Monmouthshire Merlin

TRIAL OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND BANK DIRECTORS. At the Central Criminal Court, London, on Tuesday (before Lord Chief Justice Cockburn and a common jury), the trial of the late West of England and South Wales District Bank directors was commenced. The names of the impeached directors are as follows Mr. Jerom Murch (chairman), Mr. George Hare Leonard, Mr. Joseph Coates, Mr. Alexander Allen, the Rev. Hereford. Brooke George, and Mr. Clement Lucas (directors), and Mr. John Pomeroy Gilbert, the manager. The indictment contained over 50 counts bat the main charge against the defendants was that, in their position as officials of the bank, they jointly conspired to issue fictitious balance sheets, in order to deceive the public as to to the real condition of the bank; and that they paid large dividends out of the supposed profits of the bank's operations, whereas it was at that time in a hopelessly insolvent state. The counsel for the prosecutinn, which was insti. tuted by the Treasury, were Sir John Holker, Q.C., Sir Hardinge Stanley Giffard, Q-C., Mr. A. Collins, Q.C., Mr. A. L. Smith, and Mr. M'Kellar. For the defendants—Mr. Day, Q.C., appeared on behalf of Mr. March Sir Henry James, Q.C., and Mr. E. Clarke, Q.C., for Mr Leonard; Mr. Herschell, Q.C., M.P., and Mr. Mortimer, for Mr. Alexander Allen and the Rev. Mr. George for Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Charles and Mr. J. F. Norris; for Mr. Coates and Mr. Lucas, Mr. Littler, Q-C., and Mr Petheram, Q.C. The defendants, who surrendered to their bail at ten o'clock, and pleaded not guilty, were accommodated with seats in the spacious dock of what is known as the "old court." Sir Johg Holker rose soon after ten o'clock to open the case for the prosecution, and began by speaking of the early history of the bank, and then proceeded to deal with the connection of Messrs. Booker and Company and Messrs. Booker and Company (Limited) with the bank. He read copious extracts from the evidence given before the magistrates during the pre- liminary examination at Bristol, the object being to show that the bank directors invariably treated the connection of Booker and Company with the bank as of value, yet, in reality, the bank's prosperity de- pended very much on the well-being of Messrs. T. W. Booker and Co., or, as the firm was afterwards styled, Messrs. Booker and Co., Limited. Voluminous cor- respondence between Mr. Gilbertson and the firm of Booker and Co., and Mr. Murch, the chairman of the bank, was read. The learned counsel put it to the jury that the position of the bank depended on the prosperity of Booker and Co. that there was no pros- pect of the prosperity of the latter, and that therefore they had no right to treat the shares of Booker and Co. as part of their available assets. Letters that passed between Messrs. Gilberson and Murch in 1875 were read in support of this suggestion, and a com- munication from the pen of Mr. Jeffreys, the manag. ing director of Messrs. Booker and Co. (Limited), whose qualification was paid by the bank, stating that until trade improved generally they could not hope until trade improved generally they could not hope for a better state of things. In December, 1875, Booker and Co. and Booker and Co., Limited, owed to the bank £ 556,365. This was treated as a good asset, and in that year, although there wa3 no charge on that head, the bank declared a dividend of 8 per cent., with a bonus of 2, practically a bonus of 10 per cent. Reference was then made to the fact that Booker and Co. ultimately became Booker and Co. (Limited), whereby the charges on the works, collieries, and lands of Messrs. Booker were extinguished and got rid of, and the bank had a limited liability com- pany to look to. In 1876, Booker aud Co. (Limited) owed the bank £ 524,000 odd, and in the next balance sheet that sum was included in the item ".Other secu rities, bills, &o., £ 4,226,859 15s. 9d." The learned counsel then proceeded to dilate on the subject of in- surances on Mr. Booker's life, and remarking on the fact that he (Mr. Booker), a man 45 or 46 years of age, was insured for £90,000, he asked how the direc- tors could place that item in the balance sheet at £ 100,000 ? The real value ef the policies was only about il2,000, and if the directors had stated the truth, he was obliged to say the truth only, the latter sum would have been put down. The Lord Chief Justice But £1(\0,000 was their value. Sir J. Holker No, my lord, £90,000 with bonuses. The Lord Chief Justice They would have realised that sum if be had died. Sir J. Holker Yes. If he had died next day they would have been worth £ 90,000, plus something. Continuing his remarks the learned counsel summed up with the argument that if the defendants had, knowing these facts, put forth the balance-aheets which had been published, they were guilty, and in supporting his case he spoke of the transactions with the Plymouth and Abernant Company, E. J. Wait and Co., Cardiff, and others. In concluding a speech which lasted five hours, he asked the jury not to be deterred frpm their duty by the position of the de- fendants, who, owing to their intelligence ought to be more careful not to be suspected of deceiving the public. The trial will be resumed at the Guildhall at 10.30 this (Wednesday) morning. On Wednesday morning, Mr. Day, Q.C., having handed in the late Bank's deed of settlement, Mr. E. G. Clarke, public accountant, Bristol, and one of the official liquidators of the late West of England and South Wales District Bank, was the first witness called. He said the bank closed its doors in the usual way on Saturnay, the 7th of December, 1878, and did not open again. On Monday, the 9th December, a petition to wind up the Bank was presented, and about the 11th or 12th Mr Turquand and himself were appointed provisional liquidators, taking possession of the books of the concern. Subsequently Mr. Turquand and himself were made official liquida- tors, and on the 20th of the month witness and his co- liquidator presented arftfficial statement to the share- holders. Mr. Murch, one of the defendants, was present, and so were some of the others, but he was not sure about all. In answer to the learned consel, Mr. Clarke then proceeded to detail the liabilities of the bank. He stated that on current accounts the liabilities were £1,474,345 Os 9d, and on deposit receipts £ 1,692,319 lis 9d. The statement of liabilities was then put in, and witness went on to give evidence concerning certain assets to th& bank. He said that the doubtful and bad debts were set down at jE810,804, but the liquida- tors thought they might be worth £249,898. and, roughly speaking, [that had proved a correct estimate. The item of bad and doubtful debts" was entered in'- the books of the bank as debts simply, Then in the books of the bank, under the head investments," there appeared the sum of £776,929 4s 10d, and this the liquidators allowed £159,645 7s 8d but witness could not say whether that was a correct estimate, for the chief items in the amount were not yet realised -they. were the amounts owed by Booker and Co., Limited, and the Abernant and Plymouth Iron and Coal Company Limited. The Lord Chief Justice: Up to the present time is it your impression that your estimate is a proper sum? Witness I should not like to commit myself, but I do not think it will exceed that. In reply to Mr. Collins, witness further stated that wtn tr.fi! pf nfHITt? +"■ "l"Ht liabilities other than on capital amount. Referring to the abstract balance sheet for September 30, 1876, witness said among the assets there were