The Illustrated Usk Observer and Raglan Herald

TO CORRESPONDENTS AND READERS. Several items of District Intelligence are unavoidably crowded out. owing to a pressure on our space; amongst them a report of Marriage Festivities at Clytha (to hand at a late hour), which shall appear next week.

BLAENAVON. BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLS SOCIETY.—An interest- ing meeting in connection with be Blaenavon branch of this society was held in the Infant School, on Thursday sennight. In the unavoidable absence of J. Paton, Esq., manager of the works, the Rev. J. Jones, the incumbent, and secretary for the society presided, and gave astatemeut of the funds for the last year, which on the whole was very eneouraging. The meeting was addressed in Euglish by the Rev. Mr. Byewater (Primitive Methodist minister), and in Welsh, by the Rev. Mr. Hughes (Baptist minister), after which a very interesting address was given by the Rev. Wm. Peterson, deputation from the Parent Societv. ENGLISH BAPTIST CHAPEL—This chapel, which has lately been very considerably enlarged, was re-opened for, Divine service on Sunday last, when the Rev. J. Hughes of Ashton-under-Lyne, preached in the forenoon (in Eng- lish), and the Revds. D. Morga I, Blaenavon, and J. Jones, Abercarne, in the afternoon; the last-named gentleman also preached again in t'ie evening at six o'clock. The chapel at each service was crowded to excess, and a large a flOLlut of IMAOY was collect JD, which will go towards defraying the expenses of the alteration of the chapel. REDUCTION OF WAGES. — Weare sorry to announce that notices for a general reduction of wages are posted up IN different parts of the works. Tiiis is discouraging new for the working men at t le present time when the prices of provisions are so exceedingly high. The reaso assigned for the reduction is depression in the iron trade.11

MONMOUTH. HonsE ACCIDENT. — WE regret to announce an accident Which befell our respected Town Councillor, Mr. Thomas Buker, corn merchant, on Saturday last. It appears that Mr. Baker had mounted a spirited NAG^ in the orchard at the back of his house, for the purpose of proceeding from town on business, when the animal exhibited much friski- uess, and ultimately falling with its rider on its back, fractured several of his ribs. Medical attendance was promptly procured, and we are glad to say the patient is progressing most favourably. DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS, SATURDAY, before Capt. JUlES DAVIE^, Coi. S. ROOKE, and the Rev..R. JACKSON. ALLEGED ROBBERY BY A DOMESTIC SERVANT.—Ann Price was charged with stealiug a quantity of knives and forks, a steel, two table covers, and other articles, the pro- perty of her master, John Roberts, farmer, ot Coxton Farm, St. Maugbatis, and George Turner, tailor, of New. castle, was charged with receiving the same, knowing them to be stolen. Air. H. Roberts, of LRsk, appeared for the prisoners. It seemed that during the time the female prisoner wa, in the service of the prosecutor, an execution was levied upou his household lurniture and goods, and an inventory was taken of them by Matthew Jones, clerk to Mr. James Graham, jun., the house being left in charge ot John Clarke, a bailiff. At the sale, which afterwards took place at Monmouth, the above articles were missing, and P.C. Smith consequently went to the house of the prosecutor, and asked Ana I rice as to where the articles were; she s.-ud were all n^ht, and volunteered to 1 fo with him to find them. AUersomo prevarication oa ber part the constable succeeded ni obtaining possession of tbe Stolen property at the house of the male prisoner. The officer then asked who oiojglit them there, in answer to which Pcict) said it was a Airs. Joues; the prisoners and the constable then went to Coxton; and after some further conversation the constable took them botli into custody. It was elicited in cross-examination that tho boxes and bundle whicu contained the articles, were sealedwith a crest when found, and in a subsequent conversation with tho prosecutor,, the intter stiid the crest belonged to Mrs. iiooerte. The Magistrates considered Bome doubt existed C"SEI AN<* they therefore dismissed the prisoners. Printed and Published for the Proprietor, JAMES HHNKY Cf.A-UK,( at his Offices, liridye Street, USk, in the County Of Monmouth, July 7, 186G.

