The Merthyr Telegraph and General Advertiser for the Iron Districts of South Wales

"S'YPFHEN YEABSLEY, a solicitor practising at Cheltenham, was a few days since brought before the magistrates, for the twenty-first time. charged with being drunk and incapable. He was fined the usual sum, and allowed time to pay. EFFECTS OF EARLY CLOSING.-When shop as- sistants had no liberty, it was but natural that, if they could escape for a short period from the exactions of business, their ardent spirits should overflow and drive them into excesses; but now that they have more leisure, they have undergone a marvellous change, indecorum being now excep- tional, and their general character and bearicg that of moral, responsible beings, as little to be censured as that of any other class. We state this on the ground of our own personal know- ledge, and on the authority of a vast number of the largest and most eminent commercial firms through the entire kingdom, whose testimony ought to be of more value than mere theorists. —Lilwall's Mercantile Circular for August. THE "GREAT EASTEBN."—The exhibition of the Great Eastern" was brought to a close on the 28th ult. The total number of persons who had visited her since her arrival was 143,809. She left on the 30th, at 4.30 p.m., on her Cape May excursion. She had 2,087 passensers on board, all of whom had paid ten dollars each. She arrived at seven o'clock on the mopllng of the 31st. A great deal of grumbling wprfrepoxted as having existed owing to bad management. Water was scarce and provisions insufficient. It was officially reported that the great ship will re-open for exhibition on the 13th, 14th, and 15th instant, prior to her departure for England on the 16th instant. HARVEST PROSPECTS.—THE Gardener's 0lro. nicle of Saturday says:—"The harvest of a cold and rainy summer rarely proves so good on threshing as it promised to be. This must be borne in mind by any one who looks on the bulky crops at present on the ground. The traveller through those eastern and midland counties of England which are traversed by the Great North- ern, the Great Western, and the Manchester and Lincolnshire lines of railway, will otherwise have an undue impression of the excellence of the com- ing crops. Barley and wheat are in some districts a good deal knocked about and laid, and the latter is elsewhere thinner on the ground than usual; the former, however, generally promises an unusually large yield, though of inferior quality. Peiis and beans, too, are generally clear of blight, with a heavy crop of straw, well podded. Over the wold district of Lincolnshire the corn crops look well; and almost everywhere it is a most promising year for all green crops. There were never bulkier crops of grass, and though the greater part of it has been badly won, or is still to make, a great deal of good hay has been saved. Corn crops everywhere unusually late. Harvest, which began in the middle of July last year in Berkshire, is not so forward as it was then; and our crop returns, which were gathered in during last month in 1859, though a fortnight or three A eeks later this year, are no doubt everywhere a good deal earlier in the season. We hope to publish them next week. They will unfortunately announce in many places the re appearance of the potato disease. It has come with unusual abrupt- ness on- he potato crops in Gloucestershire, which with very EWe previous ripening of the leaf, are being blackened in rapidly extending patches, more seriously than in any year since those in which they were first destroyed in this way." THREATENING ATTITUDE OF A USTRlA.-The Indepcndanoe Beige of yesterday morning says Our correspondence from Paris treats of the approaching issue of a manifesto by the Emperor of Austria. Our accounts state that there is, in fact, some question of the publication of a docu- ment of this k;i on the 18th, the anniversary of the imperial birthday—a publication which would coincide with the promulgation of new concessions to public opinion. Francis Joseph, foreseeing an early attack on Venetia, wishes, it is said, to make «11 possible concessions to his Magyar and Sclave subjects, so that he may not find himself pressed at the same time by two revolutionary currents in Hungary and Italy. According to other accounts it will not be a manifesto, properly so called, but an allocution, in which the Emperor will declare himself freed from the engagements of Villafranca, adding some threatening words for Piedmont. At Turin there is a report of an approaching declaration of war by Austria against Sardinia, arising out of the letter of Garibaldi to the King, in which the Dictator of Sicily openly announces his intention of attacking Venice. Explanations on this head have been demanded of Count Cavour, whose reply has been deemed unsatisfactory. The Tiie enrolment of the classes of 1838 and 1839 by the Sardinian Government has also given new umbrage to Austria. Although these rumours tieem to us at least prematura, they agree with a communication whieh we -.r, assured has been, made by ihe Emperor N&polecn to ILtt.g Victor Emmanuel ou the dangers ot too aggressive an attitude against Austria. The Freuen sovereign has especially shown the impossibility of his inter- ference in ease of a war. so Ions? as Austria rmmino

