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TO CORRESPONDENTS. I
TO CORRESPONDENTS. I Iu the Report of the Vestry Meeting ia our last, Mr. I Goode is stated to have said that some fields in Mr. Tnrdrew's "occupation were assessed at £ 40, wiiile the rent -was £ 71. It should have been reported that Mr. Tardrew is the owner—not the occupier of the fields. Mr. Tar drew informs us that out of the rent he pays all rates, taxes, and rent charge, besides repairing the gates j and fences. lie also pays for all the manure that the tenant chooses to carry on the land, and has made a con- feiderafcle abatement in the rent for the past two vearr. A-Van, of space prevents us from inserting Mr. Tardrew's j letter, ;): w;c: tle "bove is the purport.. letter, of which the above is the purport.
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If words were things there is no population in the world that would be so well off as our own. The con- dition of the very poor & of the very rich would, then, be the condition of a truly Christian community, exhibiting, of course, great inequalities, but not excluding proper !>v;npath:es. As it is, the former must often feel how feebly words e.vsnv" to afford relief!—how fragile is the litem on which the flower of Parliamentary promise is sho«n !—and, in short, they must bitterly see that fine speeches in Parliament commonly conduce as little to better their suffering position as fair words do to butter parsnips. What, for example, can look more benevolent than MR. BODKIN'S bland intimation that he will, next session, bring in a bill to bless the poor, to make them happy, and to prevent that mass of hardship which is inflicted upon them under the present law by removing them immediately from a parish to which they became chargeable by reason of sickness, accident, or other sudden and inevitable dispensation of Providence. The unfortunates have only to wait for a year, and then, if they don't die in the meantime, they will gee what they will see." We hope the sick and a!! suffering the 'lis that poverty ii heir to in this cou'ry will survive, and so be able to see the millenium, to hail the advent of BODKIN AND BENEVOLENCE. We have already ■lid there's promise in this bill that is to be, nor is there lejs sentiment, as will be seen by the following extract: — "It is very hard," (said Mr. BODKIN, and no doubt it is) upon such persons to be compelled to see their households broken up, and themselves and their families transported to a distant part of the country, in conse- quence of their becoming temporarily chargeable to the parish and, moreover, he must point out that the evil was not all on one side, for a great and often an unne- cessary expense was incurred by the parish In enforcing stiel,i reii-ioval, The bill which he- proposed to lay on the table provided against both these evils, by enacting that no person circumstanced as he had described, should be liable to be removed to his or her place of settlement until relief should have been continously g iven to them for a certain specified number of days after the sicknes." or accident by which they had been rendered chargeable should have ceased or have been remedied." For what else the learned and hon. gentleman said in reference to a measure, which is as good as a mere bomccpathic dose can be to a tortured patient, we refer our readers to his speech reportcd in our last. We have no more idea of disparaging the proposed remedies for a great evil than SIR JUrES GRAHAM professed, when, after some personally complimentary expressions to MR. BODKIN, lie said he should be glad to give them his most anxious attention." He would carefully pe- ruse the prescription or bill drawn out by MR. BODKIN. Now this is all very well; nay, it is more, it is all very fine it is full of promise so far as preventing that cruel removal of sick and dying paupers is concerned. The conception is good enough; but as to execution, will it ever come to any thing? or will it not rather afford I room for another reminiscence of the frequency with which the petition of the poor for bread and comforts is mrt by a stone ?
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THE IITIIF. COMMUTATION ACT last week was vir- tually condemned by the Lord Chancellor. This Act, so condemned frorii tlkc wooisack, our readers will of course recollect is the self-same measure which occasioned such a violent controversy in this part of the country both before and during the unhappy disturbances termed "THE REBECCA RIOTS." The dispute between those persons who respectively affirm and deny the oppressive operation of the system is perhaps, even now, not quite settled, notwithstanding the Report that the Commis- sioners of Inquiry made. Apart from the principle of the measure, however, one thing seems beyond question, namely, that its actual operation in some districts of the Principality is to a certain extent peculiar, and in so far as peculiar, infinitely less pleasurable to the payer of the rent-charge than to its receiver. But some of the clauses of the Bill were last week pronounced from the Woolsack to be so obscure as to require immediate revision. In the House of Lords on Thursday last, a petition was presented by LORD CAMPBELL, complaining that the Act was so obscure that even the judges of the land could not make it out with unanimity, but on the contrary that they were divided in opinion upon its construction, and that the beneficial principle upon which LOUD TCNTERDEN based his bill was consequently lost. LonD CAMPBELL concluded, as some of our Welsh petitioners did during the disturbances, by calling on the Legislature to apply a remedy for the redressal of a real grievance. TUE LORD CHANCELLOR agreed with his noble and learned friend that the Act, in some important points, required amendment, and consideration should be given to the subject before next session.
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"W hen people begin to be satiated with the little, dull I speeches which ooze out from members' mouths like the I of an almost empty barrel of beer, a little amusement is sometimes sought by gentlemen of the London press in turning out an agriculturist for the day's sport. The Times takes the lead in thus catering for the public amusement, & many a respectable country gentlemen has been run down in as good style as the hares on his own estate. A Wiltshire gentleman at an annual meeting of an Agricultural Society addresses the farmers, and forthwith he is bagged, or booked and bad- gered, just for:the fun of the thing already mentioned. lIlt. SOTHERON tells his friends that the corn laws I cannot continue much longer, and for only this, for merely stating a matter of fact as well known as that grass is green, he is quizzed most remorselessly. First he is held forth in polished phrase for a fool, then as the new agricultural seer," and is told with a laugh- ing devil in the" sneer" that "no one can listen to his prediction without a deep sense of its authoritative character." And because he tells his friends in flowery language how to meet the prospective emergency, he is shown up as a zany, one remove only from an idiot, ttud of course as a shocking bad member to boot for N, rth Wilts. Now this is not quite fair, though con- fessedly quite common with our contemporaries, who cannot, it appears, get on at all in their columns devoted to commentary, without a but of some sort, if bucolic 110 much the better. Some persons however will think that after ail there is nothing so very ridiculous in be- lieving that there must be an equitable adjustment, though perhaps not precisely in the way indicated by the hou. gentleman. Our readers, however, will each form his own opinion on this point. On the occasion referred to, Mu. SOTHERON saio, Whenever a change in the Corn Laws should take place, it could not be a single measure. (Hear, hear.) No Government could bring forward such a proposition without adding to it a measure for the adjustment of the burdens of the agriculturists. (Hear, hear.) Therefore it was for the landlord on his part to say, if such a step should be taken, My rent shall be adjusted according to the circumstances of the tenant and for the tenant to say to the labourer, 'It is from my produce that I I must pay you your wages, and if the price of that pro- ) duce is lowered, you cannot be surprised, painful though it will be to me, if your wages are lowered also.' This ought to be done before any alteration such as he had alluded to was made. He did not mean to recommend what was called a system of corn rents, because that was in many cases practically productive of great injus- tice, but that some fair and equitable settlement should be made. (Hear.) Some two years of the term of ex- istence of the present Parliament, and, probably of the present Government also, were before them. Let them employ that interval in cultivating a good understand- ing among themselves. All who knew anything of him (Mr. Sotheron) knew that he would not he backward on his own part in doing what he had taken the libertv of recommending to others. The burdens on the land were not such as could he adjusted among themselves, but nevertheless they could ascertain their amount, sum them up, and then, if any great alteration should take place by legislati%e interference, they would be able to point out what was the pressure on them as agricultu- rists, and t1u have ground for asking for the relief of those burdens as a fair and just step before the repeal ol the corn laws." Did IR. SoTnr.r.ON vote for or against inquiry into the existence ur non-existence of the alleged peculiar burdens of landowners ? Of course before an equitable adjustment can take place the existence and extent of peculiar burdens must be pro-ed. That is the first Afces*i-y [ [Iri another part of our. paper apoetical triflp appears,. to the tone-of which we may advert while writing on the subject of the Kabyl Massacre, now engaging not only the press of England, but almost engrossing that of France (much to the honour of the national character) indeed the prominent topic of the- day throughout Europe.] What shall we say of a marshal of the Empire"—a peer of France—the adviser of a humane and excellent sovereign, SOULT, full of years, ready to drop into the grave—to go up to his long account," casting his shield over a wretch who has out-Neroed Nero—thrown every uuto de fe of the Dark Ages into the inglorious shiid of innocence, made the single burning of old women mere child's play—rivalled the man-hunts with Spanish bloodhounds of 300 years ago, in the nineteenth century !