The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General Advertiser for the Counties of Brecon Carmarthen Radnor Monmouth Glamorgan Cardigan Montgomery Hereford

MARRIAGES. I EVA.S--DAVIES.-At Llanwrtyd, Aug. 1, by the Rev. J. Jones, of Neath, assisted by the Rev. W. Jenkins, Vicar of Llanwrtyd, John Wilson Evans, Esq., of Birkenhead, to Caroline, youngest daughter of the Rev. William Davies, of Bailie House, Senny Bridge, Brecon. LAWRENCE—SNEAD.—At Llangynider Church, Aug. 8 (after banns), by the Rev. R. Gwynne Lawrence and the Rev. T. E. Lawrence (brothers of the bride- groom), assisted by the Rev. H. T. Harris, rector of the parish, Arthur Garnons Lawrence, M.D., of the Cedars, Chepstow, third son of the late Henry Lawrence, J.P. for the counties of Carmarthen and Pembroke, to Edmundtina, elder daughter of the late James Prosser Snead, of Pwll Court, J.P. and D.L. for the county of Brecknock, and granddaughter of the late Colonel Gwynne, of Glanbrane Park, Carmarthenshire. DEATHS. MILLB.-At Talgarth, Aug. 3, Mr. James Mills, aged 78 years.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY .Brecon Borough Petty Sessions. Last day for Service for Brecon County Court. Hay Fair. WEDNESDAY.Vale of Crickhowell Railway Meeting, at Bear Inn, Crickhowell, at 3 o'clock. Brynmawr Petty Sessions. Trecastle Fair. THURSDAY.Excursion to Llanwrtyd Wells. SATURDAY Brecon Board of Guardians.

NOTICES. "SPURGEON OTTT-SPUKGEONED (iNEATH.)-Tlte writer under this head has not given us his name, and conse- quently his communication cannot appear. "LIFE OF THE REV. THEOPHILUS EVANs.Tlte first part of this interesting trallslaNon is unavoidably crowded out this week.

BRECONSHIRE RIFLE ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL PRIZE SHOOTING. The prize meeting of this association took place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday last, at the Llan- gorse range. The competition on the first two days was confined to the various Breconshire corps, but on the third day it was open to all comers, when a large number of volunteer corps were represented, including some of the crack companies. The principal features of the first two days' competition were the shooting for the cup given by the Association, valued at £ 20. This was competed for by ten men from each company, and five from the Talgarth subdivision. It will be seen that on. this occasion, as on the last, the cup was taken by the Brynmawr company. The challenge cup, of the value of Y,8, given by the Adju tant, becomes the property, for the time being, of the competitor who makes the highest score in the shooting for the Association Cup, and was won by private G. M. Hope, of Hay. It must, however, be twice won before it really becomes the holder's property. The Association medal is awarded to the man who makes the highest aggregate score in the first and third competitions, and was taken by Corporal Bennett of Brecon. The regulations were as follows Tar- gets and scoring as at Wimbledon-, Hythe position at 700 yards any position the long or short Govern- ment Enfield rifle to be used, having a minimum pull of 6 lbs. ties to b, decided, 1st, by the score made at the longest range in the competition 2nd, by the greatest number of hits 3rd, by inverse order of shots, counting backwards from the last shot 4tli, divide. On neither day was the weather propitious. Fre- quent showers of rain fell, and these were accompa- nied by a good deal of wind. The consequence was that the shooting was very uncertain. The first part of the day on Tuesday some excellent shooting took place, but towards the close of the day the quality had greatly declined. The weather also prevented the attendance of visitors, the number of these being very few. Amongst those present, besides the various officers of the corps, were Sir Joseph Bailey, Bart., Hon. Colonel; E. W. C. Moore, Esq., F. W. Miles, Esq., Mrs. Gwynne, Mrs. P. Lloyd, Mrs. Hotchkis, Mrs. James, &c. Subjoined are details of the shooting FIRST COMPETITION.200 and 400 Yards. Five rounds at each range. BRECON. 200 yds. 400 yds. Total. Captain Lloyd 16 15 31 Sergt. J. Williams 15 19 34 Thos. Trew 13 16 29 Jas. Morgan 13 14 27 Corpl. H. Bennett 15 19 34 Private J. Brace 12 17 29 J. Ferguson 13 8 21 M. Hewitson 12 13 25 Q. M. S. J. Morgan 14 13 27 Ensign John James 1] 6 17 Private G. Whiteman 12 7 19 James Adams 10 13 23 „ Vaughan Powell 11 15 26 „ John Wood 12 2 14 „ John Owens 11 6 17 2ND BRECON (BRYNMAWR). Sergt. Saml. Griffiths 12 9 21 Corporal Fredk. Webb 16 13 29 Sergt. William Hare 15 15 30 Corporal J. Davis 14 16 30 Private John Bush 14 18 32 Henry Judd 13 14 27 Thos. Williams 16 14 30 Corporal J. Collins 14 11 25 Private A. Roberts 12 8 20 „ Thos. Jenkins 13 16 29 J. Davis 13 13 26 3RD BRECON (CRICKHOWELL). Lieutenant Parry 11 15 26 Ensign Lewis 11 10 21 Col.-Sergt. Ward 11 10 21 Sergeant D. Morris 15 14 29 Private W. Probert 13 retired 13 „ D. Evans 13 17 30 A Bright 14 14 28 T. Windass 15 15 30 Corporal S. Evans 15 16 31 Private J. J. Jones 14 17 31 Sergeant J. Herbert 12 7 19 „ J. Peirce 9 retired 9 „ Taylor 12 12 24 Private Beavin 16 10 26 „ E. G. Davis 13 16 29 „ W. Hopkins 7 retired 7 „ T. H. Williams 11 12 23 „ W. Williams 8 retired 8 4TH BRECON (HAY). Ensign Llewellyn 12 11 23 Private J. Harrison 12 15 27 Sergeant J. Baker 14 16 30 „ T. Price 10 11 21 Private T. Hope 16 14 30 Corporal E. Bruntnell 13 15 28 Private J. Webb 11 14 25 „ H. Lewis 13 10 23 H. Dendy 15 11 26 „ G. M. Hope 13 17 30 5TH BRECON (BUILTIL). Lieut. M. G. Howell 14 5 19 Colour-Sergt. J. Powell 13 8 21 Sergeant W. Price 11 10 21 J. D. Powell 15 16 31 Private Rees Pritchard 15 12 27 „ George Price 8 retired 8 „ John Jones 13 10 23 „ William Jones 15 12 27 „ Alfred Evans 15 7 22 „ Eaward Williams10 7 17 „ Wm. Williams 16 14 30 „ Thomas Mason 13 15 28 6TH BRECON (TALGARTH, SUB.) Ensign Perrott 14 6 20 Sergeant Jones 14 15 29 Corpoial West, Privates S. Phillips and W. Saunders retired.

