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

I LLANGIBBY. I Agent-Mi-a Williams. Llangibby Village. OBITUARY.—We regret to record the death, which took place on Sunday evening, of Mr Edwin Hrephens, of, Whi ecrOllS, Hereford Mr Stephens was a son of the late Mr Joseph Stnphens, and was b »rn and educated in Hereford. He was admitted as a solicitor in 1888. and had been a partner in the firni of Lamb nnd Stephens. He married in 1892, Mary, daughter of the late Mr William Williams, of Cefn Llech, Monmouthshire. He always took a deep interest in Friendly Societies, and held offices in c, itinection wi h the Freemasons, the Green Dragon Friendly Society, and the Odd- fellows. He had been a member of the Hereford Town Council since 1903, and had done good work on the Education Committee. —

I MONMOUTH. P. igtAi* Hr. J. G. Jones, 24, Church Street, Monwyuth. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING. The subject of Jones's Charity came before the Council again at Tuesday's meeting, when a letter was read from the Gloucestershire County Council suggesting a joint conference at Monmouth next week on the whole subject, of the charity. The letter denied that the council's recent action was antagonistic to Monmouth. Their object was to secure the fixed prop rtion of one-sixth of the charity funds for charitable purposes in which the adjoining oounties might share. Mr K. Hall proposed that the invitation be declined, on the ground that Herefordshire bad no claim on the charity, and Gloucestershire only in respect of a few alms-houses at Newland, and outside interference should ba discouraged. Alderman Ho wee seconded, rem>ukit>g that M >nmo«ith iiii not receive what it was entitled to out of its birthright. Alderman Vizard moved that the invitation be accepted. He agreed as to the small claim of Gloucestershire on the charity, but did not consider it was right that every time Monmouth -anterl additional funds they should go cap in hand and on bended knee to the county council to beg. (Hear, hear.) If by joining with Gloucester- shire they could secure a nlodificarion or repeal of those clauses in the scheme of 1891 he would not regret their action. The Town Clerk and others spoke, and the amendment was carried by ten votes to three. The Mayor (the Hon J. M. Rolls), Alderman Vizard, M r K. Hall. and the T iwn Clerk were appointed delegates to the conference.

BALLOONING PARTY AT THE HENDRE. Lord and Lady Llangattock entertained a large ballooning party at The Handre during Easter, among the guests being Colonel Capper, R.E., Chief of the Balloon Department at Aldershot, and Mrs Capper, the Hon Mrs Harbord, Professor Huntingdon, Mr and Mrs Moore-Brabazon, the Hou Mrs Bruce, Mr Ker Seymour, Mr Frank Butler, and the Hon 0. S. Rolls, under whose directions the ascents were made. Messrs. Short Brothers, of Bermondsey, had charge of the preparations, which took place in a field near the Monmouth Gas Works, and were watched by a large crowd with considerable interest. On Saturday the balloons used were the Midget, of 17,000 cubic feet capacity, described as the smallest balloon in England, made of Japanese silk, and owned by the Hon C. S. Rolls, and the Venus, of 42,000 cubic feet capacity, belonging to the Hon. C. S. Rolls, Mr Moore-Brabazon, and Mr Warwick J. Wright, and which had previously taken part in several races in this country. The Midget was the fust to ascend, and the car was occupied by Colonel Capper and Mr Moore-Brabazon. There was a slight southerly breeze, which took the balloon over Herefordshire, ultimately descending in safety about seven miles north-eastlof Malvern. The Venus, the car of which contained the Hon C. 8. Rolls, Mr Ker Seymour, the Hon Mrs Bruce, and Mrs Moore-Brabazon. made an equally successful ascent, and slighter near Kidder- minster. Colonel Capper told a correspondent of The Daily Telegraph, on his return to The Hendre, that after a good send-off the Midget rose to a height of about 2,500ft, and followed the course of the Valley of the Wye, with its beautiful scenery. The temperature and the conditions generally were delightful. After they had travelled about seven miles they saw the other balloon start, and with the object of affording the Venus an opportunity to overtake them they came down and trailed for a time. This, however, proved rather extravagant in the matter of ballast, of which they had not a large supply, and eventually the Midget went up again, reaching a height of about 7,000it. Motor- cars had been despatched to follow the course of the balloons, but as they could see no trace of them the occupants of the Midget decided to descend, and the balloon alighted near Great Malvern. A pony and trap was hired to take the balloon to the station, and on the way the aeronauts were picked up by one of the motor-cars. While we were packing up," added Colonel Capper, the Venus passed over our heads at a probable height of about 900ft, showing that it had travelled practically the same course." A telegram received at The Hendre later in the evening announced the safe descent of the Venus near Kidder- minster. On Easter Monday some hundreds of persons witnessed the ascents, and amidst great cheering Lord and Lady Llangattock entered the car of the Nebula and attained a higher altitude than they had previously experienced. The final ascent was made at one o'clock, the occupants being the Hon. C. S. Rolls, the Hon. J. M. Rolls (Mayor of Monmouth), the Hon. Mrs Assheton Harbord (the owner of the balloon), Miss Clayton East, and Mr Claud Compton. The balloon ascended almost perpendicularly to a hight of 2,000ft, and after hovering over the Forest of Dean it rose to a height of 5,000ft, where a sharp current took it over Herefordshire.