the follow- ing Messrs. T. W. Booker and Co. (Limited), investment account, jB199,242 debenture account, £120,500 fully paid-up shares, £104,000; and life policies account, £IOO,OOO-total, about £ 523,700. On the 31st of December, 1877, the accounts were the same. As regarded the Aberdare and Plymouth Com- pany, in 1876, the debenture account stood at £152,733 6s 8d, and other accounts JE7,909 17s Id total, £160,64338 9d. In 1877 the debentuae account stood at £ 153,330; the mortgage account at £ 2,340 38 7d; and the consolidation account at £ 3,331 3s Id; total, £ 159,001 6a 8d. Questions respecting Messrs. T. W. Booker and Company's policies account were then asked, in answer to which witness, referring to page 1,305 of the bank ledger, said that on the 22nd January, 1876, to this account was transferred, as the value of the policies on the life of Mr. T. W. Booker for £90,000, with bonuses, the Bum of £ 100,000. The actual amount of the policies with bonuses was £96,983 7s 8d but the liquidators, taking the policies at their surrender value, valued them at £ 13,000. The premiums were nearly all pay- able by the bank. The whole of the Booker assets were valued by the liquidators at jE122,000, including dE12,000, the value of the policies. As to the Aber. dare and Plymouth Company's debentures, from surrounding circumstances the liquidators did not take them as worth anything. They thought that if the debentures were worth a certain sum there was a oontingent liability which might bring them down altogether to nil- The Lord Chief Jaatiee What was this contingent liability ? Witness There was a claim made with reference to this particular asset which, if it is successful, and it is Mow being proceeded with, woald sweep off any value placed on these debentures. As a matter of fact, no- Sing has been received from these Aberdare and Ply- ,th Company's debentures. ,tinuing his examination in chief, Mr. Clarke gave '">rmation respecting some of the minor debts bank. One of these debtors was Mr. E. "rass and Spanish ore merchant, of "wed the bank £34,590, and. at "edoess was between £40,000 "lar than jthe former. The aces and interest. The liquidators had realised £ 1,146 by the sale of some ore warrants, which formed part of Mr. Wait's securities '■ and whatever securities they now held consisted of share? in ship3 and steamers. They had agreed to give these up on payment of £ 7,000 in instalments. give these up on payment of X7,000 in instalments. Messrs. Miller and Co., Bridgend, were other debtors. In 1S76 they owed £ 9,519, and in 1877 £ 15,680. But In 1876 they owed £9,519, and in 1877 £ 15,680. But at the latter date two sums of £3,000 and £4,000 were written off, which reduced the debt to between £ 8,000 or £ 9,000. The Crumlin Viaduct Works, Limited, owed the bank £15,490, and about the same amount at the time the bank stopped. The company stopped payment at the end of 1877, but liquidation proceed. irgs did not take place until January, 1878. The liquidators of the bank had realised JE500 on account of the company's debt, and they would get £1,000 or £ 2.000 more. Witness further said that in the general ledger of the bank at Bristol in 1876 the item of out- standing ad vices was set down at £18,00@. By this term "outstanding advices," witness understood that money had been paid into the credit of various per- sons, either by themselves or others, and not drawn out or dea!t with. Of the sum of j618,000, j615,000 was carried to the bad debt fund. There were two accounts, the bad debts and the bad debt fund the latter turned out to have been exclusively in con. nection with Bookers' affairs. It was a provision for any loss which might come upon the bank through Messrs. Booker and Co. To some extent it was a pru- dent provision against a possible loss. The witness concluded his examination in chief by giving the amount of Messrs. Bookers' indebtedness to the bank at the end of the following years :-1870, X465,451 1871, £ 458,829 1872 (the first year in which any mention occurs about the limited company) £459,208 1873, £510,657; 1874, X548,271 1875, 556,365 1876, £524,409; 1877, £535,464; and in 1878, £ 535,746. Cross-examined by Mr. Day, Q.C. (on behalf of Mr. Murch), witness said he had gone carefully through the Share register of the bank; and it was a fact that on the day of the stoppage the defendant held 400 shares. Mr. Murch became a director in 1855 or 1856; in the latter year he held 80 shares, and in- creased them, from year to year, until in 1878 he held 400. On two occasions he transferred shares to mem. bers of his family for a nominal consideration, but be bought shares, restoring his holding to the extent of 400. For some he paid high prices. In addition to the 400 shares held by Mr. Murch, the relations of the defendant held from 250 to 300 shares among them, and had paid the calls on them. The witness further said that Mr. Pritchard (Fussell and Pritchard), Mr. Christopher Thomas, and Mr. Gardner, all of whom had been connected with the bank, were gentlemen of the highest standing, and excellent business qualities. Messrs. Thomas and Gardner joined the bank in No. vember, 1878. An interval of half-an-hour for luncheon here took place. When the Court re-assembled at 2.15, Mr. Clarke's cross-examination by Mr. Day was re- sumed, when the witness said the works of Messrs. Booker and Co. had been carried on within his know. ledge with the greatest success. A good deal of the money advanced by the bank was to adapt the works for modern requirements, and the new blast furnaces were built with the bank's money. The tin-plate trade was bad in 1876, and during the two following years things-got worse and worse. At the beginning of the current year, the works, which are being carried on by the liquidators, were doing "first-rate," but there had been a falling-off since. The books of the bank had been very carefully ex. amined by a professional accountant-Mr. Smart. The amount held by the bank on deposit notell and current accounts was such that it would amount to £ 4^000,000 of money at any moment—the turn over would be more like hundreds of millions -and it would be legitimate banking to make short loans, and grant over-drafts to responsible customers. Sir H. James In some localities there are no bills to be discounted, and you must get such securities as you can. The Lord Chief Justice Is that so; is it good banking ? Not that we are trying that question. Witness T should sa\ that if the bank could not use the money in discounting, they would grant short loans the customers would say they were entitled to have accommodation. Sir H. James Can you tell me whether there was a possibility of using £4,000,000 in mere discounting. Witness I cannot answer that. Tn further reply to Sir Henry James, Mr Clarke said he did not suppose bankers lent money for long investment, but it might be that a loan once made would have to stand over for years. The Booker loan was a very old affair it certainly dated as far back as 1857. He did not know that the account was first of all transferred from a bank, the business of which was taken over by the late West of Enland Bank. Prices in the tin plate and iron trade were double at one I time to what they were at another; and the value of works like those of Messrs Booker and Co. (Limited) necessarily depended very much on the time at which the valuation was made. In 1877, 1878, and 1879 the depression in the coal and tin-plate trades, certainly the latter, was worse than had ever been known in Glamorganshire. Booker's works could produce 1,500 boxes of tin-plates per week, and rolled sheets of a very