THE LORDS' "AMENDMENTS" TO THE REFORM BILL. THERE is, comparatively speaking, little more to be added to our remarks last week concerning the little touches" put by the Lords to the Reform Bill. Two amendments, however, are worthy of notice. The first of these was one moved by Earl Grey, and was a proposition to give but one member to boroughs having a population of 12,000, and not 10,000, as decided by the House of Commons. It was also proposed to adopt a system of grouping certain towns together. By these means there would be a gain of 23 seats-12 by the first and 11 by the second proposal. These would be disposed of by giving an extra member to counties and divisions of counties having more than 150,000 inhabitants, thus absorbing 12 of the number by giving an extra member to boroughs with more than 150,000 inhabitants, which would take eight more and by giving the remaining three seats to the Inns of Court. If this proposition had been adopted it would have tended to the improvement of the redistribution part of the Bill in no small degree. As we have already pointed out, however, there is not time this session to carry out amendments so greatly altering the Bill, and they would only endanger its final passing. If it were not for this we should regret that an amendment, so important and beneficial, should have been rejected. Lord Derby, who characterised the scheme as crude and incom- plete, opposed it, and threatened if the amend- ment were carried to move that progress be reported. This intimidation had its effect, the amendment being rejected by a majority of 12 votes. Yet another mistake must be added to the list of those already made by the Lords in their dealings with the bill-and this is no less than the resolution to introduce voting papers into elections. The proposal came from the Marquis of Salisbury, and received the unqualified adhe- sion of the Premier. We must confess that, at the first blush of the thing, there seems a good deal to be said in favour of the idea; the reasons for its adoption are plausible, and not without weight. In the election of Parliamentary mem- bers the object is to have those men returned who will be the best and truest representatives of the opinions of the great mass of the people. In order to arrive at this desideratum, it is important, and indeed essential, that all who are entitled to vote should exercise that right. If this is not the case, there is the possibility that the party returned to Parliament will not accu- rately represent the feelings of his constituents. Instead, however, of all, or nearly all those who are entitled to vote availing themselves of the privilege, we are told that only one-third, or at most one-half, of the electors vote at elections. If it be important-and it undoubtedly is so—as to what sort of men are returned to Parliament, thig is not a satisfactory state of things. And it is natural to ask ourselves how it is it exists. It cannot be-or we would fain hope that it cannot be-through apathy that this is so; and that men so largely adopt the fatalistic view that everything will be right without their troubling themselves about how matters go on, believing that whatever is, is right." That there may be some who belong to this class we have no doubt; but, on the other hand, it is proverbial that election times are of all times the most exciting—their issues the most important to the well-being of the country. Various solutions of the problem have been given. Of course there are the sick, the aged, and the infirm; but this does not account for all. It is stated that in some districts the polling places are a long distance apart, and the journey to and fro would therefore occupy a considerable time. In the case of a poor working man, a part of the day would have to be lost in thus attending and voting; and the probability is that he would lose a part of his day's pay. If he were not sufficiently under his taaster's influence to be controlled in his vote, and made to vote with his master, it is not likely any consideration would be shown him and a deduction would certainly be the consequence. This he could ill afford; and he would not trouble himself about voting at all. Further than this. Everyone who knows anything about elections knows that there are plenty of "lambs" to be found in the neighbourhood of polling booths, and in many places it requires some little moral courage on the part of a man to enable him to "run the gauntlet of an infuriated mob, and amid a shower of rotten eggs and brickbats, walk 10 forth to testify his independence and public _3-J!it." One or two noble lords referred to lrelt"\4" and gave instances of how voters were ,:there tr.c&t^; but there is no need to go over -A,e wteJ: Q IBUO s' emerald isle" to find places in which scenes lited at election times l,vhich are a disgrace Q tjhis Roasted "age of enlightenment." This state of things must of In necessity prevent many naturally tiijjid persons from coming forward and exercising their privi- lege us free and independents." The system of voting which it is proposed to introduce would tend to remedy the evils complained of, and increase the number of voters. It is very ques- tionable, however, to say the least of it, whether the result would more truly represent the real feeling of the country than at present; whilst, on the other hand, it would assuredly open the doors for the commission of the worst offences. Innumerable faggot votes would be created; the present practice of personation would be greatly increased; bribery