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DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE.

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DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE. MONMOrTHSHIRE ENGLISH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. The half-yearly meeting of the above-named Association was held in the Baptist Chapel, Caerleon, on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 3rd and 4th of November. Notwith- standing the unfavorable state of the weather, there was a good attendance of ministers and messengers. The services commenced on Tuesday evening, when sermons were delivered by the Rev. M. Davies, of Llangibby, from Psalm 126th, and by the Rev. S. R. Young, of Aber- gavenny, from the 19th chapter of St. Luke, 1st to 10th verses. The conference sat on Wednesday morning; amongst those present were the Rev, J. C. B. Jackson, Caerleon (in the chair), H. Phillips, Esq. (treasurer), Revs. S R Young (secretary), M. Davies, J. W. Lance, T. Jones, G. Cosens, J. Lewis (Tredegar), &c. After prayer by the Rev. M. Davies, amongst other resolutions, one was passed expressing the complete satisfaction felt at the ar- rangements made by the Rev. J. W. Lance (the mission secretary), for holding the missionary meetings, and re- joicing at the great success which has attended the visit of the deputation this year—a larger number ot churches having held meetings than on any previous occasion. On Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. T. Jones, of Chepstow, preached. The services were brought to a conclusion on Wednesday evening, when sermons were preached by the Revs. J. W. Lance, of Newport, from Colossians, chap. ii, v. 22, and by the Rev. G. Cosens, of Usk, from Matthew, chap.'xvi, v. 26. The annual meetings were appointed to be held at Chepstow, in April next, at which it was ar- ranged that the Rev. S. R. Young should preach the con- ference sermon. COURT OF EXCHEQUER.—MONDAY. GREGORY V. THE WEST MIDLAND RAILWAY COMPANY. This case was tried at Monmouth, before Mr. J ustice Bvles, when a verdict was found for the plaintiff for £30, leave being reserved to the defendants to move to enter the verdict or reduce the damages. Mr. Henry James now moved accordingly. The plaintiff sent a cow from Abergavenny to Newport by truck on the defendants' line, when the animal jumped out and was destroyed. At the time of sending the cow the plaintiff signed a printed contract with the defendants, upon which they relied to exempt themselves from their PRIMA FACIE liability. One of the conditions imposed upon persons sending cattle by the defendants' line is in sub- stance that the persons so sending shall see to the efficiency of the trucks before they put their cattle into them. This condition, Mr. James contended, was reasonable, and bad been so held in "Pardington v. the South Wales Railway Company (1 Hurl and Nor., 302). Should, how- ever, the court think the condition unreasonable, then the damages should be reduced to 1;15. The court granted a rule to show cause. USK. THE FAIR on Thursday week was rather thinly attended. There was a pretty good show of useful steers, which changed bands freely. There were but few sheep of English breed penned, the principal, offered being from the Welsh mountains, which did not meet with a very readv sale. Horses were not numerous, and very few uselul ones were offered. EIGllTH MON. RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.—On Wednesday afternoon, the members of this corps assembled in good force, and proceeded to the practice ground, where they underwent a smart drill until halt-past four, when they were marched back to the armoury to deposit their rifles. and thence to the Three Salmons Hotel, to their captain's annual dinner. Captain Greenhow-Relph occupied the centre of the top table, and on his right and left we observed Lieut.-Colonel Roden, Captain HumeNicholl, Captain Carnegy, Lieutenant W. B. Nicholl, Hon. Surgeon A. J. Shepard, Rev. W. H. Wren ford, Rev. James Cadwallader, and Rev. George Thomas. The. non-commissioned officers and privates numbered about sixtv. After partaking of an excellent dinner, and on the removal of the cloth, Captain Greenhow-Relph gave the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, introducing each with appropriate remarks, to which suitable returns were made by the officers and clergymen present. "Our County Chiefs" (the Lord Lieutenant) health was given by the president, who passed some complimentary remarks upon that nobleman's zeal in the volunteer chuse. His Lord- ship's health, and long may he reign over us," was drank with enthusiasm. Success to the 8th Mon. Rifle Volun- teers," as may be supposed, was received with rapturous applause. The successful competitors at .he recent prize shooting of the company were then called co the head of the tables, and, after a few suitable remarks to each, cheques were given upon the treasurer for the respective prizes as follows:- FIRST SECTION. Private Thomas Honney First. Sergeant John Roberts Second. Sergeant Oliver Davies Third. Private James Richards Fourth. SECOND SECTION. Private James Phillips First. Private Samuel Higton