Monmouthshire Quarter Sessions. The Midsummer Sessions commenced at the Town Hail, Usk, on Monday, when the following magistrates were present:— S. R. Bosanquet, Esq., Chairman, Sir Thomas Phillips, knight, Deputy-Chairman, Lord Raglan Sir George Walker, bart. O. Morgan, Esq., M.P. Hon. Clifford-Butler E. Lister, Esq. F. J. Mitchell, Esq. Rev. R. Jackson S. Homfray, Esq. Colonel Clifford G. R. reenhow-llelph, Esq. W. R. Stretton, Esq. Major M'Donnell J. A. Herbert, Esq. H. Clay, Esq., jun. The Clerk read the minutes of the last sessions. SALARY OF MR. BATT, CORONER. Our readers will remember that last sessions Mr. Batt, coroner, applied to the Bench to fix his salary according to the average of the three years in which he had held the office, and not to take into question the first two years of the five, on the average of which, by the Act, the salary is to be settled for the next five y"ars, on the ground that the work had been heavier since his predecessor's death. The Bench having refused the application, Mr. Batt re- ferred the question to the Secretary of State. A letter was now read from the Home-office directing that the salary be tlso instead of JB163, as fixed by the Bench. Mr. Batt then stated that there was a sum of dBlll 7s. 6d. due to him for his three years' service, and which he had not been paid. He said counsel's opinion had been taken by the Middlesex magistrates, from which it appeared that he was not bound by the agreement of his predecessor, but was entitled to the fees allowed by Government until he himself had made an agreement with the Bench.—The matter was referred to the Finance Committee. THB INQUEST ON THE LATE MRS. JOHNS. Mr. Relph, referring to this mattery said a letter had been received from Mr. Batt, in reply to inquiries which the committee bad thought fit to make, and from which it appeared that some party had made an order which was not necessary. He (Mr. Relph) was not aware whether anybody had made such an order; but the committee had the body screwed down, and the magistrates approved of that, inasmuch as it was represented that the body was corrupt, and there was but one room in which for the body to lie and the husband of the deceased to live. It was absolutely necessary, because of the delay in the inquest. Mr. Batt explained that he was engaged with other in- quests, and in ordinary cases he did not think from Tues. day to Friday was too long a delay. Had he been made acquainted with the fact that there was something special in this case-which he was not-he would have sent his deputy; but as he had to pay his deputy out of his own pocket, and as he had lost so much money on his three years' duties, it was not to be expected that he should unnecessarily go out of his way to send his deputy; but had he known any inconvenience would be caused by the delay he would have sent him. TN Cos STY GAOL. The VISITING JUSTICES reported:— r We report that the discipline of the gaol has been carried out during the quarter. The effect has not been satisfactory. The health of the prisoners has been good. We have appointed Miss Zipporah Carter to be female warderin place of Miss Milborou-h Mason, resigned and Mr. John Hodge to be a warder in place of Mr. William Ranford, resigned; and we ask the magistrates at quarter sessions to confirm these appointments. A prisoner who became insane has been removed to the Joint Counties' Lunatic Asylum, at Abergavenny, by order of the Secretary of State. (Signed) s. R. BOSAN&UF.T, ROBERT JACKSOX, JAMES DAVIES. HOUSE OF CORRECTION. The VISITING JUSTICES reported :— My Lords and Gentlemen,—The rules and regulations of the prison have, on the whole, been duly observed, and carried on; and the prison is in a good condition-though the boilers in the wash-house will shortly require renewing,-and the health of the prisoners and their general conduct have been satisfactory. We have, however, to report two deaths during the quarter-the one of an elderly man, who was sent from Newport Division Petty Sessions for three months, and whose health (which was very bad when he was committed) rapidly became worse, and at the expiration of his sentence he was offered to remain in the prison, which he gladly accepted, there being no hope of his recovery, and removal might have shortened his life; the other of a negro, who came into prison in a hopeless mass of disease. We believe that the lives of these prisoners were prolonged, and their sufferings ameliorated, by their continuance in prison. We therefore made no representation with a view to their discharge. The proposed new rules and regulations for the prison, which at the last quarter sessions were ordered to be sent to the Secretary of State for his approval, have not yet been sent—for one reason, because the special report, in which was our recommendations respecting htrd labor and diet, did not from some oversight, we presume, receive the approval of the Court, and also because a. circular letter from the Home Secre- tary was received by us, and from it we found that it would not be necessary to send all the rules which the Court had sanc- tioned. We therefore have selected those which we consider will require the sanction of the Secretary of State, and request the authority of the Court to send them to him, and to have the others printed as the circular directs. The circular refers us to a letter dated the 9th December last, addressed by the Secretary of State to the Chairman of the Quarter Sessions, calling upon him to direct the particular attention of the jus- tices to certain provisions of the Act, From a newspaper copy ol the letter, which we have seen, we find that we omitted two sorts of occupation from those we recommended for hard labour of the first class, viz.: mat-making on looms, and rope or oakum breaking, which we now recommend to be added. A weighing machine will be required-as the Prisons' Act, 1865, requires the weight of each prisoner when admitted to be ascer- tained and recorded. (Signed) G. R. GREENHOW-RELPII, SAMUEL HOMFRAY, W. R. STRKTTON*. Mr. Holman and Mr. Bosworth, the Governors of the County Prisons certified that proper discipline had been maintained during the past quarter. The Visiting Justices' special report on the Prisons' Act, 1865, presented to the C..urt in January, was c-on- Eave as or,e 0T two recommendations involving additional expenditure—principally an alteration in the pay of the subordinate officers—and notice was given that tbat question would be brought forward next sessions. that question would be brought forward next sessions. SPECIAL REPORT ON THE PROPOSED AMALGAMATION OF THE TWO GAOLS. Your Committee report that they have given the subject remitted to them by the Court their careful-consideration. They have held two meetings at the Usk Prison, at which were present -on the first occasion: Lieut.