The Illustrated Usk Observer and Raglan Herald

Beatf)ø. At Park Road, Pontypool, July 3, Mr. James Evan Pillinger, draper's assistant, aged 35 years. At Garndiffaith, Trerethin, July 3, Jenkm Rees, coal miner, aged 49 year# At Talywain, Trevethin, July 1, David Morris, miner, aged 84 years. piarrfages. At Trevethin Church, July 10, H. S. Gustard, Esq., solicitor, Usk, to Maria, eldest daughter of Edmund B. Edwards, Esq., solicitor, Pontypool.

TO CORRESPONDENTS AND READERS. From "information received," ice find that the writer of the report of the Marriage Festivities at Clytha, which was promised in our last to be inserted in our present issue, has dealt considerably in the ideal and imaginary, and we therefore omit the report. We insert notices of Births, Marriages, and Deaths, FREE OF CHARGE (except marriages containing the words "No Cards," which are charged 2s. 6d. each), and should, therefore, be obliged if the friends of the persons concerned, who wish such announce- ments to appear in our columns, would forward them direct to the Office, with full address attached. By these means greater accuracy of detail can be insured than is otherwise possible. Our friends and correspondents will much oblige us, as well as avert the chances of disappointment themselves, by forwarding their advertisements, and news copy, as EARLY IN THE WEEK AS POS- SIBLE. Interesting reports are often curtailed, or omitted alto- gether, in consequence of inattention to this rule. Communications, to ensure insertion, should reach the Office NOT LATER THAN THURSDAYS.. ■WANTS.—Advertisements for persons wanting Servants or Servants wanting Situations, are inserted at ONE SHILLING each, if they do not exceed THIRTY WORDS, and are prepaid. If above that number they are charged scale price. Notifications of Births, Marriages, or Deaths cannot be inserted in our columns unless they are authenticated by the FULL address of the sender.

WE have now before us the details of the great battle fought a few days ago in Bohemia, and can appreciate the crushing nature of the defeat sus- tained by the Austrian forces. The whole strength of General Benedek had been employed in the position taken up near the fortress of Koniggratz, and for a time it appeared that he was about to make an effectual stand to resist the advance of the Prussians. For eight long hours the fight proceeded, nearly half a million of men being engaged in the struggle. Both sides displayed the most desperate valour, but superior skill and superior arms eventually decided the day in favour of the Prussians, and their victory over the enemy was so decided as almost to amount to a rout. The Austrian troops numbered, it appears, about 200,000 men, while the two divisions of the Prussians, led respectively by the Crown Prince and Prince Frederick Charles, were 250,000 strong. Weaker in this respect, the Austrians were evidently still further overmatched in the ability and energy of their generals. General Benedek, who had allowed the Prussians in the first instance to make their way into Bohemia through passes which might readily have been defended with every prospect of success, appears to have been equally supine and deficient in strategy in his command at the recent battle. He committed the most fatal and unaccountable of errors in the field, not only in allowing himself to be attacked in flank as well as in front, which he might not have been able to prevent, but in being entirely unprepared for BTlcYl a movement, and Dataware that it was intended until the fire of the enemy was close upon him. This ordinary plan of battle appears to have taken the Austrians completely by surprise. They had held their ground steadily for several hours against the troops of Prince Frederick Charles, and this commander bad actually prepared his cavalry to cover the retreat, which he saw might probably have to be made. But the flank movement led by the Crown Prince turned a partial defeat into a triumph, for the Austrian position was no longer tenable, and the Emperor's troops were hurriedly withdrawn suffering fearfully in their retreat. The great advantage which the Prussians have derived from the use of the needle-gun was partially neutralised in the battle of Koniggratz, or Sedowa, by the strength of the Austrian position and the effective play of their artillery. In the attack on the centre the Prussian loss was immense, as may be judged by one fact reported from the field. The 27th Prussian Regiment was sent to the capture of a wood in which the enemy was posted; it went to the attack with a force of 3,000 men and 90 officers; it came out with only 300 or 400 men and two officers untouched. The result of the battle is more than sufficient to compensate Prussia for its cost. It leaves Bohemia virtually in its possession, and inflicts not only a temporary disaster upon Austria, but gives a blow to its pretensions to ascendancy in Germany from which it is hardly likely to recover. Its immediate effect was seen in the humiliating confession of weakness involved in the cession of Venetia to France, and the plea for an armistice. At present this step has not had the desired result; it is even possible that it may lead to new complications. Prussia protests against the conclusion by Italy of a peaoe which would bring a new force of 150,000 men to the standards of Austria in the north. Italy itself is dissatisfied, and cannot help