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EBBW VALE.
EBBW VALE. PRIMITIVE METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL.—The annual entertainment given to the children attending this school, took place on Monday week last, and at two o'clock in the afternoon the scholars and teachers, tvith a number of friends assembled in the Primitive Metho- dist Chapel here, and forming a procession marched through the principal streets of Newtown, and from thence to the mountain top, where the teachers and members of the society held a prayer meeting. The children meantime resorted to various innocent and amusing games; the meeting on the mountain having terminated, they again returned to the chapel, where an excellent tea awaited them. The number who took tea (including friends) were about 150. Everything passed off in a most satisfactory manner, the children especi- ally appearing delighted with the sumptuous provisions prepared for there. The tables being cleared, a public meeting was held in the (hapel, when a dialogue—(the Prodigal son), was recited by four of the teachers and three of the scholars, which appeared pleasing to the audience. The meeting was subsequently addressed by the Rev. W. Broadway. The evening was enlivened by the choir (conducted by Mr. Joseph Short, of Victoria) singing several excellent pieces in an efficient and credi- table manner. Votes of thanks were then given to those parties who had taken the most prominent part in the proceedings, and the meeting terminated in the usual way. .+ TREDEGAR. In our obituary of to-day we have to record the death of a young man of great promise, in the prime of life, viz., Mr. Thomas Morgan, son of our respected towns- man, Mr. Thomas Morgan, of the Golden Lion. The deceased bad been for some time in a solicitor's office, qualifying himself to practice as a solicitor. POLICE STATION.—We understand that a police official has been this week inspecting ground for the intended new police station and offices. He inspected several sites, but we have not heard the result. THE THEATltE.-This place of amusement was well attended on Wednesday evening, the performance of "Ingomar" being under the patronage of the gentle- men of Beaufort. The Beaufort band attended, and played several excellent pieces of music in a superior manner. ON Wednesday last, the 21st inst., the remains of the late Mr. William Morgan, blacksmith, aged 31, eon of Mr. David Morgan, the oldest tradesman in this town, were borne to their last resting place in the cemetery. The deceased had been ill a long time, and for the past eighteen months had suffered from a disease of the brain which defied all medical treatment. The funeral was a very large one, and the members of the Philanthropic Order, of which deceased was a member, about thirty in number, followed the corpse to the grave. OIl Sunday last the Rev. E. Leigh preached a funeral sermon at St. George's Church. HIGHWAY ROBBERY.—On Friday last, the 23rd inst., a female of the name of Mary Ann Edwards left this town early in the morning for Pontlottyn and from thence to Merthyr to go by the first train to Carmarthen and when on the road between Pontlottyn and Dowlais, about six a.m., on her way proceeding to Merthyr, a man stood before her and stopped her with an open knife in his hand and bade her 1, deliver or die." She several times c; ied for help, but it being so early she was unable to get assistance. The man still persisted in his threats; and she not being desirous of accepting thi) latter alternative just then, allowed her pockets to be rifled, and the thief decamped with all he could find. She continued her journey to Whit.land, Carmar- thenshire, whence she writes upon her arrival to the police of this town, and gives a full description of the offender, stating she could identify him at any time if required. She does not state what was taken from her, and it seems very extraordinary that she should continue her journey after her pockets had been rifled, and pass by two police stations and not give any information. TREDEGAR PETTY SESSIONS. WEDNESDAY.—(Before the Rev. E. Leigh and A. Darby, Esq.) Stephen Stephens, bailer, Tredegar, was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and with attempted rescue. -The defendant denied the charge, and stated that hu was not drunk. He denied the attempted rescue, and charged Sergeant Boulton with having thrown him down and hurted his knee.—The sergeant proved the charge. -The Bench fined defendant 20s. including costs, or seven days' imprisonment, remarking that they did not believe the charge brought against the sergeant, who was a very active and good officer. IN HIS CUPS."—Joseph Williams was charged with having partaken rather too freely of potations of malt, and, whilst under its influence, having assaulted a boy named Edward Doherty.—The defendant admitted the offences, and expressed great sorrow for having miscon- ducted himself. Fined £1 6s. 6d. including costs, or twenty-one days' hard labour. Theresa Hutton charged Johanna Burton with having assaulted her.—The assault originated about the use of a bakehouse, which complainant and defendant have to use jointly, as tenants at Grantref, Ebbw Vale. The defendant, it appears, in the course of the quarrel, struck plaintiff, for which she was fined 7s. 6d. including costs. Ihe Bench cautioned both parties as to their future conduct. AFFILIATION.—Barbara Edwards applied for an order of bastardy against Terence O'Hanlon, draper, New- port, whom she charged with being the father of her child.—Mr. J. G. H. Owen appeared for the defendant. —Complainant deposed I am a single woman, living at Newbridge. Monmouthshire on the 25th November X8G0, I was confined of a child, of which Terence O'Hanlon, travelling draper, of Newport, is the father- he has paid me money he paid £1 after the birth of the child, on the 10th December, 1860, on its account I produce a leaf out of a book, shewing the payments he has made me on account of the child besides the £ 1; they amount to fifteen payments, of 10s. each, the last being made on the 2nd of M ay, 1862 all these pay- ments were made on account of the child the stamps were enclosed in envelopes the envelopes are in his handwriting I will swear to three of the envelopes being in his handwriting, two notes being enclosed with the.stamps; the envelopes, being stamped with the post-office mark, will give the dates five bear the Newport post mark; the first envelope has the post mark, "Newport, 31st Dec., 1861," one March 3rd, and the other in the same month.—Cross-examined I have resided at Newbridge, near Beulah chapel, since the service of the summons; I had a room at New- bridge that was my only place of residence; I have dealt with him; I owe him money; I swear that the items were entered in the paper as I received them the entries were all made at the same time I know his handwriting; I have seen him write my address in his book I also saw him write on a bill. [Mr. Owen handed over to the Magistrates the defen- dant's account books, in order to compare the defen- dant's handwriting on the books with the writing on the envelopes enclosing stamps to the complainant; he contended that they were not in the handwriting of the defendants.—Both Magistrates expressed themselves as confident that the writing on the envelopes and account books was written by the same person.]