NEWPORT. Ageno-Ressrr Greenland and Co., High Street. OUTBRBAK OF Fip-B.-About halt-past nine on Sunday night the Newport Fire Brigade had a call to the new premises of Messrs. Boots, chemists, at the corner of Commercial-street and Corn-street. But for the prompt discovery by the police and the equally prompt response of the brigade a serious fire might have resulted. While the brigade were on the premises the caretaker, John Price, returned, and the outbreak in the kitchen was explained by the fact that before he went to the post-office the caretaker put some cat's-meat to boil upon the gas cooker. This had boiled over, and the fat got in contact with the gas flames. The fire was quickly put out. PLEASURE STBAMBR AGROUND.—On Easter Mon- day, Messrs. Campbell's pleasure steamer Albion, from Newport to Bristol and Ilfracombe, with about 350 passengers on board, went ashore in a dense fog just below the Black Nore Light, off Portishead. The Albion struck the gravel close to the Nautical School, and the passengers were removed by a staging being put out to shore. They were taken on to Bristol later by an ordinary train, and arrangements were made to convey them back to Newport. There were no casualties. The Albion was floated on the evening tide, by the aid of tugs, and taken to Avonmoutll. She was only slightly injured. FUNERAL OF MR CLARENCB FORBSTIBR- WALKER. -The death occurred in London, on Holy Thurs- day of Mr Clarence Forestier-Walker, third son of the'late Sir George Walker, ofCastleton, brother of the present baronet and nephew of Lord Tredegar. The deceased gentleman, who was in his 50th year, died from pneumonia following influenza. Interment took place at Marshfield on Tuesday afternoon, and were of a private character. In the absence of the Vicar, the Rev H. G. Stanley, curate officiated, and amongst those who attended the funeral were:—Lord Tredegar, Sir George and Lady Forestier-Walker, Mr Radzwill Forestier-Walker, Mr Iv .r F restier-Walk«r, M. Devereux F irea ier-Walker. Mr Leolin Forestier- Walker, Captain R .lan<! Forestier-Walker, aud VIr Charles F.,restier- Walker (brothers of th.- deceased), Miss C Forestier-Walker, Mr Edmund Forestier. Walker (cousin), and Mr Godfrey Clark (btother-in-law). There were a large number of beautiful floral tributes, one. in the form of a large Maltese cross, being especially noticeable.

I PONTYPOOL. )igtnU—Ur Fieldhouse, and Mr G. H Churchill, The Market itexir*. KdtnirJs and Mr Nickels. New Inn. WOMAN'S ARM CRUSHED.—Mrs Morgan, a widow of 19, Uniin-street, Abersvcban, and who for some time past has been ensag^d fit the P mtvpool and District Laundry, had her arm badly crnshed bv some machinery while she was followine her employment on Thursday. She was takpn to the Pontvronol and District Hospital, where she was attended bv Dr Ha,-Iett. STOCK PATIt.-Ai)ril stock fair was held on Tuesday, when there was a good attendance but: a small amount of stock on offer. Horses were the best class, althonah good animals were scarce These were readilv bought uo at prices ranging between E20 and £ 30. and a few uillpfnl under- ground horses sold from B30 to £40. There wa" a poor displav nf cattle, and no demand for stnre animals Milking cows. which were verv scarce. pold rapidly, and the price obtained for cows with calves ranged between 13gs. and lRaR. Sheep and pigs were entirely absent, the latter being kept away in consequence of swine fever. Nw RBADING-RoOM FOR GA'R?;T)TF FAITH. The committee of the Garndiffaith I"stitnte have met for the purpose of forming a sehemp t,, raise money for the new institute. It was arranged to raise a large amount: of the monpy in :Cl tibarer. There iQ something like £101 alreadv in hand, and a prospect of a large number of shares being taken np by the members a"d others Mr A. T). Williams was ipoointed joint secretary with Mr D. Creese. The committee are trying to meet the lonsr-felt wants of the neighbourhood by providing a public-hall with their new institute. Under. neath the hall on the ground floor will be a bill iarl-r,,orn and reaHine-room. BOARD OF GUARDIANS—At the meeting on Thursday week, Mr W. P. James, Abersychan, presided, and moved a vote of condolence with the widow and relatives of the late Mr W. L. Pratt, J.P.. of Pontnewynydd, by whose death, he said, the Board had lost its oldest member, not only in years, but also in service. The vote was carried in silence.—Mr T. M. Wintle called attention to the advisability of the accounts being paid monthly instead of quarterly, as at present. Under the existing conditions it was very difficult for small tradesmen to tender. He thought the Clerk should be asked to prepare a report as to the advisability of the suggested change.—Lieut.- Colonel D. E. Williams. Panteg, said that while he agreed with the suggested alteration he would point out that if that plan were adopted it would largely increase the work of the Clerk.