regarding the defeat of Custozza, and the handing over of the coveted territory to a Power which may afterward grant it as a boon, in the light of a disgrace to its arms. General Cialdini has crossed the Po in the neighbourhood of the Quadrilateral, but it is at pre- sent difficult to see with what precise object, for, after the cession, it is no longer Austrian but French territory that he has invaded, and public opinion in France resents the movement as an insult. We await the intelligence of the next few days with anxiety, as it will probably show whether the war is to have a speedy conclusion, or to be prolonged for an indefinite time and over a wider fie'd. There are lessons taught by the conflict in Germany of which it would be madness on the part of our own country to lose sight. Chief of these is the immense advantage which the Prussians have derived during their short but effective campaign from the use of the needle-gun. It is known to have been equal to an addition of three-fold to the numerical strength of their troops and the knowledge that they possess such a weapon gives to the army a moral force which is itself one of the surest elements of success. Our late Secretary for War closed his official career by giving orders for the immediate conversion of 30,000 Enfield rifles into breech-loaders, in addition to a large number already undergoing the alteration; and General Peel, who has publicly declared hi" ojinicn that the worst breech-loader is better than the best muzzle-loader, will not be less energetic in bringing about a speedy and entire change in the weapons of our troops. There has already been far too much delay, the danger of which is now made apparent. For ten or twelve years the principle of the Prussian invention has been known to the world, and wbile we have professedly been waiting for something still better and more perfect, little or nothing has been done to bring our arms up to that superior degree of efficiency which might have been secured at a comparatively small cost. If we have been and are happily at peace, it may not long remain so, when war-clouds are thickly around; and our new Administration will do well to remember the aphorism, that the best mode of securing peace is to be well prepared for war.

DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE. THE IRON, COAL, AND GENERAL TRADES OF SOUTH WALES. The extraordinary turn of affairs on the Continent has brought about a pause in the iron trade, and it is already evident that a check has been given to the downward tendency of the market. A week ago the future was by no means encouraging, and the general belief prevailed that the war would be a protracted one. Orders from the European markets were being gradually reduced, and even countries such as Holland, Sweden, and other kingdoms that were not mixed up in the conflict, took less iron than usual. It cannot be said as yet that there is any positive change for the better, but should the war terminate there is no doubt that there will be a large increase in the demand from the Continent. It will also induce greater confidence at home and a more rapid reduction in the price of money, and this will bring out orders which are now withheld on account of the financial pressure. The inquiry from the East has not improved, but there is a hope that the Indian specifications which were withdrawn some time since will again make their appearance soon in the market. For pig iron there is only a limited inquiry, and quotations continue to get easier. At several of the principal establishments of the district the contracts on the books will not keep the works in full employ for more than one month, alld hence, under these circumstances, the employers bad no alternative but to give notice of a reduction in wages. As far as can be gathered, the men, upon the whole, have received the notice in a good spirit, and there is little doubt that they will submit to it without opposition; and, in fact, a different course would be far more injurious to themselves than to their employers. A meeting of the creditors of Sir Charles Price, Marryatt, and Co. was held on Friday, and it trans- pired that the Ynyscedwyn Works bad cost the firm over £ 130,000. The concern was sold to the present company for £40,080 and a share of the profits; and should the undertaking succeed a very material addition will be made to the assets of Price, Marryatt, and Co. The creditors of Mr. Lumley, of the College Iron Works, have determined to dispose of the entire establishment. In the tin-plate trade there is a better demand, and a good many parcels have been disposed of within the last few days. 32s. per box for charcoal I.C. was the price fixed upon at the last quarterly meeting, but there are indications that higher quotations will soon prevail. Steam coal proprietors are full of orders, and the collieries are well employed. Aberdare steam coal is in excellent request, and the ruling quotations are obtained without difficulty. Should, however, the Continental conflict be brought to a close, it is clear that there will be a decrease in the shipments to some of the European markets. In house coal ) BUSINEAA i. DECIDEDLY CJU.IET. THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS. — At a meeting of the Fellows, on the nomination of the Council, Dr. Randle Wilbraham Falconer, of Bath, has been elected to, be one of the Fellows of the College.