would become more and more the rule of elections; and cases of intimidation multiplied indefinitely. Even now it is not an uncommon circumstance for persons to avail themselves of the lowness of the 40s. freehold franchise, and thus obtain votes in numbers of counties; though at all times it may not be pos- sible for the elector to exercise his right. If voting papers were the order of the day, he would be able to fill out a dozen such, and despatch them to the proper quarter without more than a modicum of trouble. This is not what is desired; such a result cannot be called reform. Then again, electors having to sign the voting papers in presence of a magistrate, would, as it was well put by one of the speakers, trans- form a magistrate's drawing-room into a polling booth. In numberless cases these magistrates would be landlords, and what could be easier- with only the magistrate, the election agent, and the voter present-for threats to be used or money to be handed over ? One objection to the permissive compounding of rates with the land- lord was the power which it would give to that personage; and the same objection holds good here. Voting papers would give landlords an immense controlling power—and no one believes the majority of them would be slow to exercise that power; though there might be many excep- tions, as there are to every rule. Indirectly, also, the dissatisfaction so frequently expressed and so widely felt-oftentimes with reason, e.g., the Cornwall whortleberry case—at the "justice's justice" which is dispensed, would be greatly increased. The practice of using voting papers at University elections has been used as an argument in favour of the general adoption of the system. It may, however, be dismissed with the remark that the two cases are quite dissimilar. The voter in the one case is in a very different position to the other. In the University election votes may be calculated upon as pure but, even without the recent revelations, we could not have the same feeling of assurance about the general election. Most strongly therefore do we doubt the wisdom and propriety of adopting such a system at general elections, and though the principle was affirmed by a large majority in the House of Lords, we cannot think it will find favour with the Commons. On Monday night, on the bringing up of the report, the peers reconsidered thefcr decision in reference to the lodger franchise, and, without a division, restored it to the amount at which it was fixed by the other House. "New light" appears to have been thrown on the subject-the said new light" being that the fixing it at C,10 was the result of a compromise. Not wishing, therefore, to interfere with an arrangement, Lord Cairns, on whose motion it had originally been altered, did not oppose the resolution moved by Earl Russell to re-insert X10 instead of X15. Lord Derby recommended the House to reconsider its decision, and their Lordships did so, and unanimously agreed to the motion. We think this course was a wise one. If they had not adopted it, the probabilities are the House of Commons would have done so for them; and the Lords would be obliged to acquiesce. The mode they have adopted, however, is infinitely more gracious. The like success did not await the motion of Earl Granville, who desired the clause to be struck out enabling students and under-graduates occupying chambers at Oxford or Cambridge Universities to vote in the elections for those towns. We have before referred to the decision of the peers in regard to this subject, which may perhaps excite more feeling in Oxford than the number of votes which the clause will give would justify. The principle of the thing, however, is decidedly wrong. In' a letter to an Oxford paper, Mr. Goldwin Smith contends that the more the University is kept out of political contests the better it will be for her dignity and her influence as a national institution. The extension of the city franchise to tenants of college rooms will revive the worst days of town and gown" ruffianism so familiar many years ago. Not only between the university and laity, but between tutor and pupil, when they are on opposite sides, very unseemly relations may be produced by the inevitable license of an election. He also comments on the inconsistency of those who have so much insisted on the importance of residential clauses in a Reform Bill, agreeing to give the suffrage to such birds of passage" as under-graduates usually are-their con- nections and their local interests lie elsewhere, and the very purpose for which they are at Oxford or at Cambridge is as wide as are the poles asunder from the exercise of political power. By the Peers' decision on the lodger franchise, at least one subject of debate is done away with. The copyhold franchise clause, which it was proposed to raise from £ 5 to £ 10 by the Earl of Harrowby, and which was eliminated from the bill, will perhaps not excite much discussion but to the representation of the minority by the cumulative vote, and to the per- nicious voting paper system there will doubtless be a strong opposition; and we trust that the House of Commons will reject the decision of the Upper Chamber, and in these particulars at least send it back as at first presented to them. Since the above was in type, we find that the House of Commons, on Thursday night, resolved, by 235 to 188, to re-insert the copyhold and leasehold franchise clause in the Bill. The decision of the Upper House in reference to the representation of the minority was, after a long discussion, affirmed by 263 to 204 votes- a majority of 49. The amendment of the Lords restricting electors of the city of London to three votes, was also adopted by a majority of 64 votes.

