The Illustrated Usk Observer and Raglan Herald

&PP ointments. Monday .Sale of Farming Stock at Garn Vawr Farm, by Mr. Vennor. Tuesday .Annual Meeting of the Usk Farmers' Club. Wednesday.Sale of Farming Stock, &c., at Llanover Farm, by Mr. William Davis. Sale of Farming Stock, &c., at Llangwender Farm, by Mr. Hands. Thursday .Usk Fair. Chepstow Petty and Special Sessions (transferring Alehouse Licenses-granting Firework Licenses.) Friday.Raglan Petty and Special Sessions (Highway Pur- poses—Appeals against Poor Rates—Transfer of Licenses.) General Meeting of Pontypool Local Government Board. 8th Mon. Rifle Volunteers. Monday, 26.Adjutant's Parade in full uniform, at 7.30 p.m. The prize firing and general orders at Armoury.

TO CORRESPONDENTS AND READERS. In consequence of the length of our sessions report, several items of district intelligence are crowded out.

kro-lit fterte. Monmouthshire Quarter Sessions. The Michaelmas Sessions for this county, were opened at the Town Hall, Usk, on Monday last, the following magistrates being present on the bench Samuel R. Bosanquet, Esq., chairman. Sir Thomas Phillips, knight, deputy-chairman. Octavius Morgan, Esq., M.P. F. M'Donnell, Esq. G. R. Greenhow-Relph, Esq. C. F. H. "Williams, Esq. S. C. Bosanquet. Esq, Captain Davies. J. A. Herbert, Esq. John Hamilton, Esq. W. A. Williams, Esq. Captain Tyler S. Churchill, Esq. Henry Clay, Esq., jun. F. Leviek, Esq. F. Levick, Esq., jun. II. C. Bird, Esq. T. P. Marsh, Esq. lityd Nicholl, Esq. NEW MAGISTRATES. The following gentlemen qualified and took their seats, viz.: Henry Clay, Esq., the younger, the Mount, Chep- stow; John Hamilton, Esq., Hilstone, Monmouth; Fred, Levick, Esq., the younger, Blaina; Thomas Parr Marsh, Esq., Tregare; and John Griffith Wheeley, Esq., the Pentre. The learned Chairman said he liad been requested by the Clerk of the Peace (C. Prothero, Esq.) to present his respects to the bench, and to state that he was absent in consequence of the illness of his son, to whose bed-side he had been called. The Deputy Clerk of the Peace (Mr. Wildy) then read the minutes of the last Sessions, and some tew remarks having been made thereon, Mr. Wildy proceeded with the reports. COUNTY. GAOL. VISITING JUSTICES' REPORT.—"We beg to report that the discipline of the County Gaol has been well preserved during the past quarter, and that the health of the prisoners has been satisfactory. We have appointed Wm. Watkins to be warder in the room of Wm. Cowles, resigned, subject to the approval of the Court of Quarter Sessions. (Signed) :-Samuel Bosanquet, James Davies, George Griffin Tyler." The appointment mentioned above, was confirmed. The GOVERNOR (Mr. Holman) in his annual report, stated that the conduct of the prisoners had been good during the year; very few cases requiring punishment having occurred. Three prisoners, under sentence of penal servitude, had been removed by order of the Secretary of State-one to Wakefield Drison, and the other two to Millbank. Two female prisoners, who be- came insane, had been sent to the Lunatic Asylum at Aberga- venny; and one juvenile male prisoner had been sent, by order of the Court of Assize, to the Little Mill Reformatory. Mr. Holman further certified that the rules and regulations of the prison had been duly carried out during the quarter. The SURGEON (Mr. Prosser) reported that the health of the prisoners had been generally good, and free from any epidemic disease. There had been three infirmary cases during the year, and two female prisoners removed (under an order from the Home Secretary) to the County Lunatic Asylum, labouring under attacks of acute mania, one afflicted with epilepsy since infancy, and the other had been previously an inmate of an asylum. There had been the usual amount of minor com- plaints, and he had altered the diet in those cases requiring it. The ventilation and drainage of the building were in a satisfac-. tory condition. The CHAPLAIN (the Rev. E. J. Gosling, M.A.) stated in his annual report that he trusted no small amount of the prisoners received into the gaol during the year had been benefitted by being there, and had returned to their homes better men than they were when they came in, but as to the professional trained and habitual thief, the pick-pocket, the receiver of stolen goods, the coiner, and theutterer of bad money, his experience had long left the impression on his mind, that they were for the most part incorrigible, and are seldom permanently benefited by being in any gaol, most ofthem that he had visited having been in many gaols before. He, however, concurred in the belief entertained by many of long,experience, that some of these prisoners when they make professions of amendment, are sincere; but when they are met at the gaol door, on their discharge, by their old associates, both male and female, they have not moral courage enough to carry out their resolves. The lectures that he (the Chaplain) had given during the winter evenings last year, he had good reason to think had tended, in no small degree, to im- prove the intellectual and moral condition of the prisoners, and he hoped to be able to continue them throughout the approach- ing winter. The aid administered by the prisoners' relief fund during the year, appeared to have been singularly blessed; three girls sent to Refuges with money taken out of it, had been reported of well. Its operations seemed to have been noticed by chaplains at a distance, from some of whom he had had ap- plications for hints to form similar ones. Its elasticity, and, indeed, its continuance,he attributed, solely to the counten- ance, support, and direction it received from the Visiting Justices. HOUSE OF CORRECTION. VISITING JUSTICES' Report:—"We have the honor to report that the prison is in general good repair and condition; that the prisoners on the whole have been healthy; that discipline has been maintained, and the general