The Illustrated Usk Observer and Raglan Herald

TO CORRESPONDENTS AND READERS Some Abergavenny intelligence; additional particulars of Sale at the Sluvad, and other matters to hand too late.

DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE. Monmouthshire Quarter Sessions. The Michaelmas Sessions for this county com- menced at the Town Hall, Usk, on Monday last, the following magistrates being present: S. R. Bosanquet, Esq. (Chairman); Sir Thos. Phillips, knt., (deputy-chairman); Lord Llanover; Octavius Mor- gan, Esq., M.P.; John E. W. Rolls, Esq.; Captain Tyler; F. Levick, Esq.; J. James, Esq.; H. M. Kennard, Esq.; Rev. Richard Wiltiams Colonel Vaughan; W. A. Wil- liams, Esq; S. Churchill, Esq.; G. R. Greenhow-Relph, Esq., and Major M'Donnell. The minutes of last Sessions having been read over and considered, the Clerk of the Peace proceeded to read the reports. COUNTY POLICE. The POLICE COMMITTEE REPORTED that the Chief Constable's account lor the quarter had been examined with the vouchers, and a balance ofjBl 16s. 2d. was found to be due from the Chief Constable. The Committee re- commended payment of bills amounting to 9638 16s. 4.1.; and also that the Chief Constable be authorised to pay the fees on informations by the police, and to apply to the Magistrates for orders on the Overseers of parishes to repay the expenses in cases of drunkenness and vagrancy The CHIEF CONSTABLE'S REPORT stated that there appeared to be an increase both in the indictable offen- ces, and in those disposed of summarily; the increase in the former was principally under the head of breaking into and attempts to break into houses. These had generally been cottages situated in remote parts of the county, deserted during the day by their inhabitants, and exposed to the depredations of every passing tramp. The increase in the cases disposed of summarily, was prin- cipally, under the heads of drunkenness, vagrancy, and assaults. He believed that this apparent increase in drunken cases may be attributed to the operation of the clause against drunken and riotous persons, in the Wine LicensesrAct; and the increase in vagrancy cases, to the instructions given to the constables to use every exertion to suppress the professional and able-bodied tramp. The appointment of the police as relieving officers tor vagrants, in every Union of the county, but that of Pontypool, had much assisted in diminishing the daily average of profes- sional vagrants passing through the county. This had been reduced from a daily average of 99 in 1861, to 71. The expences of the constabulary establishment varied but little from those of last year, and, deducting the Government allowance and the building of stations, would be covered by a rate of 2 £ d. in the £ for the year. He had appointed an additional constable to be stationed at Machen, during the progress of the railway works, and to be paid for by the Company, for which he asked the ap- proval of the Court. An application had also been made by some of the principal inhabitants of Portskewitt and Caldicot, for a constable to be stationed in that locality until the'completion of the railway worka. Having no extra constables, and the Magistrates acting in the divi- sion having declined to compel the Railway Company to pay for a constable, he had been unable to comply with the wishes of the applicants. (Signed) EDMUND HERBERT, Chief Constable. The following table was appended to the report :— Offences Persons Persons Dis- Con- Year, com- appre- proceeded ha d> victed. mitted. bended, against. 1861 212 218 2167 468 1699 1862 234 158 2374 547 1827 The REPORT OP THE POLICE STATIONS' COMMITTEE recited the main points of the scheme prepared by the Chief Constable for providing extra Petty Sessional Court Houses and Police Stations. The scheme proposed that let class courts, to comprise a court, a retiring room, a witness room, and a water closet, be erected at Tredegar, Chepstow, Newport, and Blaina, at an estimated cost of £ 765 each, and that 2nd class courts be erected at Trel- leck, Caerleon, Raglan, and Skenfrith, at an estimated cost of £ 446 each. The scheme also included first class police ac- commodation, toconsist of a day room, office, 4 cells, a stable, and residence for-a married superintendent, and a married, and 3 unmarried constables, at Usk, Pontypool, and Trede- gar, at the estimated cost of £877 each; second class police accommodation, to consist of a day room, office, 2 cells, and residence for a married sergeant, and two single con- stables, at Chepstow, Blaenavon, Newport, Ebbw Vale, Blaina, and Rhymney, at the estimated cost of £600 each; and third class police accommodation, to consist of a day room, and residence for a married and single constable, at Tintern, Trelleck, Monmouth, Garndiffaitb, Llanover, Bassalleg, Risca, Machen, St. MelIons, Magor, Whitson, Caerleon, Pontnewydd, Llantarnam, Newbridge, Hinvi- bangel Crucorney, Ragland, Llanarth, Cross Ash, and Grosmont. At the estimated cost of £274 each. The estimated cost tor the new buildings, was £ 16,555, exclusive of the sites, and incidental expenses. The Committee were of opinion that if the works re- commended by the Chief Constable were undertaken by the county, an expenditure exceeding £ 20,000 would be incurred. If this sum were borrowed, at an interest of £ 5 per cent, and repaid in 20 years, the yearly cost to the county during that term, would amount to JE1600. The Committee, assuming that the holding of Petty Sessions in public houses, is to be discontinued as soon as other suitable provision is made for the sittings of magistrates, recommended that the erection of courts be limited to those districts within which suitable accommodation