Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

At Llandudno Alfred Allen a well-lmowntravel- lirig minstrel, has been robbed of ^100 whidh he had placed in a trunk at his lodgings. The notorious dacoit Bo Panza has surrendered to the British officials at Kyankse, Burmah, making the conditions that his life be spared. Her Majesty's storeship Wye has been set aside for the use of Members of Parliament on the occa- sion of the review of the French fleet. The Czn rewitch, whose Eastern tour has occupied nearly ten months, has arrived at Moscow, and was welcomed with great enthusiasm. A farm servant ed Michael Gallagher has been burnt to death in the course of destructive fire at Mr. Hodgkinson's farm, near Lytham. Italian emigration increases. 2,000 persons having quitted Rome during the.last two months, almost all for Brazil. Chief-constable Boyd,haa informed the Glasgow Town Council that 1,783 persons were apprehended in the city during the fair week. The superficial area of Guernsey is about twenty. four square miles, or 15,560 acres of land. Of these about 10,000 are under actual ^cultivation. An Aberdare telegram states T^e Ferndale Col. lieries strike in the Bhondda Valley,' which affected 6,000 men, has been settled. In the city of Pekin is established a society of venerable agriculturists. When the Emperor visits them in the spring he ploughs a. small field with hia 9*n hand. v

ABERCARN POLICE COURT. FRIDAY. Before the Rev. J. GRIFFITHS (in the chair), and Mr. PHINEAS JAKES. IMMORALITY AT ABERCARN. Tom Watts, haulier, Newport, was summoned by Elizabeth Harrison, Cwmcarn, to shew cause, &c.-Defendant did not appear.—Complainant, a single woman living at Feeder-row, having given evidence, the Bench made an order of 3s 6d per week from date until the child is 14 years of age, and costa. Alfred Edwards, tinworker, Blaina, was sum- moned by Mary Hockey, Abercarn, to sbew cause, &c.—Defendant did not appear.—Com- plainant, a single woman residing at Foeder-row, gave evidence, and the Bench made an order on defendant for 3s 6d per week from birth until the child is 14 years of age, and the costs. Abraham Davies, collier,Ystrad Rhondda, was summoned by Eliza Thomas, Abercarn, to shew casc, &c.-Defendant admitted the paternity, and stated his willingness to make the amende honorable by marrying the complainant.—The Chairman stated he was very pleased to hear this, as defendant was certainly adopting the proper course.—An order was made for 3s 6d per week (to be nullified on marriage) and costs, 13s 6d. REFUSING TO QUIT. Samuel White was charged with being disor- derly and refusing to quit the Tredegar Arms Inn, North Risca—Dennis Gorman, landlord gave evidence, and defendant was fined 2s 6d and costs. A WIFE BEATER. Lewis Jones was charged wtth assaulting his wife, Eliza Jones, on the 9th Aug.—Defendant (who was slightly deaf) pleaded guilty, and stated that he did not wish to live with com- plainant again.—Complainant, who bore traces of ill-treatment she had received, also asked for a separation order, and the custody of the child. —The Chairman characterised defendant's con- duct as brutal and cowardly, and said defendant would have to pay £ 2,or one month hard labor, for the assault. The Bench would also grant a separation order, and defendant would have to contribute 10s per week towards his wife's mam- tenance. %> DJ^MACtINCT A TREE. Wm. Davits was charged with doing malicious damage to an oak tree at Cwmcarn on the 9th of Au gust.-Defen(lant admitted cutting the "rind." —Jacob Edwards said the tree in question was in the St. John's Church boundary. On the date named, witness saw deffendant cut the tree with a hand-saw. Witness examined the tree, and found it was cut to the depth of three inches.— Defendant said he did not think it any harm, as the witness was by when he did it. He was wil- ling for anyone to examine the tree, and he would pay the damage.—Defendant was ordered to p&y a fine of 5s and costs, and 5s as damages. INJURED INNOCENCE. John Dando, collier, Crumlin, was charged with assaulting Annie Rees on the 7th August.— Defendant pleaded not guilty.—Complainant said she was outside the door, listening to a row, and when she asked her brother to go into the house Dando came up and hit her with his fist, giving her a black eye.—Defendant denied strik- ing complainant, and called P.C. Prosser on his benalf.—The Constable said at 10 p.m. on the date named he was on duty in Crumlin when he heard James Rees (complainant's brother) crea- ting a disturbance. Witness tried to get him away, and asked Dando (the defendant in this case) to help him. The latter did so, and when they got back, the complainant shoved Dando and witness, and tried to scratch witness. He saw defendant shove complainant, but complain- ant shoved him first.—Complainant (excitedly) It's a wicked lie. I didn't shove him, and he hit me with big fist.-The Chairman said complain- ant's statement was uncorroborated, and the Bench did not see their way clear to convict de- fendant". The case would be dismissed.—Com- plainant left the court, muttering that "she would have him again." DRUNKENNESS. Thomas Jones, collier, Abercarn, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Abercarn on the 24th .) uly.-Defendant waa represented by his wife. The latter, however, was not prepared to pay the fine, and a warrant was issued for de- fendant's apprehension. Edwin Reed, hitcher, Abercarn, was charged with being drunk and disorderly on the 22nd of July.—Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined 10s.—P.S. Sibbons proved the case. Jos. Hatkins, collier, was charged with being drunk and disorderly on the 18th July.—Defen- dantwas represented by his wife.—P.C. Bullock said that at 9 p.m. on the 18th ult. he found the defendant drunk aud disorderly at Aberearii.- There was a previous conviction against the de fendant, and he was ordered to pay a fine of 10s. FIGHTING. Thomas Lewis and Arthur Taylor, colliers, of Crumlin, were charged with committing a breach of the peace by fighting at Crumlin on the 25th J uly.-P.U. Dowden deposed to finding defen- dants on the highway, fighting. He had to take Taylor to the station before he would give his name and address.-Fined 10s each, including costs. A DOUBTFUL POINT. Mary Manwaring, a young girl," was charged with doing malicious damage to a fence to the value of 6d, the property of Thos. H. Simons, at Cwmcarn, on the 8th of August.—Defendant pleaded not guilty.