The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette

CARDIFF COUNTY COURT, The monthly meeting of this Court opened on Wed- nesday, before Judge Herbert. There were 300 new cases for trial, but few of any local interest. The fol- lowing bankrupts applied for their third examination and discharge:— Cornelius Driscoll, marine store dealer, applied for his examination and discharge, supported by Mr. Ensor. Mr. Price, of Bristol, opposed on the part of the assignees, in consequence of the bankrupt's state- ment of assets being incorrect. Mr. Price said he had received a letter from the bankrupt stating he had 3 tons of oakum and other articles not filed in the balance-sheet. In reply to his Honour, the bankrupt said the letter was not exactly correct. It was not in his handwriting, but that of his daughter. In conse- quence of the daughter not being present, the case was adjourned till next court. Walter Dascombe, pastry cook, applied, on an adjourned examination, supported by Mr. Stephens. Mr. Ensor opposed on the part of the assignees. The examination had been adjourned from last court, to enable him to amend his balance-sheet. The solicitor for the assignees made some inquiries of the bankrupt respecting payments made to one creditor in prefer- ence to another, but his Honour considered the ac- counts in question were special, and the bankrupt was entitled to his discharge. Thomas Davies, late landlord of the Friendship TIotel, applied for his last examination and discharge, supported by Mr. Raby. Bankrupt was unopposed, ;and. his Honour granted his discharge. Edward Davies, grocer, of Elm street, Roath, applied for his discharge, having been sent back from the last court in consequence of having sold some houses which did not appear correctly stated. The bankrupt was discharged there being no opposition. Gerson Gryham, dentist, of Bute-street. The examination of this bankrupt was adjourned, in con- sequence of his being unable to attend.

WELSH COAL TRAFFIC TO THE METROPOLIS. "Efforts are now being made with the view of provid- ing increased facilities for the transmission of South Wales coal to tlie London market. At present the (quantity of Welsh coal sent to the metropolis is not 3 per ccnt. of the total consumption, which is mainly attributable to the high railway tonnages which are charged. South Wales is the nearest coal-field to London by from 40 to 70 miles, yet, in the face of this, the Newcastle merchants are able to almost monopolize the trade, and the North of England, Lancashire, and Derbyshire districts supply no less than 97 per cent. of the total consumption. Last year two railway schemes received Parliamentary sanction, having for their object a more direct route to the South Wales and Forest of Dean coal-fields, one being supported by the Midland and the other by the Great Western Company. The enormous cost of carrying out these projects, more especially the high-level bridge, has, however, proved a serious drawback; but within the last few weeks a third scheme has been brought forward, which, it appears, can be carried out at a comparatively small cost, and it will at the same time give greater facilities to the ,coal trade. This is known as the Midland and Great Western Junction, and it is proposed as a compromise between the two great companies, and, if successful, Welsh and Forest .of Dean coals will be vdelivered in London at 3s. per ton below present prices. Such an important saving as this would en- able the South Wales and Forest of Dean colliery proprietors to compete successfully on the metro- politan markets.— 1'h.e Times. THE NARROW GAUGE ON THE SOUTH WALES LITFE.—The following memorial to the chairman and directors of the ^Great Western Railway Company, for the extension of the narrow guage throughout the South Wales line, is being signed by a large number of the mos't influential firms in the Principality: The undersigned, being deeply interested in the minerals, •metals, and commerce of South Wales, desire respect- fully to represent to the directors of the Great West- ern Railway Company the serious impediments, incon. venience, and loss the commerce of this district is sustaining in oon sequence of the broad gauge being wholly inapplicable to ^ir th.us confining their com- munications to very ci,-cum&crthed'imits,arresting their opera- 'tions, and consequently e*r tra^e' Hie transfer oi •good*, in consequence oi r the break of gauge at every port and principal station between and Gloucester, is expensive and tedious; entailing, m, *»»»«..constant delay in delivery, grievous disappointment, ( oa4geqtieit annoyance, and of ten serious loss to both consigno r. alJ ponsl £ 11{'e- And as regards the great staple of the d.etn ooal-.sucyranrfer .n- volving not only the expense of the ■operation, but the loss arising from depreciation by br ^comes posjt.vely pro- hibitory. Coupled with these) » that of the inability of the company to provide a sufficien t hjoad guage 1 oiling st ick, together with the known disinclm at,n °* Public and the various wagon builders to find it, fn no acorivictioii that, so. ner or later, the narrow gauge will be pi c, is to exclude many extensive collieries fl Jy a..fe.|ra'le winch would necessarily pass over the Sout b Wales R-ailw.-ty. The undersigned, therefore, desire strongly repiesent that the early adoption of the narrow guage, ai, 'Lg whole of the South Wales line, is imperatively called for by the Bet«ssiues of the district."

CARDIFF GOVERNMENT SAVINGS' BANK, DUKE STREET. Open every Saturday from 10 till 2: and on Saturday and Monday Evenings, from Seven till half past Eight, j The gentlemen next to be in attendance are,—o Saturdar, Mr. Hugh Bird and Rev. Charlss Parsons; on Saturday F l evening, Mr. Piide; on Tuesday evening, Mr. F. W. Joy.