Second. Lieutenant Nicholl Third, Private Oliver Jenkins. Fourth. THIRD SECTION. Corporal Herbert Thomas First. Private James Davies Second. Private William "Williams Third. Private Richard Waters Fourth. FOURTH SECTION. Bugler John Lewis First. Private George Marfell Second. Private Franklyn Thomas Third. Private Henry Francis Fourth. FIFTH SECTION. Private John Morgan First. Hon. Surgeon A. J. Shepard. Second. Private Arthur Davies Third. Private John Herbert. Fourth. THE CHAMPION MEDAL For the year, competed for by the winners of the first prize in each section, was won by Private Thomas Honey. The company spent a most amicable and pleasant evening, and at the close, the corps marched to the 'armoury, where it was dismissed. PETTY SESSIONS, FRIDAY, before G. R. GREENHOW- RELPH, and S. CHURCHILL, Esqrs. GAME TRESPASS.—John Williams, Gwehelog, appeared to answer a charge of this nature preferred against him by Thomas Rogers, jun., Llantrissent, who stated that the defendant had promised not to offend again, and, therefore, he (complainant) asked to be allowed to withdraw the summons, which was granted. POOR RATES.—William Thomas, Pontypool, appeared to a summons taken out against him by the Overseers of Jjlanbaddock for non-payment of two poor rates. The defendant stated that he was considerably overcharged. Jt appeared that be was assessed not only for a small piece of land of his own, but also for ground belonging to his sister, whose name had by mistake been omitted from the rate. Defendant was ordered to pay the rates, and the parish to pay tor the summons. Rate to be adjusted. FRIDAY, OCT. 30, before S. CHURCHILL, Esq. THE DAY APTEE THE FAIR.—Isaac Williams, of Usk, carpenter, was brought up in custody, charged by Supt. Llewellyn with fighting and committing a breach of the peace in the town, early this morning. The defendant J was bound over in 4S20, and one surety in a like amount, to keep the peace for six months. MONMOUTH. CONCERT.—Mr. R. B. Wall, the talented organist of St. ( Mary's Ctiurch, gave a concert in the Borough Court, on Wednesday sennight, which served as a happy prelude to the Masonic festivities of the succeeding dav, under the distinguished patronage of the Right Worshipful Grand Master, John E. W. Rolls, Esq., and which was graced by the attendance of a numerous and fashionable audience. The performers on the occasion were Madame Skeaf, Miss Bennett, Mr. Groves, Mr. Griffiths (Eledbrook), and Mr. and Mrs. Wall. The entertainment, we are pleased to state, was a decided treat, and met with every success. THE MASONIC CEREMONY.—In our brief notice, last week, of the installation of John E. W. Rolls, Esq., as P.G.M. of Monmouthshire, we were compelled, in conse- quence of the late period of the week at which the ceremony took place, to omit many of the interesting particulars. We now have pleasure in appending the reply of the worthy P.G.M. to the toast of his health at the banquet. He said-Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Masters of Herefordshire and Eastern Division of South Wales, and Brethren,-I am sure you will believe me sincere when I tell you how utterly incapable I am of re- turning you my thanks in an adequate manner for the warm, the enthusiastic, reception you have given the last toast, and for the very kind an most flattering manner it has been proposed to your notice by my excellent friend brother Tynte. I have at all times the greatest difficulty in expressing my feelings, and your reception of me this day has so perfectly overwhelmed me, that it has almost taken from me the power of addressing you at all. On the resignation of our late most excellent Provincial Grand Master, the high honour was offered me by the Most Wor- shipful Grand Master of England, the Earl of Zetland, of becoming his successor, and I assure you I have very great doubts in my own mind whether I ought to accept so high, so distinguished, an appointment. I am fully aware of the deep responsibilities I have this day undertaken, but your reception of me has been so kind, so very flattering, that I feel sure that my conduct during the thirteen years I have had the honour of acting as your D.P.G.M., has met with your approbation, and that my appointment is not un- pleasing to you (cheers). There has always been so much harmony, so much good feeling, so much true Masonic feeling, amongst the brethren of the province, that I feel that my duties will be light, and not only light but pleasur- able ones, and as long as I am supported by your appro- bation, and cheered by your smiles, with the assistance of my excellent deputy and officers, and with the co-operation of the brethren, I see no reason why this province should be second to any in the land (hear, hear). I now call upon you all most emphatically-I call upon the brethren of my own province, more especially the juniors of the craft, not to allow the world to think that Masonry is merely an excuse for meeting together at the social board, and adorning ourselves with gay aprons, splendid collars, and brilliant jewels-I call upon you by our glorious Book of Constitutions; nay, more, by that Sacred Volume of Holy Law, which is always open whenever Masons are at work -so to regulate your conduct by the true principles of Masonry, not only within your lodges when they are close- tiled, but in your every-day intercourse with your fellow men, that the world at large may respect you, and exclaim —"Surely, none know better than Masons their duty to their God, their neighbours, and themselves." Brethren, I thank you again and again, and I trust that I may never forfeit the good opinion you have been kind enough to form ot me. Immense Masonic cheering ensued on the P.G.M. resuming his seat. MUNICIPAL ELECTION.