THE DOWLAIS ATURDER. Watkins, the murderer of his fellow-lodger Hender- son, at Dowlais, is not to be hung. To be strictly correct, a respite has been granted but when this is the case it is comparatively seldom, or never, that the extreme penalty is afterwards inflicted. What has influenced the Home Secretary in his decision we are not in a position to say. It has been stated that some members of the murderer's family have been insane, and that he himself has been seen under circumstances which would lead the beholder to doubt whether he was in full possession of his mental faculties. It has also been urged that the crime was not premeditated, but committed in a fit of jealousy and Watkins him- self says that he had no intention of murdering the man. Whatever weight these circumstances-have had with the Home Secretary in influencing his decision, we believe that the majority of our readers, at least, will hear with satisfaction that his life will not be forfeited. There may be some dissentients—those who think it is both lawful and expedient, in the in- terest of the public at large, and the protection of life, to "visit yith death all who take the lives of their fellows. The #iu$bey ,c-f such, however, we believe to be small; and, for our own part, we welcome-as an exhibition of a growing feeling on the part of those in authority to abstain from taking life-the instances we have lately had in which the lives of condemned criminals have been spared. The claims of justice and the claims of the people to protection do not, in our humble opinion, render a hangman necessary. The wiping off our statute book the punishment of death for treason and murder will not multiply the number of these offences. The sacred burden of life will not be esteemed less sacred—blood will not be spilt like water-because we do not commit—what some term-judicial murder. In matters of this kind when reason fails, or is indecisive, experience must guide us. And experience has shown that milder sentences do not provoke crime. On the contrary, we may fairly assume that in proportion to the sacred- ness in which life is held by the Government, in the same proportion will the people themselves hold it sacred. It must not be forgotten, either, that in many cases a verdict of guilty has been returned, the sentence carried into effect, and then, when it was too late, it was discovered that the innocent had suffered. It has thus been shown that innocence may look like guilt, and that although the chain of circumstances seem to be unbroken, the facts fitting into each other with almost mathematical precision, and leading apparently to the inevitable conclusion of guilt; yet, spite of all this, they may be deceptive in their character, and may lead us astray. With the facts before our mind to which we have only alluded, and the possibility that we may condemn the innocent, are we to go on disregarding the teachings of experience, and as it were snuffing out, as we would a candle, life after life, which, for all slips of theirs," might yet, with training, become a thing of beauty ? Are we to do away with all possi- bility of expiation on the part of our criminals, and any attempt to repair or lessen the evil they have done, and give up attempting to reform them ? We hope not, and we are glad to see that the signs of the times point in the direction of blotting out from the statute book the dread penalty of death.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. BRECON RACES.—These races are fixed to take place on Monday and Tuesday, the 16th and 17th September. The programme for both days is a full one. ERRATUM.-It was erroneously stated last week that the Rev. Garnons Williams was the preacher at St. Mary's Church on Sunday. It was the Rev. W. Hughes, of Ebbw Vale, the Sheriff's chaplain, who preached the Assize sermon at that church in the morning, and also in the evening. Collections in aid of the Infirmary were made after both services, and amounted to about £ 12 or £ 13. EXCURSION.—Another party of excursionists visited this town on Saturday last. It consisted of about 600 persons, being the employes, with their wives and chil- dren, from the Melyn Tin Works, near Neath. The excursionists, who had their fares paid by their em- ployer, Mr. Flower, left Neath soon after seven o'clock, and arrived here at nine. The day was rather dull, and not so fine as we should have liked our visi- tors to have been favoured with. They, however, thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and left about a quarter after seven, arriving at Neath at nine o'clock, well satisfied with their day's pleasure. On the same day a large pic-nic party from the same neighbour- hood visited the town, coming and .returning by the ordinary trains. THE BRECKNOCKSHIRE ARCIIERS.-This club held their second meeting for this year on Wednesday, July 24th. The day was very fine, and the attendance larger than usual. 90 arrows were shot, at 60 yards, with the following results :— LADIES. Hits Ser. Hits Ser. Mrs. Logan Elmslie 66 306 Miss Fowke 54 '216 Mrs. W. R. Stretton .49 198 Miss Blanche Davies .42 1S2 Mrs. Edgar Batt 38 120 Miss Dumbleton 37 117 Miss Yann 31 120 Mrs. H. de Winton 26 94 Miss Baker 25 99 | Mrs. Bevan 23 93 GENTLEMEN. Mr. W. Wheeley ..80 342 Mr. E. Batt 59 237 Mr. Penry Lloyd 34 116 Mr. W. de Winton 24 70 Prizes were won by Mrs. W. R. Stretton (1st), Miss Fowko (2nd), Mrs. Logan Elmslie (best gold), Mr. W. Wheeley (1st), Mr. E. Batt (2nd). The third meeting is fixed for August 28th. THE BEACONS.—It has been customary, from time immemorial, we believe, amongst those living in the neighbourhood of the Beacons, for them to repair in large parties to these majestic hills, and to climb to their summits, once every year, on the first Sunday in August. In pursuance of this custom, on Sunday last, the "grand old hills" were visited by about 200 persons from Merthyr and Brecon. The weather, however, was not as bright as could have been desired, and the view was greatly limited.—On Monday also a numerous pic-nic party repaired thither in traps, but in consequence of the weather being very showery, they were obliged to keep in-doors the greater part of the day. One party remained at the Storey Arms, where they engaged the services of a strolling Ger- man band, which they met on the road, and another party did the best they could at the Crofty Farm. Several attempts were made to ascend the hill, but before any considerable height could be attained the party found themselves enveloped in mist, and were compelled to return, which they did with difficulty. SCHOOL TRE.