Weekly Mail

CARDIFF. OF GUARDIANS.—The usual weekly meet- jjfiof guardians was held on Saturday, Mr. O. H. presiding. Mr. Plain, vice-chairman, was .present. It was decided to remove the ination station from the Stuart-hall, The jjr'es» to the Schoolroom, Bethany Chapel, St. Jr^y-street. The cause of the change was in- ^"jciency of accommodation. The other business of a formal character. .•PROPOSED NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL.—On Satur- afternoon two memorial stones, to form part L*n extended vestry connected with the Wes- School Chapel, Crwys-road, were laid by Mr. and Mr. George Carpenter, both of whom £ 25 on the stones. A sum of £ 300 is required Complete the extension, and it is proposed at future time to erect a permanent chapel "Joking the vestry. After the ceremony a tea as held. V.^LUE RIBBON MEETING.—The usual weekly Blue Sjobon meeting was held on Saturday evening in j 1tod-street Chapel, when the building was corn- stably full. The chair was taken by Mr. John JjrgUB8on, and very interesting and instructive presses were given by Councillor E. Beavan, 5r- Bedlington, of Burslem, and se.I others. ij16 choir sang some new f> special pieco* »or occasion, and a most enjoyable evening was .Tent. HOATH-ROAD WESLEYAN CHAPEL.—A large con- jugation assembled in this place of worship on l&day morning last, when an impressive sermon preached by the Rev. Charles J. Back on be- j?" of the Llandaff Deaf and Dumb School and j e Blind Institute. The c»llection realised the ^dsome sum of £ 17 10s. Id. INQUEST.—Mr. E. B. Reece, borough coroner, held inquest at the Infirmary on Monday touching j death of William Goddard, 54 years of age, a ?oourer in the employ of Mr. Billups. The evi- nce went to show that the deceased was work- at the Adam-street bridge now in course of instruction for the Tuff Vale Railway Company. "Out •ten o'clock on Monday morning he was P^shihg. some trucks with a piece of plank when ..broke, and a portion of it re-bounding struck violently on the chest, fracturing his ribs and posing internal injuries from which he died at the Infirmary in about an hour after his admission. verdict of Accidental death was returned. CARDIFF PARLIAMENT ART DEBATING SOCIETY.— ^6 debate on the Queen's Speech presented to the ^Use by the Conservative Government, was re-, KUrned on Tuesday night by the member for r^stol and Mr. Payne (London University), of whom complained of the nature of the .jjcument. They were answered by Mr. G. David jPudley). The debate was continued by Messrs. e6aiond (Isle of Wight), Hansen (Orkney Islands), Newell (Central Birmingham),the Conservative remier, who developed a comprehensive system j! domestic policy. Mr. Gronow iMerthyr) ^ying replied, the House divided, the numbers tc'fig—For the Liberal amendment, 37 against, majority for the Government, 18. The motion then put and carried. The next measure will ;?a Rill to amend the Elementary Education Act 1870. ^ASE OF DROWNING.—Shortly after five o'clock Tuesday a little boy named Samuel Stimpson, uVe years of age, son of Thomas Stimpson, of 10, l^'lborough-terrace, Blackweir, was missed by friends, and on a search being made his body as found in the canal, which runs near the back fen*1.'8 father's house. It is supposed that the lad ''into the water as he was playing. j kath OF AN OLD INHABITANT.—It is with the j^Pest regret we record the death of another old ^habitant, of Cardiff. Mrs. Mary Rees, to whom e now refer, had been for over half a century during which time her life t.as spent in a most exemplary manner, and, j!1 ?.US'' occupying a comparatively humble sphere ^■fe.her uniformly affectionate solicitude for those •tli xril0[n she was associated will make her loss a j?vere one to many friends. She was a native of from whence she removed to Cardiff at age of 27, and for a long period prior to her was a constant communicant at St. John's *uUrch, where her unostentatious piety made ij^lf felt. She died at her residence in Frederick- Ob tep-t on Sunday night. As she was retiring to rest 4 Caching the top of the staircase she stumbled, falling backwards, sustained a fracture of the ^ar-bone. This, coupled with the consequent j to the system, eventually caused her death. {/Mediately after the accident Dr. Price was sent j rt but his services were, unfortunately, unavail- «!»• Mrs. Rees had by seven yeara passed the jotted term of three score and ten, but up to the of the mishap all her faculties were unitn- *»ted. .Lighting COMMITTEE.—A meeting of this cotn- ^tee was held at the Town-hall on Tuesday ^ening. Alderman Duncan in the chair. Lamps ^ere ordered to be erected in the following new Ctreets at Riverside and Canton :—St. Jolm's- 2 Eaton-place, 1; Penllvne-road, 1; u>-street, 3; Machen-place, 3 Romilly-road, 1; p Daisy-street, 3. &f ^operty AND MARKETS COMMITTEE.—A meeting ty this committee was held at the Town-hall on Ke<Wsday, Councillor Lougher in the chair, j^ere were also present Councillors D. Jones, T. T. Waring, and Solomon Andrews. Coun- 0r Jacobs also attended. Mr. Kyto, the secre- <?f the Cardiff Batchers' and Cattle Dealers' j^ciation, attended with respect to a petition Ci^fited by that body at thu last meeting. The ot>'«ttee having considered the petition and h0 er matters relating to the Roath Slaughter- ing 80 pointed out by Mr. Kyto, the following reso- ld °ns were passed:—"That a night attendant m employed at the Roath Slaughter-house '•rj, a salary of one guinea per w«ek." "at the hours for slaughtering be extended i l0. p.m., and that the borough engineer deiii-ed to confer with the market mannger and l report to the committee on the improvements fySgested and the structural repairs necessary." borough engineer was also requested to sub- plans for the alteration of the cattle stalls and *ta^rs' anf* t'ie staD^hions be left in and the "8 so arranged that cattle can be tied in couples, ^as also decided to raise the boundary walls of !>e. Cattle market so as to prevent trespassers plng into the market. y ^KDIFF RIFLE CLTTB.—A dinner in connection tye*? this club was held at the Globe Hotel on r 1JHesday evening, under the presidency of Mr. tojerel. After the usual lo}"al and patriotic ''s; 8 jja(j been honoured, the toast of the evening, ^iU)CCess to the Cardiff Rifle Club," was drunk If. enthusiasm. Letters of apology were read '$0^ Captains Thornhill and Scott, Mr. J. Downing U'citor). Captain Rigg (captain of the club), and A tUln David. L ^sical.—Miss Annie T. Jones, R.A.M., who has come to reside at 21, Halswell-terraco, New- jj^road, had the honour of playing on Wednes- last at the Bishop of St. David's Palace, (J^gvvili, before his Grace the Archbishop of if ^terbury, Mrs, and Miss Benson, the Lord Bishop ini3David's, the Lord Bishop of Llandaff, Lord Lady Dynevor, Lady Catherine Allan, Lord l^dare, aud a large party of guests staying at "alace. t^° Farmers and all those to whom it may con- u'7~Tlie ravages of birds and. insects may bo prevented Compo." Sold in cans at 3s. 6ki. and 7s. to, j agents for 8onth Wales, Perkin Bros, and ironmongers, 53, St. Mary-struct, Caidilf. ci,

n NEWPORT. (tomtit) OF GUARDIANS.—The weekly meeting was at the Workhouse on Saturday, Mr, J, H. Vfcjer in the chair and Mr. J. W. Be bell in the ^■chair. Dr. Clutterbuck reported having lt«d the school at Caerleon on October and stated that as the superinten- duties materially interfered with the kg™ing arrangements some assistance should given to the schoolmaster. The indus- training of the children, with the exception amongst the girls, was, as usual, very (Usfoctory. The report was referred to the O0ol3 Committee. The number of paupers in Workhouse was 279, as against 276 in the tLtesP°ndingweek of last year; and children in j l89, as against 194-. AND DISPENSARY. — Number of attended at the Dispensary during the Oct. 17,397; number of visits paid ^patients at their own homes during the week, lumber of patients in the Infirmary during ii^.week, 32. Physician for the week, Dr. W'es; surgeon, Mr. Marsh Dr. M'Carthy, house- Vfcon. Southern District.—Number of patients Nil0" the week endiDS Oct. 17, 62 number of W5 Paid t0 Patients during the week, 156.—R. M.R.C.S. Eng., L.S.A. Lond., Visiting ^8eon, Southern District. ^fcious ACCIDENT.—A man named Abraham W?klin, of 40, Castle-street, met with a serious Vi.ent in Canal-parade on Tuesday afternoon, hi),l'st climbing a ladder to the roof of one of the CSes. Missing his footing, he fell to the Vet below, and sustained a terrible gash on W bead, being subsequently removed to the V^ary i»a precarious state. The unfortunate krtU >8 ^aid to have had no business upon the j^r. V^-Red AT A FIRE.—It has transpired that on evening whilst the fire was raging at the '•v,^ °f Mr. Perkins a man named William Carter, ^i'» in Watchhouse-parade, was cut about Sii(l and face by some plate-glass falling upon fe' He has since been in a serious condition. 'LT OF ROOGH PLAY.—A youth named Wm. &»6^al had his shoulder dislocated whilst en- 'n some rough play, terminating in a n^ght, yte^iother youth at Pillgwenlly on T^^auay ^^f°on. He had to be rem' 10 in"

*'YAN8EA. %J^irPTED JSOTCIDE.— A young lanourer named Mahoney attempted to drown himself in ^'f-tido basin of the South Dock on Saturday. ") 1\8 brought before the magistrates on Mon- vl'iti 'en't was stated that he belonged to the and was a life-long teetotaler. He was re- b tiJ1 to-day. P^i,i>ents-—Patrick O'Brien, of 6, Greenhill- I Swansea, is lving at the hospital suffering effects of falling from the halyards of a J 0 the water.—Arthur Ireland, a conductor £ %) Swansea Tramways Compan-, is also at the Nirt 0tl suffering from an inju ytothe spine by falling off a tram-car. Increase OF DRUNKKNNESS.—The Head- ble, in his report already puonshed py us, SvUtji to the increase in the number of cases of ^5elness from 663 in 1884 t, 701 i„ 1885. were printed in error 3c." and 401 re- SA« OPERA AT THE NEW THEATRE.—On light, pursuant to an engagement for six y Mr- Melville, Traverner's English Opera y appeared at the New Theatre in "II W0h te-" The attendance was fairly good, J'1 hardly so sympathetic a-1- mig!it have 'shed, considering the excellence of some of il?*t m. 0r,nances. It must be stated, however, the principal artistes did not make their Ce» but were reserved for special h^S ^ur'ng the week. Miss Tenna D'Arbour, prima donna, and M'ss Eugenie v.^wl10 madies her first appearance lS. opera on Thursday) are instances of ftkeo as & whole, it mav be sa<d that Verdi's grand opera was rendered in a. very successful manner, whilst the "tit-bits" were in every instance done in a maimer which was far above the average of operatic performances. It is seldom, for instance, that an audience has such a treat as was afforded by Mr. G. W. Traverner's Manrico. Mr. Traverner is one of the most delightful tenors we have ever heard. Particularly charming and resonant was his voice in the ever-acceptable A Che la Morte" duet with Leonora, whilst his artistic rendering of the tenor part in the Home to Our Mountains" duet and trio was, perhaps, the finest thing of its kind which has ever been heard on the Swansea stage. Miss Berta Forester as Leonora displayed a voice of ex- cellent compass and power, but her singing was uneven, although she seemed always ready for the supreme effort. The performance of Miss Lucy Franklein as Azucena was very praiseworthy. She is no stranger to Swansea audiences, and in such a fitting and powerful part she was bound to take one of the largest shares of popular favour. Her acting and execution generally were faultless. Mr. Gilbert King, who had ckarge of the role of Count di Luna, was also successful, possessed as he is of a good baritone voice. Mrs. Oliver Summers as Inez, Mr. J. C. Mather as Ferrando, and Mr. Walter Gray as Ruiz gave good support. The weakness of the company to our mind is in the choruses. The general company do not seem well up in the music, and the combinations requiring the nicest skill in harmony are rather slurred by their weak- ness and want of unity. On Tuesday Fra Diavolo" was given with great success, Mr. Traverner being in the titlo role, and Madame Tenna D'Arbour playing Zerlina.