—Messrs. Thos.Webb (butcher), James (ironmonger), and John Morgan (draper), and J. P. King, Esq., of the Volunteer Corps, have been duly chosen and declared to be councillors for this borough, there being no opposition. It is said that a protest has been entered against the election of these gentleman, owing to some informality—the real grounds we are not as yet in a posi- tion to state. RAGLAN. BAPTIST CIUPEL.-According- to previous announce- ment by placard, a Missionary Meeting took place at this chapel on the evening of Wednesday sennight, which was very numerously attended, and proved of an interesting and spirited character, the Rev. T. Evans, of Delhi, being present as a deputation from the Baptist Missionary Society. The meeting was commenced by singing and. prayer, the 222nd hymn (" Go, favoured Britons ") being given with excellent effect. The Rev. B. Johnson (the pastor) afterwards stated the object of the meeting, and briefly referred to the operations of the parent society during the past year, shewing from the society's report that the receipts had been £30,396 17s. 7d., including a balance from last year's account, compensation by the Spanish Government, contributions, bequests, donations, &c., &c. The expenditure amounted to dE33,073 8a., which shewed a deficit of £1.176 10s. 5d. The subscriptions sent from the Baptist Chapel at Raglan amounted to zC5 and upwards. Mr. Evans was then introduced, and in the course of a very masterly and eloquent address, spoke ,of the extension of the missionary enterprize in India,-its difficulties and encouragements, including under the first head- the necessity of mastering the languages of the native tribes, and of understanding the bent, sympathies and habits of the Hindoo's mind, as well as the tongue—ex- cessive hot and wet seasons-the terrific blasts of the loom winds-itinerating- adventures, travelling two or three hundred miles with tent and camel—the wet season of July, August, and September, pregnant with sickness and death—the malaria arising from decomposed matter, pro. ducing lassitude, and predisposing the system to fever, dysentery, &c., &c—;the deleterious effects of the climate upon European children, the average deaths being three out of every five-the moral apathy of the Hindoo con- science. The Hindoo mind (said the speaker) knows, in reality, nothing of conscience the Alpha and Omega of his creed is to lie, to insult, to deceive, to cheat, to rob, to murder, but not to eat with a foreigner. To accuse him of crime produces no blush, no shame; but, on the con- trary, the shocking and appalling defence that the gods did it and we do it." The Tubs," a religious sect, were highway robbers, and prayed for success in their under- takings, and presented their gods with a share of the plunder. Mr. Evans then dilated upon caste-the Hindoo belief in fate, and the degrading influence of such upon the character—the courage necessary for the Indian to embrace the Christian Faith—the unchristian conduct of certain Europeans and nominal christians-their drunken habits, &c., with its bad effects upon the Hindoo. In speaking of the encouragements to missionary enterprize, Mr. Evans referred-after stating the extent of Indian ter. ritory, the population of which, he said, was two hundred millions-to the fact that there were now 31,000 attendants at the preachings of the society's agents,-15,000 communi cants, 150 native preachers, and 1500 children at the society's schools—that the scriptures werg now translated into forty languages and dialects-the giving way of pre- judices, and the shaking of confidence in the power of their gods and the prophecies of their ancient books-the aboli- tion of the power of the old East Indian Company, and the facilities afforded by the Government authorities to missionary effort-the rapid spread of secular knowledge among the Indian people, and of western civilization-the introduction of railway communication, &c. Mr. Evans was deservedly listened to with marked attention through- out the whole of his very excellent and instructive address. A liberal collection in aid of the missionary cause concluded the business of the meeting. PETTY SESSIONS, OCT. 30, before S. R. BOSANQUET, J. A. HERBERT, and T. MARSH, Esqrs. TRESPASSING IN PURSUIT OF GAME.—James Edwards, of Dingestow, butcher, was summoned by Edward Powell, of Tregare, farmer, for a trespass upon his lands, in pur- suit of game. Fined 93 and 10s. costs. Thomas Williams, shoemaker, and John Williams, mason, both of Gwehelog,were charged by T. F. Edwards, at the instance of His Grace the Duke of Beaufort, with a similar offence, committed on the lands of Berllanderry farm, Raglan. Ordered to pay £1 each and costs. PUBLIC HOUSE OFFENCES.