—eclipsed CORTES, out-shone grand Inquisitors of the SjioocLest memory—what shall ,we say of that man on whose white head (as responsible for that mur- derer's appointment at least) all this shocking weight of innocent blood must rest, unless appeased by ex- emplary, rapid, terrible justice inflicted on the monster ? SOCLT has breathed the air of England.—Should he ever breathe it again, let us hope that the voice of Humanity, (to say nothing of Christianity) uttered through that of the people, will thunder in his pars a lesson he may carry to his grave, in the change of their reception-teach him that torturing and murder meet no gentle pleaders in the bosoms of us inglorious Bri- tons, whatever they find in that of an old soldier of the ranks under the First Consul. No greater insult, we conceive, could have been offered to the whole spirit of the age, in the best sense of that word, than was volunteered in the face of Europe (almost as one man lifting up his voice, eyes, and hands, and this beastly and worse than barbaric homi- cide) by this dotard-(iet us hope he is become) when he babbled about the honour of his protege about his embarrassing position then heaved the weight of blood off the individual head, only to divide it over the whole hydra of the African war-a palpable lie, and uttered for the base purpose of screen ing one man who has disgraced even his odious profession, and restored a character to War which Civilization has been happily labouring to soften and almost remove—that of mer- ciless ferocity towards unresisting enemies. If indeed this African war really involved such hor- rors in its very nature, what a censure was this on his royal master, who at such vast expense of life and treasure maintains such a detestable conflict! Why, all the atrocities of all the Deys of Algiers, do not pre- sent any feature so hideous as such a war-those atro- cities that alone form the excuse for its beginning and continuance. Was it then to barbarize Barbary—to carry heads at saddle bows (French officers have so car- ried heads into Algiers !) to roast hundreds of prisoners alive, to suffocate women and children—shut up in total darkness with bulls and horses infuriated by the pain of fire-to listen to-the bloody fighting of relations despera- tion-mad within, disputing the point of yielding (that is going out to be butchered,) to walk for yards over cal- cined sculls and roasted bodies at last)—was it for hor- rors such as these that this glorious "war" is carried on ? Yes! so says the apwlogist for murder and torture, a statesman of the politest" nation of the world For carried on it is-and it will be—and these things, he declares are of the very essence of this African war But let us examine this monstrous shifting of the venue from the forfeit head of PELISSIER (forfeit, had he as many as Hydra) to the head of the whole war! the whole system Yet it is too ridiculous. Tens of thousands of regu- lar troops, with all France behind to replenish their ranks, cannot maintain footing in Algiers without renewing the species of warfare abandoned for shame, for religion's sake, for the honour of man's nature, these two hundred years except in some peculiar instances- those visited with everlasting reprobation by the curse of all ages and all civilized nations! Look at the terrible force that required this terrible sort of warfare. Risum teneatis ?" a few hundreds of poor pastoral Arabs, so timid, so little pugnacious, that they hid in the earth-they only stipulated for their hunters to retire, while they crept out with their little ones and their cattle! Most difficult, most embarassing truly, M. SOULT, was the position of your honourable" friend! He with well armed soldiers, military skill— the country and its resources at their command— Algiers to supply every need, nothing wanting but some 30 hours' Christian-httr)ian patience, to ensure these helpless people's submission—submission ? they had submitted when they ran into darkness and the bowels of the earth from their hunters-to ensure their coming forth at mercy. Theybut imagination must picture their condition Cattle, horses, horned beasts, men, women, children, old "mothers and fathers, a whole tribe crying to each other and.jostling in deep darkness (in the last confusion) and at last against each other, in their madness gored, trampled, and gasping, inhaling smoke, and all air cut off! And these poor sufferers it was that so sorely embarassed" poor M. Colonel PELI,SSIFu-that rendered necessary, no doubt, this act of unparalleled cruelty J1 < Again, quoth SOUI.T, the French soldiers had feelings of revenge for some comrades, or at least feliow-soldiers, who had fallen by the Kabyls. "They found the bodies of some had been mutilated,"—a pretty little shade thrown in, to darken the picture, but the mutilation was after death. Why, thou greybeard child of such melting pity for the dead, are not the unclaimed sick dead, of hos- pitals, and poor-houses mutilated" too, without irn- putation of any injury done ? And as to the tribe that you wer. hunting to extermination, could you complain of their cutting off a few of their human bloodhounds when they could ? Bah What did these poor Arabs know of your friend and his gang, but as invaders who bad wrested Algiers from its rightful lord, and filled it with infidels to the true Faith, of Mahomet ? Were those tribes answerable fur the actions of the bye-gone Deys, who oppressed them no less than the Europeans in their power ? But there would be no end of the argument, were all to be penned that forces itself on the indignant mind, entering on this subject. What is said may perhaps tend to fully justify any degree of energy of execration in any article of prose or verse.
CARMARTHENSHIRE.I
CARMARTHENSHIRE. THE SOUTH WALES RAILWAY AND MONMOUTH AND HEREFORD RAILWAY BILLS received the Royal Assent on Tuesday last, and are consequently now the law of the land. It is expected that the Company will proceed with the work without delay. A report having been circulated that the Welsh Mid- land Railway directors had abandoned the line to Car- marthen, Lewis Morris, Esq., the agent for this neigh- bourhuod, wrote to the solicitors to the bill on the sub- ject, and has received in reply a request to give the rumour the most unqualified contradiction. The sur- veyors are now in South Wales, and have instructions to make the necessary plans and sections. J. T. Alcock, Esq., of Mount Hill, near this town, took a number of mackarel in Carmarthen Bay last week while on a yachting excursion. They were very fine fish and are, we believe, but ..rare visitants of our bay. The Right Hon. Lord Teynham preached an im- pressive sermou on Friday evening last, at Lammas- street Chapel, in this town. His Lordship's oratorical powers are of no mean order, and he was listened to throughout with great itteiition. His Lordship is, we are given to understand, about to proceed to Ireland. THE WEATHER.—There can be no doubt whatever that the extreme severity of the weather has been pro- ductive of much serious damage to the growing crops. All over the country the standing corn has been beaten down and is still with few exceptions, of a greenish hue. August has come upon us and there is no prospect of harvest. Truly these are serious times for the farmers. At all events the harvest will be delayed for several weeks later than usual. A great quantity of hay has been swept down the Towy by the floods from the mountains caused by the excessive rains, and altogether there has been an infinite amount of damage sustained. A cow and calf were seen floating down the Towy, and '.he road from Carmarthen to Llandilo was flooded for a considerable distance. Yesterday and during the whole of this day, however, the sun shone with unusual bril- liancy, and should it please Providence to continue the present fine weather for a few weeks to come, the da- mage sustained may yet be compensated for. NUISANCE ACT.—The new Act for the better preven- tion of uuisaucca in populous towns will soon come into I operation. It will be necessary for the authorities in this town to appoint an Inspector of Nuisances, and we think they cannot do better than appoint Mr. Young, our active and intelligent police inspector. With the powers that will be furnished him under the New Act, he will no doubt speedily effect a reformation of the filthy customs of some of the residents ia tho baik streets and bye lanes. The words of the old poet properly describe the state of these places:- Between the roadway and the wall-4, ofTsiie Invades all eye. and strikes on every sense There lie obscene, at every op .n door Heaps from the hearth and sweepings from the fiùJr; And day b s- day the mingled masses grow ) As sinks are disernbogu'd, and kennels flow. Tiers- hungry dogs irons hungry children ste-ii, Th:- rigs and chickens quwie! tor a. meal," i • .AGU-CULTLRAL LAUOU¡a:R;OllC of thc most b. neficial -effects of railway construction has been un- doubtedly the prodding of labour for a vast number of the unemployed population of this country. Hundreds of agricultural labourers have left Pembrokeshire and this county, to seek euiplovmeut as labourers on English railroads. Indeed we have this week been assured by several large landowners, that there is now great difficulty in obtainin g farm servants. The usual wages here being for a farm labourer from 3s. to 6s. or 8s. per week, and the railway contractors offering no less than 14s. The temptation is undoubtedly great, and many have availed themselves of this opportunity of bettering their fortunes. A meeting of Paving and Lighting Commissioners was held yesterday, at which J. J. Stacey, R. Gardnor, W. G. Thomas, Geo. Goode, and S. Tardrew, Esquires, were appointed a Committee to make arrangements with the Gas Company in respect of a new contract for supplying this taun with gas, the old one being about to expire shortly. Several