January 11th – Inquest of Emily Griffiths

Child Burnt to Death.

On the morning on Monday last an inquiry touching the death of a little girl, between two and three years of age, named Emily Griffiths, was held at the Nightingale Inn, at this place, before ED Batt, Esq., and a respectable jury.
It would appear that deceased had been left in the house with two other children on the evening of the Saturday previously and, as it is supposed, they commenced playing with the fire, by which some straw, of which it is said a quantity was on the floor, became ignited and the flames communicating with the dress of deceased, the poor little thing became so fearfully burned that death put an end to its suffering at six o’clock on the following morning.
The jury returned a verdict accordance with these facts. We may add that O D Thomas Esq., surgeon, of Pontypool, was early in attendance and found that Miss Byrde of Goytrey House had already administered such aid to the sufferers approved of by medical skill under such circumstances.

January 11th

To be let by tender with possession on the 25th March next, Penwern Farm, situate in the parish of Goytre and within half a mile of Nantyderry Station, comprising 107 acres of dry, arable and pasture land, together with the following newly erected buildings, viz:
An eight roomed dwelling house, barn; waggon house; two granaries; stabling for 5 horses; stalls for tying 24 head of cattle; chaff and root house; and a range of detached buildings, comprising a labourers cottage, barn and stables.
The farm has, for the past ten years, been in the hands of the proprietor, John Logan Esq., and is in a good state of cultivation.
It may be viewed on application to the bailiff, John Williams.

January 11th – Festivities of the Season

William Griffiths was charged with being drunk and riotous at the Goytrey on the night of Christmas-day.
PC Evan Williams (42) deposed that he was on duty on the night mentioned he met defendant in the state described.
Defendant was fined 7s 6d. including costs.

January 15th – Police Court – Theft

John Rawlings, a young man, but an old offender, was charged with stealing an axe and a hand-saw, the property of Wm Morgan at Goytrey, on the 28^th ult.
Complainant stated that he was a woodcutter, and that while at his work in the wood he missed the axe produced, which was his property, from a heap of hurdles. He also missed a hand-saw at the same time and place.
P.C Williams said that he went to the prisoner’s house on the 6^th inst., and charged him with stealing the axe and hand-saw. He produced the axe stating that he had found it on the road.
Prisoner now said that when the constable came to his house he produced that axe, asking him if he knew anyone had lost such a thing, as he had found it on the road.
Prisoner was warned that he must take care for the future, or he would suffer penal servitude, and was committed for two months, with hard labour.

January 18th – Young in Years but Old in Crime.

John Rawlings, the younger, of the Goytrey, who has been committed from this court several times for theft and other offences, was placed before the bench on remand from Monday last to answer the charge of having stolen one axe or hatchet, the property of William Morgan, Goytrey.
The latter said he lost an axe and saw on the 28th of December last, which he had been using in a wood situate near his house at the place already mentioned.
The axe produced was the one he lost and was his property. PC Evan Williams deposed that from information he received he searched the house in which defendant was living and found the hatchet produced, on the 6th inst.
The prisoner said he reached the article down from a shelf in the house and handing it to the policeman he asked him if he knew of any one who had lost such an article.
The chairman reminded the prisoner that he had previously committed from this court several times previously and told him to take care or he would be sent for penal servitude.
He was committed to Usk gaol for two months with hard labour.

January 25th

At Tyvera Farm, Goytrey, January 22nd, of bronchitis, Mr Thomas James aged 75.

January 25th

Colonel Byrde on Tuesday last returned home from India and we are to state, the gallant officer is in good health.

February 22nd – Jenkins, farmer, Goytre v Roberts, Mamhilad

Claim £3 7s 10d for 2 tons and 31/2 cwt of straw at £2 5s a ton. Defendant had received £1 10s 10d of the amount.
Defendant said it was barley straw and that he was to have had it at £2 and that he only had 1 ton 31/2 cwt.
Plaintiff produced the weight of a quantity of straw from the machine at which it was weighed, but defendant said that was the weight of the load he had from Stinchcombe, to go to Abersychan. The straw he had from him was weighed at the Pontnewydd machine.
His Honor to plaintiff; you will, accept a judgement for £2 10s 4d.
Plaintiff; will you allow my expenses?
The Judge; you must not make a bargain with me.
Plaintiff; yes, your Honor.
Judgement accordingly. To pay in a week.

February 29^th  – A Clever Capture.