tion carried by the Commons was a censure of the Lords for their intermeddling, a protest against their doing so, and a warning that they must not sin again. Will the Go- vernment now act up to this very true resolu- tion, or suffer once more an indignity which should make the cheek of every honest mem- ber flut-h with John Bull wrath and deter- mination ? A few days will decide the question. Glad- stone is evidently the mark aimed at by the Lords, ard Derby the man who seeks by these and similar deeds to throw Gladstone out, or upset the Government. The game he plays is a bold one. At present we can only imagine his motives, only partially detect the greatness of the aims he has in view. But in later days, when the Derbys fade as did the Grennells, and many a noble house before and since their time, we doubt not the revela- tion of his" diplomacy" will be such as to arouse genuine admiration for the consum- mate tact and ability displayed, for doubtful ends, and unjust aims, just as we now admire the skill of a Sheppard while we censure the motives for which that skill was exerted. — -♦— LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. WE observe that the large establishment of Mr. Harper Twelvetrees, whose name is so re- gularly to be found in our advertising columns, was indulged, by the spirited proprietoMj&ast week with a trip to Hampton Court, wher^they spent a most delightful day in the picture galleries and beautiful gardens of that regal abode. They were attended by their own brass band, and the magnitude of the concern my be inferred from the fact that it required sixteen carriages to convey the excursionists of this large house to the scene of their day's pleasure and back. THE GRAND NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD AT DEN- BIGH.—Instead of declining, as many anticipate, eisteddfodau appear actually to have received a new lease of life, on better terms than ever, and to start with it, as if with the renewal young blood and virgin talent had been the capital wherewith to begin anew. From Tuesday until Friday this great eisteddfod held au uninterrupted course, and at the close, Denbigh Castle was as thronged, and the proceedings as animated as on Tuesday. Nearly every Welshman of eminence was there, to hear or be heard. Talhaiarn with his talent and sparkling genius filled up every interim in the proceedings with an impromptu song or reci- tation, now giving his masterly translation of Burn's Tam o' Shanter, and then rushing forth into some such Moore like strain as the follow- ing I am proud 'mine own country to see thee now making An effort to awaken thy harp's dull repose, Go OIl till thy aicen through prejudice breaking, Shall be blessed by thy children and prai sed by thy foes. The proceedings are of too voluminous a character to even epitomise here, but in the conclusion we observe in an authoiity, the Carnarvon and Denbigh Herald, that one excellent result of the eisteddfod has been the^jprmation of a society which has for its object hysffelri^investigation, by which many obscurities might be cleared up, errors dissipitated, truths revealed, and a compre- hensive history of Great Britain supplied, wherein justice shall be done to the early races who peo- pled this island. This admirable object, proposed by Professor Bushton, M. A. of Oxford, met with the warmest reception, and before the eisteddfod came to an end, the society was formed, and a large number of subscriptions obtained. Amongst the gentlemen who form the society we notice the name of Mr. T. Stephens, Rev. W. Roberts, Blaina, Rev. J. Emlyn Jones and others, with Ab Ithel as secretary. FATAL ACCIDENT.-The crossing on the Taff Vale Railway, known as the Abercanaid crossing, has again been the scene of a fatal occurrence, notwithstanding the excellent precautions placed there, by the Company. It appears that on Sun- day night last, as the passenger train from the Loop Line wasnearingAbercanaid,aworkingman, in a partially intoxicated state, came up to the closed gates, where several people were waiting the trains passing, in order to cross, and delibe. rately opened the small gate and gained the rail- way, in defiance of the policeman's earnest expos- tulations. He was proceeding to cross, and the policeman had just made a desperate effort to arrest him, when the engine struck the unhappy fellow senseless off the iron way, narrowly avoid- ing the policeman, who risked his life to save the other. The man lived several hours after the event, but the injuries received were of such a character as to preclude all hopes of recovery. Several men have been killed near this spot, and each time precautions are added by the Com- pany. This event will, doubtless, add ano- ther, which we suggest should be a fastening on the small gates, to be removed only by the police- man after the passing of a train. PIC.NIc.-On Tuesday evening last a pic-nic took place at Vaynor, which several of the plea-, sure-seeking parties of Merthyr attended, in defiance of the threatening aspect of the clouds. Hopefully they wended their way to the destined spot, which, no sooner had they attaiued, than they began some pleasant amusements, but St. Swithin was not favourable, and when the hilarity was at its height, the Saint's tears com- pelled them to take refuge in a friendly farm, where they endeavoured to make up for their broken games by partaking of the cup tha^ cheers but not inebriates," flanked by the usual good things of that meal. A change in the weather again tempted the gay party to com- mence their previously interrupted outsideamuse- ments. The mirth was at its height, when again their hopes and dresses were alike dampen by a sullen shower. A friendly barn, in the vieunty cams to the rescue, or at le'1st they avat.ea vh«m- selves of the rescue the friendly roof offered here the amusements were carrieu ou quite as merrily as before. Recitation, aamjmg, ana simnnff were now the order ot the day. Not- withstanding the interruptions the out-door amusements had received, ou the wno.e the party spent a delightful evening, ana at hah-pact nine commenced its way home, when the amusements undoubtedly formed the half-hour s chat previous to retHii? to rest. ST PT-track's club marched through the sheets on and attracted considerable notice. When the natives of the Emerald Isle are disposed to acquit themselves respectably, it is only suth- cient to will it. This was proved on Monday, ana a more orderly weil dressed club it would be difficult to find. Like all the Irish clubs, tins was followed by an immense number of wives and sweethearts, all of whom appeared delighted with the gay appearance of their friends. THOMAS TOWN.