conduct of the prisoners satisfactory. The rules and regulations of the prison have, with an exception or two, been duly enforced and carried out. One male of very weak intellect, and who is awaiting his trial, i- .z; a matter of prudent precaution, been associated with 8. u r prisoner, and the week day service in the chapel has been orrupted during the colouring of it, and the corridors. Two female oJicers have resigned, viz. Ann Callaway and Jane Mason, we recommend the appointment of Mary Hughes and Millborough Mason, in their stea,d. G. R. Greenhow-Relph. S. Churchill. W. R. Stretton. "1. Nicholl." "H. C. Bird. The GOVERNOR laid before the Court his return of the pri- soners placed under his care during the year—numbering 686 males; 217 females-total 903. Ages: under 12 years, 6; under, 16, 46 under 21, 180 under 30, 300; under 40, 180; under 50, 117 under 60, 51; above 60, 23. Birth place: Monmouth- shire, 329; other English counties, 269; Wales, 103; Scotland, 10 Ireland, 160; Colonies, 4; foreign countries, 25; not as- certained, 3. Degree of instruction neither read nor write, 411; read or write imperfectly, 484; read and write well, 8. Occupation: no occupation, 141; domestic servants, 42; laborers, charwomen, needle-women, 495; mechanics and skilled workers, 125; shopkeepers, and dealers, 22; sailors, marines, and soldiers, 71. Mr. Bosworth further stated, in his usual certificate, that the rules and regulations had been observed during the quarter. In reply to questions put by Sir Thomas Phillips, the Governor said it was correctly stated that there were only eight educated persons out of the nine hundred, and that the returns shewed an increase on the previous year, of between ninety and a hundred. The SURGEON (Mr. Boulton) reported: "The health of the prison is good for the increased number, 904 men, women, and children, on my books. No death; 3 births 1 very severe in- strumental case; 1 dangerous case of miscarriage; 7 infirmary cases, four of which the females confined; 1 male prisoner removed to the Asylum, who was insane before admission. Prevalent diseases: colds, diarrhoea, epilepsy, numerous cases of itch and venereal. The diet I have altered as required." The CHAPLAIN (the Rev. J. Cadwallader) presented a lengthy report, for which we have not space, but may just state that he calculates the increase of commitments, as compared with the preceding year, as 8.6 per cent. JOINT COUNTIES' ASYLUM. The learned Chairman said there was no report from the Asylum, but he thought it desirable to mention that it was intended to bring lorward at the next sessions, a proposition for the enlargement of the building, so as to afford accommodation for 210 more patients, entailing an expenditure, including the purchase of land, of between £ 20,000 and dE25,000, which would have to be borne by the tour counties jointly-the proportion from this county being 8s.2^d., in every £ .—and the alternative this Court would have, would be to separate with Brecknockshire from the union with the other counties, which would en tail an expenditure of £20,000, to be paid as indemnifica- tion to the counties of Hereford and Radnor, for going out of the union. The Asylum was originally intended to accommodate 200 patients; it now accommodated 500, and if the proposed enlargement was made, it would accommodate 700. The learned Chairman went on to remark on the increase of lunatic paupers, there being in 1854 only 260 in the Asylum, whereas, in 1862, there were 442, and at the present time it was so full that the Visiting Justices had to come to a temporary arrange- ment for transferring thirty patients to the Worcester- shire Asylum-this great increase in number, he attributed to the pressure of the Commissioners for the confinement of every pauper of weak intellect, and even children, and also to persons who had friends imbecile making paupers of them in order to get them into the comfortable quar- ters of the Asylum. Sir Thomas Phillips, in the course of some remarks on the subject, said there was now such a tendency for borrowing for the purposes of the county, that the present was a very important matter for consideration, and the question would arise whether, if the proposed enlargement was made, there would not be a call for a further en- largement in a short time. He also thought that an asylum containing 500, would be more manageable than one containing 700. After some further conversation, the matter dropped. COUNTY POLICE. The POLICE COMMITTEE'S Report, after stating that the ac- counts for the quarter, shewing a balance due to the Chief Con- stable had been examined and passed, recommended payment of bills -amounting to £382, and proceeded: The Clerk of the Peace called the attention of the Committee to the deduction made by the Government from the pay of the county police before the quota payable by the Treasury was calculated. And, at the same time, laid before the Committee a letter from Sir William Miles, with a copy of a memorial from the Justices of Somersetshire to the Treasury on the subject, together with the reply of Mr. Frederick Peel thereto. The Chairman was requested to communicate with Sir William Miles on the sub- j ect of the disallowance under the head of I superannuation fund;' but in regard to the disallowance under the head of the Clerk of the Peace was directed to call the attention of the Lords of the Treasury to a communication made by Mr. Peel to Sir William Miles, and to state that this county is in the same posi- tion as the county of Somerset in regard to the buildings provided by the county being let to the police at rents not exceeding the average rents paid by the same classes of police in the county pro- viding their own lodgings; and there being no increase of pay to cover the charge for rent made by the county, or any portion of the charge. And it appearing that their Lordships had not in- sisted upon the deduction