cannot be otherwise provided. As a temporary expedient, zC210 a year is now paid by the county, for the rent of police m accommodation, of which £ 97 16s. is received from the constables for rent, and this loaves a charge on the county of £ 112 4s. for those rent3. In other cases, the constables rent and pay for their own residences. The Committee were opposed to the erection of public buildings for the accommodation of the police force, in cases were the re- quired accommodation could be obtained at moderate yearly rents. The Committee had agreed on the following recommendations, which they submitted to the Court:— Chepstow, 2nd class police station; Tintern to remain as at present; Monmouth to remain as at present; Trelleck to remain as at present Pontyoool, 1st class police sta- tion, if practicable stable to be omitted; Garndiffaith to remain as at present; Biaenavon, 2nd class police station; Llanover to remain as at present. Newport, magistrates' accommodation deferred. 2nd class police stations for Bassalleg, St, Mellons, Machen, and 3rd class for Risca; Magor, 3rd class police station; Caerleon, 2nd class magistrates', and 3rd class police station; Pontnewydd and Llantarnam to remain as at present; Tredegar, 1st class .magistrates', and 1st class police station Blaina, 1st class magistrates', and 2nd class police station; Rhymney and Ebbw Vale, 2nd class police stations; Llanvihangel Cru- corney to remain as at present; Raglan, 2nd class magis- trates', and 3rd class police station; Llanarth to remain as at present; Skenfrith, magistrates' accommodation deferred, 3rd class police station; Usk, it is desirable that the accommodation at present existing should be conoen- trated, with the addition of accommodation for the superintendents. In introducing the subject of the above report for dis- cussion, the Chairman, explained the distinction of the classes as stated in the report, and left the matter in the hands of the court. I Sir Thomas Phillips, although he agreed that it was quite proper for the matter to come under the considera- tion of the Court that day; thought it was ft subject of too much moment, involving, as it did, an expenditure of £ 20,000, to be hastily determined upon, and he, there- fore, proposed that the report be entered upon the minutes, and printed and circulated throughout the county, so that the subject may cotae before the Court next Sessions, after due deliberation, to be determined upon. Lord Llanover concurred with Sir T. Phillips' pro- position, and suggested that if anything were printed, it would be well to add to the report of the Committee, the scheme of the Chief Constable IN EXTENSO, as, where such a large outlay was proposed, it would be impossible to have too much information on the subject. It was ultimately resolved that the scheme and recom- mendations of the Chief Constable, together with the report of the Committee, should be printed and circulated, and that the matter should be brought under the considera- tion of the Court at the next Sessions. Mr. Octavim Morgan M.P., called the attention of the Court to a communication received from the Town Council, of Newport, applying for the pavment of an annual rental of £20, for the holding of the Newport and Christchurch divisional petty sessions, in the Borough Court at the Town Hall; and proposed that instead of acceding to the application of the Town Council, the Justices be empow- ered to rent a portion of a new building erected by Mr. Bolt, at Baneswell, which was offered at the same rental, and was admirably adapted for the purpose, with the ad- ditional advantage that another portion of the building could be made available for a station for the county con- stabulary. After some discussion on the piint, it was ordered that the Justices of the Newport and Christ-church divisions be empowered to carry Mr. Morgan's proposition into effect, Lord Llanover suggesting that a reply be forwarded to the Newport Town Council, respectfully declining their offer, and thanking them for the past use of the Town Hall free of charge. > In reference to the order, made upon the Police Sta- tions' Committee's report, the learned Chairman thought it would be desirable to make exceptions with regard to the Caerleon and Raglan divisions, where the petty ses. sions were at present held in public houses, as very eligible sites had been offered for the erection of the proposed buildings in those divisions, and if deferred the sites may be lost. Another reason for immediate action as regarded the Raglan division was that the inhabitants of Llandenny had applied to be removed from that division to the Usk division, but when it was understood by them that the petty sessional court house was about to be removed from Cross Buchan to Raglan, they preferred remaining as they were. Mr. Relph was sorry to differ from the Chairman, but he did so on principle, as he thought no exceptions should be made, but that the whole matter should be allowed to stand over, as the same sites would,'no doubt, be obtainable at Christmas; and he therefore proposed that the report be printed as it was. including the Caerleon and Raglan divisions. The Chairman explained that he did not propose that the Committee should fix on the sites, but merely that it should be empowered to agree for them. Sir Thomas Phillips saw no objection to the Committee being authorised to negoeiute for the sites, but it would be very inconvenient if they were allowed, to conclude the agreement, and the propositions were afterwards negatived by the Court. It was ultimately ordered that the Police Committee have power to negociate for sites for police stations at Caerleon and Raglan, subject to the orders