Weekly Mail

CONCERT AT NE^01ir. prising in Sathering com- nt the Infirmary n i hetownassembled excellent concert -r,day evening, when an the past and nrP, 8'Ven. for the amusement t;on. Mr. E. Webber nP«-^ntS °f the institu" company were the Mavor and amon,gst the formers were the Misses Latoh *7°re48' • ^'le Per" ^avies, Miss Homfray, Miss rf ^'u1' «'S9 Mortimer Silver, Dr. Caot^Hn f ^rberville Jenkins, and Mr. Essex Homfray- Mr- BRIGADE.—The whole of ti,a r onF« igade' headed by Captain Whitofnn Saturday invited to Blaenpant the r« wer? 2 «n,,0n~ (""° "*B s-as"' lotlS vacancy 01 U'iS P'aCe °f worshiP. after a HRat \A* ^eetin,, OF RAILWAY PENSION FUND—a 1 Newport of this society was held | ^.rL1'ur Roberts ^unda-v afternoon' Mr. ^Uas, secrpt-IiJ^ In tlie cllair. Mr. W. t plications Plesent, and read com. i connection withd^y from several districts < the fund. Addresses '.vera s delivered by Messrs. Parsons, Dowdswell, Stringer Morgan, H. Davies, &c. The customary votes to the chairman and secretary closed the proceed- ings. There was a good attendance. SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION.—Notices are issued calling for nominations for a new School Board by Saturday next. The polling will take place on Thursday, January 21. Under all the circumstances a very sharp contest is expected. Archdeacon Bruce, the chairman, will probably not stand again, and it is thought Mr. Richard Davies will also retire. Mr. F. J. Mitchell is mentioned as a Church candidate in place of the chairman, and rumour has it that Mr. W. Christophers and Mr. Mullock, both Nonconformists, will be nominated. It is likely that Father Bailey and Father Knight will be candidates on behalf of the Catholic section. There are eleven seats, which at the last election were filled up by four Churchmen, two Catholics, and five Nonconformists. LICENSED VICTUALLERS' BANQUET.—The nine- teenth annual banquet of the Licensed Victuallers' Association is announced for Tuesday, January 12. The mayor will preside. CHBISTCHURCH LOCAL BOARD.-Tlie fortnightly meeting was held on Tuesday evening at Maindee, Mr. Bladon presiding. A committee was appointed to consider the improvement of Windsor-terrace and Isca-terrace. The question of providing suit- able office accommodation for the board was again referred to, it being stated that convenient premises might now be obtained. Inquiries were directed to be made.

SWANSEA. PRESENTATION FOR BRAVERY.—On Monday morn- ing the Mayor (Mr. W. J. Rees) presented to Captain Owen Evans, of the Mary Claeson, a diploma and gold medal from the Belgian Government for effecting the rescue of the crew of the Spanish barque Elisa. The Elisa foundered whilst on a voyage from Havannah to Antwerp, and Captain Owen Evans arrived just in time to take the crew on board his vessel as they were abandoning their ship. The mayor made a speech highly eulogistic of Captain Evans's bravery, and expressed a hope that the Spanish Government would recognise his services as the Belgian Government had done. Captain Evans suitably responded. DEATH OF AN ENGINEER.—On Monday morning the dead body of John Crach, engineer, was found in the hold of the steamer Garrison, into which he had evidently fallen. TEA TO POOR CHILDREN.—The annual tea to poor children of the town took place at the Albert- hall, Swansea, on Monday afternoon. The funds, amounting to about 9.36, were amassed bv volun- tary contributions from residents, and sufficed to provide over 1,200 children with an ample meal. The children filled both the major and minor halls to overflowing, although no tables were used. The rations consisted of half a pound of cake, a quarter of a pound bun, and an orange to each child, with tea to wash the food down" ad lib. Among the ladies who assisted in he distribution were Mes- dames Bellingham, T. P. Richards, Dowie Jones, Eb. Davies, A. Mason, Bray, Cawker, D. C. Jones, Misses Boundy, Phillips, and Hall. Messrs. James Hall, Chapman, and W. Nicholls also assisted. His worship the mayor (Mr. W. J. Rees) attended, and amongst the gentlemen who were observers of the scene were Captain Colquhoun (through whose services the Police Band had been secured), the Rev. E. B. Shaw, Messrs. A. Mason, Meager, and E. Fish. After the ample supplies of food had been dis- posed of a Punch and Judy Show and a magic lantern entertainment diverted the youngsters for some time. THE NEW SLAUGHTER-HOUSES.—We understand that the sanction of the Local Government Board has been received for the borrowing of ;E7,000 for the erection of the new slaughter-houses. BURGLARY AT THE LONDON AND NORTH WESTERN STATIONS.—On Saturday night last both the Mumbles-road and Killay Railway Stations on the London and North-Western Railway were broken into and small sums of money taken away. The thieves got in through the windows and drilled holes in the safes. THE LICENSED VICTUALLERS' ASSOCIATION.—This association has presented to the Rev. Eli Clarke and the Rev. Canon Richards JEt each for distribution amongst the poor in their districts, and S2 to the Mayor towards the expense of the poor children's tea held at the Albert-hall. The donations have been thankfully acknowledged. ESTABLISHMENT OF A SOUP KITCHEN.-On Tues- day a soup kitchen was started in the Ragged School, Back-street. It is to be-open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and the soup is sup- plied.at a small charge.