&T.-On Wednesday last the children attending the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Chapel had their annual outing, towards the expenses of which J. Prothero, Esq., Ex-Mayor, contributed liberally. The children, with their teachers, assembled at the chapel shortly before eleven o'clock, and then marched to the railway station. Arrangements had been made with the manager of the Brecon and Merthyr line, who, with his usual considerateness, conveyed the party to Dolygaer Lake at very low fares. Arrived here, boating was largely patronised, as well as other sports. The rain tended somewhat to mar the enjoy- ment, but the youngsters made the best of it. The apparatus for procuring tea had been taken with the party, and at the proper time the cheering cup, with unlimited supplies of cake and other good things, were partaken of, and done full justice to. For a short time longer the sports were engaged in, and the pleasurists then returned to Brecon, where they safely arrived in high spirits, having thoroughly enjoyed themselves, notwithstanding the unpropitious ele- ments. THE IRON TRADE IN SOUTH WALES.—There is no want of orders in this district, but they are not satis- factorily accompanied as to cash credits-for the doubts that have operated to the retardation of the progress of our own home trade during the past six months, and have brought about the sluggishness of which we all complain, in most branches of the iron trade, is now extending itself to foreign houses and foreign adventures. Russian railway progress is much retarded by this feeling, and advance in the United States materially checked. The state railways of Belgium will not improbably prove more satisfac- tory customers, if the orders for 100,000 tons they are said to require, should come into the Welsh district. At Merthyr Tydvil we hear of improvements and good business. At Pontypool, what with the proposed stoppage of the Blaina Works and the possible change in the Aberaman ownership, they are not in a hope- ful condition. Generally, pigs are tolerably firm; bars as much as can be called steady; rails in fair de- mand, at something under X5 15s. to X6-accorcling to specification; angle iron at (for contracts), £7 17s. 6d. to £ 8, and £ 8 os., and common bars £ 5 12s. 6d. to £ 6 5s. and £ 6 10s. Up to these prices makers are not over-stiff.—Rylands' Circular. A WILD WOMAN IN W ALEs.-Strangers and foreign- ers have a confirmed notion that Wales is a country rather barbarous than otherwise, so they -will not be surprised to learn that a wild woman has been career- ing the mountains of Carnarvonshire and Merioneth- shire for the last few years. Twice this awful creature has been captured, and once, at least, she has in re- turn captured a stray child on the hills. At last she has been finally run down, and a contemporary gives a graphic description of the chase. The wild woman was seen near Llanfairfechan on Thursday, and a large courageous party banded themselves together to chase her or rather, they promised to do so, but when the hour of meeting came, only Police-constable A 1 came up to the scratch, and he went in pursuit alone. After an unsuccessful search over places, the very names of which would break the jaw of an English- man to pronounce, the uncivilised lady was discovered asleep on a mountain path leading to Rhiwiau from Caehaidd. The valiant officer captured her, and at two o'clock on Friday morning lodged her in the lock- up. She turns out to be an Irishwoman, who thinks she has been excommunicated by the Pope, and ordered to lead a solitary mountain life for ten years. The next month of that life will be spent in Carnarvon gaol.—Oswestry Advertiser, BRECON AND MEKTIIYR RAILWAY.-68 miles open. Traffic for week ending August 4, 1867:— Passengers, parcels, &c £ 479 18 9 Goods and live stock £ 952 10 11 Total £ 1432 9 8 E21 Is. 4d. per mile per week. Corresponding week last year, 68 miles open :— Passengers, parcels, &e £ 587 14 6 Goods and live stock £ 909 19 8 Total £ 1497 14 2 £ 22 Os. 6d. per mile per week. Decrease £ 65 4 C Aggregate from 1st July, 1867 £ 7132 2 10^ Ditto ditto 1866 £ 6962 3 lo| Increase fl69 19 04) r THE INFIRMARY.- W e understand that Mrs. Sybil Evans, of Bronllys Court, has presented to the Brecon Infirmary the sum of X 10, being the amount left her by the late Mr. Thomas Evans, of Trecastle, only sur- viving brother of John Evans, Esq., senior partner in the old-established firm of Messrs. Wilkins & Co., bankers, of this town, Carmarthen, and other places. Mrs. Evans's brother (the late Dr. Powell, of Lon- don), was for many years a. subscriber to this ex- cellent and well-managed institution, and towards its permanent support he bequeathed a liberal legacy. HENNETT V. THE TEWKESBURY AND MALVERN RAIL- WAY COMPANY.—In the Vice-Chancellor's Court, before Sir J. Stuart, Mr. Roxburgh (with him Mr. Dunn) moved that within ten days after the service of the order the defendants, the directors of the company, do pay over to the receiver appointed in the cause the sums of X350 and X,,500, which had been received by the directors in January and March last, 1867, re- spectively. The order for the appointment of the receiver was made in November, 1866, but was not drawn up until April 1867. Mr. Greene, Q.C., and Mr. Dryden, for the directors, contended that the monies received by the directors were actually earned by this company before the appointment of a receiver, and that he was appointed to receive only future rents and tolls of the compaay. Mr. Eddis appeared for a gentleman appointed director in March, and Mr. Speed for other parties. The Vice-Chancellor said the then directors who had thought proper to receive these monies, and to apply them without any sanction of the court, and in defiance of its order, displacing the person appointed as receiver, must pay the amounts into court ten days after the service of the order. The order would be made against the secretary, as well as against the three directors named in the summons, and they must all pay the cost of the application. Mr. Eddis's client must pay his own costs.