of the Court of Sessions. MILITIA ACCOMMODATION. Plans and estimates for the alterations at the Castle House, Monmouth, to meet the requirements of the Secretary of State, were laid before the Court by Mr. David Lewis, architect. The estimated cost of No. 1 plan was £319216s. 6d.; No. 2, dS2074 16s. 2d.; and No. 3, 917614s. A letter from Mr.Wyatt, the Duke of Beaufort's agent, was read, declining to allow the Town Clerk's residence to be included in the extended lease. Lord Llanover thought it would be premature to con. clude the extended lease of the premises, until the authori- ties at the War Office, had signified their approval of one of the plans. After some discussion as to the necessity of including a new armoury in the alterations, the Chairman said the question for the Court was, which plan should be sub- mitted to the Lord Lieutenant, to be forwarded to the Secretary of State. Lord Llanover asked officially, that a plan shewing the present accommodation at the Castle House, should ac- company the plan of the proposed alterations submitted to him, and he would also be glad to have a ground plan of the entrance to the barrack yard, and the Town Clerk's house. It was ultimately resolved that plan No. 3, together with a ground plan of the whole site, including the Town Clerk's house, be forwarded to the Lord Lieutenant, to be laid before the Secretary of State. THE NEW HIGHWAY ACT. The Chairman called the attention of the Court to a new highway Act, of last Session, which divided each county into districts, under the control of way-wardens and magistrates. He understood that one parish (Gwe- helog) intended applying to next Sessions for the ne- cessary powers for placing itself under a management of this kind and he mentioned the subject as other parishes may see it expedient to do the same, in which case it would be well that they should come forward at next Ses- sions with the hamlet referred to; as the Act, if taken advantage of. cannot come in force At any time but on the 25th of March, in any one year. COUNTY FINANCE. The FINANCE COMMITTEE reported that the Treasurer's and the police aeccounts for the past half-year, had been examined with the touchers and found correct. The bills sent in to the Clerk of the Peace, had been examined, signed by the Chairman, and recommended to the Court for payment. The Committee had under consideration the question of commuting the fees of the Clerk of the Peace for a fixed salary, for which there are powers given in the Act 14 and 15 Vic., cap. 55; and they recommended to the Court that the subject be referred to them to make enquiry and report. The Committee recommended rates of fd. in the £ for the purposes of the county rate, and of ■3-d. in the £ for the purposes of the police, for the ensuing quarter. The rates recommended in the above report were granted. HOUSE OF CORRECTION. The VISITING JUSTICES reported that the rules had been well observed, that discipline had, with one excep- tion, been satisfactorily maintained, and that the general health of the prisoners had been good. The condition of the prison was substantially good; no repairs calling for remark having been needed; but the Justices considered that the Governor's house required improved water closet | accommodation. The proposed improvement in the water closet accom- modation was ordered to be. effected at an expense not exceeding dBlO. The GOVERNOR'S ANNUAL REPORT shewed the number of prisoners committed to this prison during the year ending 30th September, to have been: Males, 567 fe- males, 248-total, 815; 14 of whom were under 12 years of age; 51, 12 to 16; 146,16 to 21; 255. 21 to 30; 160, 30 to 40; 122,40 to 50; 46,50 to 60; 20, 60 and above; 2, ages not ascertained. 306 of the number were entered as being natives of Monmouthshire; 226 of other English counties; 117 of Wales; 118 of Ireland and 13 of Scotland. 359 of the prisoners could neither read nor write; 445 could read and write imperfectly; 9 read and write well; and 2 of superior instruction. The GOVERNOR'S QUARTERLY CERTIFICATE merely stated that the rules and regulations had been observed as far as practicable during the quarter. The CHAPLAIN'S REPORT, in consequence of its being of such a lengthy nature, was not read. The SURGEON'S REPORT ran as follows :—" The health of the prison has been very good, less sickness. The largest number ever in one year on my books, 849, men, women and children. 1 death, 1 birth, 7 infirmary cases, prevalent disorders, colds, diarrhoea, venereal, epilepsy, itch, delirium tremens. The diet I have altered as re- quired." (Signed) JAMES BOULTON. COUNTY GAOL. The VISITING JUSTICES reported: The prison has been well ordered during the quarter, and good health and good discipline among the prisoners have been main- tained. No inconvenience has yet arisen from the reduc. tion of one in the number of warders, reported by us to the last Sessions." The CHAPLAIN'S REPORT stated that The Prisoners' Relief Fund," originated by him in 1842, had in no one year had its resources so drawn upon, as in the one last I passed. Three girls had, at a large annual expense, been sent, one to an Asylum for discharged female prisoners," and two to a "Refuge." The former one has been well reported of? but the other two hftve been there too short a time for an opinion to be formed as to them. He (the Chaplain) had tried the effect of lectures, at intervals, during the winter evenings, and felt hopeful as to the results. The GOVERNOR'S ANNUAL REPORT stated that the conduct of the prisoners and the discipline of the gaol had-been good during the year. Two prisoners, under sentence of penal servitude, had been removed to Mill- bank, by order of the Secretary of State; one boy and one girl had been sent to reformatories; and three young girls, whose cases presented hopeful anticipations, had been sent, one to Mrs. Sawyers's Asylum, at Bristol, and the other two to the Western Counties Refuge, at Exeter. The GOVERNOR'S QUARTERLY CERTIFICATE was of the usuil routine character. The SURGEON'S REPORT stated that the general health of the prisoners had been good. The ventilation and drainage of the building were in a satisfactory condition. There had been three confinements, two infirmary cases, and two deaths, during the year. One of the female officers labouring under an attack of insanity, had been removed to the county asylum. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. The INSPECTOR'S REPORT enumerated the weights and measures stamped during the Quarter, and the following fines imposed at Cross Buchan, on the 25th July: James Wintle, 20s. and costs ditto, for deficient beer measures, 10s. and costs; J. W. Brown, 5s. and costs; James Matthews, lOs, and costs; and W. Higgett, 5s. and costs. COUNTY SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The Surveyor reported that a portion of the floor of the corn mnrket, next the Beaufort Arms, Monmouth, re- quired to be repaired. He estimated the cost at JS30. The cementing of the front of the borough court required to be entirely renewed. He estimated the cost at 912 103.- Ordered. The work at Chepstow bridge was ordered to be continued as began. Some repairs and alterations to the bell cot of the Usk Town Hall, to the amount of £6. were also ordered. Fifty tons of stone, at a cost of £10 16s.8d., for the future repair of the roads of Monnow bridge; and sixteen tons of stone, at a cost of £ 3 9s.4rl., were ordered for the Wye bridge, Monmouth. Ten tons of stones at a cost of 9.3 103" were ordered for Llanellen bridge. Fifty tons of stones were ordered for Kenvy bridge, at a cost of 910 forGrosmont bridge, 60 yards of stones were ordered, at a cost of £t2 15. For Arch Farm bridge, 30 yards of stone were ordered, at a cost of zC5 12s. 61. REVISION OF THE COUNTY RATE. The Finance Committee, pursuant to the following order made at Midsummer Sessions, 1862: "Applications were made for a revision of the basis or standard of the county rate, as regards the parishes of Aberystruth, Bed- welty, and Moriythusloyne. Ordered, that the subject be referred to the Finance Committee, to make the necessary investigation; and that the parishes of Roggiett, andLlan- vihangd Roggiett, be inc uded in the enquiry"—presented their report on this subject as follows: l; We have made enquiry and investigation as required by the County Rates Expenditure Act, into the circumstances which were alleged to call for an alteration of the basis of each pal ish, and, after hearing the statements of officers, or other per- sons representing the said parishes respectively, and giving opportunity, as the Act directs, for making objections, and none being made, we recommend that the existing basis be altered in the following respects:—Aberystruth to be reduced from B38711 to £ 36080;, Bedwelty to be raised from £ 52501) to £62016, which sum is to be distributed to the three hamlets comprising the parish, thus: Man- moel, £ 22980, Ishlawrcoed, £7851,; Uchlawrcoed, jS31503 -total, £ 62016. Monythusioyne to be reduced from 926271 to £ 22000. Roggiett to be raised from zC380 to £1020. Llanvihangel Roggiett to be raised from 9685 to £ 760." A lengthened discussion followed the reading of the above report, and the matter was ultimately referred back to the Committee. On the application of Captain Greenhow.Relph, the sanction of the Court was given for the 8th Mon. Rifle Corps to use the Second Court in the Usk Town Hall, as a drill room during the winter evenings; the Captain holding himself responsible for the preservation of the furniture. TUESDAY. The Court opened at ten o'clock S. R. Bosanquet, Esq. (Chairman) and Major M'Donnell being on the bench. The following gentlemen were sworn on the GRAND JURY: Messrs. George Lewis, veterinary surgeon, Monmouth; (foreman); W. Bull, grocer, Usk: J.Coates, ironmonger, Monmouth W. G'ossens, chemist, Monmouth; H. Dowell" innkeeper, Usk; W. J. East, clothier, Monmouth; John,' Edwards, druggist, Usk; G. Freeman, s.o»., Monmouth ? John Giles, cabinet maker,Monmouth; John Hill, grocer, Monmouth; James Lambert, coach builder, Monmouth John Morris, farmer, Dixton, Monmouth William Price, plumber, Usk R. Satchell, grocer, Usk. The Clerk of the Peace then proceeded with the usual proclamation against vice and immorality, atter which the learned Chairman delivered his CHARGE TO THE GRAND JURY. He remarked upon the paucity of attendance of Grand Jury men, which, he understood, was caused by the non- arrival of the train from Newport; but this could not be held as an excuse, and if it occurred again, the fines would be inflicted. In referring to the calendar, he (the learned Chairman) said the number of prisoners was small, there being only 28 for trial. There were two cases of cutting and wounding; offences of this kind were generally com- mitted by foreigners, and not by Englishmen; and as it was feared that this crime was on the increase, it was very necessary it should be checked by heavy punishments. In one of the cases of this kind that would come before them, a black was charged with stabbing. The other was also of a serious nature, three persons being charged with wounding, by throwing stones. Both these cases clearly came under the statute. There was a ease of breaking into a house, and stealing a clock and other articles; there was also a case of stealing a 95 note, and two cases of obtaining money under false pretences. A