BRIDGEND. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—At an ordinary meeting of this board on Saturday, Mr. William Jenkins presiding, the Clerk read a letter from the Local Government Board with reference to the represen- tation of the parishes. They proposed to annex the following parishes, whose population is in every case under 100, to adjoining parishes for the purpose of the election of guardians, viz. Eglwysbrewis to Llanmaes, Flemingstone to St. Marychurch, Gilestone to St. Athan, Llanmihangel to Llandough, Marcross to St. Donat's, Monknash to Wick, .Nash to Lisworney, St. Andrew's Minor to Llandow, Sker to Kenfig, and Stembridge to Col- winstone. The board also propose to reduce the number of guardians for St. Bride's Major froiri two to one, and they will then be prepared to assign an additional guardian to Bettws, Llan- geinor, Llandyfodwg, and Newcastle Higher. The board asked for the observat,ions of the guardians on these proposals. It was decided that the letter be considered that day week, and that notice be sent to each guardian. RURAL SANITARY AUTHORITY.—Mr. Wm. Jenkins presided at an ordinary meeting of this authority on Saturday. Dr. Davies, an inspector from the Local Government Board, attended, and impressed upon the authority the necessity of good water and good drainage in their district. He also urged the authority to provide hospital accommodation so that, in the event of an outbreak of any in- fectious disease, the first cases could bo at once effectually isolated. He made arrangements with the medical officers to visit their districts, and promised the authority that they should have a. brief report of his observations.

CAERPHILLY. COURT LEET.-The Marquess of Bute held his court leet at the Castle Inn on Monday for the manors of Senghenith, Whitchurch, and Rudry et Llanvedw. The jurors who owe suit and service attended and paid their chief rents, fines, and other payments. After the usual presentments and the appointment of the jury those present were invited to partake of a substantial dinner. On the cloth being cleared the customary toasts were duly honoured. The catering of Host Thomas was admirable.

CARMARTHEN. MUNICIPAL ELHcnoKs.—The election to fill the vacancies in the Town Council caused by the deaths of Dr. Morgan Hopkins and Mr J. J. Jones took place on Tuesday. There were three candidates. There was not much excitement until after the declaration of the poll, which took place at about 9.30, when a band paraded the town, and sundry fireworks were let off in the streets. The result was as follows:- Elected: E. C. Evans, 314 Howell Howells, 303. Non-eiected: David Morgan, 231. LETTING OF TOLLS.—The tolls arising from the toll-gates and bars in the County of Carmaithen were let on Wednesday to Mr. Percy, London, for the following sums:—Carmarthen District, £ 1,770 Tnree Commotta District, £ 2,020; and Llandovery District, £ 1,400. The borough tolls were let immediately after by Mr. D. Thomas, auc- tioneer. The market tolls were knocked down to Mr. Williams, the late lessee, at £1,550, and those for the crane and weighing machine to Mr. Percy at £60.

CHEPSTOW. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—The usual weekly meet- ing of this board was held on Saturday last, Mr. H. Clay presiding. The Master reported the num- ber of inmates as 117, against 113 last week and 107 the corresponding week of last year vagrants relieved, 71. The out-door relief for the past week was £ 31 3s. Id. in money, and JM 5&, 4d. in kind.

GO WEB. HOAD. CUANGE OF NAME.—A vestry meeting was con- vened last week at the Board School in this place for the purpose of considering the desirability of changing the name of Gower Road, which is now becoming a populous neighbourhood. Mr. R. B. Christophers (churchwarden) was elected to the chair. The following resolution was proposed by Mr. T. S. Jones, M.D., seconded by the Rev. W. D. Williams, and passed unanimously" That tho name of this village be changed from Gower Road to Gowerton." The following gentlemen were also appointed to communicate with tho railway and postal authorities to make the necessary arrange- ments for the change to commence on the 1st day of January, 1885:—Messrs. J. It. Wright and J. Marker, guardians; T. Jones and John Morgan, overseers together with the Rev. W. D. Williams. J<EW TtNwonKS.—\Ve are given to understand that a company has been formed to erect and carry on a tin-plate works at Gower Road on land adjoining the Great Western Railway Station.

HAVERFORDWEST. THE RAILWAY STATION.—Mr. W. Darios, M.P., has received a communication from Mr. J. Grier- son, in reply to a letter addressed by the county member accompanying a memorial from the Town Council, in which Mr. Griorson states that the company have determined on constructing ft foot- bridge to cross from one platform to tho other. This will be a great convenience, and ft pre- ventative of a fruitful source of danger. Ifc will be remembered that Police-Contitabla Harries narrowly escaped with his lifu recently in aroesing the lino.

LI J AN ELL Y. LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.—Mr. W. HoweU pre- sided at the ordinary meeting or this board held on Tuesday at the Town-hull. An application made by the Llanolly Harbour Commissioners for consent to borrow tho sum of £1.000 for tho train- ing bank works, and charge the same in the income of the Public Estate, gave rise to considerable dis- cussion, Mr. J. S. Tregoning moving that the sub- ject should not be considered until certain infor- mation had been placed before them showing, among other things, what sum had already been spent on the works and what further outlay was necessary. The Chairman deplored the latter pro- position as calculated to produce doubt and dis- trust in regard to the improvement scheme they were carrying out, and upon a vote being taken Mr. Tregoning's amendment was lost and the con- sent given. By a subsequent resolution, however, the board declared unanimously in favour of get- ting the information referred to.

LLANSADWLIN. PARISH CHURCH—The above church was re- opened on Friday last by the Lord Bishop of St. David's after undergoing a thorough restoration. The services throughout the day were well attended, and most excellent and appropriate sermons were preached by the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop, the Ven. the Archdeacon of Car- marthen, and the Revs. T. Jones (vicar of St. Dogmael's), J. Owen, M.A.) Warden of Llandovery College), and D. Lewis (vicar of Aberavon).

MAESTEG. LOCAL BOARD.-An ordinary meeting was held on Friday evening. Dr. Davies presiding. Dr. Thomas, the medical officer, sent in his report for the last quarter. The birth-rate, he said, was 41 per 1,000 per annum, and the rate of mortality 11 per 1,000. There was only one death from zvmotic disease, and much and varied sickness li is not prevailed in the district. The clerk was instructed to write to the Postmaster-General ask- ing for two postal deliveries for the whole town. Racently there have been two deliveries in Castle- street and the adjoining district.

MEUTHYR. A Boy DROWNED.—On Saturday afternoon whilst a boy named Alfred Thomas, aged seven, whose parents reside in one of the cottages below I ho mas-street., was playing with some planks that were in the canal near Mr. Jenkins's timber yard he fell into the water and was drowaed. BOARDJOF GUARDIANS.—Mr. R. H. Rhys presided at the meeting on Saturday. The cost of the out- relief granted during the past week was reported to be JE172 16s. Id. Tho Clerk notified that there was a balance at the bank against the union of £1,490 13s. 5d. The Asylums Committee presented a report stating that on Thursday last they visited the asylum at Bridgend and saw there the 98 patients ciiargeabio to this union. They all ap- peared clean and to have been well treated. There were 37 patients from the union at other asylums, one of which, that at Abergavenny, the committee were directed to visit. A letter addressed to Mr. Jones, the recently-appointed registrar of births and deaths for the parish of Gelli- gaer, was received from the Registrar-General, stating that the hours proposed by Mr. Jones to be sot apart for registration purposes did not appear to be sufficient for the requirements of the public, and requesting, therefore, that he should establish a station at Bargoed as a. temporary measure with a weekly attendance, until he went to reside there, and then estaDlish a station at Hengoed. As complaints had from time to time been made with respect to the arrangements hitherto in force at Pontlottyn, the Registrar- General insisted upon attendance at that station twice a week. It was felt by the board that if the arrangements suggested in the letter were carried out it would not be necessary for Mr. Jones to re- move his residence from Hengoed, and the clerk was asked to prepare a report dealing with the matter, and to submit the same at the next meet- ing. There were 96 children at the Aberdare School and 213 inmates in the Workhouse at the end of last week.

MERTHYTVALE. OS'I'AL CHANGES.—A most-acceptable boon has been granted by the postal authorities to this rapidly-advancing neighbourhood. On and after to-day the despatch of the London, Cardiff, and general mail will be two hours later, taking place at 6.30 instead of 4.30 p.m. Hitherto it has been the practice to send all letters to Merthyr to be transmitted from that office, but in future they will be sent direct to Cardiff, and thus gain an advantage of two hours' later despatch. We are informed that as soon as the Cardiff Corporation begin with the Taff Vale Reservoir the postal arrangements for that district will be improved considerably. It is estimated that 2,000 men will be settled there for three years, in which case the one delivery per week, as at present, would be altogether out of place.

MOUNTAIN ASH. LOCAL BOARD.—A meeting of this board was held on Monday, Mr. T. Edwards presiding. A rate of Is. in the £ for the ensuing six months was ordered. A communication was read from the Local Board of Swinton and Pendlebury, near Manchester, requesting the board to petition Parliament in favour of the ballot being adopted in Local Board elections. This was agreed to. The finance report showed that the sum of JE387 13s. lOd. was in the bank on the general account, and £ 222 6s. 7d. on the sewerage account.

NEATH. PARLIAMENTARY DEBATING SOCIETY.—A meeting was held at the Town-iiall on Monday evening to consider the advisability of re-starting this society. The mayor presided, and there was a good atten- dance. The society came to an untimely end last winter owing to a dispute between the leaders of the two parties respecting a division. As the Con- servatives were not prepared to give any definite decision as to the course they would adopt the meeting was adjourned for a week to await the result of a meeting of the party on Thursday evening.

TREDEGAR. LOCAL HOARD.—An extraordinary meeting of the above board was held on Monday evening, Mr. W. Davies (chairman) presiding. The meeting was convened to consider the tenders for earth- work and masonry required in the construction of a. gas-holder, tank, &c., at the gasworks. The fol- lowing were the tenders:—Mr. Edward Morgan, Tredegar, £57112; 6d.; Mr. D. Morgan, Tredegar, £ 574 12, 6J.; Mr. Tom. b King, Taly wain, JE733 lis. 8sd.; Mr. John Preece, Hereford, JE820 14s. 9d.; Messrs. H. Hilton and Co., Newport, JE876 4s. 7d.; Messrs. R. and J. Dempster, Manchester, f900 17s. lid. It was decided, after a brief discussion to accept the tender of Mr. Edward Morgan, Trede- gar.

