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

Births, Marriages, and Deaths. 1 C3 BIRTHS. At the Six Bells Inn, Usk, July 19, the wife of Mr < Henry Stockham, of a son. At Bushy Fields, Avenbury,|Herefordshire; July'16, ] the wife Of Henry Howorth, Esq;, Captain, South j Devon Mxhtia, late 8Sth Re^t., of a son. At Llanvair Grange, Monmouthshire, Ju]y 11, the 1 wife of Capt. W. Clode Braddon ArK.ita,,t T! Rifle Volunteers, of a daughter Ad->utant> Brecou At Market-street, Pontypool, July 16th, the wife of [ Mr Jennings, proprietor of the Britannia Theatre, of a 1 daughter. MARRIAGES. S At St. Thomas's Church, Neath, Glamorganshire, 1 July 15th, by the Rev John Griffiths, rector, assisted by the Revs J. R. Buckley and J. P. Hughes, Henry ( Pendrill, eldest son of Pendrill Charles, of Plasnewydd, Neath, to Eliza Wearne, eldest daughter of James i Kempthorne, Mayor of Neath: DEATHS. I At Croydon, July 19, Edward Perry, B. A. (Oxon), vicar of Llangattock-vibon-avel, cwm St. Mauglian's, I near Monmouth. j. At Clomendy Farm, near Llangibhy, July 11, John Evans, aged 55 years. I At Clomendy Farm, near Llangibhy, July 11, John Evans, aged 55 years. I

TO CORRESPONDENTS. Advertisements and News, as a rule, should be sent to the Office not later than THURSDAY even- ings to guarantee insertion. The publication of the H Observer" is often delayed in consequence of this rule not being attended to, or the matter omitted in a part of the issue.

ROWDY DEMONSTRATIONS. NOBODY expected that the Government grant to defray the expenses of the Prince of Wales's visit to India would be allowed to pass un- challenged and uncondemned. There is a sprinkling of members in the House of Com- mons who do not care in what absurd or offen- sive positions they place themselves if they think that thereby they please a portion of their constituents; and outside of Parliament there are demagogues, in different localities, with republican leanings, who eagerly seize every opportunity that seems to them favourable for inveighing against the expensive ineubus of monarchy. Samples of this sort of thing have been witnessed during the past and pre- sent weeks in London, Leeds, Leicester, and other towns. Even after the Indian vote was carried by an overwhelming majority in the House of Commons,, where the views of the nation are supposed to be represented on all great questions, there were agitators who got up demonstrations for the double purpose of hearing themselves talk and of protesting against the course followed by the Govern- ment. Mr Bradlaugh, who has an idea that he was born to turn the world upside down, presided at a promiscuous meeting at Hyde-park on Sunday last, and shouted out his blatant oratory to ears that were long enough to listen to him. He has not succeeded; after desperate efforts, in getting into Parliament, and there- fore he must needs let his loud voice be heard in the public parks. The burden of his speech was to the effect that the Prince of Wales was not going to India, on a special mission, as the representative of the Queen, but simply for purposes of personal recreation and amusement, and that it was accordingly a great hardship that the sons of labour should be taxed to en- able his Royal Highness to stick wild pigs, fish for alligators, and hunt tigers in the jungle Now, it may at once be admitted,, that the Prince during his stay in India, is sure to see something of the sports peculiar to that portion of the Em pire and to take part in them also; but this circum- stance will not affect in the slightest degree the notion of the natives that he has come among them, in thecapacity of heir to the British throne) to visit his future subjects in the East. It is ridiculous to suppose that the Prince of Wales when going the round of the three Presidencies, and experiencing the splendid hospitality of wealthy Maharajabs, can be looked upon either by Europeans or Hindoos in the light of a private traveller, whose main object is holiday amuse- ment. Though the Prince, instead of formally or officially representing her Majesty, is to be regarded only as the guest of the Viceroy, his Royal status as Heir Apparent will nevertheless be acknowledged and duly honoured in what- ever part of our Eastern dominions he sets his toot. If the Hyde-park orator had allowed loyal feelings to mingle with his cogitations it might have saved his chance hearers from the infliction of so much noisy nonsense. Mr Bradlaugh and the agitators in other places, who have condemned the Pajliamentary vote of money to defray the expenses of the Prince, seem to imagine that they make a great point by representing the grant as a special tax upon the horny-handed sons of toil. But the fact is that the total amount, including the £30,000 falling upon the Indian revenue, is so remarkably moderate that it will not be felt