RESPITE OF THE CONVICT WATKINS. Since sentence was passed upon Watkins his demean- our has been very quiet, and the efforts of thehaplain appear to have had some influence over him, as he ap- pears to feel the serious position in which he is placed. He is kind and thankful to all about him, and he has made a sort of a statement to the Governor of the Gaol that he found Anderson and the old woman in bed together. He then went to the kitchen and got the poker and struck Anderson, but he had no intention of injuring him. He deeply regrets that his passion overcame him, and he spends hours daily in reading the Bible. The old woman is now scouted by the people, and it is probable she will be obliged to'leave the neighbourhood. A memorial, signed by upwards of 600 persons residing in Dowlais, has been forwarded to the Home Secretary, for a remission of his sentence to transportation for life, on the ground that there was an absence of premeditation, and on Tuesday morning Mr. Woods, the Governor of Cardiff Gaol, received by post an official communication from the Home Office announcing a respite for the condemned murderer. The news was rapidly circulated through the town immediately after post-time, and the feeling gener- ally expressed was one of satisfaction that the execution would not now take place. As it is only a respite in point of fact, so that further inquiries and consideration may be given to the same, it is possible that the execution may yet be ordered, but taking all the circumstances, together with the reprieves which have been in several instances granted to condemned murderers, the probabilities are, that the final sentence of death will not be carried out, and in all likelihood it will end in a commutation of the sentence to one of penal servitude for life. The governor of the gaol forwarded the information immediately to the High Sheriff of the county, and in company with the chaplain of the gaol, the Rev. E. Jones, he also lost no time in communicating the fact of the arrival of a respite to the unhappy criminal, who received it with the same amount of calmni ss and composure which he has displayed throughout his incarceration. When he was informed of the respite, he at once dropped upon his knees, and extemporarily broke forth in expressions of contrition for his crime, prayer for forgiveness, and thanks to God for the mercy vouchsafed to him in the extended opportunity for repentance in this life. It is to be hoped, now that the wishes so generally expressed, that the town will not be called upon to witness the horrors of an execution, will be fulfilled ia ¡ this wretched case.

LIST OF WINNERS. 1st, X8, Sergeant J. Williams, 1st Brecon 2nd, jE6, Corporal H. Bennett, 1st Brecon; 3rd, X4, Private John Bush, 2nd Brecon 4th, 23, Private J. Jones, 3rd Brecon 5th, £2 10s Sergeant J. D. Powell, 5th Brecon 6 h, Y,2, Corporal J. Evans, 3rd Brecon; 7th, 21 lOa., Captain P. Lloyd, 1st Brecon 8th, Xl Bs., Private D. Evans, 3rd Brecon 9th, YI, Private G. M. Hope, 4th Brecon 10th, 15s., Corporal J. Davies, 2nd Brecon. SECOND COMPETITION. 200 and 500 yard. Five rounds at each range. For the Association Cup, value X20. 1ST BRECON. 