Monmouthshire Merlin

TO CORRESPONDENTS. ] We assure "Pietas," from whom we shall always be happy to hear, that the letters in question have done very great service, in causing unwonted energy in the adoption of precautionary measures. The quotation is apposite, but it is wrong to neglect proper use of the necessary means to avert calamity. Humility" will excuse our insertion of his very long essay 011 Parliamentary tests, which we apprehend would gain little attention from the general reader. Vast numbers of religious men, and amongst them some of the most highly gifted members of the legislature, advocate the removal of disabili- ties on such grounds, because experience shews that the requirement of a mere profession of religion is no security against very irreligious legislation, while it excludes fiora citizenship many truly virtuous men, whose very conscien- tiousness will not allow them to taka the tests. The lines by Sarah" are for our next number. The order to withdraw Mr. Mosely's advertisement arrived too late to be attended to.

TIMES OF HIGH WATER AT NEWPORT DAyg mt;H water. 1 T)F1>m AX MOltN. EVEN. IriOCK RATES. Dec., 1347. H. M. H. M. I FT. I N 19. Sunday 3 53 4 '28 j '23 6 •20, Monday. 4 55 ft oiS | 30 5 21, Tuesday 5 52 G 22 1 31 11 22, \Yedncsday 6 42 7 9 1 32 11 Tliurscl 7 23 7 50 j 33 1 ty 21, Friday 3 3 3 27 5 32 3 2-3, Saturday 8 41 9 4 jj 30 11 Monthj Rises | Sun Sets j j |MoonSets'|Ycar?f 19 I 8 4 3 50 I 2 30 | 4 10 j 353 20 8 5 0 50 < 3 lfi 5 52 354 21 8 6 > 3 ji j 4 9 G 3ti 3:>5 22 8 6 3 51 5 8 7 56 350 23 8 7 i 3 52 | G 12 8 45 j 357 24 8 7 3 52 7 18 9 25 J 358 25 j 8 8 > 3 53 j I 8 25 > 9 49 < 359 The TREDEGAR HOUNDS will meet on Monday, December 20th at Dufiryn Wednesday, 22nd at Michaelstone Friday, 24tli at Lanarthon Each Day at Eleven o'clock. The MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS will meet on Monday, December 20th. at Traveller's Rest Friday 24tli at Broad Oak At Half-past Ten, each day.

THE PETITION AGAINST LORD GRANVILLE SOMERSET. WE have received letters from various parts of the county, more or less evincing indignant feeling, and regret that so unworthy a spirit should still exist among some parlies, as is indicated by the course they have adopted, a course which must proceed from a disposition to annoy, rather than fiom any reasonable expectation of success ot if success be within the range of probability, it may arise from a consideration that the majority of a com- mittee, biassed by certain prejudices, might possibly come to a decision of which an impartial tribunal would never think for all may not he like Aristides. But, under the improved constitution of Committees, there is very liule hope even from this source, and some of our correspondents are led to attribute this step chiefly to a notion that, after the heavy expenses of the late contest, Lord Granville would be induced to decline the great, outlay often incurred in defending the seat. it is pleasing, however, to know that if this too flattering hope be entertained, it is entirely delusive and fallacious that fine spirit and zeal which secured his Lordship's election, will not now suffer the county to be deprived of his valuable services for want of a determined defence. That the Duke of Beaufort should sanction such a proceeding against his brother, is, indeed, most painful to the best feelings of the human heart. The reaction, how- ever, which this piece of political bitterness will cause amongst all classes, cannot fail greatly to promote the great cause of the independence of Monmouthshire.