by the tax-paying community as any additional burden at all, and those who are only affected by the indirect taxation should be the last to complain. There is a great deal of presum.p- tion shown by men like Mr Bradlaugh and similar agitators when, on occasions like the one that brought about the abortive Hyde-park demonstration, they give themselves out as the interpreters of the feelings and sentiments o.f the working classes. They have no right what- ever to put forth any such claim; and the editor of that detestable publication the "National Reformer," was reminded of this fact on the spot by a working man who was present at the meeting. Loyalty is not bounded by class in this country; it has its existence in the humble cottage as well as in the lordly mansion; and there are thousands of working men who—un- derstanding perfectly the importance attached to the visit of the Prince of Wales to India- would indignantly repudiate the miserable sentiments which Mr Bradlaugh has tl^e hardi- I hood to put into their minds and mouths. In I fact, the smallness of the Sunday demonstra- tion, notwithstanding, the exceptional-fineness of the weather, showed pretty plainly, that his narrow notions were not shared in by the great body of working men in London. The chief spokesman thought that the cause he had taken in hand would commend itself so strongly to the sympathies of the masses that he could draw a great crowd to listen to his oratory without the attendance of bands of music and an attractive display of flags. But he was greatly mistaken in his fond expectation; and his rival, the member for Stoke, can boast that lie had a thousand-fold bigger following in 11 Hyde-park than the rejected of Nottingham. 0

PONTYPOOL. JENNINGS'S THEATRE, thanks to good management and determination to ensure the comfort of respectable visitors, continues to draw good houses nightly, and maintains firm hold on popularity. During the week, some favourite dramas have been put on the stage most creditably; Mr W. D. Servius and Mrs H. Sin- clair taking the leading parts, backed up by Mr and Mrs Giddings and the old favourites as well as some importations of new blood. ODD FELLOWSHIP.—The Lodge Rock of Blaendare, held at Penyrheol, celebrated their anniversary on Monday last, by walking in procession, attended by the excellent band of the Abersychan Rifle Volunteers, and afterwards partook of an excellent dinner at their nn. THE FLOWER SHow.-The Pontypool Horticultural Society's committee have been fortunate enough to secure, for the forthcoming Flower Show, to be held in Pontypool Park on Thursday August 19th, the services of the celebrated military band from Birmingham, known as Signyer and Gilmer's. This, judging by the criticisms in all the midland papers, appears to be, par excellence, the A.I. band of that part of the country; and Messrs E. Fowler and W. H. Haskins (the latter of whom is well-known for musical ability, taste, and judgment) have heard for themselves, and prononnce them excellent. We congratulate the Pontypool people on the likelihood of their being privileged to find the attractions of the show enhanced by such a band.

POLICE COURT.—SATURDAY. Before Col. BYRDE, A. D. BERRINGTON, and E. J. PHILLIPS, Esqs. THE DEAR DOGs.-George Bateman, William Sal- mon, Francis Evans, William Holloway, Benjamin Price, and John Davies, were each charged with keep- ing a dog without a license. Mr Bolger, supervisor, conducted the prosecution. In most of these cases the defendants took out licenses after Mr Camm, the excise officer, found the dogs on the premises but it was then too late. They were fined 25s each. JOHN BURN ELL, of Garndiffaith, who did not appear, was similarly charged. His wife came forward, and said she took out a license, before the dog was three months' old. Mr Bolger said she would have to prove that. She then called a man named Matthew Parnell, who went into the witness box, and swore that the dog was whelped on the 22nd of December. How do you know that 1" asked Mr Bolger. He was present at the birth humourously remarked Mr Greenway, who was waiting for the calling on of another case. The bitch belonged to me," said Parnell. Have you any proof of the date?" asked Mr Bolger. Yes," said Parnell, and he produced a greasy piece of paper. Is it registered ?" asked Mr E. B. Edwards, with a smile. It is ready buttered for you, at all events," said Mr Greenway. This paper bore an entry of the date named. Did you write this V' asked Mr Bolger. "At the time," replied the witness. Do you always make entries of these things V' asked Mr Bolger. No," said Parnell, But I putthat down. And he has put you down," laughed Mr Greenway. My friend seems to anticipate the decision of the Bench," said Mr Bolger but we will hear what the officer says." Mr Camm, the exciseman, was then questioned and said