-CotnPlainant said that on Saturday, the 8th inst., he saw the defendant run and kick his fencing. When asked why she did it, she said she had done it, and would do it again.—Charles Bevan and Edward Simons cor- roborated—The latter, however, admitted, in. answer to Supt. James, that tne fence in ques- tion was erected over some drainage, and there was a dispute between the parties as to which side of the drain the fen#e should stand.—The Chairman said that as there was a dispute in the matter, and it was a question as to where the fence should be, the Bench aecided to dismiss the case. A GOOD JOKE. Mary Davies, Cwmcarn, was charged with using threats towards Mary at Cwmcarn, on the 6th July.—Defendant pleaded not guilty. —Complainant detailed the tnreats complained of, which were to the effect uiat defendant would strike her with a plate.—"i^ls was strenously denied by defendant, who m turn accused com- plainant of using similar e3^reS8ions. — The Chairman said they consiaerea the case not proved, and it would be dismissed. They hoped the parties would strive to live in peace wlth each other, and not come ™ei^again —The Clerk (to complainant) If/o^mehereagain, don't take so many glasses betore-hand (Loud laughter.)-Complainairlt joined il the laughter quite heartily, and made her exit, exclaiming, "Well, I never!" A WARNING TO CYCLISTS. Geo. H. Whihoell, shop Cross Keys, was charged with riding a hour after shinset, without a lighted lamp, ac A berCarn, on the 23rd of July.-P.C. Bullocksaid that at 9.45 on the evening of the 23rd mt. -he^sa^r defendant riding a bicycle through ABerearii without a light. Witness spoke ito ^ol?t it, and he said (without stopping) that big light had just gone out. Witness called upon mtn to stop, but he either did not or would not near. Witness afterwards saw him near ^^oacarn Hotel, and defendant then said he did not hear him ask to stop.—Defendant gave a. pretty clear account of the circircumstances under which he came to be without a light, viz., that his lamp was broken through falling over a stone, -tie re-lit the lamp when spoken to by the constatDie, and did not hear the latter ask him to stop. l_ he Chairman said the Bench in this case were^ disposed to ac- cept defendant's version ox Sair. The case would therefore be dismissed, but he would have to pay the costs. He (the chairman) wished to say a word with regard to cycling. There was a great deal of carelessness on the part of bicycle riders throughout the district,, and there were loud complaints as to the reckless manner in which they rode down the hills He believed that bicycle riders thougnt that people must get out of their wayand- also vehicles. The Bench wished them distinctly to understand that it was the duty of bicycle rmers to turn on one side and avoid pedestrians, -f-e (the chairman) hoped these few remarks would have the desired effect. —Supt. James said he would like to add that a great many bicyclists seemed to think that they could ride as fast as they liked without restric- tion. This was not tne case. There wasasmucn restriction on them as the drivers of other vehi- cles, and the police would prosecute all they found riding at a xnrious rate.

Great surprise has been expr essed by profes- sional gentlemen in the medical world through- out the kingdom at the wonderful cures effected by WEE E. COOPER & Co.'s RHEUO IN cases of long-standing rheumatism, where all hopes of a cure had long before been abandoned. The great success attencung the sales of Rheuo—which are the largest of any patent medicines for rheu- matism only) m these parts—may be accounted for by the fact that it is not offered to cure every complaint under the sun, but rheumatism only in old and young. Taken internally at regular intervals it quickly subdues the pains, and gradu- ally but surely restores the sufferer to a healthy state. DAVIS BROS., Grocers, Pontypool and Blaenavon, are the local agents, and one 2s 9d bottle will cure most cases, also bottles, Is lid, and 4s 6d. Sent post paid by the above agents, or from 399 Commercial-road, London, E., on I receipt of the above amounts. j

THE RECHABITE ORDER. HIGH MOVABLE CONFERENCE IN WALES. SKETCH Of THE HIGH CHIEF RULER. For the first time in its history, the highest court of this excellent friendly society met in Wales (at Cardiff) and it is also a pleasing coin- cidence that the first Welshman who has been exalted to the honourable position of High Chief Ruler. in. th person of Mr. Jorips Parry Gwent House, Llanelly Abergavenny, presided over this thirty-fourth high movable conference which can safely be regarded as one of the most successful since the formation of this society at Manchester in 1835. When we consider and discover that in no part of GreatBritain has there been such excellent progress made as in South Wales, it is strange that the land of Cymru was not selected much earlier for this august body to meet. In his inaugural address, the high chief ruler, Mr. Jones Parry, gave the High Officers Board of Directors and representatives a warm wel- come to Wales, and referred to the marvellous progress the Order bad made in South Wales. When he joined the first tent in Monmouthshire at Abertillery ("Alpha of Monmouth") on the night of its institution, January 6th, 1876, the whole of the Rechabites in South Wales were I under 300, whilst the juveniles were under 50, but now the adult Rechabites numbered 13,500, and the juveniles 9,500. He was led to exclaim See, wiiat God hath wrought During the biennial period just closed, he had the pleasure of reporting that the adult membership had largely increased since the order was established in 1835, which should cause the heart of every true RQchabite to beat with joy. The largest increase in any one district was that of the Gwent and G lamorgan district, which had now become the largest district in the Order, and whose adult membership had increased from 2,618 "to 4,819, and juvenile membership from 1,926 to 4,485, being a net increase of 2,201 and 2,559, respec- tively. This district had also opened 22 adult and 33 juvenile tents during the same period, which was the largest ever reported. The funds of the Order too had increased from £ 531,973 4s 5§d to £ 655,498 7s 4jd, being an increase of 176,474 17s Id. The following information as regards the state of the Order in South Wales will, we venture to think, be acceptable to our readers. ———— ——————————— &. 0. 2 a .2 i f I | a a" S s I | a | I i i 8 1 § 3 & 3 ° a 1-3 "< M >-» M Glamor-,an 65 66 4819 2201 4485 2559 West Glamorgan 28 24 1691 666 1083 252 South Monmouth 14 16 1240 62 991 191 Pembrokeshire • 8 6 784 73 443 de. 80 Swansea 6 3 5G3 104 193de.27 Carmarthenshire 13 1. 