bills were passed, and Aid. Charles Jones congratulated the town upon the efficient manner in which the surveyor had performed his duty by keeping the main streets in a cleanly state. There was, however, Mr. Jones observed, great necessity for exertion in purifying the back streets and lanes even now. A POOR RATE of lOd. in the pound has been made in Carmarthen, being the second rate for the year 1845. CATTI.E FAIRS were held at Llandovery, on the 31st ult., at Carew on the 2d, at Kidwelly on the 4th, and at Llangendeirne and Maenelochog on the .5th itist.; at all which places the shew of store cattle was a fair ave- rage supply for the time of year, with a good demand at prices fully as high as at the previous July fairs. The number of cattle fit for the butcher is very scanty and prices still high. Horses aud colts continue in lively demand. Fatsheeps and lambs are in better supply at like high rates. Good store and pork pigs sell well while small ones are lower. A Cricket Match took place yesterday in this town between the members of the Llandovery and Carmarthen Clubs, when the latter club came off victorious in one inning with three runs to spare--the score being fQr Carmarthen, first innings, 73 for Llandovery, first iunings, 22, second do, 48 ;—total, 70. The fielding of the Carn¡arthen gents was admirable aad of course most effective. Mr. Trevor Alcock's batting elicited the ad- miration of the whole field, he scoring no less than 26 runs. The bowling of Messrs. Lascellqs and Olive told well, and the assistance of Mr. W. Jones as a relief bowler had its due weight. The dinner took place at the Golden Lion and was excellent. ACCIDENT AND MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.—On Monday last as the Phwnix steamer was lying at the Car- rnarthen Quay, one of the cannon (which had been loaded for the purpose of being fired during the Trip to Tenby, which was to have taken place in the morning) was fired by William Poole, the second mate, when it burst into several fragments, and one piece, after striking Poole a severe blow on the forehead, tra- versed a distance of about 30 yards, and then made its way by the violence of its fall completely through the roof of the Mariner's Inn, leaving a gap of about a foot in width. Poole's escape from instant death was provi- dential, and it is still more strange that none of the bye- standers, who were numerous, were in the least inj ured. In a very short time after the explosion of the gun on board the Phcenix on Monday evening last, a sou of David Bona, a shoemaker of this town, fell from the Quay into the river, which was then at full tide. Without a moment's hesitation Poole in the most gallant manner leaped from the deck of the vessel into the river and succeeded in drawing the child from under a boat where he was rapidly disappearing. Poole's noble example was promptly followed by Thomas Richards, the manager of the steamer's barge, and Charles Wheeler, and the little fellow was landed in safety, having sustained no more injury than a severe ducking. An application will be made to the Royal Humane Society in Poole's behalf, who has previously saved several persons from drowning. THE TRIP TO TEXEY.—-The proposed excursion to Tenby by the Phcenix steamer on Monday last, was unavoidably postponed, owing to the extremely heavy rain and the lowering aspect of the atmosphere, until Monday the 18th instant, when the Phcenix will steam to Tenby and land passengers there, will then proceed round the Pembrokeshire coast as far as the Stack Rocks, retU1:ning to Carmarthen the same evening. Should the weather prove favourable the excursion will be a delightful one. The Annual Sale of Stock, &c., took place yesterday at Gwernant Park, near Newcastle, the seat of E. Lloyd Williams, Esq. The attendance was numerous, although the weather was extremely unfavourable, and Mr. Geo. Goode wielded the hammer on the occasion with his usual success. The cattle fetched good prices, some of the cows being sold at £15 and even £20. The owner of the mansion acted in the most hospitable manner on the occasion. TIIE LATE FLOOD.—KIDWELLY.—In the year 1842 an emJankment and bridge were thrown across the Gwen- draeth-fawr river, for the purpose of enclosing a com- mon called Pinged Marsh from the sea, but by some unaccountable oversight the foundation of the bridge was laid at least five feet higher than it should have been, the natural consequence is that whenever there is anything like a flood in the river the whole of the low lands above are inundated. Such was the case during the late rains, the whole country even up to Pont- newydd appearing to be one vast sheet of water. Great losses have been sustained oy parties living near in one case a whole field of hay was swept off. People who in former vears lived in safety \ithout fear of a flood, were to be seen on the upper stories calling for assistance. It was with much difficulty the cattle were saved, having to be moved from the fields in boats. It is almost impossible to calculate the loss sustained to the corn, &c. A SINGULAR ACCIDENT happened to a poor fellow of the name of John Roberts, who lives near Trimsaran, and who is in the habit of attending markets as a buyer of pigs. Returning home on Monday evening, he had occasion to cross a brook which was much flooded, when half way over he bethought himself if his money was safe —in goes the hand to the pocket—there was the purse quitesafe; but, poor fellow! in drawing his hand out, the button of his sleeve caught the string of the purse, and down it went to the middle of the stream, and with it eight sovereigns and two pounds in silver; which it is not at all likely will ever to be recovered. LAUGHARNE.—The Fancy Bazaar about to be held in this fashionable little watering place, is expected to be a most successful one. The contributions are already unusually numerous, and consist of exquisite drawings, tasteful fancy work of different varieties, and all the other materials usually to be found in such gay places of resort. The exertions of the respected 0 vicar, the Rev. J. N. Harrison, have been conspicuous, and there can be no doubt that the object for which the Bazaar was instituted, the benefitting of the National School, will be amply answered. We wish the project all the success that its heartiest supporters can desire for it. LAUGHARNE.—TRUE IVORITES.—Tuesday, the 5th inst., being the day on which the brethren of the above order held their annual procession, the members began to assemble at theiiTodge about 10 o'clock, and although the weather proved rather unfavourable, there were a great, number assembled by half past 11 at which time a procession was formed, when they proceeded in order tc church (headed by a band of music, and richly deco- rated banners,) where a very excellent sermon was preached by the Rev. J.N. Harrison, from the 12th chap. of Romans, and loth "erse j at the conclusion of which, they returned to their Lodge, at the Globe Inn, where a sumptuous dinner was provided by the worthy host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Pepler, to which 140 sat down. The cloth being removed, G. E. Parry Esq., (being an honorarv member of the institution) presided. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were drank with the greatest enthusiasm, and the conviviality of the evening was kept up till a late hour. LLANDOVERY.—On Tuesday last, this town was again the scene of great rejoicin g in consequence of the return of the High Sheriff for this county, David Jones, Esq.. and his lovely bride to Glanbrane Park. Though the weather was wet, it did not in the least deter the good folks from turning out of their houses, & very early in the morning preparations were making by the inhabitants of all classes in collecting materials for erecting triumphal arches, which were extremely numerous for several miles along the road. About 60 gentlemen and the principal tradesmen mounted on horseback, accompanied by the members of the Odd Fellows and True clubs, decorated in their sashes and scarf> with the national emblems, a sprig of the thistle, and a leek fastened in their coats, started about half-past 12 o'clock headed by a full band of musicians, who continued playing until they met the carriage about three miles out of town, when the following address was presented from the inhabitants by the town clerk, the mayor being from home:— The congratulatory address of the inhabitants of the Borough of Llandovery, to David Jones, Esq., High Sheriff of the County of Carmarthen, and his amiable bride on their marriage. We, the inhabitants of the borough town of Llandovery most respectfully beg leave to tender our sincere and heartfelt congratulations on the auspicious and happy event of your recent nuptials.—We feel confident that the kindand worthy disposition, of which we have long ex- perienced so many indubitable proofs from you, will find a responding echo in the affability and amiable qualities of your excellent Bride and we trust, that although Mrs. Jones is as yet unacquainted with this part of the country, the worthy lady's respcetfui reception here, will be accepted as a proof that we haii her arrival, not as that ol a stranger, but of a friend. May the Almighty bless your union and grant you both long life, in health, peace, and happiness. Signed, on behalf of the Inhabitants generally, WILLIAM REES, Town Clerk. Llandovery, Aug. 5th, 1845. The hOBes were taken out ani ropes fastened to the carriage which was drawn into town, escorted by the gen tlemen on horseback. On entering the town the band struck up the tune of the" Calpbells are coming." They were drawn through the principal streets, and then as far as Llanfair gate, were the horses were put to, and after a neat speech from Mr. Jones, thanking the inhabitants for their kind reception, he drove off to Glan- brane Park amidst the most enthusiastic cheering ac- companied by the gentlemen to the entrance to the Park when they returned to town pretty well drenched through, having been out for nearly four hours in the pouring rain. In the evening the usual demonstration of joy took place by a display of fire-works, which cau-ied much snviicment to thos* assembled to witness the sight. [
THE TRUCK SYSTEM IN CARMARTHENSHIRE.
