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

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Family Notices

- THE SUSPECTED CASE OF MANSLAUGHTER

ABERDARE.

[No title]

DOWLAIS.

MERTHYR POLICE COURT.

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MERTHYR POLICE COURT. SATURDAY.—(Before J. C. Fowler, Esqr.) ASSAULTING A CHILD.—John T. Morgan, Insurance Agent, Gle belaud, Merthyr, appeared in answer to a charge of assaulting a child named Mary Elizabeth BeH.—Mr Plews appeared for the defendant.—The prosecutrix stated that she was ten years of age, and her father was a printer, and they lived next door to the defendant. A few days since she was standing near the defendant's door looking at a boy with white mice whilst she was there defendant came up. and ordered her to be off, and because she did not go immediately he struck her in the ear.—Cross-examined by Mr Plews I had a quarrel with the defendant's chil- dren on the same afternoon they did scream, and I ran away. I met the defendant on the street the same day, when I was going to my father. I did not call out, old Cymro you did not catch me I only said, "you did not strike me." No woman told me that I ought to be ashamed of myself, but a woman did say that she would tell my father for calling after him, and I told her that my father knew I had told my father that I called after him, and he told me I must not do it again-. Mr Bell, the com- plainant's father, was called, and stated that he saw his .daughter's ear, shortly after the assault complained of, and it was then quite red, and by the following morning it had turned black.-A witness named Kate Vanstone, a sister- in-law of the defendant, was called for the defence, and she stated that on the day in question the prosecutrix threw a quantity of water over her. Ihe witness detailed further acts of annoyance, which she and the defendant's children had been subjected to by the prosecutrix. After a lengthy address from Mr Plews, the Bench fined the defendant 5s and costs. A • DISHONEST SERVANT.Martha Jane Kendry was charged with stealing a number of articles, the property cf Mr E.. Brown, surgeon, Mountain Ash. The mother of the prisoner, Hannah Kendry, was also charged with receiving the goods knowing them to have been stolen.-Mr E. Brown surgeon, stated that the pri- soner Martha had been employed as his servant for a short time past; the boots (produced) were his property, and they were safe in his house about three weeks ago he missed them yesterday. He then spoke to his housekeeper, and a search was then made, and in a paper box in his sitting room he found several surgical instruments, evi- dently placed there for ^^al at some conyenient time. He afterwards accompanied P.S. Hodgson to the elder pri- soner's house, where they found the boots, aswell as a number of other articles which he identified as being his property.-Mrs Harriet Daniel, the prosecutors house- keener was called, and stated that she never gave the younger prisoner the bootsi in question, neither did she give her permission to take them away she was employed only in the mornings and evenings and at both of those times she would have opportunities of removing the goods.-P.S. Hodgson deposed that he accompanied Dr Brown to the prisoners' house; the mother they found downstairs, and the daughter upstairs. In the room where the mother was he found the boots in question. They then proceeded to search the house, and just at that moment he saw the elder prisoner go into the bedroom he followed her, and obser- ved her endeavouring to conceal something under some dirty clothes witness asked her what she had there, and she replied nothing"; he then pushed her aside, and found that she was trying to conceal a number of slides (produced) they afterwards found the books, boots, and pair of trowsers (produced), which Dr Brown stated were ois property. He then charged the younger prisoner with -<t tiling the articles, and she replied that Mrs Daniel had iven them her. He arrested the elder prisoner some 'fours ,ff.erwarfi«t and charged her with receiving the goo-fs from -'i,, r theiii to hive hnnstolen; she replied did not. she told me that Sirs Daniel gave them her witness then reminded her that she tried to conceal them wJ:.>n lIP wn« searching thp hOI1" and she ar1cn'tt. doing" •>. hi- I.iMicb dismissed th* prisoner, and tiie <u'r,'i.ter to six v.etks' i:n:uisjnment. MONDAY. i £ a~ore J. C Fowler, and T. J Unm*. Etqrr.) DKLNKAKDS.—Catherine Orowl»y, a diminutive woman who has appeared at this court on several previ"u; orea- sions, was chargi'd with being drunk and riotous r,t Pont- storehouse, on Saturday niuht. P.C. Edwards proved the charge, and prisoner was tiand t Majicks was charged with a similar offence committed in High-htreet, on the 20th instant. P.C. Parry proved the charge, and prisoner was fined 5n and o«ts.