—Two cases of this descrip- tion of a frivolous character were dismissed. ABERGAVENNY. THE MARKET on Tuesday last was very scantily sup- plied with cattle and sheep, but pigs of all descriptions were a complete glut," and prices ruled proportionably low business, however, was not over brisk, and transac- tions in this line were mostly confined to porkers, which realized 8s. 6d. per score; a few stores, too, went off at low figures. The poultry market was pretty full; but not so with vegetables and fruit, although, we are told, a con. siderable amount of "outside" business was done in these commodities. Geese sold at 7d.; fresh butter lB. 2d. to ls. 3d., and salt ditto Is. Id, to Is. 2d. per lb. ducks 5s. to 5s. 6d., and fowls 3s. to 3s. 3d. per couple; eggs 16 for a shilling; potatoes 5s. to 7s., and apples 11s. to 20s. per sack; flour 7s. per bushel; 4!b. loaf 6d. Wheat was quoted at 40s. 6d., and barley 32s. 31. perimperial quarter. DEATH FROM WANT.—On Tuesday last, an inquest was held at the King's Arms Inn, Llanvetherine, before E. D. Batt, Esq., coroner, on the body of a man, name unknown, which had been found on the previous Saturday, in a barn on the Great Pool Hall farm, in the occupation of Mr. Johnson, by Mr. Jones, of Cwmmerra farm, who was at- tracted to the spot by a dog he had with him. From the evidence, it appeared that deceased, who was known in the neighbourhood by the name of George, was last seen alive on Sundav, the 25th of October, when he called at the house of Mr. Johnson, soliciting alms, and it is sup- posed that he afterwards went to the barn where the body was found, and there died, not having sufficient strength to seek assistance. Dr. Hansby, who had made a post mortem examination, gave his opinion that deceased bad died from want, and added that the body bore the appear- ance of having been dead quite a week. The jury. upon hearing these facts, immediately returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony. Cow KILLED ON THE RAILWAY.—One evening last week, as a servant, in the employ of Mr. Marsh, of the Railway Hotel,was fetching her master's cows from a field on the opposite side of the railway, one of them, which was rather in advance, got upon the line before the girl was aware of it, in consequence of some one having negli- gently left the crossing gate open, and a goods train com- ing up at the time knocked her down across the rails, when the life guard caught her and pushed her some dis- tance until the train could be stopped it was then fonnd that her entrails had been torn out and other injuries in- flicted, so that she had to be killed immediately. The animal was valued at £17, and being in calf the carcase had to be sold for the worth of the hide, but it is to be hoped Mr. Marsh will not have to suffer the loss, as the accident clearly arose from no fault of his servant, the night being so dark that she could not see, from the dis. tance she was off, whether the gate was open or shut, but presuming it was shut, as it ought to have been, she con- cluded that the cows would wait, for her to open it as usual. Nor is it right that a person guilty of such gross careless- ness as that of leaving a gate of the kind open should es- cape punishment. THE LYRIC OPERA COMPANY.—This company, which comprises amongst its members artistes of talent and respectability, has been performing here nightly for the past nine or ten days. The audiences have not been so numerous as the character of the entertainment deserves. Several first-class operas have been produced, and sustained with marked efficiency. We understand that the Company intends visiting Monmouth next week, and we can well recommend our readers in that locality to give their countenance and support to the entertainment, 'feeling assured that they wiil reap no small degree of pleasure from, the amusement afford,ed them by a visit. AN ELOPEMENT.—The gossips of this town, have, during the last few days, had an ample fund of material with which to indulge their garrulous propensities, arising from the sudden leaving" of a young couple, under circumstances which leave but little doubt as to their intentions, and still less as to the thorough heartlessness of one of the twain—the gay Lothario- whose nuptials with a young woman from the adjacent hills we recorded only a few weeks since. The stratagem was so well laid that it was not until some days had elapsed that the DENOUEMENT took place. The faithless one had some business from home which would detain him a few days, and with apparent feeling consideration for the spouse he had only a few weeks before sworn to love and cherish till death should them part," he suggested that she should return to her former home for the 'few days" he should be away, so that she might not find her- self lonelv during his absence—like an obedient wife, she readily assented to the proposition, little dreaming of the real object of this visit to her home, or that it would be such a prolonged one-and accordingly, on the day previous to that fixed for his departure, the happy [?] pair took train for the scene of their courting days; upon