—The complain- ant continued her evidence, and said: I knew a Mr. Williams I never had any improper dealings with any- one except defendant.—Hannah Gooding I am the wife of Thomas Gooding; I know the defendant by sight; I saw him in applicant's house about fourteen dClj s after the birth of the child I reside at Abercarne the defendant when lie came in went to shake hands with applicant; the latter said Oh, Mr. Hanlon, is it you ?" the person I saw there was the defendant he is now m the room I am certain it was that man (point- ing to defendant).—John Lewis: I am a shoemaker residing at Abercarne applicant resided at Abercarne, in a room in my house she was confined there; after she recovered she wrote a letter, which I posted, ad- dressed to the defendant at Newport; he came up on the 10th of December, after receiving the letter; lie came to the door, and enquired in my hearing if Mrs. Edwards was in the house I opened the door, and ad- mitted him he went straight to applicant's room, and shook hands with her, the child at the time was about three weeks old applicant told me in Welsh to take Mrs Gooding out of the room, saying this is the father of the child come I have never seen applicant drunk. -Mr. Owen then addressed the Bench at some length for the purpose of showing that there was not such strong corroborative evidence as to warrant them making an order upon the defendant. He called the defendant, Mr. Terance O'Hanlon, who denied the charge in toto, and also the circumstances of the evidence whereby they sought to criminate him.—The Magis- trates ordered 2s. 6d. per week-Mr. Owen giving notice of Appeal at the Quarter Sesaom -4- A BERDARE. THE SWANSEA RIFLE MATCH.—The public of Aber" dare, no less than the 14th Glamorganshire Volunteer Rifles, and the immediate friends of Captain Powell, will be glad to learn that the gallant captain bore off the first prize,_ consisting of a beautiful silver cup, at the Swansea rifle match on Wednesday, thus adding another to the many laurels won by the officers and men of the Aberdare Rifle Corps. HOWES' CIRCUS.—Tlie_ talented troupe of acrobats, riders, &c., connected with this circus visited our town on Wednesday last, and gave an afternoon and evening performance. The female rope walker performed several feats a la Blondin on a rope at a great height from the ground outside the tent. Wallett, the cele- brated ring clown, was present in all the majesty of his wit and humour,—ons of the funnie^ wittiest, Sampson) and the veritable Heenan was short enough not to be tiresome, and was conducted in an inoffensive manner. Mr. J. C. Heenan is certainly respectable enough in appearance to pass muster as something higher than a celebrated member of the PH.—He appears to have the air and manner of a gentleman, and is entirely without any of the course roughness which so frequently distinguishes the prize fighter, from the man of peace. ABERDARE POLICE COURT. TUESDAY.—(Before J. C. Fowler, Esq.) BASTARDY.-Ann Davies v. Samuel Davies.—Pater- nity admitted. Ordered to pay thirteen weeks' arrears and costs, or one month's imprisonment. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.—Phillip Richards wns charged, on the information of P.C. Llewellyn, with being drunk and fighting in Cardiff-street. Fined 5s. and 2s Gd. costs. John Brynnt and Howell Griffith were severally charged with a similar offence in Commercial-street.— P.S. Matthews proved the charges, and they were each fined 5s. and 2s. 6d. costs. FELONY. —Edmund Watkins was charged with steal- ing a turnover, the property of Hannah Griffith.— Pro- secutrix said I am the wife of William Griffith, puddler, Abernant, I lost a turnover; I was at a public-house, the Pelican, about eleven o'clock last night; I unpinned my turnover and flung it on the table; I can't say that I saw the prisoner there I missed it about a quarter of an hour after I took it off; this (produced) is it; I can swear to it: it is worth 10d.-Mary Foley said: I was at lie Pelican last night, and saw a turnover like the one produced on the table; I also saw prisoner th"re, and he put his hand behind his back and drew the turn- over from the table, and pushed it under his coat; after- wards he put it in his pocket; I told a woman (Mrs. Dennis) of it; he went away with it; nobody stopped him; I am sure prisoner is the man. — P.S. Matthews: About half-past eleven last night, I apprehended he prisoner at the Farmer's Arms, where I searched him, and found nothing on him; he was in his shirt sleeves, and I asked him where his coat was, telling him at the same time a turnover had been stolen, and he was sus- pected he then said his coat was at his lodgings I went there, and found this turnover in his coat pocket; I hrouaht it to him and showed it to him, and he said he never saw it before, and somebody must have put it in his pocket.—Prisoner elected to be tried now, but pleaded not guilty, declaring his belief to be that some- body put it into his pocket.—Witness Foley was recalled, and reaffirmed the truth of her statement respecting the manner of his taking the turnover. She also stated that she did not know lie was stealing it till Griffiths asked for her turnover, which, of course, could not be found, when Foley said she saw prisoner take one like hers.- Sentenced to twenty days' hard labour. William Neth and William Gwynne were charged wiih stealing an axe, a shovel, and an iron box, the pro- perty of three parties. Adjourned for a week. COM, STEALING -Rees Jones, tailor, Cwmbach, was charged under the following circumstances:—P.C. Eynon said at a quarter to three on Sunday morning iast, he was on duty near Abernantygroes coal pit, when he saw prisoner under a screen belonging to Messrs. Powell and Sons, taking a lump of coal under each arm; when the prisoner was going- away, witness wei;t up to him, and when the former observed this he threw the coal away and ran; the constable followed him and overtook him, when he caught him and charged him with stealing the coal which he threw away; in reply, prisoner admitted his guilt, and said it was owing to drink; he had been off on the spree, and on returning to his home he saw the canal out, and thought he could take a few lumps of coal home with him, the coal was worth 4d. —Prisoner pleaded guilty, but said he took it from the bed of the canal.—Mr. Wilkinson, ageut at Cwmpennar, said it was not the custom to restrain people from taking coal from whence the prisoner took this, as it was not marketable. Prisoner was accord- ingly discharged. TIT FOR TAT.—Sarah Prothcroe v. Henry Evans.— Complainant said on Monday fortnight, between four and five in the afternoon, defendant came home and quarrelled with his neighbours, and also abused her with bad language about, nine o'clock at night he came up to her house and renewed the quarrel, and she struck him, and he struck her and threw her down.—David Davies said he saw Henry Evans stripping, and heard him challenging to fight; he came up to complainant's door, and she pushed him away; he came on the second time, and she pushed liim away again; he came on the third time, and then she struck him, and he struck her, and thus the fight commenced.—Defendant: She has broken my garden gate look here, Mr. Fowler, she has broken one of my teeth think you I will be beaten by a woman ? no, I wont, it I be an old man.—The Bench thought complainant did wrong in striking first, and defendant was discharged.—Defendant: What am I to do for a door?