County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Advertiser Abergavenny and Raglan Herald Usk and Pontypool Messenger and Chepstow Argus

Births, Marriages, and Deaths. BIRTHS. At Northcote-street, Cardiff, January 20, the wife of Mr. J. A. Clark, of a daughter. At Old Market-street, Usk, January 23, the wife of Mr. Samuel Brown, of a son. At Church Cottage, Gwernesney, near Usk, January 10, the wife of Mr. Leonard Williams, of a daughter. At Belgrave House, Grosmont, January 22, the wife of George Dale, Esq., M.R.C.S., of a son. At Welsh-street, Chepstow, January 19, the wife of Mr. C. M. King, of a daughter. At Chepstow, January 15, the wife of Mr. James Barrow, of a son. At Osborne Villa, Chepstow-road, Newport, January 18, the wife of Mr. Charles J. Chapmai., of a son. At Tredegar-place, Newport, January 18, the wife of Mr. Sidney Morgan, of a son. At 39, Gough-street, Temperance Town, Cardiff, January 23, the wife of Mr. J. Elliman, of a son. At Tondu, Bridgend, January 13, the wife of Mr D, B. Owen, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. At Llanishen Church, Mon., January 26, by the Rev. James Oakley, vicar, William, eldest son of Mr. John Parsons, to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr. David Edmunds, both of Llanishen. At St. Mark's Church, Newport, January 23, Mr. Walter West, Newport, to Caroline Harriet, eldest daughter of W. Welsford, Arundel Villa, Newport. DEATHS. At Lower Llanishen, Mon., January 18, Mr. Edward Arnold, aged 56 years. At Llantillio Crossenny, January 14, Capel Winton, son of Mr, Henry Davies, aged 8 months. At the Wayn, Skenfrith, January 21, Mr. William Garland, aged 60 years. At Briton Ferry, January 15, Mr T. S. 0- Jones, postmaster, aged 55 years. At Skinner-street, Newport, January 14, Mr- George Bailey, aged 56 years. At Penybank-farm, Ponthier, January 15, Mr. William Davies, aged 71 years. At the post-office, Castletown, January 17, Mrs. Sslvo-Iv Arm Craw las, o-ged 46 yewa. At St. Woollos-road, Newport, January 17, Anne Margery Chambers, aged 19 years. At Prince's-street, Newport, January 13, Mr. William Edwards, aged 34 years. At Upper Alma-street, Newport, January 15, Henry Durston King, aged 18 years. At Machen, January 14, Mr. Thomas Lewis, aged 70 years. 0 At Machen, January 18, Mrs Ann Morgan, aged 65 years. 0 At Abbey-row, Cwmbran, January 15, Bertha Elizabeth Parfitt, aged 20 years. At Jones'-street, Newport, January 14, Mr. Thomas Williams, aged 55 years.

ME. GLADSTONE'S FANTASTIC FOREIGN POLICY. WE doubt much whether the people of this country will long rest contented with a Govern- ment which so signally fails to interpret their wishes, and whose home and foreign policy ends in confusion and humiliation. We do not believe that they will at all approve of the present condition of British rule in Ireland, of British subjects at Tunis, and of British interests in Egypt. We do not think they will like the idea of England meekly following the lead of France or being ostentatiously patronised by Russia. It is impossible, indeed, to re- capitulate the events of the past two years, and to glance at England's present position without a sense of shame. The great continental Powers have contemptuously excluded her from their secret councils, and she is, practically speaking, treated as a third-rate Power, to whom no respect need be paid. The way in which she is Openly flouted is enough to make her old statesmen and dead heroes turn in their graves. But what wonder if our neighbours on the Continent begin to think that the English people are deteriorating, and that England is becoming effete ? They do not take the trouble to inquire into the cause of this or that proceeding; they do not recognise the fact that the attitude England has presented during the past two years is the attitude of a body of men who think more of party ascendency than they do of the honour of their country. Whatever differences of opinion there might have been as to whether we were justified in making war upon the Boers, all true Englishmen will feel that the war, having been commenced, ought to have been carried on until we had fully vindicated our power and taught the insolent Boers a lesson which they would n-ver forget. Mr. Gladstone and his colleagues, however, were tired of the war. It was costly. Besides that, it occupied too much of their time. Whilst it was proceeding they could not turn their attention to some of their favourite measures, or lay their plans for the overthrow of some of the cherished institutions of the country, and so they resolved to bring the war to a close. They did not wait to teach the Boers even one lesson, or to wipe out the disgrace of Majuba Hill. They patched up a peace with the victorious Boers whilst every Englishman was smarting with the sense of defelt That a Liberal Government ,shou)d act in this manner is, perhaps, after all, not very surprising. Mr. Gladstone, in one of his speeches at Leeds told us that, although he and his present political friends are opposed to imperialism they are devoted to the empire. "That," said Lord Lytton, in his speech at Woodstook, on Friday, was a most unintelligible statement, which he did not understand. How bad Mr. Gladstone and his associates ever shewn their devotion to the empire ? What were the facts ? Of all the political thinkers whose opinions Mr. Gladstone had adopted and appropriated, the late Mr. Cobden was assuredly the most eminent and honest. Well, Mr. Cobden, in one of his best known political pamphlets, had distinctly defined his sentiments by describing the British empire as a barbarous, blood-stained fetish.' Mr. Cobden called it a monstrous empire,' and expressed his ardent desire for its rapid reduction to a single speck on the sea, without colonies, which he declared to be I only the costly appendages of an aristocratic Government.' And yet so far from being shocked or pained at this language, Mr. Gladstone and his Radical associates had lost no opportunity of repeating and endorsing it. In 1867 Mr. Bright declared in Parliament that rather than guarantee a single Canadian railroad, he, for his part, would greatly prefer to get rid of Canada altogether; and Mr. Gladstone himself, in a characteristic essay, published in the I Nineteenth Century,' had emptied all the vials of his contempt on the Conservative notion that the British empire was to the British people a precious national possession which it was their interest to cherish and their duty to maintain in all its integrity. That notion he described and indicated as super- stition, and that alleged superstition he attributed to what he called the influence of foreign ignorance acting on English vanity. He averred that England only needed to keep that which was confined within her own island shores; the rest of the empire, Mr. Gladstone said, was a waste and a weakness to us, and he denied that by the laws of right we had any 4 locus standi' in India. These were opinions certainly not belonging to men devoted to the empire." We commend these observations to the attention of all those who have the interests of their country at heart. We think they let in a flood of light upon the conduct of Her Majesty's Ministers, who certainly are not, as their own acts have shown, fitting persons to be entrusted with the guidance of the affairs of a great empire.