reaching which, they were, of course, received with the affectionate greetings of the "old folks at home," and no doubt the day-which happened to be the Sabbath- nassed. to all outward appearances, pleasantly enough, not an inkling of the faithless husband's ulterior motives being gained either by the confiding wife or her friends and when, in the evening, he fook his leave for home, prepara- tory to starting upon his journey, fervent were the wishes for his safety and speedy return; but, Oh for the frailty of human nature—what were the thoughts that occupied his mind whilst listening to these fond out-pourings from the lips of one who had loved not wisely but too well ?" —were they not, tt\at never, if he could help it, should he again set eyes upon the woman he had made his lawful wife ? for the next morning found him hastening away with an equally guilty paramour to a port of shipment from whence to take passage to some distant part of the globe, never to return to the land of his birth. Rumour goes so far as to say the fugitives were refused a berth, unless authentic proof could be given that they were, as they represented themselves-man and wife-and that to overcome this difficulty a marriage ceremony was gone through. The sequel of this domestic drama may be stated in few words, the father of the hapless wife, preferring to give his daughter shelter under the paternal roof to again placing her at the mercy of one who had proved himself so unworthy of her, took no steps to arrest the progress of the runaways, as he perhaps might have done had he felt so disposed—thinking, probably, that they were "leaving their country for their country's good." WEATHER AT ABERGAVENNY DURING OCTOBER, 1863. —There were many unusually marked characteristics in the changes of weather during this month. In the first place, the shock of the earthquake, on the morning of the 6th, seemed to be more severely felt in this neighbourhood than in most places in the kingdom, and the oscillation in some houses was very considerable. There were no very striking features connected with the event: a sharp frost was experienced during the same night, and the day fol- lowing was especially calm and beautiful. On the 30th, there was a heavy thunder-storm, accompanied by very vivid flashes of lightning, with hail. There was also hail on the 31st. October was altogether a very boisterous and unsettled month. No less than 6.63 inches of rain were registered (of which the great depth of 4.90 inches fell from the 10th to the 14th) though seventeen days were marked as fine (without rain). The temperature was, generally speaking, much below the average. On one or two occasions the sun was extremely powerful, reaching an altitude of 106°. Highest reading in the shade, 70"1, 2 whilst the minimum, as shewn by a self-registering ther- mometer, was 27tQ, giving a monthly range of 43°, Greatest daily range, 35". The barometer was remark- ably changeable, and its variations often most sudden. With the exception of a few days, it was very low all throughout the month. Highest reading, 30.302 in.; lowest 29.270 in.; monthly range, 1.032 in.; greatest range in the twenty-four hours, 0.476 in. A great deal of wind was experienced; in fact, it blew a gale more than once. Its direction was as follows:—W. on 8 days; S.W. on6; N. 4; S. 1; S.E. 5; E-2; uncertain 5.-GOBANNIENSIS. SIGNS OF WINTER.-On Monday the mountains in this neighbourhood were covered with snow, which, however, soon disappeared. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, before the Hon. W. P. RODNEY, Rev. JAMES FARQITHAR, and THOS. DAVIES, Esq. STEALING HOESE-HAIE. — John Jones, Llanthewy Skirrid, was charged with stealing a quantity of horse- hair, the property of his master, John Jones. Prosecutor deposed I am a farmer, residing at Llanthewy Skirrid the prisoner has been in my employment as a laborer; he used to look after the horses on Saturday week, I saw him drawing some hair out of one of the horses' tails I asked him what he was doing, and he said, only drawing out the "burr;" on the following morning, I found a large quantity of hair had been taken from the mane of one of my horses; my wife subsequently found a bundle of horse hair in an out-house, tied up in one of the prisoner's handkerchiefs; I spoke to the prisoner about the matter, and, in reply, he said he had got it from John Morgan and David Morgan, for dressing the tails of their horses, prior to their going to a fair; I said I did not believe it, for the hair had evidently come out of the mane, and not the tail; he then said he had also dressed the man. s of Mr. Morgan's horses, but he acknowledged he had taken some hair out of the manes of my horses; there were about 3albs. of hair in the bundle, and it corresponded in length and colour with the hair of my horses. Prisoner now said he had pulled the hair out of the mane of the prosecutor's horse in consequence of its superfluity. He did not, he added, do it for the purpose of injuring the horse, or with a view to stealing the hair. Prosecutor's wife having deposed to finding the hair, the police constable who apprehended the prisoner gave evidence, from which it appeared that the prisoner had denied taking the hair out of the manes of the horses of the prosecutor, alleging- that he had it from Mr. Morgan's horse, which he had been dressing; prisoner subsequently told the constable that he had picked the hair up in a yard, and from further official enquiries, it was found that no Mr. Morgan had employed the pri- soner. In answer to the bench, the prisoner pleaded not juilty, and he was committed to take his trial at the jnsuing quarter sessions. OBTAINING MONEY UNDER FALSE PRETENCES.