USK. PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY. Before H. HUMPHREYS, EQq. (chairman), and S. A. HILBY, Esq. A SATURDAY NIGHT ASSAULT. Jesse Madley, junr, wood turner, Usk, was summoned for assaulting James Henry Knight, master wood turner, at Usk, on the 23rd March, and there was a cross-summons. James Henry Knight said that on the date in question he came into town and it came to his knowledge that Madley had been speaking against his family. He was on his way home, after 11 o'clock at sight, with his wife, when he saw Madley on the Twyn corner. Witness told his wife to go on up the road a little. and he then went to talk to Madley. He asked him what he had to say about his (Knight's) family. Madley replied that they were no good. ce What do you mean by no good ?' witness asked. Well, they're no good," again responded Madley. Am I no good?" witness queried, and the answer came "No, you're not." Witness then said that, perhaps, they had better see about it, and Madley said, All right; come on." Witness was wearing an overcoat, and that he took off and hung on the Bank railings. He then went out to Madley and faced him. Madley put his right hand in his pocket and taking out a bottle of beer struck him over the head with it. Witness fell stunned, and when he "came to" he found Madley on top of him punching his face. Two of his teeth were loosened. P.O. Hayward then came up and took him to Dr Jenkins' surgery, where the wound on his head was dressed. Cross-examined, witness denied that he struck Madley in the face to start with. It was a lie to say that be did. He did not ask his wife to hold his coat while he had a "pop" at him (Madley). They did not fall down together. The beer bottle did not fall out of Madley's pocket; Madley took it out and struck him with it. Agnes Louisa Knight, wife of the complainant, corroborated his evidence. After she had gone up the road a little, she said, she beard a tremendous thud and a smashing of glass. She stayed where she was a second or two and then heard her husband groaning, so she went back and found Madley kneeling on Knight and punching him. She called Madley a coward and told him to get off her husband, who was subsequently taken to Dr Jenkins' surgery. Cross-examined She did not see them both fighting on the ground. P.C. Hayward said that about 11.30 p.m. on the 23rd March he was on duty in Castle Parade when he heard some quarrelling. He went up to the men and found Madley and Knight on the ground struggling and fighting with each other. There was a broken bottle with the glass on the ground, and over that the men were falling. He had heard the smashing of glass before he went down to them. Knight had a nasty wound on the head, and he advised him to have it seen to by Dr Jenkins Madley also was cut about the fingers. Knight said, "I asked Madley to come out and fight fair and square, and this is what he has done for me. He has struck me with a bottle." Madley said "I did not strike you with the bottle. It fell out of my pocket." j By Knight: There was beer on Knight's cap, I and it smelt of it. I Jesse Madley then took the oath, and said that he was standing on the corner by the Jubilee clock when Knight and his wife came up. Witness did not say a word, but Knight asked him, Am I any good ? Witness replied, I don't see you any better than anybody else." Knight then hit him in the face with his fist, and his wife coming over, Knight asked her to hold his coat while he had a "pop" at witneqp. Witness hit back at Knight, and the bottle of beer fell out of his pocket, and they both fell to the ground and on it, thereby causing the wound on Knight's head and a cut on witness's finger. Knight said this story was all lies, and reiterated that Madley struck him with the bottle, which was the first blow of the affair. Addressing the Bench at the conclusion, Knight asked them to consider that he had been living in the town close on 20 years and had never been summoned before, and to dismiss the charge against him and allow him to leave the Court without a stain on his character. He asked them also to consider their different characters. Madley had been before the magistrates on occasions before. In the result, the Chairman said the summons against Knight would be dismissed. As to Madley, the Bench thought he was guilty to a certain extent, and he must pay a fine of 10s inclusive. I WITHDRAWN. I Alfred Jones, carpenter, Llangwm, had been summoned by Harriet Evans, single woman, of The Steps Farm, Gwernesney, to show cause, &c. Mr W. J. Everett, solicitor, Pontypool, appeared for