USE. CIRcus.-On Saturday last Ginnett's circus visited this town, and after parading the streets in straggling pro- cession, gave two entertainments, the latter of which was pretty numerously attended; but the performances were rather below than above mediocrity. CRICKET.—We understand that a cricket match is fixed to take place, on the ground near the prison, on Mon- day next, between the Usk Club and the Llanarth and Llanvair (united) Clubs. IN MEMORIAM.-Henry Greatwood, Esquire, of this town, has just had a large and very handsome stained glass window placed in the Parish Church, to the memory of his wife and son. THE SALMON FISHERY.—On and after Monday next it will be unlawful to fish for salmon in the river Usk without,a license, similar to the certificates granting liberty to kill game. The charge fixed. for such licenses for angling is £1 per rod per season but in consideration of the present se»son having already considerably advanced the moiety payable this year will be 10s. Higher rates are charged for nets and fixed engines. The licenses are obtainable at the Post-office, U sk, and at convenient places in the other towns on the river. The fishing has been exceedingly good lately, as we heard of nearly twenty salmon being taken last week. CLUB ANNIVERSARIES.—On Saturday last, the members of the Friend in Need" Lodge of the Philanthropic Order held their anniversary at the Cross Keys Inn, from whence they marched in procession, headed by the Usk drum and fife band and the elegant banner of the lodge to the Independent Chapel, where a most appropriate sermon was preached to them by the Itev. George Thomas. Upon returning to their lodge room, the members, to the number of about 70, sat down to a good substantial dinner. -On Monday, the members of the Victoria Lodge of Odd Fellows, and those of the Ivy Oak" benefit society, cele- brated their anniversaries at their respective club houses- the Castle Inn and Royal Oak—where .excellent dinners were set before them. The members of the two last-named societies did not adopt the prevalent custom of parading the streets ot' the town, but contented themselves with enjoying the convivialities of the social board, which were kept up until late in the evening. RURAL FETE.—A gathering und, r this title was held within the venerable walls of the Castle on Thursday afternoon, when, the weather being fine, a pretty nume- rous party assembled. The chief amusement was dancing to the strains of the Monmouth Volun'eer Band, which, as it always does ou such occasions, performed a choice selection of music. The proceeds of the fete are intended to augment the funds of the Usk Rifle Corps Drum and Fife Band, which was also in attendance, and played some pieces very creditably, BIBLE SOCIETY.—The anniversary of the Usk auxiliary of this society was held ou the 26th ult., in the Grammar School, J. Bromfield, Esq., president, in the chair. The meeting, which was largely attended, listened with great interest to the addresses of the different speakers, among whom were the Chairman, the Vicar, the Deputation (the Rev. W. Peterson), the Rev. George Thomas, the Rev. D. Morgan, and the Rev. James Cadwallader. The state- ments made by Mr. Peterson respecting the work of the society were of a very encouraging character, and full of interest. The collection at the close of the meeting amounted to zE3 10s. 6d. TlIE WofiKmo- MAN'S CLUB.