Two young men who had the appearance of being tramps, and who gave their names as Jas Thompson and Jas Taylor, were charged with having broken into the shop part of the premises occupied by Mr Henry Mathews, at the Goytrey, on Sunday last, and stealing therefrom £6 in gold, half a pound of cocoa, 1lb of sugar, several boxes of matches, and a pair of scissors, the latter article being the property of his daughter.
Ellen Mathews said, I live at Goytrey, and am the daughter of prosecutor. On Sunday morning last I went to church at 11 o’clock, after which I went to dine at my father’s, and returned to the shop about 3 o’clock in the afternoon.
From information I received, I searched the house and found £6 missing from a chest of drawers, all of which seemed to be ransacked.
I also missed cocoa, sugar and four or five boxes of matches and a pair of scissors, the latter of which are my property: I swear to them by the rivet.
I saw the prisoners when I was returning from church, by the blacksmith’s shop, a short distance from the house.
By the prisoner Taylor: I saw you near the shop, on the road.
George Mathews: on Sunday I found the door of the premises open and went and gave information to my sister in the afternoon. The door had been burst open. I saw the drawers had been ransacked.
Walter Williams: I am a labourer, residing in the parish of Goytrey, at a distance of 400 to 500 yards from prosecutors’ shop. The big prisoner, (Thompson) came to my home begging, about one o’clock on Sunday, I gave him a pair of old boots.
P.C. Basham: from information I received I went and examined the premises of Mr Henry Mathews, which are situate at the Goytrey, this was about 5 o’clock on the evening of Sunday last. I found the front door had been burst open, and a board from the end of the house had been placed under the window. Mt attention was attracted to some footprints, which I examined and have compared since. I proceeded to Monkswood and gained some intelligence of the prisoners, whom I found at Chepstow, in a lodging house, about half past twelve o’clock the same night.
I found on the prisoner Thompson 19s 9d in silver, two packets of cocoa, a box of matches and a pair of scissors.
On the prisoner Taylor I found 9s 1/2d, three boxes of matches and a packet of sugar, now produced.
The prisoners were charged by Supt. Llewellen, who was with me, of having broken into the shop of Henry Mathews of Goytrey, and stealing there from the money and articles mentioned.
The prisoner Thompson said he found the money on the road, and Taylor said he had only 10s and was making his way home with it.
I compared Taylor’s boots with the footmarks mentioned, and found them to correspond in every particular.
After being duly cautioned by the chairman. The prisoners said they would reserve their defence, after which they were committed for trial at the next quarter sessions, Usk.

March 28^th , Usk quarter sessions

James Johnson 6 months imprisonment.

James Taylor 12 months imprisonment.

(Thompson/Johnson – as is)

March 28th – Goytrey Housebreaking

James Johnson, 30, labourer and James Taylor 18, labourer, were charged with entering the house of Henry Mathews and stealing £6, a quantity of cocoa, sugar, and a pair of scissors, at Goytrey, on February 23rd. Mr Cleave prosecuted. Taylor pleaded guilty.
The particulars appeared at the time of the commission of the offence, and may thus be briefly stated.
The house was locked up at 11 o’clock on Sunday the 23rd February and the shop secured. The prosecutor and daughter went to church and returned about 5 o’clock, when they found the house broken open, £6 in money stolen, also 1/2lb cocoa, 1/2lb sugar, a box of matches and a pair of scissors. The scissors were identified by the daughter of prosecutor and recognised as being her property.
The prisoners were seen both together about half-past one o’clock, not a quarter of a mile from the house which had been broken open.
PS Basham apprehended the prisoners at Chepstow, in a lodging house and on Johnson he found 19s 9d., some cocoa, matches and a pair of scissors and on Taylor 9s., three boxes of matches and a quantity of sugar.
They both denied having committed the offence and Johnson said he had picked the money up off the road.
The jury found the prisoner Johnson guilty.
Johnson was sentenced to 12 months hard labour and Taylor to 6 months.

April 25^th

Found in the parish of Goytrey, a sum on money. Anyone giving a proper description of the same may have it on applying to Mr Thomas Thomas, Mamhilad Great House.

May 23rd – Drunk and Riotous

Lewis Morris, labourer, Goytrey, was charged by PC Rutter with being drunk and resisting the police on the previous night. Prisoner was very violent and it required several policemen to bring him to the station.
Fined 15s and costs or 14 days.
Committed.

June 13th – Birth

At Half-Moon Street Piccadilly, London, May 28th, the wife of the Rev Thomas Evans, rector of Goytrey, of a daughter.

August 22nd – Gambling at Goytrey

Thomas Price of the Royal Oak, Goytrey, was charged with permitting gambling in his house. PC 42 proved the case and said that Mrs Price and two men were tossing for drink and quarrelled whether it should be beer or spirits.
It appeared that the defendant was away from home at the time, and knew nothing about it, and therefore he was discharged with an admonition to be careful in future.

December 12th – Goytrey National School

A Certified Master, with a wife who can teach needlework, is required for the above school, the present governess having resigned in consequence of her approaching marriage.
Apply by letter to the Rev. Thomas Evans, Rector of Goytrey, near Pontypool.