STOCK EXHIBITION. WE are glad to perceive, by various provincial papers, that the meetings which usually take place at this season of the year, have been, throughout the kingdom, marked by the exhibition of fine stock whilst, as we last week observed, the Tredegar Show exceeded the displays of cattle on former occasions; and this cannot hut be a stimulus to farmers to persevere and increase their efforts. Besides the advancing usefulness of such exhibitions to practical agriculture, those are quite right who assert their importance in promoting the friendly feeling between landlord and tenant, the prevalence of which is so highly desirable. It is gratifying to observe a gentleman filling- so im- portant a position as Sir Charles Morgan does, fully alive to this principle, which many landlords, in various parts of the kingdom, entirely disregard. And it is encouraging, also, to those connected with the trade of Newport, to see that [their sup- port of the shew,— which would be proper and befitting, independently of any immediate benefit to tilemselves,-Is so highly appreciated. The farmers of the locality ought to thank Colonel Tynte for so judiciously introducing the question of tenant right. Under many ot the excellent landlords in this neighbourhood, any legislative provision may be quite unnecessary. But, iis the Colonel observed, while many landlords seek to promote the just interests of the tenants, all do not do so and, since the livelihood of inuus- trious men and their families ought not to depend upon volition, which may change, or upon individuals whom death may remove,—we certainly concur with the honorable member in his opinion, that the relation between landlord and tenant is capable of improvement; and are glad he is deter- mined to vote for any measure upon the subject, the fruit of which shall appear to him to be just and wise. However a narrow-minded, grovel- ling- spirit may think it incompatible for a supporter of free-trade to be at the same time the sincere friend of the farmer, we are, and ever have been, warmly so we are heartily desirous of promoting the best interests of agriculture, as well as of commerce, and manufactures, which have sprung from it. We wish increasing success to Sir Charles Morgan's Cattle how, and to all its patrons and supporters.

SIGNS OF THE TIMES. By those who never disregard the" straws which serve to shew the direction of the wind," a letter in the Beacon paper, which (on account of the number of theological communications now appearing from the press, chiefly in advocacy of intolerance,) many persons might pass over without reading, will not be found unworthy of attention. It is headed, the Jews and the future;" alld amidst much which we should deem misapplied condemnation of the increasing liberality of British legislation upon religious matters, will be found ZI, two interesting points. The one relates to the political admission of the Jews to political privileges and the remarks upon this point, tinctured as they are with a spirit both of piety and charity, are well worthy the attention of all who really base their proceedings with respect to that subject upon scriptural grounds. The other involves the important question of the union of Church and tate. The writer does not, indeed, directly advocate separation, but he plainly says that that would benefit the Church, though he thinks it would injure the State, of whose treat- ment of the Church he bitterly complains. Now while the great dissenting body are steadily assuming an increasingly hostile position to any Church Establishment, it cannot but be an important fact for devoted members of the Church, (and this writer is not singular, though we now direct attention to him, as being within our own locality,) seriously to arrive at the conclusion, that its religious character is injured by its connection with the State. We express 110 opinion upon the subject; but such facts—happening, too, just when the Government and the Bishops are in direct collision, respecting the working of our po itico- ecclesiastical system—appear to us to be too grave a matter to be passed over by those whose province it is to give the first intimation of everything good or evil, which appears within the political horizon. LoVd John Russell, on Monday night ast, gave flotice that he should, last evening, (Thursday) bring in a Bill for the admission 01 Jews to Parliament, t

I ]; ua INTELLIGENCE. THE EFFECT 01' CIILOHOFOHM IN SURGICAL OPERATIONS. In illustration of the influence of this new and valuable agent, we have much pleasure in recording the very happy elfect which has followed its u?e, in one of those dreadful accidents which have so frequently occurred during the past and present year, 011 our railways near this town. Doctor Young has kindly favoured WI, with the particulars of the case alluded to, and we have ourselves visited the poorfellow :—George Pitts, aged sixteen years, had his leg and foot crushed to atoms on Monday evening last, by a loaded tram falling over him his back was also severely injured. After considerable dehy and exposure to cold. he was removed to his lodging", in the most extreme state of exhaustion, not only from loss of blood, but from the dreadful shock which the constitution always sutlers from such severe accidents. The necessity for immediate amputation, as the only means to save life, was imperative; but such was the prostration of all the powers of life, that more than an hour elapsed, even with the aid of the most active stimulants, before the operation could with any probabiliiy of success,be performed. Taking advantage of the most favour- able opportunity, I put him under the intluence of the