—Many of our readers may perhaps remember that in February last a club called I The, Yv orking Man's Temperance Club was established in this town by Mr. Bromfield. The objects of the club were: 1st, to provide a comfortable room with books and paper?, &t\, where the working man might go after work- ing hours, and read or smoke his pipe, and take a cup of coffee at his ease; 2ndly, to act as a savings' bank, by the treasurer (Mr. Bromfield) receiving any weekly sums, up to Z", which the members might feel disposed to pay in, and which were to be invested in the Post-office Savings' Bank, and returned to them cach Christmas free from all deduction and with interest; 3rdly, to make certain allowances on the death of members or their wives; 4thly, to conduce to instruction and amusement by weekly reading's and lectures by members among themselves in their club room; and othly, to promote temperaneeand good conduct, as each member on joining had to sign a declaration to do his utmost an honest man to be temperate, which under- taking was to be honourably complied with under risk of expulsion; and as there are rules as to conduct &c. in the club room, which members are expected to observe or cease their membership. The club is managed by Mr. Bromfield, the president, assisted, when necessary, by a com- mittee of five ordinary members. We are glad to be ab], to state that, so far, the club ba, fully succeeded in i's operations. There are 76 members all above the age of 18 years, and they have already in the Post-office Savings' Bank, the sum of £50, the result of only five months' payments. The reading and lecture nights have also been very well attended, the club room being occasionally crowded. The season for them only closed on Tuesday iast, when the Rev. S. C. Baker gave a very interesting account of the life and labors in the cause of education o James Davies, of Devauden; and iAIr. Lysond William* and Mr. Bromfield also gave readings. It, is intended to resume these weekly readings in October, with the occa- sional introduction of music, and their renewal is looked forward to with interest by many of the members. Mean- while the club room continues open to members as before, and the other branches 01 the club will go on as usual. We feel that we are warranted in saying that this club is a source of much enjoyment and improvement to its members; and we, together with many others, cordially wish it well. PETTY SESSIONS, JULY 6, before F. M'DONNELL and J. J. STONE, Esqrs. HIGHWAY OFFENCE.—John Leonard, of Llangibby, was charged on the information of Supt. Llewellin with allowing his cart to be used on the turnpike-road, at Llanbaddock, without having his name painted thereon, on the 23rd of June. The defendant acknowledged the offence, and he was let off on payment of 6s. costs. No COMPLAINANT.-Tlwmas Davies, of Llangwm, was summoned for having assaulted Constant Morgan, of Usk, at Llangwm, on the 19th of June. The complainant did not appear.- Ilnd the summons was consequently dismissed. ONE AS BAD AS THE OTHER.—Martha Williams, of Usk, was charged with having assaulted Ann Mitchell, at Usk, on the 26th of June. The Bench, considering one party as bad as the other, ordered them to pay the costs (7s. 6d.) between them. SETTLED.-In the cases of assault—rJobn Williams v. William Lucas, and Annie Steed v. William Williams, the summonses were allowed to be withdrawn. CAUTION TO LADS.—Two young lads named Thomas Morgan and John Griffiths were charged with stealing peas, the property of Lysond Williams, from the "Blue" Gardens, in the hamlet of Gwehelog, on the 2nd of July. Both of the defendants pleaded guilty, and after beinu reprimanded they were ordered to pay a fine of Is. and 2s. 6d. costs each, in a week. AFFILIATION ARREARS.—In the case of Mary Lewis v. Francis Vaughan, which has been frequently brought forward, a distress warrant was ordered to issue against defendant. LICENSE TRANsFER.-The license of the George Inn, Usk, was transferred from Richard Evans to William Williams.