—A great eyesore is, we un- derstand, on tiit point of being removed, in front of Union-street the partially enclosed piece of ground devoted to the Russian cannon, and beloved of boys, cows, goats, and donkeys, is to be fuliy enclosed and laid out for a, small garden. Tue piece, we hear, has been taken by Mr. Wm. Evans, who will, no doubt, render it as attrac- tive as it has hitherto been repulsive. Miss MONTAGUE still contiuucs to attract crowded houses here and in the vicinity, and nightly are audiences, many of them composed of men far from illiterate, left in wonderment at the mesmeric ability displayed. Unquestion- ably an influence is displayed by the mesmeric lady over inferior minds. or, we should state, weaker temperaments. Men rush wildly and ap- parently against; their inclinations to the stage and there play any character the lecturer may suggest-. Some of the public will have it that deception is practised; but if this be the case, it seems extraordinary that so many, without in- terest. mite themselves ridiculous to serve the interof str&ugen;. INQUEST.—An inquest was held on Monday last at the Greyhound, before G. Overton, Esq. coroner, on the body of John Thomas, a labourer, aged 50. David Phillips, puddler, examined: On Sunday night, I and two others passed through the gates at Abercanaid crossing, and remained there to play; in a few minutes we heard the loop-line train coming, and at the same time saw the deceased open the gate and get on the line; P.C. Miller called to him three times to stop, but he paid no attention, and the train came up and knocked him down, after giving a whistle; de- ceased lived in the neighbourhood, and was coming home from the Pentrebach forge. J olm Rees corroborated this statement.—John Bradley, the engine-driver, said the signal given by the police- man was "All right." When be saw the man in the dusk a few yards before him, he instantly whistled and reversed the engine, but it was to.) late, the buffer struck the man down.—Alfred Ballard, surgeon, said he was called to see the deceased between 10 and 11; he found a lacera- tion of the scalp, and several of the ribs broken, the ends of which had penetrated the substance of the lungs, and caused death. Verdict, Acci- dental death. BOARD OF HEALTH.—A meeting of this Board was held on Thursday, August 16th, the follow- ing members were present: G. Clark, Esq., (chairman), Messrs Overton, Jones, Rosser, Bryant, Scale, Williams, and Purchase. The Board was occupied on this occasion almost ex- clusively with the Local Government Act 1858, Amendment, which threatens the ratepayers of this town with so heavy a burthen. The report of Mr. Overton on the results of the late deputa- tion of himself and Mr. Russell to oppose the obnoxious clause exempting mining property from rating was read, and Mr. Overton was complimented in a jocular strain on his influence with Lord Granville. The Board, however, are not satisfied with the proviso of the Lords wlo-1- prevents the clause from carrying a retrospective construction, so that they have determined upon another effort, and for this purpose have chosen Messrs. Overton and Russell to carry up a peti- tion, and if it should be -thought advisable to employ counsel to oppose the whole clause in its; final stage in the House of Commons, The peti- tion is virtually the same as that sent round for signature a week since, and states that as prob- ably £ 40,000 more will be wanted for the works; the proviso is only a half-and-half measure. It appears that none of our local manufacturers have had any thing to do with the clause, and ,Mr. Bruce, our borough member, has given a pledge of his strenuous opposition to it. WE beg to call the attention of our readers to an advertisement in another column which an- nounces that the Rev. Hugh Stowell Brown is about to pay a second visit to Merthyr. The great interest which the rev. gentleman's former lecture excited and the disappointment felt by many at not hearing him, are a sufficient guaran- tee that his re-appearance will be welcomed by the population generally. THE WORK OF HAND AND BRAIN. WHEN Vincent came to Merthyr some years ago, and instead 01 his usual political lectures teeming with expositions of the injustice suffered by the people, spoke long and earnestly on the necessity there existed for the people to begin reform at home, as one grand means of bettering themselves, and forwarding the greater reforma- tion of the constitution, there was a cry raised at once of "He's bought, he's bought!" We are grown older now, and with the lapse of every year indications are given that Vincent's noble thoughts fell on fruitful ground. One evening lately we visited the home of a man, once a towns- man of ours, respected for his probity and his in- telligence, but censured by some in former days for advocating ultra political opinions. We are not aware that he has abandoned one of his views; but this we know, that he has left theory for practice,^efd devoted his time and means to fur- ther the moral and intellectual growth of his neighbours. This man is Henry Thomas, for- merly cooper of Merthyr, and the scene of his praiseworthy exertions is the Cefn. In a picturesque spot by the side of the River Taff, and near Pontycapel, where formerly an old house stood with an acre of ground well planted with mountain stones and weeds, he has made himself a house worthy of the name. It is well built and of large dimensions; and this same acre is now a fruitful garden filled with fruit, flowers, and plants. Entering the gate, the eccentricity of the owner is seen displayed in the profusion of curious stones, fossils, red sand- stone boulders, &c., neatly placed by the side of each walk. In front of the house considerable ingenuity is shown in the manner small boulders are placed on one another; but the masterpiece of the kind is in the kitchen-garden, where, with a neat summer-seat around it, be has raised a large Maen Migley, or Druidic shaking-stone, moveable as were the Druidical stones of old, by the slightest pressure. Whether we look at the garden, the flowers, the walks, or the arrange- ment of the stones, the same orderly and eccen- tric spirit is shown carryintr out a labour of love. Entering the house, we find that the generous donor has devoted the best room to a library and reading-room, which he has bequeathed to the inhabitants of the Cefu for ever. There are maps on the walls, papers on the table, writing mate- rials, ciphering materials abundant; and on the shelves we reckon about 500 volumes, many