— William Tudor, butcher, was charged with obtaining 5s. under false pretences, from Mary Ann Poole. The latter deposed: About, a month ago, I bought a pig ot Mr. Brock; the prisoner brought it to my house, and lsaid I would pay,gr. Brock; he said he was to receive the money; "very well," said I, and gave him 5s. Mr. Knight came to me on the following Tuesday, and asked if the prisoner had brought the pig; I said he had, and that I had paid him the money; Knight is brother-in- law to Brock. By the prisoner I was not asked by you to buy the pig. Mr. Brock deposed A month ago last Saturday, the prosecutrix came to my brother-in-law s shop, and I sold her a pig for 5s., saying that it should be sent to her that day; on the same evening I employed the prisoner to take the pig to the prosecutrix I gave him no further instructions; I did not tell him to ask for any money; the pig belonged to Mr. Knight; the prisoner has been frequently employed by my brother- in-law to deliver goods; I never autborised him to receive money; he did not come back after he had delivered the pig I did not see him again for a fortnight after. In his defence, prisoner said Mr. Knight owed him money for slaughtering, and that the pig had been given him as a compensation for his labor by Mr. Brock, who had said to him, I say Bill, I can tell you where you can sell the pig," directing him to go to the prosecutrix. Sergeant Edghill said the prisoner had given himself up this morning, saying he thought the pig was his, for he had been told to take it out of the yard He added that they (meaning Brock and Knight) owed him more money than the pig came to, and that they had also some tools of his. It was further stated that the prisoner, upon seeing a police officer a few days ago, had run away. He was committed to take his trial at the ensuing quarter ses- sions. CAERLEON. PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY, before JOHN JAMES and C. NICHOLSON, Esquires. BEER-HOUSE OFFENCE.—William Waite, of the Car- penter's Arms, Llantarnam, was charged with keeping his house open for the sale of beer, on Sunday last, between eleven and twelve o'clock a.m. P.C. 82 proved the case, and said that there were four men in the house, one of whom was drunk. Fined 10s. and 10s. costs. ASSAULT.-ThomaR Baker was charged with assaulting Edward Morgan. The parties reside in Caerleon. Mr. Greenwav, of Pontypool, appeared on behalf of defendant, who pleaded not guilty. Complainant deposed-On the 21st of October last, between eight and nine p.m., I was going home, when 1 saw the defendant and my daughter standing outside my yard door. When I came up to them, I told my daughter to go into the house. I had a walking stick in my hand, and I struck my daughter with it slightly. She went into the house. As I was closing the yard door, defendant sprang at me like a tiger, and caught me by the collar, shaking my hat off and my staff out of my hand, and said-" You shan't do that." I tried to catch hold of him by the collar of his coat, when he caught my fingers in his mouth and bit them. Cross-examined I ceased to be friendly with Mr. Baker when I found he was following my daughter. It was in the month of June last I told Mr. Baker it was not agreeable to me for him to come after my daughter at least my wife told him so for me. My daughter is only fifteen years of age. I am certain she is not more, I don't know where my daughter is at present. She went from home yesterday morning. She went before the summons to attend here was left at my house. I am sure my daughter is not in my house. I have no bets on the success of this case, either with Mr. Cope or anyone else. On the night of the assault I was going home quietly, and I went quietly up to them. I did not speak to the defendant. I only said, "go into the house to my daughter. After I struck my daughter, I did not say to defendant, I'll serve you the same." The defendant did not threaten to summons me. Mr. Green- way asked the magistrates to allow an officer to go to the complainant's house, and enquire for Miss Morgan, as he understood that she was at home. The magistrates at this stage of the case advised the parties to settle it, which was at length done, Mr. Baker promising not to annoy Mr. Morgan by going to the house any more, and Mr. Morgan promising on his part not to annoy MI. Baker in any way. The costs to be paid by Mr. Baker. PONTYPOOL. APPRECIATION OF MERIT.