USK CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION. The monthly meeting of the Usk Working Men's Conservative Association was held on Tuesday evening last at the club rooms in Bridge-street. Mr. Oliver Davies, vice-president, occupied the chair. The Chairman briefly opened the proceed- ings, and called upon Mr. T. Morgan, who had undertaken to act as a substitute for another member, the latter being unable to give a proposed lecture. The subject dealt with was Russia and England in Central Asia." Before going into it, the speaker referred to the harrowing details which daily reached this country of the persecution of the Jews in Russia. The Christian savages of Russia had outrivalled anything brought to light during the Bulgarian insurrection. In Bulgaria it was the wild Bashi-Bazouks, against whom Russian emissaries had stirred the inhabitants, that committed deeds of the deepest dye; but there was no analogy between the acts of the wild Asiatic soldiery of the Sultan and the terrible deeds just perpetrated by the subjects of the Czar in cold blood. It had fallen to the lot of Holy Russia" to harrow the feelings of the civilised world with the hideous and revolting spectacle of Christian women aiding in the violation of their Jewish sisters. And what a difference in 1882 there was in the conduct of English public men to that of 1876. In the latter year the righteous indignation of Mr. Gladstone "burned like fire" at the atrocities committed in Bulgaria, and he held the Turkish nation responsible for the cruelties then practised; he stirred the English people by thousands when describing those cruelties, and sought to upset the Government of Lord Beaconsfield because it did not make war and drive the Turks bag and baggage" out of Europe. India could perish, British interests could perish, in 1876, for aught Gladstonian humanitarians can :cl—any Clung rather than Turkish cruelties should be tolerated by England, In 1882 the Christian Muscovite had added rape to murder and burning; but they listened in vain for the wrathful indignation of Mr. Gladstone which burned like fire" in 1876 at less horrible outrages in Bulgaria. Mr. Gladstone then made humanity his business, and boasted that he had done so, For the same reason, the speaker asked, could he not now rekindle that sacred flame ? Was there any difference between the people of a feeble Sultan and those of a powerful Czar? Surely there ought not to be where humanity was at stake. Mr. Gladstone, more than any other man, should raise his voice against the Russian cruelty to the Jews, because he laboured to get the rule of Russia extended over regions governed by the Turks for the sole reason that it would be trans- ferring subject peoples from the rule of barbarism to that of civilization. After some further remarks on this subject, the speaker proceeded to deal at some length with the position of Russia and England in Asia. The announcement that Mr. Cordes would address the Association about Easter afforded great satisfaction to the members present. The usual votes of thanks having been passed, the meeting terminated.