case of a very serious nature, was one in which a man was charged with an indecent assault upon a child of tender years. There were five cases of stealing from the person; this crime was very prevalent, but only few of the cases came before the public, as the persons robbed were gener- ally reluctant to prosecute. It was therefore necessary that crimes of this kind should be properly dealt with when they were brought forward. There were three cases of fowl stealing, one of iron stealing, and one of stealing wool from a warehouse. As is usual at the Michaelmas Sessions, the learned Chairman referred to the most im- portant of the Acts of the past Session of Parliament. Amongst the new Acts bearing upon criminal procedure, was one limiting the number of strokes to be inflicted upon children sentenced to be whipped; the number to be de- termined by the Justices. Another was an Act providing for the aid of prisoners, when discharged from gaol; by this, magistrates are given the power to grant a sum not exceeding <63, to deserving prisoners at their release. There were also two important Acts relating to highways, which provided for the constitution of a new system of maaage- ment for the highways throughout the kingdom, under appointment by the Court of Quarter Sessions. The learned Chairman then referred to an Act for the super- vision of poors' rates, and afterwards dismissed the Grand Jury to their duties. TRIALS OF PRISONERS. MALPAS.—CHARGE op STEALING FROM THE PERSON. —John Fletcher, labourer, 23, was charged with stealing the sum of 97 5s., from the person of Jeremiah Driscoll, on the 3rd of August, 1862. Mr. Somerset prosecuted. Prosecutor said he was a cattle dealer, and was at Malpas on the 3rd of August, in the Black Horse public house. Prisoner was there before him. Went in there at half- past two, and left at three. Did not take any money out in the house. The money was in his pocket, in a hand- kerchief. Was looking at it when he went out. Whilst he was lighting his pipe, the prisoner came behind him, kicked him, and took the money out of the handkerchief, and threw the handkerchief on the road. He then ran towards Newport, and witness ran after him, but did not eatch him. Gave information to the police, but never had the money. Was sure he was the man. Edward Jones, on the day in question, was at the Black Horse about two o'clock. Recollected Driscoll coming in, and saw him go out. He was very tipsy. Just outside the door in the road, a man gave him a light. Saw prisoner just by us, but did not see him do anything. Shortly afterwards the prosecutor came running after witness and a man named Dew. He caught hold of Dew, and said he had been robbed of every halfpenny. Did not say Dew had robbed him. They were sitting on the bank then. Prisoner had nothing to say in his defence, except that prosecutor was drunk. The jury found the prisoner not guilty. BEDWELLTy.-Mary Richards pleaded guilty to stealing one coburg dress, one shawl, three yards of ribbon, and one flannel turnover, the property of Mary Ann Evans, on he 25th of July. Sentenc >d to 4 months hard labor. ABERYSTRUTH.—James Fry, 23, porter, was charged with stealing from the dwelling house of Thomas Parry a gold watch and chain, above the value of £5, the property of the said Thomas Parry. Nine months hard labour county gaol. NEWPORT,—r-John Davis, a man of colour, was charged with maliciously stabbing, cutting and wounding Michael Connor, at Newport, on the 13th of September. Mr. Cleave prosecuted, and prisoner was found guilty of a common assault, and sentenced to six weeks hard labor. NEWCHURCH EAST,—Thotnas Bevan, 20, labourer, was charged with having committed an indecent assault upon Ann Bevan. Mr. Somerset prosecutor. Ann Bevan, prosecutrix, deposed that she was a farmer, and lived a the same village as prisoner. Had some refreshment with the prisoner at Chepstow, on the 13th Sept., and went with him about two miles of the road home, when he caught hold of her. It may have been about half-past 7. About a mile and a half further on, he caught hold of her round the middle. [Witness here detailed what took place.] The prisoner also struck her on the ground, and he threatened if she put her foot off the road he would kill her. The struggle from the first lasted nearly half an hour. By the prisoner-I did drink a glass of gin and water. Did not go into the Coach and Horses. I left you in the gin shop talking to the servant girl. Did not ask you to come in the parlour with me. You stood on the doorway. John Jones deposed he lived at Devauden. On the 13th of September, was going home at a quarter to nine. Met the prosecutrix at the spot named, going towards Chepstow. Couldn't say what state she was in then. It was dark. When he got to where he could see her, he was frightened to lo 'k at her. Her face was cut and covered with blood, and her clothes were torn as if she had been rolled on the ground. The prisoner was found guilty, and sentenced to eight months hard labour. MYNYDDYSLLWVN.—James Cunningham, charged with stealing an iron shackle, the property of Thomas Powell and others, was found not guilty. CAERLEON.—John Jordan, 22, seaman, pleaded guilty to stealing a portrait, at Caerleon, on the 8th of August, the property of George Vaughan, and also to stealing five pikes, the property of John Jones. Sentenced to six weeks hard labor on each charge. CHEPSTOW.—Thomas Hale pleaded guilty to stealing a silver watch and a waistcoat, the property of Thomas Jones, on the 21st of August, Sentenced to two months imprisonment. A second charge of stealing a coat, the property of William Holland, was not proceeded with. A FOWL FANCIER.