chloro- form, and directly commenced the operation and during the most painful part of it (under ordinary circumstances), he was quite unconscious of pain. As partial consciousness returned, as the ciTed of the chloroform diminished, it was repeated till the operation was completed, from which time, up to the present, all matters seem to progress so favourably, that I have much reason to hope for perfect recovery. AUer my patient had some hours of quiet repose, I asked him what were his sensa- tions during the operation, and he pain except when you were sawing the bones, when you put something to my mouth and nose, after which 1 felt no pain; nor did I I was most ably assisted in this; and other similar operations, by Dr. Davidson, of the 4oth regiment, and my intelligent assistant, INlr. Allen and al though I have read all the published cases where operations have been performed in London, Dublin, and Edinburgh, under the intluence of chloroform yet 1 have not as yet heard of any capital operation, such as I have just performed, and that. too, under such unfavourable cir- cumstances, when the patient was subjected to the influence of that valuable remedy, chloroform, the use of which has been brought before the profession by Professor Simpson, of Edinburgh." CHLOUCFORM.—Another Operation.— We have just heard of an additional instance in our locality of the benign effects of this admirable medical agent. Mr. George Stokes, a hallier, of Blackwood, sustained a dreadful injury by the breaking of a tram-shaft, on whirl) he was sitting, on Wednesday evening lrtst. He was unfortunately precipatcd under the wheels, by which he suffered bad compound fractures of both legs. The imlbrtunate man was conveyed to the Hose and Thistle, Car- diff-road, and had the immediate attention of Mr. James, surgeon, and Dr. Young, who, in consultation, decided that amputation afforded the only small chance of saving life but such was the dreadful shock given to the constitution, that the medical gentlemen could not proceed to operate until Thursday night, when the limbs were skilfully removed by Mr. James, assisted by Dr. Young, and Dr. Davidson, of the 43rd regt. ft being important not only to pieserve the remaining powers of life, but to obviate the usual torture of so severe an opera. tion, the chloroform was applied with such care and effect by Dr. Y ollng, that but veiy slight suffering was experienced, and prostration of strength avoided. We lament to say that this poor fellow is the father of eight children, one of whom met with a severe accident a few mouths ago. ACCIDENT —On Thursday evening, as Isaac Morgan, a haul- ier on the tramroad, was attending to the latch at Pjp Corner, Bassalleg, the trams that were approaching threw him down, and passed over his light leg, lacerating it so severely, that amputation became necessary. This operation was skilfully performed by Mr. Hawkins, surgeon, the patient being under the influence of chloroform, and during the operation, quite unconscious of pain. Mr. R. F. Woollett and Mr. J. Harrhv, surgeons, were present. SEIUOUS ACCIDENT.—On Monday evening last, when near the hand post 011 the Bassalleg road, and returning from hunting with the Tredegar hounds. Mr. Harwood, solicitor, of this town, dismounted his horse, and directed his groom to take it to the stable in town. The servant had no sooner mounted, than the horse—a very fine and high-spirited animal—started off", at a racing pace, and presently came into violent collision with Stow turnpike gate, which being forred open by the shock, the horse continued an impetuous gallop down Stow-hill at the lower part of which he fell, bruiin and shaking himseff very considerably, but without injuring his knees, while the poor groom was t'lroW]} with much violence, by which his collar hone was fractured, and he was otherwise seiiously injured. EXTRAORDINARY OCCURRENCE.—Last Tuesday the good people of High-street, in this town, were in 110 small degree excited by the astounding freaks of a young horse, of the Mazeppa school, which was seen with harness, gallopping as if with an express from Caerleon, with a boy attempting to stay Lis wild course, in vain and, we regret to say, that when near the Tredegar Arm?, he overtook a gig in which were two respectable inhabitants of Pontypool, Mr. Young, timber- merchant, and Mr. Ellis, of the Lion Inn, when, singular to relate, the impetuous and resistless runaway "took" the gig in line sporting style, clearing the two gentlemen, and alight- ing on the gig horse 1 which plunged violently, threw the gentlemen out, smashed the vehicle, and gallopping away with the s'hafts, was stopped near the Monmouth and Glamorgan Bank. Mr. Young escaped unhurt, but Mr, Ellis was slightly injured; the boy who rode the horse that caused all the mis- ehief is much hurt. Not the slightest blame can be attiibuted to the parties in the gig, who were proceeding at a slow pace, and at the right side oi the road. CARE FOR THE Punric HEALTH.—We understand that active measures are now being taken by the surveyor, under the directions of the Improvement Commissioners of Newport, who are performing their duties zealously and meritoriously, towards effecting a better drainage in that horrible cess-pool, Friar's Field, and carrying out a perfect surface cleansing of that and one or two other pestiferous localities. The public may expect that with such a promising beginning, more ex- tended reformations of disease courting neighbourhoods may be expected to follow. We are requested to draw the attention of the rate-payers of Newport to several letters in to-day's columns, respecting tbe eighteennenny borough and parish rate for September. DARING R'jnnER;OIl Friday night, the 3nl inst., 01' eady on Saturday morning, the canteen at the Newport barracks was entered and the till robbed of about £O., all in silver. The thief entered the premises by cutting the putty and re- moving a pane of glass from one of the bar windows, and this, our informant says, was done within a hundred yards of the sentry's post. The plundercr has not been discovered, and the writer of an anonymous letter to the newspaper complains that there has not been a sufficiently strict scrutiny, closing his remarks with certain suspicions. LICTURES AT HOPE CHAPEL, NEWPORT.