-Colonel Vaughan, Mr. ILmfray, Captain Tyler, Captain Greenhow-Relph, and Colonel Morgan Clifford; on the second: Mr. Homfray, Capt. Greeuhow-Kelph Captain Davies, and Colonel Clifford. They find-I. That the first requirement necessary for giving effect to the resolution or order of Court—"That all criminal prisoners be confined in Usk prison "-is that notice shall be published once at least in each of two successive weeks in some newspaper or newspapers circulated in the county, and that a copy thereof be served on the gaolers of Monmouth and Usk Prisons. (Sec. ;H.).-2. That the average of the greatest number of prisoners for whom the Prison Act (1865) requires separate cell accommodation is—in Monmouth, males, 37; females, 10—in Usk prison, males, 90; females, 30.—3. That Usk prison, which has at present certified cells fully adequate to the requirements of the Act as regards its own averages, has not separate accommodation equal to the combined averages of the two prisons, and although it is pos- sible that no immediate inconvenience would arise therefrom, it is desirable that preparatory steps be taken for making an addition to the present cell accommodation, which is—for males, 99; for females, 37; besides five cells not yet certified, but re- quiring only a trifling outlay for the purpose. The combined averages give, it will be observed, 127 males and 40 females.— 4. The requisite number of cells for females can be obtained by ^• conversion of the cells now used for washing into certified cells, substituting for them some of the present out-door labour cells, an arrangement- that can be carried out at a trifliug on r male prisoners, an addition to the extent of 16 or MO ek-Ils can be conveniently made at the end of each of the corridors on the male side, at an estimated cost of £ 66 or £ 67 a cell; or sfiould itbe considered desiiable for these cells tohave only limited certificates, as provided for by sec. 18, at a cost pro- portionately reduced.—-6. Jso addition to the present staff of Usk prison will be rendered necessary by the transfer of the prisoners from Mojimoutn, or by the addition of the cells alluded to above.— Before tiie question of enlargement of Usk prison can be entertained by the Court, it is necessary that a "pre- sentment' should be made to it, and the sanction of Her Majesty's Secretary of btate must likewise be obtained (sec. 21), (Signed) Majesty's Secretary of State must likewise be obtained (sec. 21), (Signed) H. M. Cm FORD, Chairman of the Committee. I In reply to questions, Colonel Clifford, who had read the report, said the committee had taken the maximum average of prisoners during the five years from 1860 to 1865. Sir Thomas Phillips said the prison inspector had re- ported the largest number of male prisoners at Usk at one time in 1864 as 112, and females, 33; and at Mon- moutb, 29 males and 14 lemales, w ieh would be a maxi- mum of 141 males and 47 females. In 1863 the maximum number ot male prisoners in the two prisons was 162-119 at Usk and 43 at Monmouth. Mr. Relph said he had called the inspector's attention to that discrepancy in his report, and he had stated that 104 was the correct figure. Mr. Relph also stated that the committee had taken the maximum average over five years, and not the maximum number of prisoners at any one time. Sir Thomas Phillips said they did not want the average but the maximum number to guide them as to the accom- modation they would require at Usk. For instance, sup- posing they had 112 prisoners this year and 70 next, would it do to add them together, making 182, then divide that by two, and say the accommodation required was for the average. 91? Mr. Relph said that was what was required by the Act, and he thought it was what was required by the Court, because it was not at all likely that the maximum number of prisoners would be found in the two gaols on the same day; nor was it so in fact. Sir Thomas Phillips conceived the Court would act un- wisely if they came to any other conclusion than that they must provide at least accommodation for the actual highest number they had had in the two gaols in any year during the five last years, making some provision also for a pro- bable increase during the next 10 years. Colonel Clifford said that was how they bad looked at it, and they proposed to increase by 40 cells. As to averages, they must, be guided in every calculation by averages. It was most improbable that the averages stated would be exceeded, and if they were they had Monmouth gaol to fall back upon. Sir Thomas Phillips reiterated his arguments, and again referred to the figures he had obtained from the Home- office. The Chairman obsevved that in March, 1866, there were 167 prisoners in the gaol, and 30 prisoners were put three in a cell. Colonel Clifford said that was an exceptional case. The Chairman replied that it seemed exceptional because 30 sailors were sent to prison; but the exception had arisen again within three months, 24 sailors having been again sent this month. The Hon. Clifford-Butler inquired if the 162 males were in the two prisons on the same day. Sir Thomas Phillips could not say. Mr. O. Morgan supported Sir Thomas' Phillips views. Mr. Relph cumbatted the arguments of Sir Thomas Phillips, and contended that the excess of prisoners over the average arose