-The custom of presenting testimonials has now become such an every-day occurrence, and so little discrimination is sometimes evinced in such matters, that events of the kind are not now generally re- garded as conveying such heartfelt sentiments of est3em and respect as they formerly did when they were less com- mon; but whilst deprecating any perversion of a custom long honored amongst us, and which is productive of much good when carried out in its integrity-as affording an in- centive to all, whatever position they occupy, to so conduct themselves as to gain the good opinion and esteem of those with whom they are brought into contact-we cannot withhold our meed of commendation when we see that the relative positions of the recipient and those who honour him, are such as to justify the conclusion that the motives which have prompted the undertaking can have no other basis than that of pure and unfeigned feelings of respect; and in no case is this genuineness of sentiment more ap- parent than when, as in the instance under our notice, the testimonial is the spontaneous gift of the employed to one placed in authority over them. The circumstance which has led us to this brief dissertation, was the presentation, on the evening of S. turday last, at the Sun Inn Trosnant, of a handsome gold watch, by the agents and workmen under the Pontypool Iron Company, to Mr Jabez Jacobs, who has lately relinquished his post of mineral agent un- der that company for the, acceptance of a similar office under the Ebbw Vale Iron Company, at Ebbw Vale. The meeting was of a very unostentatious character, the chief object of the promoters-next to the presentation itself, which was made in a most appropriate manner and ac- knowledged with much teeling-being the spending of a few hours in Mr. Jacobs' company before his departure; and, after fulfilling this purpose, when the time for separa- tion arrived, many and sincere were the expressions of re- gret, at the loss of so good a friend. We have only to add that the watch, which was a beautifully chaste piece of mechanism, was supplied by Mr. George Waters (of this town), and gave the utmost satisfaction to the subscribers. UNION AUDIT.—On the 28th ult., E. Murrell, Esq., the auditor under the Poor Law Board, completed his audit of the accounts of the Pontypool union, the result being, as far us may be presumed, satisfactory. DISTRICT REGISTRY OF DEATHS, &c.-The office of re- gistrar tor the Llangibby district in the Pontypool union, rendered vacant by the melancholy death of Mr. Daniel Baker, as recorded in our last, appears to be a much coveted office, for we are told that the number of applica- tions for the appointment has already reached something enormous. THE NEW INCUMBENT.—Our readers will be gratihed to know that there is every probability of the vacant in- cumbency of this parish being speedily filled, the gentle- man who has been presented to it—the Rev. John Cleave Llewellyn, vicar of Michaelstone-super-Avon, Neath— having passed his Welsh examination, at Llandaff, on Tuesday, in, we are told, a very satisfactory manner. It is also further gratifying to learn that the rev. gentleman brings with him testimonials of the highest order; his re- moval, too, is, we understand, deeply regretted by the con- gregation be has hitherto ministered for. These facts speak well for the future prospects of this parish, in a spiritual point of view. THE DAVIES' MEMORIAL FUND.—A meeting of the com- mittee entrusted with the appropriation of the fund raised for erecting a memorial, in the form of a tablet, to the memory of the' late much-lamented incumbent of this parish, was held in the Town Hall, on Wednesday, for the purpose of determining upon the inscription for the said tablet, the order for which has been given to Mr. Job Thomas, of Newport, when, after suggestions from several of the gentlemen present, a form was drawn up which met with the unanimous approval of the meeting, aud which, after due revision, will be placed in the hands of the sculptor. The total cost of the tablet will be about £60. THE STANDARD LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY.-In refe- rence to this first-class office, the following letter has appeared in a contemporary:—" Sir,-A great outcry has of late been raised in the papers against Insurance Com- panies. I, for one, think that this has been done with great injustice to them; at least to the one with which I am connected. My late husband's life was insured in the Standard Life Assurance Company, through Mr. Ebenezer Prosser, their Pontypool agent, for the sum of £150. We only paid three halt-yearly premiums, amounting altoge- ther to 916 15s. 3d., and on his death, a short time ago, I, his widow, received the £150 from the company at once, through their agent at Pontypool. This, ,t hope, will dispel all fears of those who, as insurers, are connected with this company, and may, I hope, induce others in these improving times to imitate my example. I am, Sir, yours respectfully, GWENLLIAN PARRY, Chapel House, Twyn Carno, Rhucaney, Mon., Oct. 9,1863." PETTY SESSIONS, SATURDAY, before Lieut.-Col. BIRD and Captain HILL. ASSAULTS.