USE.. FIRE IN A F ARMYARD.-On Saturday afternoon last information reached the police-station that a fire was raging among the corn stacks at Graig Olway farm, Llangeview, occupied by Mr. Richard Parker. Sergeant Rowen got out the fire engine and proceeded to the spot, where it was foulid that a rick of oat straw and a rick of barley straw were in flames. By laying on all the hose water was obtained at a pond on the opposite side of the house to where the fire was raging, but the attempt to quell the flames proved of no avail, and attention was directed to preventing a spread of tne fire. All the straw was consumed, but we are glad to hear that it was insured. ABRUPT TERMINATION TO A FOOTBALL MATCH.— On Thursday afternoon, a football match was commenced on the Island," at Usk, between the Usk and Abergavenny clubs. Abergavenny gained the first advantage securing a try, which they failed to convert into a goal. A series of scrimmages ensued with varying success until just before half time," when an Abergavenny man made off with the ball without any vigorous pursuit on the part of the Usk team, who disputed the play, and claimed a "scrimmage," just outside the twenty- five yards. In this they were supported by the r umpire, while the umpire on the other side differed. Abergavenny, however, claimed the try, and they kicked under protest. The place was a failure, and the game proceeded, though there was a great deal of wrangling and unnecessary talkiug. At half time" the teams changed ends. Abergavenny sent the ball into the Usk twenty-five, and on following up it was sent into goal. A scrimmage ensued, and by degrees Usk was forced back almost on the goal line. where another scrimmage took place. T. Rees secured the ball from this scrimmage and transferred to play to the opposite end of the ground, and a scrimmage ensued a few yards from the goal. Suddenly the spectators were surprised to see the game suspended, and an unseemly wrangle take place, accompanied by an attempt at fisticuffs. An uproarious scene continued for some minutes. Some of the Abergavenny team left the ground, though the majority seemed disposed to resume play, but as the others would not return they all leff, generously giving a cheer for the Usk team before going off the ground. The above contretemps, we are afraid, will not enhance football p ■( spects in Usk. PETTY SESSIONS.—FRIDAY. Before Colonel M'DONNELL (chairman), EDWARD LISTER, Esq., Rev. WILLIAM BRUCE, and E. L. LISTER, Esq. HIGHWAY OFPENCES. Timothy Pask, Llangwm Ucha Elizabeth reiTott, Llangwm Ucha; Thomas Merry, Llan; Review; Oliver Church, Llangeview; Henry Williams, and Edward Williams were summoned jy Mr. Joseph Williams, surveyor to the Pontypool md Usk Highway Board, for allowing certain carriage ways in the above parishes to be prejudiced by the shade of certain hedges, and that the sun and wind were thereby excluded from the said carriage ways to the damage thereof.- Mr. Williams withdrew the summonses against Oliver Chnrch and Thomas Merry, they having trimmed their fences. The other cases were adjourned for a fortnight to give the defendants a further opportunity of completing the work of trimming.—In all cases where the work is not completed by that time summonses will be proceeded with. LOCAL BOARD RATES. Eleven summonses were issued against persons for non-payment of Local Board rates. TINTERV. ENTERTAINMENT.—The fifth entertainment of a series extending over the winter months, was held on Monday last. at the National Schoolroom The chair was taken during the first part by the Rev. J. F. Jones, and during the second part by Dr. Napier. The entertainment was f-iom every point of view a complete success, the room being quite full, and the performance of a high order. The thanks of the audience were due particularly to the following ladies and gentlemen :—Miss Evans and Miss Butt of Llanynant Miss Williams of Gloucester; Mr. T. Bruce, of Munmouth; and Mr. Potter of Llandogo. Mr. Wintour appeared in both parts with his usual ability. The Chairman in closing, thanked the audience for their support and the performers for their services, and said that he was not in a position to give the exact d*te of the next entertainment, but in all probability it would be held in a fortnight from that date. The programme, which was slightly altered, we give in its revised form below :— PROGRAMME. Pianoforte Solo-" The Murmur of the Waters."—Miss Evans. Song-" The Skipper andhisBoy." ( encored)- Mr. Parnell Song-" Thy Face." (encored)- Miss Butt. Reading-" The Successful Boy. Mr. Potter. Pianoforte Solo—" Rosabina."—Miss Williams. Song The Friar of Orders Grey." (encored)—Mr. T. Bruce. Reading-" Generva."—Mr. Parnell. Song—" Awfully Wild." (encored)-Mr. Wintour. INTERVAL OF TEN MINUTES. Harmonium Solo "Gloria. Mr Pickman. Song-" England's Glory."—Mr. T. Bruce. Reading-" Talking Latin. Mr Evans. Song-" No, Sir." (encored) -Miss Butt Chorus—" Ten Little Tintern Boys." (encored)—Choir. Song-" Men of Harlech." (encored)—Mr. Parnell. Reading-" I vant to fly ''—Mr. Jones. Song-" The Whistling Thief." (encored)—Mr. Wintour. Finale-" God save the Queen." MONKSWOOD. CONCERT.—An amateur concert was given in the schoolroom at Monkswood on Wednesday evening. There was a numerous audience, which listened with evident pleasure to the efforts of the several ladies and gentlemen, some of whom were well- known locally, while others had come from a distance. The proceeds will be devoted to the church funds, and the Misses Crump, we hear, deserve to be congratulated for bringing the enter- tainment to a successful conclusion. The following programme was gone through :— PART I. Part song-" Come where lovely springing flowers"— Goytrey Sol-fa class. Song—"I'll he gay"—Mr. James Song and Chorus-" We can make home happy"— Misses Jenkins and Jeremiah. Song-" King's Highway "—Mr. Jones. Song-" I'm much iriarrjd — Mr. Ashton. Song-" London Bridge"—Mr. Davies. Glee-" 0, hush thee, my bahe "-The Choir. Song-" Twickenham Ferry"—Miss Stinchcombe. Song-" My Wife's Relations "-Mr. Haggett. Duet-" The Pilgrims "—Misses Williams. Song-" Life is a River"—Mr. W. Wilks. Song—" The White Squall "—Mr. Holden. Part Song—"The Contest "-The Class. PART II. Song—" She may have gone to Germany "—Mr. James. Song—" The Storm Fiend "—Mr. Jones. Song—"I'm a Millionaire"—Mr. Hart. Duet-" Let me kiss him "-Misses Williams. Song-Mr. Davies. Song and Chorus-Mr. R. Jenkins. Glee-" From Oberon in Fairyland "—Goytrey Sol-fa Class. Song—" Awfully Unfortunate "—Mr. Ashton. Song—" The Schoolmaster "—Mr. Haegett. Song—" Dear Little Innocent "—Mr. Hart. Catch—"Call John"—Messrs Wilks, Powell, and Hawkes Song—" Darby and Joan Miss Stinchcombe. Song—Mr. Holden. Part Song-" The Mice in Cauncil "-Goytrey Sol-fa Class. -J, "FViisAe—-6t God Save tb" QuoM." \? MONMOUTH. SCHOOL BOARD.