the complainant, and Mr Lyndon Cooper, solicitor, Newport, for the defendant.. Mr Everett asked for permission to withdraw the summons af'er an arrangement had been arrived it with Mr Lyndou Cooper, and the Benck assented. [HAROLD A. WILLIAMS, Esq., now joined the other magistrates on the Bench.] I OLD METAL DEALER* 8 OFFEVCB. Henry Hillman, an old metal dealer, of New- oort, was summoned for unlawfully purchasing- 401bs of lead, contrary to the provisions of the Prevention of Crimes Act, 1871, at Usk, on the 26th Marcb. Defendant admitted that he was aware ho "h 'uld not buy le-i; than a hundred weight, but said the purchase of the lead from Mr J. Haggett, Usk, was made not for the purpose of getting old metal, but, in order to re-fix the w.c., of which it formed a part. P C. Charles Cleave, of Caerleon, spoke to Over- hauling defendant's cart on the Usk-road, Caerleon, and finding the lead produced therein. After a conversathn, witness retained the lead, and told defendant that he should report him. Defendant said he was that day having the remainder of the stuff purchased from Mr Haggett, wh,i c.,uld not attend the Court that day in con- sequence of his suffering from rheumatism. The Chairman, in ordering Hillman to pay the c.sts (4s). said he was liable to a fine of 45, and he must take this as a warning not to offend again.

ABERGAVENNY. POLICE COURT, WEDNESDAY. ASSAULT. Frank Taylor, grocer's carter, Jadah-street, Abergavenny, was summoned by Beatrice James, who lives at the Somerset Inn, for assaulting her by dealing her a severe blow as the result of some sharp words between the two. Defendant deniecl having struck James, but admitted having pushed her. The reason he did that was that she pro- voked him by saying certain things about his, sister.—Defendant was fined 5s.

-11 USK EASTER VEST Li Y MEETING. This meeting wa« hel in the vestry of the | Pariah Church <-n Thursday evening, the Rector (Rev P. L. C. Nash) p>e-iding. There were present:—Rev A. S. Morgan (curate), Miss Clark, Miss Winter, Messrs H Humphreys, J P., E. L. Harvie, J. H. Olark (recf<>r's warden), A. H, ^atkine (people's warden), G. Mundy, J. Charles, Ti Sage, T. Rees, A. J. Odam, F. Williams, H, Freeman, J. A. Williame, T. Knight, J. Powell, W. Marffll, T. W. Brooke, W. F. Roberts, T. j Jones, J. O. Watkins. J. Symonds, A. Symonds. B. Stone, W. R. Martin, J. H. Salter, &c. I THB CHURCHWARDENS' ACCOUNTS. Mr A. H. Watkins, as people's warden, presented {v4he balance sheet as fllow*:— BBCMFTS. RECEIPTS. £ 8. d. Collections and donations during the year 105 19 11 Collecting box e if *1 Hospital collection « •balance ° 9118 12 9 BXPENDITURE. £ s. d. Balance last year. 3 1 0 Cleaning Church 7 14 0 Sacramental wine 1 15 0 Visitation fees 0 10 0 c -i Washintr surplices 1 1 0 Gas, coke, and fuel 10 510 Insurance. • •• 4 0 6 Water rate 0 12 6 Cleaning Churchyard, &c. 7 8 0 Repaid to structure 3 5 7 Repairs to bells 0 5 0 Repairs to organ 2 5 0 New step ladder 0 13 9 Organist's salary. 27 10 0 Blower's salary 2 10 0 Hymn Books, &c. 1 17 0 Llandaff Choral Association. 1 710 Tuning organ 10 0 0 Printing 0 7 6 Cheques, stamps. 0 5 0 Newport Hospital 5 16 3 Agricultural Benevolent Associa- tion 2 2 0 National Schools. 2 18 4 Ourste Fuvid 1 14 3 Llandaff Diocesan Sunday Fund 1 14 10 Society for the Propagation of the Goi-pel 213 1 Rector's Poor Fund. 5 0 0 Rector's Easter Offering. 919 6 12 9 Mr Watkins made an explanation as to the Masons for their financial position, which was >orse than that at the end of last year. In addition to the balance against them last year, he said, 12s was due for gas, and although they had paid zelo off that account the sum due had ^creased to X14. On the 1st October the church- wardens entered into a fresh arrangement with the Rector by which they were to take all the collections and the Curate Fund responsibilities and allow the Rector JE1 a month for the poor. During the last four or five months the collections W dropped off considerably, but they were now Jeginning to recover again. Then they bad had !