—William Edwards, 21, labourer, who looked very sickly and emaciated, was indicted on the following charges :—For stealing a cock and two hens, at Bassaleg, on the 19th of August, the property of the Rev. Timothy Thomas; for stealing three liens, at Christchurch, on the 18th of August, the property of John Phillips: for stealing two bens and four ducks, at Saint Woollos, the property of John Popjoy, on the 19th of August, and for stealing a silk handkerchief, the property of Henry Ber- chet. The prisoner pleaded guilty to the three first charges, and also to a previous conviction at Crickhowell. Sentenced to three years penal servitude.. BEDWELLTY.-Thomas Kelley, labourer, pleaded guilty to stealing a pair of boots, the property of David Davies, and a coat, trousers, and waistcoat, the property of the Guardians of the Bedwellty Union. Sentenced to three weeks hard labor. TREDEGAR.—Jane Jones, needlewoman, pleaded guilty to stealing a silver watch from the person of Thomas Evans. Six months hard labor. BEDWELLTY.—Wm. Inns, 18, grocer, was charged with stealing two pairs of boots, three yards black Bedford cord seven yards shepherd's plaid, four yards, fancy coating and other articles, the property of Samuel Geo. Homfray Sentenced to nine months. ST. MELLONS.—Cornelius Freeman, 40, miner, was in- dit t-'d for stealing twelve yards of calico, the property of William Thomas. Further charged with breaking and entering the couniing house of the Sirhowy Railway Co., and stealing a clock and sundry papers and further charg. d with stealing two sledge hammers, a spanner, and a steel bar, the property of the Risca Coal Company. The prisoner was found guilty of the first charge, and sen- tenced to fourteen days hard labour. The other charges were not proceeded with. ABERGAVENNY.—Sarah Williams, charwoman, plead 1 guilty to stealing a 95 bank note and seventeen sovereigns' from the person of Thomas Francis, on the 21st of Sept. Six months hard labour. BEDWELLTY.—William Pierce, collier, pleaded guilty to assaulting and beating, and encouraging others to assault and beat, P.C. J ohn Watkins, in the execution of his duty. Three months. ST. MELLONS.—Edward Evans, labourer, was found guilty of indecently assaulting Jane Llewellyn, a child oh/l.,h 1.1 r\r\ the. Cxt-U »»» sentenced to eight months hard labour. SECOND COURT.—i Before Sir THOMAS PHILLIPS, Knight (Deputy-Chairman), and G. R. GREENHOW- RELPH, Esquire.] MONMOUTH.—STEALING MONEY.-Amelia Gale, 21, servant, was indicted for stealing two sovereigns and four shillings, from the person of John George Jones. Mr. Milman for the prosecution. Prosecutor deposed that he was a carpenter, and lodged at the Red Streaked Tree last month. On the 23rd of September, he received three sovereigns, and drank two glasses of gin at Mrs. Court's. Went and had another glass at the Red Streaked Tree, and then laid down on a bench. The prisoner come and put her hand in his pocket and took two sovereigns and some silver. He told her to let his pocket Tdone, as he was capable of taking care of his m mey himself. She went away, and left in a fly for Raglan. He gave infor- mation to the police. By the Bench-I let her take the money, thinking she would give it me back. We had kept company together. A police officer went towards Raglan, and met the prisoner with six others, on their road back to Monmouth, and apprehended her. The pri- soner nenied taking the money, and the female searcher did not find any money upon her. The prisoner, in her defence, said she had lent prosecutor money out of her wages, and had even pledged her things to supply him with money, which he promised to repay. He gave her the two sovereigns, and she went out to Raglan and un. fortunately lost them. Isaac Anger came forward as a witness, and corroborated the statement of the prisoner, and added that the prosecutor was very sick from drink, and was vomiting at the time of losing his money. The jury acquitted the prisoner. NANTYGLO.—Thomas Parry, Timothy Mc.Eliigot, and William Bridgewater were indicted for maliciously cutting and wounding John O'Brien, on the 7th of Septomber. The proceedings which had given rise to this charge appeared to have been of a very riotous description, in which, it was alleged, the defendant and other Welshmen went to the house of prosecutor, who is an Irishman, during the night time, and after creating a great disturb. ance, attacked him and others with stones. The evidence brought forward was very conflicting, and the jury ulti. mately found the whole of the prisoners not guilty. MONMOUTH.—STEALING WOOL.—Edwin Pugh and Wm. Watkins, were indicted for stealing 201bs. of wool, the property of Henry Pride, on the 16th of August. Mr. Milman prosecuted, and Mr. Smythies defended. The Jury, after deliberating for some hours, found the prisoners guilty. Watkins was sentenced to 9 months, and Pugh 6 months hard labor. WEDNESDAY.—FIRST COURT. ABERGAVENNY.—Theophilus Jones was charged with stealing a clock, the property of Richard Brown, on the 30th of July. Acquitted. TREDEGAR.-Daniel Bald was charged with stealing two sovereigns, a half-sovereign, and a half-crown, from the person of Joseph Clark, on the 6th Sept. Acquitted. BEDWELLTY.—Thomas Harris, 24, miner, was indicted for having obtained by false pretences 10s. of Morgan Aubrey, and 5s. of Robert Williams, on the 24th of Oct., with intent to cheat and defraud. Sentenced to six months hard labour. BILL IGNORED against Robert Wiltshire, for stealing a handkerchief, the property of Oliver Jenkins, at Chep- stow, and stealing two pairs of stockings, a shirt, and a pair of boots, &c., the property of Edward Seal. The business of the sessions was brought to a close about 12 o'clock this day (Wednesday).

