We take a look at the Free Press stories featured in the paper on February 10, 1936

Monmouth Well-Behaved

At the annual Licensing Sessions at Monmouth, the Mayor, Councillor Owen Jones, commended the residents for the way they had behaved during the year. The report of Superintendent J Lewis showed that only four persons had been proceeded against for drunkenness, and one only was a resident. “The other three came into the town drunk,” said the superintendent. The magistrates, said the Mayor, congratulated the licensees.

“I think,” he added, “it is unique to have only four persons brought up for drunkenness out of 4,731. We can congratulate ourselves that we have such a splendidly-conducted town.”

Farmers warned of illegal practice

A complaint that some Monmouthshire farmers were allowing men to sleep in barns and huts was made at Magor and St Mellons Rural District Council, when Mr H Harris (Henllys) asked if the council had any power to stop the practice. “Strappers we call them,” he said “and I know definitely that there is quite a lot of this sort of thing going on in various parts of the county.” The chairman, Mr W H Williams: “It is wrong. It is a contravention of the Housing Act.” The Sanitory Inspector, Mr T O Lewis, said that he would make investigations if the particulars were given him. Mr Harris: I am not going to give any names, but the practice is going on.

Proposed Water Main

Mr H J Ward, Inspector to Chepstow Rural District Council, attended a parish meeting at Portskewett, and gave details of a proposed new water main to be laid from Sudbrook to Portskewett, Caldicot and Undy, and revealed to what extent Portskewett parish was affected. Replying to questions, Mr Ward said the estimated cost to Portskewett in respect of conversions and the construction of a small reservoir to serve Ifton Hill and Leechpool was £250. There had been a deficit on the water supply for five years. If asked, the GWR would be prepared to instal pumps and ask for a yearly revenue of £90 to be raised either by increased consumption or increased water charges.

Linen Guild’s Efforts

The valuable work done by the Linen Guild of Abergavenny Hospital, was to be seen by the excellent clothing, needlework, and sewing on view at the annual meeting of the Guild held at the Town Hall, Abergavenny. The Guild supply the whole of the linen required by the hospital.

The Guild have now been established ten years. Lady Herbert, Coldbrook Park, who takes a special interest in the hospital, presided.

Mrs J R Jacob, Hon Secretary in her annual report stated that the Guild had made excellent progress during the time it had been in existence. The membership was about 300, and the increase was largely due to the number who had joined from the county district. Valuable help had been given by the Women’s Institutes. Their efforts had almost amounted to rivalry, but the result had been excellent for the hospital. Last year 300 articles were given. She would be glad to receive the names of anyone who would like to join the Guild. Mrs Jacob thanked the Matron, who was the Hon Treasurer, the members of the Guild, and all those who had helped.

Will Bring Trade and Prosperity

Further support of the Severn Bridge has been given by the South Wales and West of England Division of the Commercial Motor Users’ Association. They maintain that the bridge would be a great benefit to commercial interests and have passed the following resolution: “That in the opinion of the members of the Commercial Motor Users Association, being operators of both passenger and goods vehicles in South Wales.”