of the stoppage for rent in the county of Somerset, while it appeared that in regard to this county, there had been a deduction of E116 9s. 9d. in respect of rent; the Committee hoped that their Lordships would be pleased to order the payment of the one-fourth of the amount so stopped, out of the claim made by this county in respect of the year ending Sept. 29, 1862, as also in returns hereafter to be made. It is recom. mended that the following table of fees and allowances be adopted for county constables Scale of fees and allowances to the county constabulary, under 22 and 23 Yic., cap. 32 :— „ Mileage -tor for county county. constables. For service of every summons, and a tendance to prove the same within four > 1 s. nil. miles For execution of every warrant, and ] attendance before magistrates within [• 2s.6d. nil. four miles ) four miles ) Id. per mile If distance exceeds four miles, and the ( o, n,i for every police constable travels by railway J mile—each way. If able, partially, to travel by railway, 2d. per.mile for every mile, after the first four miles, I 2s 6d anl* each way, in reaching such means of j railway each way, in reaching such means of j railway conveyance fare. If unable to travel by railway, for every! « 2d. per mile mile after the first four miles each way. •' Should the distance travelled by road"» 2d. per exceed ten miles, the actual cost of con- >• 2s.6d. mile veyance may be allowed not to exceed J each way. "If necessarily absent from his police station nine hours, a sum not to ex- > ls.6d. ceed ) "If necessarily detained all night out -s of his district, a further sum, not to t 2s. exceed ) Superintendents and Inspectors may be allowed, for the same services, 2s, per day, and 4s. per night The above allowances and mileage to county constables for attendance, to be charged in one case only. The Committee request authority for supplying water and gas to the basement storey and cells of the station, shortly to be taken at Newport, and that the same be done under the superintendence of the Chief Constable. The Committee further request authority to negociate and. agree. with Lord Tredegar and the lessees under him of the Tredegar iron works for the pur- chase of a site for a police station at Tredegar. "S. R. BOSANQUET, Chairman of the Committee." After some conversation upon it, the report was adopted. The CHIEF CONSTABLE (Major Herbert) reported: "I have the honor to submit to you the constabulary returns for the year ending 29th September, 1863. I also annex for vour informa- tion a comparative return of the total of persons apprehended and proceeded against, and the daily average number of travel- ling professional vagrants during the police years of 1861, 1862, and 1863. There is but little variation in the crime of the two periods, the slight increase in the present year is in cases dis- posed of summarily, principally under the heads of drunkenness and assault. There is, however, a considerable increase in the number of professional tramps passing through the county. Most of the undetected cottage robberies, classed in table 4 un- der the head, of burglary and 'housebreaking, and numerous petty larcenies, are committed by this- class of persons-pro- fessedly, always looking for work, but never finding it, and gene- rally adepts at their profession. They rarely commit any act of vagrancy in the presence of a constable. As remedies for this apparently increasing evil, I would venture to suggest an in- creased severity in the administration of the Vagrant Act— the adoption of a labor test in those unions where it is not practised, and a refusal of alms by the public generally to all able- bodied vagrants. Table 1 gives the cost oftheestablishment forthe year. There is a diminution of £230 in the regular expenditure, which, taking credit for the Government allowance, would be covered by a rate of 2|d. in the £ for the year. The resignations and dismissions of constables vary but little from last year, and amount, I regret to state, to 23 per cent. of the whole strength. I have, as authorised by the Court of Quarter Ses- sions, made enquiries at Tredegar Works respecting a piece of ground, on which to build a first-class police station, and al- though there are many difficulties in obtaining a suitable site I hope shortly to be able to recommend one for your considera- tion. The constabulary station at Newport being very nearly completed, I have to ask your authority to expend a sum not exceeding £8 in providing the necessary furniture for office, day room, and cells. I have also to ask your approval to my appointment of an additional constable at Biaenavon, to be paid for by the Company, under section 19 of the 3rd and 4th Vic., cap. 88. "I have the honor to be, &c., "EDMUND HEEBERT, Chief Constable. "Comrarative return between years ending 29th September, 1862, and 29th September, 1863 (exclusive of civil offences) :—• Indictable. Summarily. Otherwise Appre- Dis- Pro- Dis- disposed of. 5 Yrs. Crimes, hended. char-eeeded char-Con- Indict- Sum- ° ged. agst. ged. victed, able, marily 1862 234 158 47 2374 547 1827 348 2880 1863 239 214 41 2456 552 1904 1 419 3090 Comparative return of vagrants between the 29th of Sept., 1862, and Sept. 29, 1863: Nightly average during the month of Sept., 1862-71; ditto, 1863—not taken. Number on night of 1st Sept., 1862-84 ditto 1863-120. Persons taken into custody during June, July, August, and September, 1863 persons summoned, 700 not disposed of, 6; settled, 175; discharged, 91; convicted, 428; committed to gaol, 28 fined, 382 other punishments, 18, and summoned for civil -offences, 122." The report was adopted. ABERGAVENNY BRIDGE. Sir Thomas Phillips handed in a memorial, numerously signed by the ratepayers of the parish of Abergavenny, praying the court to undertake the keeping in repair of the bridge over the river Usk, situated in that parish. By the Town Act, the town had