° Pay the full amount for tuning the organ, and *°» repairs, whilst they had also bought new hymn &c., and there had been a small increase in ^ther ordinary items. The haulage in connection With the Church path was also extra. It would be lee, therefore, that their position was more than Accounted for by the extra payments they had bad to meet. He would like to justify the position he took up with regard to the incandescent lighting of the Church and the expenditure on the gas Ittings. The difference between the gas bill in 904 and in 1906 was X4 3s lOd, and be thought tbat must be conceded to be a good return on their expenditure of about £ 20. Mr T. Jones: Then the actual adverse balance 18 20 98 ad. -«I Mr Watkins: Yes, I think those are the actual ^gures. In pePjy to another question, Mr Watkins said "the gas fittings bad been practically paid for. Mr Roberts: So that to a certain extent the adverse balance is caused by the expenditure on the gas fittings ? Yes. And we hope to recoup ourselves by tha saving in gas consumption ? Yes, we ought to do so if no extra expenses come; and if the collections increase to the formal average the benefit ought to be con- siderable. In reply to Mr Mundy, Mr Watkins said Nothing was expended on books for the choir in 1905. Mr Mundy Last year they cost j61 17s; Previously the choir bought the books them- selves. Mr Jones said they could not expect the choir «o buy their books. Mr Watkins, again replying to Mr Mundy, said Rector told him Psalters, &c., were required the lads, and the churchwardens had no alternative but to purchase them. Mr Sage thought the least they could do for a ^^utaiy choir was to supply them with r Mr Rees asked if anything was owing on the ^Utate Fund when it was taken over. Mr Watkins: Nothing practically. When the Ccount was made up to the end of December there a balance in hand of something like £ 4, and .hat balance had been practically maintained up °^e present time. Mr Jones moved the adoption of the accounts. Mr Sage, in seconding, said that considering the |°or collections, they were in a very satisfactory fcanciai position. The motion was agreed to. THE CHURCHWARDENS. I +u e Rector thanked the Churchwardens for eir cordial assistance, co-operation, and support «nng the past year. He had always found them j, fy helpful, and he hoped they always would be. H. Clark had kindly promised to act as his M a&ain- lr Mundy proposed the re-election of Mr tto as t'ie PeoPle's warden. They had some Pvements to be carried out in the Church, and the a*"kins had performed his duties so well in f>ro considered h,m he the fit and M* Person continue in office. g* Sage seconded. tt?re t^e proposition was put to the meeting, the ^kins said he did not wish to monopolise -};jaPpointment year after year, thinking it better tthe honour should go round, and if anyone trv Jr Wke to have it he would be only too pleased way for him. here was no amendment, and the proposition as Agreed to. SIDESMEN. bv\ir ProPos^ion Mr Humpereys, seconded James Powell, the following were appointed alclesr,aell.-Messrs. W. Marfell, J. Haggett, W, F. Roberts, T. Jones, J. A. Williams, E. Stone, J. V~.a*les, E. Bowyer, J. Y. Winter, L. R. Lucas, T. d Brooke, E. W. Waters, J. O. Watkins. T. Rees, n a T. Sage. SEXTON. Spends was re-elected sexton on the pro- j^arfel]1 of Mr A. H. Watkins, seconded by Mr THE ORGAN BLOWER. letted Lewis, as organ blower, having applied by of \r S; an ^creased salary, on the proposition decta J Marfell, seconded by Mr Clark, it was a 100^^ g**>t an increase from 4s. 2d. to 5s. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. ^orm T?' Catkins proposed that the Sidesmen Church\^rdn<3e ^omm^tee w^h the Rector and s £ /age seconded, and suggested that they 8tood n^fet °.nce a quarter to see how the accounts show** u ? an to pat them right if they easier *a on the wrong side. It would be and mount a step at a time than to try Mr w i' wbole ladder at the end of the year, the narf f l?s sa^ there was a disinclination on Mr T n committee to meet too often. Ration' su^ested that Mr Sage's sug- should be part of the resolution, but Mr A. H. Watkins objected, pointing out that the churchwardens were the responsible persons, to whose discretions the matter must be referred. He objected to have his hands tied. The Committee was then appointed. I FUTURE VESTRY MEETINGS. Mr Sage referred to the success attending the change from a morning to an evening meeting, and proposed that in future it should be held in a larger room, and better advertised so as to get a still bigger attendance of churchpeople, and more in- terest in church affairs. Mr Harvie seconded, and ii was referred to the Rector and Churchwardens. I THE HEATING QUESTION. Mr A. Symonds asked if there was any prospect of the new heating apparatus for the Church being ready bv next winter. The Rector said they had JE104 in band towards the cost, which was estimated, on the high pressure system, to cost from J6150 to £160. He could not get Mr A. H. Watkins to call the Com- mittee together before that meeting. Mr A. H. Watkins said they had been strongly recommended