that the dog which he saw at defendant's house appeared to be quite twelve months old. After the sworn evidence of Parnell, however, the Bench decided to dismiss the case. JOHN HONE, rag and bone collector, was similarly charged. In answer to the charge, he said he had neither dog nor license, and did not want either there was a little pup running about there, not three months old. Mr Camm deposed that on the 5th of June, he saw on defendant's premises a dog which appeared to be over twelve months old. Defendant's wife did not repudiate it,, nor make any remark as to its age it could not possibly have been under six months old. Hone said the dog did not belong to him a neighbour went to America, and left the dog running about it slept at everybody's house and was everybody's dog, and at last he drowned it to get rid of it as for his wife, the exciseman could not have seen his wife, for she went out with him every day, and when he was at home, she was at home, and when he was not there she was not there. Mr Camm Your son told me you had not had the dog more than three months. Hone: Jt was everybody's dog; and I had to drown it. Mr Bol- ger: By drowning it, he took the responsibility on him- self: What right had you to drpwn it] Hone: I wasn't going to be annoyed; I don't want to keep no dogs, not 1; I have plenty to keep, without keeping dogs. Colonel Byrde: You excercised ownership, and must pay 25s. Hone: It would do your eyes good to see 25s out of me! I haven't got 25 pence! It was stated that John owned a horse and cart, which could be levied upon. A DEFAULTING ^TENANT.—Rachael Jeremiah was } charged with removing 1",oods to avoid a distress for rent. Defendant had lived at Pontnewynydd. Mr Greenway appeared for the complainant, Miss Mary Rees. Defendant pleaded poverty, and that she had sold the things to buy victuals. Her niece added that the things were more than 100 years old, and fell to pieces when they were removed: she was only getting Is 6d a week. Miss Rees said that part of the goods were with the woman, and the rest with defendant's son; witness had forbidden the removal of the goods; she thought they were worth X8 or zC 10. Defendant was ordered to pay the 94 due, with costs. ASSAULT.—Margaret Walters was charged with as- saulting Ann Keenan, on the 11th inst. She pleaded not guilty. Complainant said that on Sunday morn- ing, she missed the cover of her wash-but, and ob- served to her husband that it was time for them to leave that place, as they had lost so many things: Mrs Walters had drink in her, and applied these words to herself, and came and used very filthy language; in the evening, Mrs Walters came to the house, again, drunk, used more bad language, and threw two stones, which struck complainant; they lived at the Lower Race. Martin Keenan, husband of complainant, de- posed that he saw the stones thrown. Defendant de- nied this, and said that Mrs Keenan wore the breeches, and was continually abusing her own husband, her father, and all the neighbonrs, and would let her have no rest, saying she would make her break the peace. Charles Williams deposed that Mrs Keenan was very provoking to Mrs Walters, and threw water over her twice. Mrs Walters added that if the case was ad- journed she could call Samuel Crew and others as wit- nesses. The Bench observed that there seemed great provocation on both sides, and they must divide the costs between them, and pay 4s 6d each, and if they were brought up again, they would have to be bound over. MARGARET WALTERS was then charged with being drunk. Hawkins said she was very drunk and used very bad language. Fined 10s. DRUNK, limothy Mahoney, who was represented by his wife, was charged with being drunk and dis- orderly at Abersychan. P.S. Lewis proved the case. Fined 10s. ASSAULT. Thomas Allcock was charged with as- saulting Ann Jones. The case was settled on payment of 6s costs, without going into particulars. THEFT BY A SEKVANT.—Sarah Jane Davies, aged fourteen years, was charged with stealing t3 Os.6d, the property of Lewis Watkins. She pleaded guilty. Mrs Watkins stated that the girl went to her with a pitiful tale, which induced her to give her shelter and to retain her as a servant; and the girl stole the three sovereigns out of a box, in which there was £ 55; wit- ness sometimes left the keys about, and gave them to the children to play with, and the girl must have then got possession of the keys and unlocked the box in which the money was; the sixpence was taken out of a dress which witness left in her bedroom. The Bench asked why she kept so large a sum of money in her house, and why she did not put it in a bank. Mrs Watkins replied that her husband was about to buy a little place at Blackwood, and had paid the deposit money. The girl's lather, a respectable looking man, came forward, and made a long statement