—John Don- nelly was charged with being drunk and indeccut. -tt Picton-street, Caedraw, on Sunday afternoon. P.C. Wii- liams proved the charge, and prisoner was tried 20s and costs, or 21 days' imprisonment.—George Harry charsred with beinsr drunk and riotous at Bcthesda-strcet last night. P.C. Williams proved the charge, and prisoner was fined 10s and costs.—Ann R- '-s was charged with similar conduct, at Cardiff-street, Aberdare, on Sunday morning. P.C. Clark proved the charge, and defendant was fined 5s and costs.—Julia lieardon was charged with being drunk and obstructing the highway at Commercial- street, Aberdare, on Sunday night. P.C. Clark proved the charge, and prisoner was discharged with a cantion. ASSAULTING THE POLICE.—John Jenkirs was charged with this offence. P.C. Parry stated that he was called to the assistance of a brother officer to remove the defendant to the station he asked prisoner's name, but he refused to give it. He then took him into custody, and they haa not gone but a few yards before the prisoner began resisting, by striking and kicking as much as he possibly could. They had a scuffle, and prisoner succeeded in throwing wit- ness down. The crowd which had collected there had <iot on him and his brother officer, and in the confusion the prisoner escaped. He re-arrested him, however, in a short time afterwards, near the Farmer's Arms. P.C. Lewis corroborated the above evidence.—Defendant admitted being drunk, but denied striking the officer as was stated. —The Bench fined him 40s including costs, or 21 days' im- prison men t. ASSAULT.—Charles Jones was brought up charged with assaulting a prostitute named Caroline Smith.-Prosecutrix. who had a large black eye, stated that she lived at Pont- storehouse last night, she and prisoner were drinking in her house; he said something to her, and she struck him, and he struck her back. She remembered nothing else he- cause she was very drunk. Prisoner tried to kick her, hut she fell down.—Mary Pritchard was called, and said that she went into the previous witness's house last ni<:ht, whilst she and prisoner were at supper they were disput ing about something, and Caroline struck him a blow he then got up and struck her back. P.C. Olding deposed to arresting the prisoner, but he made no reply to the charge prisoner was sober.—Prosecutor told him that prisoner had struck her with a poker and jack, and that had caused the black eje.—The prosecutrix was recalled and said she was so drunk, that she did not remember what she told the police- offieer,Ma.ry Ann James, the girl with whom the prosecu- trix was disputing, was called, and in reply to the Bench said she knew nothing about the affair as she was also very drunk.—Mr Fowler The more shame for you to say so.- The Bench discharged the prisoner. A LITTLE VIXEN.—Catherine Crowley, an Irishwoman, whose name already appears for being drunk and riotous, now appeared in answer to a summons for wilfully damaging a cap, the property of Mrs Vaughan, Jackson s'-bri(I ,c- Inn, Merthyr.-The prosecutrix stated that on Sunday week the prisoner was in her house; as she was creating a distur- bance she told her to be quiet, and afterwards ordered her to leave the house; she went out, and witness belted the bar door after her. Prisoner then caught hold of one of witness's caps, and tore it to pieces. The cap was worth 3s 61. The prisoner was the worse for beer.—The Bench fined the prisoner 2s 6d. compensation 3s 6d, and costs, or in default 10 days' imprisonment. ADJOURNED ASSAULT CASE —David Jenkins again ap- peared in answer to a summons charging him with as- saulting Mariah Freedman. The case was an adjourned one, and was reported in our last week's issue.—Mr Plews appeared for the defendant- John Davies, the person for whom the case was adjourned was called and stated that he was in the shop on the day in question he heard the defendant asking 3s for his coat, but the complainant re- fused to give him that sum. He then asked her for 2s or Is, but she still refused. He then asked her to give him some- thing on it, but she refused, and also refused to return the coat. There was a woman and a boy in the shop at the time. -Defendant asked for the coat back, but prosecutrix said Go. go and persisted in refusing to give the coat up; defendant then caught bold of a book which was on the counter, and put it under his arm, and walked out of the shop; prosecutrix followed him, calling out "thief," he then returned and placed the book on the counter where he had taken it from, and again asked for the coat, and as prosecutrix would not give it him he jumped on the counter in order that he might reach it from the window, where prosecutrix had placed it. No sooner had he done that than Mrs Freedman called out Murder." She then threw him the coat, and he got down again. He was certain that defendant did not strike a blow.