524 17 305 in.155 Cardiff 1» 9 511 71 303de.48 North Pembroke 9 4 403 106 174 in. 99 Brecknockshire 7 5 234 24 93 de, 97 Gvrynedd 4 3 13 213 115 in.llo 3 1 174 38 26 8 Ten Tents in Wales belong- ing to Chester District 10 6 991 249 The proceedings commenced by a reception tea on Saturday, when Mr. J. A. Jenkins, B.D., chairman of committee, gave a warm welcome to all. In the Stuart Hall the same evening, there was a large Temperance Meeting, presided over by Mr. Jones Parry, the H.C.R. On Sun- day, Professor T. C. Edwards, D.D., in the Park Hall, preached the Conference Sermon, whilst the Revs. Barrow Williams, Llandudno, and A. J. Parry, Cefnmawr, preached at Wood-street Chapel. On Monday, there was a monstre pro- cession of several thousands, and in the evening the Mayor of Cardiff (Marquis of Bute) gave a mayoral reception at the Town Hall. On Wed- nesday, the Gwent and Glamorgan District entertained the Conference at Caerphilly Castle, and presented a beautiful address. Mr. Alfrea Thomas, M.P. presided over the proceedings, On Friday there was an excursion to Ilfracombe. On Tuesday, representatives from all the Tem- perance Societies in South Wales attended and presented addresspsof welcome to which Mr. Jones Parry, the H.C.R. suitably responded. As Mr. Jones Parry the out-going High Chief Ruler is a neighbour of ours, and well- known in this district, we have. pleasure in fur- nishing our readers with the following particulars concerning him:— For the first time in the annals of Rechabitism a Welshman has been elected to the important position of High Chief Ruler, and it is right that it should be so,- for the order has made rapid strides in the principality during late years, the increase in the number of members being to a great extent due (in South Wales at least) to the untiring energy, the keen business capacity, and the devoted enthusiasm of Mr. T. Jones Party, who was elected to the highest offic e in the Order at the H.M.C. at Nottingham in August last.. Mr. Jones Parry born in the little town of Talgarth, in BreelEiockshire, a parish rich in memories of Howell Harris and the great religious revival ot the last century, of Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, and the College at Trevecca, and he began his temperance work at eight years of age. f". a few years Mr. Jones Parry became the superintendent of a flourishing Band of Hope, and he has ever since held a similar position in connection with Bands of Hope, Juvenile Templars, or Rechabites; realising the immense importance of work amongst the young,. he has, perhaps, laboured more earnestly in forming and carrying out juvenile organisations than any other. When Good Templary came into Monmouthshire, Mr Jones Parry was one of its first advocates. For many years he was District Chief Templar of the largest district in Wales, and in recognition of his valuable and able services he was elected to a seat on the Gl'an4 Lodge Executive. He still retains his connection with the Good Tem- plars, being Lodge Deputy, and his Band of Hope, which is a very flourishing one, is also affiliated with that Order. It is. however, to the Rechabite Order that he has devoted the best years of his life, and the whole of his energies. He has been justly described as the founder of the. first Tent in Monmouthshire, for it was he who called the attention of the Good Templar Lodges at Aber- tillery to the urgent need of establishing a Temperance Benefit Society, and on his recom- mendation a Rechabite Tent was formed there. It was named the Alpha of Monmouth," and Mr. Jones Parry's name appears first on the register of members for several years he acted as secretary to this Tent gratuitously. In a few months after the formation of the Tent, he was called upon to play a Prominent part in District matters. He was one of the few who reorganised the old West Glamorgan District, No. 43, which has been known since that time by the ancient name Gwent and Waniorgan. He was unani- mously elected its hrst D.C.R., and for six years acted as Dis'rlct Secretary. At the time of his election to the office of D.S., there were in the District only 18 Tents and 462 members, whereas at the the division of the district early in lbere were 55 Tents with 3,138 members. Since the division of the late No. 43 District, Mr. Jottes Parry has been on each occasion unanimously elected as D.S. of the Gwent and East Glamorgan District, which now numbers or a 65 Tents with a membership of fully 5,000 per- sons, •" ■ 1 —n can testify that this large and growing .0. has the utmost confidence in the ability, zeah and integrity of its secretary. Soon after 3tr. Jones Parry's connection with the District, he chosen representative to the H.M.C. held at Manchester in 1879; so in the short space of n years he has attained the highest positio? the Order. On this occasion he was elected Auditor. At the next H.M.C., held at BirminSham_m 1881, in his absence, he headed the of the unsuccessful candidates for the same office and in consequence of one of the elected auditors being appointed to a vacant -on the Board of Directors, he was again called upon to be an Auditor- Q0.^t the Isle Man (1883) and Exeter Conferences, he was nomin- ated to the oihee of High Deputy Ruler, and although ^t this by a few rotes—at Exeter by one oniy-kewas on both occasions one of the first to Ita elected on the Board of Directors. At the Glasgow H.M.C., 1887, he was elected High Deputy Ruler, and at the last H.M.C. at Not- tingham, i*V August last, he was unanimously elected ÏIigh Chief Ruler of the Order; and we look forward, to the next two years as a time of increased activity, for we feel sure that the great ability and increasing energy of our leader will be more tban ever employed in spreading those grand prin0.1]?,8 to-which he has devoted m9 hfe- Sore especia^y do we look to Wales, his native country, to support him by the sympathy of renewed enthusiasm in the cause. The Order in South Wa1?8 has. made marvellous progress, the adult being fully 13,000, and the juvenile, 9j000: appeal to thousands of Welsh Bjcn and Women, who are firm supporters of the temperance cause, but who have not yet joined the Order, to join the Rechabites, and support their countryman, who has done so much to advaflce temperance in all its branches. Mr. Jones Parry is untiring in his efforts to pro- mote the principles of total absti- nence, And especially in spreading