200 yds, 500 yds. Total Captain Penry L'oyd 14 2 16 Sergeant J. Williams 12 8 20 Thomas Trew 15 0 15 Q.M.S. John Morgan 12 11 23 Corporal Henry Bennett 15 10 25 Private John Brace 17 9 26 James Ferguson 13 2 15 „ M Hewitson 12 5 17 Corporal James Mathews 9 2 11 Sergeant James Morgan 15 10 25 134 59 193 BRYNMAWR. Sergeant Wm. Hare 13 13 26 Corporal Jacob Davies 16 15 31 „ D. Webb 11 13 24 Private J. Bush 12 11 23 J. Davis 15 12 27 Thos. Jenkins 11 11 22 Corporal J. Collins 14 15 29 Private T. Williams 14 9 23 A. Roberts 12 11 23 Sergeant S. Griffiths 15 7 22 133 117 250 CRICKHOWELL. Lieutenant E. Parry 13 14 27 Ensign W. Lewis 14 10 24 Sergeant Ward 9 0 9 D. Morris 10 11 21 Private W. Probert 12 12 24 Sergeant J. Herbert 12 13 25 Private D. Evans 13 11 24 „ A. Bright 15 13 28 „ T. Windass 5 5 10 Corporal J. Evans 15 8 23 118 97 215 HAY. Ensign W. Llewellin 12 11 23 Private J. Harrison 13 11 24 Sergeant J. Baker 10 11 21 „ T. Price 8 5 13 Private T. Hope 14 14 28 Corporal Bruntnell 12 11 23 „ J. Webb 10 12 22 Private H. Lewis 12 6 18 H. Dendy 15 15 30 Private G. M. Hope 15 17 32 121 113 ~234 BUILTH. Sergeant M. G. Howell 15 7 22 Colour Sorgt. J. Powell 13 10 23 Sergeant W. Price 12 8 20 „ J. D. Powell 14 11 25 Private Rees Pritchard 15 13 28 if A. Evans 9 11 20 John Jones 12 9 21 W. Jones 13 9 22 W. Williams 12 6 18 Thomas Mason 10 10 20 125 94 219 TALGARTH (SUB). Ensign Perrott 16 16 22 Sergeant D. J. Jones 15 7 Corporal S. West 9 0^9 Private T. Phillips 8 8 16 „ Wm. Sounders 9 4 13 The Brynmawr corps accordingly took the cup. The same corps won it last year, and Crickhowell the year before. The Challenge Cup, value X8, given by the Adjutant, for the highest score, was taken by Private G. M. Hope, 4th Brecon, who gained 32 points. THIRD COMPETITION.—600 and 700 Yards. Five rounds at each rana-e. u BRECON. 600 yds. 700 yds. Total. Ensign James 6 2 8 Private Whiteman 6 3 9 „ Bell 6 10 16 Wood p 6 15 Owens 13 6 19 Sergeant J. Williams 10 4 14 Corporal Bennett 1] 10 21 Private Brace 10 3 13 Sergeant J. Morgan 7 9 16 Private J. Griffiths 9 2 11 J. Adams 8 5 13 TT BRYNMAAVR. Sergeant W. Hare n q 17 Corporal Jacob Davies 10 14 24 Private Thomas Jenkins 14 2 16 Thos. Williams 5 9 14 » Henry Judd 5 8 13 Corporal F. Webb 12 8 20 Private John Bush 0 13 13 A. Roberts 10 8 18 Corporal J. Collins 5 11 16 Private Lewis Morgan 8 retired 8 CRICKHOWELL. Ensign W. Lewis 8 11 19 Private Probert 9 8 17 D. Evans 7 2 9 Corporal J. Evans 9 0 9 Private J. J. Jones 9 6 15 HAY. Ensign W. Llewellyn 5 0 5 Sergeant J. Baker 7 2 9 Private T. Hope 7 3 10 Corporal Bruntnell 13 9 22 „ J. Webb 5 0 5 BUILTH. Col.-Sergt. J. Powell 9 12 21 Sergeant J. D. Powell 8 6 14 Private A Evans 9 5 14 J. Jones 8 5 13 W. Jones 4 12 16 Thomas Mason 4 6 10 W, Williams 9 10 19 TALGARTn. Sergeant Jones 10 4 14 Corporal West 9 0 9 Private Phillips 5 0 5

LIST OF WINNERS. 1st, 28, Corporal Jacob Davies, 2nd Brecon 2nd, Y,6, Corporal Bruntnell, 4th Brecon; 3rd, zE4, Sergt. J. Powell, 5th Brecon 4th, 23, Corporal Bennett, 1st Brecon 5th, X2 10s., Corporal Webb, 2nd Brecon 6th, X2, Ensign Lewis, 3rd Brecon 7th, £1 10s., Private Williams, 5th Brecon 8th, El 5s., Private Owens, 1st Brecon; 9th, Xl, Private A. Roberts, 2nd Brecon; 10th, 15s., Private W. Roberts, 3rd Brecon. Corporal Bennett, of the 1st Brecon, took the Asso- ciation Cup for the highest aggregate score in the first and third competitions, he making 55 points. Sir Joseph Bailey gave £ 2, to be added to an open sweepstake of Is., for the highest score, while running a distance of 150 yards. The prizes were awarded as follows :— Points. 1st, dEl 17s., Private G. M. Hope (Hay) 26 2nd, 17s. 6d., Ensign Llewellin (Hay) 25 3rd, lis., Sergeant Baker (Hay) 25 4th, 6s., Private Roberts (Brynmawr) 24 5th, 3s., Private Pritchard (Builth) 23 „ Private T. Hope (Hay) 23 The Officers Running Sweepstake was won by Ensign John James, 1st Brecon, with a score of 26 points.