CARDIFF. SATURDAY. (Before Mr. R. O. JONKS and Mr. R. CORY.) SHOP ROBBERY.—James Ryan was charged with stealing a quantity of envelopes and a shoe brush from No. 21, The Rink. the property of John Comley, on the 16th inst. An assistant in the employ of complainant stated that the defen- dant, in company with another man, came into the shop on Friday afternoon, and bought half a gross of common rings. After they had left witness missed some envelopes and a shoe brush. He afterwards gave the prisoner into custody. The other man was not in custody. The articles (produced) were those which were stolen from Mr, Comley's shop. Prisoner, who pleaded guilty, was sent to gaol for three months, with hard labour. THEFT BY A LAD.—William Hart, 13, was charged with stealing 2s. from a till at No. 22, Meteor- "0 street, the property of Mr. Stevenson, on the 15th inst. Complainant stated that the prisoner had been in his service. On the 15th of this. month he left him in the shop when going to breakfast. Upon returning he missed a 2s. piece from the cash-box, which he had left unlocked, and found that the prisoner had left. He then communicated with the police. Prisoner, who pleaded guilty, was ordered to receive twelve strokes with the birch. MONDAY. (Before Mr. G. PHILLIPS and Mr. A. HOOD.) lVIFE BEATING.—John Finn, 35. labourer, was charged on a warrant with assaulting his wife on the 6th inst. Defendant had been sent to prison only two months ago for a similar offence. Com- mitted to prison for fourteen days. A VIOLENT DAUGHTER.—Sarah Taylor, a prosti- tute, was charged with being disorderly, also with being drunk and breaking two panes of glass in the windows of No. 34, Crichton-street, the pro- perty of J. Taylor, her father, on the 17th instant. The damage was estimated at 2s. 6d. Fined 20s. and costs. CHARGE AGAINst. A MARINE STORE DEALER.— John Harry, maritie store dealer, was summonod for committing a breach of the Bute Dock by- laws by purchasing a quantity of rope from a vessel without having a permit from the authori- ties. Mr. A. Corbett prosecuted. On the applica- tion of the defendant tho case was adjourned till Friday, to allow of his consulting a solicitor. bMUGSHNH.—An engineer on board the Golden Grove, from Rotterdam, was charged with convey- ing on shore 21b. 4oz. of tobacco, single value and duty 15s. 9d. Fined double value and duty and costs.—James Carse, master of the East Lothian, from Dordrecht, was charged with conveying on shore lib. 8oz. cigars, single value and duty £ 1 3s. 3d. Fined treble value and costs. Mr. Cliarley, H.M.C., proved these cases. WEDNESDAY. (Before Mr. G. I'mLt.lPM tmd Mr. R. BInD,) SMUGGLING.—John Mullalay, fireman on the Swiftsure, was fined single value and duty (10s. 3d.) of a quantity of tobacco concealed by him.—Robert Wride, engineers' stew ird, was also charged with concealing tobacco, tho single value and duty of which was 10s. 3d. This case was dismissed, tho defendant being cautioned.—Owen Owen, of tho ship lkyn Gwyn, was ordered to pay double value, dE3 10s. 6d., and costs of summons for conceal)na: a quantity of toboceo and cigars. Mr. Charley proved the oases for her Majesty's Customs. ALLUGMD Tut!KTS.—Mary Frazon was charged with stealing it quantity of coal from a boat in the Glamorganshire Canal on the 10th inft.; and Margaret M'Carthy was similarly charged with mealing patent fuel. liotli licloonot-i woro cautioned and discharged. ASSAULT.—Augustine Donovan, a, tttHtor, was brought up charged with assaulting and kicldne Patrick White at tho East Uuta Doo< on the 19th lnst. The evidence went to show that the defen- dant, assaulted the complainant without provoca- tion as ho was leaving tin lintel. Defendant was lined 20s. and costs, or fourteen day' hard labour. NON-MAINTENANCE.—Augustus Wrido was sent to prison for fourteou days, with hard labour, for leaving his wife and throo children chargeable to the funds of the Cardiff Union.—Timothy Driscoll was sent to prison for a like term for leaving his wife and family chargeable.

NEWPORT. MONDAY. (Before Mr. WANSBROUGH and Mr. MOSES.) Overcrowding LODGING-HOUSES. — William Thompson was prosecuted under the borough by-laws for keeping a common lodging-house at No. 63, Canal-parade, the same not having been registered. The town-clerk (Mr. A. A. Newman) prosecuted. The house, which is a small one, was visited by the inspector of nuisances on the 5th of October, when it was found there were seventeen adults and two children sleeping there. Dr. Davies, the medical officer of health, said the place was unfit to be used as a lodging-house. Thompson, who had been previously convicted, was now fined jEl. and the Bench, with a view of closing the place, also imposed a continuing penalty of 10s. per day, to commence at the expiration of a week, if the house was afterwards used for a similar purpose.— James Sullivan, 29, Club-row, was charged with a similar offence. Here there were twelve persons, and the medical officer said he could only havb certified for seven. The house was really not fit to be registered. Fined £1 and a continuing penalty of 10s.—Bartholomew Hurloy was sum- moned for allowing more lodgers to congregate in his house than ho was allowed by his certificate to take. Defendant pays about 5s. 6d. a week rent and realises about £ 1 6s. by the house in return. He had been previously convicted, and was now tined £ 2. THURSDAY. (Before Dr. WOOLLETT and Mr. A. J. S'rEVENS,) A VIOLENT POLICKMAN.—William Price, a con- stable employed at the Alexandra Dock, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in the Carpenter's Arms Inn, and also with assaulting Police-Constables Payne and Porter. Defendant pleaded guilty, and said this was his first offence. He was fined 40s., or a month.

BRKCON, MONDAY. INDECENT ASSAULT BY Hoys. — Bridget Daviea, servant, Pennant, charged a number of boys with indecently assaulting and illtceating her on Sunday night week last. The defendants were Alfred Burgess, John Kelly, Thomas Morris, Edward Davies, John Pritchard, David Williams, John Cooke, and John Evans (all of Brecon). All denied the offence. It was alleged that prosecu- trix, who was returning home (after having been to chapel at Brecon), was twice thrown down on the Vennyfach-road by the defendants and assaulted. The Bench dismissed John Evans, there being a doubt as to whether he was really present. Burgess, Jilorrie, and Kelly were sen- tenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labour, and ordered to pay 10s. 6d. costs each, or in default of payment an additional fourteen days. Williams, Davies. Pritchard, and Cooke were fined 10s. 6d. each, including costs, for aiding and abetting in the commission of the offence. The defendants were seriously reprimanded by the bench.

"OWRW BACH" AT MOUNTAIN ASH. HEAVY PENALTY. At Aberdare Police Court on Tuesday (before Mr. John Bishop), Jeremiah Murphy, of Mountain Ash, was summoned for selling beer without a licence on the 11th inst.- Police-Constable Evan Jones proved seeing a woman go to the door of defendant's house, hand in a jack, and receive it back full of beer. A 9-gnllon cask of beer was found in a back room of defendant's house.—A witness was called for the defence, but the Bench held the case proved, and inflicted a fine of zelo and costs, Or two calendar months' imprisonment. —Defendant replied Thank you, sir; that's what I expected," and was removed in custody.