January 6th – Pontnewynydd Man Gaoled for Goytrey Offence

James Aspden, a 57 years old furnace man of Hill Street, Pontnewynydd, was sentenced to three months hard labour at Pontypool on Monday for indecently assaulting a 13 year old girl at Goytrey on December 27th.
The girl said she was walking along Pengroesoped Road, Goytrey, with her brother, aged 8, on her way to Ty Poeth House to shut up the chickens. They saw Aspden, who went after another little girl on a bicycle. Later Aspden came back, caught hold of complainant’s arm and took her into the wood, where the assault took place. Her brother later complained to her mother.
The mother said her daughter would be 14 in a fortnight’s time.
Detective Constable Adams said he made enquiries with PC Germain. At 3.30 pm on Saturday he saw Aspden near the bridge at Goytrey. When told he fitted the description of a man wanted for assault Aspden said “So you think I did it?”
Witness brought him to Pontypool Police Station where the girl picked him out at an identification parade arranged by Sergeant Davidson. Aspden later admitted the offence and was locked up.
PC Davidson said Aspden was a married man with grown up children. This was his first offence.
Aspden pleaded guilty and said nothing in defence.

March 10th
Late Mr T Davies of The Wern Goytrey. (Report in Obituaries)

March 17th – Highway Offences

Henry Williams (52) a Goytrey unemployed labourer and Harry Williams (32) an Abersychan labourer, were fined 10/- each for committing highway offences at Abersychan on March 1st.
PC Ellaway gave the evidence.

March 24th

House to let Goytrey – Apply Edgar, Ynyspicca, Goytrey.

March 31st – Obituary

Mrs Tom Morgan, Pwll Merric (Report in Obituaries)

April 21st – Obituary
Late Mr W J Nicholas, late Ty Cooke (Report in Obituaries)

July 28th – Goetre Fawr Parish Council

The monthly meeting of Goetre Fair Parish Councils held at Penpellenny School on Monday. Mr D Bowen presided and other present were Messrs D Pugh-Jones; S Herbert; D H Morgan; H Stinchcombe and J Williams, clerk.
A complaint of the general condition of Goytrey Council School was discussed. Mr H Stinchcombe contended that the present condition was a menace to the public health and proposed that the Ministry of Health be informed.
An amendment that the School Managers consult the Education Committee on the matter was carried.
It was decided to apply for a “Halt” sign at the entrance to Plough Lane owing to the increased traffic from the Ordnance factory.

February 20th
Small rick of hay, 1923 made – apply Williams, Bridge Cottage, Goytrey.

July 13th – Nantyderry

Freehold Bungalow, with about half an acre of ground, water laid on, 4 rooms, in splendid condition.
Vacant Possession; absolute bargain. Folio 334

July 19th – Goytrey

Saron Baptist Church. The third annual tea and sports was fixed for Thursday, July 17th but owing to unfavourable weather the event was postponed to the 23rd inst., when there was a good programme of foot and bicycle races, high jump, coco-nut shies, old Aunt Sally, and in fact, as stated on the posters, all the fun of the fair.
Substantial prizes were offered for competition and a splendid selection of music was provided by the Varteg Silver Band.
Those who liked dancing were well catered for and judging by the attendance, the Saron tea and sports bids fair to outshine all other local events.
The enterprising secretary, (Mr James Williams) and the treasurer (Mr Redvers Phillips) are to be heartily congratulated upon success of the event.

August 11th – Nantyderry Home For Unmarried Mothers

Wonderful work. Interesting references were made at the fourth annual report, regarding the wonderful work that  was being done for young unmarried mothers.
Lady Mother Jackson, O.B.E, J.P., reported a satisfactory year’s work. The home had been occupied by 29 girls and 21 babies and at one time during the year they had had as many as 14 girls and 11 babies – the full number. Since then the average had been eight.
The girls had been contented and happy and had fulfilled their part in making the home a real home. With a few exceptions the babies born had been healthy. The home was the only one worked on the same lines in Wales or Monmouthshire. Time had shown that the months spent there after the confinement were of the greatest value, and though it meant a heavy expenditure, the money was well spent.
They had received delightful letters from old girls, who had expressed thanks for the kind manner in which they had been treated.
The work of the past Matron, Miss Ruffles and nurse Jarrett, had been stupendous. Each year proved how much the home was needed and they hoped the interest and support would be kept up. They had not received so many subscriptions as the previous year and they had lost many good friends and subscribers through death. In many cases the fathers had been persuaded to pay towards the maintenance of the children.
Mr Vaughan Hughes, Chepstow, submitted the statement of accounts. The year had been started with an overdraft at the bank of £387 9s 10d, but happily that had been wiped out, mainly through the splendid work done in connection with the bazaar, which had brought in £513 15s. The balance at the bank on March 31st 1924 was £48 19s 6d but from that had been deducted about £60, which was payable as poor rate. He, (Mr Hughes) was of the opinion that this rate was very excessive for a charitable institution such as theirs and pointed out that it would wipe out their balance in hand. He thought the authorities should display more charity.
He also mentioned that grants were made to the home by the Guardians of Chepstow and Monmouth and thought that the lead given by those bodies might well be followed by similar bodies in other towns, as, if the home did not exist, the mothers would be forced to enter infirmaries and would be consequently be a burden on the ratepayer.