I m RAILWAY TRAFFIC RETURNS. TAFF VALE RAILWAY. Week ending Dec. 17,18(55 £ 5,624 5 1 Corresponding Week, 1864 5,310 4 7 RHYMNEY RAILWAY. Week ending Dec. 16, 1866 £ 1053 17 3 Corresponding week last year 966 3 9 GREAT WESTEHN RAILWAY. Week ending Dec. 17, 1865 £ 70,429 2 6 Corresponding week, 1864 67,613 15 1

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. THE TREDEGAR HOUNDS. Wednesday Dec. 27 St. Melons Friday. 29 Coedkernew Pound Each day at 114 o'clock. THE P. H. HOUNDS. Tuesday Dec.26. St. Fagans. Thursday Dec. 28 Wauntreoda <*Each day at 11 o'clock.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. Editorial communications should be addressed to The Editor" only; but orders, advertisements, and letters regarding accounts to The Manager." E. S.—Your verses are declined with thanks. SPECIAL NOTICE. We beg leave to inform our readers that a Lithographed Plan of the whole of the existing and proposed new Railways, in the County of Glamorgan, will be presented GRATIS to all SUBSCRIBERS to the" Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian" early in January. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. Unstamped Copies, 2s. 2d. per qr., or 8s. 6d. per annum Stamped „ 3s. 3d. „ „ 12s. 6d. „ Subscriptions, payable in advance, will be received by the authorised Agents, or at the Office, Duke-street, Cardiff.

SFhq (fattdijf & ^tlerthqr (!5u;u;<li;tn. CARDIFF, FRIDAY, DEC. 22, 1865. IN the breasts of all who name the name of Christ, Christmas time awakens a special interest; but perhaps in no other country is the great festival welcomed as we welcome it in England. In France Xew Year's Day is emphatically le jour de I an, and Christmas Day is little regarded. In Germaay it is kept in the phlegmatic mood in which the Germans keep all their festivals. In Italy it is observed with pompous rights and ceremonies, with the Pope and Cardinals in pro- cession, and the holy cradle in the church of Santa Maria. But in England a thousand asso- ciations make up our Christmas time. English literature breathes of the holly and the misletoe. Historians, novelists and poets delight in it. The word Christmas is a spell to conjure up visions of cheerful country life-of charity through the length and breadth of the land—of the song and the dance—of good cheer-of happy faces and glad hearts-and above all of a sense of the common humanity typified in Him whose birth the day commemorates. And on one lesson at least of the many lessons taught by this joyous season, it is not unbecoming in the journalist to dwell. While it falls to his lot to multiply the proofs that penury and misery and crime are around us still, it is his privilege to speak of the abundant opportunities that exist for doing good. And surely as we lift up our hearts in thankful- ness for the return of Christmas, it is well to remember that the season has not only its happy io associations, its grateful memories, its enjoy- ments and its privileges, but also that it imposes on us weighty responsibilities, and enjoins special duties. We regret that we can refer only very briefly to a curionf instance of the manner in which these responsibilities and duties are understood in South Wales. The sapient and liberal Guar- dians of the Carmarthen Union have determined on keeping Christmas" by depriving the in- mates of the workhouse of their usual Christmas dinner. At a recent meeting of the Board, one Mr. Prosser had the hardihood to state that he considered the expenditure of X6 on roast beef and plum-pudding a waste of money," and Mr. Richards, of Treleach, distinguished himself by endorsing his opinion. Thereupon a large majo- rity of these liberal guardians decided that the paupers" should regale themselves on Christ- mas Day with "the beautiful beef and splendid bread" which falls to their share on ordinary occasions. Happily, in Cardiff and Merthyr other and better feelings prevail. In both towns the local authorities have made provision for feeding the hungry on this one day in the year, nor has the voice even of the most rigid econo- mist been raised against conferring on the in- mates of our workhouses a boon which is not denied to the convicts in our gaols. On be- half of our brothers in need we tender to these gentlemen our hearty thanks, and we wish them, and all our readers, a happier Christmas and better cheer than will fall to the lot of the inmates of the Carmarthen Workhouse.