not to adopt the high pressure system, and the low pressure system installation would cost about €206. He wanted to get in hand something a bit nearer the amount required. The Rector said that perhaps Mr Watkins would reply what effort he had made to get nearer the amount. Mr Watkins: I dont think that comes within ™ Mr° APSymonds asked if they could not get a portion of the work done with the money in hand, and complete the scheme afterwards The Rector said that no doubt a good deal of the scheme could be cut off for the time being. If the Churchwardens would throw themselves into the matter, no doubt the work would be done sooner. Various experiences of the heating of other churches were related by Messrs Sage, Mundy, and Brooke. It anpeared that Mr Watkins had got a specifi- cation from Mr D. J. Lougher, on the low pressure svstem, which the Committee as such had not seen, and the Rector complained that it was unbusiness- like not to call them together to consider the matter. He also argued that instructions were given for particulars to be obtained with regard to the two systems, but Mr Watkins said his recollection was-he had not the minutes now with him-that he was only asked to get. particulars as to the low pressure sys- tem, which Mr Lougher strongly recommended. Mr Marfell said he should like to see the Church- wardens have a balance in hand before starting the work, since there would be upkeep expenses after the installation. Mr Freeman observed that the want of heat pro- bably affected the size of the congregations. Mr Sage thought a special effort should be made to get the money. Mr A. H. Watkins: Now I am with you. You get the money and I will get the apparatus. Mr Sage: I don't mind giving £ 5 towards it. (Applause.) If we can get a few more to give the same we shall soon get the Church heated. The Rector said Mrs Freeman was getting up a sale of work for the cause. The Churchwardens should put their shoulders to the wheel. With re- gard to the current accounts Mr Watkins made no effort until Palm Sunday. How, then, could he expect the accounts to balance 1 Mr Watkins replied that no more of that had better be said, or he should tell the vestry some home truths. Mr Rees thought the Rector ought to couple himself with the Churchwardens in the matter. Mr Roberts considered that too much onus was being cast upon the Churchwardens, who bad had onerous duties to perform during the year, and who had, he thought, done gery well, having car- ried out two or three improvements. The Finance Committee should bear some of the burden, Mr A. H. Watkins said that perhaps the Rector would tell the meeting where the money in hand was. The Rector replied that it was in the London and Provincial Bank, in the names of the Rector and Churchwardens. Mr Watkins: That is more than I knew before. The Rector said that it was known. In the result, it was understood that a meeting of the Heating Committee would be convened soon, PROTEST WITH REGARD TO THE SCHOOLS. Mr, J. H. Clark said that many of them had, no doubt, become acquainted with the heads of Mr McKenna's Education Bill. In Usk they had sup- ported their schools by voluntary subscriptions for a great number of years, and had spent some thousands upon the buildings and in giving their children the education they required. This Bill would take from them all power over the schools, and would penalise them by making them pay extra for religious instruction. The proposition was iniquitous. He moved: That this meeting protests against the passing of Mr McKenna's Edu- cation (Special Religious Instruction) Bill because it legalises lawlessness, endows undenominational- ism at the expense of Churchpeople, and penalises the religious teaching Churchmen desire. Further, that copies of the motion be forwarded to Mr McKenna, Mr Balfour, and Mr L. Haslam. Mr Sage seconded, remarking that at a meeting of Churchpeople it was unnecessary to point out the injustice of the thing, for they recognised the unfair way in which they were treated. The Rector, supporting, said Churchpeople built the schools and they belonged to the Church; Churchpeople, in their taxes, helped to find the education grant; and now they were to be com- pelled to refund 1-15th of the teachers' salaries in respect of religious instruction. This was most unjust. Their buildings were worth a consider- able sum, and Churchpeople had spent something like E5,000 more than they had received from Government grants or any charity. They did not object to the children of Nonconformists being taught according to the wishes of their