August 15th – Goytrey

A “National” Elocutionist
Heartiest congratulations to Miss Annie Lewis, Cerrig Marion, who, at the National Eisteddfod at Pontypool, divided the first prize for the recitation for those under 18 entitled “The Listeners,” there were 15 competitors.
Annie is a product of Saron Baptist Sunday school and is anxious to share the credit of her remarkable success with her teacher, Miss Nancy Millard, Blaenavon.

Usk Petty Sessions, Thursday
The Lady’s Coat.
In similar plight (referring to the previous case when an overcoat covered the rear index plate of a motor cycle) was Owen Jenkins of Goytrey, when passing through the Langibby district before the lynx-like eyes of P.C. Leith, at 9.15 am on July 31st., but the passenger on the carrier in this case was a lady, whose coat was the cause of her cavalier losing 4s to cover the expense of putting the new into operation.

Marriage
Evans-Richards. On August 12th 1924, at Chapel Ed, Goytre, near Pontypool, by the Rev. Eli Summons, E H Evans, BA., only son of Mr & Mrs Evans Preswylfa and Dorothy, youngest daughter of the late Mr DW Richards of Pontllanfraith and Mrs Richards, 8 Preston Avenue, Newport.

Thursday Next – The Wern, Goytre

Midway between Abergavenny and Pontypool
Sale of Dairy Cattle; Implements; Dairy Utensils; Fodders and Grass Keep to April 1st 1925 for Mr E Davies who is retiring.
Sale at 2.30 – J Straker Son & Chadwick, Abergavenny

August 22nd – Thanks

The family of the late Mr Abraham Phillips, of New House, Goytre (The Croft) desire to thank all kind friends for the sympathy and kindness shown in their sad bereavement, also those who sent floral tributes.

August 29th – Goytrey Parish Council

The services of a clerk and parish overseer to the above council are required: Salary £35
Applications to be in the hands of the chairman, Mr Henry Dowell, Ty-Goytrey, not later than September 13th. Canvassing strictly prohibited.

September 12th – Cycle Accident at Goytrey

Griffithstown Clerk’s Narrow Escape. An alarming accident which might have proved fatal, befell Mr Redvers Prosser of Goytre on Wednesday morning.
Mr Prosser who resides at Canal House was proceeding on his push bike to Griffithstown (where he is employed in the clerical department at Messrs Baldwin’s works,) when he collided with a motor vehicle at the dangerous corner near the Carpenter’s Arms.
He was conveyed to his home where it was ascertained that he was suffering from severe bruises and shock. Mr Prosser is well known in Goytre as an active playing member of the local Association Football team.
References were made recently in the Free Press to this corner as a potential death trap.

Goytrey, Near Pontypool

Messrs Pullen, Burning and Russell, under instruction from the executors of Abraham Phillips, deceased, will offer for sale, on the premises, NEW HOUSE, GOYTREY, (The Croft) Near Saron canal bridge, without reserve, on Thursday 2nd October next, the whole LIVE and DEAD STOCK and FARM IMPLEMENTS including;
Several cows; Pigs; Cart Horse; Yearling Colt; 10 Lambs; 150 Head of Poultry; Prime Meadow Hay; Poultry Houses; Chaff Cutters; Cheese Press; Spring Cart; Spring Tip Cart; Covered Sheep Rack; General Farm Tools; Together with furnishings and effects.

September 19th – Mr Harry Morgan
Obituary of Mr Harry Morgan, of Pudda Goytrey. (Report is in obituaries)

October 3rd – Scholar’s Memorable Day

On Wednesday, the middle classes of Goytrey School had a natural history lesson in Pontypool Park. The boys and girls were in the charge of two mistresses and made the journey by bus at 1 o’clock.
Great interest was aroused by the other classes in witnessing the departure, during the dinner hour, of their school-mates.
One of these, the younger, Hughie Jones, the youngest child of the popular master – found a splendid point of vantage on top of the playground wall. His exuberance of spirit, however, proved his downfall indeed; he lost his balance and fell, fracturing his right arm below the elbow.
When Mr & Mrs Jones returned to the house, after seeing to the departure of the merry children, they were astonished to find their six year old son hors-de-combat, quietly waiting their return.
The stoical demeanour of the little sufferer, during the setting of the bone and since, has been remarkable.

St Peter’s Parish Church

The services in connection with the harvest festival were held on Thursday despite the heavy downpour of rain on Thursday, both the early and evening services were attended by exceptionally good congregations.
The special preacher was the Rev. W Watkin Edwards, Record of Llandogo. His theme was praise as the highest art of worship. While prayer was more or less selfish, in the sense that it was a petition either for some personal benefit or for someone or something in whom, or in which, we were interested.
This nice country church was, as usual, most tastefully decorated by the following:
Alter Mrs Belcher; chancel rails, Mrs Whitehead and Miss Whitehead; chancel stalls Miss M Evans; chancel windows, Miss Lena Lloyd; the screen, Mrs Tedman Jones; the pulpit, Mr Harding and Mr John Rosser; the font, Miss Wilkes; pillars, Mrs Gwatkin and Miss A Gwatkin; windows, the Misses Eunice Prosser, Eileen Morgan, and Elsie Gwatkin; and organ gallery, the Misses N Jeremiah and Vera Jenkins.
The gifts of bread, flowers, fruit and vegetables were exceptionally numerous and choice.
The memory of the brave men of the parish was not forgotten, Mrs William Wilkes having sent a large wreath of laurel leaves for the War Memorial Tablet.