well known quality to the extent of about 150 tons per week-. Prices had varied very greatly between the years 1373 and 1879, he dared say as much as from £ 18 to £ 9 5s. He had heard of sheet iron being sold under certkin circumstances during the late depression at X8 10s. The prices were far below those of 1873 and the two following years. The works were still in operation, after being closed for about a year. The profits could not be less than J6500 or JE600 per week, ex interest on capital. Sir H. James, reading from his instructions, here said that in 1873 the works made a net profit of £ 32,000. The witness was cross-examined on behalf of the other defendants, but nothing of importance was elicited. At five o'clock the court rose. The trial was resumed on Thursday morning. The first witness called was Mr. John Dester, who, in reply to Mr. A. L. Smith, said he joined the New- port branch of the bank in 1840, and was afterwards appointed manager at the Swansea branch. In 1864 he was appointed sub-manager at the head office at Bristol. Prior to 1864, Mr. J. P. Gilbert had been sub-manager at Bristol, and in that year Mr. Gilbert was appointed general manager over the whole bank- system. From 186A to October 1875, witness was sub-manager of the whole system, and manager of the Bristol branch. During that time he attended the Board meetings and took rough notes. The advances to Booker and Co. amounted in 1859 to £97,000, and in 1860 to £ 147,000. He remembered the minute of October 4tb, 1861, when the Board passed a resolution expressing regret that Booker and Co., had not only not deposited stocks, but required a further advance, and asserting that no further advances would be made. Mr. Gilbert wonld be present at the meeting. On the 9th September, 1864, the Board resolved to reduce the allowances to Mr. Booker from £1,500 to £1.000 and to Mr. Ashley Thompson from £1,000 to X700 after the 31st of October. In the same year the Board agreed to d"l|"w' Moaaya Ttr.r.l-cy onrl fn thft silim nf -P. 10 000 Mr. A. L. Smith then read several of the minutes of the meetings in 1865, at which the Board resolved to communicate with Messrs. Booker and Co., urging them to meet the demands of the bank, and stating that the bank would be prepared to close the works unless the requirements of the Bank were attended to. Messrs. Murch, Coates, and Leonard attended all those meetings. Witness Mr Jeffreys after this submitted a report of the working of Booker and Company for the quarter, and stated that he believed a company could be formed with a capital of £ 500,000, that the debt of the firm was about £450,000, which would be reduced by se. curities by JE50,000, making a total of £400,000; then there were the policies for £90,000, and the bonuses set aside, £ 10,000, making d6100,000, reducing the debt to £300,000, to be provided for out of the fran- chise money, which was, in fact, to be paid off with the means obtained by the intervention of a limited company. Mr. A. L. Smith read the correspondence in which Mr. Nash tendered his resignation as director on ¡ account of the unsatisfactory state of Booker's debt. Examination continued In July, 1872, steps were taken for the formation of the company. He believed the bank was to take 14,500 shares. Booker's debt at the time was £ 440,000. The number of shares left for the public to subscribe was 6,400. If the com- pany had been launched independently, and the public had paid for the debentures and shares, they would have subscribed £ 550,000. If that money had been obtained, £425,000 would have gone straight into the coffers of the bank, in discharge of Booker's debt, and the difference between the £425,000 and the £ 550,000 would have been the working capital to carry on the. business. The money for the shares taken by the bank did not really leave the bank, but Booker's account was credited with the amount. The bank had a right of X145,000 in cash, but they did not get it. He believed that shares were taken by the public to the extent oi £ 40,000. In July, 1872, a document was presented by Mr. March to the Board, showing the statement of accounts of Booker and Company, and how the bank expected to be paid. The debt was £ 439,216, and it was estimated to receive on purchase debentures JE150,000, fully paid up shares. £ 130,000, and cash £145,000, making £425,000 then their stock valued outside the freehold property XAOOO, making j6487,000, and the assurances were pat down at £ 100,000, which made a total of assets of £ 587,000. Besides the debt to the bank it was estimated that there were other items to be paid, viz., £116,000 for preference claims, £18,000 on behalf of Mrs. Booker, and other sums, making the total liability £ 606,716— so that there was a deficiency of £ 19,716. In October, 1873, the bank were anxious to dispose of their £130,000 of shares in the limited company but, as a fact, none of them were sold until they guaranteed a dividend of 71 per cent. for five years. On the 16th of April, 1875, Mr. Murch reported an interview he had had with Mr. Gilbertson, one of the directors of Booker and Co., Limited, and it was resolved to forego the interest on £43,000, the balance of the pur. chase money, and also, in consideration of the payment of the balance (the money to be raised by a call not exceeding X2 per share), the bank were to grant a loan of from X10,000 to £12,000 to Booker and Co., on terms to be arranged. A fall which took place in the bad debt fund, from £79,500 to £4,500, was due to I the fact that a portion of that sum had been applied to the reduction of Booker and Co. 's liability to the bank. Witness then described the preparation of the balance sheets and reports for the general meetings. Cross-examined by Mr Day, Q.C., for Mr Jerom Murch In the ledger appeared as credit to Booker and Co. the debentures and fully paid-up shares, and the policies and bonuses—the latter for £ 100,000. The Lord Chief Justice But they would not be of that value until the death of Mr Booker. How came that amount to be entered there ? Witness It was in consequence of the suggestion of Mr Pritchard, and it would be entered by the account ants. By Mr Day: He did not believe the item of £ 100,000 was ever called to the attention of the directors until the 22nd of January, 1876, except in the minute of June, 1872. As a matter of form, the balance-sheet book was presented to the directors at every weekly meeting. In reply to an observation from His Lordship, Mr Day submitted that the fact of this item appearing in the books as of the value of £ 100,000 was an over sight on the part of the officials, that it was a mistake in the books, and that it did not originate with the directors. In fact, it originated in a mistake by Mr Pritchard, and was entered in the books by Mr Dester. Witness, resuming, said he told Mr Thomas and Mr Gardner that the policies were worth from £12,000 to £ 15,000. It was in October, 1878, that he found the policies were not then worth the £ 100,000- He had always looked upon that account as a kind of suspense account. The effects of the failure of the Glasgow Bank were severely felt in the West of England, and the depression in the coal and iron trades in the months of November and December, 1878, was exceedingly great. He expected that the bank would be able to get over their difficulties, and if the trade in South Wales had revived about twelve months earlier, he believed that the West of England Bank would now have been in a flourishing condi- tion. The re-examination of this witness by Sir John Holker was postponed. The Court adjourned at five o'clock until 10.30 this morning.