ANY subject bearing upon the improvement of agriculture commends itself to the notice, not only of agriculturists, but of all other classes of the community, because in the almost certain result that the prime necessaries of life would be supplied to us in larger quantities, and at cheaper rates, all are concerned. We feel, there- fore, that we need make no apology for directing the attention of our readers to the proposal of Mr. Garsed, discussed at the last meeting of the Glamorganshire Agricultural Society, to make the annual exhibition of stock and implements of that Society "migratory." It is contended—and, we think, wisely--that the Association would thus lose its purely local character, and become, in reality as well as in name, a County Society. Since its establishment, nearly a century ago, when the meetings were appointed to be held at Cowbridge, the circumstances of the county have undergone a complete change. The population and impor- tance of that town are now insignificant compared with some other towns in the county, whereas, when the Society was established, Cowbridge was, in these respects, on an equality with almost any town in Glamorgan. These changes, coupled with the fact that stock and implements can, in these days, be readily transported from one part of the county to another, render it, in our opinion, most desirable that the show should no longer be confined to one favoured locality. The principal towns in the county, doubtless possess suitable places for large exhibitions of stock. In Cardiff, the Canton Cattle Market-place appears an eligible spot, as there are extensive sheds and other conveniences. One reason only, worthy of notice, has been advanced against the proposed change. Cowbridge is situate (as with perfect truth it is affirmed) near the centre of the agricultural portion of the county. Doubtless, therefore, had Mr. Garscd's suggestion been adopted, Cowbridge would have been selected for the annual exhibition more frequently than any other town, and we believe that few districts would derive more permanent benefit from the change. It is obvious that the usefulness of an Agri- cultural Society depends greatly on the sum at command for distribution in prizes. Our County Society this year gives only eEl30 in premiums for stock and rewards to agricultural labourers. The noble President, Lord Tredegar, the inhabi- tants of Cowbridge, and a few other well-wishers, contribute X30 14s., making the total offered in prizes C IGO 14s.—a sum which would, we believe, be exceeded in amount by the charges for admis- sion to the show yard alone, were the exhibition held in either of our larger towns. In this opinion we are fortified by the fact that when the Bath and West of England Agricultural Society held its meeting in this town, in 1858, under the auspices of the Mayor (the much- lamented Mr. Charles C. Williams), the sum received by that Association, in admission fees, amounted to £1694 3s. Id., exclusive of Y-122 19s. 6d., received for the entry of stock and implements, and the large sum of £ 800, subscribed in Cardiff and its neighbourhood in aid of its funds. The "migratory system" is found by that Society, and, we believe, by all other societies throughout the kingdom which have adopted it, to produce the most beneficial results. For years past the question—" Why not adopt the system here ?" has frequently been put, and no sufficient answer has ever been found. The narrow policy which has been adopted will, however, in all probability, result in the establishment of a large and wealthy society, befitting this important and influential county. A requisition, of which we publish a copy in another column, is being numerously signed in 0 y the central, eastern, and northern districts, ad- dressed to the members of the West Glamorgan Agricultural Society, inviting them to extend the sphere of their operations over the whole of the county. This recently formed Association already gives a larger sum in premiums than is given at Cowbridge, although in that town the interest on six hundred and fifty pounds helps to make up I the amount. In our opinion, therefore, the only prudent course for our Cowbridge friends to pursue would be to agree to the amalgamation of the societies with the least possible delay.

The time has, we think, arrived when the question of the propriety of extending the limits of the Borough of Cardiff is entitled to the serious consider- ation of the ratepayers of the borough and of its populous suburbs. A town which has increased its population in the space of little more than half a cen- tury from one thousand to thirty-five thousand souls, to say nothing of the present population of the suburbs (which may be taken at another eight thousand) may fairly regard the precedents of other large towns and cities, which, with advantage to themselves, and to their outlying districts, have from time to time extended the area of borough or city rateability. It is true that the legislature has, by the Local Government Act, given powers (which have been largely and usefully exercisad) to populous dis- tricts to form Local Government Boards for them- selves, and in our own neighbourhood, the cases of Canton and Roath may be cited as successful in- stances of the application and working of the Act. Whether it was intended at the time the Act was passed that it should apply to districts immediately adjoining large and increasing towns may be a matter of doubt, but the point is one which we need not discuss, inasmuch as we have to do with things as they are. That three distinct governing bodies should exist for what is to all intents and purposes Cardiff ( Young Cardiff if not Old Cardiff) is certainly rather an anomalous state of things. Foremost. among the evils arising from the multiplying of Governments is that each involves separate establishment expenses, which might with advantage be consolidated. Such an expenditure, however, is by no means the only in- convenience. Many other evils, we doubt not, will readily occur to our readers, and among them, those which have recently been the subject of discussion, such as toll-gates, markets, and slaughterhouses