October 10th – Goytrey, The Bus Service

Largely Attended Meeting Makes Recommendation
The intense interest taken in the question of the motor omnibus service running between Abergavenny and Pontypool was reflected in the attendance at a public meeting Goytre School Thursday evening. The room was packed to its utmost capacity, more than a hundred people being present.
Mr W l Jones, the schoolmaster, was asked to take the chair.
The meeting had not been in progress many minutes before it came apparent that the attendance comprised supporters of Rossers bus service and supporters of the Eastern Valley Bus service, together with people who merely desire an efficient and reliable service for the district and who were present to see if that could not be arranged with perfect fairness to both proprietors.
Mr Barret and Mr Rosser, the two proprietors, both addressed the meeting at considerable length, referring to the facts relative to the establishment of the services in the fist instance. Both assured the meeting of their desire to be of service to the neighbourhood. Their remarks were very well received.
Numerous questions were asked and there was considerable discussion after which all parties came together on a resolution proposed by Mr Jeremiah and seconded by Mr Davies, that the two proprietors be requested to make a mutual arrangement to run their busses at different times. This resolution was carried unanimously.
A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman, on the proposition of Mr Harris, seconded by Mrs Whitehead.

October 10th – Goytrey School Water Supply

In reply to an enquiry from the Secretary of the County Education Committee, the Town Clerk of Newport has written to say that his council would be prepared to provide a supply of drinking water to Goytrey Council School, but water would not be passing through the aqueduct now being laid for at least two years and it would be open to the Committee to make an application at that time.

January 16th – Obstruction

Alfred Clarke (35) a tinworker, of Goytrey, was fined 10/- for causing an obstruction by leaving his car in Osborne Road Pontypool, on December 20th, for half an hour.
PC Pearce gave the facts and defendant pleaded guilty.

January 10th – Late Mr W H Charles – (In Obituaries)

April 4th – American Motor Pioneer
Interesting Career of Native of Goytrey
The death has occurred in America in his eightieth year of Mr William J Morgan, fifth of eleven sons of the late Mr & Mrs Morgan, of Wern Farm Goytrey.
Mr Morgan was apprenticed at the age of 13 to Mr Dan Lewis, a native of Goytrey who had a grocers business at Stoke-on-Trent and later worked for Messrs Peglar and Son, Blaenavon and Pontypool, Mr David Jones, Pontympoile shop and Messrs Atkins Bros., Newport, whence he emigrated to Canada in 1880. Two years later he went to the USA and took out citizenship papers.
Whilst in this country he had been a keen cyclist, first on the old wooden velocipede and then on the two wheeler. In 1882 he won the mile race at the Toronto Industrial Exposition and shortly afterwards he challenged John S Prince, the US professional champion but was defeated.
From then on Mr Morgan took part in races all over the country. In 1886 he engaged in a night and day contest in Minneapolis and set up what was then a world record of 234 miles in 16hrs. 20 mins. After a rest of 40 seconds he remounted his solid-tyres cycle and rode another 50 miles.
In the same year Mr Morgan organised an American bicycle team which went abroad, remaining 17 months and beating all European teams it raced. While in London Mr Morgan was complimented by the late King Edward VII for a unique exhibition when some of his team raced against Buffalo Bill’s Wild West broncos at the Royal Agricultural Hall.

“Climb to the Clouds”
When the motor car became popular in 1901 Mr Morgan promoted more than 100 auto contests. Among the American drivers was William K Vanderbilt, who drove the first mile inside of 40 seconds.
One of the races Mr Morgan promoted was known as “Climb to the Clouds,” and entailed a ride of eight miles to the top of Mount Washington. In 1905 he staged “Montauk Light or Bust,” a trip from Brooklyn to the famous lighthouse. Many cars were stuck in the Long Island mud but the majority reached the light.
Mr Morgan was president of the Morgan Motor Company. To his American friends Mr Morgan was known as the “Senator,” and how he got the title is racily explained in an American newspaper: “He was taking part in a bicycle race at Philadelphia Fair when a senator scheduled to speak failed to arrive and Mr Morgan, pinch-hitting, did such a good job of spell-binding that he was given the title which stuck.”
Mr Morgan leaves his wife, Mrs Elizabeth Stilger Morgan and a son, William. A brother, Mr D H Morgan lives at the Gwynedd, Goytrey.