—On Wednesday, the 8lh instant, the fifth of a series of lectures on the duties devolving upon Christian professors, as members of a civil community, was delivered by the Ilev. George Thomas, of Pontypool College. The proposition affirmed by the rev. gentleman was—" Religious equality essential to civil liberty;" and his remarks were founded upon the 20th and 21st verses of the 16th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. The audience was T'ot numerous, but the lecture, replete with close and eloquent reasoning, was listened to with great interest—The sixth lecture, on "The. duty of bringing Christian principle to bear upon all the concerns of life," was delivered by the It1*. David D. Evans, of Pontbydyi un, 011 Wednesday last. The 31st verse o' the 12th chapter of the 1st Epistle to the Corinthians, formed the foundation of the rev. gentleman's remarks. NEWPORT CnOHAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT.—We are glad to perceive that this promising society has concluded the arrange. ments for its first concert, which is to take place at the Town Ilall, on Tuesday next, under the patronage of Sir C. Morgan, Hart., and Lady Morgan. The programme, composed ol selections from í Iandel and Haydn, certainly gives promise of an entertaining recital of some of the choicest^ passages of those distinguished authors and whilst the list ol performers embraces the names of nearly all the professional persons in th, neighbourhood, they arc, we understand, to be assisted by a body of amateurs of great taste and talent. We have no doubt that a generous public will record their "golden opi- nions of this intended developement of native genius.— See Advertisement. NfWPORT AT HEN/HUM AND MECHANIC'S TNSTITUVE.—By an advertisement in the MERLIN this day, it will be seen that Mr. Elihu Burritt, of universal peace notoriety, is to appear before a Ne.vport audience, under the auspices of the Athenasum, on Wednesday next. From the celebrity of Mr. Burritt. we augur it may be necessary for the officers of the Athenaeum to direct their attention to some plan, whereby as large a number as possible may be accommodated in our spacious Town Hall. We trust, however, that no cramming almost to suffocation will be experienced. On Tuesday evening last, a party of about thirty gentlemen sat down to an excellent dinner, at the Noah's Ark Inn, in this town. when the enjoyment antI conviviality were first- rate,and were kept up for many hours with unflagging spirit. 1 he meet was occasioned by a praiseworthy intention to canter a benefit Oil that amiable hostess, Mrs. Allen, widow of the late respected John Allen, captain of the Avon steamer. The catering was as usual at the Noah's Arlc, superior. The chair was taken by Mr. Gladstone, of Liverpool, a gentleman ever ready to assist in a good cause and certainly a widow, with twelve children, lnay well claim the good offices and continued support of all who are benevolently disposed.— Con i'S}lOlIrlcnt. Mr. Moses Seard, who was summoned before a county magistrate last wek, for the non-payment of a poors' rate, has called at our office, and produced a receipt, shewing that he had duly paid the said rate in May last. It is indeed veiy annoying that a person should be thus field up as a defaulter who has discharged the claim upon him. Tin; rttciss.—Pailiament will be adjourned on Monday, and honourable members will be allowed a vacation till the of February. The Duke and Duchess of Beau'orf, family, and suite, have arrived in London, from the Continent. Rev. Henry Truman Harris, B.A., of Queen s College, to the perpetual curacy of Glycollwm, Bre- conshire. Mr. Harris will be remembered as having acted as curate to the Rev. A A. Isaacson, late vicar of Sc. Woollos, III tills town, some years since. Any, THE IMPOSTOR.—This indefatigable rascal, who has so long been trying the artful dode, by specious promises o! discovering gold foe those who are credulous enongh to believe him, has once more been trying his chance in Newport; the following letter having been received in this town ov a medical gentleman, a few days since, postage. unPal< J, need not add the attempt was unsuccessful: signed is able to inform you of something to y^nr afifa e long overlooked, on receipt of 20s. for his costs and tiouhle, by order on Whitechapel post office, free. Sir Herbcrt nei Fust, the judge of the prerogative court, London, and there- fore, the first judge in the British empire, attendu to my which neither him.-elf or his heirs otherwise ever would. Your case is sirndat, only not so much money. I promise you at least H espectfUJly. Joseph Ady, accountant, 5, York-st., Charlotto st 4 mile east of Whitechapel church, 50 years a resident housekeeper iu London. Dec. 2, 1817 „ In our leader a fortnight ago, on the subject of the Canal Company, a few copies ot the MKUI.IN eontallled an erroneous statement as to the dividends of the company not having been reduced. This we corrected in the remaimlei of the liupres- sion. The public in general are now amply awaie of the fact, by the letters of our correspondents.