- The Bench observed that they were under the impression that some kind of blow was struck, but as the evidence for the defence, which was the most weighty, negatived that statement they had no course but to dismiss the summons. WEDNESDAY. —(Before J. C. Fowler, Esqr ) COAL STEALING.—Ellen Sullivan, a girl 16 years of age. was brought np on a warrant charged with stealing lbs of coal, the property of Messrs Nixon, Taylor and Company. The case was an adjourned one from the Aberdare Police Court of yesterday. P.C. Castle stated that on the 10th January he sawlthe prisoner at the Deep Duffryn Pit about half-past two in the afternoon. There was another girl with her, and they had a heap of coal with them, which weighed 82lbs. When prisoner and the other girl saw him they ran away; he followed them, but did not succeed in catching them. The coal was the property of Messrs Nixon, Taylor and Company. He was certain prisoner was one of the girls. There was a notice posted up on the tips, warning persons from taking coal—Mr John Gray, an agent under Messrs Nixon, was called to prove the owner- ship of the coal.—Mr Superintendent Thomas proved sevc- ral previous convictions against the prisoner, and she was ultimately committed for trial. LARCENY. David Woods was charged with stealing a carpet bag containing a number of articles of wearing apparel, and also a number of shoemaker's tools, the pro- perty of John Brooks. The prosecutor said he was a shoe- maker, and resided at present at Dowlais he walked with the prisoner from the Cross Gates, in Radnorshire, to Dowiais he came to the latter place on Saturday evening, and had with him a carpet bag containing the articles named in the charge they got to a public house there where they engaged lodgings, and prisoner took his carpet bag inside meeting a friend at the time, he went with him, leaving the Erisoner by himself when he returned to the public house e missed both the prisoner and his bag of carpet "—A rag and bone collector was called, and deposed to selling him the shoemaker's tools (produced). The prisoner was here remanded until Saturday, in order that enquiries might be made as to his previous character. ASSAULT.—Charlotte Thomas v. Thomas Griffiths. —Com- plainant's statement was, that a few days since, hearing the defendant quarrelling with her daughter and making use of abusive language, she went up to him, when he struck her.-Defendant on being asked if he bad any defence, stated that the complainant threw a stone through the window of his house, and that commenced the row. —The complainant, however, denied the latter state- ment, and stated that she threw the stone after the assault had been committed. — Witnesses for both sides having been called, the Bench dismissed the summons, observing that the complainant bad evidently taken the law into her own hands. -w- MOUNTAIN ASH BOARD OF HEALTH. The ordinary fortnightly meeting was held at the Work- man's Hall on Monday last, when there were present Messrs R. Williams (in the chair), E. Thomas. J. Edwards, J. Griffiths, T. Edwards, DI. James, T. Jones, D. Cole- man, D. Morgan, and the Revs. J. W. Williams, and D. Jones. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Mr J. Griffiths remarked that before they proceeded with the business of the Board, he wished to say a few words, in order that they might despatch the business they had to transact with as little delay as possible. He begged to direct their attention to the 15th bye-law of the Board, which was to the effect that no member should speak more than once upon any one subject, excepting in giving an ex- planation, and then he should confine himself simply to giving that explanation, and the mover of the resolution, who had a right to speak twice, the second time by way of reply to the arguments advanced by bis opponents He made these remarks because a large amount of the time of the Board was occupied with petty conversation. He re- membered the time when the business was transacted in less than half the time. He hoped the chairman would carry out the bye-law he had drawn their attention to. The Clerk read the bye-law referred to, which was to the above effect. He observed that the same bye-law was in force in the House of Commons. The Rev J. W. Williams Perhaps Mr Griffiths wants to shut some one's mouth. Mr Griffiths No I do not, but last meeting