8th August – Council Prosecution

Owner must repair cottage at Goytrey – at Pontypool Petty Sessions on Saturday, Edwin Edgar, the seventy year old owner of Plough Cottage, Goytrey, was summoned by Pontypool Rural District Council for failing to comply with the requirements of an abatement notice issued of March 9th. Edgar, who was represented, by Mr Harold Saunders, Pontypool, who pleaded not guilty. Mr T P Holmes Watkins, clerk to the authority, prosecuted.
Mr Watkins said the long period elapsing between the expiration of the notice and the prosecution was due to the fact that councils were allowing owners more time in these days to carry out repairs to their property.
In this case repairs to the roof and chimney, the demolition of some ruined walls at one end of the house and the provision of an adequate water supply were necessary but the council had decided to withdraw their summons relating to the water supply until the end of the war.
Prejudicial to Health
William Hogarth, the sanitary inspector, said the house was in such a state as to be prejudicial to health owing to dampness and lack of repair.
In reply to Mr Saunders, he said that the tenant of the cottage complained that repairs ordered to be done by the previous sanitary inspector had not been carried out.
Mr Saunders objected that the proceedings had not been taken under the proper sections of the Act and were therefore void.
The magistrates, however, agreed that there was a case to answer.
Joseph Edwin Edgar, son of the defendant, said that both walls and roof were perfect and that what the inspector took for damp on the walls was actually a stain caused by oil from a lamp that had been upset some time ago.
The Bench ruled that the repairs must be carried out.

October 10th – Missing Goytrey Man Reported Dead

The tragic news was received on Saturday, after a lapse of over sixteen months of the death from wounds of Corporal George Thomas Dudley, Royal Engineers.
He was reported missing on May 29th 1940. Since then his wife, family and parents had not given up hope and Mrs Ivy Dudley, the widow, had been eagerly anticipating the repatriation of wounded prisoners of war in the hope that her husband might be among them.
Corporal Dudley was employed as a carpenter at a local works when called up as a reservist at the outbreak of war. News was received that he was wounded in the fighting in Belgium.
He leaves a wife and three sons, aged 16, 14 and eleven. Corporal Dudley’s parents reside at Great Western Terrace, Pontymoile. Mrs Dudley, the widow, lives in Goytrey.

December 5th – Dead at Foot of Quarry

Dog reveals shooting tragedy at Goytrey
A Goytrey farmer who saw a dog roaming about near the top of a quarry investigated the reason and found the dog’s master lying dead at the bottom of the quarry with gun-shot wound in the chest.
The dead man was Mr Frank Jones, Llwyn-Celyn Farm, Goytrey. It is believed that he was walking along the top of the quarry carrying a sporting gun when he slipped and fell on the greasy ground and that in his fall the gun was discharged. He was 38, a married man with three children.
He was in the habit of shooting on land owned by Mr P Roberts, Penystair Farm, Goytrey and it was Mr Roberts who, attracted by the presence of the dog, went to the edge of the quarry and saw the body of Mr Jones at the bottom. He returned to the village and with assistance returned to the quarry, where PC Germaine, Llanover, improvised a stretcher with a sack and pole
An inquest will be held on Friday.

January 11th – Highly Desirable Freehold Estate

Yew Tree Cottage Goytrey containing 32 acres  2 roods 6 perches.
Messrs Waite & Sons have been instructed to sell at the Three Salmons, Usk on Thursday January 30th 1879 at 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

All the above Exceedingly Desirable and Compact Farm – Very pleasantly and healthily situated, with southern aspect, commanding good views, bounded by excellent roads belonging to His Grace the Duke of Beaufort and Iltyd Nicholls Esq., within a short distance of the far-famed river Usk and Nantyderry Railway Station.
To see plans of the property contact the auctioneers.

March 8th – Sad End to a Drunken Spree

Samuel Morgan, Royal Oak, Goytrey, was charged with supplying drink to a drunken man and also permitting drunkenness on his premises, on the 15th ult. Defendant pleaded not guilty.
Mary Ann Thomas, a single woman living at home with her mother, deposed as follows: I saw my father go to defendant’s house at 6.30 on Saturday night, 15th ult., and he stopped there till 9.15;  did not see him when he came from there; saw my father there at 8 o’clock the same evening; he was then tipsy and the landlord supplied him with a pint of ale; saw my father there at 9.30 in the morning, at defendants house; he was not sober then.
Supt. MacIntosh: This man, James Thomas, was found dead the next morning in a pool of water, within 80 yards of the public-house.
Witness said there were others drunk in the house besides his father; there were in the house at the time, Thomas Monckley, Daniel Meredith, Abraham Bevan, Joe Lewis and two young men from the steel works.
Monckley, Meredith and Bevan were drunk and the young men from the steel works were not sober.
Selina Thomas, widow of James Thomas, said that she went to defendant’s house at 11am on Saturday to fetch her husband from there; by then he was dead drunk in an arm chair; she left and her husband came home between 12 and 1 o’clock; he stayed at home until 6.30pm; he said he wanted to see a young man and she gave him 3d; he went out and she never saw him alive afterwards; she waited up for him till 2 o’clock next morning; went to the door several times, but could neither see or hear him; it was pouring rain and she could not go out; besides, she was very ill and went to bed at 2 o’clock; in the morning she asked her daughter where was her father; the girl said he had not been in all night.
A young man came from the stop-gate and said ” Mary Ann your father is dead in the pool.” her husband was not out of the way with drink on Friday night, but he came home drunk on Thursday night.
Thomas Monckley was called for the defence and said that deceased, James Thomas had only one pint of beer there on Saturday night; he was not drunk on Saturday morning.
Supt. MacIntosh: This man has only kept the house a short time and during that time it has been the resort of poachers and men of ill-repute.
The Bench: This is one of the worst cases we have had before us. From the evidence given at the inquest, it seems that you enticed your brother-in-law to your house to make him drunk and sell him beer. You ought to have protected him against himself instead of encouraging him to spend his earnings with you instead of with his family.
We hope you feel not only a sense of shame but a sense of remorse at having caused his death.
We fine you £10; in default of payment you must go to prison, with hard labour, for 2 months.