—Mr. Fowler: Don't VO'1 meddle with her again.—Defendant: No, I wont; I snail move from there, or she must move we can't live together. TRESPASS.—David Richards, a little boy, ten years old, was charged under the following circumstances:— P.C. James said he saw the defendant go over a railed fence into a field at Robertstown and damage some grass by walking in it.—The stepmother said the boy's cap fell into the field, and he went in for it.—The con- stable, however, said the hoy had his cap on when he walked into the grass.—Defendant's parents paid the cost of the summons, and he was discharged. FRAUDULENT REMOY AL. TÜomas Watkins v. Daniel Rees.—Complainant said he was a publican; had let a house to defendant at 10s." per month for the house, and 8d. for the water; defendant paid everything up to February 8th; since which date he had paid nothing- complainant neither gave nor received notice, but a distress was to have been levied on defendant's goods defendant, however, avoided this by removing the goods. Complainant had no witnesses to prove the. charge, and, for the purpose of obtaining evidence, the case was adjourned for a week. GAEIDIPFAETH. A PERFORMING DOG.—Some time since a miner re- siding in this locality, having become possessed of a y«««g fancy dog, resolved that he would teach it to be much cleverer than Irs neighbour's pups, although he should even prove himself a puppv in making the attempt. In proceeding ,to practical operations, the first "trick to be tan slit his canine pupil was to take off and place on his head (not the dog's head, mind) his master's cap or hat. From the zeal and assiduity of the tutor, and the docility aud quickness oi perception of the tutored, matters began to assume a very successful and satisfactory appearance, and the performing dog became the wonder of the locality. But. alas! — The best laid schemes of dogs and men Gang aft a gley, An' leave us nought but grief and pain For promised joy. At the termination of a very arduous evening's practicc, the canine performer, in his anxiety to obtain the coveted cap from his master's head, and the latter not being moved with its wonted quickness and celerity, actually bit off the tin of his preceptor's nose, which caused him great pain, chagrin, and mortification, and taught him withal to discontinue a practice from which he had reaped such bitter fruits. • A B E R S Y C II AN. RE-OPENING OP A MINE P IT.—Such a deep and heavy gloom has hung over the trading or commercial prospects ot this district for such a lengthened period, that the fairest gleam of hope that can be discerned in the horizon, is hailed by the inhabitants with ineffable delight, and heartfelt satisfaction. It may be remem- bered that about eighteen months ago, a considerable "slip" a slip or fall occmred, which had the disastrous effect of closing what is known as the Cwmbargwm, or Bargwm mine pit, which is dee/ned the best in the dis- trict belonging to the Bbbw Vale Iron Company. As a large number of men were thrown out of employment by the accident, it is only natural to suppose now that the pit is about to ba re-epened, that a like number will be required to resume its long suspended operations. BLAEN AFON. CAPEL NEWYDD. This edifice is situated about a mile from this place as you cross the mountain in the direction of Llanover, and although its name would in- duce one to believe that it was young, or that its erection had been of a very recent date, yet its appear- ance sufficiently indicates its antiquity, decay, and neglect. Not being well versed in its history we can throw very little light on its origin, but it is supposed to have been erected by the maiden ladies that'lived near Kendrick's house, on the Varteg Old Forge, and was endowed with property at Owmtillery, Blaenafon, and Pantygoytre. it is easy and indeed reasonable enough to imagine that the capel was at one time a place of favourite resort, and that prior to the growth of modern fashion in the last half century a very numer- ous and devout, if not a very learned, and fastidious congregation assembled within its walls on the days more particularly set apart for religious worship, when there were very few other— But such plain roofs as piety could raise, And only vocal with the Maker's praise." Associated with the edifice is the name of William Edwards, of Gomer's.Castle, or as he was more familarly called Willy gwaesvf fteirad," viz. Bill, the parson's servant," a name that sufficiently indicates that its owner lived on very cosy and familiar terms with the clerical gentlemen of the neighbourhood. This was a very important personage as regarded parochial mat- ters, his knowledge on such subjects onablinnr him office of clerk, and was at the time the great locum tenens of the establishment. The capel at the present time appears altogether deserted, and its few articles of furniture seem to be fast falling to decay. How an edifice that has been handsomely endowed should be left thus to totter to its fall without a hand being stretched to uphold it seems to us anomalous and inexplicable, as a common notion of propriety would suggest the de- sirability of making some effort yet to employ it for some useful purpose. But all this may amount to nothing. We may be told that we know very little about the matter (in which we plead guilty), and that the endowment of the capel is employed in the liquida- tion of the National Debt, and where's the use of up- holding it ? This may be so but the history of all such similar matters is clear and uniform on one point, viz,, that when the church has once been allowed to finger any money or property it never afterwards loses its grasp, and although it may be diverted from its original purpose, yet such money becomes ever after devoted to the public or private purposes of some lucky, well fed pastors of the establishment. m, RHYMNEY. ANNIVERSARY OF THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL, PONTLOTTYN,-—The members worshipping at this neat little edifice, celebrated their anniversary on Sunday evening last, the Rev. Mr. Harding officiating. The services throughout, the day were well attended, and the collections in aid of the chapel funds were as liberal as could be expected considering the depressed state of trade.—On Monday the rev. gentleman delivered a lec- ture—subject Happv homes and how to make them, a charge in this case being made for admission; the at- tendance was very srood—the chapel being quite full. LECTURE AT ZOAR CHAPEL.—A lecture was also delivered at this chapel on Monday, by a minister of Aberdare, on "Cerddoriaeth "—(music). The atten- dance was numerous and all appeared gratified with the discourse. ACCIDENT.—A young man working at the Terrace pit, named Evan Jones, met with a sad accident on Friday, by being jammed between a tram and the side of the level, by which he had his right leg and foot severely injured. It is feared amputation must necess- arily be resorted to ere he will recover. SAVAGE ATTACK ON A CIITLD BY A DONKEY.