PONTYPOOL. DEATH OF MR. JOHN ROBERTS, LATE SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE. Seldom have we had a more painful duty to perform than to record the death of this old and much respected inhabitant, which has been accelerated by distressing cir- cumstances, the particulars of whioh may gathered from a report of the inquest held on the body, which we here subjoin. It will be remembered by many of our readers, that the deceased for upwards of thirty years of his life, occupied the important position of Superintendent of Police, and such of the inhabitants of the town, whose length of years will enable them to trace its history during that period, can bear testimony to the very efficient manner in which he discharged,his onerous duties. At the commencement of the labours of deceased, the I.. state of society in this district was quite another thing from what it is at present, and whilst making due al- lowance for the happy changes that have been effected by the growth and expansion of moral and intellectual in- fluences, it must ba considered that great improvement was made in the town and neighbourhood through his in- strumentality. At the period to which we refer, Fair Days, as they were called, at Pontypool, were little better than scenes of riot, turbulence, and discord. Weekly raids were then made by the Country Coal-Men," on the Sowhill Lads," as both factions were termed, and could Crane Street and Blue Boar Fields be endowed with the powers of speech, they would amply testify to many a fierce and sanguinary encounter. Mondays were generally devoted to pugilistic engagements, and the numbers of disorderly fellows who flocked to and hurried from these unseemly exhibitions, created terror and alarm amongst the more peaceful inhabitants. By the tact and vigilance of deceased, the suppression and prevention of these con- flicts, were speedily effected, and not so much by physical as by moral force, in the employment of which he was singularly successful; so much so indeed, that even his presence alone in a turbulent gathering became, in time, the signal for its dispersion. Having previously held a similar situation, in a wide field of action, combined with the influence of strong common sense, he was enabled to recognize 11 old familiar faces," and, from appearances, to detect new ones, whose notions of mine and thine," augured no good for the welfare of society, and thus the operations of migratory thieves, pick-pockets, and folk of that ilk, became confined, in our town, to a narrow scale. The exertions of deceased in the extinction of that kind of vice and immorality, which is perhaps the most difficult to eradicate, proved alike successful: for by their agency the occupiers of several houses of disrepute were compelled to seek more honorable modes of obtaining a living, than such as the wages of sin afforded; and as the poor creatures they harboured for these scandalous purposes were not allowed to remain ia the town, it became free, at least in a public sense, from the withering taint of prostitution, for which, at that time, it seemed likely to become notorious. Apart from deceased's own peculiar abilities for the office he held, his discrimination enabled him to secure the services of some of the most active and efficient men that ever entered any police force and candour compels us to admit that what they lacked in numbers, was amply com pensated for by their devotion to their services. For many years previous to his death, Mr. Roberts suffered much from internal diseases, which, latterly, occa- sionally affected his intellectual faculties, and produced su Iden distressing attacks of gloom and despondency in one of which he attempted his life, and the particulars of which may be gathered, as already stated, from the evi- dence adduced at THE INQUEST ON THE BODY, Which was held on Monday last, at the house of Mr. Beacham, the Montague Hotel, before Mr.Ashwin, deputy- coroner, and a respectable jury, composed of the following gentlemen: Messrs. Wm. Haskins (toreman), C. T. Ed- wards. T. Me.Arnie, D. Evans, T. Burgess, Wm. Edwards, John Davies, John Rowe, Bundy, Summers, Woodhouse, and A. Bevan. The Coroner having made a few introductory remarks and the Jury having viewed the body, a female named Temperance Mornan, wife of William Morgan, miner, said; For the last two and a half years I have lived with and attended deceased, ho was in a bad state of health, and had been so long before he came to live with me. A week last Friday, I saw something strange about him he seemed to be wandering in his mind, and not conscious of what he was doing. On the morning of Thursday last, I went up to his room, and asked him if he would have something to take; he said No," and told me to go down, and he would ring the bell if he wanted me. As he did not ring, and knowing that he had not taken anything for some time, I went up to him again in about a quarter of an hour. I then missed him from the bed, and found him on a