- A meeting of the school board was held on Wednesday, when the chairman (Mr George Griffin Griffin) presided. The School Attendance Officer's report was read,and the officer stated that he had received numerous complaints from parents, whom the school board had directed to apply to the board of guardians for the payment of the fees, because the guardians had refused to do so.—The Chairman said doubtless the whole of the machinery with regard to the payment of the fees was most complicated; it seemed to him that there was a great lack of communication between the attendance officer and the board of guardians.—The .Rev -Roberts (who is a guardian) said he would endeavour to lay the subject before the guardians, and impress the importance of it upon them at their next meeting. He had often tried to get the question discussed at the board of guardians but had failed, he being generally told that it was a ques- tion for the parents of such children to bring forward, but the parents did not understand how. The plan of sending poor parents to the board of guardians for the-, payment of the school fees was very complicated —The Chaiiman said it was very complicated, and poor people thought by applying to the guardians for the fees that they became paupers -The Rev D. G. Davis agreed, and added that the people had to go to other attendance officers, who probably knew nothing of their cases —A circular was read from the Education Department, to be filled up, showing how the Elementary Education Act acted in this district, and it was decided to state therein that this question of the payment of fees by the guardians was one of the greatest obstacles in the way of the satis- factory working of the Act. The board then discussed seriatim each section of Mr. Mundella's Education Code. This was all the business. BOROUGH ± SATI-RDAY. Before Mr. THOMAS JAMES. SHOP-LIFTING. Mary George, an old offender, was charged with stealing a hock of bacon, value 3s, the property of Mr. Amos Jones, butcher, of Monnow-street, on the previous day.-Prosecutor deposed that about one o'clock on Fridav the prisoner went to his shop, and' soon after she had left he mi-sed the piece of bacon produced, and which he could identify by the manner in which it had been cut. It was taken off the block in the shop, and it was worth about 3s -Emily Waters, servant to Mr. James Davis, grocer, Monnow-street, deposed that she was looking out of her master's window and saw the prisoner take the bacon and put it under her shawl, after which she at once left the shop.—Sarah Onion deposed that on Friday the prisoner was passing' her house, and asked to be allowed to leave a parcel there, and she permitted her to do so. The b-icon produced was in the parcel which she afterwards handed to P.C Miles.—P. C Miles deposed that he arrested the prisoner on the day in question, and charged her, but she denied all knowledge of the bacon, which he received from the last witness—Prisoner was further charged with stealing a tumbler glass from the Full Moon Inn, the property of Robert Slatter, on the same date. —Mrs. Mary Slatter deposed that on the day in question the prisoner went to her house and asked for some sprats, and having served her she (witness) went out for change. On her return she found the prisoner in the bar. Witness asked her what she was doing there, and she said nothing. Witness was told something which caused her to send in search of the prisoner. Bessie Slatter, a young girl, stated that she went wi, h the police man in search of the prisoner, having previously seen the glass in her basket. They found the glass broken behind a gate.—Edward Onion deposed that on the day in question he was in Drybridge-street, and saw the prisoner throw a glass through the gate —P.C. Miles deposed to arresting the prisoner, who denied this charge also. Prisoner, who declined to make any statement, was committed for trial at the as,izes on both charges, bail being refused. Before Messrs. GEORGE GRIFFIN-GRIFFIN and THOMAS JAMES. DESERTING HIS FAMILY. Thomas Howells, labourer, West Dean, was charged on a warrant with leaving his wife and five children chargeable to the common fund of Monmouth union since December 2nd last.—Mr. Giddins, the master of the workhouse, proved the case, and Supt. i.erthon in answer to the Bench, said the prisoner had been tried and acquitted for housebreaking in Glamorganshire.—Com- mitted to Usk prison for one month with hard labour. PORTSKEWETT. TEA MEETING.—On Wednesday evening a tea meeting, attended by about 200 children, was held at the newly opened coffee room. After tea, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the youngsters, an entertainment consisting of a display of upwards of 100 dissolving views, by the Rev. Mr. Rivett, was given in the Mission Hall, which was largely attended, and afforded consider- able amusement. CHEPSTOW. As an example of the mildness of the season, our correspondent has been shewn some fine ripe wild strawberries, gathered on the roadside between Shirenewton and Chepstow. Primroses in full bloom are and have for some time been common in many parts of the locality. CHEPSTOW is declared by the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury to be, after February 1st, no longer a port for customs purposes. The jurisdiction of her Majesty's customs at the port of Gloucester will be extended to the limits of the present port of Chepstow, ACCIDENT.-On Tuesday last a party of men employed at the Bridge Works, were engaged in unloading coal from some trams into a small vessel, when one of their number, named William Webb, who has been a long time in the service of the company, fell into the hold of the vessel, and was severely injured. He was got up and conveyed to his home in a bus, and he is now under the care of Dr. Lawrence. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—The usual weekly meeting of this board was held at the workhouse, on Satur- day, when W. Æ. Seys, Esq., presided, and there were also present-Rev Feilding Palmer and A. E. Lawson Lowe, Esq. (ex-officios), Revs C. Ranken Hall, N. Shafto Barthropp, Macdonald Steele, and George Orme; Messrs Joseph Taylor (vice-chair- man), George Roberts, Herberts. Williams, Thomas Griffiths, Charles L. Denton, Thomas Woodall, Edwin James Hunt, Thomas P. Williams, John Holehouse, John P. Rymer, Charles Rymer, Edward Bull, and John Talbot.-State of the House. The master's weekly report shewed that 25 paupers had been admitted and relieved during the week, and that there were 137 paupers in the house, being a decrease of four on the previous week, and of 40 on the corresponding week of last year.—Out-door Relief The out-door relief for the past week was shewn to have been as follows Chepstow district, £ I 8 3s 3d in money, and £3 15s in kind Shirenew- ton district, X15 2s 8d in money, and S3 9s in kind Lydney district, X14 13s in money, and X3 8s in kind being a total of Y,47 18s lid in money, and £10 12s in kind, and a grand total of £58 10s lid Visit of the Government Inspector. Mr Bircham, the Gov6rnment inspector, having visited the house during the week, his report was read in which he stated that he found all the rooms clean, and had no complaint to make, but as the boys room was over- crowded, he suggested that the able-bodied mens' ward should be given up for their use.—The master, upon being interrogated, said he had another room into which he could put the men, and the inspector's suggestion was ordered to be acted upon.-The Boarding out System. Dr King's report as to the condition of pauper children boarded out in his district was read, which was of a highly satisfactory character.A Question of Relief, Uron the relief lists being gone through, the name ot Margaret Reynolds, who had for some time been in receipt of Is 6d per week, and one loaf, occurred, the relieving- officer recommended that the relief should be discontinued. Upon being questioned he said he understood the woman had been defendant in an assault case before the magistrates the previous week, when she had been fined, and he considered, as she had been able to find the money to pay the fine and costs, she could not be in want of relief.— Mr T. Griffiths said that in this matter he was sorry to say that from what he had heard there had been what appeared to be almost a miscarriage of justice. He had been told in reference to the alleged assault spoken of by the relieving-officer, that the com- plainant was the aggressor, and that Mrs Reynolds had taken no part whatever in it, but had endeavoured to dissuade the girl, who was charged with her for the assault, from striking the com- plainant, and this version of the affair by two respectable shopkeepers of the town, who saw all that passed, and who, if they had been called, would have given such evidence as would, he thought, have convinced the justices of the truth of the defendant's version of the affair.-The Chairman said the weight of evidence at the hearing was decidedly against the defendant, three witnesses having given testimony in favour of the complainant, whilst only one supported the defendants, and an unfortunate matter was that a witness called by the defendant Reynolds gave evidence directly against her.-Rev N. Shafto Barthropp did not think the present the proper time nor place for a guardian to question the decision of the magistrates.—Mr Griffiths said he did not question the decision of the magistrates. He spoke from facts, and claimed a right to combat the state- ment made by the relieving-officer that the woman I had been able to pay the fine imposed upon her, for he knew that her son-in-law had borrowed the money to pay, and that she was really in want.-The Chairman said the question of giving out-door relief to this woman had been before the board on more than one occasion before, it having always been a matter of dispute as to whether or not she should be allowed out-door relief.—The rolieving-officer, in answer to the chairman, said she had formerly gained a livelihood by buying and selling old clothes, but he did not know if she did so now.—Mr Griffiths said she had done nothing in that way for many months, as she was not able to do so, and that, but for the assistance of her son-in-law, with whom she lived, she would be destitute.—After some further conver- sation the matter was left to the relieving-officer to make enquiries, and report to the next meeting. CRICKET CLUB.—The annual general meeting of the members took place at the Beaufort Arms Hotel, on Wednesday evening, when there was a good attendance, and the chair was taken by E. P. Kin. Esq., the president. The accounts, which shewed thatif the whole of the subscriptions were paid up there would be a small balance to the credit of tue club, were presented and passed. Mr. E. P. King and Mr. A. K. Griffiths were respectively re-appointed president and vice-president for the ensuintr year, and Mr. R. Clive was re-elected Ciptain. Messrs. A. E. Mullins and L. Morgan were elected hon. sees, for the year, and Mr. F. H. Horsey, treasurer. SKENFRITH. ClIOIR PARTY.—The annual party given by the vicar of the parish, the Rev. Wm. Speke, to the members of the church choir and a few friends took place in the National School on Friday week. An excellent tea was provided for them, after which the company assembled in a field hard by to witness a grand display of fireworks, which lasted upwards of an hour. The fireworks were kindly provided by the vicar. As the last rocket went up, loud cheers were accorded to Mr. and Mrs. Speke for their kindness in giving such an entertainment. After the fireworks the company returned to the schoolroom, where dancing was kept up with much spirit until midnight. Mr. Donaldson acted as M.C. NEWPORT. ACCIDENT IN THE HUNTING FIELD.—While out with the Tredegar hounds on Monday, near Castletown, Miss Morgan, of Ruperra Castle, had the misfortune to be thrown from her saddle, and was a good deal stunned. Mr Reginald Brewer was in the vicinity, and rendered every assistance in his power. Miss Morgan was conveyed to Ruperra Castle as soon as possible. Weare pleased to state that the young lady's injuries were not of a serious nature. TOWN COUNCIL.