the arrangements for drainage with the Local Boards of Canton and Roath, and the frequent instances of offenders within the borough baffling the efforts of the police by so readily escaping from the Borough Jurisdiction. Having said so much of the present, we may be permitted to refer to the various railway and other schemes, either announced or looming in the distance and affecting not only the borough but the suburbs. In many instances protective clauses must be sought for from companies or promoters, and these, a powerful borough corporation could de- mand with far greater force than could a district board. The extent to which the limits should be increased will be matter for careful consideration, though, as regards the districts East and West, the area within the jurisdiction of the several Local Boards will probably be taken as sufficient. We apprehend that no material opposition would be offered either by Local Boards or by outlying Ratepayers to a judicious extension of the Borough Limits- The numerical strength of the Borough Corporation would necessarily have to be increased to admit of the new Districts being fairly represented, and for a time, special district rates might in some cases be needful. These, however, are matters of detail. The principle of extension, and the necessity for it, once agreed upon, we have no fear of its practical application being satisfactory to the rate- payers.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. 'U,H. LLANDAFF CATHEDRAL SERVICES. DEC. 2.-4th SuudllY in Advent. Morning Service at 11 o'clock. Venite-I, Tallis. Daily Psalms—130. Te Deum- 11, Double chant, appendix. Benedictus-99. Introit— 184. Responses, Gibbons. Hymn—34. Afternoon Service at 31 o'clock. Daily Psalms—133. Magnificat—127. Nunc Dimittis -107. Anthem, Awake, awake," Michael Wise. Hymn --193. Litany and Sermon at 7 o'clock in the Evening. Hymns 182, 37,10, 1, 2, 3, and last verse. CHRISTMAS-DAY.-DEC. 25. Morning Service. Venite—J, Tallis. Daily Psalms—119. Te Deum- 11, Double chant, Appendix. Benedictus-99. Introit -43, first tune. Responses—Gibbons. Hymn-42. Afternoon Service. Dai]yPsa)mns—95. Magnificat—127. Nunc Dimittis -107. Anthem, "This is the day," Elvey. Hymn-4t. There is Daily Service at the Cathedral at 11 o'Clock THE JAMAICA INSURRECTION AT CARDIFF. — A requisition signed by about 100 persons was about a fortnight since got up with a view of presenting it to the Mayor asking him to call a public meeting at the Town Hall for the purpose of discussing the desira- bility of calling on the Government to make a search- ing inquiry into the causes and results of the late insurrection in Jamaica. A deputation waited on the Mayor and presented the requisition, but his worship declined to give an answer then. He has since done so, stating that as the Government has undertaken to institute a full inquiry into the Jamaica affair, he felt reluctant to call a public meeting; but if the inhabi- tants desired it, the Town Hall was at their disposal. A committee has been formed, and should it be con- 1 sidered desirable, a public meeting will be called early in January. BARON ROMILLY, OF BARRY.—The London Gazette of Tuesday last has the following — The Queen has been pleased to direct letters patent to be passed under the Great Seal, granting the dignity of a Baron of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland unto the Right IIon. Sir John Roiuilly, Knight, Master or Keeper of the Rolls and Records in Chan- cery, and the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten, by the name, style, and title of Baron Romilly, of Barry, in the county of Glamorgan. CATTLE DISEASE.W6 are happy to be able to say that Sir George, Grey informed a most influential meeting of the great landholders of Shropshire and Cheshire that not one case of this dreadful disorder had appeared in Ireland, and in only one county in Wales (Denbigh), though he was bound to say it was still on the increase in England and Scotland. ACCIDENT TO MR. SERGT. HERBERT JONES.— We ate sorry to report that Mr. Serjeant Herbert Jones has met with a serious accident, He was on his way from Swansea (where lie had been attending his wife's funeral) to visit his son-in-law, Lord Athlumney, in Ireland, accompanied by his sister, when he missed his footing in stepping into the railway carriage, at Shrewsbury, fell between the carriage and the wall, and put his shoulder out. He is now under surgical care at the Raven Hotel, in that town. ORDINATIONS.The Bishop of Llandaff intends to hold his next General Ordination in the Cathedral Church of Llandaff, on Sunday, the 25th day of February next. Candidates are desired to semi their papers one month before the day of Ordination to his Lordship's Secretaries, Messrs. Burder and Dun- ning, 27, Parliament-street, Westminster, S.W., and to give personal notice to the Bishop of their title, place of education, age, and usual residence. Gradu- ates of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge will forward respectively the usual Certificates of having attended the Divinity Lectures, or the Cer- tificate of having passed the Voluntary Theological Examination; those of Trinity College, Dublin, the Divinity Testimonium; Students of St. David's Col- lege, Lampeter, the Certificate of the Board of Uni- versity Examiners; and those from Durham Univer- sity, the License in Theology. The Bishop of St. David's intends to hold a General Ordination, in the Parish Church of Abergwili, on Sunday, the 25th day of February next. Candidates for Orders are re- quested to forward their Ordination Papers to his Lordship's Secretary, John Thirlwall, Esq., Aber- gwili Palace, Carmarthen, on or before Saturday, the 20th day of January next, and to appear at Aber- gwili Palace, for examination, on Wednesday, the 21st day of February next, at ten o'clock in the fore- noon. CARDIFF INFIRMARY.