TRAFFIC RETURNS. GREAT WESTERN. Week ending April 24, 1880 £ 138,028 0 0 Corresponding week, 1879 £134,518 0 0 BRECON AND MERTHYR. Week ending April 24, 1880 £ 1,104 4 10 Corresponding week, 1879 £ 941 7 6 TAFF VALE. Week ending April 17, 1880 £ 10,066 0 0 Corresponding week, 1879 £ 8,927 0 0 PENARTH HARBOUR, DOCK, & RAILWAY Week ending April 24, 1880 je2,480 0 0 Corresponding week, 1879. £2,125 0 0 RHYMNEY. Week ending April 24, 1880 £ 3,066 15 1 Corresponding week, 1879 £ 2,873 7 7

NEWPORT INFIRMARY AND DISPENSARY. WEEK ENDING APRIL 24th. 1880. Patients attended at the Dispensary 416 Patients attended at their homes 112 Patients in the Infirmary during the week. 17 Dr. DAVIES, Surgeon for the week. R. H. DOWSE, M.B. House Surgeon. SOUTH DISTRICT. No. of Patients during the week 65 No. of Visits paid to Patients during the week. 152

THE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.— Young Smiffkins was somewnat surprised, but highly elated, when he received a polite invitation from old Scroggins to come up and take a crust—which meant dinner—and that,too, when heha^pmt the very even- ing before in the sweet society of Miss Matilda Jane Scroggins. It is needless to say that he was promptly on hand. Matilda Jane," said the old gentleman, when dinner was over, did you ever hear the phonograph in active operation?" "No, pa, but I should like," answered the maiden, who wished to humour her parent's scientific weakness. Well, my dear, you shall. I bought one the day before yesterday. You will find it under the sofa in the front parlour. I forgot to take it upstairs last night when I left you and Smiffkins conversing on church festivals." Matilda brought the machine, and the old man wound it up, remarking that he had set it just before going to bed. The family circle and one or two of Seroggins's cronies, who happened to be present, listened with a great deal of interest as it slowly rmrnlirofl Thank gnnrWaa, thft old nnmnJp- gone at last exclaimed the phonograph, in tones that sounded amazingly like those of Smiffkins. "I thought the hateful old thing would sit up all night," continued the wonderful invention, in a voice that was unmistakably that of Matilda Jane. Well, my own darling, we'll make np for lost time. Yum—yum ejaculated the revolving cylinder, with a pronounced Smiffkins accent. Oh, don't, darling you mustn't! Ya M-Y U La I" it proceeded, in tones of Matilda Jaae. After that the instrument grew incoherent and mixed up, as it were. A subdued osculatory sound, mingled with deep drawing sighs and occasional whispered protests-in the Matilda Jane voice, was all that could be distinguished, till it suddenly blurted out Well, I suppose old Scrog will be coming down- stairs with a club unless I clear out." Another silence, broken by yum, yums, and then, in the softer voice, the inexorable cylinder concluded, There you must go now. Good—yum—night—yum—yum! I'll make the old horror ask you up to dinner to-morrow -yum yum 1" By this time Matilda Jane had fainted, and Smiffkins's face looked like green cheese; but old Scroggins gazed upon them grimly, after the fashion of a graven image, to the amusement of the rest of the company. Smiffkins bought a mountain howitzer next day, and went to look for Edison.—San Francisco paper.

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CRICKHOWELL. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—The first meeting of the new Board of Guardians was held at the Workhouse, on Monday. Sir J. R. Bailey, Bart., M.P., was unanimously re.elected chairmhn, and Messrs. G. L. Hiley and G. W. Miles vice-chairman for the year. The Clerk report there were 159 in-door and 838 out- door paupers, and 34 vagrants had received relief. Mr. Jones had expended zCl 12 and Mr. Morgan zC26, and the balance at the Bank was £ 798. The half- yearly charge for the paupers was 3s 6|d, beiug an increase of 2id, and was accounted for by the increase in the price of flour.