—A special meeting of this body was held on Tuesday, the Mayor in the chair. There were present—Aldermen C. Lyne and D. Harrhy, and Councillors J. R. Jacob, E. Griffiths, A. Blake, O. Goss, H- Faulkner, It. A. Huzzey, G. Hoskins, F. Phillips, J. C. Sanders, and D. A. Vaughan.-The Parliamentary and Improvement Act committee reported that in accordance with a resolution of the council, passed on the 9th of November last, they had taken steps to put in force the Lands Clauses Consolidation Act, for the purpose of widening Skinner-street, making a new road through Austin-friars, and for enlarging the Town-hall. They had prepared a petition to the Local Government Board, which on having affixed the seal of the corporation, would be s-eut to give effect to these proceedings. The petition was read and approved, and the seal affixed in due course. Several building plans, for houses on Chepstow- road, were approved. Alderman Lyne asked the surveyor if his attention had been drawn to the manner in which the mad in Stow-park Circus was being formed. Some time ago the council passed a resolution to the effect that the road in question would be taken to on being properly made. The foundation of the road was simply made of rubbish. Bye-aud-bye, when the road was finishe I, the council would be asked to carry out the resolu- tion, and then an objection would be raised. The surveyor said that Mr Watkins, the architect, had been communicated with, and it was understood that the road would have to be made quite as good as others. He assured the council the matter would not be lost sight of.—There was no other business. |

ABERGAYENNY. OPENING OF A READING-ROOM.—A working men's reading-room was opened in the Volunteers'-hall on Monday evening, through the earnest efforts of the Rev J. Howell, the highly esteemed incumbent of Holy Trinity Church. The room is comfortably furnished, and the table covered with all the leading newspapers and periodicals of the day, whilst an adjoining room is fitted up for smoking, &c., making the institution a veritable working men's club. The Rev J. Howell, in opening the room, delivered a homely and very pleasing address. He pointed out to the working men present that by attending the reading-room they would be afforded intellectual and pleasurable recreation after their day's toil, as well as being enabled to enjoy themselves in a social manner, and free from the temptations to drink and other evil allurements, whilst they would also be enabled to gauge all the public opinions of the day. The rooms having been opened, tea, &c., was given to the working men present. CHORAL CONCERT.-The Abergavenny Choral Society gave their first concert of the season, in the Town-hall, on Monday evening, when there was a good attendance of the elite of the neigh- bourhood. The first part of the programme consisted of '-Romberg's Lay of the Bell," with a band accompaniment of twelve musicians, and a chorus of 60 voices. The rendering was very creditable throughout. Miss Gertrude Lewis, R A.M., of Cardiff, sustained the leading soprano solos in a manner which was very highly appre- ciated. This was the first time for Miss Lewis to sing at Abergavenny, and she created a very favourable impression. The heavy task of singing the whole of the solos devolved upon Mr John Wilson, the hon. secretary, and by whom they were well sustained throughout The other vocalists were Mrs W. R. Eames, Miss Penton, and Miss Cross (sopranos), Masters Lloyd and Beaven (altos), Mr Ellis Stephens and Mr J. Helden (tenori), and Mr E G. R. Hichards. Newport; R. Addams-Williams, and T. Gough (basso). Mr E. B. Newman, of Newport, was the leader of the band, and Mr Bartholomew, of Ludlow, the con- ductor. The second part of the programme opened with a fair rendering by the band of the overture to "Guy Mannering," by Bishop, followed by songs, &c., by Messrs R. Addams- Williams and Richards, and Miss Lewis, and a glee, Comrades in Arms," admirably sung by Mr Ellis Stephens and party. POLICE COURT.—WEDNESDAY. Before Major MORGAW (chairman) and Captain WILSON. DRUNK. Elizabeth Powell, Llanelly, charged with being drunk in Govilon on the 18th iust., was fined 5s and costs, or 14 days in default.-Defendant did not appear. Frederick Howard was similarly fined for being drunk on the 21st inst. TH EFT OF TURNIPS. Jeremiah M'Carthy, aged 12, was charged with stealing swede turnips, value 6d, the property of Mr Denner, Penywr od. -P. C. Petheram saw defendant cutting tops and pulling up swedes. There having been complaints about the loss of swedes, witness reported the case.- Fined 5s, including costs, or seven days. CHIMNEYS ON FIRE. D. Davies and T. Jones were summoned for having their chimnies on tire. Accident was pleaded and they were let off on payment of costs. ALLEGED ASSAULT ON A LICENSED HAWKER. James Smith, collector of market tolls, was summoned for assaulting William Huuter, a licensed hawker.—Mr L. D. Browne appeared for the complainant Mr Iltyd Gardner for the defence.—Hunter deposed that on the 19th he visited the to--n after having sent circulars in advance. On the day in question he called atMr Mnith's house and asked for his circular, at the same time asking if he had any orders for him. Defendant asked him to enter the house, and showed him a portion of an Act of Parliament by which he would be liable to pay toll. Complainant told him tha.t being a licensed hawker he was not liable to pay toll. Defendant said he should not allow him to take his case of goods which he was carry- ing in his hand, until he had paid the toll. He then seized complainant by the arm and attempted to wrench the case from his band, and twisted it round until he sprained his wrist. He was obliged to go to a doctor and have it treated. Defendant did this in spite of complainant offering to go across to the Police-station and act upon the decision of the police as to what should be done.- Dr T. Irvine said that on the day in question complainant came to him for treatment of a sprained wrist, it was newly sprained, and might have been done in the way described by Hunter.