we were here for three or four hours, when the business could have been transacted in half that time. GRAIC ROAD APPORTIONMENT. The report of the committee appointed to go into the above matter was read, when it appeared that they were of opinion that the money stated to have been spent upon Graig Road had really been expended in executing the private improvements, and they were satisfied that the apportionment was a reasonable one. Mr T. Jones proposed, and Mr Dl. James seconded, that the report be adopted. Mr J. Grimths How much money is there out now for private improvements ? The Clerk Altogether there is £149. I suppose you will include in the resolution that the Clerk be instructed to get the money in at once. This suggestion was also agreed to. THE SALARIES OF THE OFFICIALS. The Clerk observed that the next matter on the minutes for discussion was the adjourned discussion upon the salaries of the officials. Would they go on with it at once, or after the other business was over. The Rev J. W. Williams and T. Edwards thought they ought to proceed with it at once. The Board generally being of this opinion, the Clerk and other officers in the room withdrew. The Rev J. W, Williams, who had brought the matter forward at the previous meeting then rose, and observed that it was with extreme reluctance that he brought the question forward again, for the reason that he had already drawn their attention to it on that day fortnight. He was, however, glad to find on that occasion that his proposition had met with the appreciation of the majority of the Board, and especially those members who represented the largest ratepayers in the district. As they were aware, the question was the necessity for re-considering the salaries of the present officials. He did not wish to proceed to any extent whatever himself, but he wanted simply to take their sense upon the matter. They knew as well as he did that in certain quarters complaints were rife, and also very numerous, that they were paying their officials too much. and that as a Board they were indiscreet in the way in which they applied the rates they levied. What he had proposed at the last meeting was that three officesRhould be merged in one—viz.,those of Surveyor, Col- lector, and Inspector of Nuisances. The proposition was not passed then, but he submitted it to their consideration in order that something might be settled. With reference to the Surveyor, he was employed by them but half his time and he was not at liberty to augment hi- salary oy taking any otbpr work. That was, iu his opii io i, \ery oo- jectionalde. The Chairman: But he is at l'beity to 'o a'lyt'iir.j.' out of the district. Tll" Rev Air Willi-ims observed 11a' Llè was aware "f that, but within the dsMrict he was not allowed to *» any- t!']! F.- subusi'tcd llie questi'.ii of the salaries of the ••vmvvor. Cieik, ]».«.-«!or of Nuisances, and Cull- c'.or •,o • thv P.oard, in <>r<i> r. if they til >uj;hr fit, to rat't'y what l:»i i: oO! «■ (it tLe i-.ni): Cf me J c .,f the- }'k>ar 1. or e:se t< iiinke à ch.niL'-i — cither iv make á change ill ihe s: a;s o, in the officials The Chairman remarked th.it they could i ot prie-ed unless he made a proposition. The Rev Mr V> r,is said ho did not wi-'i to do so un!< ss the Hoard desired him. He thought they ought to discuss the matter first, and then come to some: conclusion. As, ho\vev?r, it seemed to he the wish of the Board that he should make a proposition lie would do ;.o. and it would be to the effect that_ the three offices of Surveyor, Collector, and [nsp(.-ct«T of Nuisances, be comhiued 1.:1 one. Their Board, he stated, would not be the olliv one wbich adoptei such a course, for he found in the hand-book of Load Beards that a large majority of tfce Beards in the kingdom combim-d the three offices. He wished to remind them that the population and rateable value of those districts was much larger than their own. If they insisted on his making a proposition. he would do so, and it was to the effect that their present officials be discharged at the expiration of three months' notice, and that fre:>:} arrangements be wad", by tender. He wished the competition to be open—they might or might not re-engage their present officials. He then made a pT0position to that effect. Mr Thomas Edwards seconded the proposition. He agreed entirely with what had been said by the previous speaker. He remembered that after the second election they had a discussion as to what were the duties of the Clerk. The discussion was brought on by an account of £:0 which the Clerk presented for conducting the election. The Board were of opinion that as he was their sen-;t!1t he ought aha tl) do the election work withc>ut