( (JAEKLbm. Jl* ROBBERY.'—Early on yesterday morning, or late on Wed nesday night, an entry was made into the shop of Mrs Matthews, grocer, by means of a centre bit being used to bor< all around the lower panel of the door, which, being wholl] removed, allowed 100111 enough for the burglar to get into tin shop. The thief managed to carry oil a quantity of tea an< ex, cheese, worth about £ 10., and some money from the till > removed, allowed 100111 enough for the burglar to get into tin shop. The thief managed to carry oil a quantity of tea an< ex, cheese, worth about £ 10., and some money from the till > P.C. Limbrick was actively engaged on Thursday in Newport ■ to detect the robber, but without effect. J.:>ja

PONTYPOOL. .I.. IYle LECTURE ON THE SIGNS awn DUTIES OF THE TIMES.—Thes< f v popular and talented lectures are, for the present, drawing tfl a close. The lecture this week was delivered by that age^j ')0i patriarch, the Rev. David D. Evans, of Ponthydyrun, on "Th duty of bringing Christian principle to bear upon all the con bei cerns of life." The subject was founded upon the 1st Cor., {1 10th chap. 31st verse—Whether, therefore, ye eat or drink, I I or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." The aigu* mentative, yet popular, style of the lev. lecturer met witlf 801 warm and oft-repeated bursts of applause. The audience wa5 rie numerous and respectable. We hear that the Rev. ThoinaS ,• Thomas, theological tutor at the Baptist college, will delivci the concluding lecture on Tuesday evening next. gn A correspondent inquires whether or not postmasters ar bo bound to deliver nawspapers where directed. We think'so, CC: and as Ive had frequent complaints relative to the non-deliverv reI of the MERLIN, we hope, after this intimation, it will not ooculf Wt again. „ There is no truth in the report, as stated by a contemporary! that Air. Head,ironmonger of this town, had been appointe be postmaster. The iaet is, our respected townsman, Mr.Henrjj. Holloway, was appointed to that important office on Tuesda th last, which he will enter upon on Saturday next. The appoint ment is the more honourable to Mr. II., as it was unexpected!, and unsought for on h is part. I lIt. INQUEST.— On Thursday, the 9th instant, an inquest wai \V held at the Crown Inn, Blaenavon, before Thomas Hughes! Esq coroner, on the body of John Jenkins, aged 12 years! who met with an accident 011 the preceding Tuesday, by & stone falling upon him, in the Coity pit. A verdict ol Accidental Death was returned. j fo

CHEPSTOW. t On Monday last, an elderly lady, who resides in the vicinit Q1 of the castle, in this town, was sitting in her easy chair, when p] she was suddenly alarmed by the breaking of the window in tb her room, and a volley of small shot striking her chair, and1 1;1 Hying about her apartment. Fortunately the chair had a, stuffed back, which arrested the force of the shot, or the con sequence might have been very serious, as the lady is in a bad! ar stale of health, and advanced in years. Immediate search was made for the perpetrators of this wanton mischief bid o{ they eluded the grasp 0/ justice. There are several idle per' j)S sons who haunt the castle precincts for the purpose of shooting tj( small birds, or anything else that meets their view, whose 8 time might be much better employed. One or more ofthes a; gentry, it is supposed, performed the above gallant feat; but J< it is hoped that our police will, in future, keep a watchful eye m on the spot, and enquire whether such persons are qualified to 11 carry guns, which they make use of to worry and annoy the w peaceful inhabitants living in front of the castle. rc 114 The excavations of the rocks in this vicinity disclose some it1 curious remains of man and beast. Two human skulls, and m the antlers of a deer, have been lately discovered. These ss relics would have exhibited more per'ect specimens, if the w workmen had been careful in their removal. 11 SUODEN DEATH.—On the 8th inst., while engaged in taking :1 in a rick, Mr. Samuel Edwards, aged 72, of Haithill Court, jr near St. Briavels, having but the moment before given instrnc- yi tion to his labourers, suddenly fell forward on the top of th", 1\1 rick, and almost immediately expired. The deceased wasl ai much respected, possessing the most amiable disposition.. S' CAUTION.—Those persons who are in the habit of selling and using what is called waste paper, subject themselves to ir penalties—the former £ 10, for each pack sold, and the latter q £5. The stamped ace of spades is wanting in all cut-cornered p cards, whereby the revenue has been defrauded. b