to the effect that the girl went off from home, without the know- ledge of him or her mother; she had a comfortable home, and everything she wanted, but had a han- kering to go out to service; they did not want her to go, but to stay at home, as her mother was near her confinement and required her assistance; when they found that she was at Mrs Watkins's, they thought it might be well to let her stay there a little time, al- though they did not like her to be in service; one day, a little girl came inquiring for him, and a bundle of clothes was brought to his house, and he and his wife were told that Mrs Henley, a lady who was leaving Pontnewynydd, had given these things to the de- fendant, who had formerly carried milk to her; they j thought it was very kind of Mrs Henley, and his wife proceeded to cut up and alter some of the things, but now they found that the defendant had bought them at the pawnshop for 18s; the girl had been a good girl at home, and he begged the magistrates to be merciful. In answer to the Bench, P.S. Lewis said that the father was a man of good character. P.C. Walters stated that 5s was found on the girl when she was ar- rested; she had bought 18s worth of second-hand clothes at Mr Abraham Bloom's pawnshop, and 6s 6d worth at Mr Coleman's; she had also bought a pair of boots for another girl, and gave her 4s, the girl in re- turn giving her a pair of ear-rings, which she said were gold. P.S. Young said that the boots were bought for and given to a girl of loose character, who came to Pontypool fair, and who had been sent from the town by the police. In answer to the Bench, prisoner said she gave 3s 6d for the boots, and gave them to the other girl because she said she had none to wear; she left home because her mother threatened to beat her. Colonel Byrde said that the Bench, with every consideration for the father and for the prisoner, must perform their duty to the public; and therefore they sentenced prisoner to one month's hard labour. Then turning to Mr Bloom, Colonel Byrde asked him how he came to sell all these things to a little girl like this, as he must have known that it was not her own money. Mr Bloom: I thought she was a married woman,—she had a ring on her finger, and it was eight o'clock in the evening. Mrs Watkins: A married woman indeed! A little girl like that! You are worse than he! Mr E. B. Edwards: You are entitled to all these things, Mrs Watkins. Mrs Watkins: They are of no use to me. Colonel Byrde blamed the pawn- brokers for selling the goods to such a child, and said they ought to take them back and give Mrs Watkins the money; both the pawnbrokers ought to do this. Mr Bloom agreed to this.

COUNTY COURT.—WEDNESDAY. Before his Honor Judge HERBERT. MACMILLAN V. EVANS.- This case had been ad- journed three times, and James Munro was now called on behalf of plaintiff to prove delivery of part of the drapery goods for which payment was sought, and plaintiff deposed that he himself sold other part. Mr T. Watkins defended, and denied the liability alto- gether. Defendant was put into the box, and swore that he never had any of the goods, but that a man, named Sherriff, who lodged at his house, had dealings with packmen. The wife also swore to like effect. Eventually the case was again adjourned, for the at- tendance of a crippled son of defendant. DAVIES AND SANDBROOK V. ANN JENKINS.—Mr T. Watkins for plaintiff. Mrs Wilmot, daughter of de- fendant, said her mother instructed her to admit both plaints against her mother, and she would pay by four instalments. PHELPS V. JAMES.—Mr T. Watkins for plaintiff. This was a horse transaction. Defendant had returned the horse, as being of no use; and said that plaintiff told him to do so; there was no warranty. Mr Wat- kins said that defendant injured the back of the horse, and plaintiff gave him another instead. Defendant said that the plaintiff got two horses for £20, and 20s a piece was not dear; he never consented to take the first horse back; plaintiff, after he had injured it, said it was no use to him, and he (defendant) replied that neither was it of any use to him and he did not think it would be of any use to any one else either. At plaintiff's request, the case was adjourned, but with a probability that it would be arranged out of court. PARTRIDGE and JONES, LIMITED V. Messrs C. MUR- DOCH, JOHNSON, and GWYNNE THOMAS, trading as GWYNNE THOMAS and Co.—Mr Greenway appeared on hehalf of Mr Murdoch, a gentleman living in Lon- don, one of the defendants. The claim was brought by the plaintiffs and was set forth as £109" 4d for goods sold and delivered. The defence appeared to be that Mr Murdoch was not a partner. Mr Greenway waited till one o'clock, and as by that time, neither of the plaintiffs nor their attorney appeared, his Honour directed that the case should be struck out, and allowed the costs of Mr Greenway and two witnesses. THE PROPOSED ENLARGEMENT OF ST. JAMES'S CHURCH.