the Rechabite Order. A holiday visit to AberystwitI: time ago resulted in the formation of a Ten there; a journey to Penphrokeshire was the means of establishing Ttr Tenby and Nar- "i. berth and the result of a short-tear through ti e Hereford and Radnor District was tb-ttelat were opened ar Kingdon, Preateiga, è, Knighton. In view of the distinguised honour conterred upon Mr. Jones Pari y, his numerous friends took advantage of this by presenting hini with an illuminated address ana a parse of gol at the Annual Council Meeting of the Gwetd and East Glamorgan District at Pontyprida. recently, when there was a very large gathering of Rechabites and others to witness the ceiv- mony. There was a large and influential gather- ing, including Lady Henry Somerset, who mad-, the presentation on behalf of the 8ubserioor. Mr. Daniel Thomas, RLyianey, then read the address, which was as follows :— To T. Jones Parry, E»q. Dear Sir and Brother,—On behalf of the members of the Rechabite Order and your numerous friend iu South Wales and Monmouthshire, we respectful!, ask your acceptance of this address as a feeble op- pression of our esteem and our admimti-ct, of your valuable services in the temperanc cause. Every phase of the temperance ques- tion has found in you an able advocate ant: a warm supporter. Your untiring efroj-ti. to unread the principles of tota.1 abstinence amon^s the jouth of our country are well known, and you: labour in this respect has won for you the respect and esteem of all good and earnest men who desire to see their country free from the dreadful curse oi intemperance. The Good Templar movement has also received your fullest sympathy and hearty co-operaticn. Your zeal, enthusiasm, and activity on behalf of that, Order brought you prominently to the front as one of the leading temperance reformers in the Principality. It is, however, in connection with the Rechabite Order that you have specially distinguished your- self To you belongs the honour of first unfurling the standard of Rechabitism in the county of Mon- mouth, and from then onward you have lid the van in a glorious temperance crusade, your courage, per- severance, and earnestness overcoming all obstacles and opposition. The adherents to the Rechabite pledge in South Wales and Monmouthshire number to-day over 10,000, and to no single individual more than yourself is the credit due for this encouraging and remarkable progress. Your labours on behalf of the Order were recognised by the High Move- able Conference held at Nottingham in August last, when you were most unanimously and enthusiasti- cally elected to the position of High Chief Ruler- the highest office in the Order. We heartily congra- tulate you upon the honour thus bestowed upon you, and, whilst doing- so, deem this a fitting oppor- tiinny for showing also our appreciation of your valuable services in so worthy a cause. We trust your term of office will be a memorable one in the history of our Order, and that you will long be spared to continue in the good work you hare hitherto laboured in so faithfully and well. May you at all times have the consolation that you have done your duty, and, when your race is run, may you receive from the lips 01 the Great Master that blessed greeting, "Well done, good and faithful ser- vant." As a further mark of esteem, we present you with a purse of gold with our best wishes. Wo are, sir, On behalf of the subscribers, You, a respectfully, ISABEL SOMERSET, E.stnor Castleedbury: GWENLLIAN E. F. MORGAN, Buckingham- place, Brecon JOHN LEWIS, D.C.R.; W. A. DAVIS, P.D.C.R., JOHNPBICE,D.D.R. THOMAS C. DAVIES, D.S.J.T. Jakes SWARBRICK, J.D.T.; DaXIEL THOMAS, hon. treasurer JAMES F. NEAT, hon. secretary. J March 3rd, 1890. Miss Gwenllian E. F. Morgan, of Buckingham- place, Brecon, then stepped forward, and pie- sented Mr. Jones Parry with a purse of gold. Mr. Jones Parry, who was received with great cheering, acknowledged the gifts in a suitable speeeft.

SHEPHERDS' ANNIVERSARY AT CWMYNISCOY. The anniversary of the Pride of the Cwm" Lodge, No. 1804, A.O.S., A.U., Blaenavon Dis- trict, was celebrated under successful circum- stances at the lodge-room, the Prince of Wales Inn, Cwmyniscoy, on Saturday alter noon !&Ft. The lodge-room had been tastefully decorated with natural and artificial flowers, and preseuted an attractive appe-.ranee. Nearly 50 members sat down to an excellent spread, which reflected the utmost credit upon the catering abilities of Mr. and Mrs. J. Watkins. At the public meeting which was subsequently held,' and wbiqji was well attended, i '.P.C.S. J. Watkins was voted to the chair, and W.M. Wm. Harris to the vice-chair. The services of Mr. W. Pearce, harpist, Treherbert, had been en- gaged for the occasion. In commencing the pro- ceedings, The, Chairman said he felt highly honoured in having been asked to preside. It was said that i a good chairman should be brief and impartial, and should sit down quickly. He hoped to exer- cise those good qualities, and that all present would conduct themselves with due decorum during the evening. (Hear, hear.) Rising subsequently, the Chairman proposed the toast of The Queen," remarking that she had been a faithful wife, a dutiful mother, a good grandmother, and he might also say a very good great-grandmother. During her reign, her motto had been one of peage, which motto he hoped would continue for the remainder of her reign. (Hear, bear.) They did not want to be wrangling with other nations, and ho was glad to think that at the present time they were at peace with all other nations. (Cheers.) The Vice Chairman briefly proposed the Army, Navy, and Volunteers," coupling with it the name of the Chairman. The Chairman, in response, said he supposed he had been selected for the duty because he was the only Volunteer in the room. The volun- teer movement was a movement of which they all ought to feel proud, as they would say when he told them that they were able at the present moment to produce from 230,000 10 240,000 men and place them in the field. Foftunatelv, it was not necessary, as the motto of the Volunteers was Defence, not defiance." He hoped that that motto would not be abused, and that they should go on in peace for many more years but should they ever be required, they would find the Volunteers ready to acquit themselves like men, for, like Burton's bloaters, they could stand both fire and smoke. (Laughter and cheers.) The Vice-Chairman next proposed The Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds." The Chairman said