April 12th – Stealing Boots

John Evans, a tramp, was charged with stealing a pair of boots, the property of Henry Ingram, school-master, Goytrey.
John Smith, marine store dealer, Trosnant, said the prisoner had sold him the boots for 2s 6d.
PC David had apprehended the prisoner at Usk and charged him with the offence. At first he denied the charge but subsequently admitted it.
Sentenced to one months hard labour.

April 26th

To be Let – Two desirable Farms near Nantyderry Station, called Penwern, between 80 and 90 acres and Black Beech about 30, with two fields of good meadow land adjoining either, together, or separately.
Also a cottage and garden at the station:
Apply to the Rev. T Evans, Nantyderry House.
Also a large field by the station, ready to be let to persons for potato ground and another at Goytrey Hall, see Wm Williams, Nantyderry, for the former and John Jones for the latter.

May 17th

In the wrong court – James Arthur, wood dealer of Goytrey, was summoned for committing trespass by breaking a fence belonging to Thomas Jenkins.
Mr I Gardner, solicitor, appeared for the defence and stated defendant had only got the summons that morning, which did not give much time to produce such papers as were necessary to prove to the bench that he had a perfect right to pass over the land which he was charged with trespassing upon.
The defendant was a wood dealer and he had purchased a quantity of wood under an agreement, which gave him the right to convey it across complainants land.
Complainant stated that he had held the farm since the year 1814 and he received a sum of £10 as compensation for the removal of the wood over his farm but that defendant had not taken the prescribed road.
Mr Gardner remarked that the owners of the wood gave the defendant the right to convey it over this land. He submitted that the magistrates had no jurisdiction as the case was one for the County Court, where he should shortly have something to say about it.
The Bench dismissed the summons.

June 14th – Pant Glaes Farm Goytrey

Sale of Live and Dead Stock and Implements, Furniture and Effects.
Fat calf; 8 fat lambs; 2 fat ewes; 5 porker pigs; 1 sow and 10 pigs; 1 ditto and 2 pigs; bay horse pony; 8 year old, good in saddle or harness; 1 yearling cart filly; 2 narrow wheel wagons; narrow wheel tip cart; market cart; reaping machine; iron scuffler; 2 knife chaff machine; haul rake; patent churn; wheel barrow, ladders, iron and stone pig troughs and bushes; dog cart, pony trap (nearly new) silver and brass mounted harness; g.p. harness, long and short harness; side saddle, gentleman road saddle, bridles and collars; hogshead, casks, firkins and tubs; empty sacks, pikes and rakes; sanfoyne, trefoil, trefolium, clover and other seeds; bath chair, dairy utensils; garden and other tools &c.
Furniture and Effects
Wood bedsteads; feather beds, bolsters and pillows; mahogany and other chest of drawers; washstands and dressing tables; oak, deal, dining, kitchen, round and other tables; case, seated, arm and other chairs; oak linen chest; oak sideboard with cupboards under; clocks, barometer, large oil painting “Bonaparte” books; corner cupboard, dresser and shelves; meat safe, clothes horse, fenders and fire irons, tripods, salting bench, knife board, flour tub, Crocker, glass, tea kettles, saucepans, flat irons, candlesticks, buckets pots, pans etc.
Sale to commence at 2 o’clock

June 28th

To be Let By Tender or a Yearly Tenancy, or for a Term with Possession at Michaelmas 1879
That desirable Farm known as “Goytrey Hall,” situate in the parish of Goytrey, about 4 miles distant from Abergavenny and 5 from Pontypool and comprising 128a. 2r. 31p. of excellent Meadow, Pasture and Arable Land the whole of which has been drained.
The House, which is commodious and comfortable is suitable for a large family; outbuildings in excellent order. The Proprietor does not bind himself to accept the highest, or any offer.
Seales tenders marked “Tender for Goytrey Hall,” to be sent, not later than 22nd September to;
James Straker, Abergavenny.