couch, in a sitting posture. I saw blood under his head, and running from his throat. He bad a razor in his right hand; and on my stooping to take it from him, he said, Don't; let me die." I got assistance, and sent for Mr. Essex directly, who came in about ten minutes afterwards. The general health of the deceased had been very weak; he had been quite childish, occasionally, for about three months. I continued to wait upon him until he died, about 20 minutes to 12 on Saturday morn- ing. About 4 o'clock that morning, he became quite sensible, and enqtinued so until he died; and he appeared to die happy. By the Foreman These fits of des- pondency lasted some time; they came suddenlv unon him nnHlio n uuuaisn. James Essex, Esq., surgeon, said: I knew tbe deceased from the time of his coming to Pontypool; and for the last 18 to 20 years he has been my patient. For some years past, his bodily health had been very bad; and during the last two years he was decidedly hypochondriacal. On the one subject, connected with his health, he pos- sessed a monomania, which increased very much lately, together with the extreme depression of spirits that at. tended it. I saw him on Wednesday, the day before he attempted his life, and found that the depression of spirits and mental aberration had very much inceased. On Thursday morning I received an urgent message for my attendance. Accompanied by my assistant, I proceeded immediately to deceased's residence, and found him lying on a couch, and a quantity of coagulated blood on the floor, which proceeded from a large incised wound across the throat. I closed the wound, and no further bleeding took place. Deceased seemed much exhausted at the time, but from the administration of stimulants, he soon rallied. On the afternoon of the following day (Friday) he seemed very dull, and was again in a state of mental depression. On Saturday morning, when I went to seem him, about 9 o'clock, I found his case was quite hopeless; he was sinking rapidly, and I understand that he died about mid-day. I attribute his death to two causes, viz.: to the loss of blood from a diseased heart; and the shock received by his nervous system, which was already enfeebled by long continued disease of several internal organs. The Coroner having briefly put the facts to the Jury, the latter returned a verdict to the effect that deceased had terminated his existence whilst in a state of temporary insanity.

USK. BAPTIST CHAPEL.—On Monday last, a tea party was held at the above place of worship, in aid of the liquida- tion of the debt. The weather was exceedingly unfavor- able, which, no doubt, prevented many from attending; however, about 170 sat down to tea. A public meeting was afterwards held, at which Mr. Williams, Steps farm, Gwernesney, was voted to the chair; and the meeting was addressed by the Rev. W. Morgan, Glascoed, Rev. G' Thomas, Independent minister, Usk, and the Rev. G. Cosens, pastor of the Baptist church, Usk, on Brotherly Love and Christian Unity. Votes of thanks were passed to the Chairman, the Choir, and to the ladies and other friends who had rendered assistance in making prepara- tions for the party, and in dressing the chapel, which was tastefully adorned with evergreens and flowers, in wreaths and arches, together with several very appropriate mot-s. toes. The congregation then dispersed.

ABERGAVENNY. TUESDAY'S MARKET.—The supply of cattle, sheep, and pigs was good, but the sale was indifferent, owing to the absence of buyers. The display of poultry was much more limited than for months past, and advanced prices were obtained. Fruit and vegetables were plentiful. The prices ran as follow ;-Geese averaged 9d., and fresh butter, Is. 2d. per lb.; ducks, 5s. to 5s. 6d., and fowls, 2s. 3d. to 3s. 9d. per couple; eggs, seven for Cd.; potatoes, 7s. to 8s.; apples, 10s. to 13s., and pears, 9s, to 10s. per sack. Fat beasts, fild. to 6d., and sheep, 6id. to 7d. per lb. (sink the offal); beef and muttotr, 7d. to Hd., veal, 7d., and pork, Sd. per lb. Quotations: Wheat, 61s., and a t barley, 34s. 7d. the imperial quarter,

CHEPSTOW. FATAt BOAT ACCIDENT.—FIVE LIVES tOST.-On the afternoon of Sunday last, a boat, containing six men, was capsized in a storm, a short distance from the moutb of the river Wye, and five of the number were drowned. The deceased were carpenters employed in the construc- tion of the Bristol and South Wales Union Railway bridge, at Portskewitt. Printed and published by the Proprietor William Henry Clark, at his Offices, Bridge Street, Usk, in the County of Monmouth, October 18, 1862.—SECOHD EDITION.

appointments. Monday.Motimouth County Court. Tuesday. Caetleon Petty Sessions (transferring Alehouse Licenses-llighway Purposes.) Pontypool County Court. Sale of Farming Stock, &c., at the Ton Farm, Tredunnock, by Mr. H. Vennor. Friday .Chepstow Fair. U sk Petty Sessions. Saturday ..Pontypoot Petty Sessions (transferring Ale. house Licenses). 8th Mon. Rifle Volunteers. Drill will be suspended during the week.