from the sailors being sent from New- port, and that was an exceptional circumstance as was admitted by gentlemen practically acquainted with the subject. The report was then, on the motion of Colonel Clifford, seconded by Mr. Relph, ordered to be printed and circu- lated among the magistrates, it being understood that, the whole question would be discussed at the next sessions. THE COUNTY POLICE. The POLICE COMMITTEE reported: — Chief Constable's Office, June 2G, 1866. At a meeting of the Police Committee held this day, present Samuel Homfray and George R. Greenhow-Relph, Esqrs., the accounts of the Chief Constable were laid before the Committee, examined with the vouchers, and passed. Bills amounting to JESS 19.S'. Od. were laid before them, and recommended for pay- ment. The Chief Constable laid before them a scale of increased pay to the police, prepared by him in pursuance of the Secretary of State's letter, laid before the Court at the last Sessions, in which Sir George Grey stated that the rate of pay of thesubor. dinate officers of the county constabulary had become insuffi- cient to secure either the retention of good officers in the force, or the persons likely to become efficient; and that he had deemed it expedient, after communication with the [ nspector of Con- stabulary, to sanction a raised scale of pay; and the Committee recommend to the Court the adoption of the scale laid before them by the Chief Constable. It was reported that the lease of the premises secured at Rhyinney as a police station had been executed. They examined and approved of the plan of a cell to be attached to the present building and they recom- mended that the County Surveyor should at once proceed with the work, the cost of which was estimated at £110. At Tredegar station the works are being proceeded with. No further portion of the sum of £2,500, for which a mortgage was executed at the last sessions, has been raised. The CHIEJr CONSTABLE reported: — My Iiords and GenUew.en,-I UaveUie honor to submit to you a revised scale of pay for the county constabulary. It is made in accordance with the scale of pay recently issued by the Home Secretary, and is progressive according to long service and good conduct. If adopted, I believe it will be an inducement to eligible candidates not only to join but also to remain in the service. At the present time the force is eight under the au- thorised strength, and the changes by resignations and dis- missals are continued. 111 the last police year, they amounted to 30 per cent. of the whole strength. I regret to have to inform you of the sudden death of one of the county constables, sta- tioned at Tredegar-whilst in the act of preparing for duty he fell down and expired at once. The alterations having been all completed at the new stations at Caorleon and Chepstow, I, last month, took possession of them, and have every reason to be- lieve they will be equally as serviceable as new and more expen- sive buildings. I have to request your authority to expend a sum not exceeding £ 25 in obtaining the necessary furniture for the court and officers at these stations. I am happy to be able to state that no case of cattle plague has occurred in this county. The duties of the constables have, in some cases, been slightly varied-in order strictly to enforce the orders of the Privy Council. Trie immunity from cattle plague which the county has hitherto enjoyed, is, I believe, in some measure to be at- tributed to the strict observance of these orders. Forty-one per- sons have heen proceeded against since the Privy Council Order of the 24th of March: two were (Msmissed, thirty fined, and nine ordered to pay costs. I have appointed an additional constable," under 3 and 4 Vic., cap. 88, sec. 19, to be stationed at Pontymister Works, and to be paid for by the Company in the usual manner. I have to ask your approval of this,addition to the force. I attach a return of the number of persons appre- hended and summoned in the different police districts during the months of March, April, and May. The numbers vary but little from the corresponding quarter of 1865.—I have the honor to be, &c., EDMUND HERBERT. The following is a summary of the returns referred to in the report:—Persons taken into custody in the months aforenamed in the divisions of Usk, Pontypool, Tredegar, and Abergavenny: Apprehended, 353; not disposed of, 2; discharged, 89; convicted, 262; committed for trial, 44; to gao!, 98; fined, 118; other punishments, 2. Persons summoned, 717; not disposed of, 7; settled, 143; dis- charged, 72; convicted, 495; committed for trial, 1; to eraol, 28; fined, 456; other punishments, 10; civil offences, 120. The foregoing was confirmed, except so far as relates to the wages of the police, and that, together with a motion for increasing the Chief Constlble's salary by £50 at, the end of 10 years and 92.5 at the end ot 11 years, will be brought forward at next sessions. FINANCE COMMITIEli'S REPORT. Usk, June 26, 1866. At a meeting of the Finance Committee held this day, present Samuel Homfray and George R. Greenhow-Relph, Esqrs., the bills sent in to the Clerk of the Peace, amounting to £ 2003 Is. -M., were laid upon the table, and examined, and recommended that the Court make an order for their payment. They also recom- mended that rates of Jd. in the £ be granted on both county and 4 police accounts. Confirmed. COUNTY SB EVE YOB'3 REPORT. Mr. W. P. James, county surveyor, reported that all the bridges were in good repair, except Paudy Bridge. Some slight repairs had been done to it recently, but the princi- pal remained in a bad state of repair, and ought to be almost entirely rebuilt. The cost of the work would probably amount to £150, and would involve an interruption of traffic over the bridge for at least six week?. Seventy tons of stones were wanted for the future repair of the roads of the Wye and Monnow Bridges at Monmouth, the cost of which would be 917 10s. New table covers at a cost of 98 were required tor the Usk Town Hall. The ventilation ot the cells and wash-house of Newport