ABERSYCHAN. REDUCTION OF W AGES.-Ä notice was posted up in the Iron-works here on Saturday week to the effect that in one month a general reduction of wages would come into operation. This has been expected, but the workmen have "hoped against hope" that it would not take place. Provisions of every sort are so excessively dear, with but little signs of becoming cheaper, that this drop will fall heavily upon the men, who at present find it difficult to make "both ends maet." The iron trade is still de- pressed, and orders are scarce. Steam coal in fair demand, but house coal dull. SUNDAY SCHOOL ANWIVERSARY.—OnSunday last, the anniversary services of the Wesleyan Sunday School were held, when three eloquent sermons were delivered by Mr. H. Francis, of Bristol, to very numerous and attentive congregations. The collections made at each service were liberally responded to, and were in excess of those of last year. On Monday a public tea meeting was held in the chapel, when the scholars, teachers, and a goodly number of friends sat down to a capital tea. Afterwards they proceeded to a field kindly lent by Mr. T. E. Williams, in which they enjoyed themselves heartily, the ever-popular "kiss in the ring" being followed with glee by the children, and not overlooked by the elders. The school is in a flourishing condition, and the pieces recited and hymns sung by the children reflected great credit upon their teachers. FORESTERS' FBAST.-On Monday the Foresters' Club meeting at the Rose and Crown Inn, Garndiffaith, held their annual feast. They turned out in capital style, preceded by 16 or 18 foresters in characteristic dresses, and mounted on horses, followed by the Abersychan Brass Band. and walked to the residence- of W. B. Partridge, t.b.e:y TJC C*"P — i ll- — _r the residence of Edward Jones, Esq. A capital dinner was provided, and with the music of the band, and song and glass, a pleasant evening was spent. This club is very strong iu numbers, and is fast increasing.

RAGLAN. CRICKET MATCH.—On Monday last a match of this description was played on the ground near this village between the Raglan Club and the Monmouth Commercial Club, when the latter came off victorious, with 16 runs and one innings to spare, as will be seen by the score, sub. joined 1st Innings. RAOLAX. 2nd Innings. W. Jones, c. Baker, b. Baker 1 c. Furney, b. Hale 3 W. Davies, c. Bevan, b. Hale 4 b. Baker 1 W. H. Jones, c. and b. Hale -0 b. Baker 0 W. Sullivan, b. Baker 0 b. Hale 0 E. Heywood, c. Bevan, b. Baker 0 not out 2 J. Wysome, b. Baker 1 c. Bevan, b. Hale 1 R. Crawley, not out 3 c. Furney, b. Hale 3 J. Walters, c. Williams, b. Hale 1 b. Hals 0 A. Rolls, b. Hale -2 c. Hale, b. Baker 0 C. Crawley, b. Baker 9 c. Hale, b. Baker 0 A. Goodwin, c. and b. Hale 5 c. Pitway, b. Baker 1 Byes 1 Byes, 2 Total 27 Total 13 MONMOVTH. F. Hale, c. Heywood, b. Walters 14 W. Bevan, c. R. Crawley, b. C. Crawley 12 A. Pitway, b. R. Crawley 0 R. T. Williams, b. R. Crawley 0 F. Furney, c. Walters, b. R. Crawley 4 T. Baker, b. R. Crawley o Major King, b. R. Crawley -14 W. Pembridge, I.b.w. o G. Hodge, not out 3 S. Roberts, c. Wysome, b. Goodwin 2 G. Williams, b. Goodwin 0 Byes, 3; leg byes, 1; wides, 4 8 Total 57 PETTY SESSIONS, JUNE 29, before S. R. BOSANQUET, Esq., and Major STRETTON. A CAUTION.- fVillimn Watkins appeared to answer a charge of being drunk and riotous and assaulting the police. Sergeant Mc.Evoy deposed that as he was on duty in the village of Raglan, on the night of the 23rd ult., his attention was called, between twelve and one o'clock, to a disturbance in the street, opposite to the Crown Inn, and which he found to be occasioned by the prisoner and two dther persons who had since absconded, named William Meredith and James Jenkins; they were all drunk, and were assaulting every one they met with; on witness going up to them, prisoner asked him what he wanted, and threatened him with violence if he interfered; for half-an-hour witness tried all in his power to persuade them to be quiet and to go home, but prisoner defied him, and several times put his fist in his face, pushed him., and trod upon his toes as he would not go peaceably away witness at length took him in charge, when prisoner resisted violently and during a struggle, which lasted about fifteen minutes, witness was repeatedly kicked, and received several blows on different parts of the body; he, however, ultimately succeeded in putting on the handcuffs, and in taking prisoner to the station-house, whither Meredith and Jenkins followed, and attempted to rescue him; the prisoner also behaved very violently in the station-house; and he had, moreover, it was stated, been brought up before on different occasions for drunken and riotous conduct, and once bound over to keep the peace. The prisoner, in reply to the Bench, said he then knew nothing about the affair, and hoped that the magistrates would look over it this once, and he would promise not to offend again. The Bench, observing that the prisoner would be given another chance, ordered him to pay a fine of 92 including costs, or in default two months' imprisonment. The Chairman further reminded him of the serious character of the offence of which he had been convicted, and said they had this time dealt very leniently with him as they might have sent him to the Quarter Sessions for trial, where he would probably have received a long term of imprisonment. REMOVING CATTLE WITHOUT A LICENSE.