been separated from the parish, and, consequently, the repairs of the bridge in question had been thrown upon a portion of the ratepayers amounting to about one-fifth of the whole, who felt it a considerable grievance. He believed other bridges in the county had been taken to in a similar manner, and he instanced the one situated at Usk, but he had forgotten the terms, and he did not exactly know how to deal with the matter, as he was now only acting for Mr. Havard, who was present representing the ratepayers. The Chairman explained that Usk bridge bad been taken in consider ition of the borough being exempt from bridge rate, and in the case of the Jihadyr bridge, which had also been taken in the same way, something was paid by the ratepayers to the county for relieving them. Mr. Havard having detailed the circumstances, Sir Thomas Phillips urged for an answer to the memorial, suggesting that it may be referred to the Finance Com- mitt, e; but the court was not inclined to entertain the question in its present form, further than ordering that the memorial be printed with the minutes of the sessions for distribution amongst the magistrates. USE OF USX TOWN-HALL BY THE VOLUNTEERS. Captain Greenhow-Relph applied to the court for leave for the Usk volunteers to use the large room in the Town Hall for drilling in during the winter evenings. The court bad been kind enough to grant a similar application last year, and he now asked for an extension of the privilege. The Chairman said the court would have no objectjon to allowing the U3e of the room, but he found there was a claim against the county for gas used in the hall amounting to about £2 18s., whilst for the business of the court it had only been lighted on two evenings. Captain Relph said he was anxious to have some system adopted for keeping an account of the gas. The room had been let for public entertainments occasionally, and he had some small sums in hand for the gas used then, but was waiting to know in what manner to hand it over. The application was granted, it being understood that the rifle corps would defray the cost of the gas consumed on drill evenings. ALTERATION IN FENCE MONTHS. Major Stretton, in the absence of Lord Llanover, brought forward a motion, of which notice had been given, that Capel Hanbury Williams, Esq., be added to the list of conservators of the county under the Salmon Fisheries' Act, and he also had to move that the sanction of the court be given to apply to the Secretary of State for an extension of the fence time for salmon in the river Usk and other rivers in the county (excluding the Wye) from the 1st of Feb' ruary to the 31st of March. In advocating the advisability of sanctioning the application, Major Stretton advanced that the court would be confirming what it had before ruled as expedient, when it had the power (before the pas- sing of the recent Act) of fixing the fence time in its own hands, and when the time was limited to the 14th of March. After some discussion, the following order was made :— That application be made to the Secretary of State that the time be extended during which it is prohibited, under the Act 24 and 25 Vict., cap. 109, to take salmon, and that such extension be from the 1st of February to the 31st of March, both inclusive, in each year. The extension to apply to the estuary of the west of Goldcliff, and all rivers and tributaries within the said county, excepting the river Wye and its tributaries." COUNTY FINANCE. The FINANCE COMMITTEE reported that the Treasurer's ac- counts for the half-year had been examined, found correct, and passed. The Clerk of the Peace had laid before the Committee, bills amounting to E1617 8s. 6d.,which were recommended to the Court for payment. The Committee recommended a county rate at a half-penny, and a police rate at three farthings in the B. (Signed) Samuel Bosanquet. S. Churchill. Iltyd Nieholl. Thos. Phillips." The rates recommended were ordered by the Court. A mortgage of the county rates to the Clergy Mutual Assurance Society for £2800, for carrying out the additions to the Castle House, Monmouth,was ordered and executed. COUNTY BRIDGES AND BUILDINGS. The COUNTY SURVEYOR (Mr. W. P. James) reported that the bridges and buildings under his care were in good repair, with the following exceptions repairs to the parapet and copings of Pontygoron bridge to the extent of £ 6; displacement of four of the piles from the starling of the abutment of Chepstow bridge, requiring about £5 to replace them; undermining of one of the piers of Skenfrith bridge, by the late floods. He had taken steps for having the hole filled up with concrete, and recommended that some large stones be placed around the pier as soon as convenient. The cost of these repairs he estimated at £20. A new table and cover for the use of the magistrates attending the Usk Town Hall, at a cost of X5 10s. Od.; and some repairs to the chimnies and the boundary wall of the Usk House of Correction. The Surveyor further recommended that stones he provided for the future repairs of the roads of the several bridges as follows Caerleon bridge—100 tons, at a cost of £ 22 10s. Pontheer bridge—20 tons, £ 6 10s.; Pontygoron—30 tons, £ 6 15s.; Newport bridge-130 yards, E32 10s.; Pandy bridge-60 tons, £15; Wye bridge, Monmouth-,50 tons, E10 16s.; Monnow bridge, bridge, Monmouth—50 tons, £ 10 16s.; Rhymney bridge—40 tons, £ 10; Skenfrith bridge—20 yards, £ 3. The various recommendations of the Surveyor were con- firmed by orders of the Court. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. The INSPECTOR (Mr.Wm. Graham) presented his usual return of the number and description of weights and measures stamped during the quarter, the fees arising from which amounted to 93 5s. Id. The following fines for having unjust scales and weights in possession, were also noted: July 9, John Ivins, butcher, Chepstow, Is. and costs; Sept. 3rd, Richard Harris, marine-store dealer, Chepstow, zC5 and costs; ditto, £1 and costs; William Phillips, mariae-store dealer, Chepstow, 95 and costs; ditto, £ 1. and costs, TUESDAY. FIRST COURT. The court opened at ten o'clock, the following magis- trates being upon the bench—S. R. BOSANQUET, Esquire (Chairman), G. R. GREENHOW-RELPH, Esquire, S. C. BOSANQUET, Esquire, JOHN JAMES, Esquire, and F. M'DONNELL, Esquire. The following gentlemen were sworn on the GRAND JURY :-MessrB. Charles Daniel, Abergavenny (foreman); Thomas Curtis, Abergavenny; Thomas Day, Llangattock-nigh-Usk; Warren Evans, Llangibby; John Grout, Abergavenny; Edmund Herbert, ditto; Thomas F. Humble, ditto; James W. Harvey, ditto; John Hale- house, XAangattock-mgh-Usk George Hughes, ditto; Robert Hunter, ditto; William Haines, ditto; James Jones, currier, Abergavenny; Henry Lillwall, Aberga- venny; James Lewis, ironfounder, Abergavenny Edward Price, draper, Abergavenny; William Price, Abergavenny; Michael Phillips, Llangattock-nigh-Usk; George Pritchard ditto David Thomas, Abergavenny Thomas Tomkins, ditto; William Williams, Llanbaddock. After the usual proclamation against vice, profaneness, and immorality had been read, The learned Chairman delivered his CHArtfi-S Tu ME GRAND JURY. He said the calendar before them contained the names of thirty-four prisoners—not a large number, nor were the offences of a character to require him to particularise them. The most predominant crimes were obtaining goods by false pretences, which had always been a common crime in this county, and stealing goods from lodgings. The increase in the latter crime may in a great measure be accounted for by the vast number of vagrants which had recently infested the county, and especially the agricultural districts. These persons, for the most part, came from Staffordshire, where they had been thrown out of employ- ment, or discharged for misconduct. Theother crimes in the calendar were of the ordinary character, there being none he need allude to further than to say there were two charges of indecent assault, and one person charged with stealing a donkey. These appeared to be the only cases out of the common order, but if any difficulty should arise as to any matter of law or fact, they had only to ask the court for advice. The learned Chairman next proceeded to remark that he should take this opportunity of reminding the grand jury, his brother magistrates, and others con- nected with the administration of justice, as well as the public, that the late Session of Parliament had been brought to a close, and according to his custom, he should offer a few remarks upon some of the enactments of the session, which they would be aware was designated 26 and 27 Vict., each Act being called a chapter. Chapter 10 prohibited the exportation of salmon during the fence months. The taking and sale, in this country, of salmon during a certain portion of the year was forbidden by law, and the present Act was merely an extension of that law. Chapter 13 was an Act which probably would affect no town in this county, except Newport; it provided for the preservation of enclosed gardens, or other similar places, commonly called squares, by vesting them in corpo- rations or trustees, so that they may not be encroached upon, but preserved for public recreation. Chapter 14 related to savings' banks. They were aware that what were called "Post-office Savings' Banks" had been estab- lished throughout the country, and this Act was to facili- tate the transfer of money from the old savings' banks, where it was vested in trustees, to the new banks, where it would be vested in the Government. Chap. 57 also related to savings' banks, and was a consolidation of all previous Acts relating to them. Chapter 17 related to the management of highways, &c., of districts where the Local Government Act was not in force, by a board composed of magistrates, and that such board should meet in the district for which it acted. Chapter 58 related to commercial matters. being a new provision for facilitating the business of persons holding funds, by means of which they may obtain certifi- cates for sums as low as 950 or dBICO, which will be trans- ferable in the same manner as common bank notes. Chapter 73 made the same provision for India stock, Chapter 44 made an alteration in the law for the punish- ment of robberies from the person accompanied with ¡ violence, by which one species of this crime, commonly called garrotting-where an instrument was used, or the hand so placed round the throat as to stupify the person assaulted-the court would have the power to order whip- ping in addition to the term of imprisonment. Chapter 79 made an alteration in the law respecting religious in. struction in gaols, so that every prisoner could be attended by a minister of the denomination to which he belonged; and also, if any prisoner be so attended by a dissenting minister, he should not be visited by the Church of England chaplain until after the lapse of fourteen days. This Act also gave power to the justices to appoint a dissenting chaplain to any gaol, if the number of dissenting prisoners was so great as to require such a step. Chapter 103 pro- vided for the punishment of an offence of a peculiar kind, viz.: the misappropriation, by servants, of their master's property. Up to the present time this had not been an offence in law, but it was by this Act rendered so. Although not a larceny, it may be dealt with summarily by the justices. Chapter 113 prohibited the sale, or use of poisoned grain, as had been a common practice with farmers for the purpose of destroying birds. The learned Chairman also referred to an Act empowering the v.erpfsrjr of State to appoint a stipendary magistrate for auy district of 25,000 inhabitants and upwards, upon the requisition of the in- habitants, and then dismissed the grand jury to their duties. CAUTION TO JURYMEN. Some difficulty was experienced in forming the petty juries, the majority of the persons summoned being from the Newport district, and the train from that part being behind time, they did not reach the court until after eleven o'clock, and three of the number, viz.