—The drawing of prizes for the scheme in aid of the funds of this noble institu- tion, took place at the Music Hall, on Tuesday last, which place was kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Boorn, the present lessee. The drawing commenced at twelve o'clock, and lasted till seven in the evening. Alderman David took the chair, and as the meeting was open to those who had tickets, the building was tolerably well filled. There were also present on the platform: Messrs. Alexander, Bushell, Grover, Bowen, Harvey, Heard, Stephens, Dr. Taylor, Lieut. Sloper, etc. The Chairman explained the method to be em- ployed in the drawing, and assured every one present that the strictest impartiality would be exercised. A book was provided, in which the number and the name of the prize were written. Two large boxes, mounted on pivots on each side of the platform held the tickets containing the numbers of the prizes and the numbers corresponding with the tickets sold. Two boys were selected from the audience, and blind- folded. These boys drew from the boxes the tickets and the number of the prizes, which were then an- nounced to the audience, with the name of the prize by the Chairman, and the number was entered in the book by him, which was taken possession of by the auditor, Mr. Alexander, at the close of the meeting, and copied for publication. The number of prizes distributed was 1042. The fortunate winner of the £ 100 prize is a cab-driver named James Bar- ber. We arc informed that the grand ball in aid of this institution will take place on the 5th of January. GRATEFUL GIFTS.The master mariners visiting the Custom House at Newport have, during the last six months, contributed through Mr. R. Cullum, the collector of customs, £15 7s. in aid of tllp f11nd" "f the National Lifeboat Institution. Mr. Cullum has thus zealously and humanely collected upwards of £136, during the past three or four years, in aid of its benevolent objects. SCHOOL EXAMINATION.—The examination of the Rev. E. A. Green's school occupied nearly the whole of last week. The subjects of examination were scriptural knowledge, classics, mathematics, arithmetic, French, drawing, mapping, &c., &c. The following young gentlemen were successful in winning prizes and awards Masters Scott, (2) James, ( j) Miller, sen.; Miller, jun.; Trayes; Coe, sen. en; Fry, sen. Fry, jun.; Wilson, Jones, Price, Gavin, and Mazzi. CANTON READINGS. — Tuesday evening's penny p readings, being more than usually attractive, found an overflowing audience, who listened with approving satisfaction to the following programme :—Duet, two I P ladies; "Infidelity Unmasked," Mr. A. Freeman; song, Mr. C. Bird Death of Marmion," Mr. Wood- man; duett, two ladies "Macbeth," Mr. Farrell; song, Mr. C. Bird; The Ravens," Mr. Banner. At the conclusion the Rev. V. Saulez, having thanked the performers for their kindly assistance, reviewed the evening's amusement, and having wished the audience the best realities of the season, called upon them to sing whith heart and voice God save the Queen," to whom, as to ourselves, her grateful subjects, may many happy returns of this Christmas-time be granted.. GRAND CONCERT AT THE TOWN-HALL.—We have great pleasure in informing our readers that Signor Paggi purposes to give a grand evening con- cert in the Assembly Room, Town-hall, on Tuesday, January 30th. As a list of the great attractions offered will be found in another column, it will suffice to state here that the world-renowned Madame Tietjens has accepted the engagement, which, at an enormous cofet, our enterprising fellow-townsman has offered. THE INFRINGEMENT OF THE ORDERS IN COUNCIL. A case of the violation of the orders lately issued by the Mayor, with regard to the prohibition of the debarkation of any animals from A^essels entering the port came before the Borough Magistrates, at the Police-court, on Monday, and may serve to shew the extreme vigilance now adopted to prevent the in- troduction of diseased cattle or animals likely to con- vey contagion. Mr. Bodington, the veterinary in- spector appointed by the Mayor, summoned Mr. D. Davies, the captain of the steamboat Severn, for landing 86 sheep previous to being inspected by him. Mr. J. Bird, who attended on behalf of the captain, said they did not deny the facts of the case, which only required some explanation. The steamer Severn came into the Channel with a cargo of cattle and sheep, but landed the cattle at Bristol, and the sheep only were brougnt to Cardiff. There were, he said, in the port two inspectors, one appointed by Government, who receives his authority from the Custom-house, and the other by the local authorities. Mr. Bodington was the inspector appointed by the Mayor. As soon as the Severn arrived, the Custom- house officer boarded her and prohibited the removal of the sheep, and the captain immediately made arrangements to keep the sheep on board, provided pens for them and a cover. Some time after, the same person who prohibited the sheep from being landed came on board again and gave permission for them to land. They were landed and taken about forty yards from the ship. Mr. Jones, the stipend- iary magistrate, said it was a case that Mr. Boding- ton had done quite right in bringing before the Court, as in future the captain would see that Mr. Bodington's orders were alone to be attended to, for according to the order of the Mayor, no cattle could be landed without the fiat of his inspector. The captain had made himself liable to a penalty of £20, but the Bench did not think it was a case which re- quired only these remarks from them. The case was then dismissed. SHOP ROBBERy.-On Tuesday evening, a pair of moleskin trousers were stolen from the shop-door of Mr. Evans, tailor, of Caroline-street, forming another instance of the temptation given to dishonest persons by the incautious exposure of goods for sale. ODDFELLOWSHIP.