded by a fairly large company, made a few introductory remarks. He said: I need not explain to you the object for which we have met together; the stalls explain that sufficiently, and show the energy and zeal with which the stall-holders and Church workers have carried out their intentions. We have not yet decided upon the exact method by which we shall heat the Church, and, therefore, we have not drawn up any plans, but I imagine the cost of the apparatus will be from 1150 to 9200. I hope that we may realize a sum to-day which will enable as to shortly begin the work. We often hear of cold hands and a warm heart." I do not know whether that applies to cold feet. In any case, I think you will all agree with me that our Church does need better warming, and that we cannot gire the attention we should, to the worship of our heavenly Father without a certain amount of warmth. YOll are aware that Mrs Mitcbell had kindly undertaken to open the bazaar, but through unforeseen circumstances she has been unable to fulfil her engagement. She has, however, sent a token of her interest and goodwill in the shape of a cheque for .£3. (Applause). To Mrs Mansel also they were indebted for another of one guinea. (Applause.) Mrs Godfrey Williams needs no introduction to you-she comes amongst us as an old friend --and I must express my gratitude to her for kindly consenting, at very short notice, to open the bazaar. (Applause.) Mrs Godfrey Williams then said she had very great pleasure in declaring the bazaar open, and expressed the hope that it would be a very great success. (Hear, hear, and applause). Miss Hilda Watkins (the little daughter of Mr A. H. Watkins, one of the Churchwardens) then presented a beautiful basket of flowers to Mrs Williams, which she graciously accepted and acknowledged. Business then opened briskly. The new boys' room was utilized for the stalls, which were five in number, and looked very pretty, draped in art muslin, with the wares tastefully displayed. Mr H. Freeman superintended the erection of the stalls (the work being done by Messrs. Clift and Jones) and assisted in the decoration of the room, Mr Joseph Chilton putting up the flags and banners. The decorative plants were lent by Deaconess Eleanor and Mr Freeman, and Mr J. O. Watkins, with the aid of some of these and rustic bark, provided a realistic fishpond in one corner of the room. The tea room adjoined, and had been charmingly arranged by Mrs Beasley, with Japanese table covers, and a buffet at one end bearing a heavy load of tempting confections. Beyond that was the concert room, where, in the afternoon and evening, entertainments, organized by Miss Day, were given and children— attired in white, with red, white, and blue sashes, a credit to their parents—gracefully executed the maypole dance, under the direction of Miss Nixon, who is to be congratulated on the success of her labours. Deaconess Eleanor kindly lent the piano for the entertainments, and Sergeant-Instructor Johnston tastefully arranged the platform. The programmes were Afternoon Pianoforte duet, Madeline Sweet and Kathleen Haynes; song. "Auntie," Misis Slade; recitation, Gemini et Virgo," Colonel Williams vocal duet, "Where are you going to (encore), Berys Hoare and Jack Hughes; song, Lucky Jim," Rev H. A. Williams; dialogue, "Betty," Mioses Ethel and Dilla Morgan. Evening-pianof-rte solo, Miss F. Knapp; song, "Tatters," Miss Slade; song, "Marching along," Dr Hackett; duet (encored), B. Hoare and J. Hughes; recitation, Colonel Williams; Sketch, Love in the Kitchen," Misses Flossie Williams and V. Davies, Messrs. Arthur Lucas, Frank Lucas, and Ernest Whitton. The credit of the decoration and arrangement of the stalls is due to the stall-holders, who, with their assistants, were as follow: Useful stall:—Mrs Rickards, assisted by Mrs W. Phillips, Mrs A. H. Watkins, and Miss Radford. Fancy needlework :-Mrs Freeman, assisted by Miss Cooke, Miss Kirkpatrick, and Miss Charles. FancyMrs Mundy, assisted by Mrs Wright and Miss Mundy. Dolls :-Miss Carbonell, assisted by Miss Nixon. Fruit, flowers, poultry, &c. :-Miss Phillips (Bridge-street), assisted by Miss Phillips (Myrtle Villa), Mrs William Marfell, and Miss Marfell. Cake com,etitioti -Nirs Boaltou. Fishpond Miss Boulton. Tearoom:—Mrs R. St. John Beasley, assisted by Mrs Ward, Mrs Francis, Miss Reynolds, Miss Holder, and the Misses Davies. Mrs Ward won the cake competition, the weight being 11 lbs. 13 ozs. It is estimated that the receipts amounted to about X60. P;t

TRDEUNNOCK. A COMPLAINT.—At a meeting of the Mafgor R.D.C., at Newport, on Wednesday, it was reported that the United Fishery Association bad written with reference to the bad state of the steps near the Bridge Inn, Tredunn^ck.—Mr Keene (surveyor), said the steps belonged to Mr Hanbury, of Pontypool Park, and the Council had never repaired th-.m. A letter to this effect has been sent to Mr Horace Lyne, the clerk to the United Fishery Association.

Mr F. T. Bircham's Successor. The Daily Chronicle" announces that Mr H. R. Williams, one of the Local Government Board auditors, haa been appointed Poor-law inspector for Wales, in succession to Mr F. T. Sifcham.