this was a toast he felt happy to respond to, for the report of the Order for the past year was one of unqualified success. At. the same time they should not rest on their oars and be thankful, but their motto must be Excelsior. And if they went on from year to year as they had done in the past year, they would eventually be second to none.. The returns sent in shewed the total number of ordinary members in the Ashton Unity, on the 31st December last, to be 82,826, being an in- crease for the year of 6,459 members. The honorary members at the same date were 2700, being an increase of 471. The total number of ordinary members in the Wisbech Unity at the same time was 13,121, shewing an increase for the year of 605. Their honorary members were 127, shewing an increase of 5. There were 14,304 new members admitted to both Unities during 1890..6066 left through non-payment and other causes, and 1172 died, leaving a net in- crease of 7064 members. The total number of members in both Unities was 95,947, and the honorary members, 2827. The total paid per member for the year was 19s. 3d. They had also 248 juvenile lodges, with a membership of 14,664, and a total capital of £ 13,548 6s. 7d. After expressing regret that they had no Juvenile Shepherds' Society in the locality, the speaker concluded amid applause. After a harp solo, The Chairman proposed the toast of the even- ing, "The 'Pride of the Cwm' Lodge," in ap- propriate terms.. Bro. James Evans, the secretary, in respond- ing, said that for the last 12 years he had had the honour to respond to the toast. In reviewing the past 13 years of their lodge, they missed many who used to enjoy themselves with them. There were many old Shepherds and old friends of theirs who were now lying in their graves. They had gone the way of all the world, and in due course would be followed by all present. But still they knew that the fact ot their having been members ot the "Pride of the Cwm Lodge had been something to the benefit of their departed friends in life, and also to the benefit of their relatives at death. He only wished that they could get a great many more members to join their society or some other society. He saw a great many around them who did not belong to any society at all, and who merely depended upon health and strength. They appeared to think that sickness and death would never overtake them. Their lodge at the end of last year was worth £ 24417s. 6d. This year they had paid in sick claims up to the pre- sent £4812s. 2d. During the last 10 years they had paid from the funds of the lodge £ 59119s. lOd. for sick pay alone. (Hear, hear.) They would therefore see that the lodge had been the means of doing a great deal of good. The money they had paid out had been the means of relieving a great many persons in times of sick- j ness ana distress. They had also prfd out dur- ing the last 10 years, on account of the deaths of members and members' wives, something like £ 300. They knew very well that when death came money was needed, and he had very great pleasure in saying that they had always been in a position to meet their death claims and sick claims. Every year their balance .ieet had shewn an increase, and he trusted -p would continue to shew an increase. The first six aionths of this year they found to be Yery heavy ¡ritb respect to their sick claims but 'I although their sickness had been so hoat he was glad t,) say that at the end of the half-year iiey uad a balance on the right side. H, ..p& hi* their sickness for the remaining port; of the year would preve to be a little lig:tt- It lQ.:st be a source #f pleasure to know, in tbe oj ."ickn^ss, that they had a all upon which they cor. d £:.11 back. That feeling of pleasure- was enhanced because they knew that the money wu3 heir own. They did not look upon it as a, i* of charity they paid it, and the c oney was their own. When sickness came they ;iad no occasion to go to the relieving officer, or ~.o l> d- pendent upon charity. He should like if ir a could make even more rapid strif e? < past. He should like t8 see them ii ;t «. -ug i uugmembers, as there were plenty ar- >u.>i x ho did not belong to any society i t al;. iendly Societies of the present day, so lie « were the means of saving the poor ;a< es I ountry by something like four aa-iiioi; I a year; and if thpy were supported, as houid be, there would be no neca ot so workhouses as existed at present. (Ch.ez-) e next toast, that of Kindred Svdei.es," ■ posed by the Chairman, was responded to by o. Wm. Davies, who said that owing {•.» t-iO eat i of a dear old friend that day he feit h:t il: quaiilivu for the task. Friendjy Societies ere not tunded with any selfish purpose, but for the bciicui of society and to extend htlp to tue He had never felt more proud th.» n kt wan ii.»,t day of being a Shepherd. He .-sa,-v tyt otuei uty an item in a paper to the ei;^T, taai those (4a friendly societies were likely: o go tu the dogs, and the people had better ke,.p 1 heir eyes open and get hold of something nevir. H tifoug.T, when he heard the chairman rea.-tip.. tLe report that the Order of Ancient ShephtKU was not going to the doge anyhow. thought- of the thousands of pounds they i; i in hand, and their thousands of members, he fell proud to be a Shepherd, lie remembore: the time when he saw the Pride of the Cwm" first. A few members had met together in a dark room at the Unicorn Inn. Not many of those n.eir:- bers were present now. It was amusing to notice their blunders and mistakes. but ihev were aiming at a good object. They had tobiu work, but now they found a very different state of things. Everyone knew his work, and it was a plea ure to attend toe meetings. All wno were engaged in that good -vio, k he regarded as akili. Whenever he saw a brother trymg 10 help tae needy, he felt akin to him. He hoped that tney would have the principle of helping ti;e needy ever at heart, and then they would fulfil tne great object for which those societies were caiieu into existence. (Cheers.) The remaining toasts were the Host and Hostess'' (who were highly praised for tae capital spread they had again provided), and The Press (to which our representative re- plied). >5 During the proceedings the Chairman an- nounced, amid applause, that Councillor D. Jones, Pontymoil, had kindly given a donation of £1 towards the funds of the lodge. The re- mainder of the evening was devoted to singing, &c., Bongs being given by several members an« friends, including Messrs. J. ThomaB, G. Ogburn, W. Pearce, and T. Richards.

