100 years ago

Newport county magistrates heard an application for a separation order from a Cross Keys collier’s wife who stated that after her husband turned her out of their home, he then hit her across the back with a rolling pin when she returned to collect her belongings.

It was reported that a Pontnewynydd man committed suicide by forcing his head through a glass window, almost completely severing his head in the process.

There was still no clue as to the disappearance of a labourer from his home in Pill. He had last been seen sitting on a wall over a deep culvert at Tredegar House.

A statement was issued regarding the recent outbreak of small-pox in Newport. It stated that six cases had so far been reported and all patients were currently in Cefn Mably hospital. It was re-iterated that there was still no cause for alarm.

50 years ago

Two Newport construction firms RW King and Sons and Newport Woodworkers Ltd went on strike in support of nationwide action for more pay and shorter hours.

It was announced that greyhound racing was to cease at Somerton Park after the move was forced on ground owners, Arms Park (Cardiff) Grehound Racing Co Ltd, by the enforcement of a crippling betting levy. Newport County had been their tenants for the past 28 years.

A seven-acre artificial lake at Malpas which could temporarily store nine million gallons of water, was among the ongoing schemes inspected by members of Newport town council.

William Bell of Newport Haulage planned to establish a 50 piece military band which he hoped would become recognised as the official borough band.

25 years ago

Teachers hit out at a scandal that stopped borderline A level candidates taking exams. They claimed that in school’s and colleges’ anxiety to achieve good pass results a number of pupils were being treated unfairly.

Newport County football supporters went on the rampage in Stafford in their first game of the season. Police re-inforcements and dogs had to be called to incidents both inside and outside the ground.

Officials at Monmouthshire Agricultural Show predicted a record number of visitors as streams of traffic poured into the event at Vauxhall, Monmouth. The previous year’s attendance figure of 26,000 looked set to be overtaken.

Youngsters watched helplessy as their pet dog was killed by two Staffordshire bull terriers on an Abertillery mountainside. Onlookers tried in vain to pull the dogs off.