— One day last week, .a donkey was grazing near the ex- tensive brewery of Messrs Buclian and Co ,andas"boys will be boys," a little urchin not seven years old, began teazing poor Neddy, by pdlcing him with a stick and pelting him with stones. iVeddy, not liking the treat- ment, turned I!ound upon his young assaiiant. seized him by the pindore ,and laid him on his back. The in- furiated animal then knelt on the little fellow's chest, and began biting him about his faee and throat in a most savage manner, and had it not been for the timely assistance of one of the men engaged at the brewery, who saw the attack and came to drive the animal away, the result must inevitably have been fatal, and we arc ture the young gentleman" will long remember the Ireatment he received in exchange for the cruelty he so iberally bestowed on poor Neddy." TRADE is extremely dull here—the general traffic on our railway suffering considerably. The reason assigned for the great depression, is the repairs of the docks at Cardiff—no vessels being allowed to come in until the gates are perfectly ready. We hope it wont last long, for hundreds of poor working men are thrown out of employment in consequence. The coal trade is likewise flat, awaiting a like result for its revival. BALLOON DESCENT.—The large balloon let off at Aberdare or neighbourhood on Wednesday, by the circus folks, descended at this place at half-past two o'clock, much to the consternation of the juveniles and old women, who surely thought it was something of a supernatural kind, or it "could not come over the hills without wings." It arrived perfectly whole, and it is intended to turn it to some account on behalf of the reading room. BBYKMA vV 11. FUNERAL SERMON.—On Sunday evening last, the Rev. N. Broadway improved the death of the late Mr. Robert Manning, in the Primitive Methodist Chapel here. A large congregation attended the service. The deceased died in his 63rd year, having lived the first 21 years of his life as a civilian in his own country; the second 21 years as a military man in India, under the British Government, during which time he became a con vert and the last 21 years he had lived at home again, as a pensioner. The deceased had been a local preacher for many years among the above body, and always lived a consistent and devoted life. He gained his livelihood for many years by making and selling blacking, and was generally known as "The old Blael-T- ing Vendor." The singing on this occasion was con- ducted by the Beaufort Primitive Methodist choir. They sung two funeral anthems in a most becoming and effective manner. The sermon was also one of the right sort to make good impressions upon the minds of the hearers. BRYNMAWR PETTY SESSIONS. WEDNESDAY.—(Before Capt. Maund and G. Over tori Esq.) AN IRISH ROW AT BEAUFORT.— Hawkes v. Michael Cal.ta-haii.-TV] r. Cox Davies appeared for the complain- ant, who charged defendant with committing an assault upon her several witnesses were called who gave evi- dence pro and con, from which we learnt that this batch of Emerald islanders, had been doing business for some time with "John Barleycorn," and while under his in- fluence, there was a tremendous row amongst them—. throwing stones, smashing windows, tearing hair, &ce After some consultation the Bench thought the charg proved. Defendant was therefore fined 5s., and 15s costs. J'ohannah Kelly r. Ellen, Mary, and Timothy Hawkes. —This case arose out of the same quarrel as the last.— Mr. Davies appeared for the defence. After hearing a mass of evidence, their Worships discharged Timothy but Mary and Ellen were fined 2s. 6d. each and costs. PUBLICAN'S OFFENCE.—Iienry Kedward, of the Col- lier's Arms, Beaufort, was charged with violating the beer Act.—Defendant gave proof that his customer had walked from Tredegar, and lie considered him a travel- ler, and sold him some beer this being his first offence, he was dismissed on payment of costs. CHARGE OF FELONY.—Edmund Henry v. John Aubrey.—This case, which was adjourned from the last court, came on for hearing to-day.—Mr. Price, of Aber- gavenny, appeared for Aubrey.—The prosecutor ap- peared before the Bench and said he wished to withdraw the charge they were brothers-in-law, and what he did at the last court was done in a passion on a little calm reflection he had reason to believe that no intentional theft had been committed.—Bench This is a warrant of apprehension on a charge of theft, and we have no power to dismiss such a case unless a substantial reason be given- Mr. Price gave some explanation, and the charge was withdrawn. THE ASSAULT case, in which the same litigants were concerned, was also dismissed. William Evans was charged with assaulting Mary Welsh.—Complainant said that she and the defendant had some altercation together, and he struck her with his fist.—John Jones said he was in complainant's house when the defendant came there and some words ensued respecting cock-fighting, which led to man-fight- ing the defendant offered to fight the complainant's husband, and complainant hearing this, went to pull her husband in, when the defendant struck her.—On further examination, the Dench found it to be a paltry case and dismissed it, each party paying their costs—Gs. each. CHARGE OF ASSAULT.—Thomas Anther v. William Thomas.—Mr. Cox Davies appeared for the defenant.— Complainant gave his statement of the affair from which we learnt that the quarrelling arose through the defen- dant's daughter striking him with a stane.-Roes Davies was called, and said that he was coming up the road at Rhymney, and saw the defendant staggering and challenging to fight any man seven score weight— Heenan or Sayers—and camo up to complainant and struck him.—Abraham Griffiths gave corroborative evi- dence.—Two witnesses were called for the defence, but were unable to show the Bench that there was sufficient justification to Warrant defendant in his assault. Fined 10s. and costs. Ann Griffiths was charged by William Thomas, with beating his two children. The case appeared to have been brought into Court more from ill-feeling than from any injury received, and the case was dismissed. BEAUFORT. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.—We are glad to learn that the various conductors of our Sunday schools both W elsh and English, in this place, have again organized themselves into a committee, and agreed to form one grand procession of all sects on Whit Monday. We understand some little, oi Sections were raised as to the day proposed in consequence of the Volunteer review being at Newport on the same day. The majority of the committee were of opinion that it would prove inju- rious both to the place and to the schools to have it postponed, and cause two holidays to be spent. Poor times sadly interfere with all kinds of festivities this season, still we trust the annual treat for the children will not be allowed to fall to the ground for want of support, by those whom a kind Providence has blessed with a plentiful supply of the good things of this life. MILITARY HONOURS.—On Tuesday evening last, a number of the 2nd Breeonshire Rifle Corps assembled together, to bid fareweil to two members of the corps, viz., Sergeant William Roberts and Private Samuel Roberts, two young men (brothers) who have tali eD. livdy interest In the volunteer movement fiiniv lent fowling piece, which had been ordered at Birming- ham expressly for them. Ensign Jones, in the name of the corps, presented the sergeant with the piece, and remarked that he did so with much pleasure because he knew they deserved it, and he was sure that every man in the corps with himself regretted losing them; The recipient, in reply, expressed his thanks to the corps for their good feeling towards himself and brothcr.-They left Beaufort on Wednesday morning, and expect to sail in the United Kingdom" ship, from Glasgow, on Saturday. We wish them fair breezes. BLACKWOOD POLICE COCTRT. WEDNESDAY, MAY 21.