-The committee of the widow and orphans branch of the Cardiff District held their yearly meeting on Friday last, at the New Inn, Crockherb- town, when the business for the current quarter was transacted, including the election of officers for the ensuing twelve months. Mr. Thomas John was elected president, Mr. Thomas Edwards vice- president, and Mr. T. Jones, P.P.G.M.. was re-elected secretary for the fifth time. The late President, Mr. J. Williams, was also elected a trustee. We are glad to find that the funds of this institution are in such a prosperous state, after having paid out in the past twelve months ninety pounds for the benefit of the widows and orphans, they have placed to the re- 1 3erve fund the sum of one hundred and sixty j pounds. THE TRIAL OF HUNTERS AT TREDEGAR.This annual trial took place on Monday last, in the neigh- bourhood of Tredegar Park. There was a large number of spectators present, and amongst the equi- pages we observed those of Lord Tredegar, Mr. C. II. Williams, &c., &c. The entries for the prizes were numerous. Lord Combermere and Mr. Smith officiated as Judges, and the Honble. Major Morgan, mounted on his famous hunter, "Broughton," acted as starter. The fences were well selected and admi- rably adapted to test the qualities of a hunter. After the hurdle at the starting point came the water jump, 1'9 which was more formidable than it appeared in conse- quence of the small grips which had to be got over prior to the horses taking the water. These grips had the effect of putting the horses out of their strides and preventing their getting a fair gallop at the water. The first horse to clear was a chestnut, a recent pur- chase of the noble master of the Tredegar Hounds, and a magnificent specimen of the English hunter. He was well ridden by Mr. Stratton, and did not dis- appoint the expectations which had been formed of him. We have not space to allude to the performance of each horse, nor is it necessary to do so, for with one or two exceptions the jumps were well taken by all, and there was nothing approaching an accident to mar the enjoyment of the day's sport. A chestnut five-year-old hunter, the property of, and ridden by, the Hon. F. C. Morgan, struck us as being particularly promising, and but for a slight mistake lie would pro- bably have received the prize. The performance of a dark chestnut mare, up to great weight, ridden by Podwyn, of Abergavenny, was also a very creditable one. Two very useful horses, a brown and a grev, the property of Col. Lindsey, and both admirably ridden by their gallant owner, acquitted themselves well. Great things were foretold of a very neat chestnut mare, owned and ridden by Mr. Stratton; and the mare did not disappoint the expectations of her admirers, for, with the exception of the water, every fence was taken in undeniably good form. It struck us, however, th at without exception the grandest performance of the day was that of Mr. C. H. Wil- liams's brown gelding Rarey, admirably ridden by that splendid horseman S. Fry. This horse took the water in magnificent style, far eclipsing those who preceded or followed him, and as all the other fences were taken in the same grand form, there was a general expectation that lie would have been declared i the winner. The Judges, however, thought differently, and as the mere style of jumping was not the only criterion they had to consider, they were probably right in awarding the prize to Mr. Stratton's chestnut. The sport did not conclude till the light began to fail, and there was but one opinion as to a most en- joy able afternoon having been spent. •HIGHWAY ROBBERY AT CAXTox.On Wednesday evening, a tailor, named Rees, residing at the upper part of Severn Road, was returning home from Cardiff' about nine o'clock; in going up Cathedral Road he saw two men and a woman before him. He spoke to them, and they continued for a short dis- tance together, when in passing between the posts across the foot-path, one of the men went behind him and seized him by the collar of his coat and pulled him back over the posts. While this man pressed him by the throat to prevent his calling out, a second one took from his pocket t4 10s. in gold and silver, and the woman took the umbrella he had with him saying, This will do for me." In the scuffle for his watch that article slipped down the leg of his trou- sers, and the fellows thinking they had got sufficient, let him go, one of them saying, u Come along, Pollv," and they then all ran away. Rees was considerably bruised about the head and the back by the mail who seized him first. He, however, stated he was sober at the time, and can swear to one of the men. Rees is in the employ of Mr. Sanders, tailor, at the Hayes, and had been on that day collecting for him. He had been in several public-houses during the day, and it is supposed the men became acquainted with the money lie had about him while at these places. WELSH BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHAPEL.This new place of worship in the Hayes, erected on the site of the old building, is nearly completed, and will be opened for Divine service on Tuesday next. The design was furnished by Messrs. Hartland and Sun, architects of this town, and the elevation will place the building on an equality with any of the previous designs from the same architects. The ornamental a0*«;i ;'J neat, wnIle the building has a somewhat sub- stantial appearance. The interior arrangements are excellent, and accommodation has been provided for 1,200 persons. School-rooms have been pro- vided on the North side of the chapel, communi- cating with the galleries. By this means the children can be introduced to the chapel with but little con- fusion to the general congregation. Messrs. Hartland and Sons superintended the erection of the building, and the manner in which the work is executed reflects the greatest credit on those employed. The cost of the building, it is said, will be about £ 2700. FATAL ACCIDENT,—William Edwards, a youth, the son of a labourer living at Grangetown, died in the Infirmary on Monday night, from injuries which he received on Saturday last. Deceased worked at the coal tips on the east "branch of the Taff Vale Railway. On Saturday lie was riding on a coal waggon drawn by a horse, and appeared to have been playing with a dog. Through an act of carelessness his head came in contact with the upper part of one of the tips, and he received a severe blow on the back part of his head. He was removed to the Infirmary, where the injury terminated in death. An inquest was held on the body on Wednesday evening, before R. L. Reece, Esq., when no evidence was adduced but the statement of the boy himself, as no one saw the acci- dent. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death." LOCAL BANKRUPTS.—David Garner, Bristol, last manufacturer, January 12—Bristol; James Phil- lips, late of Swansea, provision dealer, January 3— Swansea; Rees Rees, Blaenavon, mineral aeeut, Dec. 3—Pontypool; Edwin Tippetts, Bristol, tailor,' Jan. 12—Bristol; Richard Davis, late of Cardiff, shop- keeper, Dee. 29— Bristol; Jno. Dew, late of'Whit- church, near Cardiff, builder, Dec. 29 Cardiff; Joseph Hall, late of Cardiff grocer, Jan. 2 Cardiff; —. Charles, Swansea, clothier's assistant, Dec. 5 — Swansea; Arthur W. Hayward, Swansea, beerhouse- keeper, Jan. 3—Swansea. THE SWANSEA RAILWAY AccrDENT.The Swan- sea Harbour Trustees have just voted the sum of £ 40 received at tlie Lock-bridge, to the relatives of the two men who were killed by the late accident, By a comparison of the takings of previous weeks, it was estimated that the above sum was received in addition to the ordinary amount. t30 will be -iveil to the widow of Cole, and £10 to Loiigstaft's parents. THE ABERAMAN WORKS.—The Mining Journal states that the Aberaman works and estate are again in the market, and Mr. Crawshay Bailey is in treaty for a sale; the price asked, it is understood, being £ 200,000, and a cash deposit of < £ 50,000. The pro- perty is of freehold tenure, but there is a royalty pay- able on the minerals. Several other properties in the district are likely to be brought out shortly under the Limited Liability Act.. y CONCERT AT THE TOWN HALL. — A miscellaneous concert was given at the Assembly Room of the Town Hall on Wednesday, under the auspices of the Mayor. The programme contained a choice selection of both vocal and instrumental mnsic. The performers inclu- ded our old favourite, Signor Paggi, without whom it is almost impossible to get up a concert, and Mr. J. P. Taylor, who is becoming almost as great a favourite as a vocalist as Signor Paggi is as a pianist. Miss Wight, soprano, and Mrs. Hayward, contralto, are almost strangers. Mr. Davies, as a tenor singer, is better known, and the same remark applies to Mr. Nicholson, the conductor. Owing to the unfavourable state of the weather, the concert was but thinly atten- ded, and at the commencement the usual effect of half empty benches might be witnessed on the spirits of the performers, which however gradually wore off as the audience by their applause signified their ap- probation of the performance. The two solos of Signor Paggi were given with his usual skill, and were very warmly applauded, as was also the pianoforte solo of Mr. Nicholson (" Rule Britannia," with variations.) Mr. Davies, as a solo singer, requires more animation. The music is correctly sung, but it lacks the life that is manifested in Mr. Taylor's singing. He has a good voice and a delicate ear, and in the trio and the quar- tetts in the second part of the programme his voice added considerably to the effect. Miss Wight is a singer of some merits, possessing a melodious voice, but scarcely possessing sufficient power to bring out the soprano parts in the duetts with Mrs. Hayward, who is an excellent contralto. Miss Wight's most happy effort was the song, Within a Mile of Edin- bro, for wluch she was deservedly encored, and substituted a still more pleasing song, ia-net, Choice." Balfe quartett, Lo the Early Beams of Morning," was given with excellent effect, as was also the trio, "This Magic Wove Scarf," but the same parties were not so happy in the trio, I'm not a, Queen." Mrs. Heyward's II Se Greto was well I sung. Mr. Taylor's A Brigand Still," displayed the fine sonorous tone of his voice, and the energy with which he gave it added to the effect of the composi- tion. The entire concert deserves much praise, and it is only to be regretted that in a pecuniary point of view it was a serious loss to the conductor.

Frightful Catastrophe at Upper G-ethin b Colliery, p THF PROPERTY OF W, CRAWSHAY, ESQ; An explosion occurred at this colliery on Wednes- day which, in its sad results, place it by the side of the Hartley and the Dunryn. Few can imagine the effect which an explosion of this nature has on the district around, and Merthyr on Wednesday presented a sad spectacle, a spectacle which a short time pre- I vions was witnessed at Tredegar, and previous to that at Tybach. <. About nine o'clock a messenger arrived at Cvfartlifa office, announcing a dreadful explosion at Getlivn colliery, and with liis well known humanity, Mr. Crawshay and agents, proceeded to the scene by the Cvfartlifa railway, which is directly connected with the colliery, accompanied by Drs. Dyke, Probart, and Rees, Mr. W. Jones. Mr. Bediin^ton Ivirk- house, engineer, and the Rev. J. IIoAvell, of Cy- farthfa. The explosion occurred at five minutes past eight, and was immediately made known to persons work- in- near the bottom of the shaft, and those at the pit's mouth. It occurred at the eastern workings of the nine feet seam, and in a spot where a danger signal, indicating the presence of fire," had been placed a day or so previously. The explosion was not so violent as former ones. 6 men being burnt to death, but fully 26 or 28 were suffocated. On proceeding to the scene immediately after the occurrence, we found the old picture. First the great cover over the pit's mouth, then a dense crowd of people, and in the midst, close by the shaft, the heap of straw for the dead bodies, and, near, the medical gentlemen, and agents of the works. As each body was brought up it was taken to the heap of straw, and every possible means used to restore life. Unhappily these efforts were fruitless. Yet few would have thought that either of them was dead. The body was supple, warm, the very glow of health could be traced on the coal-stained face and lips, but water, brandy, all failed, and in every case, after five or ten minutes' effort, the signal was given by one of the doctors, "Take away the body." The signal for lowering the carriage is made by striking an iron bar, and this sound came sharply, fiercely, and, towards the end, angrily. The storm of death seemed at the close to be more violent, and the dead bodies came up now by ones and twos inces- santly, and so great was