police- station was very deficient. The ration traps of the cell doors also required to be altered. The cost of these im- provements would be about £ 6. The question of Paudy bridge was deferred. WEIGHTS AND MRASTJRES. Mr. Graham (the Inspector) reported that during the past quarter he had adjusted and stamped 549 weights a-id measures for which he had received dE3 3s. lid. HIGHWAY DISTRICT. On the motion of Mr. Clay, a protisional order was made to include the hamlet of St. La,.vrence in the high- way district of St. Arvans; no separate warden to be appointed by the hamlet, The Court then rose. TUESDAY. FIRST COURT, before S. R. BOSANQUET, Esq. (chair- man), G. R. G K E E > H ow-REr,fii, Esq aad E. LISTER, Esq. The following gentlemen were sworn ou the GRAND JURY:— Messrs. William Christophers, stationer, Newport (foreman); John Birt, paper-maker, Mounton Charles Chandler, farmer, Hayes Gate, Mathern; Thomas Dowle, far.ner, Ifton; William Gale, farmer, tlanvair Discoed; Charles Wm. Gale, gentleman, St. Arvans; Isaac Hobbis, farmer, ICemeys Commander, Usk; Wrn. Jones, broker, Newport; William Langley, farmer, Llan- vair Discoed William M'Gill, sen., gentleman, Chepstow; John Morgan, gentleman, Chepstow; Walter Nicholas, farmer, Kilgwrrwg House; William Phillipsoii, red factor, Chepstow; William Pride, farmer, Llauvihangel Roggiett; James Smith, farmer, Ifton Cottage; Thomas Stephens, auctioneer, Chepsto>v and Samuel Warner, accountant, Chepstow. The usual royal proclamation having been read, the learned Chairman delivered his CHARGE TO THE GRAND JURY. He said there were 49 prisoners for trial, and probably one more would be added, making 5'1, before the Grand Jury were discharged from their duties. He had not seen so large a number of prisoners in any calendar, at these Sessions for a considerable period. There had been an abatement; but now again there appeared to be a steady increase, the cause of which he would not now enter into. There had, however, been a great increase of population in the county, and sometimes great prosperity produced great crime, as also did great poverty, while sometimes it was produced without either. A good deal of crime arose from high wages, and drunkenness was the cause of many aggravated crimes; but he need not make further ob- servations on that head. The crimes charged in the calendar were, for the most part, of the ordinary nature of those brought before the Quarter Sessions, and included almost every species of crime usually tried here. In reference to the various offences with which the prisoners were charged, the learned Chairman referred especially to that of indecent assault upon females. That crime was, he said, very rife in this county, and might arise to a certain extent from what he had already mentioned, viz., people having too much money, and the consequent drunkenness, profligacy, and recklessness. But the whole of these offences could not be explained in that way, nor have that excuse, if it was an excuse, which it was not in the eye of the law. As a further aggravation of the offences in this calendar, some were committed on females exceedingly young—almost children, and, therefore, these were frightful aspects of the crime, because it was per- petrated on females who could not have had any disposition themselves t) consent; and there was, therefore, no excuse. These were all the observations he should make upon this very shocking crime, which was the grossest infliction of cruelty they could put upon a emale-one from the imputation arising from which a female hardly ever recovered, however innocent she might be; and of course the Court must pass sentences in proportion to the aggra- vation of the crime, and to its frequency, with a view to repress it, which it was very difficult to do in this county. Passing to another point, it might strike them that the offences were very slight and trilling and such as ought not to be brought to the Sessions. Sometimes that was the case, but they must recollect the cases were sent by experienced magistrates, who kftew pretty well what cases should be sent to Sessions. There" as a case in the calendar of a man charged with stealing three oranges; but they would find from the evidence that there were good grounds for sending him for trial, because the prosecutor had a barrow of oranges taken away, and this was the only man who was caught; he had only taken three, but it was necessary he should be sent for trial, though the police had not been successful in taking his accomplices. The offence was not necessarily small because the value of the property in question might be but trifling. After some general directions to the grand jury as to the performance of their duties, they were dismissed to their room. TRIALS OF PK1SOINERS. SHIRENEWTON.—Thomas Wright, 45, shoemaker, was indicted for siealing a piece of leather, a basket, and other articles, the property of his master, Charles Jones, at Shirenewton, on the 15th of June. Mr. Prothero prose- cuted. Prosecutor said the prisoner had been in his employ for more than three years; lately he had missed various articles, and on the 15th June he searched pri- soner's house, and found several pieces of leather, oae of which he positively identified as his, a glazing iron which had been in his possession for 20 years, some tips, a basket, and other articles; they were upstairs where prisoner was at work; prisoner said they were not of much value, and he hoped prosecutor would not press it against him. One of the pieces of leather he was positive of because he had put it on a box to test the prisoner, after he suspected him. The prisoner, who was crying very much, declared he was no thief. He said he had made an exchange for the glazing iron, and had picked ap the tips from the ashes. The learned Chairman summed up, and the jury, after some deliberation, asked the prosecutor if the piece of leather to which ha had referred was marked, and he replied in the negative; he knew it, however, he said, by the "cut." The jury then immediately returned a verdict of not guilty. CHEPSTOW.