—John Jones, farmer, Bryngwyn, was Charged with driving cattle on the highway, on the 12th of May last, without the required license, for a greater distance than that prescribed by the Order in Council. P.S. Mc.Evoy proved the charge. Defendant explained that he did not wish to evade the law; he bad ordered his servant to remove the cattle on the day in question from one part of his land to another, and having to go from home himself early on that morning, lie had forgotten to renew his license, the old one having expired on the previous day. The defendant further said that the servant had taken the cattle by the police station, whereas, if there had been any intention of evading the law, he might have taken them another road. The magistrates said they could not make an exception in [his case without being guilty of partia!itj, and, observing hat it was very necessary the orders should be strictly carried out, tliey ordered defendant to pay a fine of 5s. with costs. LEAVING SERVICE.- William Chair was charged b\ Tames Jones, farmer, Llandenny, wiih leaving his servic on the 11th of May last, contrary to agreement. Com- plainant said that defendant entered into his service oi tne 8th of May last, on an agreement until the 1st of Ma next, at JE12 "10s. for the year; he remained there about days and then complained of being ill, and went away: he returned, however, on the following day, and spoke t( witness in the field in which he was at work; witness asked if he was better; he said he was not; witness afterwards found that defendant wanted to leave th. service, but he did not tell him to go. Jamef Jones, eon of complainant, corroborated his father's testimony as to the hiring of defendant, and his entering upon the service, in which, he said, he remained until noon of the llth, when he came from his work to thi house and complained to witness that he was ill; he after- wards went to Llandenny village for some brandy, and did not return until the day following, when he told witness that he was no better, and that he wished to leave the ser- vice he also said he had been to the field to witness' father, and had talked with him about hiring some one in hi, place at the coming Abergavenny "mop;" he asked witness for his box and he had it; witness asked him to come back in a day or two, to which he replied that hr thought he should not be able. Defendant, on the Mon- day afterwards, hired with Mr. Walters, a neighbouring farmer, saying he had Mr. Jones's permission to do so. In support of this he produced, as a witness, a fellow- servant named Edwin Lewis, who deposed that Chair went to Mr. Walters in about four days after leaving Mr. Jones's service; that he (witness) happened to call at the house of Mr. Jones, a day or two previous to Chair's hiring with Mr. Walters, when Mr. Jones told him that he gave Chair permission to take his box; Miss Morris, housekeeper to Mr. Jones, also observed at the same time that they worked Chair too hard; witness understood Mr. Jones to mean that Chair was not to return to his service; he (witness) had been living with Mr. Wafters five years. The Bench put several questions to witness3, but without shaking his testimony, and the case was therefore dismissed

CHEPSTOW. THE HIGHWAY BOARD.—A meeting of this Board was held in the Board-room at the Union Workhouse, on Saturday last, there being present-C. E. Lewis, Esq. (Chairman), and Messrs. Daniel Baker, Richard Moore, James Thomas, Samuel Perkins, Richard Parsons, John Williams Roberts, Matthew Langley, and Charles Herbert. This being a meeting specially convened to consider the propriety of appointing a treasurer in the room of Mr. John Best Snead, banker, who had made an assignment for the benefit of his creditorn, and thereby become disqualified to retain the office, it was resolved that the consideration of the matter be postponed until the 11th August next, and that in the meantime all monies to be paid by overseers and waywardens to the credit of their respective parishes be received by the Clerk, and deposited by him at such place and at such time as the Chairman shall direct. The Clerk was accordingly ordered to write to all the Overseers and request them to pay in the money due upon precepts of the Board by Saturday next. The District Surveyor was ordered to discharge six men, and not to increase the number in the employ of the Board until after the harvest. Messrs. Richard Parsons, Charles Herbert, and Matthew Langley, were requested and consented to form a Committee to inspect a drain at Llanvair Discoed, carrying water, &c., under the highway, from premises in the occupation of Mr. William Henry Langley, and to report thereon to the next meeting.