the crush to see who the sufferers were, that only by dint of the strongest measures could a space be maintained around the shaft. We have never seen such a spectacle—such a scene of horror. Those burnt were so charred about the face that any feature might have been broken off as one breaks a piece of charcoal. Their hair was burnt away hands clotted like a jelly. About twelve o'clock the whole of the poor sufferers were placed on trams, and taken up by rail to Cyfarthfa-yard, where the friends and relatives were found awaiting them. This was the saddest scene of the whole—the screams and sobs of the women being awful to hear. Various rumours are afloat as to the cause of the accident. By some the workmen are censured for disobeying rules, by other witnesses the pit is stated to have been unsafe, but no doubt a searching inquiry will be made. As the melancholy procession of the dead passed through the sti eets, the most stolid were affected, and the spectacle of robust men unused to soft emotions sobbing violently, touched every looker-on. And what a procession! Not soldiers struck down in the field, amidst the roar of guns and thrilling music of the band; but a proces- sion of poor hard-working colliers, whose life had been a toil, whose death was a tragedy. There they were, sable in hue like their own blocks of coal; and many amongst them wives, wives no longer; children orphans, were weeping and wailing till the little tene- ment received its dead master, and the door closed the scene of honest pathos from sight. We append a complete list of the sufferers. On Thursday, the inquest was held, at the Bush, and the formal opening of the inquiry having been made, it was adjourned, the jury first visiting the homes of the sufferers. Joseph Rees, collier 29 suffocated Thomas Bowen, 42 John Phelps, doorboy 13 Thos. Morgan, collier 46 Joseph Morgan, „ 16 David Davies, „ 18 Jno. Morgan, „ 20 Rees Davips, „ 76 badly burned KecsPuviPg, dootboy 11 suffocated Hardure Lewjp, collier 35 Samuel Harries, labourer 28 A. W. Stephens, collier 15 badh burned Morgan Thomas, „ i6 suffocated David Be/ldoe, overman 49 badlv burned J no. Morgan, collier 33 suffocated Jno. James, „ 23 badly burned Alex. Richards, „ 22 suffocated •lohn Lewis, „ 15 Pa vey or Rees, „ 45 William Rees, „ 15 Hoderick Thomas, „ 20 badly burned Davidibomas, 24 Griffith Morgan, 42 suffocated Win. Morris, „ 4.2 badly burned «lno.. Daniel, „ 47 Juo. Luke, „ 34 suffocated James tnomas, 22 Davi 1 KIlis, „ is Griffith Ellis, „ 41 il. Lewis, „ 13 1). P. Tiioraas, „ — Lewis Price, „ — George l-'rice, „ David Luke, 11 ]eg broken

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. BIRTHS. THOMPSON—Dec. lit, at The Ynis, Pentyrch, near Cardiff, the wife of Astley Thompson, Esq., of a daughter. W ADLEY.-Dre. 19, the wife of Mr. R. Wadley, of a daughter, still born. WILLIAMS.—Dec. 16, at Cardiff, the wife of Mr. Lewis Williams, of a daughter. CLARKE.—Dec. 17, at 3, Montgomery-terrace, Roath, the wife of Mr. W. C. Clarke, of a son. MINISTER.—Dec. 13, at Cardigan, the wife of Captain Minister, late oOth (Queen's Own) Regiment, of a daughter. MORRIS.-—-Dec. 17, at Llanvair Grange, Monmouth- shire, the wife of Captain Ussher Morris, Roval Marine Light Infantry, of a son. MORGAN.—Dec. 15, the wife of Mr. John Morgan, branch pilot, Docks, Cardiff, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. DAVIES—E VANS.—Dec. 17, at the parish church, Cuity, near Bridgend, by the Rev. D. Roberts, curate. Wm. S. Davis, Esq., to Mary, eldest daughter of Mr, Evan Evans, Church-street, Bridgend. JOSE PH-THOMAS.-Dee. 19, at Maudlam Church, near Pyle, by license, by the Rev. J. Evans, vicar, Mr. Win. Josph, farmer, Wick, near Bridgend, to Mary, second daughter of Mr. Jenkin Thomas, farmer, Tydraw, South Cornelly, Pyle. DEATHS. LEWIS.-Dec. 20, at the Royal Crescent, Weston- super-Mare, Annie, the wife of Wyndham W. Lewis, Esq., of The Heath, Glamorganshire. MILES.—Dec 16, at Chicoutimi, George Miles, Esq., a chief trader in the Honble. Hudson's Bay Company's service, aged 36 years. BROWNE.—Dec. 21, at Park Villa, Tredegarville, Car- diff, Mrs. Maria Browne, aged 47 years. EDMUNDS.—Dec. 11, aged 65, Mary, the beloved widow of the late Mr. Thomas Edmunds, Peny- bylchau farm, near Quaker's Yard, Merthyr-Tydfil. GEORGE.—Dec. 15, aged 58, Mr. William George, tailor and clothier, Yniscaedudwg, near Pontypridd. LEWIS.—Dec. 19, aged 22, Hannah, third daughter of Mr. William John Lewis, Brithdu farm, Gellygaer. This is the ninth death in this family in the short interval of eight months, from malignant typhoid fever. LEWIS.—Dec. 20, aged 49, suddenly, in a fit of appo- plexy, William, only son of Mr. Lewis Lewis, Gelly- arwellt farm, near Powell's Works, Gelligaer.

THE WEST GLAMORGAN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. -The following circular letter, addressed to the members of this society, is in course of signature throughout the country :— We the undersigned landowners, farmers, and other residents in the centre, northern, and #*snrn parts of the C"Ur.ty or Glamorgan, are glad to find that you hav. extended the area of your district to the town (,f Bridgend. We beg respectfully to ask you to embrace the remainder of the county in the fxope t>f jour operations, be lieving that the agriculture of the e,.iitiry would be greatly b"!lefie,1 hy the establishment of ti large, vealthj' and, influential society, havinsr its meetings for the exhibition of stock and implements in sueii parts of the county as he determined upon hy its members from jvar to year. The usefulness <>t such a society, wethink, would b- greatly enhanced by doing to it a labourers' fiiend society and we t't g to suggest that the members of the excellent institution long since es ablished at Bridgend, for benefitting tiie labou- ring classes, be invited to amalgamate theirs with the proposed county a-SOLiati, n. Should you agree to extend your soci, ty, so as to embrace the county at large, and adopt the m gra ory system for your annual shows, we pledge ourselves to become subscribers thereto, and undertake to exert ourselves to make the society worthy of this great and flourishing county."