exfra The discussion therdore was "Did, or did not the salary include the performance of the election work?" That question the Board could noi decide. They had it however from Mr G. Brown and Mr 6. Wilkinson that those gentlemen Wtre under the impression that, when they moved at the formation of the Board that a salary of £100 be given to the Clerk, that that sum included election work. After discussing the matter at sever:11 meetings they finally came to the conclusion that the Clerk sbculd write to other Boards respecting the question. They Lad replies which might be seen on the minute book, and every one of them said that the election work was extra, i Consequently it was thpn settled that when they raid £100 it did not include the election work. It was true that their Clerk did not charge anything for the last election, but disagreeable r. marks had been made frum time to time about the extra remuneration. They paid to their officials something like £2:20 per year, which was 2s 6d per £ of the whole of the rates collected. That was in his opinion far too much money for officials for such a small district as their own. They had after paying the salaries but 17s Gd in every £ to lay out, and he therefore thought it was time for them to take the matter into their considers- tion to see whether they could not re-organise their staff. and that in a more economic way. He hoped they would not hastily decide the question, but would think well what they were doing. His own opinion was that they were paying their clerk too much money, and that was not his opinion only, for he believed every member concurred in it. Both Mr Brown and Mr Wilkinson had stated that they vrould not have proposed a salary of £100 per year if they were not under the impression that it included the election work. After making a few further remarks he concluded by seconding the proposition. Mr E. Thomas thought that if the proposition was car ried they ought to advertise in the local newspapers for new officials By that means they would give every one a fair chance, and the ratepayers would perceive that they weredei-irousofdoingtheirduty. Mr T. Jones Of course that would be done at the expi- ration of the three months' notice. Mr. Thomas replied in the affirmative, and made a pro- position that advertisements should be insfilrted in the ] newspapers for new officers. This proposition, which was seconded by Mr D. James, was ultimately merged in that of the Rev. J. W. j Williams. Mr. D. Morgan observed that he rose not for the purpose of making an amendment, but to state that he thought the Board were not at present in possession of sufficient know- ledge of the matter, to come to a conclusion. He would therefore move that their Clerk be requested to write to different Boards of Health similarly situated respecting the matter. Mr. James Edwards stated that outside the Board there were numerous complaints as to tbe way in which the}' managed their affairs—the ratepayers being of opinion that they gave their officials too high a salary. That being so. he thought it was their duty to see that the work could not he executed cheaper. He differed from the view taken by Mr Morgan, for they were at present well aware for what woik they paid their officials their respec- tive salaries, and he maintained that the salaries paid by the Boards of Health at Merthyr and Aberdare were no criterion for them to tro by, for at those places there was much more work to be done than at Mountain Ash. He thought that by combining the three offices in one. as had been suggested, they would be able to save a little. and if the Board thought that. that was practicable, it was their duty to do so. He thought that their Surveyor might be induced, with an addition to his salary, to perform the other two duties; but if he declined, he (the speaker) did not think they would have an}7 difficulty in finding a person willing to do the work. The Chairman could not say he agreed with all that had been said. He thought that they ought to leave matters as they were. He w as of opinion that they were not paying their officers too high a salary. There was their Collector he received £20 per year, which, if he recollected rightly, was about 11 per cent. on what was collected. He was cer- tain it was not more than Ii per cent., if it was that amount. He did not think any member would say that that was too high. Then they came to the Inspector of Nuisances. They had an excellent servant in P S. Hocg- son, and it was vert doubtful whether the Surveyor could do the work as well, for the latter would not have the power to enter dwellings where nuisances existed, which the police-sergeant had. The Inspector's salary was