MICHAELMAS QUARTER SESSIONS. GLAMORGANSHIRE. THE COUNTY BUSINESS. The Glamorganshire Michaelmas Quarter Sessions were opened at noon on Tuesday at the Town-hall, Swansea, when county business only was taken. Mr. R.O. Jones (chairman) presided, and there were present:—Mr. J. Coke Fowler (deputy- chairman), Sir H. Hussey Vivian, M.P., Messrs. J. T. D. Llewelyn, J. T. Jenkin, R. Richards, R. H. Hhys, Howel Gwyn, Ignatius Williams, J. Rowlands, K. R. Daniel, T. Penrice, O. H. Jones, T. A. Marten, Rev. W. Griffiths, Messrs. C. T. Wilson, T. Phillips, J. E. Moore, G. B. Brock, W. Hunter, J. S. Corbett, Hon. H. C. Bruce, A. Gilbertson, Osborne Shepherd. C. Evan Thomas, Graham Vivian, Colonel Franklen, Admiral Lyons, Messrs. Evan John, Thomas Davies, Herbert Lloyd, J. G. Hall, Felix Webber, F. Gore, H. N. Miers, and General Benson. FINANCE COMMITTEE'S REPORT, Mr. J. T. D. LLEWELYN proposed the adoption of the report of the Finance Committee, which ran as follows:— Having estimated the probable receipts and expendi- ture on County Account, the committee recommend that a county rate of a halfpenny In the JC be ordered. The committee recommend that the sum of £ 10,000 be borrowed at 4 per cent. from the London Assurance Company, for the purposes of the County Lunatic Asylum, re-payable in 30 years by equal half-yearly in- stalments. The clerk of the peace reported to the com- mittee that, in pursuance ot the order of Mid- summer Sessions, the chairman of quarter sessions and clerk of the peace met a deputation from the Corpo- raiion of Cardiff to discuss the claim of the corporation tor the refund of the sum of £786 6s. 8d. in respect of past expenditure by the corporation under the Con- tagious DiaeaifS (Animals) Act. He reported that the discussion showed that the above sum had been actually expended by the corporation, and, if regularly claimed, would have been regularly repaid by the county, and, further, that the sum of £ 700 would be accepted in full satisfaction of the claim. The committee recommend that this amount, which is lets than the contributions of the Cardiff ratepayers to the comity expenditure under this Act for the same period, be uow paid but they think that the corporation should be requested to send in all claims punctually for the future, and in- formed that the court will not consider this payment a precedent for its aetion in any future case ot the kind. The committee recommend that the clerk of the peace be directed to take the necessary steps to recover from the representatives of the late Mr. Overton the sum of £ 34, the amount of fees received by the late coroner for t he police and not paid over by him before his death. Each recommendation of the committee was afterwards brought forward as a substantive mo- tion. On the motion for borrowing tho JE10,000 referred to, which was moved by Mr. LLEWELYN, and seconded by Mr. WILSON, Mr. T. PENRICE thought the rale of interest (4 per cent.) too high. Sir H. H. VIVIAN, M.P., concurred, and stated that the security of the county rate was as good as national security, and that the rate of interest required for loau-s should be accordingly low. No doubt, however, there would be some inconvenience in procuring loans from any other source now-- The CHAIRMAN Not only that, but the clerk in- forms me that an Act of Parliament would be required. It was pointed out that the terms of re-payment were of an exceptionally-convenient nature, and the recommendation of the committee was ulti- mately carried. A county rate of §d. in the £ was ordered, in accordance with the committee's recommendation, and the other minutes were also passed. The statement of county expenditure for 1885 gave a total of £26,530 15s. 9d., and the county rate raised as £17,275 9s. 7fd. The estimate for the half-year ending Easter. 1886, showed the probable receipts to be £16,833 10s. Id., and the probable payments JE16,067 12s. 7d., leaving an excess balance of JE765 17s. 5d. REPAIRS TO POLICE-STATIONS. The following recommendation of the Police Committee was agreed to :— That the repairs and alterations proposed for those police-stations at which the magistrates sit should be in all cases referred to such magistrates for approval before being submitted to the committee, and that this should be done in the cases of the repairs now proposed for Merthyr, Bridgend, Cowbridge, Neath, and fontardawe, with the exeption that the lock at I\eath and papering at Pontardawe should at once be attended. They recom- mend that all repairs and alterations to other stations should be similarly submitted to the chief-constable. POLICE RATE. On the motion of Mr. J. T. D. LLEWELYN, seconded by Mr. ROWEL GWYN, a police rate of id. in the £ was ordered to be raised. THE HEAD-CONSTABLE'S INCREASE OF SALARY.—A HITCH. The committee was informed that the Home Secretary had replied to the letter written to him by order of the last quarter sessions, and refuses his sanction to the proposed increase of the chief- constable's salary, but gives no reason. The committee recommends that the members for the county be requested to seek an interview with him and support the view taken by the court of the claims of this officer. Sir HUSSEY VivrAN, referring to this subject, said that it was probable that before he and his worthy colleague had an opportunity of interviewing the Home Secretary they would have ceased to be either colleagues or members of the Houso-(o. laugli)-but he promised them that lie individually would, by communicating with the Home Secre- tary, endeavour to bring the matter to a satisfac- tory conclusion. The minute was then passed. RESIGNATION OF THE COUNTY SURVEYOR. It was reported by the Bridge Committee that a letter from the county surveyor tendering his resignation of the office had been received, and it was resolved that Mr. Bassett be requested to make such temporary arrangements as are necessary for the county surveyor's duties being carried on till his successor should bo appointed. The reports of the county auditor and surveyor, which contained nothing of special interest, were passed. THE CHIEF CONSTABLE'S REPORT.—INCREASE OF CONSTABULARY. The following are the ipost important items in the chief-constable's report :— I have the honour to lay before you my returns for the quarter ending September 15,1885. I beg to recom- mend that Sergeant Pilcher O. Wrijzhtsou be granted a pension of JB59 from the Superannuation Fund. I also recommend that Police-Constable C. James be granted a pension of .£30, Notice was given last quarter sessions for an increase iu the police force of the county. I recom- inatid ilii Increase of two constables to No. 1 Division one to be stationed at Treharris, with a population of 3,699, and only one constable the other to be stationed afcTroedyrlilw, with a population of 3,467, and only one constable. In No. 2 Division I recommend an increase of one sergeant and three constables; one to be stationed at Yniatiir, with a population of 4,711. and only one con- stable another at Porth. with a population of 8,722, and only three constables; another at Mardy, with a population of 3,145, and ouly one constable; and another at Xnytbwi, with a very rough, growing population of 1,611, and one ooiistable. In No. i Division I recom- mend one constable to be stationed at Abergwynfi, with it population of 1,120, and no constable stationed nearer than three miles. In No. 4 Division I recom- mend one sergeant to be appointed, to be stationed at Morrietott, which, with adjoining places, has a popula- tion of 32,244, with nine constables, aud ao sergeant within three miles. In No. 5 Division I recommend an increase of two constables, one to be stationed at Oadoxton and one at St. George's, which, with navvies employed at the railway tunnel, has a population of 1,978, and no constable within three miles. The number of persons summoned and apprehended during the quarter was 3,036: males, 2,641; females, 44b. Com- mitted for trial, 29 at quart,er sessions, 18; assize, 11. The increases in the constabulary force (which were also recommended by the Police Committee) were agreed to, with the addition (on the sugges- tion of Mr. Corbett) of a third constable in the Penarth District. THE CASE OF JAMES EMPSON. In the case of James Empson, who wa.s stabbed at Penarth, investigations had been made by the Police Committee, and letters were read from the chief-constable, from Inspector King, and from Dr. Nell, bearing testimony to the fact that everything was done by the police for Empson's comfort and the medical gentleman's instructions faithfully carried out. ALTERATIONS AT THE ASYLUM. Mr. J. TREV. JENKIN moved the following resolutions, which were seconded and carried:— That the Committee of Visitors of the County Lunatic Asylum be authorised and empowered to make, lay out, and level the portion of the roads, paths, airing courts, and other things referred to and shown on certain plans and estimates of Messrs. Giles and Gough, dated the 6th of June, 1885, and laid before the Midsummer Sessions, and that jM.,200 be granted to that committee for that purpose. That the said Committee of Visitors be also authorised and empowered to form and complete the road on Cefn Hirgoed, near Pare Gwyllt, from Pare Gwyllt to Heol Spencer, and that jei71 be granted to that committee for that purpose. THE APPOINTMENT OF COUNTY ANALYST. The resignation by Mr. Thomas of the post of joint county analyst was accepted, it having been duly sanctioned by the State authorities. The CHAIRMAN said that some years ago the work had been divided, and two analysts appointed, one at Cardiff and the other at Swan- sea. One of these gentlemen continued to perform the duties of the other at present, and the question was .whether they would choose to appoint a second analyst. There were two applications, one from Dr. W. Morgan, the present analyst, and one from Mr. Atkinson, of Cardiff. Mr. H. Vivian moved, and Mr. Fowler seconded, a motion that no second analyst be appointed, and that all the work be delegated to Dr. W. Morgan. Both gentlemen spoke highly of Dr. Morgan's laboratory and of his personal ability. Mr. Wilson supported. The motion was carried. There was no further business of general interest. TRIALS OF PRISONERS. The trials of prisoners at the Glamorganshire Michaelmas Sessions commenced at Swansea Town-hall on Wednesday. THE GRAND JURY. The following gentlemen were sworn on the grand jury:—Messrs. W. H. Booth, Edmund Davies, Daniel Davies, W. R. Evans, H. Goldberg, W. Jenkins, D. H. Lewis, W. Meager, W. Mitchell, D. Morgan, Charles Maggs, L. Morgan, J. Rogers, S. Taylor, David Williams, J. R. Down, and J. Dyer. THE CHAIRMAN'S CHARGE. The Chairman (Mr. R. O. Jones), in charging the grand jury, said there was more business to be disposed of at those sessions than there had been for some time, whilst the variety of crime was also considerable. In addition to cases of felony, robbery from the person, burglary, and so on, there wero a number of cases of assaults on females. One of these would, probably, have to go to the assizes, as the persons charged might be indicted under the Criminal Law Amendment Act. That Act, it should be known to the public, had raised the age for protection by law from thirteen to sixteen years. The Act ought to be thoroughly known to the public, because it might have the effect of inducing people who were immorally inclined to refrain from taking liberties with young girls. It was a very proper piece of legislation, and ought to be made as effective as possible. The Act entailed severe penalties on those who so far forget themselves as to indulge in those vicious habits. Both the old and the new law would continue in force to protect young girls against the viciines of metu There wert six cases of in- decent assault, andMeveral of unlawful wounding, some of which had occurred on board ship. The calendar, in addition, contained a very curious case—that of a man stealing a ship. This case was of a complicated nature.-Tha grand jury were then dismissed to their duties. The follow- ing cases were afterwards heard by the court:- LICENSING APPEAL. George Henry Bowen, of the White Lion Public- house, St. Thomas, Swansea, appealed against the decision of the Swansea borough magistrates not to renew the licence of his house. Mr. Francis Williams appeared for the appellant, and Mr. Glas- codine for the respondents. The facts were ad- mitted by both parties. It appeared that the licence was withheld because a previous tenant, named Whitchurch, was convicted for allowing the house to be used as a brothel. It was maintained by Mr. Williams that the appellant had no know- ledge of the use made of the house, and when the conviction was obtained he immediately changed the tenant.—The Court dismissed the appeal with costs. A MERTHYR ItA TING APPEAL. WILLIAMS THE MERTHYR ASSESSMENT COM- MITTEE.—In this case Thomas Lewis Williams, of Crockherbtown, Cardiff, appealed against the assessment of the Commercial, Hotel, at Treharris, in the Merthyr Union. Mr. Abel Thomas appeared for the appellant, and Messrs. Francis Williams and H. Rhys for the respondents.-For the appellant it was stated that the assessment appealed against waaJEMO, whereas, considering the locality, £ 100 was the very highest that should be made.—The house was certainly a large one, and were it in a thickly-populated locality the assessment might be reasonable but in this case it was in a place little more than a village, and the profit made only warranted a rental of JE80 a year. The appellant said the erection of the house and furnishing cost from £ 2,000 to £ 3,000, and an accountant named Dunstan, after giving details of the accounts of the house, said upon the present takings one could not afford to payjElOOa year for rent. He thought .£80 a year a fair and reason- able rent.—Mr. D. Jones, of Cardiff, valued the house at ;C3,000, but said, considering the receipts, it was only worth L80 a year as a yearly tenancy, though it would, probably, ultimately be worth much more.—For the respondents it was contended that the appellant had much under-valued the worth of the house it was in a populous mining district, which was rapidly being developed, where there was only one other hotel, and the assessment was even now below the value.—Mr. Jones, assis- tant-overseer of Merthyr; Mr. Graham, of New. port; and Mr. John Jones, builder and contractor, of Merthyr, bore out Mr. Williams's contention; and Mr. Prosser, of Treharris, said he had offered £ 200 a year for the house, and was prepared to take it at that rent if he could gat it. The Court decided to dismiss the appeal with costs. WILFUL DAMAGE AT ABERDARE. Four young men, named Ebenezer Howells, Thomas Roberts, Henry Phillips, and John Morgan, were indicted for damaging certain properties belonging to John Davies Lewis and others, of Trecynon, Aberdare, to an amount exceeding £ 5. Mr. Francis Williams (instructed by Mr. T. Phillips) prosecuted, and Mr. Abel Thomas (in- structed by Mr. Kenshole) defended Howells and Roberts; Mr. H. Rhys, with Mr.'Benson (instructed by Messrs. White) defended Phillips, while Morgan was undefended. It appeared from the evidence of two men who had turned Queen's evidence that the prisoners had been drinking, and after- wards they went to the tin-works, smashed the windows, threw about tho plates, and did other damage. After a long hearing the jury found all the prisoners guilty, and the Chairman, after saying that the extreme penalty was five years' penal servitude, sentenced prisoners to four months' hard labour. NO BILLS. The grand jury ignored bills against William Owens, 15, charged with indecent assault at Swan- sea; Evan Thomas, charged with indecent assault at Llanwonno and Wiiliam Rees, charged with a like offence at Merthyr. Also the bill against John Flynn, charged with uttering base coin but sub- sequently, through a remark made from the Bench, other witnesses were heard, and a true bill was re- turned. SECOND COURT. (Before Messrs. J. C. FOWLER, Deputy-Chairman, and Mr. CHARLES EVAN THOMAS.) A SWANSEA FELONY CASE. Martha Lucas pleaded guilty to stealing a piece of pork, the property of Catherine Hartley, at Swansea, on the 10th of October last. Several previous convictions were proved and prisoner was sentenced to eight calendar months with hard labour. ANOTHER SWANSEA CASE. John Hart, a man aged 26, was charged with feloniously stealing seven rafters, of the value of 5s. each, the property of John Evans, at Swansea, on the 7th of September last. Mr. David Lewis prosecuted. Prisoner was undefended. It was proved that prisoner stole the rafters from a building, and, on being arrested by Police-Con- stable Gardener, he violently assaulted him and caused him considerable injury. Prisoner was committed to gaol for six months with hard labour. The Deputy-Chairman complimented Police-Con- stable Gardener highly on his pertinacity. PLEADED GUILTY. William Jones, alias John Williams, 66, boiler maker, was charged with stealing a coat and a towel at Llangyfelach on the 6th of October, 1885. 19 Prisoner was proved tn be in an unfit state for penal servitude, and was sent to gftol for six months' hard labour only.-r-Wntkin Owens, 43, rollerman, was sentenced to nine months' impri- sonment for stealing a counterpane from James Spraglen, at Llangyfelach, oh the 22nd of August, 1885.—Henry James, 61, labourer, pleaded guilty to stealing a flannel shirt, the property of Henry Harris, at Pontycymmer, on the 28th of August. 1885, and was sent to gaol for three calendar months with hard labour. ALLEGED WOUNDING AT ABERTTENFIQ. Asenath Cooper, a married woman, was in- dicted for violently assaulting Elizabeth Griffiths, wife of William Griffiths, bv striking her on the head with a stone at Abe'rkenfig on the 9th of August. Mr. David Lewis prosecuted, and Mr. Sydenham Jones defended. The case arose out of a quarrel between tho families of the prose- cutrix and defendant, and several stones were thrown, one of which did considerable injury to the prosecutrix's head. After a number of witnesses had been heard the defendant was fined X3 and costs, and bound over to keep the peace for six months. THEFT BY A SEAMAN. James Williams, 45, blacksmith, was charged with feloniously stealing a sum of 10s. 9d. and an ounce of tobacco, the property of Spencer Cramp, at Swansea, on the 19th of August, 1885. Prisoner pleaded guilty to the charge, and also to having been previously convicted on two occasions for felony. He was sentenced to nine months' hard labour. DEFRAUDING 4 TAILOR. Reginald H. Gent, 28, seaman, was charged with obtaining by false pretences from Henry Alabaster, outfitter, Swansea, the sum of 5s., with intent to defraud, at Swansea, on the 20th of August, 1885.— The prosecutor stated that prisoner came to his shop and ordered a suit of clothes. He represented himself as being second mate of the ship E. P. Jones, and said his brother was a master at Llandovery College. He gave as a reference the name of Dr. Morgan, vicar of Swansea, aud before leaving, as he was destitute and was to be paid off a few days later, asked for and obtained from prosecutor a loan of 5s.- In reply to prisoner, prosecutor said he had since discovered that prisoner's brother was really master at Llandovery College, and he had received on the previous day a sum of lis. 6d. from him in payment of the loan. In reply to a further ques- tion, he said prisoner stated distinctly that his brother was at that time staying at Dr. Morgan's house, and not merely that he had taken duty for him on one occasion. Witness had no proof that prisoner had not been second mate of the vessel E. P. Jones; but he knew that that vessel was not l,y ing at Port Talbot.-Prisoner, who had pleaded guilty at the petty-sessions, now entered into a long state- ment of the case, to the effect that the 5s. was lent to him voluntarily, and that all his statements were true.—A letter was read by the acting chair- man (Mr. E. Thomas) from Mr. George W. Gent, M.A., of Llandovery College, claiming prisoner as his brother, and stating that he (the writer) was known to Dr. Morgan, late vicar of Swansea. "In so far," continued the letter, "as these form part of my brother's statements, they are truthful." In another letter to a relative Mr. Gent said he hoped this would be a caution to prisoner to keep out of England.—The jury found tho prisoner guilty, and he was sentenced to two months' hard labour. ALLEGED INDECENT ASSAULT AT ABERDARE. James Owens ton bail) was charged, with inde- cently assaulting a girl named Ann Jones, in the parish of A berdate, on the 12th of August last. Mr. Arthur Lewis prosecuted, and Mr. Benson de- fended the prisoner. Prisoner was discharged. A CARDIFF APPEAL CASE. Mr. B. F. Williams (instructed by Mr. T. H. Belcher) appeared to support an appeal against a decision by the Cardiff bench of magistrates in the case of William Cadogan, who was convicted, on the 26th of August of assaulting his sister-in-law, Harriet Cadogan, and was then sentenced to three weeks' imprisonment without the option of a fine. The respondent to the appeal did not appear. Mr. T. H. Belcher proved the issuing of the notice of appeal within seven days after the police-court hearing. As there were no witnesses present on the part of the respondent, the Court was unable to hear the case, and ordered the conviction to be quashed. The court then adjourned.