-Thomas Wilson, James Matthews, and James Henry Wade, all of Newport, being still wanting, they were fined 40s. each. As soon as a sufficient number of jurymen had been found, the Court proceeded with the TRIALS OF PRISONERS. CAERWENT.—A DETERMINED THIEF. John Haines, 29, mason, was indicted for stealing a shirt, the property of Lewis Rowland, at Caerwent, on the 29th of August, 1863. The evidence was very conclusive. The prisoner, with other men, was drinking at the White Hart Inn, kept by the prosecutor, during which time the shirt was missed from off a line in a back-kitchen. The landlord having had his suspicions aroused, watched the prisoner, and when he left followed him, and found the shirt protruding from his trowsers pocket. The prisoner, who has the appearance of being rather demented, is a notorious thief; he very reluctantly admitted several sum- mary convictions, and a previous conviction at these sessions was proved against him. Sentenced to five years penal servitude. COEDKERNEW.-ROBBERY FROM THE PERSON. John Kirby, 45, laborer, was indicted for stealing dSl 2s., a pair of boots, and a neck-cloth, from the person of Richard Mahoney, at Coedkernew, on the 11th of August last. Sentenced to two months hard labor. UNDY.—A HARD CASE. Richard Humphreys, 40, blacksmith, pleaded guilty to stealing two chimney ornaments, of the value of 2d., the property of John Cox, at Undy, on the 13th of August last. The prisoner, who was a wretched looking object, and said to be of weak intellect, had already been in gaol two months, the court, therefore, had compassion on his miserable state, and sentenced him to one day's imprison- ment, so that he was at once handed over to his friends. NEWPORT.—"A DINER OUT." Thomas Handcock, 31, butcher, pleaded guilty to ob- taining sundry meals of victuals, money, and other pro- perty from several persons at Newport, under the false pretence that he had just arrived in the town to take a situation. lfe was sentenced to six months' hard labour. NASH.—A CRUEL INDECENT ASSAULT. John Williams, 25, labourer, was charged with assault. ing and beating Amy Daniel, with intent, &c., at Nash, on the 7th September. The prosecutrix, a respectably- attired, and apparently well-conducted, female, deposed that she lived at the Moor-barn farm, and on the even- ing named was proceeding, about six o'clock, to visit a friend, when she met the prisoner in a field; he asked her where she was going, and if he should accompany her; she declined, and he then attempted to kiss her; threw her down, knelt on her, and tried to take liberties with her she resisted and offered to give him all she had to let her alone; he then allowed her to get up, and she gave him 62-d., all the money she had. Upon being released, she jumped into a reen, up to her waist in water,to evade him; he then went a short distance away, but upon her getting out to fetch her hat and shawl which had been torn off in the scuffle, be returned, and she again jumped into the water; he then laid down on the bank and made use of such disgusting language to her that she could not repeat. Ultimately he went away, and the prosecutrix went to the nearest cottage, from whence she was conveyed home in a vehicle. The jury having found the prisoner guilty, the Chairman told him he had perpetrated a most cruel offence, under very aggravated circumstances, and sen. tenced him to twelve months' hard labour. BEDWELLTY.—AN OLD CRIMINAL. Joshua Francis, 31, horse dealer, pleaded guilty to steals ing a pony, a saddle, bridle, and a whip, the property of John Fothergill, atBedwellty, on the 11th of August, 1862. The prisoner had been several times convicted, and was apprehended on the present charge at the gaol door. The deputy-gaoler from Haverfordwest said he had known the prisoner all his life, and he had always been of the same habits as at present. The learned Chairman, observing that light sentences appeared to have no effect in deter. ring him from crime, sentenced the prisoner (who seemed in a very emaciated condition) to ten years' penal servitude. NEWPORT. HORSE MARINES." James Harvey, 43, horsebreaker, and Joseph Bryant, 25, laborer, were indicted for stealing a pair of trousers and other wearing apparel, the property of John Thomas, on the. 28th of August, and also with obtaining ze4 10s. by false pretences from the said John Thomas. The false pre. tence alleged was that they (the prisoners) were buying up horses for the navy, and had zC200 in the bank; but they were in immediate want of a small amount of cash, which prosecutor was foolish enough to lend them. Bryant pleaded guilty to the theft, and was found guilty of the false pretences, and sentenced to six months' hard labour on the first charge, and three months on the second. Harvey was acquitted. LLANTILLIO PERTHOLEY.—HOUSTSBTIKAKING. Thomas Sainsbury, 34, laborer, and !i-.u-ah Lewis, 29, hawker, were charged with breaking and entering the dwelling house of John Pritchard, at Llantiltto Pertholey, and stealing a cheese, on the 29th of September. Sains- bury was also charged on a second indictment with feloniously receiving the cheese. Prosecutor left his house at a quarter past seven on the morning named, at which time his wife and daughter were in bed; returning about an hour afterwards he met the prisoners coming from the direction of the house, the male prisoner having something tied up in a handkerchief under his arm; after going into the house, from what his wife said, he followed the prison- ers and found the cheese, which he knew to be his wife's making, in the male prisoner's pocket. Sainsbury was found guilty of receiving and sentenced to four months' imprisonment. The female, against whom there were 9 previous convictions, was sentenced to seven years' penal servitude. NEWPORT.