of them works of value, and the most interesting and useful. This library is the contributions of friends, and as these were manv and various, Uw books partake somewhat of their late owners' characters. Here we have books medical, histo- rical, theological, side-by-side with novels of the railway library series and, as many of them are well thumbed, the inference is, that readers are plentiful. In the cupboards we gain glimpses of electrifying machines and photographic ma- terials, and on the window-seat some good speci mens of trilobites, &-c., are exhibited. But the valued treasure of the library is a broken urn, which, with fragments of human bones, were found in the Cwm Taff Valley. The urn is a funereal one, rudely moulded of -clay, aad evi- dently of ancient British origin. Within the larger one another was found, equally simple iu make, pieces of charcoal therein. The bones are unquestionably liumau portions of the cra- nium, arm bones, and leg bones, may be detected, but probably (we judge simply from one boue) the remains are those of a young person. Were an "Owen" to examine them, we have little doubt the witchery of science would be exemplified by the all but complete restoration of the skeleton. Such is the library with its accessories; aud we ciinnot refrain, in the name of every lover of healthful progress, from congratulating Mr. Tho- mas on the noble spirit he bus shown, and the success which has crowned his endeavours. One more effort is needed, and that is to enlist a few zealous men as lecturers for the coming winter season. That old urn, with its records of past life, would be a noble topic; every stone ga- thered by the observant owner would furnish a, "sermon;" and the library, with its beneficent power, so calmly lying in readiness, as it were. to improve, instruct, to aid and bless, would form a fitting and exciting discourse. Dio. ABERDARE. GROTTSE SHOOTING.— A number of gentlemen from this town left their homes for the neigh- bouring mountain-tops in search of grouse, on Monday morning last. We > hear that but few met with much or even their wonted success even the famed Wain Tinker" re-fused to yiclu a moderate days sport. THIS KM,3 COBI'8.V e are glad to NEAR that most of the members of the A berdare Rifle Corps appear anxious *io obtain a piohemncy m the use oi this favourite weapon, ihe practice ground has become a favourite rendezvous, and over;, fine morning and evening there may be seen a number of the most, energetic members of the corps wending their way thitherwards. We un- derstand that the captain has recently laid down an excellent rule relative to the issuing of ammu- nition to his men, and we have no doubt bat th\111 all possible precaution will bo t&Heu by both offi cers and men to pretcnt accidents during the dangerous exercise which it will be necessary for them all to engage, in. J THE BOAED OF HEALTH ELECTION.—We un- derstand that there are some nine or ten candi- dates for tiie five seats now vacant at this Board. A contested election must therefore ensue and as there appears to be so broad a field from which ratepayers may choose their representatives for the local parliament, it is by all means to be hoped that gross ignorance and bungling incom- petency shall not be the public characteristics of any of the new members. To our mind, honesty of purpose, a moderate education, a knowledge of public business, and considerable resolution, I form the qualifications best calculated to recom- mend candidates, in this instance, to the favour of the rate- payers. A glance, however, down the list of candidates proposed, will convince any im- partial ratepayer that our convictions are not shared by all. Courtesy and a love of "fair play" preclude our naming the candidates to whom we allude but in a serious, though kindly spirit, we invoke'the earnest attention of all rate- payers to the subject. Would it be, we ask, any advantage to the parish to have, as members of its Board of Health, men who, though they may be honest and well-meaning enough, lack the common qualifications that wcuid fir, a man to add grace even to a tallow-chandler's shop? Ratepayers, beware, or the gratification of per- sonal pique may cfoxso the parish to pay too much for its whistle! Referring to this election, we state with great regret the fact that the Rev. Thomas Price haa caused his name to be with- drawn from the list of candidates nominated. C -nsidering the long period during -which the reverend gentleman has served the parish with good faith and ability, m his capacity as an active member of the Hoard of Health, we opine his in. tention to discontinue his services will be received b- the majority of the ratepayers with unfeigned regret. Unlike some members, Mr. Price haa, during his period of been a regular attend- ant at the Board; this circumstance, together with the fact of his being always able to bring extra- ordinary ability to his assistance in the discharge of his public duties, render his secession, from the position we have referred to, a public loss which, we are sure, .will be generally deplored. CLUB FESTIVITIES. On Monday last the Foresters of the Aberdare district held their anniversary. Fortunately the weather proved propitious, and the day altogether was a gay one. A handsome procession, composed of the various courts of the valley, paraded the principal streets, headed by a band. After proceeding to Aoeraman, where two excellent addresses were delivered to them by the Revs. Thomas Price and Mr. Nicholas, each court returned to its own lodge to dine and spend the evening with as much pleasure as possible. After dinner, at the Golden Lion Inn, Mill-street, the members of Court Lady Harriet Ciive, 1908, spent an exceedingly pleasant evening. The proceedings were pre- sided over by the Rev. Thomas Price, who made a spirited speech on the occasion. There was a superior quadrille band in attendance, and the greatest harmony and conviviality prevailed. BEAUFORT. THE Truck system, though it prevails in al the works from Rhymney eastward, is subject to very different modifications in the different works. For instance, in Rhymney it forms an essential part of