MONMOUTHSHIRE. The Michaelmas Quarter Sessions for the County of Monmouth were opened at the Shire-hall, Usk, on Tuesday, at noon. Mr. A. D. Berrington, the chairman, presided, and there were also present Mr. S.C. Bosanquet, deputy-chairman Lord Trede- gar, Lord Raglan, Sir Henry Jackson, Colonel the Hon. F. C. Morgan, M.P., Mr. J. A. Rolls, M.P., Mr. T. Cordes, Colonel M'Donnel, Dr. R. F. Woollett, Mr. J. A. Herbert, Colonel Byrde, Mr. W. W. -Phil- lips, Mr. W. Llewellyn, Captain Bradney, Mr. G. G. Griffin, Mr. R. T. Roberts, and Mr. W. E. Hall. Mr. B. Francis Williams took the oath and quali- fied as a magistrate for the county. THE PRISON AND ASSIZES IN THE COUNTY. The CHAIRMAN asked the Clerk of the Peace whether any answer had been received from the Secretary of State to the letter speaking of the detention of a large number of witnesses at the last Worcester Assizes. The CLERK said no answer had been received. The CHIEF-CONSTABLE said he thought something of the sort would arise again at the end of the month at Gloucester. They had already sixteen prisoners for trial, including one murder case, and there would be 20 to 25 constables in attendance there. The CHAIRMAN said the court had twice romon- strated with the authorities on this matter. He himself spoke to one of the judges about it, and he told him (the chairman) that he was always very careful to make arrangements foe takiae all the cases from diffeusat counties at specified times. If that could be done, of course it would very much simplify the matter. But everyone knew that at Worcester the police, the county treasurer, and the witnesses were detained there something like six- teen days. With refereuce to an application from the court that the Government should provide additional accommodation for prisoners awaiting trial at the Shirehall, Monmouth, the Clerk of the Peace read a letter from the Home Secretary stating that the Government could not recognise any liability for the cost of providing any such accommodation at the Court-house. The letter went on to say that there was not at present before the Secretary of State or the Lord Chancellor any proposal for the removal of the assizes from thj County of Mon- mouth. The CHAIRMAN said, with reference to the cost of providing cell accommodation for persons awaiting trial at Monmouth, the court had pre- pared a case for the opinion of counsel on the matter. 'Ihey had a very strong case, and he did not think that the county would be charged with the expense. Then as to the question of Usk Prison. At the last sessions a question was asked as to the intention of the Government to close the prison. The court had no information at that time, but very soon afterwards lie (the chairman) was in London, and he ascertained that not only was there such an intention, but that the papers had been drawn up and had been sent to the Secretary of State for signature. Knowing what the wishes of the court upon the subject were, he took immediate steps in the matter. He communicated with the Lord-Lieutenant, Lord Tredegar, and the county members; and Colonel Morgan, M.P., and himself had an interview with Sir Richard Cross upon the subject. He also com- municated with the High Sheriff, and he called a public meeting; and there were other meetings called in different parts of the county upon the same matter. From all of these strong representa- tions were made to the Home Secretary. He had had no definite information upon the subject, but, at any rate, the matter had been postponed, and nothing was now being done. A letter was read from the Home Office approv- ing of an increase in the salary of the clerk to the Bedwellty magistrates from Y,703 to £750 a year. A petition was presented from the Abergavenny Improvement Commissioners, asking that several of the roads in that district should be declared main roads in view of the suspension of the turnpike trust, which takes place next month. The court, however, declined to accede to the application, in- asmuch fI,<i several of the roads were principal streets through the town. POLICE REPORT. TJieCHIEF-CONSTABLE (Major Herbert) submitted to the court a copy of the return which has to be forwarded to the Secretary of State for the year ended September last. Ho stated that the total police rate levied during the year was a little in excess of that levied the previous year, but there was no increase on the average of the five years. The report continued:— In considering police expenditure, the state of things which existed at the establishment of the constabulary should not be forgotten. Ill those days, although the system of district superintending constables was in operation, not a single decent lock-up existed. Untried prisoners were confined sometimes for days in horrible, dark, iilthy lock-ups, occasionally dignified by the name of police-stations; or. where no place existed, as most frequently was the case, were handcuffed to the grate in the constables' kitchens. Court-houses were almost equally deficient. In the Division of Bedwellty two out of the three courts were held in crowded public-houses. I cannot refrain from congratulating the court upon having at length remedied the neglect of a past genera- tion. Suitable police-stations, with light and airy cells, and police-courts, where required, have now been pro- vided throughout the county, and in another month the last of the old lock-ups will be closed. There are, how- ever, still some one or two populous places, such as Aber- carn, which will require attention; and some improve- ment may also be necessary to some of the existing stations. The Chief-Constable in his quarterly report stated that, compared with the curresponding quarter of 1884, there had been a decrease of 41 in the number of persons apprehended and of 311 in the number of summonses. The Finance Committee reported that the new petty sessional court at Chepstow had been com- pleted at a total cost, including the expenses of plans and furniture, of J6779 2s. 4d. The new police buildings at Newport are now approaching completion, and the proportion of the cost payable from the county rate on account of the petty ses- sional court win £ 850. The works at Ebbw Vale Police Station had also been completed, at a total cost of £1,774-. The CHIEF-CONSTABLE recommended an annual allowance of £ 56 from the Superannuation Fund to Sergeant Thomas Porall, Caerleon, who was over 60 years of age, and had served 27 years in the force and that a gratuity of J685, equal to one year's salary, be paid to the widow of Sergeant Morris Richards, who died on July 12, after having served 27 years. These recommendations were agreed to. ADDITION TO THE POLICE FORCK. The CHAIRMAN, in accordance with notice given at the last court, moved that the police force be augmented by the addition of eight constables. He said the police rate was somewhat high at present. The average for the whole country was lid., but in Monmouthshire it had been 2id, in the L. But they had incurred very considerable expense lately. They had borrowed j67,500 for new police-stations, and the instalmenLa of principal and interest would bo about JE600 a year for the present. Eight ad- ditional constables would entail an increased expenditure of £ 94-0, and a farthing rate produced JE896, so that they would be adding more than a farthing to the rates. But the representations made to the Police Committee were very strong, and the Government inspector had also reported that the police force was deficient in the more populous districts, especially in the Tredogar dis- trict. He, therefore, proposed that the recommenda- tions of the committee be adopted.and lie reminded the court that the scale of pay in the police force there was higher than it was in most other counties. The motion was agreed to without comment. COUNTY ROADS. Tho County Road Surveyor (Mr. Tanner) pre- sented a long report. He stated that in some instances inferior stone was used for metalling, and he produced samples of large pieces of stuff which he had picked off the roads at different points. These provoked considerable amusement, but the merriment was intensified when Mr. Hall drew forth three or four large pieces of rock which he had picked up on the Abergavenny-road, some of them measuring about six inches over each surface. NEW RATES. On the motion of Lord TREDEGAR, seconded by Mr. J. A. ROLLS, M.P., a county rate of gd. in the £ was struck for county purposes, and of Id. in the £ for police purposes. NOTICE OF MOTION. Major GRIFFIN gave notice that he would move at the next court that the court allow the Nisi Prius Court at Monmouth Shire-hall for the use of the magistrates of the Monmouth Petty Sessional Division and also to the magistrates of the borough of Monmouth. This concluded the public business. TRIAL OF PRISONERS. The Michaelmas Quarter Sessions for the County of Monmouth were continued at the Court House, Usk. on Wednesday. The following gentlemen were sworn on the grand jury :—Messrs. Andrew M'Mahor., Newport; J. E. Bunston, Pontypool; J. S. Barrett, Newport; D. Davies, Pontypool; C. Davies, Pontypool; 1. T. Dando, Newport; E. T. Downham, Pontypool; T. E. Dibble, Newport; W. Davies, Usk; J. Herbert, Pontypool; J. Holloway, Pontypool; D. W. Hughes, Pontypool; W. Jones, Newport, G. Jesseman, Newport; E. Morgan, Llan- baddock L. Richards. Abertillery; F. Smith, Usk; and F. Vaughan, Llangwm. FIRST COURT. (Before Mr. A. D. BERRINGTON, Captain SMXTHE, and Colonel M'DONNKLL.) THHFT AT CHEPSTOW. Emily Mann, 25, described as a hawker, was sent to prison for three months for stealing a chemise, the property of Mary Trew a collar, the property of George Trew; and a shawl, the pro- perty of EliziLbeth Howells, at Chepstow, on Sep- tember 17,1885. ALLEGED BURGLARY. James Cole, aged 22, described as a clerk, and William Cole, 40, a labourer, the younger prisoner's father, were charged with breaking into the house of Charles Dix and stealing a linen press and other articles, the property of Adeline Habberfield Dix, at Caldicot, on August 31. Mr. Daniel prosecuted. They were found not guilty. ANOTHER ACQUITTAL. Samuel Hains, on bail, was charged with steal- ing four brass engine bearings, value £6 8s., the property of the Blaenavon Coal and Iron Company, on August 16. Mr. Ram prosecuted; Mr. A. J. David defended. The defence was that the watch- man at the works, who saw it parson take the bearings away, had fallen on the wrong man; and in the result the jury acquitted the prisoner. INDECENT ASSAULT BY A SCHOOLMASTER AT ABERGAVENNY. Charles Richard Nicholson, a schoolmaster at Abergavenny, aged SI, pleaded guilty to a charge of indecently assaulting Elizabeth Parry, at. Aber- gavenny, on July 29. He was sentenced to four months' imprisonment with hard labour. THE DISORDERLY COFFEE TAVERN AT NEWPORT. William Davies, aged 56, and Esther Davies. his wife, were charged with keeping a disorderly and a bawdy house at. 13, Commercial-road, Newport. Mr. A. J. David prosecuted Mr. Ram defended.- B jth prisoners were discharged. SECOND COURT. (Before Mr. S. C. BOSANQUET, Mr. W. W. PHILLIPS, and Colonel BYHDE.) FALSE PRETENCES AT MONMOUTH. William Jefford, on bail, was charged with ob- taining £ 10 2s. 6.d. by false pretences from William Phillips, Three Horse Shoes Inn, at Monmouth. on August 13. Mr. Madday prosecuted. The money was obtained on a cheque which was dishonoured at the bank. Prisoner was found guilty, and was sentenced to a month's imprisonment. STEALING A WATCH AT PONTYPOOL. Frederick Knowles, 42, mason, and Frances Knowles, his wife, were charged with stealing a silver watch, the property of James Rosser, at Pontvpool, on October 13, 1885. Mr. Reed prose- cuted. Both prisoners were found guilty, and were sent to prison for six months. STABBING AFFRAY AT NEWPORT. James Woods, 35, labourer; Daniel Haley, 25, labourer and John Morrison, 26, labourer, were charged with beating and wounding a sailor, named George Muir, and Edwin Watkins in Port- land-street, on September 15 last. Mr. Daniel prosecuted. The prisoners, with a number of others, congregated together in Portland-street on the night in question, and Muir, who was stabbed very badly in the thigh, recognised the men as those who attacked him. Watkins was also attacked and had his teeth knocked out. The prisoners were found guilty, and each of them having been convicted before they were sent to prison for four months with hard labour.