—(Before H. I,I. Kennard Esq.) BASTARDY.-Barbara Edwards v. Terence O'Hanlon. The complainant resided at Abercarne and the defen- dant was a travelling draperj: he had been paying the complainant half-a-crown a week for the last twelve months towards the support of the child, which was fourteen months old, but had for some reason or other stopped payment two months ago, whereupon com- plainant took out the present summons; Mr. Owens ap- peared on behalf of the defendant, and stated that as the case would require two magistrates,he would be put to great inconvenience and his client to extra expense on account of their being but one magistrate on the bench. Mr. Waters, the magistrates' clerk, said that this was the first time for eight months that two magis- trates had not been in attendance. The case was ad- journed to Tredegar, on the 28th inst. John Jobbins was charged with neglecting his duty as a latchman in the employ of the Rhynmey Railway Company, at Bed was. on the 14th instant, whereby some trucks and an engine and tender were damaged. Mr. Coburn, of Newport, appeared for the Company and Mr. Owen, of Cardiff, for the defence.—John Simpson said: I a, n the superintendent of the locomotive depart- ment of the Rhymney Railway Co., and on Wednesday the 14th instant an engine attached to 29 coal and iron trucks and a break-van, started from New Tredegar at 10 a.m. for Newport the defendant is the latchman at Maesycwmnier saw him before we came to the points, he was standing in his box, having put the signal all right" for the train which I was upon just before the train reached the points I saw tlieni open, and imme- diately told the engine driver to slacken speed and stop, but we were too close to the points and could not stop we were going at the rate of 14 or 15 miles an hour we ran into the siding on which were three empty trucks, and smashed two all to pieces, the other being also very much damaged the points, which were wide open, ought to have been shut, and the train would then have kept on the main line it was defendant's duty to have seen the points all right before he signalled in conse- quence of the collision 14 or 15 of the trucks attached to the engine were thrown off the line and the engine was damaged I jumped off the engine and in doing so spralIlld my leg; defendant was placed there for no other purpose than to see to the points and signals the points are not 20 yards from the defendant's box, and the signal post is dose to it; defendant ought not to have signalled until he had seen the points all right; twenty minutes previous to the down train coming, the points had been opened to place the three empty trucks on the siding, and had not been closed afterwards; there had been a similar accident there about two years ago by which the Company suffered great loss.—Mr. Owen objected to that statement being received as evidence. Cross-examined by Mr. Owen: As I went up on the engine, the trucks were put on the siding; I could not pay whether the up-engine stood on the latches, but if it did so. it would not affect the working of the points; they are liable to get out of repair after he jumped off kthe defendant said it was a bad job I produce his signature for the receipt of the Rules, Bye- laws, and Time Tables; he had two gates to attend to, as well as the points and signals, and he believed to the goods and see them delivered.—Mr. Brewer was about to make some remarks to the Court, to which Mr. Owen objected unless he were swori-i. --Air, Owen then addres- sed the Court for the defendant pointing out the nume- rous duties lie had to perform, and as the Company did not press for a severe penalty he hoped the Bench would deal leniently with his client. Fined including costs 20s. Walter Walters, beerhouse keeper, at Blackwood, was charged with having his beerhouse open at two a.m., on the morning of Sunday, the 18th of May. Defendant's wife appeared for him, and pleaded guilty to the charge. Superintendent Fowler stated that the defendant had been summoned two yeal',j ago on a similar charge when he was fined 11s. Gd. including costs, it being then the first offence.—Fined 20s., and. costs lis. ûd. ASSAULT. —John Amesbury, of Blackwood, was charged with assaulting Jonathan Amesbury of the same place on the 26th of April last; Complainant ,L said We are brothers, but not by the same mother I was sitting in my father's house when the defendant came in and charged me with calling him a thief I denied doing so, whereupon he struck me in the face, and I had a black eye for a fortnight; I don't wish to press the charge, I only want to have peace.—Ordered to pay lis. 6d. costs only. Thomas Walters, of the Swan beerhouse, Abercarne, was charged by Superintendent Fowler with having his house open for the sale of beer on the night of the 12th instant at a quarter to twelve o'clock. Defendant did not appear, and P.C. Jones proved the service of the summons on the 19th instant; he also proved the offence. —It was a bad case, but being his first offence defendant was fined only jEl, and lis. 6d. costs. ASSAULT.— Rachael Watkins v. Mark Tovey.-De- fendant did not appear, and P.S. James proved leaving the summons at his house on the 20th inst.—Complain- ant stated she kept a beerhouse, and the defendant, in consequence of her refusing to give him beer on credit, struck her in the face without the slightest provocation. -Their Worships ordered a warrant to be issued for his apprehension. Evan Evans, of the White Hart beerhouse, Pentwyn- mawr, near Blackwood, was charged by Superinteu- dant Fowler with having his house open for the sale of beer during prohibited hours, on Sunday, the 27th of April last.—Defendant appeared, and denied the charge, as the person he drew the beer for. was a traveller.— P.C. Coles proved that five persons were there drinking, and defendant, was fined 20s. including costs. AssAULT.-Thursa Hudson, of Ebbw Vale, charged Hannah Burton with assaulting her at Ebbw Vale. —Case adjudged to Tredegar on the 28th instant, for the attendance of two magistrates. SURETIES OF THE PEACE.—Margaret Mosely applied to his Worship to bind John Dodd over to keep the peace towards her, as he, on the 19th of May, at Gelly, had threatened he would kill her if he caught her out by herself, and from which statement she was afraid he would do her some bodily harm.—Complainant, how- ever, stated she did not wish to press the charge pro- vided the defendant did not molest her.—Case dismissed, defendant ordered to pay lis. 6d. costs. Henry Thomas, landlord of the Cole Hole beerhouse, Gelly, have appeared to answer the charge preferred against liim by Superintendent Fowler with having his house open during prohibited hours on Sunday last. —Defendant admitted his guilt, and was fined 20s. in- cluding costs. Mary Rees, a respectable young woman, appeared to answer a charge of assault preferred against her by a young man of the name of Thomas Knight.—Defendant denied the charge.-—Complainant stated the defendant came into his lodgings, and began abusing him about 12s. 6d. he owed to hor mother for lodgings, when he called her a liar, and upon which she struck him in the mouth and made it bleed.—Complainant's landlady cor- roborated liis statement.