the Iron Company's speculation, and after allowing one fourth for management brings in a very considerable income, as was lately seen by the balance sheet. Besides this. we have a large brewery, not only supplying their own-but to a great extent the neighbouring works with beer-and thus extending the influ- ence of the system. Now if we go as far as Tredegar we find that the so called Company Shop is rer-Jiy a private establishment, which pays a per centage for the privilege of drawing from the Company's treasury cash for the goods gold in it. Within the last six months several changes have occurred in the management, the principal of which is the retirement of Mr. D. Gwynne, yho is an instance of the rapidity with which a fortune can be made by clever business meD, L L Further east we come to Beaufort and the Nan! y- do Works, both belonging to the Baileys, who, from what we can learn, do not care about the shop or derive any advantage from it. Still, as we noticed, there is truck, and there are shops squalid in appearance enough, but here they only go to the office to rise the pay of such people as patronize them. But the worst feature in which the system of truck presents itself in the various works of the hilli is, when the contractors have private accounts with the principals of the shops, and supply their men with goods, so that we have what may be called a double distilled truck. 4 goes to B on Saturday night and gets tea, tobacco, &c., in lieu of wages, which B has pre- viously obtained from C so that if it be sup. posed that C gets a per centage, the poor work- man would have to pay toll on his tobacco half a dozen times atter the customs bad levied their 2id. an ounce upon it. Now this contractors' truck is the cruellest thing of all, because it has been proved that our law courts will not hold a company responsible for the acts of this middle man who may consequently draw pcor men's wages and do what he likes with it. Grasping as a shop like that of Rhymney, with its grocery drapery, husbandry, brewerv, chandlery, &e ii", it is better, as we have stated before, to deal with a, merchant than. with a huckster. There is almost always a generosity of temper aocom panying great power, but' to deal with needy rogues who cannot always pay their debts, is the ovtreme of bad fortune. FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Friday last, while one of our miners was working in his stall with hi< Utile boy with him, the roof suddenly gave way and fell, a portion of which alighted upon the i).Iher's shoulders, but providentially without and fell, a portion ot which alighted upon the i).Iher's shoulders, but providentially without doing material injury. He was made to stagger :ute distance from the fall, and on regaining hia perpendicular, sad to relate, his little boy,"uot quite twelve veara of age, was taken out in a few jmnufes a lifeless corpse. The father's feelings may be easier imagined than described. THE BAPTISTS.—-On Sunday last the congre- gations ot both tise Welsh and English churchos of the above denomination turned out en masse to celebrate the initiation -of two members into their church by baptism. Perhaps more than the usua^ interest and excitement might have pre- vailed on this occasion, in consequence of its beinr. known that one of the Primitive Methodists was to be baptized. Mr. Aaron Forev commenced 'I the service by reading a chapter and then eh- kitgod in prayer: the Rfv. P Ldwarda then preached a short sermon in the_Welsh language; but before he led the converts into the water, he I considered it his doty to return his sincere thanks to his friends the Wesley a us, Independents, and also the Primitives, for the assistance he had re- ceived from them from time to time. He had tbe. honour of baptizing a few of each of their societies, and he considered they -formed a sort of nursery for him, from which to transplant. their young trees into hit, own gird en. H e ,rai •ow about to baptize one who had been with hip brethren the Primitives, and he should be glad I' to have i-mny more—nay, all of them—if they manifested fa th ill his principles. The young man having been baptized. a second convert— a fauiale—we.? taken through the same ordinance, ;j-id the large assembly began to disperse. BII'VJSTM A.W 31- X 1. :I\f ..fL' THBIVE is nothing indicates more dearly the present piuchcd condition of the working man, as compared with his slate a year cr two ago, than the observance of the club festivals. In a time of prosperity they are distinguished by a recklesss cypeuditure in feasting and processional equi- page, whereas now, in the very heart of the sea son. you would hardly know there were such things, did not a liu.l'o black flafr hanging out of 'x window here and there remind you of it. We noticed a few days ago that the Rhymney firemen went without their animal dinner, though it seems the club aL Mr. Scott's, of the Cyclops, ao:- a very excellent dinner for haif-a-crown, wtulu publicans, thinking it tooii'iSe. hac! none, j I. ;> >pea?s that many of ihe clubs h-ve discom their annual dinner, h; 'fx-' «. ar, JSbbw Vale, and Brynmawr; and, comiidcnng the pro- sent state of work, to which we adverted last week, and the high griee of^grovig^s^ygry. sensible act it is for the club dinner, though there is no wine, does not cost less than a week's earnings, considering beer and lost time and few men care to throw away a week's earnings now- adays. As an example of the different feeling which is taking root among the people in this localitv, we quote from the reports of three localitv, we quote from the reports of three friendly societies which hold their meetings in the Market Hall, the following particulars 1. The Promoters of Sobrietv, established in 1817; members, 125; funds, e375 difference of en- trance between 25 and 42 years of age, only 5s.; monthly contributions, all alike, Is. 4d.; first payments. 8\ death, B3 and Is. from each mem- ber. 2. The Economic Friendly Society, esta- blished 1856; members, 89; funds, £ 138; no en- trance; monthly contributions, n11 fllike, Is. 9 L albwance, 8s. at first, and from £ 6 to £ 10 for burial expenses. 