ACTION AGAINST A NEWPORT DOCK COMPANY. At Newport County Court on Thursday week (before his Honour Judge Owen) an action was brought (by consent) by Messrs. Laurie and Co., ship repairers, against the Alexandra Dock Co. to recover a sum of 1:340, due as damages sus- tained by the breaking of a chain applied on shear legs at the dock on the 13th January last, whilst the defendants were lifting in the service of the plaintiffs a heavy boiler out of the steam- ship Sussex, owned by Messrs. Ponsonby and mpany. Mr. Hornby appeared for the plain- cilis Mr. T. Morgan Phillips (instructed by Messrs. Lyne and Company) for the defendants. The plaintiffs had to get out the boiler of the steamer, and, as they had no appliances for it, they requested the Deck Company to get it out fprthem. Accordingly the ship was berthed under the shear legs, ana a gang of eight men in the employ of the company proceeded to get tbe boiler out. The plaintiffs' foreman, V/ll.i<.>>fi I I y Crawford, was present, and stated that he did not object to tne chain which was being used, which was one leading from the winch to the top of the shear legs, about 60ft. or 80ft. and then passing down and through seven sheaves, or, as cne of the witnesses called it, six sheaves and a "snatcher," terminated in a large hook at the end of the blocks. The boiler weighed 14 tons. It was raised out of its bed safely and without a hitch, but after it had gone up about 9ft. the chain broke, and the boiler fell back int8 the ship, doing very considerable damage. The main point to be tned was as to the strength of the chain, its condition, and whether the Dock Com- pany took reasonable precaution?., and upon these points expert evidence was called. — For the plaintiffs Mr. T. Dyne Steel, engineer, of New- port, and Mr. George Win. Penn, superintendent at Lloyd's Proving House at Cardiff, were called and said the chain, which was made of inft rior iron, was much worn, and was considerably aifected by the rxost which prevailed at the time of the accident. it should, therefore, not have been put to lift a buiter of fourteen tons.—For the oefence, ],11. Garwood, the mechanical engi- neer at thdocb Mr. John Harris Edge, chain maker, of Shifnal and Mr, Charles Philip Evans, chain maker, of Newport, were called, and said they thought* Lic cnain might reasonably have been expected to lift the weight placed on it, but it broke on account of the frost. They admitted that in order to keep a chain good it ought to be tested and annealed once a year, and this precaution had not been taken by the Dock Company.—His Honour gaye judgment for the plaintiffs, observing that if there was any real conflict of expert evidence he would rather take the opinions of Mr. Dyne Steel and Mr. Penn than those of Mr. Edge and Mr. Evans.

DEPRESSION IN THE IRON AND STEEL TRADE. SIX THOUSAND MEN AND BOYS OUT OF WORK. A correspondent, of the Newcastle Chronicle writes Tne steel department of the Mossbay Iron and Steel Company, after working for about three weeks, has been again stopped. Most of the men have been paid off, some of the hands who were stopped before having been dispensed with. At the West Cumberland Iron and Steel Works the steel departments are also idle and no hope is entertained of their being speedily re-started. The outlook for winter in Working- ton is most distressing, as there are at present between 200 and 300 houses standing empty, and about 6,000 men and boys out of employment, many of whom have earned no wages for nearly twelve months. As is to be expected, great distress prevails among the unemployed, and, notwithstanding the liberality of many well-to- do inhabitants of the town in the "way of distri- buting temporary relief, many of the families are almost in a state of starvation. In order to afford relief, the local Board of Guardians has determined to open out stone-yards in the town as relief works, and to pay the men, not accord- ing to the amount of work done, but rather in proportion to the workman's family and necessities. The men who accept this relief know that by so doing they are liable to lose their votes, but the pinch of poverty is so severe that hundreds will prefer disfranchisement to destitution.

HORSES KILLED ON THE RAILWAY AT PORTHCAWL, On the return of the second excursion train run in aid of the Great Western Widows and Orphans' Fund from Cardiff and Newport to Porthcawl on Wednesday week, three valuable horses belong- ing to Messrs J. R. Thomas and Co., which bid strayed on to the railway, were killed in the pot- tage Tunnel. The horses were grazingin a neigh- bouring neld, and it is not known how got on to the line. The driver, who the horses galloping in front of the train, unable to[pull up ill time. On arriving at pyle he tele- graphed to Porthcawl to that effect* and the offi- cials hurried to the spot. A sickowng spectacle presented itself. The three horses were lying about fifteen yards apart andone, the most valu- able, having the hind hoof clean cut off had to be shot immediately. The other two, frightfully mutilated, having been dragged for some distance were evidently killed immediately. The loss to Messrs Thomas and^0-?18 estunated at £ 180.

THE SEVERN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME. In order to "dvance the project of a railway connecting the proposed docks at Worcester with the Great W^tern system, a deputation repre- senting the flervern Commission? the corporation of Worcester and the Chamber of Commerce waited on the directors at paddington, and made certain posals. The members of the deputa tion expkined the great expediency of having a railway communicate with the proposed new docks, *ncl gave information on various points on which £ rey were questioned by the chairman (Lord Emlyn). The board promised to give the subject their careful consideration.