BRECONSHIRE. The county business of tho Breconshire Quarter Sessions was transacted on Tuesday, at the Shire- hall, Brecon. The chairman of the court, Sir Joseph R. Bailey, Bart., M.P., presided, and the other magistrates present were Lord Hereford, the Hon. Arthur Morgan, the Rev. J. W. Jones Thomas, the Rev. Rees Price, Col. VV. Jones Thomas, Col. J. W. Morgan, Major Wood, Capt. Penry Lloyd, Major James, Capt. Dickinson, and Mr. J. P. Gwynne-Holford, Mr. Powel-Powel, Mr. J.Williams Vaughan, Mr. David Evans, Mr H. de Winton, Mr. James Williams, Mr. F. D. Woodman, Mr. F. S. Lloyd Barrow, Mr. Thomas (Wellfeld). Mr. H. Greenly, and Mr. Thomas Maitland. FINANCE. The Finance Committee reported that a balance of £ 1,888 18s. 2d. remained to the credit of the county on the general account, and JE836 14s. 6d. on the police account. The several bills relative to the general expenditure of the county had all been examined, and they recommended payment of those they had signed—genera! county expendi- ture, £ 1,108 2s. 6J.; police, j6292 15s. 3d. Thev found that a rate of Id. in the £ producing £ 1,172 3s. 9d. would bo required for general purposes, and that a. police rate of fd. in the L. producing £ 810 16s., would be necessary.-Upon the motion of Mr. J. Williams Vaughan, seconded by Mr. Greenly, the report was adopted, and the rates therein stated to be requisite were ordered to bo made. COUNTY PROSECUTOR. Upon the motion of Mr. Powel-Powol, seconded by Lord Hereford, Mr. Bonnelt Bishop was appointed county prosecutor for the erisuing year at a salary of £50, CONTAGIOUS DtSEASES (ANIMALS) ACT. Mr. Ferris, the county inspector under this Act, reported that, ha had received several reports of sheep being affected with scab. Swine fever had broken out at various farms, and pigs to the value of JE20 6s. had been slaughtered. Notice was given by Mr. H. de Winton that at the next court he would move that Mr. Ferris's salary, which now stands at L90 per annum, be reduced. CHIEF CONSTABLE'S REPORT. The Chief-Constable submitted the criminal statistics and expenditure of the force for the year ending 29th September last; and annexed a comparative return of the total of persons appre- hended and proceeded against during the years 1834 and 1885. There was but little variation in the crime of the two periods, and the cases dis- posed of summarily were of the usual character and average. The cost of pay and clothing amounted in the aggregate to the sum of £3,020 12s. 8d., less the Government contribution of one- half. In the classified return of indictable offences and persons apprehended it was stated that 46 crimes were committed, 42 persons being appre- hended. From the yearly statement of offences determined summarily it appeared that 1,276 persons had been proceeded against. 275 having been discharged, and 1,001 convicted. Vagrancy had much increased. The number of tramps relieved through the aid of the police during the year showed 292 in excess of the number as taken with the year 1884. 62 public and beer- house keepers had been proceeded against, with 50 convictions, and six licences had been en- dorsed. For drunkenness and drunk and disor- derly conduct 239 were in 1885 proceeded against, 229 being convicted. He had granted 103 pedlers' and sweeps' certificates during the year, for which the sum of £25 7s. 6d. had been paid to the county. During the past quarter 508 persons had been pro- ceeded against for offences punishable summarily by the justices, of which number 372 were con- victed, viz.:—20 sent to prison for various terms, 215 fined, 137 punished in other ways, and 136 discharged. VISITING COMMITTEE'S REPORT. The Visiting Committee reported that they had visited the prison and found everything clean and in good order. No complaints had been made by any of the officials or prisoners. THE ABERGAVENNY ASYLUM. It was ordered that the treasurer pay Ll06 13s. 4d,, the proportion due from this county in re- spect of repairs, annuities, &c., at the Abergavenny Joint Counties' Lunatic Asylum.

PUMBROKESHIRE. These sessions were held on Tuesday, when the following magistrates were present:—Mr. H. G. Allen, Q.C., M.P., chairman Sir 0. H. P. Scourfield, Colonel Stokes, Colonel Lambton, Captain Higgon, Judge Owen, the Rev. P. Phelps, Dr. Griffiths, Messrs. C. E. G. Philipps, J. L. G. P. Lewis, G. L. Owen, N. A. Roeh, R. Carrow, James Phillips, J. Evans, J. Worthington, J. Thomas, Beynon.W. B. Mirehouse, and C. Mathias. OCCASIONAL LICENCES. On the motion of Mr. G. L. Owen, it was decided to grant occasional licences as far as practicable at the petty sessions, but then only on payment of the fee of 2s. 6d. NEW RATE. Captain Higgon asked for a £ d. rate for county purposes, which was granted.—On the motion of Ciptain Higgon, a rate of ill, in the £ for police purposes WK.a ordered. GRATUITY. Captain Higgon moved, in pursuance of his notice, that dE55 ba granted as a gratuity to the widow of Police-Constable Goorge Tudor, which was agreed to. TUE COMING ELECTION. In view of the coming election, Captain Higgon desired the court to authorise the employment of special constables for the purpose of attending and keeping peace at the various polling stations. Direction was given accordingly. BIUDGE REPAIRS. Tho County Surveyor recommended the repair of Hammett's Bridge at a cost of £ 150.—Mr. N. A. Hoell moved that the Public Works Committee be empowered to expend what was necessary.—Tho tender of Mr. J. Morgan, on the recommendation of Captain Higgon, for the repairs of the county bridges, was accepted. EXTRAORDINARY EXPENDITURE. On the motion of Mr. G. L. OWEN, it was ordered that such a sum be paid by the treasurer to the chief-constable every quarter to meet any extra- ordinary expenditure incurred in the apprehension of prisoners charged with indictable offences and their conveyance before the magistrates, and after- wards to prison on remand. TRIAL OF PRISONERS. These sessions were continued on Wednesday, before Mr. H. G. Allen, Q.C., M.P., chairman and Messrs. Joseph Thomas and G. Leader Owen. CHARGE OF THEFT. John Henry Thomas, alias Harrison, a ship's cook, was charged on two counts with stealing a gold chain and other valuables, of the value of J636, belonging to Mrs. Maria Ann Thomas, of Newport, Pembrokeshire, m tho 8th of July last. -The prisoner, who pleaded guilty, and against whom several previous convictions were proved, was committed for eighteen months on each eount concurrently. ANOTHER CHARGE OF THEFT. William Davies, shoemaker, was charged with stealing a pair of stockings belonging to Mr. T. W. Young, Pembroke, on the 24th of August last. The charge was clearly proved, and prisoner was committed for three calendar months with hard labour. HOUSEBREAKING. David Harries, a fowl merchant; residing at Haverfordwest, was charged with breaking into the dwelling-house of George Banner, at Higgin's Well, near Haverfordwest, on the 29th of August last, and stealing therefrom £17 lCs. This was a very disgraceful case, the prisoner having dis- guised himself, and decoyed prosecutor's wife away from the house under the pretence that the prosecutor was dying in the street, and during her absence forced an entrance into the house, ana stole the hard-won earnings of Banner, who is a poor man. The case was fully proved, and priso- ner committed for twelve months' hard labour.