-The wife of com- plainant corroborated the evidence of her husband, and further stated that Mr Smith never mentioned any amount of tolls until she asked him to let her have her husband's case, her husband at the time being at the police-station asking advice. Defendant said he wanted Is, and pushed her away, saying he wanted nothing to do with her.—Mr Gardner contended that defendant was entitled to toll, and really did no more than was required of him, and it was necessary to show that unnecessary violence had not been used.- Mr Browne said that the 13th Section of the Market and Fairs' Act showed that complainant was exempt from toH.—Mr Gardner said that the bye-laws of the Abergavenny Act referred to in the 14th Section, overruled it.—The Bench refused to decide the question of right to distrain, also as to whether the assault was excessive.—The case was therefore dismissed.—Mr L. D. Browne: Then Smith may go on spraining and breaking arms and legs, &c.- The Bench Well, we are very sorry.—Mr Browne: Well, I shall be sure to bring an action in the county court for damages. BEGGING. Robert Lewis was charged with begging in Cross-street -P.C. Forkswell said prisoner was drunk and very abusive.—Sent to prison for fourteen days. NASH. ALLEGED OFFENCE UNDER THE CONTAGIOUS (ANIMALS) ACT.—William Ashfield, cattle dealer, of Nash, was charged at the Newport police-court, on Saturday, with having neglected to report to the duly constituted local authorities the outbreak of scab in six sheep on his land.—P.C. William Porter, of the Monmouthshire Constabulary, stated that owing to complaints made to him of the danger that might result from the spread of that dangerous epidemic, he thought it to be his duty, after examining the sheep, to give the information on which the summons was issued.—The defendant stated in defence that he had no sheep in his possession at the time stated (laughter). It was, however, subsequently elicited by the Bench that the defendant acted for his mother, who was owner 'of the animals, but he denied that the sheep in question had been afflicted with scab disease. The summons had been issued in error.—He called on Mr. Sheaf, veterinary surgeon, of Newport, to give professional evidence in support of his allegation. —Mr. Sheaf stated that on examining the six sheep in question he found that they were suffering rather severely from what was popularly designated "tick." The irritation and inflammation caused by that common affliction incidental to sheep, induced them to scratch themselves so severely that the appearance, to an unskilled observer, would be somewhat similar to scab, which had, as a dangerous epidemic, to be reported.—The defendant stated that he had another witness to call.-The Chairman remarked that after the pro- fessional evidence given, the Bench must dismiss the charge. v PONTYPOOL. LOCAL BOAlw.-The ordinary monthly meeting of this board was held at the Town-liall, Ponty- pool, on Wednesday morning. Present—Messrs D. Williams (chairman), G. Gorrell, W. Sandbrook, W. Haskins, T. Fletcher, G Wilton, R. Russell, F. Morgan, and P. Eckersley —The Official Census Return. The Clerk reported that the Register- General had sent down the official census return d the district under the jurisdiction of the board. It showed the following figures:—Number of inhabited houses, 1009; uninhabited houses, 58; in course of erection, 3. Number of male popula- tion, 2,552; females, 2,692* total, 5,244. It was decided to report that these figures were under- stood to be correct. Pinances. The Clerk reported that a sum of jE31 10s had been remitted on account of the salaries of the medical officer and sanitary inspector.—The Chairman wished to know how much of the large outstanding account due to the board had been got in during the month.—The Collector repotted that he had collected £ 168.— The Chairman and one or two of the members thought this was small as against £ 468 which was still due. It was a serious matter, and if they did not get it in in the next two or three months there would be a great deal of diiuculty.—The board ultimately decided to put the matter in the hands of the finance committee, to meet and take action in summoning persons who did not pay.—Mr W. Sandbrook said he heard that some one had been down in the district re-assessing the value of the railways, and he understood that one of the rail- ways had been reduced about one half. He wanted to know how this was. There had been a new line constructed, and he thought there was more traffic. -The Collector said the one line had been reduced something like j6400 and the other line had been increased about £ 32.—Mr Sandbrook stated that he understood the gentlemen came down to the district and were met by no one, but walked over the line and made their valuation. It was a serious matter to the board.—The clerk said the valuers were Messrs Marshall and Macdonald, well known valuers.—On the motion of Mr Eckersley, it was decided that the finance committee go into the matter, and report to the board.-JUedical Office?-'s Report. The medical officer (Dr Mason) presented his monthly report, showing a much heavier death rate, eleven deaths having been registered, giving a rate of 25 1 per 1,000 The births during the month were eight-three males and five females.— The medical officer also presented his annual report. It showed that the deaths during the year were 92, giving a rate of 17 5 in the 1,000, which was slightly greater than last year. There were 209 births, 101 males and 102 females, which was an increase of 35 over last year. The mortality in infants was less during the year than in the previous year. The most important cause of mortality which he called the attention of the board to was entric fever, but it was now six months since the two cases occurred, and he had not found any since. He again took the oppor- tunity of recommending the erection of a contagious diseases hospital, and a mortuary for the Pontypool district only. During the year 180 cases of nuisances were looked into and abated. He found very great difficulty in persuading the labouring classes to be clean in their habits. It was a practice to throw refuse into the streets, where it accumulated and became detrimental to health The board had power to summon parties so offending, and he strongly urged that an example should be made in a few cases.