PONTYPOOL. FAREWELL SERMOX. — On Sunday last the Rev. John Jones, senior curate of Trevethin parish, preached a farewell sermon from St. Luke, chap. 9, 28th to 36th verse. There was a large congregation. The rev. gentleman has been appointed curate of Panteg parish church. A few days ago a young man named James Carey was badly crushed between some trucks at the Ebbw Vale Company's Lower Mill Works. POLCIE COURT.—SATURDAY. William Evans, charged with obstructing the high- way at Blaenavon, was fined 5s. William Williams was fined for ill-treating a donkey at Blaenavon. Elijah Phillips, summoned for using threats towards his wife, Hannah Phillips, was bound over to keep the peace. Thomas Lewis, landlord of the Six Bells, Llanithel, was fined for selling drink during prohibited hours on a Sunday.-D. Prosser, tin worker, and James Gibbon, puddler, of Abertillery, summoned for being on the above-mentioned premises during prohibited hours, were ordered to pay a fine of 155 each. William Bartlett, charged with keeping a dog with- out a license, at Abersychan, was fined 12s 6d. Mary Morris (14), and Catherine Mahoney (13), pleaded guilty to trespassing at Cwmsychan Pits, and were fined 5s each. John Tohmas (15), summoned for stealing a shovel, the property of William Morgan, at the Blaenavon Works, was discharged, his father being bound over to produce him when called upon. A SERIOUS ALLEGATION.—Thomas Jones was sum- moned for assaulting William Atkins, at Cwmyniscoy, on the 13th inst., and Atkins was charged with having, on the same date, cruelly ill-treated a mare belonging to Jones. Mr. T. Watkins (Pontypool) appeared for Jones, and Mr. William Gardner (Usk) for Atkins. Atkins stated that on the day in ques- tion Jones knocked him down with a stick, and struck him several times. Jones admitted this, but said Atkins struck him first after he had watched him beat the mare with a stick. Ultimately the charge of of assault against Jones was dismissed, and Atkins, for cruelty to the mare, was fined 20s, including costs. LOCAL BOARD.—The first meeting of the new Board was held last week, Mr. E. H. Davies in the chair. Mr. E. H. Davies was elected Chairman of the Board for the ensuing year. The Finance Committee was appointed, and cansists of Messrs. W. H. Rosser, J. Williams, T. Fletcher, G. Bevan, J. G. Jee, E Fow- ler, W. Sandbrook, and T. Williams. The Streets and Gas Committee consists of the remaining members of the Board, with the addition of Messrs. Rosser and Fletcher. Several questions, arising out of the minutes of the last Board meeting, came on for dis- cussion, but were ordered to stand over till the next meeting. TUESDAY. William Moore, of Cwmbran, was charged with being drunk and riotous.-The prisoner, it transpired, was drunk in Foundry-row, where he met a man whom he knocked and kicked until he was insensible. -The man assaulted did not wish to press the charge against him.—Defendant was fined 10s, or seven days' hard labour. Henry Barnes was charged with throwing stones at the door of the Pontypool police-station, and with threatening to break the windows if they did not lock him up. His request was complied with.- Prisoner, who said he was very, dirty, and wanted to be accommodated in order that he might get clean, was lined 10s, or seven days' hard labour.

RISCA, OBITUARY.—Mr. Francis Jones, Darran Colliery, Risca, died rather suddenly on Sunday morning, at his residence, Darran House. The deceasen gentle- man was highly esteemed,, and his unlooked for decease is regretted by a large circle of friends in the district.

MERTHYR. MYSTERIOUS FIRES. Two fires occurred at Merthyr early on Sunday morning, resulting in a con- siderable loss of proyerty. About two o'clock a rick of hay, the property of Mr. W. Simons, solicitor, of Gwaunfarren, caught tire. With the utmost dispatch possible the reel and hose, &o., wers brought on the spot. A large quantity of hay was thus saved. A more disastrous conflagration took place upon some premises of Mr. J. Jenkins, of the Brickyard Thomas- town. Near these brickworks, and only removed some 20 yards from his own house, Mr. Jenkins had a stable in which were a pony and three valuable horses. Over the stable is a loft, in which were hay and other things. By some unexplained cause, the whole of the stable, harness,horses, hay, and everything that could i be consumed, were utterly destroyed. Although the fire took place sometime between half-past one and seven o'clock, no one seems to have been aware of its existence until the latter hour, when everything was demolished, By the misfortune a loss of between f,300 and jE400 has been sustained by MK. Jenkins who is uninsured. Great commiseration is felt for him.