CAERLEON. TEA MEETING.—On Thursday, the 5th instant, a tea meeting was held in the Baptist chapel, in aid of the funds, when upwards of 300 persons were present. A lecture upon the "Life of Wycliffe" was afterwards given by the Rev. J. D. Jones, the minister who is at present supplying the chapel. At the close of the lecture addresses were delivered by the Revs. D. Morgan (of Usk), Williams (Pontheer), and Williams (Glascoed). Robert Graham, Esqr., occupied the chair. During the evening a statement of the funds of the chapel was read, from which it appeared that there was still a balance of upwards of 94 due; and the Chairman offered that if half of thct amount could be collected in the chapel that evening, he would give the other half. The necessary amount was immediately collected, and the chairman then gave his moiety. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY.—Before the Rev. W. POWELL, and JOHN JAMES and F. J. MITCHELL, Esqrs. A RAD HUSBAND.—David Phillips, of Cwmbran, was brought up in custody charged with using such violent threats towards his wife that she was afraid he would do her some bodily harm. It appeared defendant bad been on several previous occasions charged with assaulting his wife, and had been imprisoned for the offence. On Sa'ur- day last it seemed he went home drunk, and taking hold of the poker he threatened to kill her with it; she ran out, and took refuge in a neighbour's house. The wife stated that while defendant kept sober he was kind to her but when he got drunk he always abused her, and all that she wanted was for him to keep away from her. This defendant promised to do, and also to allow his wife 6". per week for maintenance, upon consideration of which the Bench discharged him on payment of 6s. 6d. costs. ADJOURNED PUBLIC-HOUSE CAS E.-Evan Poioell was charged with selling beer after hours. This case was adjourned at the last meeting, for the purpose of enabling defendant to call a witness to disprove the police-officer's statement. That witness (a female) now stated that she went for beer to defendant's house at half-past nine o'clock, when it was drawn for her, but she remained in the house helping defendant's wife in her work, until the officer came and saw her with the beer; witness denied having told the officer she had nothing in her jug. The defendant was ordered to pay 7s. costs. NEIGHBOURS' QUARRELS.—Joseph Lucas was charged with assaulting John Lawler. Complainant said he was called out of his house and saw defendant beating his son, whereupon he went to him, and defendant then struck him several times. Alfred Lawler stated I spoke to defen- dant about having caused a row between my father and mother; he then struck and kicked me, and I called my father out, and when he came defendant struck him. Defendant denied striking complainant first, alleging that he was set upon by complainant, his son, and several others at one time; and, having got him on the ground about seven of complainant's party set about him. The face and hands of defendant exhibited marks of severe treatment, but both complainant and his son denied touching him. Defendant was ordered to pay 7s. 6d. costs. HIGHWAY OvEEXCE.—Edxoard Miles pleaded guilty to riding on the shafts of his cart without reins to his horse. Ordered to pay 8s. 6d. costs. ASSAULT.—John Williams was charged with assaulting John Trinder. Complainant stated that he was leaning against a gate near the cottage of defendant, when the latter came up and charged him with having been in his garden he denied it, and defendant struck him in the face he was not inside the garden. Defendant stated that on coming home he found complainant inside his garden leaning on a hurdle; he asked to be let pass, and complainant refused to move and pushed against him he then struck complainant. This statement was corroborated by defendant's wife, and the magistrates ultimately dis- missed the case, ordering complainant to pay 7s. costs. ROBBING A TILL .—George Richards, a lad 14 years of age, was charged with robbing the till of his master, .Ue„w^>a the bar window; he looked in, and saw the boy with his hand in the till; he ran into the bar, caught hold of the boy, and charged him with the theft; the lad acknow- ledged it, and gave hini twopence he had taken. Prose- cutor said he did not wish to press the charge, and the magistrates therefore discharged the boy, after the Chair- man had given him a severe reprimand and caution.