-The Projected New Railway Drain. Mr P. Eckersley wrote to the board, stating that he should hold it and the Great Western Railway Company jointly and severally liable for any damage done to his premises in consequence of the new drain not being constructed, and also brought the subject before the board in some oral remarks.—The matter having been discussed, and the surveyor's report considered, the board adjourned. POLICE COURT.—SATURDAY. Before C. J. PARKES, Esq (in the chair), E. J. PHILLIPS, Esq., and the Rev T. EVANS. ASSAULT CASE. John Murphy, a young man, was summoned for assaulting a woman named Bridget Taylor, at Trevethin, on the 7th instant. —Complainant stated that on the day named she went to the prisoner's mother's house on business, and was there assaulted by Murphy, who struck her, hit her down and kicked her.-Tlle defendant said the woman first struck him with a door key, and called his sister as a witness.—The Bench imposed a fine of 8s. -the costs. OBSTRUCTION BY BOYS. Henry Martin and Joseph Farr, whose mothers appeared for them, were summoned for obstructing the public thoroughfare at Garndiffraith on Sunday last. Constable Sonders stated that at 2 p.m. on Sunday he saw the two defendants, in company with about 20 other young men standing in a street at Garndiffraith, blocking the way. On being requested, all the men, except the defendants left. He had to remove the two defendants on several occasions that day. Numbers of young men, and others were in the habit of assembling at the place he indicated, and complaints had been made as to their conduct by passers by. Persons going to places of worship were continually annoyed, and several females had been insulted.-The Chairman said this kind of thing must be put a stop to, and each defendant would have to pay a fine of 5s. STEALING COAL. Richard Parry and Thoma- Parry, father and son, were charged with stealing a quantity of coal, belonging to the Ebbw Vale Company at Abersychan on Saturday morning.—Constable James proved the case, stating that he saw the two defendants taking small coal, prepared for coaking, from near the boilers at the British Works. -The elder defendant was fined 10s., and the younger 5s. THE DRUNKARDS' LIST. Henry Morgan, tor being drunk and riotous on Sunday night was lined Ins., or seven days. For being intoxicated and disorderly on Saturday night last in Hill-street, Blaenavon, William Probert was similarly dealt with. Thomas Teague was charged with being drunk and riotous at Trevethin, on the 14th of this month, and a fine of IOs., or, in default, seven days' was imposed. A fine of 5s was passed upon Ann Rees, who w .s help- lessly drunk on Saturday night in James Street, Blaenavon. On Sunday morning James Price was the worse for drink, and became riotous at Blaenavon, and for this he was fined Ills or seven days. Richard Clark, Junr., and Richard Mann, were taxed with being drunk near Sebastopol, on the 14th inst. Fined I (IS each, or seven days. Alfred Hillier and Thomas Garnet were fined 5s each for a breach of the peace Henry Fish was charged with being disorderly on Saturday night. He was fined 10s.

NORTH RIDING ELECTION. CONSERVATIVE VICTORY. No election during the recess has caused so much interest as the contest decided on Tuesday ib the North Riding of Yorkshire. The Hon. Guy Dawnay was the Conservative candidate, and Mr. Rowlandson, a tenant farmer, was put forward on behalf of the Liberals. During the canvass, Mr. Dawnay had the assistance of Mr. J. Lowther, M.P., and one or two other local gentlemen Mr. Rowlandson, on the other hand, had his battle fought by at least a dozen Liberal M P 's in- cluding members of the Government, and Mr Gladstone sent the usual letter of recommendation. The result has been a severe Ministerial defeat, and goes far as another nail in Mr. Gladstone's political coffin. The following is the official declaration of the poll Dawnay (C) 8,135 Rowlandson (L) 7,749 Conservative majority 386

EPITOME OF NEWS. AT the Merthyr Board of Guardians on Saturday, a resolution was carried that a petition be presented to Parliament, praying that revenues derived by ground landlords in respect of minerals may be rendered amenable to local taxation. A VESSEL arrived in Penarth road on Saturday with three of the crew ill with small pox. A MISSION church at Liswerry, near Newport, is to be erected at a cost not exceeding £500. THE BRIDGEND Board of Guardians on Saturday decided by 23 votes to 13, not to allow a super- annuation allowance to Dr. Bates, the medical officer, on his retirement. A PANIC was created in the Waterford Theatre on Monday night, during the performance of the comic opera "Pinafore," in consequence of an outbreak of fire on the stage. A panic was also caused in the Colston-hall, Bristol, owino- to some- one indiscreetly giving the alarm of fire.° A SCENE took place in one of the chapels at Mountain Ash on Sunday, a member of the congregation interrupting the preacher in his observations against the drink traffic by loudly shouting "Nonsense Nonsense I" THE CAT.-At the AVorcestershire Assizes, last week, a man named John Jones was convicted of robbing a miller's collector of E-12, in the highway, and using considerable violence. He WaS sentenced to 12 months,' hard labour, and to be twice whipped with the cat-o'-nine-tails. On Tuesday, iu the Worcester prison, Jones received his first whip- ping of 15 strokes, and it is said that he received the casligation with considerable howling He will receive the other 15 strokes some time during the ensuing twelve months—probably towards the end of his term of imprisonment. IN THE ACTION brought by the liquidators of the West of England Bank to recover from Messrs Morris and Son, Cardiff, a policy of assurance in the Scottish Provident Office for Xi 000 on the life of Mr. Sydney Batchelor, who was also made a defendant, Mr Justice Fry dismissed the action with costs as against Messrs Morris, but granted judgment against Mr. Batclielor. AT the meeting of the Pontypridd Local Board on Tuesday the sanitary inspector reported an outbreak of typhoid fever at Long Row, Treforest, where three children were ill from it. MR. FnANcis OKAWSHAY was at the annual meeting of the committee of the Treforc,t reading room on Friday, and was re-elected president for the ensuing year.