parents, but they asked that the children of Churchpeop <5* should be taught the religion of their parents in the schools they had themselves provided. If denom- inational teaching was penalised, so also, to be fair, should undenominational teaching. Mr Roberts having also spoken, the resolution was agreed to. ORGANIST AND CKOta. Mr Jones proposed a vote of thanks to the Choir. Mr Sage seconded, and The Rector said be warmly and most cordially ftlr Roberts said the Organist should be included as usual. Mr Jones said that was an omission on his part, and he added it to the proposition, which was then agMrdFreeman asked why at Christmas and TTontfir thev had had no anthem. He had been in rt" town 14 y~» »»4 'T T™ber <* Church, coming there regularly, and thi«was the first time such a thing had happened. What was the cause of it ? n. The Rector: I fancy the organist has not felt able to get an anthem to meet his requirements- to have it rendered in a way to meet his require- ments. He (the Rector) was prepared to have an anthem every Sunday except during such seasons Mr Freeman said that when Miss Merrett was organist they could have an anthem, and if she could prepare one, surely a man with the capa- bilities of Mr Seaton could do so. Personally, he had nothing against him, but he thought it must be gross neglect on Mr Seaton's part. The excuse was disgraceful that simply because one or two men had left the choir they could not have an anthem. The orlyanist could have got other people to fill up the vacancies. Mr Rees: Perhaps you will suggest to Mr Seaton where to get substitutes from. Mr Freeman: He has plenty of opportunities to look for them. Mr Rees: You may think so. The vote of thanks was then agreed to. EASTER OFFERINGS. Mr Watkins then presented the Rector with the Easter offerings. Mr Nash, in response, said the money would be very useful to him just now, as he had sustained a considerable loss by bad debts during the year. He did not quite know what his position would be nor whether he should be able to contrihute so much to the funds as he had done in the past. If it were necessary for him to make a reduction, however, he would give them due notice of the fact. I A FORGOTTEN FUND. A long discussion took place upon the proposi- tion of Mr J. O. Watkins that the Rector should be given permission to take sufficient money from an invested fund of about £ 60—which had accumu- lated for the provision of a parish room-to erect an outside staircase to the Social Club, whose operations and position he described at length. Mr A. Symonds seconded the proposition. The general opinion seemed to be against the vestry meddling with the matter, and an adverse amendment, proposed by Mr Freeman and seconded by Mr Rees, was carried. I MRS. JANE MCGOWAN'S CHARITY, The accounts under the control of the Incumbent and Churchwardens, were presented by Mr J. H. Clark, who has been the distributor of th,, money since the bequest was made, showed a balance in hand of f49 10s. 8d. at the commencement of the year, and of e40 15s. 8d. at the end. The differ- ence, he said, was accounted for by the fact that the interest on Consols had declined. It had been hoped to increase the monthly allowance (13/9) to the twelve recipients, but this would be impossible unless Consols rose. The total income was £ 91. USK ALMSHOUSES, I The accounts in connection with this Charity were forwarded by the Hon. Secretary (Mr J. J Edwards) and showed receipts amounting to .£83 16s lid, made up a f»ll'>ws: -Receipts— balance fr'HD 19115, L12 12s 3d; from Charity Commissioners, on account of interest on EI,389 13a, investe.i in 3 per cent. London County Consolidated Stock, jE41 13s 8d; rents, 27 6s; Tithes returned, J62 6s. Payments-six persons, 13 weeks at 4tJ 6i, ditto, 31 weekn at 4s, and five persons three weeks at 4s, L63 15s; tithes, £ 2 5s; meeting room rent, 10s repairs, t13 8s I Od water rent, El balance in favour, X2 7a 7d.

I CAERLEON. I Agent-Mr Berry, Newsagent, Cross-street. WILLIAMS' CHARITy.-At the annual parish meeting at Llangattock-juxta-Caerleon, Mr Percy Laybourne was re-elected chairman, and Mr W. Williams and Mr Plum were appointed overseers. A long discussion took place with reference to the apportionment of money from Williams Charity, Caerleon, and it was decided to hold a special meeting, on the 10th April, to further consider the question.

CHEPSTOW. I Agent.-Jtiss Clark I PARISH CHURCH RESTORATION FUND.—A sum of £ 70 has been realised by the Vicar of Chepstow's Penny Fund towards the extinction of the debt on the restoration of the Parish Church.