— George Brown, 22, laborer, was charged with obtaining by false pretences from Eliza Jones a purse and 143. 2d. at Chepstow, on the 27th of April last. Mr. Prothero prosecuted. Eliza DowIe deposed that she 10st. her purse on the road near Chepstow; it contained 14s. 2d, and a small change envelope; the purse now produced was the one she lost. Elizi Jones said: On the 27th of April her little boy brought her the purse produced about mid- day; it contained 14s. 2d. and a sm 11 envelope; on the same day the prisoner went to her house, and said to her; I un ierstand you picked up a purse containing 14«. 2d. the prisoner also said there was a small envelope in the puise besides the money; she showed it to him, and he said it was his; she J;hen gave it to him, and he gave her a shilling for the little boy. Cross-examined by the prisoner: Before I showed you the purse you described it. Inspector Ward proved that upon prisoner being brought to the police-station, on the 5th of May, he said he had spent the money in Gloucester, and sold the purse. On the 7tb of May witness took him to lfsk, and on the way he said ho had been preaching on the Thursday previously at Cross Hands, and somebody told him the police were after him, about a purse from Chepstow; and f'at he had hidden the purse under a stone w hen' he left the chapel. The officer accompanied him to the spot indicated, where the prisoner fouud the purse produced, and said that was the one he had from the woman at Chep; tow. The defence set up by the prisoner was that he had himself lost a purse containing 14s. 3^d.; and tbat when he heard of the purse being found by Jones' boy he claimed it, and he was still under the impression that the purse produced was his, but if he had made a mistake he was sorry for it. The Jury found a verdict of guilty, and the Chairman said it was a shocking aggravation in this case that the prisoner, 9 whilst a preacher of the Gospel, should have committed a fraud, and retaining the proceeds of his fraud in his pocket whilst he was preaching and then going and hiding it. The Bench had two notes, almost illegible, asking that he might be let off, but no notice could.be taken of them, as they came from persons that the Court knew nothing of. The sentence of the Court (wiiich the Chairman said was too light), was six months' imprisonment in the county gaol. N RWPoRT.-lJen}'y Burroughs, James Dug more, and Frederick Lewis, juveniles, pleaded guilty to a charge of breaking into the shop of John E Itnunds, and stealing E3 in money and 84 postage stamps. The prosecutor j recommended the prisoners to mercy, and the Chairman said the greatest mercy to the ) tds would be to punish them. Having suitably admonished them, the Chairman sentenced each of the prisoners to one month imprison- ment, and to receive twelve lashes of the birch and afterwards to be sent to the Reformatory for live years. LLANMARTItf.—EJfMM-J Webster, 05, wheelwright, pleaded guilty to stealing a jacket, the property ot Job Roes, at Llanmai'tio, on the 22nd ot June; and also to stealing Is. 6d. belonging to John Smith, at U sk, on the 23rd of June. He was sentenced to three months' hard labour for each offence, LLANTARN AM.—Josiah Crisp, 37, watch and clock cleaner, was charged with stealing two watches, the pro- perty respectively of Henry Evans, ol Llantirnain, and of William Harris, of Llaothewy Vacb, on the 23rd of March and the 2nd of April. The watches had be m obtained under pretence of repairing them, and were never returned. The prisouer was sentenced to six months' hard labour. LLANTARKAil. — William Powell (on bail), was indicted for stealing a quantity of mole trap?, t ie property of Thomas Watkius, at Llaritarnain, and also for stealing J 16 rnole bridges, the property of Henry Lawrence, at Llavitarnarn. Mr. Pritehard proS"Ciited on the first char ge and Mr. P. Prothero on the secjnd: and Mr. Smythies j defendedthe prisoner. The evidence was not conclusive in either casp, and the jury therefore found the prisoner not guilty on both indietmeuts. NEWPORT.—Mary Cunningham pleaded guilty to two indictments, ehargiug her with stealing money and pawn tickets from the persons of Maria Kelly and Anne Keene, at Newport. Prisoner was sentenced to three months' imprisonment for each offence. NEWPORT.—James lives, 64, shoemaker, was charged indecently assaulting a girl named Busau Horton, with intent &c., at Newport; and also w th violently assaulting and beating Mary Williams. Mr. Cleè" e prosecuted. The jury found the pris 'ner not guilty. a NEWPORT,- Willimn Daley, 37, mason, plcadel guilty to stealing a coat, the property of James Freeguard, at Newport, on the 21st February last. He also pleaded guilty to stealing a paving stone, and to a previous con- viction. Other convictions were also proved showing that he bad been once sentenced to transportation, and once to penal servitude. The Chairman toid prisoner that not- withsiaoding his previous convictions, the Court would not now pass sentence of penal servitude, but of twelve months' imprisonment, in the hope that he would not abuse the leniency shown him. NEWPORT.—John Morgan, 25, fitter, was charged with stealing a pair of boots, the property of Wm. Parkhouse, of Newport, on the 1st of May. Mr. Hampden prosecuted. Sentence four months' hard labour. SECOND COURT, before Sir THOMAS PHILLIPS, Knt., Q.C. (deputy-chairman), and F. J. MITCHELL, Esq. SKENFRITH.—Thomas Hamer (48), laborer, and Mary Parry (42), laundress, were indicted for stealing two fowls, a quantity of wooden railing, and 46lbs. of potatoes, the property of Edwin Evans, at Skenfrith, on the 13th of May last. Mr. Smythies pr-isecuted. Ttie prisoners were found guilty, and were sentenced to six months' hard labor each. LLANGWM.