—Defendant stated she went there to ask complainant for payment of some money, when he refused, and wished to fight her, and lie got up to do so, when she pushed him down against a table. —His Worship It would take a great many blows from the defendant to make complainant's mouth bleed, who was intoxicated it is a trumpery case and I dis- miss it, and order the costs, which amount to 6s., to be divided. WAGES.—Henry Sermor v. William Morris.—Com- plainant and defendant resided at Tredegar, and com- plainant claimed the sum of 15s., balance for wages, and deposed I began to work as a quarryman for the defendant on the 22nd of March last, and worked two all(I the days, and the defendant stated he would pay me 3s. a-day I worked six days for him altogether he only DM,id me Ss.; 15s. is now due from defendant to me.— The conplainanG had no witnesses.—The defendant said he on y agreed with complainant for 2s. 2d. a-day, as he could not pay him more thanhe was allowed by the Com- pany, a ticket from whom he produced, and that the complainant had only worked 5A days, and the reason he had not paid him at the rate of 2s. 2d. was because he was in his debt.—His Worship told defendant he could not deduct a debt from complainant's wages lie must pay him what lie claimed, 15s., and costs, amount- ing together to £ 1 6s. Gd., which he was allowed a fortnight to pay, John Williams v. John Edwards.—Defendant was charged with assaulting complainant at Rliymney on the loth of May.—^Complainant stated He was passing by the defendant's house, and asked what some children wanted on the ground, when the defendant's step-mother commenced abusing him, and they exchanged words, when the defendant came out of his house with a piece of iron in his hand, and struck him on the head several times, the marks of which he showed to his Worship he was also struck by the defendant several times in the stomach with the iron rail.—The step- mother had also been summoned for striking the com- plainant on the head wiLh a piece of pavement stone several times, but she did not appear.—Defendant applied for an adjournment to Tredegar to enable him to produce witnesses, which his Worship allowed, as the case would require two magistrates.—Sergeant Waters stated the defendants would no doubt have killed the
ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.1
ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. 1 ADDRESSED TO THE EDITOR. The Editor is not responsible for the opinions of his Corres. pond en ts. RHYMNEY RAILWAY AND ITS OFFICIALS, SIR,—Some time ago it was generally supposed by the shareholdess of this Railway that means, were being adopted for working the line efficiently, and at the same time more economically, in order that the shareholders might derive greater dividends from their investments. Being interested in the line, and having of late closely watched all proceedings connected therewith, I would call the attention of the shareholders and Board of Directors respectively to the fact that no advantages whatever will accrue from the changes which have recently been made, nor from others likely to be made but on the contrary, those chancres tend generally to ilVJ disadvantage of the shareholders, besides being a grievance to others. Some of the most able officials have been discharged without any cause assigned, and are succeeded by others far inferior in experience and performance of duties. When one of the old officials who had been on the line a long time, and had given every satisfaction, wasr discharged some time a.go, it was understood by the shareholders generally that his suc- cessor had engaged to fulfil two offices but since his arrival no more than the duties performed by his prede- cessor have been attended to—a mere change without any gain. About a week ago one of the most competent mechanics in the service of the Company was discharged, and for what particular reason the public and others would like to know. If we allow our competent men to be discharged in this way our line will fall from being a moderately paying line to a non-paying one. At any rate let us have workmen on the line not an iota inferior to those engaged on others. Invariably the most ex- pert workman is the best paying one to every employer. The quantity of oil for the use of the engines has been diminished so much lately that it is evident the machinery is thereby greatly injured. It is nothing but a penny wise and pound foolish method of business, and shows that the person who has caused the changes to be very deficient in judgment. Owing to the quantity of oil being diminished a loss of a few thousand pounds might be incurred in a single day. Had superior officials been engaged after the dismissal of the old ones, and other improvements been made, no notice would have been taken of the changes, but find- ing that the succeeding servants are acquaintances and friends only, who have had but little or no experience, and who are not acquainted with the locality at all, I consider that we as shareholders have injustice done us. It is currently rumoured that the workshops are to be removed from Rliymney to Cardiff. If true, great satisfaction would be given to more than one party by be- ing informed what advantage is to result from the removal The workshops are now conveniently situated, and pro- vided with every accommodation, and their removal would incur heavy expenses without having any advan- tage gained. Shall we, as s hareholders, submit to such transac- tions ? Our common rights say No," but rather let be more stringent upon the authors of those changes not for the better but decidedly for the worse. Respecting what has been done we would say cui bono. As share- holders let us have imperiuni in imperio.—Yours, &c., Rhymney, May 28th, 1862. A SHAREHOLDER. CHAPEL AND CHURCH; o R, A sabbath DAY IN M E R T H Y B. HAVING visited the Independent chapel in the morninar, I consented in the evening to accompany a near friend, to the church of St. David's, of which place and mini- ster, as of the Independent chapel, I would request leave to say a word or two. St. David's church I found exceedingly small, in comparison to the old Abbey church in the town where I live, and, indeed, the usual run of town churches in merrie England. The church is new, with little pretensions to architecture of a pure order, hut it is apparently large enough for the wants of the place, and coinfortahie enough to meet the wants of the people. The rector struck me as an original man; in the camp of dissent he would have been one of the bulwarks as it is, he seemed to have no great hank- ering for the formalities of the church—the unimportant part—some cf the prayers were read quickly, and one of the lessons that had no special application was rattled off sharply. He appears a har¡1 working rector; I =aw neither curate nor clerk, though an official, apparently the latter, in a black gown and white neckerchief, paced up and down, opening pews and showing people into sittings, with a great deal of suavity. Such a man should be in every church and chapel in the land. The preliminary part of the service was, as usual, very long, hut interesting in all save one thing, the apathy of the congregation. The fiae choir sung splendidly, one voice especially rivetted my attention, as it soared high above the rest, and maintained a pure melodious note seemingly without an effort. The organist, too. is evidently a master of his instrument; but I should like to impress one fact upon his attention, and that is, a good organist makes his instrumeat serve