Monday, April 5, 1937

A party of journalists were entertained at the Army Technical School at Beachley on Monday, and they conducted around the establishment to see all it stands for in equipping boys for a military and civil career.

They assembled in the billiards room, where Lieutenant-Colonel P. J. Shears, the Commandant, welcomed them, and said he was happy to show them enough to prove that the school was an answer to the problem that faces parents. They claimed to be able to give boys an opportunity of carving out a first-class career not only in Army life but in civil life.

The school was started in 1923 when it was realised that it would not be possible to obtain competent, skilled tradesmen in sufficient numbers to meet the needs of the Army. The present strength in 780, and entrance is by competitive examination, held every half-year. At the end of the three years the boys are posted to one of the mechanical corps of the Army. They are organised on four companies embracing smiths, electricians, turners and building trades.

The boys have four meals a day, and each company has one half-day a week free. The boys are given 57 days leave each year with pay and rations.

The party included Adjutant-General Sir Harry Knox, a member of the Army Council, Major-General Barker, Director of Recruiting, and Colonel Hughes, of the War Office.

A native of Monmouth

Minister leaves £7,442

Mr John Edwards, of Rectory-avenue, Rochford, Essex, a retired Baptist minister, and a native of Monmouth, who died on February 18, left property of the gross value of £7,442, with net personality £6,395.

He left £100 each to his brother, Thomas Edwards, and Mrs. Mark Williams, £50 to the executor, £500 to Millicent Dickerson, housekeeper, £100 to the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland for the purposes of the Sustentation Fund, £100 to the Baptist Missionary Society, £100 to the Hawkwell Baptist Church, and the residue of the property equally between William Lewis, Kathleen Sarah Griffiths, Rita Williams, and Constance, Dorothy, John and Marjory Phillips.

Abergavenny’s rate reduction decided upon

Abergavenny’s rate for the next half-year will be 8s, 4d., in the £; for the preceding half-year it was 9s, 10d.

The new rate was adopted at a meeting of Abergavenny Town Council.

The Mayor, Lieutenant-Colonel J. G. Bishop, explained that of the 8s, 4d., 6s., 7¾ d. was the only county council rate. The rate in the added area of Abergavenny would be 6s., 8d.

There was a reduction in the Exchequer grant because of a decrease in the population. The Town Hall painting and decorations would cost £200, and the Coronation celebrations £364.

Mr. G. H. Tranter questioned the advisability of levying the rate decided by the Committee, and said the figure had no doubt been arrived at after pruning.

He did not receive the committee’s minutes until last Friday afternoon, and he thought the council should have had more time to consider the matter. He thought it would be advisable for the question to be considered at a special meeting.

The mayor replied that the matter had been carefully considered by the Finance Committee. If necessary, any adjustment could be made when the next rate was made in September.

The rate was adopted.

Central school wanted

A “matter of urgency” at Abergavenny

Monmouthshire Education Committee have been asked by Abergavenny School Managers to treat the provision of a Central School at Abergavenny as a matter of urgency.

The managers ask that arrangements be made for the school to be provided in 1937-39 and not 1938-39. The Sites and Buildings Committee of the County Authority are, however, unable to accede the request.

Beautify the park

Councillor’s plea at Abergavenny

A plea that something should be done to beautify Bailey Park, Abergavenny, was made by Councillor A. Jackson at a meeting of Abergavenny Town Council.

Councillor Jackson contended that the park at present was in a deplorable condition, and that it ought to be laid with flower bed, etc.

Councillor Shapley supported Councillor Jackson, and said that something should be done, especially as the park was visited by tourists and visitors to the town.

Councillor S. D. S. James pointed out that the committee were always prepared to beautify the cemeteries but they did not spend a penny on the park.

Alderman P. Telford, who replied, said the Committee had decided to have the grass cut more often this year, and the park was not to be so much of a hayfield. It was possible the committee would consider planting some flowers in the park.

The matter then ended.