TRRDEGAR. CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY.—On Sunday last special sermons were preached at the Castle-street Congre- gational chapel, by Mr. Griffiths Hughes (son of the late Rev. D. Hughes, B.A., Saron chapel) of the Lanca- shire Independent college. There were three services, and at each the chapel was filled to overflowing, and the collections reached the handsome sum of JE43 10s., which will be applied to reduce the building debt. THE CRICKET CLUB.-This club is about to start operations for the season, and a preliminary meeting of the members and subscribers has been held to con- sider the appointment of officers. POLICE COURT.—TUESDAY. (Before the Rev. W. HUGHES and Dr. BROWN.) COAL STEALING.—John Thorn, 17, was charged with stealing coal at Tredegar.—There were some ex- traordinary circumstances surrounding the case, and the defendant was let off at sixpence and costs. DRUNK.—John Hughes, charged with being drunk in Hill-street, Rhymney, on the 21st of April, was fined Is. and costs, to be paid on the 8th of May.- Peter Harrington, labourer, was summoned on a charge of being drunk and refusing to quit the Royal Arms Inn, Rhymney, on the 21st of April.-Police Sergeant Richards said he found defendant very de- termined on requesting him to go from the Royal Arms he wanted to lie before the fire saw him afterwards near the police station very drunk and riotous. —The Bench fined defendant 2s. 6d. in each case and costs, or 14 days for the double offence. COAL STEA.LERS. -Martha Owen, Margaret Watkins, Ann Daniel, Elizabeth Morgan,, Thomas Daniel, and Mary Morgan were charged with stealing coal from a waggon in a siding at Ebbw Yale, on the 6th of April. -There was an assult case arising out of the affair, in which a man named Hillman was defendant, and he was defended by Mr. Plews.-Thomas Hill- man, a lad, gave evidence to the effect that he saw the boy Daniels on the top of the truck flinging down the coal, and the others carried it away.-Ann Hillman said she saw the boy throwing the coal down, and Ann Daniel and the others carying it away.—Thomas Hillman, father of the first witness, deposed I saw the coal being carried away by Martha Owen and Ann Daniels.-The defendants, one and all, expressed a hope the witness would not be struck dead.-The company's constable, Fletcher, gave evidence to the effect, that the coal taken away weighed 17 cwt.—The defendants pleaded not guilty, and said they were dragged up only through spite. -One of the defendants, in reply to the Bench, said she could bring all Ebbw Vale as evidence in their favour.—The husband of Mrs. Owen said his wife was ill at the time and unable to be out.—Mrs. Owen I had a mustard plaister on me that evening.—Mr. Plews And you were well enough to figlit next day ?—Defendant: I was not taught fighting.—The Bench fined the defendants Is. each and costs, in default seven days. ASSAULT.—Martha Owen v. Thomas Hillman.—Mr. Plews for defendant.—Complainant sworn There was some bother between my children and Hillman's boy. Defendant called his biggest boy to beat my little boy. I went out and dragged my boy in, and he theu beat my biggest boy, and thrashed him with a strap —By Mr. Plews My eldest boy is 10. I did not hear any bad names. I was carried into the house because I fainted away dead on seeing my son beaten. Defend ant pulled his shirt off to tight me I did not pull his shirt off; I was abused awful, and was as dead as a herrin'. —(Laughter.)—Mary Morgan I saw defendant take off the strap and beat the child, and when Mrs. Owen came out he caught her by the hair of her head and struck her in the face till she fainted he kicked her, and I had to hold her in my arms r he told me to go out or he would serve me the same.-Ann Daniels. I heard the little boy a screaming murders 1 went out, and saw Hillman. strapping the boy terribly. Mrs. Owen came out and he caught hold of her by the neck and kicked her. -By Mr. Plews: Her life was in dan- ger. Defendant had a shirt on when he struck her.- Mr. Plews addressed the Court, and, in the course of his remarks, said the whole affair was exaggerated for the purpose of meeting the counter chasge of coal stealing.-The Bench considered an assault had been committed, althongh through provocation, and fined defendant Is. and costs. TjJNroN PROSECUTIONS.—John Tucker was summoned by the Guardians for neglecting to maintain his pa- rents, who had become chargeable to the parish of Bedwellty.-The facts were proved by Mr. D. Phil- lips, relieving officer, and defendant was ordered to pay 2s. weekly. -The case of George Bruce was again before the Court, the father having neglected to com- ply with an order made against him some weeks back. —Mr. Plews appeared for the defendant.—It appears the son is an imbecile, and earned a few shillings as organ-blower at the church, but nothing like sufficient to maintain himself. Not feeling easy at home be be- came an inmate of the Workhouse, and the father was ordered to contribute 2s. weekly towards his sup- port.—The father now paid down 10s., and promised to pay off the balance as soon as possible, and the 2s. regularly every week. A YOUTHFUL RoBBER.—E van Thomas, a boy of 10, was arraigned on a charge of stealing a purse,. belong- ing to Richard George at Tredegar.-P.C.Dawe was the constable in the case. -The prosecutor desired to with- draw the charge, and the Beuch, after reminding de- fendant that he had a very narrow escape, discharged him. AFFILIATION.—John Lloyd, a collier at was summoned as the putativo-father of the onild ot Elizabeth Darby, a young woman of prepossessing ap- pearance.—The Bench made an order of 3s. weekly. SPECIAL CONSTABLES ON THE LOOSE.—Henry Rich. ards and Edward Davies, two of. the specials sworn in during the election days, were placed in the dock, charged with being drunk at Ebbw Vale, on the 3rd of April, while on duty.—The Bench told them their conduct was the contrary of what it ought to have been; they would each have to pay a fine of eixpence, and forfeit the 7s. due as pay. SCHOOL BOARD PROSHCUTIOW.:—Daniel Symonds and Henry Clark, colliers, Cwm, were summoned by Mr. Collins, inspector under the Aberystruth S jhool Board, for neglecting to send their children to school.—The defendants both pleaded inability to support long fa- milies and send all to school; they wanted half in the earning, department.—The Bench told them the law must be upheld, and they must send their children to school.—They were not fined this time, but oautioned as to a second appearance.