MONMOUTH. THE ORDER OF DRUIDS.—The annual meeting and festival of this excellent institution came off on Monday last, at the lodge-house, the Butcher's Arms Inn, Monnow- street, and was attended by nearly 200 persons, including several influential tradesmen and farmers of the neighbour- hood. The dinner, as usual, was served up in capital style by the host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Wilkes, and much satisfaction was expressed at their catering. On the removal of the cloth, Brother P.D.G.M. Thomas Tippins undertook the duties of Chairman, in the place of Brother Edward Pugh, N.G.A., and Brother V.G.A. Jas. Shellard performed the duties of Vice-chairman; and it is almost superfluous to say that each post was most ably filled. The splendid band of the Royal Monmouthshire Militia attended, under the directorship of Mr. Thompson, and their musical abilities were greatly appreciated. From the statement of accounts presented, it appeared that the society, after paying all the expenses of the past year, possesses a reserve fund of £12ô Os. 6d., and this, notwith- standing an unusually great outlay on account of sickness had been experienced, viz., £I)(j 8s. The expenditure on the management account was about the average, and the ajnount of dividend received by each member was £ 1 Os. 2d. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were pro- posed in the course of the evening, and most cordially received. The principal officers of the society were deservedly complimented in some excellent speeche?, and the entertainment was of a more harmonious character than bad been experienced for some years past. NEW LODGE OF TIIE ORDER OF DRUIDS.—We have been informed that a now Lodge of this order is about to be established at the Griffin Inn, in this town. Mr. Williams, the host, is much respected, and it is only reasonable to anticipate that a good and respectable num- ber of candidates will present themselves for admission into this venerable order.

[ADVERTISEMENT.] To the Editor of the USK OBSERVER." SIR,—Some persons having made a practicc of attributing to Mr. Murrell, the Poor-Law Auditor, certain remarks relative to myself, I beg you will give me an opportunity of setting myself right before the public. I will also add that Mr. James Pritchard, of Llangeview, made use of the same remark, before a public assembly, ps did Mr. Buttery at the Yestry Meeting. I remain, your obedient servant, WILLIAM BLOWER. Little Castle Farm, July 12, 1866. [Copy.] Usk, Newport, Monmouthshire, June. 26th, 18G6. SIH,—I am directed by Mr. Wm. Blower, of the Little Castlo farm, in the hamlet of Gwehelog, near Usk, to write to you on the following subject:—At the last parish meeting for the above hamlet, held at the Vestry-room, Usk, on or about the 15th inst., Mr. Buttery, the assistant-overseer of the above hamlet, stated to Mr. Wm. Blower, who was also present, that you said, at the last audit meeting at Pontypool, in Apnl last, that he (Mr. Wm. Blower) was a noisy fellow, and that you hoped he would never annoy you any more, or words to the like purport and effect. Now, will you please oblige me by writing me word whether you said this or not, or anything to the like purport and effect. Your early reply will much oblige, and I am, Sir, your most obedient servant, D. E. PAETIIIDGE. To C. Murrell, Esq., Poor Law Auditor, Tewkesbury. I [Copy.] Tewkesbury, T,lh June, I860. ,IR', laJ-Oply to your letter of yesterday's date, I have to state that I have no recollection of ever having been annoyed by any Mr. i Blower, and therefore, it is extremely unlikely that I should express myself to the effect described in your communication. I may add that I am not in the habit of giving utterance to such expressions to a third person in reterence to another individual, even if that individual had done anything to annoy me. Whether vour friend or client is an overseer, I know not. I am, Sir, your obedient seivant, D. E. Partridge, Esq., Usk. C. MURRELL. Printed and Published, jor the Proprietor, by JAMES HENRY CLAKK, at his Offices, Bridge Street, Usk, in the County of Monmouth, July J4, 1866,