—A meeting was held at the Town Hall, on Wednesday, the 21st inst., in connexion with the pro- posed enlargement of St. James's church. The Rev. J. Rees was voted to the chair, and reported that on the previous day a number of ladies had met and de- cided to hold a bazaar at the Town Hall about the middle of April next, in aid of the church enlargement fund. The proposal for merely re-roofing the existing structure, seemed to have met with pretty general dis- favour. There was a very strong feeling against such piecemeal work, and in favour, of such extended ac- commodation as had been called for; and therefore it was considered that the plan should be carried out for adding a transept, an organ chamber, a vestry, and a turret. The chairman had been promised about X450 in the town, and thought that another £ I 00 could be got; and he hoped that a general interest would be taken in the good work. On the motion of Mr Bun- ning, seconded by Mr H. Fox, it was unanimously re- solved That in consequence of no tenders being received, and of the lateness of the season, the pro- posed alterations be deferred till next spring; and that in the meantime, Mr Hanbury be asked to give the land now required on the west side instead of that promised on the south side." On the motion of Mr Koderick, seconded by Mr E. Deacon, it was also unan- imously resolved that the committee be requested to continue their exertions in soliciting subscriptions. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the business. v ABERSYCHAN. LOCAL BOAR D.-The monthly meeting was held on Tuesday. Present: Messrs C. J. Parkes, chairman; R. Greenway, P. Hambleton, W. L. Pratt, A. A. Wil- liams, R. Parker, N. Herbert, J. Jones, T. Lewis, J. Daniel, A. R. Verity, T. Mitchell, W. P. James, W. Prosser, T. Davies, W. Richards, and R. Fisher. The minutes of the last Board were read and confirmed, and the surveyor's report followed. Cheques were given for wages, t78 17s 9d; salary to clerk and postages, £13 3s lOd; bills, X153 7s 8d, including X20 5s which Mr Chapman had given with the old grey mare for a new horse for scavenging purposes, the ex- change being approved of by all. On the motion of Mr Hambleton, seconded by Mr W. L. Pratt, it was resolved that the rates, ordered at the last meeting, be confirmed. A letter was read from Mr Roberts, en- gineer to the Mon. Railway Company, inquiring when a committee could meet and confer with him as to the alterations of the roads and bridges on the Talywain branch of the Mon. Railway. A committee was ap. pointed consisting of Messrs C. J. Parkes,'E. Jones, H. Lewis, T. Mitchell, W. P. James, W. Prosser, A. A. Williams, W. Walters, P. Hambleton, and J. T. Ed- monds, to meet Mr Roberts on Thursday, the 22nd inst., at Cwmffrwydoer Railway Bridge. The Building Committee were requested to view the Golynos culvert, and advise the surveyor what should be done. Dr Mulligan, the medical officer of health, reported as follows:—" The death rate for the district during the months of Mav and June was at the rate of 19'5 per 1000 per annum. Zymotic diseases, 5; rheumatic fever, 3; phthisis, 5; bronchitis, pneumonia, and nleurisy, 8; heart disease, 3. The births exceeded the deaths by 62. There was only one death registered from scarlet fever; the epidemic being of a mild character, and seems at the present time to be dying out." It was ordered that a verbatim copy of the medical officer's reports should appear in the minute Dook in future. I Íle clerk was instructed to take the necessary steps to ensure the early closing of the old road from Iwynyffrwd to Abersychan, and to give the necessary notices and prepare the usual plans for lay- ing before Quarter Sessions, and thus enable the Mon- rnouthshire Company to make an early payment of their contribution. The committee appointed to view the Pontnewynydd railway bridge having reported that certain portions of the work undertaken by the Tin Plate Company had not been carried out, it was agreed that they should be called on to carry out the minute. As regards the Twynyffrwd road, the Board, being of opinion that as future ratepayers would ben- efit by such road, they should also share the cost of it; and, on the motion of Mr A. A. Williams, seconded by Mr Hambleton, it was unanimously resolved that the clerk should take the necessary steps to apply for a ioan of X 1000; the surveyor to supply the clerk with full particulars and plans in "accordance with the in- timation of the Local Government Hoard at Whitehall. A letter was read from Mr W. Morgan, chemist, Abersychan, complaining of smoke which issued from a baker's chimney; and it was ordered that the sur- veyor should see the owner of the premises and en- deavour to get the Duisance abated. A letter was read from Mr Ernest Deacon, on the part of Mr John Williams, stating that the land taken for the new Twynyffrwd road was in excess by 315 yards of the quantity notified, and that the slopes had fallen down. < The clerk was directed to reply that both matters should receive attention, and the surveyor was re- quested to look to them. ]