ABERGAVENNY. C Oi N S E R V A r I V" E DINNER. Oa Friday evening last the Abergavenny Conserva- tive Committee invited about 90 gentlemen and their friends, including the two county members—the Hon. F. C. Morgan and Mr. J. As Rolls-to a banquet at the Greyhound Hotel. The dining-room was elegantly decorated. There were present—Mr. F: C. Hanbury Williams, the President of the Committee, in the chair Mr. Crawshay Bailey and Capt. F. Herbert, two vice-chairmen, supported by Col. Morgan, M.P., and Mr. J. A. Rolls, M.P., Major J. Wheeley, Major W. H. Wheeley, Major Morgan, Capt. Moore, Dr. Smythe, Mr. L. D. Browne, Mr. J. H. Farquhar, Dr. Irvine, Mr Nesbitt, Mr B. E. Hodgens, Mr W. H. L. Hodgens, Mr H. K. Tynte, Mr Penton, Capt. R. P. Rees, Rev. Bury Capel (tvicar), Rev. J. R. Jenkins,. Rev. — Rees (curate), Rev. W. R. Vigors, Rev. James Pugh, Rev. A. F. BLogan, Rev. Joseph Benbow, Mr Edgar D. Batt, Mr James Strafcer, uapi. Wilson, Mr J. B. Walford, Mr R. B. Gabb, Captain Snead, Mr Joseph Partridge, Mr Pritchard, Messrs J. Mor- gan, (Triley), S. Eames, W. R. Eames, W. H. P. Scanlow, R. Morris, (draper), Miles, Watkins, Henry Denner, T. Delafield, R. Davies, Monachty, J. T. Price, E. Ll. Price, George Pritchard, Colliers' Arms, J. G. Harris, Longtown, W. Tucker, Greyhound, Caleb Hill, John Graham, W. Price, LlanfoisV y • Jones, Brecon, Riahard D. R. Jones, Herefordshire House, George Hughes, Penpergwm, G. P- Hard wick, James H. Howard, Great Western Hotel, S. H. Facey, Thomas Harris,. John Smith, Alfred Parry, W. Harris, Typwll, W. Jones, Llanwanarth- Citra, James Jones, Swan Hotel, T. Price, Baker- street, B. Jones, W. Watkins, Wernycwm" Henry Silver, Adam Watkins, J. G. James, surveyor, S. Baynham, Bettws, D. Morgan, Pen-y-park, B. Addis, Bridge, Llanvihangel, W. J. Morgan (Mr Bailey's secretary), W. Bishop, T. Clapp, A. E. Hopkins, Alfred Jones^F. Gardner, Illtyd Gardner* W. C. A. Williams, C. J. Francis, H. J. Jones, W. G. Price, Longtown, W. Walters,. Llanfoist, J. W. Lee, and E. S. Davies, stationer. Reporters were not admitted, and therefore we are unable to give a report of the speeches. POLICE. COURr.—WEDNESDAY. (Before Mr. ASHWIN and Mr. T. P. PRICE.) ALLEGED TRESPASS.—William Morgan, labourer, Govilon, was chargod with fishing without leave in waters belonging to the Abergavenny Fishing Association.—Defendant said he was on land belong- ing to Mrs. Jones, the Hop Yard,—It was admitted that Mrs. Jones had let her waters to the Association, but she had given him leave to fish there.- Adjourned for Mrs. Jones' attendance. SALMON POACHING.—William Brown, a corporal in the Monmouthshire Milita, was fined 25s and costs, or 14 days, for attempting to gaff a salmon at Pwllcarn, on the 28th ult. DRUNK.—Sarah Davies, an old lady from LJantulio Crosaenny, was fined as including costs, for having been drunk in the town on the 24th inst. ALLEGED THEFT OF A SOVEREIGN. Harriet Clark, an elderly person well known in the town, was charged with having stolen a sovereign from a cup. board in the house of Samuel Duggan, blacksmith, Pantygelly. —The Bench considered the evidence was, not strong enought to sustain a conviction, and 4iA, luissed the caae.

CARDIFF. THREATENED STRIKE IN THE BUILDING TRADE.— Owing to the depression in the building trade at Car- diff, meetings of masters and all branches of workmen employed in these trades have been held, and a gen- eral reduction of wages of a halfpenny per hour ac- cepted. The new rate will commence on the 1st of May. The masters insist that, in consequence of the increased cost in railway carriage and in hauling rough stone, a large proportion of which is cut off in dressing, stone dressed at the quarries, when necessary, be used. The mason refuse to allow any but rough stone to be brought to a building and that dressed for use. A strike is apprehended.

MONMOUTH. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. — The annual meeting of this body took place at the Workhouse on Saturday, Mr. S. R. Bosanquet in the chair. Mr. Bosanquet was unanimously elected Chairman for the ensuing year, and Lieut.-Colonel Davis Vice-chairman. A large number of persons, principally residing at York- ley side of the Forest of Dean, which is in the Mon- mouth Union, attended at the Board. Mr. T. Nicholson, Baptist minister, who has been providing tiose who were thrown out of employment by the stoppage of the Parkend Works with work, also attended with them for the purpose of laying before the Board the distress which existed in that patt of the Union. Before the matter was brought forward, Lieut.-Colonel Davis said that as they had taken in. dividual cases in the relief test, it would be against their rules to hear Mr. T. Nicholson make a speech with respect to the distress. The Board had only power to deal with sach cases as came before them, and which must be dealt with on their merit. In the discussion which followed, Mr. J. Adams proposed that relief works be opened in the Forest for those who were rendered destitute on account of the stoppage of the works referred to. Mr. J. E. Francis seconded, and the Chairman and Mr. B. W. Proves supported the motion, which, on being put to the meeting, was carried. The other business consisted in the appoint- ment of the various Committees for the ensuing year.

CAERLEON. INDEPENDENT CHAPEL.-On Sunday the anniversary sermons were preached by the Rev. H. Oliver, B.A., and the Rev. W. Novelle, both of Newport. The con- gregations were good, and collections liberal. LOCAL BOARD.—At a meeting ofjjthe Local Board, held on Monday evening, Mr. D. W. Jenkins, Broadwel, was elected chairman in the .room of Mr. T. M. Llewellin, resigned. Mr. Llewellin has acted as chairman of the Board since its formation in 1872, and has rendered valuable and efficient services to the ratepayers, and the members of the Board, as well as the inhabitants, regret that his continued indisposition has ultimately led to his resignation. POLICE COURT.—THURSDAY. (Before JOHN JAMES and L. A. HOMFRAY, Esqrs.) David Jenkins was summoned for trespassing and taking a quantity of hay from the land of Joseph Sawtell.—Mr. W. Kinsey Morgan, who represented the defendant, said the case was a civil one, and an action was pending on the same.—The Bench conse- quently dismissed the case. ALLEGED TRESPASS.—Daniel Lane was summoned for doing malicious damage and trespassing on the Goldcroft Common, the property of the Caerleon Local Board.—Mr. A. J. David appeared on behalf of the Board, and stated that defendant had brought a swing* boat waggon on the Common for the purpose of attend- ing the fair, without paying any rent in respect of the same.On Mr. David's suggestion the case was dis- missed with an opportunity to settle the matter oat of Court. CHARGE OF STEALING IRON.-Michael Fielding and Matthew Reynalt were charged with stealing quantity of pig iron, the property of J. C. Hill Co., Oak field, on the 7th of April.—P.C; Carey said that on the night in question he met prisoners carry* ing a pig" on their shoulders. They made no reply to his question as' to where they obtained it, merely stating they were going to work it up.-The prisoner pleaded not guilty.-The Bench tined them 10s. each I and costs. A SIMILAR CASE.—John Pearce and David were likewise charged with stealing pig-iron, at same works,, on the 20th inst. —The watchman Works saw each of them take a pig" fromtb* yard on their shoulder.—The prisouer Williajjf'geveO was impudent in Court, was sent to prison/ day9 days. Pearce was fined 10s. and costs, or in default of payment. Cl*0^ A CROSS-SUMMONS. — William Mile* *oi>es at Miles, boys, were summoned for throwing horae belonging to William Bowen.—A in- also issued, by John Miles, the father of the las^ hit fendants, against William Bowen for allowing horse to trespass on Miles's land.—The Bench 0f each of the boys 2s. 6d., and dismissed th trespassing. Was DRUNK, ON THE HIGHWAY.—John Langley summoned for being drunk whilst in entire horse on the highway.—The Chairman the case, and the defendant, who had been conVi of similar conduct, was now fined 40s. andiCOSWi one months' imprisonment.. ASSAULT.—John Price was summoned forassaaltíØg David Watkins.—The Bench dismissed the case, there being no evidence to prove the offence.