very moderate, being only £1;) per year. The Clerk's salary cer- tainly did look a large amount, but they could not have a professional man for less. His opinion was that they ought to leave matters as they were. A general conversation followed, during which the Rev. D. Jones proposed and Mr Coleman seconded that a com- mittee should be formed to go into the wdiole question. The Chairman then put the motion to the BoarJ when there were in its favour Messrs E. Thomas, T. Edwards, Jamus Edwards. T. Jones, Daniel James, and the Rev. J. W. Williams, total, 6 for the amendment, Messrs D. Morgan, D Coleman, J. Griffiths, and the Rev. D. Jones. The Chairman did not vote. The motion was declared carried. Afti r a conversation :11' to who 11ad to give the notices to the officials, the Clerk, the Deputy Clerk and the Surveyor were then called in. and the Chairman informed the former of the <b cbion of the Board. The Chaii man Who is to give the notices ? A Member Are they not to be signed by the Chairman ? The Rev. J. W. Williams: Will the Clerk give it to himself ? The Chan-man (to the Clerk): We must have your ad- vice upon those points, and also from when are the notices to be dat;d—from the beginning of a quarter, or from the time. The Chi k thought they ought to ask an independent, person. Mr Daniel James I think it is the duty of our Clerk to teil us. (Laughter). The Clerk As far as I am concerned I do not require notice, but it is but fair that the other officers should have j three months. The Chairman wished to know from when the notices would begin. Whether from the beginning of a quarter or from the present time? The Clerk replied that they had only to give reasonable notice, and he believed three months was reasonable. Of course if any of the officers bad misconducted themselves they had power to discharge them immediately. The Rev Mr Williams stated that it was not imputed for a moment that any of the officers had misconducted them- selves. The Clerk stated in reply to further interrogations that the notice would commence from the present time, and that they would be signed by himself, as there was a bye-law to the effect that all the documents had to be signed by the Clerk. The Ilev J. W. Williams: Will you sign your own nctice ? The Clerk No I will not have one.. THE BALLOT. The Clerk stated that in accordance with the instructions he had received at the last meeting he had prepared a peti- tion in favour of extending the ballot to Boards of Health and Board of Guardians elections, which he then read, and which was, upon the proposition of Mr J. Griffiths, seconded by Mr T. Edwards, adopted, unanimously. The Llerk was ordered to send the petition to the Hight Hon. H. A. Bruce, M.P., for presentation SURVEYOR s> REPORT. The following report was read To the Chairman and Members of the Mountain Ash Local Board of Health. "Gentlemen,—Iu accordance with orders made at your last meeting, I have examined the situation and taken the gradients ( f the sewers at the back of Henry-street, and 1 beg to lay before you a plan and report of the same. There appears to be no cause for complaint as regards the carry- ing of nuisance and surface water, nor with the gradient and size of the lower portion of the sewers from point A to B, C and D marked on the plan in red letters, distance of about 250 feet and a fall of 18 inches in the length. These sewers are sufficient for their present purpose—i c.. the drainage of the privies and the backs of the houses, although I cannot consider them as permanent sewers, because, in the first place, they are not properly con- structed; secondly, they have no proper outlet; and thirdly, in consequence of their inferior construction they are liable at any time to become choked and stopped. Still, with great attention, these sewers may last same time, and until you can carry out an effectual system of drainage. The great fault and cause of the nuisance at the hack of the said Henry-street (which has so often been brought before you) arises in consequence of the upper position of the old sewer from point D to E and F, a distance of 130 feet, falling in a different direction to the lower portion of the said sewer. The lowest point of this (the said upper portion of the sewers) being at point E, from where the excrement of this sewer flows upon the gardens, creates the nuisance before-mentioned. To remedy this nuisance, it will be necessary to construct a temporary sewer from the said point E to G—a distance of about 50 feet, and connect the same with a sewer already con- structed at a level of nine inches below the bottom of the said old sewer. By carrying out this work, I have no doubt the present nuisance will be carried