EXTENSIVE SHOP-LIFTING AT LLANELLY. PRISONER BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES. A FORMIDABLE LIST OF STOLEN ARTICLES, Shop-lifting on an exceedingly large scale has recently been practised at Llaneliy by a woman named Margaret Beynon, the wife of a respectable working man, and her daughter, a girl of fourteen. Their custom appears to have been to make periodical and systematic mids on goods exhibited outside their shops by tradesmen. The theft of a piece of bacon from one shop and a box of sultanas from another close by, in Station-road, on Monday evening, the 12th inst., led to the de- tection of the lifters," and the subsequent search of their home revealed such a quantity of stolen goods as to positively stagger the public. Immediately after her arrest the elder prisoner made a clean breast of it, exonerating her daughter, however, from blame, intimating that the latter had simply acted by her instructions. Great interest was manifested in the proceedings, hundreds of people, chiefly women, lining the streets, and the accommodation afforded by the Town-hall proved utterly inadequate to the demand made upon it. The prisoners wore brought up in the custody of Police-Constables Evans and M'Coy, and, besides the numerous tradesmen involved as witnesses, Police-Sergeant Howell Evans and Police-Sergeant D. Lewis gave evidence. The identified goods which the prisoners admitted having stolen comprised :-A roll of silesia, 12 yards of brown Irish, 4 bags, 7ft yards of alpaca, 25 yards of print, 16 towels, 48 yards of calico, 19 yards Qf print, 21 yards dress pieces, 14 yards French merino, a cheese, lime brush, 6 turnovers, 13 yards of Welsh napnel: 71 pairs of stockings, 14 pairs of boots, trousers and vest, 2 buckets of lard, 10Mbs. of bacon, a. box of bacon, and a bundle of laces. These belonged to Messrs. Thomas Anthony, Golden Key loan James, Bon March6; J. Randell and Son; —Hughes, Golden Fleece; James Williams, Station-road; Lewis and Daniel, Carmarthen; Oliver and Son, James Auckland, John Harries, David James, Ed. Colliver, and W. Knoyle, Stepney-street; Evans, Murray-street; Thomas Jones, and D. H. Rowlands, Station-road. Mr. W. Howell has been retained for the prosecu- tion. During the hearing of the case the defen- dants had their faces averted, and at times sobbed audibly. The prisoners were committed for trial to the next quarter sessions (which open on Thurs- day), bail being accepted for the daughter.

ANOTHER FIRE AT NEWPORT. Shortly after seven o'clock on Sunday evening it was discovered that the outfitter's shop recently taken by Mr. Perkins in Watchhouse-parade, near the Alexandra Dock, was on fire. The police at Pill Station speedily took the reel and hose to the scene, and before half-past seven several members I of the fire brigade were on the spot with the fire bugine from the upper station. Mr. George Hos- kins, the chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee, and Capt. Whitehall rendered very useful service. The premises, which adjoin the Waterloo Hotel, are small. Mr. Perkins, who lived at the back. was away with his wife at chapel when the fire was discovered. He had only taken the business about six months, having previously been in the service of Mr. Ja.cobs.Commercial.road. Having poured water on the burning premises for somewhat over an hour, the fire brigade at length extinguished the flames, though not until the whole of the shop and stock had been destroyed. The cause of the conflagration is unknown.

THE SANITATION OF MERTHYR. Dr. Ballard, one of the inspectors of the Local Government Board, waited upon the Merthyr Local Board of Health at their meeting on Wednes- day, and pointed out certain matters which needed immediate attention in connection with the sanitation of the district. Of course, what had been running in his mind during the whole time he had been in the neighbourhood—now five weeks—was the liability of the locality to suffer from cholera in the event of that disease getting a footing in the country. The board had done a great deal since 1866 to protect themselves. They had provided themselves with water, they had sewered the district, and they had carried out a system of removal of filth and refuse which, on the whole, was being done very fairly. What had struck him most in going through the poorer parts of Merthyr, such as Ynysgau-kreet and Garden- Street, was that the slops lay in the channels, which were exceedingly defective, to such, an extent as was calculated to produce an unwholesome result upon the population. Another thing which had struck him was the dampness of some of the old cottaces in the town, which were used by human families, although he thought no member of the board, if he had a valuable dog or horse, would be disposed to stable the creature in any one of those wretched places. A good deal of this dampness might be avoided by the board insisting upon the spouting of the roots of the houses. Another fault which he wished them to deal with was the unventilated condition of cellar dwellings, which ran back to back with houses above. There were a good many of these in Merthyr, and especially in Penydarren. They were utterly unfit for habita- tion, and should be closed. Then there were a number of old houses which were quite unfit for occupation in consequence of dilapidation. In many instances one closet, was made to serve for three or more houses, and, it being nobody's busi- ness to keep it clean, it was allowed to get into a filthilv-dirtv state. But if the board chose to deal with a matter of this kind they could effec- tually do so by applying to the magistrates for what was called a recurring order. If cholera were to reach Merthyr he and Dr. Dyke, as experienced health officers, could point out the very streets and almost the very houses where they would get their mortaiitv, and he warned and begged the board to set earnestly to work to get the conditions which he had been describing rectified. Mr. GEORGE MARTIN, the chairman of the board, thanked Dr. Ballard for his suggestions, and said they would do what they could to carry them out.

MERTHYR CHAMBER OF TRADE. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Merthyr Chamber of Trade was held on Tuesday evening, Mr. W. Mere- dith, the president, occupying the chair. The annual report indicated the various questions taken up during the year, and declared that, although their successes might not have attained the high anticipations of many friends, they abundantly showed that the chamber was doing in a humble way much useful work, and amply justified its existence as a local institution. The report con- tained controversial passages respecting which there was cunsiderable discussion, one paragraph, wherein regret was expressed that Mr. C. H. James, M.P., did not give any aid in support of the opposition to the second reading of the Bills promoted by the railway companies for increasing their rates for merchandise traffic, being amended by the insertion of the explanation that the lion, member was of opinion that the Bills should pass the second reading in order that they might be thoroughly sifted out in Committee. Another clause, which expressed a hope that in the absence of a Town-hall the Angel building might be utilised as central offices for the various parochial institutions, was sought to be expunged by certain members who are opposed to any such scheme, but upon a division it was allowed to stand.—The Treasurer reported a balance in hand of JE166 0s. lid., as against £159128, lid. in 1884. He said there was £ 100 out at interest, and the cham- ber resolved to invest another £ 50. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Upon the motion of Mr. Walter Smyth, seconded by Mr. Rhys Davies, Mr. Harrap was unanimously elected president for the ensuing year. Mr. Peter Williams proposed, and Mr. M'Donald seconded, the election of Dr. J. W. James as vice-president, but the doctor declined to accept the office, and Mr. Peter Williams himself was chosen to fill it. Mr. F. James was re-elected treasurer, and Mr. J. Plews hon. secretary. The following gentlemen were elected to form the council :-Dr. J. W. James and Messrs. John Jenkins, E. P. Riddle, Frank James, W. Meredith, W. Smyth, Roger Edwards, W. T. Griffiths, T. W. Goodfellow, Francis Davies, David Evans (late Gas), H. W.Southey, J. P. Biddle, Timothy Evans, W. Harris, jun., J. Plews, D.J. Rowlands, J. E. Davies, David Phillips, T. J. Dock. ton, Rhys Davies, D. K. D'Donald, and C. Russell James. The president and vice-president are ex- offtoio members. The Chairman mentioned that Mr. Davies, of Nawport, had informed him that he had instructed Mr. Treharne Rees to withdraw the charge he had iimde upon the Local Board in respect of the John- street improvement, and that he was prepared to give his sanction to the work being carried out upon morecoutpiete plans being submitted to him. -The chairman was asked to inquire Qf Mr. Davies in what respect the plans which he already had were defective.

IMMORALITY AT CARDIFF, BROTHEL KEEPERS SENT TO PRISON. At Cardiff Police Court on Monday Mary Baruett.29, who appeared with a. young baby in her arms, and Edward Price, 26, were charged, on a warrant, with keeping a brothel at No. 18, Davis-street, on the 17th inst.-Police-Iospector James said that, in company with Inspector Tamblyn, he apprehended the two prisoners at 18, Davis-street. on the previous morning. They went about 10.30. Price opened the door. The female prisoner was present, and witness asked what she was paying for the house. She pro- duced a rent book in her name, which showed she was paying 10s. 6d. per week. The woman was a married woman, but was living with another man. At 12.20 on the 17th inst., in company with Sergeant Johns, he saw a prostitute knocking at the door, As soon as the door was opened by Price witness and Johns made for the door. Price did all lie could to keep them out, and struck Johns a violent blow on the side of the faco. Witness went in, and in going upstairs lie met the female prisoner coming downstairs. Upstairs he found a noto- rious prostitute in bed with a man. In the front room he found another well-known prostitute in bed with a man, and in a third bed was a noto- rious thief and prostitute with a man. Downstairs were also a man and.woman in bed. There were other men and prostitutes in the house.—Police- Sergeant Johns corroborated this evidence.—A young woman of bad character, named Power,was called as a witness, and said she had lodged with prisoners, and was in the habit of taking men to the house. She was in the habit of paying bed money "to both prisoners. She left them about eight weeks ago. She was not the only woman who took men there.—Another woman named Lewis gave similar evidence, and after hearing a witness for the defence, the Bench sent the male defendant to prison for six months, with hard labour. The woman was sentenced to two months' imprisonment, as the Bench were inclined to deal leniently with her on account of her young baby.

CLUB LIFE AT CARDIFF. MEMBERS AND THEIR WAYS. At Cardiff Police Court on Monday Patrick Flynn (21), Michael Flynn (29), and Andrew Daley (23) were charged with burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling-house of John Francis and stealing therefrom an eigliteen-gallon cask containing beer, a wooden tap, 12s. or 14s. in silver and coppers, and four jars containing spirits, on the 18th inst.—The prosecutor, a young man, who Jives at 2, Frances-street, said he kept a club called the Victoria." On coming downstairs the previous morning he found the place had been entered. The till was upside down on the floor. When the drawer was locked, about a quarter to four on the Sunday morning, there weie from 12s. to 15s. in it. Two tiles had been taken from the roof of the bakehouse, and the door forced. He missed about L3 worth of spirits. It was their custom to take it in turns to get up eariy on the Sunday. It was witness's turn on this occasion, and he went down about seven o'clock. The house was rented by witness. The prisoners were members of the club.—Herman May, the treasurer of the club, said he had dosed the pre- mises at 3.30 ou the Sunday morning. Patrick Flynn and Daloy left the house at the time named. Other men left at the same hour.—A brother of the prisoners Flynn said a cask of beer was taken to their house by three iueii-Daley, a man named Roach, and Morrisey. The beer was drunk.—The prisoners were remanded until Friday. At the same court James Yocknev (26) was charged on a warrant with assaulting and beating his wife. — The woman, who appeared with a young baby in her arms, said her husband had been all right until he joined the clubs. He was a member of three, one in Milton-street and two in Shakspeare-street. He was getting good money —from £2 to 43 a week—but he spent it all in these places.-Defendant expressed his sorrow at having beaten his wife, but he was sent to prison I for a month with hard labour.

SUNDAY DRINKING AT CARDIFF. On Sunday Inspector James, accompanied by Sergeant Pinnegar, entered several houses in the neighbourhood of the Docks suspected of illicit trading in intoxicants. At a. house in Frederica street, in the occupation of John Burke, the officer? seized five four-and-a-half gallon casks of beer. Another seizure of three four-and-a-half gallon casks was made at, the house of Richard Spillan, Stanley-street. When the officers entered these premises several men were seated round a table in the front room drinking, several of them being intoxicated. Two of the casks of beer were found secreted in the cellar, and another in a bedroom. A third seizure of beer was made by the same officers at the house of a Mrs. Morgan, at 17, Old Barracks. The whole of the beer seized was con- veyed to the Central Police Station.