3. The Brvnmawr Provident Society, insuring sums from So to £ 50 at death.—Let us ING SUMS FROM £5 TO 950 AT DEATH.—Let us remark upon number 1, that for a single £ 5 a man of 42 years of age gets the same privileges as one of 25, a thing manifestly unfair; while in number 2, no distinction as to age is made at all, so that the young men will have to support the elder class in their old age, a* d bury them at their own expense. It absolutely comes to this, neither more nor less—I, a man of 42 say to a young man of 25 Here is a crown to begin a fund for our common use, and henceforth we will pay and share alike. It is true there is 15 years mor w orke in me than in you, and that you will probably take out a good deal more than you put in, but never mind. I am generous and you are needy: Number.3, is a very ratio-sal scheme and if well managed, will be productive of great benefit, but it does not touch the question of sickness the great occasion of all benefit clubs. Let us once more urge upon the providental class who insure themselves in a sick club the warnings of Tidd Pratt, of Finiajson, of all intelligent actuaries. You must make a graduated scale of ages like that now in use among the O irifeilows, and above all you must not attempt to get the article assurance too cheap Assui auce which does not assure is just as bad as razors that will not cut. JCBBW VALE. THE annual pie-nic of the young men of the company shop of these works took place last Monday, en the mountain side, near the farm house, above the Tump. Although not on the colossal scale of last year, with its monster pavillion and Philharmonic 13and, the entertain- ment, thanks to the fine weather and the judicious arrangements, was a very pleasant ore, and a considerable number of young people of both sexes tripped it featly on the green to the strains of Mr. Locke's band, or amused themselves with pastimes. which, though simple and innocent, have an indefinable attraction when shared with the fair sex. The refreshment tables were not forgotten, nor, in truth, would it have been wise so to do, for though we are in the middle of August, the keen mountain air proved an admi. rable whet to the appetite, which felt little need of coding drinks. THE NEW CHURCH.—This magnificent build- ing is now so far advanced that we can form some idea of the aspect of the completed structure, which faces the works, and looks down upon them with a." commanding frown, which may not be altogether without its use in that Babel of liber. tine tongues. The whole cost of this fine build- ing, to which we can find no parallel nearer than Gloucester, will be defrayed by Messrs. Darby and Brown, and it is estimated at £ 14,000. The quantity of hewn stone laid in it already is enor- mous, and-the dressing of the ornamental part of it is performed in masterly style. The base of the building is designed for a suite of school- rooms, while the main body of the building is supported by circular pillars of carved stone.- We trust that the magnificent liberality of the Company will not be quite exhausted in this effort, for the viaduct which spans the river and valley of the Ebbw is in a disgraceful state of incompleteness. In some parts there is not even a hand rail to fence off the frightful precipiece which yawns beneath: and when we see at what a small expense it might be made a means of safo transit and an ornamental feature of the works, we are lost in surprise that it has not, ere now, been accomplished. BILLS had been put out in these works, an- nouncing an entertainment by Madame Ender- sohn at the Literary Institution for last Friday night, and accordingly, at the time indicated, a numerous assembly had collected to bear Herr Endersohn and his "frau" represent the prima donnas of the past and present. This gentleman, from the North, no doubt though he puts his H in the wrong place, did not make his appearance from some cause or another, and his intended audience found themselves under the necessity of squalling and attudinising on their own hook, which they did with a grace all their own, and assuredly not borrowed from the .boards of the Italian Opera. y PONTLOTTYN. ON Sunday the usual anniversary Sermons of the Schools wjpfle delivered in the English Methodist Chapel of this village, by the Rev. N. Broadway, a minister of deserved repute in the connection for his preaching talents; and on each occasion the chapel, too small for the wants of the place, was crowded with hearers. The children per- formed admirably their part in the little drama which followed. In fact, if this is only a part of their training, it is creditable enough; but one cannot help suspecting that this display is ob- tained by a sacrifice of time which might be more usefully employed. On looking over the ele- mentary reading books also, we found them to abound almost exclusively in abstract ideas, mora! and religious, which childreu i mbiba with extreme difficulty. It cun never be too much insisted on that the reading of children should be picturesque, approaching as near their daily life and surround- ings as possible. On Mondav, as usual, the school children were regaled with tea and cake, after a long procession through Rhymney. Each scho- lar bore a neat oblong cotton banner with some appropriate motto. One child we observed drag- ging won't give up teetotal) in the dirt; we presume that was appropriate enough. PONTYPRIDI). RHONDOA VALLKv.—We hear that it is the in- tention of the TaJJ Vele Railway Company to open their branch of railway that runs up this valley on the first of September. Surely Pont- ypridd will get up a demonstration to commemo- rate the occasion. 0 TEADHSMEJS'S BENEFIT SociETY.—On b&turday the members of this club assembled at the "Tre- degar .Arms". to commemorate their anniversary. The day was spent as usual with all other societies on such occasions. After dinner, harmony, both vocal and instrumental, closed a happy evening. Great praise is due to Mrs. Williams for the praiseworthy manner in which everything con- nected with the culinary department was carried out. BENEFIT CLUB.