—J. Evans, Garndiffaith, was charged with assaulting John Williams, a little boy, by kicking him. Complainant was removing some turf trom the defendant 8 hen-roost, when the latter kicked him, which constituted the assault complained of. Defendant was fined 13s. in- cluding costs. "William Ham, Pontnewynydd, was charged with assaulting Thomas Bevan. It seems that while defendant and another man were quarrelling, complainant interfered, upon which defendant struck him on the face. Defendant was fined 16s. including costs. Marv Davies, Blaenavon, was charged with assaulting Ann Harding. Some disturbance arose between the parties respecting the cleanliness of the court in which they lived, the result being that the defendant struck the complainant. Defendant was fined 13s. including costs. ADJOURNED CASE.—James Thomas, Garndiffaith, was summoned by Samuel Collier for non-payment of wages, amounting to 10s. 8d. Ordered to pay, with 7s. costs. LARCENY.-William Matthews, Merthyr, charged with stealing a flannel jacket and two trowels, from the Ponty- pool Police Station, which is in course ot construction, was sentenced to fourteen days' hard labor, he having pleaded STEALING MONEY.—'Rebecca Powell was charged with stealing 2s., the property of Daniel Cremin, tailor, Sowhilh She pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to seven days imp. STEALING CHEESE.—Isaac Fox, Newport, was charged with stealing 3tlbs. of cheese, the property of Benjamin Parcell, Pontypool. The prisoner pleaded not guilty, and he was committed to take his trial at the ensuing quarter sessions. SUBMARINE TELEGRAPH ACEOSS THE BRISTOL CHAN- NEL.—On Monday last the British and Magnetic iele- graph Company successfully laid a submarine cable across the Channel at New Passage. The cable (which contains several wires) is intended to enable the South Wales Union Railway Company to communicate from shore to shore; the telegraph company running additional wires, in order to afford greater facilities for the increasing busi- ness requirements between the district and Bristol. The fine and powerful Liverpool steamer Blazer arrived at New Passage, with the cable on board, on Monday, having been expected on the previous Saturday, but was detained by the late violent gales. The necessary surveys were com- pleted, and all preparations made by J. Radcliffe, Esq., the company's engineer, and J. Temple, Esq., on behalf of the manufacturers of the cable. Under the superintend- ence of these gentlemen, the cable was successfully laid on Monday, without any mishap. The event created some excitement in the neighbourhood, and the judicious y se- lected ground fully merits the approval it has elicited, and is calculated to afford as safe a resting-place as the most fortunate combination of circumstances could have secured. The cable was manufactured by the celebrated makers, Messrs. Glass, Elliott, and Co., and is a portion of that used by the same (Magnetic) Company in connecting the extreme point of Cape Clear, in Ireland, with the com- pany's main line, whereby intelligence from America will shortly be transmitted eight hours earlier than at present. The Blazer atterwards went into Newport, on Tuesday, and at once discharged the heavy machinery used by means of the excellent arrangements of the Dock Company, and proceeded on her return to Liverpool. MAKING THE MOST OF A BISHOP.—About fifty years since, in the village of Newnham lived one Thomas Wil- ford, who filled the distinguished posts of parish clerk, parish sexton, and parish schoolmaster. He was an eccentric person, proud of his authority and offices, and much addicted to taking liberties with the Psalms of David, in order to give ECLA.T to any village event, or as he termed it, 'dapting 'em to the 'casion." An instance of this kind occurred in the year 1805, when the bishop of the diocese, being on a visit to a family in the neighbour- hood, signified his intention of preaching in JNewnham church on the following Sunday. This was an event of no ordinary kind for Newnham, aud Mr. Wiltord would not lose such an opportunity of signalising himself. He mustered such an array of bass viols, clarionets, flutes, &c., with singers in proportion, as never before was seen or heard inNewnham church, and many and anxious were the rehearsals. When the eventful day arrived, every part of the church was crammed the service proceeded in due course, and, excepting two or three instances of want of time amongst the vocal and instrumental per- formers, approaching almost to discord, all went off well. Mr.Wilford had preserved his grand effort for tune until just before the bishop commenced his sermon, and thus did he give out the Psalm, in the broad Gloucestershire dialect: —"Let us zing to the prayze an' glawry o' God dree verses o' hundred an' vourteenth zaam, a varsion 'specially 'dapted to the 'casion by myself- Why hop ye zo, ye little little hills ? And what var do 'ee skip ? Is it a 'cas you'm proud to see His Grace the Lard Biship P Why skip ye zo, ye little little hills ? And what var do 'ee hop. Is it a 'cas to preach to we Is com'd the Lard Bishop ? Ye zee he's com'd to preach to we, Then let us all strick up An' zing a glawrious zong o' prayze, And bless the Lard Bishup. It is not often that we have the pleasing task of recom- mending such nice things as the Pure Sweets of Messrs. Schooling and Co: Excellent in quality, elegant, varied and cheap, they richly deserve the Prize Medal obtained.

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