THE TRUCK SYSTEM IN CARMARTHENSHIRE. We stated, some weeks past, that we had been in- formed that the TRUCK SYSTEM was carried on ex- tensively at pontyberern, in this county. On Saturday last this shameful and illegal system of oppression was orought prominently before the Justices assembled in petty sessions for the Carmarthen District, by the com- plaint of some of the workmen employed at the Gwen- draeth Company's Works. The magistrates present were :-J E. Sanriders, D. Prytherch, J. B. Davies, John Da vies, T. Jones, M.D., and J. G. Philipps, Esqrs. A number of the workmen were present, and appeared to take great interest in the proceedings. The complainant, John Jones, claimed wages for 22 days work at 2s. 6d. per day, after the finishing of a contract with the Company. I Mr. Simons, who appeared for the defendants, objected that the witness was not employed by the Company, but by John Morgans, a sub-agent of theirs. He then proceeded to cross-examine Jones, who said that Mar- garet Lewis was in the habit of fetching his money for him, and receiving goods from the shop instead thereof. ] The shop was carried on in the name of John Harries, an agent in the \Yorks. J. E. Saunders, Esq., observed that it was notorious that John Harries was but a servant of the Company. He (Mr. S.) had told Slocombe, the manager of the works to pay the men properly, and as he had not, he felt bound to protect the men as well as the masters, and so long as he continued a magistrate he would pro- tect them. Mr. Martin, the owner of the works, wished to put a stop to the truck system, and had nothing to do with the shop, which was carried on for the benefit of the agent of the works, with the assistance of Mr. Martin's money. I Mr. Slocombe here said that there was a shop on the works, but it had no connection whatever with them. One of the workmen produced samples of the sugar sold at the Company's shop at 7d. per lb. and samples of the 7d. sugar sold in Carmarthen. The difference in quality appeared to be very great. For the defendant- Mr. Slocombe was called, and he said that he was an agent for the Company. Mr. Newman is not a partner in the works either directly or indirectly. There is a shop on the works, and Mr. Newman has the profits of it, he being the manager of the works. The shop has been closed several times. It was closed during the Rebecca Riots, but re-opened on a petition from the men. It is not the custom to give orders to the men to go to the shop. (Mr. Slo- combe here produced the book in which the payments to the men were entered, which showed as he said that Jones had been overpaid.) Mr. Slocombe continued :— The men are invariably paid in caab, and there is no contract for the men to lay it out at the shop. The men would not be discharged if they laid it out else- where. The rule of the works is that no notice to quit is either given to or required from labourers. Com- plainant was offered 2s. 2d., the balance due to him on condition of his signing a paper, acquitting the Company of all debt to him. After the contract was closed, it was found that there was a balance of £5 due to the Company from the complainant. Mr. John Stewart examined :—I am a cousin of Mr. Martin, the proprietor of the works. Mr. Newman has no share in the works, but acts as manager, and he solely receives the profits from the shop. It is an in- variable rule to pay the men in cash. I always attend the payment of the workmen, and can speak as to the last 12 months. There is no contract that the men shall lay out their money in the shop. A great many of them spend it elsewhere. Margaret Lewis examined :-John Jones lodged with my father, and I used to fetch his money from the office. I had cash and laid it out at the shop. By the Bench :-1 went to the shop first, and the shop-keeper wrote down what I wanted. I then took the paper to the office and had the cash. I had 3s. once, and 2s. 6d. another time to take home. I was compelled to go to the shop first; it was useless to go to the office unless Ijwent to the shop. David Richards, a workman, was then examined by the magistrates. He said :—I was employed at the Pontyberem Works. I have received a note from the office to go to the shop. I wanted money but could not get it and was compelled to take the note. The system adopted is this :—when I wanted money I went with my book to the shop and there stated what I wanted in goods to the amount I required. The shopkeeper then gave me a paper to go to the office with. Some times I received money to go back to the shop but on one occasion Harris, the clerk, wrote his name on the piece of paper and I took that back to the shop and received such goods as I wanted. This witness was cross- examined by Mr. Simons, but nothing material was elicited. 0 Mr. Simons then addressed the magistrates for the defendant and admitted that £2 15: was due to the complainant for daily labour, but contended that he had shown that he had been paid more. The truck system had in reality nothing to do with this case. He appear- ed for Mr. Martin, who had nothing to do with the shop, but who had shut it up once and had suffered Mr. Newman to re-open it at the request of the men. Mar- garet Lewis had been sent there by John Jones' directions and there were no orders for the men to go there. Even if Mr. Newman had ordered the men to go to the shop on pain of dismissal, that wqpld not bind Mr. Martin. J. E. Saunders; Esq., said that he was determined to put a stop to the Truck System. He had previously warned Mr. Slocombe, but his warning had not been attended to. J. Davies Esq,, said that it appeared the shop was kept by the agent of the works, who had the power of discharging and employing whoever he pleased. If the shop was not kept by an agent it might perhaps be very convenient to the men. J. E. Saunders, Esq., asserted that the Pontybarent works were the worst managed works in the kingdom, and that even now they could not get hands to work in them. Mr. Slocombe observed that they had now as many hands as thev had work for. Daniel Prytherch, Esq., said that there certainly was a most suspicious connection between the shop and the works. The magistrates then decided that the defendant should .pay the sum of 2 15s. to the complainant. Mr. Simons gave notice that he should appeal against the decision, on the ground that the magistrates had no jurisdiction in the case. A statement of their grievances respecting the TRUCK SYSTEM was handed by the workmen to the Bench it contained the following passage .—- The payment in goods is transacted thus-first- the men or their wives, as the case may be, are bound to go to the shopman ahd state what quantity of goods they want, who enters the quantity of every article and the price on a slip of paper which they have to take to the office, when the amount entered thereon is handed to the bearer to be taken to the shopman, and then the goods are delivered to hitn. In most cases the office clerk only signs his name on the piece of paper, and hands it to the bearer; he then enters cash (although none has been advanced) on his book. The paper being delivered to the shopman he delivers the goods. Some of the workmen's wives are obliged to wait for two days before they can get the necessaries of life, although their children are in want of the same. It should be here observed that the person in whose name the shop is carried on has nothing to do with it in any way whatever. Those of the men who had obtained their money in the above manner, and would not take shop goods (although they were not served with them) were discharged immediately." Since writing the above we have received the follow- ing communication, from one of the workmen at Pontyberem, relative to the course that has been adopted at the Works since the conviction which took place on Saturday. We give it as nearly verbatim as possible :— Mr. Editor, I beg you will enter the following ac- count in your next Welshman-.—Ou Monday last, 4th August, the morning was too wet for the workmen to go to their work, and five women were waiting at the shop door of the Truck Shop belonging to the Gwendraeth Works, which was shut, owing to the conviction on Sa- turday last at Carmarthen Town Hall. One of the agents came & told the women that the shop should not be opened till they should bring their husbands forward and sign a petition for the shop to be carried on. He added, that every one that would not sign might go about his business, and a great number did sign. The shop was then opened, and some of the men were called into the office to have money paid them. Mr. Harris told them they were not obliged to go to the Company's shop if they did not like, but the cook of the company's house was placed at the office door to tell them Oh, you must go to the Shop Cwnpny, or else you will be sure to be discharged to day.' It is the regulation of the shop to give one week's wages worth of goods before it is due, in order that the Company may keep a little authority over the men. I hope this occurrence will be noticed by those that arc vested with authority."