GLOUCiiSTKR. { MARRIAGE AT THE. CATHEDRAL,—The marriage o the Rev. R. Scurtield and Miss Tinling, daughter Canoo. Tinling, attracted at least a thousand person to the Cathedral on Tuesday. The wedding proces- sion was headed by the Catnedral clergy and choristers, who sang the hymn, "The voice tb*f breathed o'er Eden." The bride was attired whito satin, and was attended by her two sisters and her niece, Miss Alice Rawlins, as bridesmaids. Tb" bridesmaids wore dresses of cream silk, and white, hats,trimmed with buttercups. Canon Tinling P^lA formed the chief part of the marriage service. bride was given away by Sir Athur Elton, o £ Cleved< Court, her uncle, and the bridegroom's best man Wj his brother. The Psalm, Deus misereatur," sung as an anthem,, to music written by Mr. C. Pj Lloyd, the Cathedral organist, who, at tha close the service, played" The Wedding March," by Me" delssohn.

A CJLLIERY MANAGER HEAVILf FINED. At Pontypridd Police-court, on Wednesday, Jab?* Watkins, manager of the Glynfach Colliery, Talley, appeared to a summons, charging.him on three counts with breaches of the Mines Regulation Act, bearing upon th& use of naked lights in fiery mioeft and upon other duties devolving upon the manager lØ case an explosien of gas should occur in the over which he was manager at the time.. Mr. ThoS* Williams, Merthyr, instructed by Mr. Rhys, Depute iuspector of Mines, appeared for the prosecution.—Th Deputy-inspector deposed that Glynfach Colliery, ■. which the defendant was manager, was the property >• Messrs. Morris Brothers, and about 50 men were ployed there. On visiting the colliery on the 26th of February he heard that an explosion had occarrea there on th6 UtHli uf that month.—AfLui waids' saw dfi' fendant, who bore marks of burns at the time. I* stated that he had no idea that naked lights had bee" put nearer to the place where the gas was than b' had directed.. He himself carried a safety lamp wbell the explosion occurred. In accordance with instrØC" .,f, tions received witness again visited the Glyofach C<^ liery, and the results of his inspection were repori44 to the Home Secretary, who ordered the present pro" secution upon the above charges to-be instituted.. John Jenkins, collier, deposed that he was burnt the Glynfach Colliery on the 16th of February by a; explosion of gas. It was set on tke by the defendaØ brushing the gas into contact with naked lights. man named Palmer and the defendant himself burnt at the same time. By the- Bench The defendant brushed away It gas with his coat. The gas had come from a blowC'/ His (witness's light had gone ,out, but there naked lights some distance back from where the br ing was going on. jf Robert Palmer gave corroborative evidence, M The defendant pleaded guilty, and added that had been very on well for a long time, and hardljrsV to attend to his duties. m The Bench retired to, consider their decision. m their return into court the Stipendiary severely fg( sured the defendant, and .fined him £ 5 and coot* each offence, (£15 and costs in all). I.

IT MUST BE."—The best market must be fonnd'/ff' intermediate profits must be avoided best valors money must be given; thought, experience and bo^o* ability must be displayed; then great must be tk^jjj#• gress and success of any commercial underj*f(5»^ During 40 years Messrs Horniman have- catered tea-drinking public, a proof that their tea must it professes; pure, reliable, and of that delicious ^offi and amazing strength secured only by selecting spring gatherings, and disallowing the use of *?- facing powder such tea the Chinese always a** ,t. therefore it must be that natural, tea is 00*^ ihia papejc is. printed a list of Local, Agents man's. Tea.. — Newport. Friday„ April 30th, rietor, tinted and published Gw&isto^hebs, of Clarwapnt^Gddlo^. of Newport, in the. County of

SUICIDE AT CARDIFF. Mr E. B. Reece, Coroner, on Wednesday, held an inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of Elizabeth Edwards, aged 35. Philip Edwards, the husband, who lodges at 16, Bedford-street, Mrs Price, the landlady of the house, and Police-constable Hopkins were called. It appeared that the husband last saw the deceased at half-past seven o'clock on Monday evening, when, feeling unwell, he went to bed. When he awoke in the morning he found his wife was not in bed or in the house. He went down to the Mason's Arms, where. Mrs Price was with her mother, and all that she could tell him was that she had left the deceased sitting up in the house at about ten o'clock. The husband did not give information to the police until Wednesday morning. He had found on the mantel piece of the bedroom a scrap of paper intimating that the deceased's body would be found in the canal on the North-road. This was in the handwriting of the deceased, who said she had suffered much in her mind, and asked the Almighty to take care of her husband, with whom it appeared she lived on good terms. The landlady said the de- ceased and her husband lived happily, and the only, thing that could be considered in any way to have caused the deceased to be depressed was the death in the house of an old lady whom she had attended. A piece of paper was also produced at the inquiry which had been picked up on the canal bank. It contained some writing identified by the husband as that of the deceased, and intimated that her body would be in the water. The jury found that the deceased had committed suicide while in a state of temporary in- sanity.