—On Saturday last the mem- bers of this society held their anniversary at the Rheola Inn, Oymroer. After hearing divine ser- vice they repaired to the lodge, where a capital dinner awaited them, provided by Mr. and Mrs. Harriott. A variety of songs, both Welsh and English, were sung during the evening. The company continued the enjoyment up to a late hour, when they separated, highly gratified wIth. the J[j.V's enjoyment. Ouoi'ETLOWS' HALL.—These members held their anniversary on Saturday, at the New Inn, Treforest. The dinner was provided by Mr. and Mrs. Richards, and was excellently managed. The usual toasts were giveu and responded to, and the evening passed () Ll -'a-.zreeil)ly. OrFNTNG OF THE NEW M ;'T)iOl>fST ClTAPEL.— Penuel" is the name cf this substantial and well finished chapel. The architecture is charac- teristic of ail our new chapels, being elegance combined with simplicity. A heavy, elaborate, and nastefuily-dcsin<>ed connee finds shove the windows, while neat pilasters aud pediments add beauty to the whole. The entrance is large, ano handsome as is the exterior, it is far surpassed by the ulterior, which is most taste*nl, and artis- tically finished; altogether, we havedoubt it ranks amongst the noblest and bpwt-llmsi'pH a»v-m. tures of its kind in the Principality. Thursday being the day fixed for its opening, all the shops were closed, while the railway brought numbers from afar; and, notwithstanding the- morning's ominous appearance, the day proved a splendid one. The Rev. Owen Thomas, of London, with the Rev. Mr. Matthews, of Swansea, and the Rev. Mr. Evans, of Tonyrefail, officiated; and during the day some very impressive remarks were made, which we regret want of space pre- vents us from giving. So crowded was the chapel during the morning service, that it was found necessary to hold the evening service in a mea- dow adjoining. How much the collections were we have not heard, but should think, from the very numerous and respectable congregation assembled, that they must have been very good. SIEHOWY. AN inquest was held in these works on Monday last, by C. M. Ashwin, Esq., deputy coroner of Monmouthshire, upon the body of David Prichard, a child of twenty months old, who was found drowned on the Saturday previous.- Hannah Williams and the child's mother were examined, and from their evidence it appeared that at the time in question Mrs. Prichard cut the child a bit of bread and butter, after which he went out and she saw no more of him alive.- Hannah Williams, who went by the pond, which is in the neighbourhood, saw the child in the water, and, with assistance, got it out, and found it apparently dead, nor did the means used for its restoration prove of any service. A ver- dict of "Accidental death" was recorded, and perhaps, under the circumstances, nothing else could be done; but we ask, as we have frequently done before, how is it that these ponds are not so fenced as to prevent the access of very young children? There seems to be a recklessness in the exposure of human life among all classes in these works that savours of fatalism, and though the masters are not a whit more careless than the men, they ought to set a better example. It is sad to see more care taken of the lite of a horse than of a human being in tho Welsh Iron Works generally. TREDEGAR. THE Welsh Baptist School held its anniversary on Monday last, and as usual there was a treat provided for the children of tea and cake, which was partaken of by teachers and pupils, about a mile down the valley at a place .<<lled Gilfaeh-y- ffald. The children met at the cjlapel at 12 o'clock and formed a procession, threlr abreast, accompa- nied by about twenty banners, headed by the choir, which sung at intervals melodies appropriate to the occasion. In this order the children paraded the streets, and passed through Tredegar Park, and by the house, from which Mrs. Davies and R. Fothergill, Esq., saw the whole. The gentleman expressed his pleasure at seeing the efforts made to instruct and interest the young people in whom he takes great interest, and very generously pre- sented a donation of 95 to the funds of the school on behalf of the Tredegar Iron Company. The spot selected for the tea party has an historical interest in connection with Baptist history, having been the site of a chapel used by the connection before Shiloh Chapel of Tredegar was erected in 1762. Pathetic references were made to the re- cords of this early time by the respected minister the Rev. Evan Thomas, in a brief address, which' brought to a fitting termination the festivities of the day. The whole of the arrangements were carried out with great oJ-der by the superinten. dent, Mr. William Evans, druggist, to whom many thanks are due for his exertions, which may be estimated by the fact that upwards of 500 chil- dren, teachers, and friends, sat down to tea. A CONCERT was given at the Town-hall on Tues. day evening, in continuation of a novel series of musical entertainments which may be character- ised as an experiment hitherto Heretofore no concert could be got up without the aid of chapel choristers, who, though they could sing a good deal of sacred music, failed to meet the growing demand of the public for new and popular English songs. It was therefore proposed that a musical soiree should be attempted, with the indispensable quartette for glees and all the amateur talent of the town, which could be persuaded to sing a song. Wi; h one exception volunteers are not worth mjach, but they will improve and increase, and we hope at the next concert, to see some of the Tre- degar ladies come forward and entertain the public. In Rhymney there is a formidable array of lady vocalists, and shall it be said that the sim- ple rustics of that place leave us behind in any thing? Certainly not, ladies! We, the vigilant auctioneer of the muses, ask you for a bidding, and we catch your eye, that is enough. To return to the concert, the Misses Forey, those twin stars, came to our assistance, and with Mr. Caird at the harmonium, we composed ourselves to the expec- tation of a pleasant evening, though regretting to see the hall so thinly attended. A good many dropped in after, but it is vain and cruel to expect a crowded hall in summer, especially where the ceiling