to give a good background, as it were, taking- a secondary part while the choir leads. Several times I noticed a perceptible inclination on his part to play first fiddle and drown the melody of the singers. There was a sad want of congre- gational singing in the church. Here and there a voice might be heard joining with the choir, but the great mass were dumb. This reminded me strikingly of Dr. Guthrie and a congregation in Edinburgh. When I hear," said this excellent man, some of you fine ladies take parts in a drawing-room, singing a solo with spirit at the piano, and yet find you, when you come to church, as mute as a dormouse, I confess to feeling very indignant at such unchristian, despicable conduct!" A friend in Merthyr tells me that the rector is very assidious in trying to get congregational singiner. I am sorry at his ill success. This apathy, this indifference is worse to me than infidelity. I can tolerate a viva- ceous infidel, oppose him, and strive like a muscular Christian, as I hope I am, to put him on his back. But the man who contents himself with profession, the person who oils himself with promise, and presents no vulnerable point to grapple him is despicable. The rector selected his text from John xvi. 33: "These things have I spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." A fine text, affording capital play for the pe mliar tactics of the minister. In opening his sermon the recftr dwelt on the impressive words, and the time and place of their deli /erv, reviewed the mission of Christ, and enlarged upon the great object for which he came, showing how differently he had acted to those who came to rule. He had come with the great mission to overcome the world, to turn it upside down. And yet who was it who said this? Not the warrior, escorted by a dazzling array, wel- comed by acclaim, proud in the consciousness of victory; not the conqueror, laden with trophies, exalted by the glory of his conquests and the transcendancv of liis renown but a werk, humble man, whose life had been full of suffering and tribulation. Yet could this man say, I have overcome the world. The rector dwelt very impressively on the power of tribulation, its necessity in the groat scheme of human redemption, and touched with considerable pathos on the chequered life of man, the annals of sorrow which permeate the annals of every man and woman's life. Here one had lost a son, there a daughter, the hopes of one man, the joy of another, being dashed to the ground. Yet, rather than look on tribulation as a tiling to be deploicd, it were wiser to haii it and deem it one of God's instruments for human weal. Philip of Macedon one day received the gladdening intelligence that a favourite horse had won a great prize, and directly after- wards heard that his wife had given him a son and heir." lbs was overwhelmed with joy, his gladness was intense. Yet, heathen as he was, he prayed to the gods for one drop of bitterness to infuse into his cup of joy. He knew that to appreciate happiness a taste of sorrow was required, aud understood well that tribulation was not to be despised. Such will give a faint notion of his matter. His manner was such as to compel rigid attention, and there was that fiery earnestness about him which persuaded every hearer, I am sure, of his great sincerity. He is a man, I should say, who is indebted very little to the closet. His forte is declamation, and thus, while a man of high reasoning powers is at home when reading his sermon, the rector of Merthyr would not be at home if he did not give his sermon extempore. He is a man of impulse, and it is in the zeal of the moment, when his fertile fancy is awakened and ideas crowd in, that he seizs one here, there, and with brightened eye and unstudied but eloquent action forces, so to state, liis thoughts upon his hearers. He is unquestionably a man of strong ability. Sometimes his manner would have done no discredit to a tragedian, and altogether I was impressed with the fact, that if the Independents have an excellent pastor, so have the congregation of St David s. C. H. J. — A RAMBLE AMONG THE BRECONSHIRE HILLS. (Concluded from our last.) LEAVING Pentwyn, and sounds of navvy speech and navvy labour far behind, we penetrated'along the old parish road into the defiles of Breconshire. Each turning of the road brought us fresh and varied scenery, Here a ravine with great trees growing therein, and a wasted barren track all around. Yonder the com- modious farm house of some well to do magnate of the hills, cosy and comfortable it looked, and we imagined a kitchcn fire and great logs made it a most acceptable residence when Cader Arthur put on its nightcap of snow. It was singular as we advanced, to note the warnings nature was giving, that we were leaving the "i»upT& of ci yiUuutivin. and aPKOwhuier » Marion that and mountain ponies* Near Pentwyn, we had fields on either side, hedgerows and a decent road. Gradu- ally the fields became less, and rough tracks of laud more presently we lost the hedge and went on in a. one armed peninsular veteran sort of way another lengthy bit, until brought up by the astounding discovery that we were at the end of the hedges, the houses, the enclosed fields; that in fact the puny little handiwork of man. the neat, but humble memoranda of his labours, written in hedgerows* enclosed fields and ploughed up land, were lost, left. behind, and the grand memoranda of nature, the- annals of flood and storm, of the flight of unnumbered centuries, of a lapse of time to which a dynasty was a. nothingness, were becoming clear and distinct to our eyes. Just as we rounded the last point that hid the Beacon from perfect view a halt was called, arms stacked, legs thrown on the turfy bank, and refresh- ments enjoyed with the keen rehsh the mountains always give. We had none of Loveridge's wine, or Pinchin's stout, or Allsop's ale; but the gash in tha mountain sides yielded a clear stream of more antique ale than man ever brewed. One tires of the product from the vines of Chablis and Rhone, sparkling champagne palls, Chateau Lafitte, Macon, the nuttiest of ports tire but Adam's beverage, under the shadow of the Beacon as pure as the nectar sipped by Eve, never palls, one drinks just the quantity needed it does not seduce the sentinel that guards the stomach, the pyloric valve greets it as natures beverage, and the whole being ratifies the opinion. Our mountain dinner discussed, we journeyed on. Far in the distance loomed the Beacons covered with sunshine. They appeared near at the first glance, but as we looked at the mountain ponies grazing on their sides checked the error. These appeared as small as sheep and showed us that a long and a tiresome pull was still our lot. One of the best proofs we had that the district we were traversing was rarely visited, was in the wild character of the sheep. Long before our approach they scattered away in all directions, as if dreading the attack of an enemy. And such we were. Indeed, man was the only enemy these mountain sheep had. No birds or beasts of prey molested them, and as a general rule the only time they see a man 1S when the dealer comes to take them to the slaughter house. Thus it was that we had little opportunity to note the rare and world extolled Welsh mountain sheep. A few miles this side of tbe Beacons we stumbled over a curious relic or two of past times, one that appeared strongly like a warrior's resting place