NEWPORT. REMARKABLE RAILWAY ACCIDENT. On Saturday afternoon the officials at the Mill-street station, Newport, which belongs to the Monmouthshire Railway and Canal Company, were getting ready a London and North Western train for Hereford at 1.25. Behind that was an empty Pontypool passenger train, which was intended to start some time later. Within the limits of the station, that is between the two plat- forms, there are three lines of rails, to facilitate traffic. The middle line is used for minerals and goods trains respectively. When the London and North-Western train was ready with eight or ten passengers in the carriages, the signal was given by the guard, and the engine moved onward. Almost as soon as the start is made from the arrival platform, the line is crossed to reach the up rails. In crossing the middle line of rails is passed over. Before the London and North Western had succeeded in crossing, a heavy coal train belonging to the Great Western approached on its way to the docks, and would, if all had been right, have passed through the station on the middle line of rails. As soon as the driver of the London and North Western saw that the Great Western coal train was inevitably coming into collision with his he reversed his engine, but a collision occurred, and the effect was to force back the London and North Western train to the line of rails which it had just left, and to detach the engine from the carriages. Then the carriages ran into the empty carriages which were to form the Pontypool train, and they were driven down the line towards Dock-street, as far as the second bridge which carries High-street over the Monmouthshire on its way to Dock-street. At this point the Mon- mouthshire line runs parallel with the same company's canal. Whilst the two trains were thus effecting a backward movement, the coal train continued to advance on the middle line of rails at a rapid rate, and the engine again came in contact with the tail end of the London and North Western carriages, and forced the break-van into the canal. The coupling snapped, and no other carriage followed, or the consequences might have been very disastrous. As it was, none of the passengers were seriously injured, but all were severely shaken, and one lady—Miss Richards, of the Scotland House, Newport, was somewhat bruised. She was removed home in a cab, and four or five ladies and gentlemen were taken to the Westgate Hotel. Both sets of carriages were a good deal knocked about. A parcel clerk at the station had a narrow escape. When the London and North Western train was running wild he jumped into the van to apply the brake, and went into the canal with the brake. Fortunately he was not hurt, and escaped with the immersion. The most serious injury was that received by a young man named Davies, a messenger in the employ of the Ebbw Vale Company He took letters to the station to be forwarded by the Monmouthshire train to Abersychan, and he entered the van for the purpose of placing the letters in the place used by the guard. Whilst he was there the collision occurred, and the effect was to dislocate his shoulder. Great confusion and excitement prevailed at the station and in the town as soon as the news spread that something had happened, and in due course the London and North Western train was again formed and des- patched, a gentleman booked for Stockport, and in the train when the collision occurred, taking his place once more to proceed on his journey. As to the cause of this collision there appears to be little doubt. The driver of the coal train came on towards the station in the face of a signal which was against him. All drivers are supposed to be furnished with the means of knowing when passenger trains are on the move, and they are specially warned to observe the signals. How far this is true will have to be inquired into by those who are concerned. Whether the public will ever know the exact truth is another question. Most likely not, unless anything unforseen should result from the shaking and bruising—a termination to this affair which it is devoutly to be hoped will not take place.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS.-—The weekly meeting of the board was held on Saturday, when Mr P. Woodruff pre- sided,-The inmates in the workhouse were reported to number 223, including 60 sick, as against 222 in the corresponding week of last year. Died during the week, Philip Leonard, 95, St. Woollos. The children in the Caerleon Industrial Schools numbered 72 boys and fjr.3 girls--total, 124.