is so low. It is not too much to say of above named was the Alpha and Omega of it, as this performance that the singing of the two ladies far as excellence was concerned. Of course we speak only of the singing, for the taste and judge- ment of Mr. Caird as accompanist are universally recognised. But, 0 man whoever you may be, puffy and pursy like Justice Shallow, a limb of the law, or smiling a sardonic smile upon us, how can any of you hope to hold us by the ear after the liquid melody and the arch blandishment of those two syrens who symbolised so well in duo, "the fairies of the sea." Or who would thank any "wolf" for his pains in "baying the moon with hideous howl," after that exquisite "letter of Katie's?" the broad humour of which wtis so softened down by the serene grace and delicate pathos with which. that charming air was thrown into the words, that we got completely lost. Yes! that expressive look, tone, and gesture wilt live in our choicest memories for many a day when the hubbub of the ever exacting social life of our day is buried as deep in oblivion as the postman of Katie's song and that song has done for us what no pulpit could have accomplished, it has recon- ciled us for a moment to that life which may be so richly endowed even in an Irish peasant, and haa rendered so unnecessary the rest of the music, that we rush out anfl seek oa the mountain a temple alone worthy of our best and highest thoughts. TREDEGAR COUNTY COURT. WEDNESDAY, AUG. 15.-Bqfore J. 21. Herbert, £ sq. Insolvent, 1; interpleader, 2 adjourned, 14; commitment summonses, 42; new cases, 506. Total, 565. I^Yttrtiail v. Thomas, claim work and wages for two weeks, £ 2 5s. lOd.—Plaintiff: defendant stopped me and owed me money at tliat time. My average month's wages would be £ 5. I do not know that it is the custom to leave without notice. I called my master a regular rogue, but did not say I would work no more for him.— Defendant said it was a peculiarity of his colliery, which employs about twenty men, tuat no notice- was ever given. Any man could be paid up whenever he chose and leave his service. When plaintiff used the language he had admitted, he was discharged.—Judgment for the work done but not for the month's notice. John Hopkins, Aoertillery, insolvent, came up for his fmai hearing, supported by Mr. Forwood. —Mr. Rice Harris, on behalf of the creditors, Catherine Morris, Win. Morris, David Thomas, Phillip John and Morgan Edwards, opposed the final order on the ground t hat, petitioner had not entered in the schedule all his debts, that he had not specified his income truly in the balance sheet, and thai when these things were tali en into ac- count he had been guilty of sui-h extravagance as warranted the opposition. J. Hopkins examined "I bought a clock of Dotter and Co., of Ponty- pool in 1859, but I do not know where itis. I have not paid for it, nor docs it appear in my schedule. I owe Thomas MORGAN mon-Y, I dou t know how much. It is no^ b> Mcheuui;1. I dou t-kriow T l' mas Evann, grocer, x know Mereunn and 0\ him from 6s. to iCc. I don't believe I ever received 10 guineas from my employer. I have receivea £ 7 10s. and I did rot pry Mr. Thomas auvthimr -.F T *••-►' house rent. My wife's earnings are not in the schedule. I have two children, and have dealt with many grocers, and I can't tell how many drapers. I can't swear that I have not received more than £ 39 this year.—William D-iniel Aber- aman, grocer Insolvent dealt with me for three months. He made only one payment. I know he had money in December, but he refused to give me any more than the 10,i. He was a fireman at Aberaman, his wages C6 a mouth. Since thm I had an execution against him, but I got nothing. The goods hid all been moved. No other witness was called by the opposing attorney, though five names were put forward.—Margaret Hopl ia* I had furniture with Dotter and Co. (but no clok) to the value of £ 7 or £ 8. I have paid £ 2 5s. to- wards it. My husband earns 30s. a ^eak, and I get 8s. a month for cleaning the office. Dotter and Co's goods are in the house now. I have not secreted any goods from the time of the exe- cution. We do not owe Morgan anything. I only dealt with Mr. Thomas. I don't ded with drapers.—Mr. Harris: "In 1859 he contracted debts, notwithstanding these earnings, to the amount of above £30, and in 1859 above £40. The balance sheet commences in 1858 while debts were contracted in 1857, besides the two watches in pawn will be redeemed after this process. Adjourned for Dotta and Co. to have notice for the date of schedule to be amended, &c., &c. Pawn tickets to be produced and given up. Murray v. Sbee.-Claim 10s. 5d. for goods and work. Four shillings a month. James and Co. v. parfitt.-Claim 18s. 7d. for goods.—Defendant said he had paid a certain sum to Price, which he had been put in prison for not accounting for. VAdjourned for proof. Amy Uupington v. Bees.—I proved John Culli- more's will at Llandaff. My claim against David Rees is 6s. 10d. for gas. To pay at twice. George Marriott v. Brees.—Assault, black eye a month ego, near the Globe, about half-past eleven p.ID.- Defendant and another man were quarreling. It caused me the loss of a week's work as puddler.—rfio^R. £ l in a month. Thomas v. Griffrtht-^ £ jlaim, damage to geese by defendant's dog.—Walter Thomas: I live near Tavarnau Bach, in-a house on the Duke of Beaufort's land, I built after the lease of the Rhymney Iron Company had expired. Defen- dant has a shephard dog which he set on my geese once and killed two worth 5s. On another occasion be killed an old goose and her brood, valued at 30s. A long cross-examination by Mr. Evans followed, with the view of showing the valuation to be excessive.—Mr. Thomas: The value of a goose's egg is 2s. before hatching. I have not said I had a right to graze geese on the common. Ann Yarnall corroborates the evidence of the first witness.-Defendant submits to the valuation and pays costs. Beynon v. Saunders, claim for wages, four weeks, £ 12s.6J.—Plaintiff: IleftinMarchbecause my master beat me. Defendant pretended that 5s. a week was tootmuch wages for the boy, be- cause he neglected his work, but was ordered to pay.