in the ghape of a Cistfaen. and the other the scattered but perceptible traces of a camp, probably the Roman camp which historians state is to be met with near the Beacons. Glancing at these mute records of a byegone age, we mounted upward, excelsior the motto, hope anima- ting the steps, and making the boggy tracts insignificant. All trace of road had now disappeared. Our University friend remarked that it reminded him of Emerson a description of roads in the North West of America, When you start, says he, they are fine ample roads, with tall luxuriant trees on each side, but as you ad- vance they gradually lessen, finally become a squirrel's track, and run up a tree So the old parish road from being fairly substantial by Pentwyn gradually declined in respectability, and at last disappeared from view in a rivulet, and left us to choose the most direct course we could. The form of the Beacons, as seen from a dis- tance, appears like a lion couchant, guarding the spot where Arthur and his knights of the round table hunted, the fair and rich lands of Breconshire and the wealthy mineral district of Glamorganshire. So unmistakable in this form that from knowing it we have detected the Beacons at a vast distance off-from Stinchcombe Hill, thirty miles inland from Gloucester, from which com- manding height they appeared cloud-like against the horizon, impressing one deeply with a sense of immense distance. When we began to ascend the mountain we saw that the first difficulty to be surmounted was the lion's paws and neck, and that the final struggle would be to surmount the huge head. Up we went, the ascent reminded one of the roof of a house, and when, after a long weary climb, one round of the moun- tain had been overtopped, we found that the paws only were gained, we had still the great neck, and then the herculean head But here a peep was had which re- paid all our pains. We stood on the verge of a mighty precipice, and through a great rent in the mountain looked down on the red and green chequered district of Breconshire, spreading away over hill—through valley not a spare inch that that was not wooded or delved, until the haze of distance limited the vision. That was, in tech- nical terms, a freshner. With renewed zeal we clambered up again a long tedious scramble and the neck was gained. Another long- and a stroug pull, University man thinking1 of Nebuchadnezering it on all fours; a faltering of the knees, a violent action of the heart and lungs, courage man bra re! The ascent was won, and. we stood on the crown of the hoary old lion, and drank in our full of the varied and extensive prospect opened out to view. Just below us was a mountain lake, too picture of serenity and silence. Even where we stood the wind scarcely moved. Swallows darted by with the piuge of a rifle ball, and made us feel envious at their wild freshness, at the daring, natural but great, which could permit them without a pause of fear to hurl them- selves from the highest point into the awful gulf, and sweep up far over Breeonshire on the wild, rushinpr wings of speed. The day. though a glorious one, was not favourable the coast of Ireland, the channel, the hills even near Swansea, were hidden by a dense haze, and we had for the time to content ourselves with the view in a circle of some twenty to thirty miles. But such a view the rude grandeur of the scene was most impressive—the contrast to man's littleness most striking. There below us was Brecon, which during fifty years has resolutely opposed the introduction of railways. Brecon represented by a collection of county squires, retired officers, wealthy bankers, fat well to do trades- men, as supple of the backbone as one of Howes and Cushing's acrobats. Looking down from our vast alti- tude upon the chequered lands, we imagined a handker- chief would cover one of the snug little landed estates in which dwelt some important worthy or another, proud of his land, and the importance it gave him. How little all these things appeared. A swallow would fly over its largest estate in a minute, the finest mansion seemed dwindled down to a hut. And the everlasting hills, how vast and magnificent they were, typical of the power that reigned over the little feudalities, not of a shire but of a world. What a nohlepuJpit would the Beacons be from whenee to launch out against our pigmy aims and deeds—what a grand study in which to read the Psalms and to feel the true force and power of the subliinest poetry ever given to the world. Our University friend confessed that he had never behild or enjoyed a scene of such surpass- ing sublimity—had never felt so keenly the power of many passages of Holy Writ. At length with a last long look, noting the various ravines which served to supply the Taft., we took a beeline across the hills until the peaty soil wasfound too difficult to surmount, and with- out a rest dipped into the valley, reached Pentwyn, and after a b:i"f bait, arrived about the gloaming in Merthyr Tydfil once again, fully satisfied that the labours of the day had been most amply repaid. THE RA.MBLBR. STAFFORDSHIRE IRON TRADE. (From Mr. Samuel Grijfiths's Circular.) The internecine war in America is now assuming proportions and developing results looked forward to by comparatively few on this side at the commencement of this fratricidal struggle. Grave events succeed each other at the theatre of war, with such amazing rapidity, that we should not be surprised to hear some startling news by the next packet. No doubt a bloody battle lias ere this been fought before Richmond -probably more destructive of human life than any of its predeces- sors in this unhappy campaign. It appears that M. Mercier's visit has done nothing in the way of compro- mise, and the North and the South are just as antago- nistic as ever.—W e have had considerably more orders for iron from New York this week. The stocks at all the marts in the States are very much reduced, and all the houses here who have establishments in America, speak more favourably of the trade. There is an en- quiry afloat for the American Government for 2,000 tons of armour plates, which can be made with ease by the mills of South Staffordshire.-Our own Government have likewise made enquiries this week for plates to cover two vessels now on the stocks. The demand for most kinds of Staffordshire iron remains about the same as reported in our last.—In the Middlesbro' district more activity prevails, and the makers of rails in South Wales have had enquiries for large parcels of rails during the last fortnight.—In pig iron we have no change to notice. The peculiar feature of the market is the tendency to increased firmness for all kinds of has- matites. Native mine pigs are fetching quarter day's prices. Cinder, forge, and melting pigs are flat. T Parkfield brand, however, is an exception, being x good demand at rates slightly in favour of sellers.
Family Notices
BIRTH. On the 24th instant, the wife of T. Evans, Esq., Brecon Bank, of a daughter. MARRIAGE. (On the 18th instant, at Siloa Chapel. Aberdare, by the Rev. H. Parrish, Mr. Henry Chapman, China Dealer, Mountain Ash, to Miss Margaret Phillips, of Merthyr, DEATHS. On the 23rd instant, at Canford Manor, Wimborne, Augustus Frederick Guest, Esq., fourth son of Sir John Guest, Bart., in his 22nd year. On the 27th instant, at Dowlais, Mr. David Lewis, Chemist, second son of tbe late Rice Lewis ESQ <K Monthyr Tydfil, in hw m* year, q"