MONMOUTII. J1 Posr OFEICE.—The Monmouth, Bristol, and Chepstow mail a was discontinued on Tuesday last. Letters between these g towns are now sent and received by the Monmouth and Gloucester mails. A new mail (the old railway coach) com- menced running on Wednesday last, between Abergavenny J. and Gloucester. Letters are dlspatclled by this mail from II Monmouth to Gloucester, at S-42 a.m., and should be a posted at 8 a.m They reach Monmouth on its 6-2J p.m., accompanied with the day London bag, which nowf ° arrives two hours earlier than heretofore. They are dispatched b to Abergavenny at G-27 p.m., as a third mail. and should be posted at :>-45 p m. From the latter town letters arrive at II 8-4] 1).m. ). t. ATTEMPT AT SELF-DESTRUCTION.—On Wednesday evening' £ last, a foolish tradesman of Monmouth, having had an alter-) fJ cation with his wife, and being at, the time as muddled with 0 drink as he was sulky in temper, threatened to drown himself, s. His wife, not dreaming that her spouse was so tired of her fi as to be serious in his intention, jocosely answered she would t accommodate him with a clean shirt for the purpose. The t offer was unceremoniously declined, and immediately the an* 0 gry husband left the house, and walked into the river Wye, near his dwelling. Fortunately, he was watched bv some 5 youths, who saw him go deliberately into the water," where he fell on his back. The young men rescued their rash and silly relative from an attempt which, but for their in. < terference, would have been fatal. j r 11 GIJTFUL ACCIDENT.—On Tuesday last, a workman in the employ of Mr. Harnett, of Marstow, near Whitchurcb, went, L to the top of a rick of hay, for the. purpose of cutting some < trusses. Having finished his job, he threw his hay knife: upon the ground, whilst he descended the ladder. In doing J this, one of the rangs broke, and the poor fellow fell on his j back from a considerable height upon the edge of the knife, fe He was nearly severed through, and lies without any hope of recovery. IMPROVE Youre WAYS.—On Tuesday last, Mr. W. Goode, jun summoned a man in the employ of Mr. Dyke, before the > magistrates, for driving a cart on the pavemen'; before his shop. The driving way at the top of Monnow street, where Mr. G.'s fE shop is situate, is, as eveiybody knows, who has visited our f county town, so narrow, that one vehicle cannot possibly be f driven past another, without encroaching upon the pavement. ,1 This is, however, bv the provisions of the Paving Act, strictly ,4 ill eg-.il, and the defendant was fined 6d., being the smallest 'jS sum which could be inflicted. As in this case, public con- venience, and the provisions of the local act, are in direct 4 collision, the alternative is the improvement of that part of | the town, by widening the thorougb'are—a consummation I long since and most devoutly to be wished. 1 We last week stated, that in compliance with a memorial J which had been presented to the mayor, his worship had or- i dered that the market-day in the Christmas week should bej i> Wednesday instead of Saturday. Some of the butchers had | been mainly instrumental in promoting this arrangement, but' ss soon as it was published, a number of their craft expressed f great dissatisfaction at the result, and in a body they waIted; upon the mayor, to endeavour to alter the understanding that had been come to. The deputation—cleavers and steels hand—looked quite formidable, and may have frightened one j more nervous than our worthy mayor into the belief that he 1 was about to be sacrificed on the spot by his angry looking visitors. His worship having published the alteration by hand- bill's, and otherwise, could not rescind the arrangement, and the deputation retired very wrathful with their brethren, who, had stolen a march upon them in their application. Sr. CHURCH.