—Jeremiah Lane (20), laborer, was indicted for stealing five fowls and a bag, the property of James Blower, at Llangwm Ucha. Mr. Cleave prosecuted. Prosecutor proved the identity of the fowls and the bag; and John Probert proved to purchasing the fowls of the prisoner for 5s. Prisoner had no defence, but maintained that he was not guilty. Tiie Jury found him guilty, and he was sentenced to seven years' penal servitude, six previous convictions having been proved against him. PONTYPOOL. — John Davies (25), oawker, was charged with stealing 2s. 10|-1. from the person of Francis Davies, at Pontypool, on the 23rd April. Mr. Cleave prosecuted, and Mr. Hampden defended the prisoner. Prosecutor, whilst at the fair at Pontypool, found prisoner's hand in his waistcoat pocket. He caught hold of his hand and held it until the police came, and saw the prisoner pass the money into his own coat pocket. Mr. Hampden pointed out several discrepancies between prosecutor's evidence given to-day and that given before the magis- trates; but the Jury found the prisoner guilty, and he was sentenced to three months' hard labor. LLAUVIHANGEL CRPCORNEY. — Elizabeth Jones (18), servant, was charged with stealing the sum of 8s, 9 t. and a pair of gloves, the monies and property of Ann Price, at Llauvihangel Crucorney, on the 28t i April last. She was secondly indicted for stealing a pair of sleeve cuffs and 'a waistbelt, the property of Thomas Griffiths, at Cross Ash, on the 12th of May. Mr. Cleave prosecuted, and the prisoner was defended by Mr. Pritchard. The Jury ac- quitted the prisoner of the nrstctarge. From the evi. dence in the second charge it appeared that prisoner sought and obtained a night's lodging at the house of Sergeant Griffiths, where she had been iktaiuedin custody on another charge only a week previoustv, and upon leav- ing on the following morning she took with her the pro- perty named, which was afterivards found in her posses- sion. Prisoner had nothing to say, and was found guilty by the jury, wbo strongly recommended her to mercy. Several farmers also gave her a good character, Tue Chairman said the prisoner's case was a very painful one, Eveu on her way back from prison, when punishment for crime would be fresh in her memory, she had taken these petty articles, apparently at the first opportunity siie had. The jury had, however, recommended her to mercy, and her sentence would once more be a light one, but if again she was convicted there would be no alternative but to send her to penal servitude. Sentenced to three months' hard labor. ^NEWPORT.—John Bams, a navvy, was charged with stealing a sovereign, the property of John Diley, at New- port, on the 18th of June last. Sentenced to three manta's hard labor. WEDNESDAY. FIRST COURT, before S. R. BOSANQUET, Esq. (Chair- man), and G. R. GREENHOW-RELPH, Esq. AN ORDEK. TO STOP UP A. HIGHWAY.—An order was made authorising the Abergavenny Highway Board to stop up a certain highway in the parish of Llan- wenarth, in compliance with an application of which due notice had been given. BEDWELLTY.—Sarah Selway, 19, laborer, pleaded guilty to stealing a sovereign, the money ot Robert Weeks, at Bedwellty, on the 2(hl1 March, and was sentenced to six months' hard labour. TREDEGAR.—Jamas Warren, 21, pud Her, pleaded guilty tJ oho-ii-tx naib.f iha pr<in,>rt.v of Samuel Hom- fray, Esq., and others, at Tredegar, on the 30th of May. Sentenced to six months' hard labour ABERYSTRUTH,-Swnuel Bitton, 31, moulder, pleaied guilty to stealing lllbs. of mutton, the property of Edwin Hoskins, at Aberystrutb, on the 19th Juae. Sentence: three months' hard labour. Rise A.1—William Coomer pleaded guilty to a charge of resisting and wounding Constable Steed whilst in the execution of his duty, by cutting off the end of his finger. Sentenced to nine months' hard labour, CIIRISTCHURCH.—Fanny Knight, 22, married woman, and Harriet Davies, 18, no occupation, were charged with stealing a check shirt, the property of James Snell, at Christchurch, on the 10th of May. The jury acquitted the prisoners. ABERGAVENNY'.—Ann Davies, 40, charwoman, was indict .d for stealing three pin ts of brandy, the, property of William Trew, at Abergavenny, on the 6th of April. It seemed prisoner went to the house of prosecutor, the Bridge-end Inn, whilst there was no one there but, a little boy, a sou of the prosecutor, and helped herse:f to the brandy, which she also left running on to the ground to waste. The jury returned a verdict of guilty with a recommendation to mercy. Prisoner had been previously convicted nine years ago, but the Chairman said that would nut influence the Court in passing sentence, which would be three weeks' imprisonment. BEDWELLTY.—Thos. Jones, 32, saddler, was found guilty of stealiug a horse collar, the property of William Prosser, at Bedwellty, on the 23rd of May, and was sentenced to eight months' hard labor. LLANOVER.—Ann Redwood, 21, servant, -was chargod withsteatingapair of boots a pair of woollen stockings, and a chemise, the property of Ann James at Llauover, on the 1st of May. Mr; Hampden prosecuted, Mr. Cleave defended the prisoller. The prosecuti-ix had lived in the service of Mrs. Phillips, at Llauover, which placo she left in consequence of a little misfortune," and on going away she left some of her things behind her, iucluding the articles in question, which she missed Oil her return, and which were found in the possession of prisoner—who had followed her in the situation, but did not remain there long-upon her being apprehended at the Triley Farm. Toe jury found the prisoner guilty, with a recommendation to mercy, and a letter on her behalf from the vicar of Llan- over was read. She had been before convicted, five years ago, and she was now sentenced to three months' hard labor, whereupon she exclaimed (crying): "To the Lord alone it is known; and I hope He will take me." BEDWELLTY.—John Price and Eliza Messenger, on bail, were charged with stealing a bole cover, the property of Richard Jenkins, at Bedwellty, on the 14th of April. Both prisoners were acquitted. BEDWELLTy,-Eliza.beth Bees. 35, married woman, was charged with stealing two shawls, the property of Joshua Richards, at Bedwellty, on the 27th of April. Mr. Pritehard prosecuted, and Mr. Cleave defended. The prisoner, res- pecting whose sauity a question was raised by the learned counsel, was found guilty, with a recommendation to mercy, and was sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment. Several other indictments against her were aban loned. BASSALLEG.