[No title]
Sir James Williams, bart., and family arrived at Edwinsford, on Saturday last, where they intend re- maining some time. ROBBERY.—A farmer of the name of John Anthony,  l otinta i ii, had his pocket of Rhiwlas, near Pembrev Mountain, had his pocket picked at Llangendeirne fair oil Tuesday last, of a sum amounting to Twenty-two pounds Ten shillings. LLANELI.Y.-Tlic news of the South Wales Railway having received the Royal Assent spread rapidly here on Tuesday evening, and in a very short time the whole town was on the qui vice; the bells struck up a merry peal which continued till nearly 12 o'clock. About 8 o'clock the excellent Brass Band paraded the principal streets, and the Juvenile Band of Rechabites also con- tributed their exertions to enliven the town. A very respectable party of tradesmen met to commemorate the occasion, and toast, song, and sentiment were kept up to a very late hour. On Wednesday throughout the day the bells were kept going." PUNISHING A GHOST.—A person residing in Church Street, in the town of Llandilo, generally known by the cognomen of Hinkin Bob, has for a long time been in the habit of frightening females by going out between 10 and 11 o'clock at night, covered with a large white sheet, & having a pair of be ilows in his hand. He followed them, and puffing at them, drove them into fits. On Friday night last, a few of the young men of the town, determined upon punishing him for his foolish and dangerous antics, went down and found his ghostship perched upon the churchyard wall they immediately seized hiui, and sans ceremonic carried him down to the river Towj, and gave him a severe ducking. What makes his conduct appear more ridiculous is that Ghost 13/0 is tht father of five thiUvra {
I ADJOURNED QUARTER SESSIONS.
I ADJOURNED QUARTER SESSIONS. The first adjournment of the Carmarthenshire Quarter Sessions took place on Monday last, in the Grand Jury Room of the County Hall at Carmarthen. The following magistrates were present:—J oliii Lloyd Price, Esq., (who presided in the absence of the Chair- man,) J. E Saunders, D. Prytherch, R. G. Thomas, H. Lawrence, M. D., T. Jones, M.D. and John Davies, Esquires. The Treasurer, Mr. Richard Rees, produced his accounts, and the several vouchers for the various payments, which were all examined and declared to be accurate. It appeared that the finances of the county are in a most flourishing condition and that there is now in the Treasurer's hands a balance of E1256 6s. 4d. on the rate for general purposes, and of £1033 17s 3:i;d. on the Police account. J. E. Saunders, Esq., expressed a wish that in future accounts, the sums paid in by Magistrates clerks by way of fines, &c., should all be included under one head, and that the payments of the Treasurer to the clerks should be put in juxta-position with them. R. G. Thomas, Esq., thought this unnecessary. Mr. Saunders said that his reason for wishing this to be done was that he was certain some of the clerks kept back the fines received by them, and appropriated them to their own use. Mr. Saunders' suggestion was ordered to be carried into effect in future. In pursuance of an order made at the last Court of of Quarter Sessions, the Bridge master for the lower division of the county handed in a report of the state of Loughor Bridge, with a specification of the necessary repairs and an estimate of the probable expense amounting to E625 18s. J. E. Saunders, Esq., stated that it appeared to him to be an enormous sum, and he should recommend that the opinion of another surveyor should be taken. Mr. Bagot, of Llanelly, was a clever and experienced engineer, and had for some time past been surveying this very bridge in his capacity as surveyor to the Kidwelly Trust. He, therefore, could give a competent opinion oil the subject. R. G. Thomas, Esq., said that all the Act of Parlia- ment required was that the county of Carmarthen should put the bridge into a state of proper repair so as to throw its future repairs on the counties of Glamorgan and Carmarthen jointly. It could not, however, be expected that the county of Carmarthen were so to repair the bridge that it would never need repairing again. He thought that so large a sum as £ 625 could not be required, and would prefer having the report confirmed. Mr. Thomas, the bridge master, said that most of the timber was half rotten and some of it completely so. After some further conversation it was decided that Mr. Bagot should be requested to report as to the necessary repairs of the bridge. The gaoler reported that on the 24th of July, he had discovered that one of the large locks in the prisoners yard had been opened by means of a small piece of wire, and on examination he found that there were no less than sixteen locks of the same faulty construction. He produced a massive lock which he opened by means of a piece of iron wire about five inches long. J. Ll. Price, Esq., moved that Mr. Westlake be employed to obtain 16 of Chubb's patent locks to be approved of by the Visiting Justices. J. E. Saunders, Esq., seconded the motion, which was cariied unanimously. A conversation took placed relative to the gravelling of the county bridges, which by the formation of the County Roads Board could be performed much more effectually and at less cost by that Board than by the present mode of letting them by contract. On the motion of J. Ll. Price, Esq., it was resolved that the Clerk of the Peace should apply to the chair- man of the County Roads Board respecting the matter, and report his reply at the next Quarter Sessions. The magistrates then proceeded to meet in Committee upon the question of purchasing the present Town Hall, or erectino, a new one in its stead. The Com- mittee was strictly a private one. 'oJ"-í"
PEMBROKESHIRE. I
PEMBROKESHIRE. I Three persons calling themselves Princeites" held forth on Sunday last, in the afternoon and evening, at the Infant School Room, Haverfordwest. The singular announcement did not fail in securing a numerous attendance. The intelligence that the Royal Assent had been given to the South Wales Railway Bill, reached Haver- ford west on Wednesday morning. About 6 o'clock the bells of St. Mary's Church commenced their joyous peals, and continued doing so at intervals during the day. The joyful news seemed to interest the whole community. GEOLOGY.—Two lectures illustrative of this highly interesting subject were delivered in the Town Hall, Haverfordwest, on the evenings of Monday and Tuesday, by Mr. Hcighams. The attendance at each lecture was numerous and respectable. LORD TEYNII.-I.Ni.-This nobleman preached twice Inst Sunday at Haverfordwest. In the morning at the Tabernacle chapel from 1st Corinthians 1st chap. 21 verse. In the evening at the Baptist chapel from Ephe- sians 211d chap. last part of the 5th verse. His Lord- ship was listened to with, unusual attention by crowded audiences. He left for Milford on Monday, where he was to preach that evening. FISHGUARD.—The intelligence of the South Wales Railway Bill having passed, and become the law of the land, was announced by Mr. John Acraman, Mer- chant. The inhabitants, en masse, evinced a wish to commemorate the day, by firing a royal solute. The signal from the fort was given, and responded to from Pcnslade, and from on board the Schooner Lisley Alexander. Until dark a continual firing was kept up, and at night there was a bonfire at Carn-y-Brain. Fire works could not be prepared in time. Friday being the day appointed for the Dewsland and Kemes cattle show it is proposed that the display shall then take place.