—BROTHEL :RoBB ERY. Rhoda Jones, a prostitute, was charged with stealing £4 from the person of George Shewring, in a brothel at New- port, on the 18th of October. In mitigation of punish- ment prisoner pleaded that she had never had any privilege" from the court, having been heavily sentenced each time she had been convicted. It was elicited that see bad been several times convicted, the last time for one year, whilst out on a ticket-of-leave under a sentence of five years' penal servitude. She was now sentenced to ten years' penal servitude. RISC A.—HOUSEBREAKING! George Hale pleaded guilty to breaking and entering the dwelling house of Joseph Everitt, and stealing a pair of trowsers and other articles, at Risca, on the 13th of July, 1863. Sentenced to four months' hard labour. BEDWELLTY.-STEALING MONEY. John Mc.Breathrea pleaded guilty to stealing 4s. 10d., the money of Mary Ann Morgan, at Bedwellty, on the 9th of October, and was sentenced to two months' hard labour. ABERYSTRUTH.—LARCENY. Elam Batten pleaded guilty to stealing a coat and the property of James Howard, at Aberystruth, on the :I of October, and was sentenced to two months' imprison- ment. TREDEGAR.—SHOPLIFTING. Margaret Mc.Carthy was charged with stealing 25 yds. of lustre from the shop of James Morgan, at Tredegar, on the 13th of October. Sentenced to three months' hard labour. BEAUFORT.—A DEPRAVED SON. Sarah Dix, 37, charwoman, was indicted for obtaining from Charles Stinchcomb, by false pretences, sundry gro- cery goods, with intent to defraud, at Beaufort. The goods were obtained by means of tickets, or orders to pay Cornelius Dix (prisoner's son), signed in the name of John Short, who is a foreman at a pit in the neighbourhood, and who denied the writing, or that he had given any such orders. A female named Hughes proved to seeing Corne- lius Dix, son of the prisoner, aged about 13, giving his mother one of the tickets in question. The lad himself was called and swore that he wrote the tickets himself, and gave them to his mother, as if he had been working for them, whereas he did not work at all, but went out each morning, played about all day, and returned at night. The learned Chairman told the lad to write a similar note without a copy, and upon his doing so, the Chairman re- marked that what the lad said he was afraid was too true, and having summed up in favor of the prisoner, remarking upon the wickedness and deceit practised by the son, according to his own statement, and which he (the Chairman) believed to be substantially true, the jury found her not guilty. The Court rose at a quarter to seven o'clock. SECOND COURT, before Sir THOS. PHILLIPS (deputv- chairman), G. R. GREENHOW-RELPH, Esq., and G. W. NICHOLL, Esq. LLANOVER,—ROBBERY BY A SERVANT. Elizabeth Leaver, 17, servant, was indicted for stealing a penknife, silver-mounted pipe, a scent .bottle, a brace- let, a pair of muslin cuffs, a snuff-box, and the sum of £ 7 10s., the property of William Morgan, at Llanover Lower, on the 1st of September. The prisoner entered the service of prosecutor on the 27th of May last (having previously been in his employ), gave notice to leave on the 14th of August, and left on the 1st of September. On the 13th of August prosecutor missed the key of a writing- desk, which he usually kept in a snuff-box in his pocket. He had had the writing desk open on the previous day, at which time it contained £ 16 10s. in gold and 2s. 9d. in silver; not being able to find the key, on the 9th of Sept, the desk was forced open, when 97 10s. was found to be missing. The other articles named were missed after the prisoner had gone away. Sarah Morgan (sister to prose- cutor) corroborated her brother's evidence, and added that when prisoner left there was only 3s 6d. due to her on account of wages, which was paid on the 4th of September. Witness also identified the scent bottle which had been missed, and which was found in the house of prisoner's father on the 10th of September, the prisoner being there at the time. Evidence was also adduced of the prisoner having laid out upwards of 94 at the shops of Mr. Price, draper, and Mr. Conway, grocer, Abergavenny, on the 1st of September. Sir Thomas Phillips remarked, in charging the jury, on the slight evidence sustained by the descrip- tion of the bottle, but the more serious question was the abstraction of the money. When prisoner left she appeared to have when 3s.6d., but, if her identification was complete by Clements and Mr. Price, she laid out sums of money the day she left whichshe does not account for, and it was for the jury to say, under the circumstances, whether they believed that money was part of the sum stolen from Mr. Morgan. The witness Clements was re-called, and said he saw the prisoner, a second time, on the Friday after the 1st of September, with her mother, and the latter said some- thing about the bacon prisoner had bought on the 1st. The jury, after a very lengthened consultation and several suggestions from the bench, whose patience was sorely tried, found the prisoner guilty. She was sentenced to six weeks' hard labour. ST. WOOLLOS.-ROBBERY BY A SERVANT. Rachel Owen, 28, was indicted for stealing a petticoat, a tea kettle, two sacks, and 3s., the property of Ann Shelton, on the 31st of July. The prisoner was found guilty of the present charge, and also of a prior conviction for horse- stealing, and sentenced to 18 months' hard labour. MYNYDDYSLLWYN.—STEALING WEARING APPAREL. James Davies and George Williams pleaded guilty to stealing two coats, two waistcoats, one cap, three nets, and a nerkerchief, the property of William Harris, on the 29th of August, and were sentenced to 6 weeks' hard labor each. FALSE PRETENCES AND THEFT. Jane Phillips, 19, servant, pleaded guilty to obtaining a shawl by false pretences from M.ary Clee, at Aberystruth, and also to stealing a coburg dress, the property of Jo- hannah Holland, at Bedwellty. She was sentenced to six weeks' hard labour on each charge. BEDWELLTY.