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PONTYPOOL. POLICE COURT, SATURDAY. FURIOUS RIDING. Fred Jones, haulier, and Daniel Jones, collier, both of Garndiffaith, were sutnmonel for riding horses furiously on the highway at Talywain om March 24th. P.C. Vaughan stated that at 4.40 p.m. on the- date named he saw the defendants driving horses through the Bririilh at a hard gallop. Defendants were each fined 5s. ASSAULT CASBS. George Price, collier. Garndiffaith, was sum- moned for assaulting Elijah Buck. his uncle, at Garndiffaith; also with assaulting Sarah Ann Buck, his cousin, at the same time and place. Elijah Buck stated that the defendant, who was lodging at his house, went home in a drunken condition and created a disturbance. The police were called in, and for a time defendant remained quiet. Then he suddenly jumped up and dealt witness a blow in the month, knocking his head back against the wall. Witness's daughter, Sarah Ann Buck, interfered and Price also struck her. Corroborative evidence having oeen given by Sarah Ann Back and Eliza Buck, the defendant was fined 15a on each summons. Amelia Hayles, single, Pontypool, was sum- moned for assaulting Mabel Faulkes, at Pontypool, on March 22nd. Complainant stated that as she was passing the Pontypool Town Hall the defendant struck her in eye and on the back. The blows stunned her. Emily Prosser corroborated. Defendant admitted having struck Faulkes, but added that she did so on account of her having called her an objectionable name. She only struck one blow, and not three, as alleged. Fined 10s. Annie Tottle, married, of Abersychan. was summoned for assaulting Catherine Noakes. Complainant appeared in the witnem-box with a black eye, and said it was the result of a blow struck by defendant. Defendant: No, sir. Her husband gave it her on Monday night. Complainant: Don't tell such lies, you bad, wicked woman. You gave me this. (Laughter.) There was a cross-summons, and Henry Noakes, the husband of one of the women, was also summoned for using threats towards Mrs Tottle. After hearing the evidence, the Bench bound over the women to keep the peace, and ordered them to pay their own costs. STONB THROWING. Enoch Cornfield, of Pontnewynydd, was sum- moned for throwing stones on the highway at New Inn, on March 21st. P.C. Bevan stated that he saw the defendant at Pontypool-road throwing stones with a catapult. The Chairman remarked that stones thrown with a catapult were almost as dangerous as the discharge of a pistol. Defendant would be fined 10s. A BAKER'S LAPSE. Ernest John Farlow, the son of a well-known Pontypool confectioner, and who has for some time been employed as a baker by Mr Francis James, High.street, Pontpool, was charged with stealing three sacks, value la 6d, the property of his employer, on March 22nd. Prosecutor stated that for some time past he had been missing sacks. He identified the three sacks produced as his property. Mr J. E. Maliphant, cashier to Messrs. E. B. Ford and Son, said the son of the defendant went to his office on March 22nd and offered to sell the sack produced. Witness asked him where he had them from, and he replied that his father had brought them from the country. The boy had offered a large number of sacks for sale since January. He asked for Is 3d for the sacks. Witness detained the boy, and acquainted Mr James of the fact that he had brought the sacks to him under suspicious circumstances. Mr James made a few inquiries, and then put the matter ia the hand of the police. P.C. Tiley stated that when he accused Furlow of having stolen the sacks, he replied, I admit it. I am very sorry." Defendant, who pleaded guilty, was fined 40s. ADJOURNED. Albert Talbot, schoolboy, Talywain, was summoned for stealing coal, value 6d, the property of the London and North-Western Railway Company from Talywain on March 9th. Inspector Thompson, of the L.N.W. Railway Company, appeared to prosecute. The case was adjourned for a week in order that the defendant's parents might be present. REMANDED. Henry Bernard, a Griffithstown labourer, wast charged with attempting to criminally assault. girl under the age of thirteen years, named Clara, Elizabeth Westwood, at Griffithstown, on March 1st. P.S. Watkins said that he arrested prisoner early that morning, and charged him with the offence. He replied, I do not understand it at all. It appears to me that they are tryin" to make a bother about nothing." ° Prisoner was remanded for a week. POLICE COURT, WEDNESDAY. ASSAULTING A CHILD. Daniel Thomas, a stoker, employed at tbe- Crumlin Gasworks, was charged with assaulting Elizabeth Wells, aged nine years, on Tuesday. When P.C. Woodman went to arrest him he ran away, but was ultimately caught in a garden. When charged with the alleged offence, prisoner- said, I hope I will have fairplay. I suppose it. shall get six months." He was remanded until Tuesday, at Llanhilletb, bail being allowed.

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