away. I beg to report that on the 22ad inst. I met and accom- panied vour clerk and the committee appointed to inves- tigate the apportionment of private improvements in Graig Road, a report of which proceedings will be laid before you. I beg also to report that I have prepared a specification and form of tender for glazing the public lamps, and have invited the local painters and glaziers to tender for the same. I am, Gentlemen, your obedient servant, March 27, 1S71 S. O. HAKPUR, Surveyor. THE HENRY STREET DRAIN. Mr Griffiths What will be the expense of making a drain as recommended in the Surveyor's report. The Surveyor Net much It will be about 13 ya^s, and will cost about 3s per yard. I The Rev Mr Williams, after beirg satisfied by the Sur" j vevor that, the formation of the drain woi.llbe a public good, juopi-'t i that it should be constructed as recom- monH.vi in the nport. provided it did not cost more than £ 25*o>. Thf_Si-.rve.yor guarantee' that it should not cost more I than that sum, and the proposition was then agreed to unanimously. GLAZIXG THE GAS LAXirs. The Clerk stated that but one tender had been received for g;azi:ig che gas lamps, and that was from Mr Robert Thomas;, whose tender was double that of his eld one The Survey-r st:to that by the new tender the glass of each iaiLp would cs' them 8s 4d. The tender was allowed to stand over, the Surveyor being instructe 1 to enquire into the prices of the different kinds of glass by the next meeting. APPLICATION FOR IMPROVI.Yo A PRIVATE ROAD. A letter was read from the Taff Vale Railway station* master, calling the attention of the Board to the road locoing from the Taff Valf Railway gate and the street, and asking them to improve the same. The Surveyor: The road the applicant refers to is a part of Henry-street. The Chairman Is it a public highway ? T -■ Surveyor No it is a private road The application was refused. INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES' REPORT. The fortnightly report of the Inspector was read, but contained nothing of any special interest. The Finance Committee's report having been read and adopted, and the cheques signed, the Board broke up. REYMNEY INTELLIENCE. PEXXY READINGS. —One of the above entertainments came off on Saturday evening last, at the Lower British Schoolroom. The duties of the chair were acquitted by Mr J. Perkins (Dyfnwal Dyfed). The attendance on the occa- sIOn was large. Recitations were yiven bv Messrs J. Davies, E. uliams. and S Evans. Readings by Messrs J. Chris- troDher, and F. Evans. Songs hv Messrs J. Davies, D. Thomas. A. Jenkins, G. Jones. W. Powell, J. Evans, B. Jones, E. Williams, Ac. The Rhymney drum and fife band played some selections also. Tu, proceedings on the whole wre interesting. A vote of taanke having been given to tne chairman, the meeting concluded by singing the National Anthem. MORIAH INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. — The scholars and teachers of Moriah Sunday School, together with those of Nazareth Iudejiendent chapel. Pontiottyn, met at the above chapel on Sunday afternoon last. to recite what is called in Welsh a "Pwngc." The portion of Scripture recited by Nazareth School w as the first chapter of Hebrews, and that by Monah School being the 25th chapter of Matthew. Each school recited its portion very well, and answered fairly to the questions asked them (on the meaning of the subject) by the Rev. T. C. Griffiths. RHYMNEY RAILWAY Cein-ONN TUNNEL.—This tunnel was commenced about six years ago by Messrs Griffiths and Thomas, of Newport whogave the contract up. It was subse- quently taken iu hand by Messrs Pearson and Hemingway, who had immense difficulties to contend with they have, however, been overcome, and the work is now completed, the Governmeiit inspector being expected down shortly. The new line will be opened about the beginning of next month, and the new route from Rhymney to Cardiff will be three miles shorter than the old one. + BLAINA. PRESENTATION.—Last week Dr Sloper, surgeon to the Blaina Iron Company, was presented by the workmen and inhabitants of the district with a testimonial valued at 130 guineas, consisting of a massive silver salver and goblet, beautifully chased and suitably inscribed illuminated ad- dresses in English and Welsh, and a purse containing JE63. The money was raised among the workmen, who one and all came forward readily to return, if only in a small way, the kindness they had experienced at the hands of Mr Sloper during the two years the woiks were stopped. The presentation took place at the British school-room, amidst the greatest enthusiasm. There was a very crowded as- sembly, and the Rev D. Morgan, rector of the parish, occu- pied the chair. *i CAERPHILLY PETTY SESSIONS. CNJUST WEIGHTS.