CARDIGANSHIRE. _,'_HI
CARDIGANSHIRE. _H I CARDIGAN.—We have been favoured with a sight of the County Accounts for the last quarter, and find there is no account to the credit of the county for fines levied in this borough, which from its extent were numerous. We presume they are to be appropriated to the borough fund, agreeably to the Act passed 5 & 6 Wm. IV. c. 76. The Huntcliffe, of Whitby, Pearson, master, arrived at Cardigan on the 3d instant, from Quebec, with a cargo of timber; when she sailed from that place, the second dreadful fire at Quebec was raging. On Saturday evening a hostile meeting took place at Cardigan, but strange to say that when the distance was arranged, the parties had but one pistol between them, and they agreed to toss for the first fire. The yeoman who was to have received it, thought dis- cretion the better part of valour, so he ran away to the Greyhound Inn, and left the son of Mars to fire at the wind. The railroad mania has at last reached Cardigan, and purchases are daily made in all the Welsh Lines which are thought likely to improve the port. An awfully sudden death occurred on Sunday last nc-ar Aberporth. A smith who was preparing to attend divine worship at his chapel, suddenly fell down in a fit while dressing, and expired before medical aid could be rendered. Mr. Edward Edwards, the celebrated diver from Menai Bridge, is now in Cardigan, for the purpose, it is said, of endeavouring to raise the wreck of the Eliza, of Barmouth, which foundered in the Bay. Mr. Edwards's vessel contains a full complement of expe- rienced divers and the necessary accoutrements and im- plements for rendering their dangerous occupation as slightly hazardous as possible.
ABERYSTWITH RACES.I
ABERYSTWITH RACES. Stetoards, Edward Hobson, Esq., and Robert Davies I Jones, Esq. FIRST DAY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6TH. I These public races commenced last Wednesday. We put the word public in italics, because the stewards must have considered them to be private races or they would no doubt have given them the usual publicity whereas the present Aberystwith races, of the year of grace one thousand eight hundred and forty five, have not been published in any newspaper whatever. We believe it is Newton or some other great man—it may be Nimrod, for his authority may go further on the turf—say then, it is a dictum of the great Nimrod, that in explaining an event, it is bad reasoning—it is surplusage to produce more causes than are necessary to explain that event. So we, in explaining why so few horses have appeared to I run for the public money at the present Aberystwith races, consider that we have abundantly explained the phenomenon by the fact that these public races have never been published. How are you to go to a race when you never know of its existence, and how are you to know of its existence unless it is published.' we do not ascribe it to any intE-ntillnal-any prepense" neglect on the part of the Stewards. They are both comparative strangers to Aberystwith, and the inhabitants of that place not only ought to be, but to our certain knowledge are extremely obliged to them for their kindness in undertaking the office of stewards, and we are quite confident that those gentlemen upon due consideration will agree with us in stating, that when public money is to be run for, due publicity should be given in order to have as many horses as possible to run for that money. On Wednesday the race-course was very well at- tended. Amongst the company present we remarked Col. Powell, M. P. for the county, who looked exceed- ingly well. Pryse Pryse, Esq., M. P. for the Cardigan boiougha, was OIl the course from first to last, and re- ceived the hearty congratulations of his constituents upon his healthy appearance. There were a great many of the local gentry present, but as we shall have to return to the subject next week, we purpose giving the names then, together with an account of the balls, &c. 1st. The CARDIGANSHIRE STAKES of 15 Sovereigns each, 1" ft., and only 5 if declared by the 1st of July. The second Horse to save his stake. Two miles. st. lb. 8 5 Mr. Parr's Ninety-One" I yrs 1 Owner. 7 8 -Ni r. "Jack Cade" 4 yrs ? Dudgson. I Ninety-One made the running for the first half mile, I when Jack Cade took it up and nmle the puce pretty good until within the ',a,t in-lic, wlit-ii Ninety-One | challenged him aud won easy. j 2nd. The JoitNN v- RAW STAKES of 5 Sovereigns each, 3 ft., with 20 added, for Horses that have never won pre- vious to the 1st of March. Two years old, a feather three, 7st. 1011). four, 8st. 101b. five, 9st. 61b. six and aged, 9st. 101b. Mares and Geldings allowed 3!b. One mih and a half. Winners between the day of nomination and starting to carry 31b. extra. I Mr. Parr's b. f. Minna Troil." 4 yrs 1 Owner. Mr. Pryse's Jack 0u.de," 4 yrs 2 Dodgson. Mr. Gough's The British Grenadier," o yrs..3 Evans Minna l roil took up the running, was never headed, and made a good race with Jack Cade, beating him by 3-4ths of a length. The British Grenadier Yas a long way behind." 3rd. TheCRosswoon STAKES of 3 Sovereigns each, 3 ft., with 15 added, for Horses of all denominations. Heats, one mile and a half, over two hurdles in each heat. To be handicapped by the Stewards, or whom they may appoint. st. lb. 11 5 Mr. It. J. Southbv's "Waterloo," 6 vrg Saddler. 10 7 Mr. J. B. Lloyd Phillips's eh. g. the Monk," 6 yeai-.s Rowlands. 10 0 Mr. C. Powell's b. g. The Bruiser," G years Williams. In the tirst heat Waterloo fell in going over the second flight of hurdles, leaving the race between The Monk and The Br«?er—77? Monk winning easy. The rider of Waterloo by first rate exertion mounted his horse and saved his distance. Second lIeat.- The Bruiser did not start, leaving the race for The Monk and Waterloo. These two flew over the hurdles in splendid style, and when in the turning about 200 yards from the distance post, they both fell, but the rider of Waterloo was again in the saddle in no time." and won the heat-The Monk losing his dis- tance. In consequence of which Waterloo walked over the third heat and won the race. There are different versions about the fall in the second heat. From the horses falling at the same spot, there is no doubt they came in violent collision together, but whether there is fault on either side, we cannot take upon ourselves to say but it was the general impression that the best horse got the stakes at last. We are glad to state that neither of the riders are materially hurt. This was the only race that caused what may be called excitement during the whole day-tlie vicissitudes in the running, together with the excellence of the riding, making the interest taken in it intense. 4th. The TawN PLATE, added to a SWEEPSTAKES of 3 Sovereigns each, for three years old, 7st.; four, 8st. 21b.; five, 8st. 100b.; six and aed, 9st. Mares and Geldings allowed 311). Horses having started twice, and not won, allowed 31b. Heats, one mile and a half. Mr. Parr's "Ninety-One," 4 yrs 1 Owner. Mr. W. Simmonds WI. Ulysses," 3 i-rs.2 Evans. Mr. It. i Southby s Waterloo," 6 yrs.. drawn Sir. Pryse's Jack Cade," 4 yrs drawn Ninety-One won both heats easily. oth. The WELTER HANDICAP of 3 Sovereigns each, I with a Purse added, for Horses the property of Members of the Gogerddan, Tivyside, Pembrokeshire, and Mont- gomeryshire Hunts, to be in their possession six months previous to be ridden by Members, or Sons of Members of either of the above-named Hunts. Two miles. To be handicapped by the Stewards, or whom they may appoint. st. ;b. -t Jones's b. g. "Ilerbert IAev" aged.Boultbee. 7 blr. R Jones s h. g. "Herbert Lacv" aged.BouUbee. 12 4 Mr. J. Pryse's gr. h. "ldleboy," ..åged drawn. feather Mr, J. 1>. L. Phillips's gr. c. "The Monk," by Firman," dam by Duplicate," grandam by Sir Harry Dimsdale," out of Fair Helen," 3 years darnw. Walked over.