September 27th – The Education Act

Robert Davies, John Williams, Louisa Waite, Joseph Williams, William Thomas and Charles Watkins, were summoned at the instance of the School Attendance Committee for the parish of Goytrey, for not sending their children to school in accordance with the requirements of the Education Act.
The usual orders for attendance were made, the Chairman remarking that people seemed to take a wrong view of the Act.
It was intended to be a benefit to the people and it undoubtedly was. The ratepayers had no pleasure in paying two million a year to educate the people and parents did not recognise the wrong they were doing their children by keeping them away from school.

November 1st

William Jones, grocer and beer seller of Nantyderry, was summoned for having one unjust measure and also for having in his possession three weights and measures unstamped.
Mr Phillips asked how the police could distinguish between the measures needed for supplying beer and those used for domestic purposes; also in what way they could be stamped.
Supt. MacIntosh replied that those measures found in a place where beer was sold were presumed to be for the purpose os supplying ale and they could be stamped by having a little tin affixed to the handle which has previously been stamped. All such deficient weights and measures were seized by the police.
Defendant was fined 10s in each case, inclusive of costs.

Shocking Fatal Accident
At noon on Wednesday, Mr Wm Jenkins, farm bailiff to Colonel Byrde, JP, met with his death under very distressing circumstances.
He had been out superintending the exercise of a horse and had himself a young colt attached to the cart. On returning home and in passing over the canal bridge near Colonel Byrde’s residence, the horse suddenly swerved and overthrew the cart. The animal itself fell and knocked Mr Jenkins down, falling upon his chest. Assistance was immediately at hand but the unfortunate man simply exclaimed, “I am badly hurt,” and died almost directly.
Mr Essex was sent for, but his services were, of course, unavailing.
Deceased, who had been 23 years in Col. Byrde’s service, was known widely and much respected.

November 8th

The Late Mr Wm Jenkins of Goytrey
the sad accident, which has removed from our midst one in the strength of manhood and so universally and deservedly esteemed, has caused a gloom over the whole neighbourhood, which will be long felt.
Many have been the enquiries as to the nature of the accident which resulted in his lamented and sudden death.
He had recently broken in a colt that had been so perfectly quiet that, to use his own expression, when he first put him into the shafts, “he was like an old horse.”
It would appear that, while he was hauling out lime on a field at Penystair, the back chain of the cart harness became unhooked and fell down, which startled him at that time; and it is conjectured that this may have happened again as he was coming home, although it had been tied and may have caused to start and plunge forward on the top of the Canal Bridge, but no one can tell the cause, for no one saw it; and a more careful man with horses than Mr Jenkins there could have been.
The first intimation of anything wrong was the poor fellow calling out to the men in front, who were with the other horses, “get out of the way;” and the next moment there was a crash and the horse and cart were seen turned over on the side of the road by a heap of broken stones.
Assistance from the Park-y-brain farm, close by, was immediately afforded but a fracture of the skull had taken place, either by a blow from the point of the shaft, which seems the most likely, or from the saddle of the cart harness, which was pressing on his head when he was extricated.
The only words he spoke were to Miss Charles, who had ran to the spot, to whom he said,”I am badly bruised.”
Several others were immediately present and he was carried home but never spoke again. A messenger was sent at once for Dr Essex but he could not have lived for many minutes; and when Dr Essex came and examined the injury, he gave it as his opinion that death must have been almost instantaneous.
An inquest was held on Friday morning 31st ult., and verdict returned of “Accidental Death.”
It appeared the horse had come over the same bridge, with the cart, on the previous evening, very quietly. Mr Jenkins had, just before the accident happened, taken the horse from the waggoner near the fatal spot.
The funeral took place on Monday afternoon and it will be remembered for many a day as the most solemn procession of heartfelt mourners the neighbourhood has ever witnessed.
The Rev C Cooke of Mamhilad, read a chapter and offered prayer at the house before leading and part of a hymn was sung.
The remains were borne to their last resting place in Mamhilad Churchyard, to be interred by the side of his father’s remains, who had also met his death by a horse accident.

Master and Servant
Edward Evans, wheelwright, Goytrey, was summoned by John Hardman for non-payment of 4s 6d wages alleged to be due.
Defendant engaged the complainant and another man to do some work for him, but found it necessary to pay them off on the second day.
The work was not satisfactorily performed and he considered that he had paid them a sufficient sum.
The Bench held that defendant was liable for the reason that he did not bargain with the men before engaging them. The decision was that he pay each of them 1s and the costs.

November 29th – More Illegitimacy

William Hunt was summoned by Mary A Williams of Goytrey, with being the father of her illegitimate child.
Complainant did not appear and Mr Plews, who appeared for the defendant, asked that the case be dismissed, remarking that the woman had taken close upon a twelvemonth to consider upon whom she could fix the paternity of her child.
The case was accordingly struck out.

December 27th – Disputed Paternity

Wm Hunt was charged with being the father of the illegitimate child of Mary A Williams (now of Llavair Kilgeddin.)
Mr Iltyd Gardner appeared for the complainant, after hearing the evidence the Bench made an order for the payment of 2s 6d per week and costs.