PONTYPRIDD BOARD OF GUARDIANS. At the fortnightly meeting of this board on Wed- nesday, the Rev. D. W. Williams presiding, a letter was read from the Local Government Board en- closing a communication from the Rev. T. Pudney applying once more for the Rees Roman Catholic children to be transferred from the workhouse to St. Michael's Home. Tho application was refused on an amendment carried by 15 against IS.-It was decided to recommend a pension of JE20 a year be paid to Mr. Johns, the retiring work- house master, an amendment moved by Mr. T. Morgan (Vaynor) in the direct negative being joat

CHEPSTOW FARMERS' ASSOCIATION THE ANNUAL DINNER. SPEECH BY COLONEL MORGAN, M.P. The annual ploughing match and dinner in con- nection with the Chepstow Farmers' Associa.t ion were held on Tuesday. Colonel the Hon. F. C Morgan, M.P., who is the president for the year, received a most hearty reception on presenting himself amongst his constituents. The annual dinner was held in the evening at the George Hotel. Colonel Morgan, M.P., took the chair as president, and was supported by Mr. Henry Clay, Major Lowe, Dr. Lawrence, Mr. G. Dewdney, Mr. Fislie, Mr. Francis. Mr. Talbot, Dr. E. P. King, Mr. Fothergill Evans, Mr. Lindon, Mr. U, Rymer, Mr. J. Rymer, and others. The loyal and patriotic toasts having been given, Dr. King submitted "Tlit Health of the Members for the County and the Boroughs." He could speak personally for both the members for the county, but he did not know the member for the boroughs. Colonei Morgan and Mr. Rolls had both endeared themselves to the electors, and he hoped they would be again re- turned to Parliament. (Hear, hear.) Colonel MORGAN, who was received with loud cheering, said that might be the last time—("No, no "}—that he would be able to stand before then in the proud position of their representative it Parliament. (Renewed cries of No, no.") Well it depended entirely upon themselves. He was glad that politics were put on one side at then meetings, for, what with all the politics whici were being talked now, no one more hated fix name of politics than himself. But he imasjinet that he would have to net, in some very different manner to what he had during the past eleven years before they would turn him out of his posi- tion. (Loud cheers.) The gallant Colonel after wards gave "Success to the Chepstow Farmers' Club," which was coupled with the names of Mr Parsons and Mr. Rymer, who responded. Dr. LA. w liENCE gave" The Health of the Presi- dent (Colonel Morgan; The fiON, MEMBER, who was received with much cheering, said he was very happy to give up his time and <?o amongst the farmers at this period of the year. He was sure that these associations contributed to the welfare of the tcnan; and not only to them, but also to the agricultural labourers. Ho did not believe that the schemes which had been propounded for dividing t.he land would benefit any farmer in the room, but would, or. the other hand, add most grievously to tiie heavy burden of local taxa- tion with which they were already oppressed 'Hear, hear.) It was all very well for gentlemen in towns to come amongst them and tell them what was best, but he fancied if landlords could sell their land and put the money in stocks thev would see a much better return. But he liked t( see landlords sticking to their county and sticking to their tenants, and then the tenants sticking tc their labourers. He knew that agriculture waf very much depressed. It could not be other- wise with wheat and bailey and oats at the low prices they were. But still the farmers were not so much disposed to grumble as some of the town gentlemen were ready to grumble for them. (Hear, hear.) Then as to the position of the agri- cultural labourer, whom Mr. Chamberlain had described in language winch they could not understand. How could such a description be true when they had an instance that day of a labourer who baa been on the same farm 40 years and six months ? (Hear, hear.) But when small proprietors got their three acres they would have to work with it harder than any labourer had to work or they would very soon find themselves in the hands of the money lenders. (Hear, hear.) Some other toasts were also given.

CARDIFF UNION AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The prizes in connection with the competitior for the growth of corn and root crops within flit limits of the Cardiff union were awarded on Wednesnay, The following were the judges:— Roots: Mr. John Williams, Cardiff; Mr. William Thomas, Llantwit and Mr. W. Thomas, Sully. Seeds: Mr. William Williams, Ely; Mr. Lowrie, Radyr; and Mr. Akers, Pentrebane. Mr. W. H. Lewis ably performed the duties of secretary. In the evening a dinner was held at the Bridge irm, Ely, when an excellent repast was served up by Mr. Thomas Rees, the landlord. Mr. H. Lewis, Green Meadow, occupied the chair. and there were also present Messrs. Henry Yorath William Thomas (The Hayes), Christophet Williams (Elf), D. T. Alexander, John Williams, R. Elliott, Noah Rees, William Thomas (Llantwit) John Hill (Elliott's), J. Fry, E. Akers (Pentrebane), W. Emerson (Sweldon), E. Thomas (Caerau), &c The following is the PRIZE LIST. For the best four acres of swedes, grown on land manured entirely by Lawes' manures (sold by Messrs. Hall, Reynolds, and Co., Cardiff): 1st, £ 66s., W. Lowrie, Radyr; iiud, 4s., W. Emerson,Ely. For the best two acres of swedes, grown with same manures 22 2s. W. Lowrie. For the best, acre of mang, Ids, grown with same manures £ 2 2s., W.C. Hurley, Cardiff. Far the best four acres of swedes, grown on land manured entirely by Odams' manures (sold by Mr. Henry Yorath, Cardiff): 1st, £ S 6s., W Lowrie; 2nd, 1;4 4s., C. Williams, Ely. For the best two acres of swedes. grown with same manures: £2 2s., C. Williams. For the best acre of any kind of mangolds grown with same manures t2 2s., C. Williams. For the best three acres of swedes, grown on lanri manured pntirely by Dublin and Wicklow's manuiv (sold by Mr Noah Bees, Cardiff) Prize, value £ 4 4s., C Williams, For the best three acres of common turnips grown on land manured entirely by Dublin and Wic! law's manures (sold by Mr >oah Rees): £3 (given by Mr 5soah Kees), C, Williams. For the best ih. acres of Ciover and rye glasses, grown from seed sup plied direct by Mr Noah Rees in 18o4: £ 3 3s., W. Thomas The Hayes, Bully. For the best three acres of swedes grown on lane manured entirely by Goulding's manures (soid by Mr John Hibbert, Cardiff) £ 3 3s., W. Lowrie. lroi the best piece of swedes of not less than three acres, grown by at y kind of manure; 1st, £3 3s. W. Lowrie 2nd, £ 2 2s., 0. Williams. For the best three acres of swedes grown on land manured entirely by Gibbs and Co.'s manures (sold by T. Lemon and Sons, Cardiff): jES 5s. W. Lowrie. For the best three acres of common turnips grown by the same manures £210s., W. Lowrie. For the best three acres of Webbe's imperial swedes grown from seed directly supplied by Messrs. Webbe and bon, sown in 1835 Silver cap value 4:5 5s.. W. Lowrie. For the best three acres of Sutton's champion swede, grown from seed supplied direct bv Sutton and Pons ili 1885: 1st, £3 3s., W. Emerson; 2nd, iC2 2s., E. Thomas. For the best piece of common turnips, not less than three acres tst, 2s. 2s (offered by the society) W. Lowrie; 2nd, -Ll Is. (offered by Mr. Henry Yoratb), E. Thomas. For the best piece of mixed clover grasses, not less than five acres (offered by the society): Ist.jEZ 2s W. Thomas, The Hayes 2nd:, £ 1 Is., Lord Bute. For the best piece of mixed clover grasses, of not less than four acres 13 3s. (offered by Mr J. Moon, hay merchant, Cardiff), H. Osmond, Cardiff. For the best piece of swedes, of not less than three acres, grown on land manured entirely by Burn: rd, Laelt, and Alger's manures (sold by Mr William Lewis, seedsman, Cardiff) 1st, £ 3 3s 2nd, iC2 2s, No entry. For the best acre of mangolds, grown by any kitict, of manure: IsL, Ji:2 2s, C. Williams 2nd, jEl Is, H. Osmond. For the best general root crop, arranged Suitably to the size of the farm 1st, £ 5 5s, W. Lowrie 2nd, £ 2 2s, C. Williams. For the eight acres of growing wheat (given by Mecsis. Bpiller ami Co., Cardiff;: £ 5 5s.. W. Thomas, The Hayes. For the best pirce of growing wheat, not less than four acres, not entered l'or .\lcs5rs. Spiller's prize (given by the society;: £ 3 3s., W. Thomas,The Hayes. For the hec;1, half-acre of Drumhead cabbage (given by Mr. Wm. Thomas, seedsman, Cardiff) £ 3 3s., W. Williams. For the best twelve specimens of mangolds, swedes, and turnips, twelve of each from the crops competing for root prizes, and exhibited previous to the annual dinnei: 1st, £ 3 3s, W. Lowrie 2nd, £ 2 2s, C. Williams. After the dinner the usual toast. list. was gone through, and some capital songs were sung.

FEROCIOUS ATTACK UPON A BAR- MAID IN THE RHONDDA VALLEY. DEFENDANT COMMITTED TO THE ASSIZES, At Pontypridd Police Court on Wednesday (be- fore Mr. Ignatius Williams) Humphrey Jenkins, barman at the Red Lion 1 tin, Dinas, was charged with wounding Florence Powell, alias Hyder, bur- maid at the same public-house. The complainant deposed that on the night of the 7th of the present: month she went into the bar of the Red Lion about ten o'clock at night. Prisoner followed her, and asked her what was she doing there. Replied that she was looking at the I clock. He ordered her out of the bar. Replied that she had been in the bar before him, and would be there after him. He then took hold of her, threw her down, and kicked her several times while she was lying on the floor. He kicked her below the right hip, and she felt R pllin there. She then went into the smoking-room for protection. The prisoner followed her, and again threw her down and kicked her in ) he right jaw. t'he placed her hand to protect her face, when he kicked her on her hand in a fearful manner. She got up, but. lie threw her down again, and taking off his cap, which had a hard poke to it. struck her face with it. The. prisoner was charged also with stealing a brooch, the property of the landlady. This charge was dismissed. The prisoner was committed to the assizes on the charge of wounding.

THE EXTRAORDINARY CASE OF IMPOSTURE AT MERTHYR. On Wednesday Owen Gibbon Edwards, a cripple was brought up on remand at Merthyr Police Court, charged with obtaining food and lodging from Edith Minchinton, of Quarry House, near the Old Morlais Castle ruins, bv falsely representing himself to be a solicitor. Prisoner, by a course of artful questioning, ascertained from the prose- cutrix that her husband had deserted her, and was supposed to be in America. He then concocted a story that the husband had another wife at Ca,rdifl, and was then in custody charged with falsely pre- tending to be a ship's captain, and with assaulting Supt. Edwards, of the Docks Police. He said that his name was T. S. Edwards, and he was a solicitor and counsel, and he asked to be allowed tc take up a prosecution for bigamy. The woman with an innocence truly marvellous, thoroughly believed in his bona jides, and consented to place the case in his hands. At his request she per- mitted him to stay at her hcuse until he received a letter from his father, and he remained there three or four days until a friend, who saw that she was being duped, advised her to communicatt with the police. The inquiries made by the polict: into the antecedents of the prisoner disclosed the fact that for a long period of time he had been carrying on a similar system of duplicity. He was now committed for trial at the next assizes.

SEEIOUS CASE OF WOUNDING AT PORTH. At Pontypridd Police Court (before Mr. Ignatius Williams) John Jenkin Jones, cabdriver between Pontypridd and Porth, was committed for trial on a charge of wounding William Davies, timberuian, Hannah-street, Porth. Mr. Robert Thomas ap- peared for the defendant. The complainant's jaw was fractured, the broken bone passing into hit mouth.