GLAMORGANSHIRE.I
GLAMORGANSHIRE. I At the last meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, Mr. William Stroud, of Swansea, and Mr. Richard Rees, of Gelligron, near Swansea, were elected members of the Society. SWANSEA BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY.-The ser- vices in connexion with the anniversary of this society took place on Sunday last, when sermons were preached at York place, Bethesda, and Mount Pleasant baptist chapels. The public meeting was held on Monday evening at Mount Pleasant chapel, the Rev. T. Thomas, of Pontypool, in the chair. LECTURE.—Yesterday, W. H. Michael,'Esq., Surgeon, delivered the last of a series of three lectures on the interesting subject of the Wonders of the Natural Creation," at the Theatre of the Royal Institution, Swansea. MUMBLES INFANT SCHOOL.—On Tuesday and Wed- nesday last, a bazaar for the sale of ornamental and useful articles was held at the Infant School-room, Mumbles, in aid of the funds of the above truly benevo- lent institution. In the interval between the sales a tea meeting was held. Notwithstanding the unpropi- tious state of the weather, we are glad to learn a very considerable sum was realized. The proceeds of the first day's sale were upwards of E20. CYFARTIIFA.—An aged miner was killed in one of the pits here on Tuesday evening, by a stone of 2 tons weight falling on him when at his work. Acci- dental death" was the verdict returned by the jury.
AWFUL CALAMITY.—EXPLOSION…
AWFUL CALAMITY.—EXPLOSION OF FIRE DAMP AT CWMBACH COLLIERY, ABER- DARE—TWENTY-EIGHT LtVES LOST. One of the most calamitous events which have ever occurred in this part of the country, within the recollec- tion of the oldest inhabitants, took place here at 11 o'clock on Saturday morning. Engaged in the col- liery of Thomas Powell, Esq., in this place, are about 150 men and boys, 29 of whom, were working this morning in the same heading in a pit 94 yards in depth, from which the coal is raised, at the rate, we are informed, of upwards of 100 tans a day, by means of a powerful engine. The pit has been in operation for the last three years, and is within a few yards of the Aberdare Canal, which conveys the coal to the Glamorganshire Canal. The foul.air, which is very strong in these parts, appears to have ignited about 11 o'clock on Saturday last, & the dreadful news of the calamitous effect spread speedily, not only through the pit, but the surrounding districts also. Every exertion was made immediately to get at the bodies, but only one was found that day, who had his waistcoat partly in his mouth and his hand over it, supposed to be endeavouring to prevent the foul air entering his lungs. He appears to have been suffocated. The men were employed incessantly during the remaining part of the day, but failed to get at more, and were in the greatest peril of their own lives in venturing so far. Up to 2 p. m. the men were indefatigable in their exertions to extricate the dead bodies of the unfortunate victims; 13 were taken out on Sunday, 8 on Monday morning, and the remaining 6 in the afternoon. Their appearance, with the exception of a few who were li- terally suffocated, was most dreadful—being roasted to death. Two horses were also killed, but it is supposed that a collier was obliged to cut the throat of one of them with his knife, as he was lying on his back, and kicking most violently at those who passed by him. Until this occurrence, few, if any accidents, have taken place in this pit. The following is a list of the killed ;-Rees Williams, aged 24, single; Howell Williams, 28, single, his bro- ther; Howell David, 20, single Joseph Phillips, 19, single; Evan Lewis, 19, single; David Jones, 32, single; Thomas Smith, 19, single; David Morgan, 20, single David Jenkins, 37, single; James Jones, 24 single; George Thomas, 33, single; James Thomas, 44, married and 2 children; David his son, aged 10; Richard Morris, 30, single Thomas Evans 35, married with 2 children; William Evans 31, single; William Williams, 34, married, and 2 children; Evan Thomas, 14, single; John Jones, 17, single Thomas Rees, 23, single; John Edwards 35, married, with 2 children; William, his son, 9 John Jones, 17, single William Llewellyn, 18, single John Evans 22, single David Evans, 9, single; Thomas Davies 78, widower; David Jones, 27, married, and 1 child and Nicholas Evans, 14, most dangerously burnt. At 12 o'clock on Monday an inquest was held on the bodies before William Davies, Esq., coroner, and a highly respectble jury, at the Boot Inn, Aberdare. After having been sworn they proceeded, accompanie d by the Coroner, to view the bodies, which occupied them hours. Having arrived at the jury-room, the names of the witnesses were called over, but owing to the late- ness of the hour, the court adjourned till 11 on Tuesday morning. The jury resumed their investigation on Tuesday morning, on the body of Howell Davies, he being the first that was discovered. Llewelyn Elias, said—I knew the deceased, Ilowell Davies—I saw him last alive on Saturday the 2nd of August between 9 and 10 o'clock—he was going to the colliery, thfe property of Thomas Powell, Esq., of Gaer, near Newport—and was a haulier. I am an Agent, Clerk, and Cashier to Mr. Powell—have been in that capacity for the last 2 years. The works have comtinued in operation for the above period, except a few days about 21 months since, in consequence of a slight explosion ofgas.—The door-boy was with deceased going to the pit, and he was to all appearance in his usual health.—I have not seen him since his death. He was the first man that wawken out of the pit—and was not quite dead. I heaiv the explosion about 2 hours after I saW him- The explosion took place in a heading called Tom of the Park's heading. (The map of the works was here shewn to the coroner) I happened to be in a heading called deep heading-24 colliers, 2 labourers, 1 haulier and 1 door-boy were working at Tom of the Park's heading at this period. There were two headings and 18 stalls, one heading, being a small one leading from the other. The distance from the pit to the face of the heading is 600 yards in a direct line. Parts of the heading they are working in now, are in Abernant and Groes-issa, and part in Ty'rllwyd. The air is conveyed from the bottom of the pit by the airways to the extreme point of the heading, and is re- turned by the main heading to the level, and from thence to the upcast pit. Cross-examined ;-After I heard the explosion I con- sulted with Mr. Enoch Williams. In about 5 minutes, we heard persons screaming and saw them running out from the work of the deep heading. I was on the top of the first deep heading now working, and there met with several workmen and children. I inquired as to where the explosion took place, but none could tell. A Juror :-An air pit ought to be in the right, then it would be perfectly safe. Witness cross-examined :-All the old stalls have been walled up with bricks and mortar. Does not know whether these stalls are full of sulphur. From the level to the first stall made is a distance of 150 yards, and the old stalls that have been abandoned arc closed up. The stalls on the west side of the heading are of unequal length, in consequence of the" fault" not running parallel with the heading. When I visited it that morning found it. I would consider myself perfectly safe to go to any part of the pit now working. I used the candle without the gauze in the maih tram-road, and went 10 the upcast or winding pit. The air was perfectly fresh. I never saw during the time I have been employed in these works, the main way of the air so contaminated with gas as to cause an explosion. I cannot state the diameter of the downcast pit. The size of the pumps that are now being worked is 11 inches in diameter- The set of pumps that are about to be taken out are 9 inches. The large pumps at present in use have been placed in the pit during the last fortnight. I was not in the heading that exploded, last week. Enoch Williams had the care of it. I cannot say whether the old stalls lying to the west of the heading that exploded were filled with gas or not. In the whole of the workillg of this colliery, with the exception of 2 or 3 stalls, no part of the working has been drawn back, or the coal entirely excavated. Mr. Thomas Williams was then called, and gave • general description of the map, and in his cross- examination said we did not find any of the bodies of the men where they were working, with the exception of John Edwards and his little boy. The deceased Howell Davies was not burnt, but blown by the con- cussion of air against the side or top. The Foreman :-1 never saw 4 or 5 men that were burned so severely, it is my opinion the rest were suffocated. Cross-examination :-Fonnd 6 bodies, in the heading leading to a little heading through which the air passed to air the said little heading, most severely burnt. To the best of my belief, the explosion was occasioned either by the sudden fall of the barometer, or a fall of the portion of