m_ GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY. HALF-YEARLY MEETING. Tile 112th half-yearly general meeting of t ui w-pi-ietors of this company was held on -Thdp- uliy week at Paddingtou Station Mr F *G*San*- 'iors, the chairman, presiumg. There was an arqg*- » age attendance of directors and shareholder amongst the former being Lord Emlyn and 3w. I Diitwyn, M.P. < Ti-e CHAIRMAN said that the half-year hall s.>en one of a good deal of interest, and of "soiijfr In the course of the six months the 6. t i, 1 1 p .Miditure had amounted to £ 439,000, showing* yxcess of £ 168,000, of expenditure over receipt. { ) Wltd respect to revenue account which was. interesting item, he was very sorry to a* viiey were going on decreasing the receipts froap :t' e l'urnber of first-class passengers, anu kLv.; umber of second-class passengers, but he WAS i-appy to say that they were increasing the third- 1 class. Of first-class passengers 37,260 less had travelled curing the past half-year than in the I corresponding half-year, and hi monm cceipis from this source had been the In second class passengers there had been a -eo^eaae of £ i>0,900 m the amount earned, *■ >: h2,000 in the number of passengers carried. O* rne third class passenger traffic they had increase# tneir receipts by £ 44,800, arising ire an the con- veyance of 579,000 more passengers. The result was that their balance on passenger receipti ilowed an increase of only £ 7,24y. in adli-.I(ok tnere was an increase of £ 1,700 in season ticket- ..oiders which as far as it went was satisfactory". The total increpe in passenger receipts w8 £ 8,975. The receipts from the caiAxuge o 1,4, ri-iages, and fish b ad increased by ;E I I, v, ab not unsatisfactory, but the sum would iui .y been larger but for the fact that the f-Il traffife during the half-year had been bad, and th* H,ceipts from its carriage had been less by than in the corresponding half-year. Under tlya Leiod of the conveyance of merchandise, the traf- he had increased by and this had boo. general all over the line. Mineral had increase ,¡:\3,700, dock harbour ciuo- bad arising almost entirely tit Plymouth. Canal traint receipts had decreased by .£1,200, which was en- tirely attributed to the frost which prevailed is the early part of the year. The result was that their re venue account had increased by £ 130,00§ over the corresponding peripd ot last year: vv nilri; to earn that increased amount of money, they h4 run 397,000 more passenger train milet, and 403,00$ more goods train miles. Of the increase WiAl; Zino mentioned, £ 50,000 was due to wages, and x44,000, to the increased price paid for coal. The sum paid for compeii.-i.tion iiad increased ly l.o,500, of which £ l,000fi as due to personal injury, and £2,500 for damage to goods: the sum paid for personal injury was a little higher tLan it ought to be, but they preserved the balance of £50,000 to the accident account. All money paid up to the hOth June in respect of the accident near Taun- ton had been charged again?t revenue. Of course it was disappointing to 1 nd x hat, having received 1:131,000 more of revenue, tiiey had earned it at a cost of Y,149,000 more o feipeu-s thus causing the dividend to be reduced by a Per cent. This arose from causes over which taef had had no control. The b,.d weather which pr* vailed during the early p of the half-year had materially affected their ii*leiesos. iicferring to the relations between the company and their servants, he acknowledged the loyalty of the elder men, but regretted that a few young men were still led away by agitaters io join societies whick were not in the interests of either the men or the company. On the whole the relations of the com- pany with their servants vr re satisfactory. The increased sums paid for wages arose from the diminished hours of work, necessitating the em- ployment of more men, ar. i also to the augment- ation of the wages of the men employed. Ro- feiring to the Parlhaiie* y Committee on rail- way servants' hour., ht. r..lifh. he hatf. a strong feeling on the i. v. • c ■ which had taken place, lIe was toiti Wai h oul4 be more discreet to restrain himself tiM after the report of the Committee. Witk respect to cast iron structures for bridge4, in connection with which an accident re- cently occurred in London, he thouerht that the Great Western Company w. for Mr Brunei did not like cast iron t. they hagi not many sucil bridges. Such as tney vrere carefully examined und tested fiom time t o time, and replaced. They thought that the time ha# now come when the continuance of the broadgaugw- must close, and they had lixed its termination for the 20th May of next year. The company pro- posed to exercise their powers for the adaptation of the Riverside branch at and they had intimated to the Ta i Ya_ *y Vould do so. The cost would no < o and it would be a great accomodation to peopk and Penarth, and particularly those interested in the docks at Cardiff and Penarth, who wantei facilities for intercommunication between these docks. This bran-vh v-rouid pr "g the traffic close UT) a, n station of the Greal V:,V.5.. I'vwv. .vdiff: and he hoped it bo <•, goott investment of money. Referrirgto the. C\>;axvuttee of the Lords and Co-, oi, lL.¡. c. he said that he was L.; >indignation ai the treat- ment which be r..h v, y omptnies had received. The less that they • h way company had to appear before ( FS of Parlvnnen? the better it would by for eor.rpjiny. for Parlia- ment seemed to be btina :«.> .y ;ing justiee to railway li hear.) L; con- clusion, he moveu the adopuou of the report. Lord EMLYN S.-oonded the motion, which was adopted. A dividend at mo i of 5 per cent. per annum was declared, on the motion of the CliAlKMAW, seconded by Lor> EMLYN. On the motion ofwe CHATUMAX, seconded by Lord EMLYN, a resolution was adopted authoris- ing the company to isubsenbe and contribute to- wards the Bast Ufok Jiaiiway Company. under the provisions of "W<stfj-n Railway Act, Mil." The CHAIRMAN said that the c. Y had en- tered into a working agreement, practi- cally secured the working of t be ir hic of the East Usk Rail vrj,y. advania^eouN terms, but they now though: ti-at tiie ams come whea the thing ought to hI;; taken up by the Great Western Company. The town of Newport was increasing largely, particularly on the east side of the Usk, and, if the line was longer delayed, diffi- cult questions might arise- respiting the land. The company hoped tliat the true tion of this railway would induce an incrca.sea establishment of those work: when were increasing every day at Newport, and also tiiat it would ir#jfce a valu- able adjunct to the main line oi t-. f n-nt West- ern Company. Tire amount >r.pcg»3 to be subscribed wa* the wi .OiC.- C&jpXtOLi the East Usk Railway The meeting then terminated.

AN ABERCARN LIBEL ACTION. At Newport County Court .>•; Thursday week (before his Honour Judge 0 wen and a jury) an action was brought by Alii-d Geo. fThomaa, carpenter, of Abercarn. against Henry Shipton, dairyman, of. Pon ty wain, to recover df magea for libel and slander.—Mr. Bailh;, v e u. > ucted by Mr. T. S. Edwards j appeared for the plaintiff Mr. Wallace (instructed by Messrs. Llewellyn and Moore) for the defendant. The damages were laid at —Mr. Bailhache, in opening the case, said the action was originally brought in the High Court, but as the defendant iorced the plaintiff in the matter 01 security for costs, and the plaintiff being a poor n an and unable to give such security, the C-asp, was. l-emtttt a to the County Court. The cau.se. 01 i nv was that in December, 18W, the defem :t:č.7 an maliciously wrote anu ;'1 t- by sending a letter to £ ouce-eor^ialhe Duiiuim words to this etteci :— December 18,1890, Pon tywain. nr. Newport. .Sir, I had some joinery «• from Liverpool, and four doors Lw," ■ R. ¡¡.way from the goods sheds at A; ednesday last before we fetched then. to lbir. Roberts about them yesterday, and he snew nothing about them. Since, a man ha- e,„ijed an-, says Thomas, the carpenter, of Cross P, has confessed, taking them. You will please sec huz: about them, as I consider it a bare-faced their.—Yours truly. HLYRY SHIPTON. Subsequently the defendant. finding that the matter was not in the district of Puiice-constablo Durham, wrote in similar terms to Police-con- stable Williams, at were, be- sides these letters, slanders repeated from time to time, accusing plaintiff of not »-n y having stolen the doors, but also of having esoier? cer- tain mouldings. His (Mr. B<i.iih*e>'<) client was not anxious to go on with tne cu- the de- fendant would say that the staienu r T F ere un- true and consent to nominal danxag. O i costs, and even at the thirteenth how wcraid, if the defendant would witbdiaw be con- tent. A conversation having taken place between his Honour and the advocate as to shorten tbc case, Mr. Waliae h the iurv tbe defendant's case. j been building some cottages, and plain; doing the work for him. Some doors and Mouldings were ordered, and they were nndoufc't. h'y taken by Thomas, the plaintiix, and £ up a: his own houses, but the va-, took the things honestly or o. • cliOiiOSIi y.—Police- constable Durham and the defend- ;.ving been called in support of the defer it was agreed that the wds wih-en ahd poken could not be justified, and the jury, at the direc- tion of his Honour, found a r the L-Linfiff -Judgment was entered fix- k s ailing s and costs.