— William Jtees, on bail, was indicted for indecently assaulting aud beating Mary Ann Jones. a girl uhder twelve years of age, with intent, &e., at Bassalleg, on the 29th of March. Mr. Prothero prosecuted, and Mr. Cleave defended. The prisoner was acq litted. SECOND COURT, before Sir THOMAS PHILLIPS, Q.C., and Major M'DONNELL. TREDEGAR. — AIM Wilde pleaded guilty to stealing a sheet and a pair of stockings, the property of Messrs. Evans and Rees, drapers, of Tredegar, and was seutencod to three months' hard labor. RISCA.—John Prosser (22), wa; found guilty of break- ing iuto an outhouse, and stealing a shovel and two sacks, the property of Henry Jones, at Rise.1!, on the 21th of May last. Sentenced to eight months' hard labor. NEWPORT. — Emily Lewis (24), a prostitute, was found guilty of stealing a silver watcn, the property of David Griffiths, a fireman, at Newport, on the 19th of May last, aud was sentenced to four months' hard labor. EBBW VALE Matilda Farr IVai indicted for stealing a bundle of fhnnel, toe property of John Junes, draper, ot Briery-sbill, Ebbw Vale, ou the 5th of dune. Mr. Ueave prosecuted, and Mr. Pritehard defended. 'Ihe jury foun the prisoner not siui.tv. ,j 'ft, NEWPORT.—Henry Thomas (on bad), was c stealing a purse, eo,naming the sum ol lo. belonging to Ann Young, on the 23rd ol April. Acquuten. RAGLAN — James Murphy was indited foi steal ng shirts lrom a hedge, at Raglan, the property of John Coles. Mr. Greenley prosecuted. The prisoner was found guilty, and was sentenced to four months' bard labor. CHRisTCHcntcH. —Alfred Davies, James Gray, Thos. Ryan and Owen Sullivan, were indicted tor stealing a quantity of sweets from William Strong; and also with violently assaulting the said William Strong on the high- way, in the parish of Christchurch, on the 2ad of May. Mr. Pritehard appeared for the prosecution and Mr. Smythies for the defence. The prisoners were all acquitted. EBBW VALE. — Thomas Adams, on bail, was indicted for stealing three oranges, and also for assaulting Joseph Dallimore, onthelOthofAprit last, on the road leading from Ebbw Vale to Brynmawr. Acquitted. EBBW VALE.— William Jones, on bail, was indicted for assaulting Emma Davies, with intent, &c., on the 23rd of April, at Ebbw Vale. Sentenced to four months' hard la bor BILLS IGNORED.—Julia Falvey and Catherine Stfmands, charged with stealing £ 2 from the person of John Thomas, at Abergavenny.—Zebedee Moore, charged with indecently assaulting Jemima Davies, at Bedwelty

ABERGAVENNY. BAPTIST CIIAPEI SABBATH SCHOOL.—On Thurs- day, the 28th ult., the annual treat to the children of this school took place. A large number of them having assembled at the Baptist Chapel, Frogmore- street, a procession was formed and the scholars, under the superintendence of their teachers, pro- ceeded in good order to a field belonging to Mr. Norman, on the side of the Llanwenarth Breast," where, after amusing themselves for some time with various games, they partook of an excellent tea, at the conclusion of which the children returned to their amusements, which they kept up until nearly dark, when they again "fell in," and marched to the chapel with the greatest order, singing several hymns. It is almost superfluous to say that the children enjoyed themselves immensely. ACCIDENT.—One day last week an accident of a very serious character occurred on the Old Monmouth Road, near the bridge over the railway, generally known as the Asylum Btidge." It appears that as a waggon and two horses were going over the bridge, a train which was passing under startled the horses, which ran off, causing a man and a boy who were in charge of the team to be thrown under their feet and very severely injured. It was soon ascer- tained that the hoy's left leg was broken, and that the man's back was much hurt as well as his head. Both the unfortunate sufferers were at once taken to the London Apprentice Inn, where they now lie, we understand, in a very precarious condition. THE PETTY SESSIONS.—In consequence of the Quarter Sessions being held at Usk this week, the Petty Sessions for this division stand over until next week. CRICKET.—A match wits played on Thursday, the 28th ult., between the Abergavennjr Volunteers aud the Com- mercial Club, the latter easily gaining the victory, with eight wickets to spare. Captain Amiel kindly lent a field for the occasion. The day was splendidly fine, and a plea- sant contest took place. There were no long scores, J. Goodwin and E. Davies obtaining the only double figures. The bowling of T. Evan3 and George Peake proved de. structive. The elevens dined on the ground, the collatiou being satisfactorily supplied by Mr. John Goodttin, of the Swan Hotel, The following are the totals of the scores;- Commercial, 1st innings. 46 Volunteers, 1st innings. 18 .» 2nd „ 20 2ad 46 6G 61 POLICE OFJbTCE, JUNE 28, before F. C. H. WILLIAMS, Esquire. CHARGE oF ASSAULTING A TIMEKEEPER.—J. Brown and John Griffiths, two navvies, who had been apprehended on the previous day, were brought up on a charge of as- saulting Artnur Charles Robertson, timekeeper on the railway, near Penpergwm. They were apprehended on the previous day. As complainant did not press the charge, defendants were let off on payment of the expenses, which complainant afterwards very kindly advanced for them. JULY 29, before J. C. HILL, Esquire. A WFT.p 1 R.rsir •Ak S.—Jfihn V:>^ — n'-« "I' 1" custody, charged with oeing drunk and guilty of riotous- behaviour in Tudor-street on the previous evening. De- fendant, it appears, had exhibited a very strong desire to "fiaht all the Volunteers," and even went so far as to "plant" some heavy blows on some of them, which were not (owing to their better sense and their captain's advice), returned by tiie riflemen. Defeudaut was committed for seven days' imprisonment. VAOHIANCX.—Anne Davies was brought up on a charge of t.iis nature; but on promising to quit the tJIVU she was dismissed.