—STEALING MONEY. Wm. O'Connell (on bail) was found guilty of stealing 20s., the money of John Jones, on the 6th of September, and sentenced to three months' hard labour. SIRHOWY.—A JUVENILE THIEF. Jane Bevan, a child of 13, was indicted for stealing a bag, a purse, and 91 7s. 6d., the property of Ann Mussel- white. She was sentenced to one month's hard labour and live years in the Reformatory. BRIERY HILL.—ROBBING LODGINGS* Frederick Ingram, 18, collier, was indicted tor stealing a coat and two waistcoats, the property of Wm. Evans and Jane Davies, on the 27th of August. Sentenced to 18 months hard labor. GROSMONT.—STEALING A SPOON. Henry Thompson (on bail) was indicted for stealing a silver spoon, the property of Thomas Bevan, at Grosmont, on the 20th June. The prisoner was engaged by prose- cutor in assisting to move house," at which time the spoon was lost, and was not again seen until delivered up to the police by James Moore, grocer, who had received it from prisoner in part payment of a debt, the prisoner re- marking at the time that he had found it some years ago whilst taking down an old house. The jury having found the prisoner guilty, he was recommended to mercy by the prosecution, and sentenced to three month's hard labor. BEDWELLTY.—CHARGE OF STEALING A WATCH, ETC. Mary Davies (on bail) was indicted for stealing a watch, the property of Morgan Lewis.—Acquitted. EBBW VALE.-ASSAULT AND ROBBERY. James Collins, 22, puddler, was charged with assaulting and beating Dennis Sheen, and stealing trom his person a purse containing 14s. He was found guilty, and sentenced to six months hard labor. This Court rose at half-past seven. WEDNESDAY. The Court opened at ten o'ctoek, the following magis- trates being upon the bench. S. R. BOSANQUET (chairman), G. R. GREENHOW-RELPH, Esq., & S. C. BOSANQUET, Esq. ABERYSTRUTH.—FALSE PRETENCES. David Rees, alias Rees Davies, 26, laborer, was charged with obtaining the sum of jBl 2s. 6d. from Messrs. F. Levick and Robert Simpson, by false pretences on the 17th August, and further charged with stealing a coat and a pair of stockings, the property of John Wilson, on the same day. He was found guilty of the second charge, and sentenced to four months' hard labor.. BEDWELLTY.—A TASTE FOR DRINK. James Logan, 38, laborer, was indicted for obtaining twelve quarts of beer from John Evans, by false pretences, on the 7th of September; and further charged with ob- taining five quarts of beer, and sixpenny worth of rum, also by false pretences, from Richard Evans, on the 8th of September. He was acquitted of the first charge; but found guilty of the second, and sentenced to six months in the county gaol. APPLICATION TO THE COURT. An application made by Mr. Somerset, on behalf of Mi\ J. Russell, of Risca, for the'.appointment of Commissioners, under the powers of the Canal Act of 1792, was adjourned to next sessions. SECOND COURT, before Sir THOS. PHILLIPS (deputy- chairman), and G. R. GREENIIOW-KELPH, Esq. BEDWELLTY.—FALSE PRETENCES. Michael Kennedy, 22, laborer, was charged with obtain- ing six quarts of beer, by false pretences, from Richard Evans, on the 8th of September.—Not guilty. The business of the Sessions terminated about twelve o'clock this day (Wednesday). BILLS IGNORED. George Pritchard, stealing a basket and shawl belonging to Thomas James, at Llanvetherine. Robert Morris, stealing a donkey, the property of Will. Price, at Monmouth. William Arnold, feloniously attempting to commit an unnatural offence at Lianbaddock. James Price, stealing 91 10s., the money of James Rachel, at Llanthewy Rhytherch. Charles Price, painter, (on bail) unlawfully and violently I assaulting Hannah Maria Hughes, at Abergavenny.

DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE. RAGLAN. OCTOBER FAIR.—This fair, which took place on Monday last, was of a brisk character, and augurs well to become one of real importance to the surrounding neighbourhood. Being principally a cattle fair, the show of fresh steers was both good in quality and quantity, nearly all that were brought in being sold at full average prices. A competi. tion was manifest early in the day, which was fully sus- tained throughout, and a good clearance was effected, which will have its influence in future in bringing both farmers and dealers together. The few pens of sheep fetched fully 7id., but the supply was not equal to the demand. Other kind of stock was unimportant. xae fixing of this fair at a more convenient time than formerly -the Monday before Hereford October fair-has no doubt had great effect in rendering it more popular with the public. BAPTIST CHAPEL.~Special services were held at this chapel on the afternoon and evepmg of Wednesday sen- night, having for their object a thanksgiving for the late excellent and bountiful harvest. The afternoon service consisted of a prayer meeting only, when fervent praises were offered by several friends to the Giver of all Good," for the great and inestimable blessing afforded by the plentiful crops of corn, and the safe in-gathering of the same. At the evening service, the Rev. John Jones, late of Oundle, Northamptonshire, and formerly pastor of the Baptist Church at Raglan, delivered an address 011 the subject of Salvation, shewing its relation to the Divine attributes and perfections, and its adaptation to the fallen state of man-a discourse highly impressive, terse, and elaborate, exhibiting great thought, discriminative power, and a mind well stored with theological lore, The bene- diction having been offered, the audience separated, highly gratified with the proceedings of the day. Printed and Published by the Proprietor, WILLIAM UFsay CLABK, at liis Offices, Bridge Street, Usk, ui Couuty u* Monmouth, October 21, 1863.