—At the Petty Sessions held at the Castle Hotel on Tuesday (before Messrs. David Davies and Joseph Davies). the following persom were summoned by Mr Superintendent Matthews, inspector of weights and measures:—Thomas Williams, butcher. Gelligaer. for having in his possession the undermentioned weights light to the extent named one 51b, one dram 2Ib., two drams two lib. one dram each and two jibs., half dram each. The defendant pleaded that the weights had not been used for five years. This plea, Mr Matthews was inclined to think, was a very plausible one, though he asked hew, when people kept such weights in their possession, was he to know whether they were in use or not. He only considered it right in every instance to examine them. The Clerk Oh, obviously so, or otherwise it would open the door to any amcunt of abuse. Fined Is. and 9s. costs.—Daniel Wil- liams, grocer, Gelligaer, for having in his possession two scales, each respectively light to the extent of lioz. and 8oz Mr Matthews said that on a second visit to the defen- dant he found that the scale had been put right. The Clprk said that in this case, supposing the defendant always sold, he would be injuring himself but taking the other view, it was possible that a person might have scales for the puopose of buying. The simple question, however, was whether wrong- scales, either against the buyer or seller, did not open the door to abuses. Fined Is. and 9s. costs.— David Thomas, provision dealer, Gelligaer, for having a balance scale 2oz. against the purchaser. Mr Matthews said that the scale was used for weighing such commodities as bacon, cheese, and butter, and that amount lost by the purchaser on those articles was a serious matter. Mr D. Davies: Out of how much would there bethatloss? The Clerk: Possibly out of a pound. Mr. Matthews said he tried the scale and found that on a pound it was not quite two ounces against the purchaser, but that on two pounds it was quite that Fined 10s. and 9s. costs.—John Edwards, grocer, Uelligaer. for having in his possession one 281b. weight four drachms light, was fined Is. and 9s. costs. — Richard Cule, grocer, Llanvabon, for having in his possession a beam scale which was 2| drachms against the purchaser, and the following weights light to the extent named:—one 561b., Ii oz. two 56ib., I oz each, one 7Ib., 19 drachms onf41b., 20 drachms one 41b., 20 drachms one 41b., 20 drachms one 41b., 5 drachms one 21b., 6>, drachms and one lib., 2k drachms. Mr Matthews said that this was one of the worst cases he ever knew. Fined £1 18s., including costs. —John Ellis, grocer, Llanvabon, for having in his posses- sion a beam scale one ounce against the buyer. Fined 10s. and 9s. costs. Each of the defendants was cautioned by the magistrates that should the offence be committed again the penalty would be JE5. MALICIOCS DAil AGE.—Catherine Robinson, a soldier's widow, meanly attired, and of dejected appearance, was charged with having on the prevsous evening broken a window at the Haulier's Arms. Tongwynlais. Henry West- macott, the complainant, said that the defendant came into his house, and after offering some articles for sale used abusive language to him, and when requested to leave re- fused. She was then put into the street, whereupon she smashed in rapid succession no less than six panes of glass in the defendant's window, the aggregate value of which was 2s. Gd. In answer to the magistrates, the defendant said sbe had heen in India and in other distant parts of the world, but she had never committed herself as in the pre- sent instance. She had through trouble, the loss of her children, and the vicissitude of travel, contracted an affec- tion of the brain, which made it dangerous for her to take any intoxicants. She was not sober when the offence was committed, and knew not what she was doing. She had no money to pay for the damage done, or she would have paid the amount. The magistrates took a lenient view of the case, and sent her to prison for a week. The complainant had to pay, in addition to the loss already incurred in the demolition of his windows, the sum of 5s. 6d., the costs of the prosecution. SERIOUS ASSAULT.—David Saunders (haulier), Richard Andrews (collier), both of Llanvabon, and David Davies, landlord of the Horse and Groom beerhouse, Nelson, were charged with having, on the 26th inst., assaulted one David Jones. It appeared that the ribs of the complainant had been broken, and he was not yet in a sufficiently recovered condition to come to Court. The defendants were there- fore remanded for a month, bail being accepted.

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