FRIENDLY SOCIETY DINNER AT PONTYPOOL. On Monday week the Bee on the Briar" Lodge of the Ancient Benefit (Friendly) Society, after taking part in the Demostrationdjourned to their lodge-room at the Old Bath Beerhouse, where Host and Hostess Toyey had provided a splendid repast, to which, it' is needless to add, full justice was done. The Grand Master of the Order, Bro. Read, of Cardiff, presided at the public meeting subse- quently held, and in commencing the proceed- ings referred at some length to the history of the society—which, tuough short, has neverthe- less been very successful, and promises to be- come a very powerful society-in which he ex- horted those present to do all in their power to induce their fellow- worls-iiien to become members of that or some kindred society, because he thought it one of the grandest things in the world to see working-men in full health provid- ing for those near and dear to them against the time of sickness or perhaps death. The speaker resumed his seat amid loud applause. I The Chairman next beiefly proposed "The health of the Queen," which was, duly honoured, as was also that of "The Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family." The Chairman next proposed The Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces,' whose services he warmly eulogised. xrri'v The Vice-Chairman (Bro. D. Williams, N.G.), in a capital speech, supported the toast. Ex-Sergt. Jones (late 24th), in responding, referred to the brilliant deeds accomplisned by the army and navy, touching upon his own ex- perience in India and the Zulu war, and saying he firmly believed that the 240,000 men who composed the Volunteer force of this country would, if called upon, do their duty as nobly and as honourably as the British Army had done theirs. (Cheers.) Pte E. Jordan, hon. sec., also responded to the toast. The Chairman next gave the toast of The Ministers of all Denominations," and in the course of his remarks referred to, the splendid work done by them for the commonweal. The Vice-Chairman very suitably acknow- ledged the toast, and in the cQurse of his remarks referred to the lack of unity between the clergy and Nonconformist ministers-a state of things greatly to be deplored. The Vice-Chairman next gave the toast of the evening, that of The Ancient Benefit Friendly Society.' j The toast was accorded musical honours. | The Grand Master responded, and on rising was greeted with cheers. He thanked them for coupling his name with the toast, and went onto explain the aims and objects of the society,' which he had (in conjunction with General Sec. Rowlands, also of Cardiff), founded six years ago. After a capital address, in which he showed great knowledge of the working of friendly, societies, he resumed his seat amid loud ap- plause. Bro. E. Jordan, hon. sec., also responded, and in the course of his remarks said it was just nine months ago since they started their lodge with 15 members, and now they numbered 38. Thfiy had, he said, a great deal of sickness amongst the members and had of course to pay a consi- j derable amount of money out as sick pay, but he was thankful to say that they had been able to meet all claims, and also to forward a favourable amount to the central body at Cardiff. He thought it spoke very well for them as a lodge to be able to do more than hold their own in the first nine months of their existence, and he sincerely trusted that they would endeavour to bring the number of members up to 50 at least before their first birthday. (Cheers.) The Vice-Chairman also responded to the toast. The Chairman next gave *the toast of "The Town and Trade of Pontypool." Bro S. Tovey, in responding, said the trade of the town and district had been exceptionally good for some time, and there was every pros- pect of its continuing so for some time, so far as the collieries and iron and tmplate trades were concerned, but he thought there must either be bad trade at the Gas Works or that the rate- payers were in a state of bankruptcy, as the town had been in complete darkness for some time. He trusted that neither was the case and that they should have illumination before long, if not by gas, why then they should have electri- city or oil. (Laughter and applause.) Bro. D.Williams also responded, and said that the trade was all that could be desired. They had been rather unfortunate at the Town Forge, but the management were pushing the work on, and he thought that before Christmas the new engine would be turning and the furnaces all nlicr-hi n-nep. more. thus shewmhat they were not afraid of the "bogie man of the tinplate trade, the McKinley Tariff. (Cheers ) The next toast was The Host and Hostess," proposed by Bro, C. Jones, who said it gave him great pleasure to do so, as he had had excep- tional opportunities, as sick visitor, of witness- ing the great interest which Bro. and Mrs Tovey took in the lodge. Bro. Tovey, in his capacity as treasurer, took all the interest he possibly could in their welfare. No trouble was too much for him, and he was sure all of them enjoyed the splendid repast which the host and hostess had that day provided, and he sincerely hoped they would all be spared to spend many such a day with Bro. and Mrs. Tovey. (Cheers.) The toast was accorded musical honours. The remaining toasts were "The Grand Master," ably responded to by Bro. Read; The Visitors," and The Press," all of which were well responded to. The following favoured the company with songs :—Bros. Tovey, D. Williams, W. Bevan, E. Jordan, J. Bevan, White, Hopkins, Poulsom, Hyatt, and Walkley. Bro. Thomas Yates, reci- ted The Women of Mumbles Head."—Mr. Alfred Kay ably presided at the piano. The National Anthem brought a most enjoyable evening to a close.

CADBURY'S GOOCA-'—" <r. iut- scrcs'igiih. of a highly-economical n^t^re, .reefrom added starch aud