—The committee appointed to investi- gate the accounts of, and the charges against, J. B. Jones, the absconded relieving-olficer, in accordance with a communication from the Local Government Board, reported that amounts due to tradesmen and dis- allowed by the auditor were E9 2s., and the cash balance in hand, Y,9 6s. 5d., making altogether X18 15s. 7d. The 9 11 committee also found that the defalcations amounted to 439 6s. 6d.; and the sums received, and not paid in, 91 4s. The committee therefore recommend that the sureties be called upon to pay the amounts. Mr T. F. Lewis: I suppose there is no oiher course to pursue? Mr Cope proposed the adoption of the committee's report. Mr Lewis seconded the motion. The Clerk Then I will apply to the sureties for this £51 6s. Id. The Chairman: And unless it is paid within a certain time, we shall think it necessary to put it in the hands of our solicitor.—The Clerk said he had been in com- munication with Mr Browning, of the Lunatic Asylum as to the escape of lunatics, and the reply to the inquiries which the board had instructed him to make was that there was no statutory provision for communicatino-' with the guardians when a lunatic escaped from the asylum. Immediately a lunatic was missed messengers were sent out at once, and the police were informed of the escape and any other means taken which might be necessary to secure the lunatic. The Clerk had no doubt, however, that Mr Brown would in future communicate with him. Mr James Brown said there was something so weak and silly in the statement that there was no statutory provision. There were hundreds of cases in which there were no statutory provisions for doing things, but yet they were done. It was a farce to say there were no statutory provisions.- For some time tenders have been required for repairs to the House of Refuge, in Stow. hill, but those received were considered too high. The clerk was instructed to advertise again, aad the result was a tender from Mr JohnJenkinsfor£2710s. Mr Brown said this matter had been standing over for some time, though anybody who knew the place would say that the work ought to be done at once. He would, therefore, move that Mr Jenkins's tender be accepted. Mr Lewis had great pleasure in seconding the motion. Mr Bebell referred to a memoranda which he kept, and found that Mr George Morgan, of Maindee, had tendered to do the work for £24 10s., and in a former tender Mr Jenkins had stated £31 10s. He had now reduced his tender to X27 ] Os., because he bad seen the other tenders. He moved as an amendment that Mr Morgan's tender be accepted. He knew Mr Morgan could do the work well enough. Mr Cope seconded the amendment. The amendment was put and carried.—Mr Brown said that by the death of the late lamented Mr Treherne Rees a vacancy was caused in the Assessment Committee. He moved that Mr William Llewellin, of Woodfield, be elected to fill the vacancy. Mr H. Russell Evans seconded the resolution. The motion was unanimously agreed to. The Chairman I think we shall not be wanting in our duty if I propose that our clerk be requested to write a letter of condolence, to the widow of Mr Rees. Mr G. B. Gething seconded this motion, which was carried unanimously. TOWN COUNCIL.—At a special meeting held on Tues- day, resolved after some discussion, to affix their seal to the answer of the corporation in the Chancery suit commenced by Mr Blake against the council and Mr Ailfrey. The action is brought to test a question as to the ownership of some property which the council re- quire in the construction of a new road. A sum of ten guineas was placed at the disposal of the Mayor for the purposes of the forthcoming regatta, which has been arranged in pursuance of a strong desire on the part of pilots to engage in a nautical competition. The Mayor directed attention to the destitution occa- sioned by the recent floods, and suggested that a fund should be set on foot for the joint relief of sufferers at home and in Franco. 11 was arranged that particulars as to the existing distress should be immediately collected, TIISCA AND CwMCARXE INUNDATION FUND,—A meet- ing of the inhabitants of the district was held at the Cross Keys Inn, on Monday, presided over by Major Hey worth, for the purpose of taking steps to form a, fund for relieving the sufferers by the late calamity. Resolutions were passed forming a committee, who were authorised to solicit subscriptions through the public banks and other channels; and to make in- quiries as -to the number of persons by whom loss has been sustained, and the extent of relief required. Ap- proval was also made of the suggestion t) erect a suitable memorial recording the disastrous event. ACCIDENT IN A TIMBER YARD.- On Monday last, DI. Harry, a labourer in the timber yard of Messrs. T. B. and