THURSDAY. All Comers' Prizes, open to volunteers in uniform. Ranges 200 yards (Hythe position) and 500 yards (any position). 7 rounds 2 sighting shots, 61 each. Rifles Bona fide Government long or short 3-groved Enfield, or must be stamped with the government viewers' mark 61bs. pull; sights not to have been tampered with. Ammunition Government, to be supplied by the competitor. The following are the winners cf prizes :-— Prizes. Tot. Points. 1st, X20 Private R. C. Frost, 26th Kent 43 2nd, J £ 10 Sergeant W. Powell, 9th Mon 42 3rd, X5 Private Johns, 14th Glamorgan 41 4tb, L3 Private John Brace, 1st Brecon 41 5tb, f- 2 Captain P. Llovd, 1st Brecon 41 6th, zel Sergeant J. D. Powell, 5th Brecon 41 7th, 11 Private Lunkley, 7th Hereford 40 8tb, X, I Llewellin, 2nd Hereford 38 91b, 21 Belcher, 3rd Gloucester 38 10th, ;,c I Keilley, 2nd Brecon 38 11th, £1 Collins, 2rid Brecon 37 12tb, tl „ Phillips, 12th Glamorgan 36 13,b, Y, 1 Sank. y, 7th Hereford 36 14th, zCl Jones, 2nd Glamorgan 36 15th, Xi „ Webb, 2nd Brecon 36

BRECON TOWN COUNCIL. The quarterly meeting of the Town Council and Local Board of Health was held at the Town Hall on Thursday morning. J. Davies, Esq,, Mayor, presided, and there were also present Alderman Thomas, Dr. Lucas, Messrs. P. Bright, J. Griffiths, J. Morris, H. C. Rich, G. Cansick, and A. A. Walton. The Clerk read the minutes of the meetings held during the pabt quarter. THE POLICEMAN WATKINS. The Mayor stated that the first thing arising out of the minutes was with reference to the pay of Watkins. He had been paid for the time he was ill, except the last fortnight. It was for the Board to say whether he should be paid that or not. Mr. Morris called attention to the principle laid down by the Board, that when a policeman was ill he should receive full pay for the first two weeks, for the two following weeks 10s., and the next 6s., the discre- tion of the Board then to be exercised. This rule was come to in consequence of a policeman being for 17 weeks on the pay of the Board. The Mayor said Watkins had been off duty seven weeks, and had received his full pay for five week3. Mr. Bright said a large allowance had been made him from the club to which Watkins belonged. They ought not, however, to punish a man for being prudent. According to the principle mentioned by Mr. Morris, to which they ought to have kept, Watkins bad already received El 2s. more than his allowance. Mr. Cansick thought the fact of men being in a club should have no weight with them. The Board considered it expedient not to make any order in reference to the matter. THE FAIRS QUESTION. Some conversation took place as to whether it would be necessary to apply to the Privy Council for permis- sion to hold the new fair or market in October, and the matter was left to the clerk. POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS. The Mayor thought it right to state that the Neath and Brecon line had been suggested to him as the route by which the mail bags could be sent, and he had been urged to see the traffic manager on the subject. His own opinion, however, was that that was going backward, and that it was not the right way to run. He had, however, the opportunity of seeing Mr. Hensbaw, who said he had every reason to believe that the terms stated by him to Mr. Gay, the post-office inspector, would be accepted by the authorities; and that they would get back the facilities previously enjoyed of running into Hereford stations. Mr. Griffiths confirmed the Mayor's statement, and, from a conversation he bad with the inspector, thought he was anxious to do what he could to benefit the district by getting a day mail, and making other alter- ations. THE DRAINAGE REPORT. The Mayor referred to this report, which he said was so ably drawn up by Dr. Lucas, and said he thought it would be a great advantage for it to be strictly adhered to. Dr. Lucas thanked the Mayor for the compliment, but said he thought reports of committees should be anonymous. Mr. Rich asked if any action had been taken on the report? The Town Clerk said Mr. Kirk and himself had taken considerable pains in settling the form of notice under the provisions of the Act, and they had been printed, and, he believed, served. The notices with regard to the troughing had also been served. Mr. Morris said he had been served with a notice with regard to troughing. His landlord, however, was about to confer a great boon on the town, and he thought it would be gracious not to enforce it as it would affect the alteration. In reply to the Mayor, Mr. Morris said he knew what the alteration was, but must decline to state it to the Board. Mr. Cansick suggested that the report of the com- mittee should be strictly enforced, without regard to particular persons (hear, hear). Mr. Rich suggested that the committee should be constituted a permanent one. They often found that after notices were served the matter dropped, and no notice was taken. The committee should make en- quiries, and see that their orders were carried out. Mr. Alderman Thomas said he had been served with a notice in reference to a house of his in Llanfaes, and he would make a point of immediately complying with it (hear, hear). BAILEYGLAES ROADWAYS. In reply to a question from Mr. Griffiths, in refer- ence to this matter, t Mr. Bright said he understood the roads there would shortly have the attention of the company. They did not intend to shirk the matter, but were still busy with other things. — FINANCE. -the Mayor stated that the finance committee had a tteeting the previous evening, and had gone through the bills which were presented for adoption, they having been passed. On the motion of Mr. Cansick, seconded by Mr. Griffiths, the bills were ordered to be paid. Mr. Bright moved that the Markets Company be applied to for the payment of f.210, a year's rent charge. The motion was seconded by Mr. Griffiths, and carried. OCCUPATION OF THE BARRACKS. Alderman Thomas said Mr. Gwyn had received a letter in reference to the occupation of the barracks, which seemed to put off the thing still further. It was as follows:— T War Office, July 20, 1867. DEAR MR. GWIN, 1 nave to acknowledge your letter and enclosure on the subject 01 the barracks at Brecon. There is no present intention of occupying those barracks with troops, but should it become necessary, either from any partial vacating ox Aiaersiiot in winter, and from any other cause, to arrange for a larger use of barracks, I will not fail to see that careful consideration is given to the claims of Brecon among other suitable places for the purpose. Believe me, dear Mr. Gwyn, Very truly yours, -u- JOIIN S. PAKINGTON. Howel Gwyn, Esq., M.P. COLLECTION OF RATES. The Mayor stated that there was still a large amount