the roof in the old work, driving out the gas into the airway and exploding at some of the work- men's naked lights. No part of the colliery with the exception of Tom of the Park's, and another small heading, show the least sign of an explosion having taken place. The extent of the explosion is not more than 30 square chains. In some parts of the colliery they work at night. The downcast pit is 9 yards by 7 —upcast pit 14 yards by 9-distance between them 22 yards-depth 93 yards. The air is allowed to escape by another way beside going over the furnace. To the best of my belief I do not consider that, using every pre- caution, I could put the workings of the colliery in a safer state on the present system of ventilation than they were that morning 3 hours before the explosion took place. I am not aware that we could adopt any other mode of ventilation in the present pit. I am not practically acquainted with the' system pursued in the North of England, at taking the gas that escapes from the old abandoned workings into a gas drift, and allowing it to rise to the surface, without ever per- mitting it to come into contact with flames. I do not consider we have any need of the gas drift system of ventilation in the colliery in which the explosion took place. The whole of the workmen have naked lights. We have 2 firemen examining the state of the pit before the workmen arrive. To restore the colliery to a proper state, will cast from L 150 to E 200, butl do not consider the loss of profits or the amount of demurrage. Several other witnesses were examined as to the state of the colliery. Mr. Heppell :-I am an agent under Mr. Powell, at Lantwit colliery but upon some occasions I am called away to give my opinion respecting other collieries. I made a report respecting the colliery three months ago, but not as regards its ventilation. Cross-examined :-1 have been in the pit since the ex- plosion; the upper part is much deranged. I went in a circuitous route. Went to the heading where the explo- sion occurred. To the best of my belief the explosion took place in Park's heading, the old walls have been left without sufficient ventilation so that the gas escaped from these abandoned stalls. I could not under the present arrangement put it safer. It is much better that the return air should pass through the main headings. Cross-examined by the coroner:—There can be a better system adopted. It is impossible to work the pillars with safety without gas drifts. I have been at Dowlais as an agent for 7 years. The engineer who made the pumps then gave his evidence, after which the coroner addressed the jury, who retired and returned a verdict of Accidental Death," stating they were of opinion that the present mode of ventilation in the Dyffryn Cwmbach colliery, though as good as such system will admit, is inadequate to insure the safety of the lives of the men employed; and they strongly recommend that a system which will pre- vent the gas from escaping out of the abandoned work- ings into a tramroad air-way may be adopted. Mr. Enoch Williams having sworn to the identity of the other men killed, the jury returned the same verdict.
BRECONSHIRE SUMMER ASSIZES.
BRECONSHIRE SUMMER ASSIZES. ( Continued from our last.) FRIDAY. SPECIAL JURY.— Phillips T. Pryce -The nominal plaintiff in this case was Sir Thomas Phillips, but the virtual plaintiff was Matthew Moggridge, Esq., a gen- tleman resident at Swansea and the defendant was John Bruce Pryse, Esq., the High Sheriff for Glamor- ganshire in 1844; but his Under Sheriff, Mr. William Davies, Solicitor, of Merthyr, was the virtual defendant. The action was brought for neglect and breach of duty on the part of the defendant as such Sheriff, for not executing two writs of Ca Sa, which were respectively issued out of the Court of Queen's Bench, at the suit of the late Mr. Thomas Phillips (the father of the plaintiff) on a judgment which was duly entered up in that against Mr. W. H. Smith upon a warrant of attorney to secure the payment by him to Mr. Phillips, his exe- cutors, administrators, and assigns, of an annuity of £ 220 per annum, in quarterly payments, during Mr- Smith's life and also for a false return of non est in- ventus to both writs. Mr. Smith, the defendant in the writs, is a barrister, residing at Swansea, and was for about two years the reputed owner and editor of the Swansea Journal, a weekly newspaper lately stopped. In 1835, Mr. Smith granted to Mr. Thomas Phillips, the elder, an annuity of L220, payable quarterly, during Mr. Smith's life; and some time afterwards Mr. Mog- gridge purchased the annuity of Mr. Phillips for a va- luable consideration. The annuity, as it became due, was seldom paid-hence arose the frequent necessity of issuing process against Mr. Smith for the same. This was the state of things when the writs of Ga. Sa. were issued. Mr. V. Williams opened the pleadings, and Mr. Chil- ton, Q.C., stated the case to the jury. Mr. James Powell proved the death of Sir T. Phillips'* father. Two writs, one dated 19th September, 1844, for arrest of Mr. W. H. Smith were now put in, each bear- ing endorsement for the levy of £ 55. The return in- dorsed on each writ was The within named William Henry Smith is not found in my bailiwick," signed Bruce Pryce, Esq., and dated 7th January, 1845. Mr. John Evans objected that the writs were not returned within the life time of the plaintiff who sued them, therefore the executor could not proceed upon them. After some arguments the point was reserved on con- dition. A number of witnesses proved that Mr. Smith was seen in Swansea repeatedly during the time the writs were in the Sheriffs possession. Mr. William Morris, printer, examined by Mr. Chilton, Q.C.:—I am a printer and grocer residing at Swansea. I know Mr. W. H. Smith, the reputed. owner and editor of the Swansea Journal newspaper, lately stopped. I have been occasionally employed in getting that paper ready for publication and on the loth June last, Mr. Smith sent for me and asked me if I would undertake to select matter for insertion in the future numbers of the paper, to write paragraphs, and to superintend the getting up and publication of the paper for him, and that he would pay me handsomely for my trouble. I undertook to do it. Before I had proceeded with the selection of matter for insertion in the next number of the Swansea Journal, he said he had been in- formed that I was in a position to buy the paper from him, and enquired of me if I would buy it of him. I told him that the consideration of his proposal required a little time, and that I would in a short time let him know my determination. However, for certain reasons, I declined to treat with him for the purchase of the paper. From his manner of speaking about the paper I believed that he was the owner of it. Cross-examined by Mr. John Evans, Q.C. :-The Swansea Journal is now defunct and dead. Re-examined: I believe it stopped on the 18th of June. Mr. William Henry Smith was called on his subpeena, but did not appear Mr. John Evans, Q.C., (with whom was Mr. Davison) then addressed the jury for the defendant, and contended that Mr. Moggridge had suffered no damage by the non- arrest of Mr. Smith, who he said was in such difficulties as to be actually insolvent; and referring to the dates of the different letters mentioned, he contended that he was not in earnest in wishing the arrest of Mr. Smith, who could not pay, but hoped to fix the sheriff," who could. Mr. Chilton replied for the plaintiff. His Lordship having summed np, the jury retired, and at half-past three o'clock, having been absent for two hours, returned to court with a vcrdict for plaintiff, with nominal damages. Attorney for plaintiff, Mr. George Holt, London for defendant, Mr. William Davies, Merthyr. This case closed the business of the Assize. BRECON.—On Saturday last, Mr John Williams (son of the late Registrar of Births, &c., for this district) was elected to that office by a majority of 41 votes. NEWTOWN.—The following inquests were held before W. Slyman, Esq., Coroner; on Saturday, the 2d inst., in" the parish of Berriew, on the body of a child two years old, who was burnt to death by its clothes taking fire. Verdict, accidental death."—It is greatly to be regretted that parents are not more careful of their children. Since the election of Mr. Slyman as coroner, which took place in the commencement of this year, the greater proportions of inquests held (which have been many) by him, have been upon children burnt to death- —Another inquest was held, on the same day, at Cana Basin, on the body of Mary Jones, an aged womaud who expired suddenly while at breakfast. The decease d had enjoyed her usual good health pi-ev,ious. Verdict' Died by the visitation of God."—On Monday, the 14th inst., another inquest was held in the parish of Llaed. nam, on the body of Thomas, Morgan fisherman, c 53. The deceased was found smothered in a small 031 of water hardly sufficii-ut to cover his face. Ihc ceased I.,i(I been accustomed to fits. Verdict, t dead.