—Affairs connected with the pastorate of this church, have, for some time, been of a very painful na- I ture in themselves, and must be equally detrimental to the 1 spiritual interests of the congregation. The vicar of the parish j who succeeded the Rev. George Roberts, about a year and a haif since, left the town tome six months ago, under circum- stances, the nature of which need not here be specified. The Rev. Henry Thomas, prior to his vicar's absence from his spiritual charge, and nearly up to the present period, has discharged his important and onerous duties, honourably to himself, and highly satisfactory to his parishioners. Of course the reverend gentleman expected his prescribed stipend, at the proper period the living, however, has been sequestered, and he has been coldly informed that the extent Of his legal demand upon the sequestrator, is a paltry £12. 2s. 2d., ti.,r i a half-year's unremitting and assiduous duty. Under these circumstances, a number of gentlemen, with the mayor at their head, have appealed to the parishioners to anticipate the period of their Easter offerings, by contributing one half of their amount immediately. The congregation of St. Mary s will doubtless respond to the call in such a mativ as will evince their estimate of the services of Mr. Thomas, who is a very amiable, and justly respected clergyman. Whilst t ie writer of this paragraph sympathises with his brethren of the Ltablislnncnt, under the circumstances here detailed, and those still more painful" hich preceded them, he would quietly suggest to them that two great principles of Dissent, about which their prejudices are sometimes bespoke, are, after all, not so very frightful as their caricature we mean the choice of its own minister, by a congregation, and the voluntary principle. i

WEEKLY CALENDAR. December la.-4th Sunday in Advent. Morning Lessons-Tsaiah 30, Acts 19. Evening Lessons- Isaiah 32. 2nd Peter 2. Moon's Age-Full, Dec. 21st, lOh. 8m. after.

MONMOUTH COUNTY COURT. This court was held on Friday, the 10th instant; but the only case of importance, and which excited considerable local interest. was that of Stead v. Higgins.—Mr. Galindo was attorney for the plaintiff", and Mr. J. E. Powles for the defendant.—The plaintiff and defendant were two of the four overseers of the parish of Mon- mouth, for the year ending March, 1847. A person by the name of Win. Toombs, made out the rate books, the cheque. books, and the tax bills, for the overseers, during their office. Plaintiff paid him for doing so and some time afterwards, at a meeting of his colleagues, he produced the account, and re. quested each officer to pay his quota. Plaintiff stated that when he took office, all the officers agreed to employ Toombs, who was to receive two guineas for making out each rate. When the account was presented, the defendant refused to pay his propoition. Mr. Prichard, of the Queen's Head, swore positively to the defendant having agreed to employ Tombs, at the commencement of Higgins's year of office, at a meeting of the incoming oversesrs, at his (Prichards) house.—For the I defence, Higgins stated that he neither consented to, norheaul I of, the proposal of the employment of Toombs, a. the meeting winch had been referred to. Toombs pei formed no part of the defendant's official duty. The plaintiff engrossed to him- Y' r l''i(> mm,la8cment of tbe parochial matters, even to refusing defendant the use of the rate book, when he wanted it for the 5 purpose of collecting money; and he therefore refused to pay any part 01 the expense, which had been incurred without his own concurrence. Mr. Aston, another of the overseers, corroborated Mr. Higgins's statement, as to not having heard, anything of the engagement to employ Toomhs at the meeting" f a Pr ichard's house, and also as to Mr. Stead having taken upon j' hitnseli the active management of the overseers' duties. He I also himself declined paying any share of the expenses, be. cause lie thought they were greater than they should have been.— fhe Judge, in giving his decision, remarked that he did not think the charges were extortionate, and it was but fair that each officer should pay his share, and not allow one of the number to be saddled with them, and particularly as the plaintiff's duties were much heavier than those of the defen- dant. With reference to the alleged agreement, he could not shut out Mr. Pritchard's evidence, who was a disinterested man in the transaction, whilst the testimony of the defendant, and of Mr. Aston, was that of parties concerned, and which, in the superior courts, could not be received. He, therefore, gave judgment for the plaintiff, and to be paid forthwith. In one. case, a defendant, who repeated that lie could not and would not abide by the decision of the Court, was com- mitted to gaol for forty days,