BRIDGEND. BOARD OF GUAIRDIANS.-A 't the weekly meeting on Saturday Mr. Edward Jones, one of the re- lieving officers, applied for an advance of Aalary to enable him to keep a horse. It was resolved that the application be taken into consideration that day fortnight. Several applications for the office of nurse and assistant matron were read, and it was agreed that Mrs. Woodlock, of Bristol, and Margaret Lewis, a servant at the Glamorgan Asylum, be asked to come before the board at their next meeting. SANITARY AUTHORITY.—Dr. E. T. Davies sup- plied this authority on Saturday with an addi- tional report on the outbreak of fever at Lisworney. He feared that the water in the village well was contaminated, and suggested that a well be sunk on higher ground. It was resolved that the water in the village well be analysed after rain. It was stated that Dr. Carne, of St. Donat's, was prepared to do anything in his power to assist the authority in this matter.

BRYN AMMAN. FATAL ACCIDENT.—A man named John Williams died on Sunday afternoon from the effects of a fall over a quarry known as Pwllywrach. Deceased is supposed to have fallen on Saturday evening, but it was not until Sunday morning that he was found by some neighbours. He fell a distance of about 21ft. Deceased leaves a widow and family.

BRYNMAWR. CHAMBER OF TRADE.—The quarterly meeting of the Brynmawr Chamber of Trade was held in the Town-hall on Tuesday evening, Mr. Henry Connop in the chair. A memorial to the local gas com- pany, asking for a reduction of Is. per 1,000 feet in the price of gas, which had been signed by a large number of consumers, was read and ordered to be forwarded to the said authority. The question of lighting the approach to the" London and North Western Railway Station was again discussed, and it was ordered that a recom- mendation be made to the local board that the pre- sent lamps of theirs between the bottom of Beaufort-street and the station be re-arranged, with a view of remedying the present defects.

CWMAVON. SEASONABLE BENEVOLENCE.— On Saturday, at the Baptist Schoolroom, Michaelstone-super-Avon, Alderman T. D. Daniel, of Coedpark, kindly dis- tributed his annual New Year's gifts to the most deserving poor of the above parish to the number of 170. Each recipient had a good loaf of bread, a quarter of a pound of tea, and one pound of sugar. The arrangement for carrying out the distribution of the gifts was most ably undertaken by Mr. D. Russell, Railmill House, Mr. Daniel's agent. Amongst those who were present at the distribu- tion we noticed the following gentlemen:—The Revs. J. Griffiths, vicar; T. Jenkins, curate; Williams, Baptist minister; Messrs. Moses, furnace manager O. W. Williams, cashier G. Roes, house agent; Morris, coal agent; W. Lewis, house agent; Llewellyn Griffiths, B. M. Griffiths, together with many others of the leading inhabitants. On the motion of the Vicar, seconded by the Rev. M. Williams, supported by other gentlemen, a cordial vote of thanks was unanimously accorded to the donor, who, in replying, made an appropriate speech, in which he alluded to the present state of trade and the future prospects of Cwmavon. TRADE PBOSPECTs.-The Western Mill, now known as the Jersey Iron and Steel Works, owned by Messrs. Daniel and Co., was re-started on Monday, after being idle for some time. The number of hands put on is not many, but they will be increased from time to time. A new blast furnace is in course of erection, and is to be com- pleted by May. NEW YEAR'S GIFTS. Miss Olive Talbot, of Margam Castle, with her usual liberality, sent a .9 parcel of clothes to be distributed amongst the poor of Oakwood and Bryn. They were distributed by the Rev. H. Harries and Mrs. Harries on New Year's Day.

CHEPSTOW. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—The New Year's meet- ing of this board was held on Saturday last, under the chairmanship of Mr. H. Clay. The Master reported the number of inmates as 140, being the same as last week, and twelve more than the corresponding week of last year. The total pay- ments amounted to £ 30 10s. 5d. in monev and JE4 12s. in kind.

CARDIGAN. FUNERAL OF MR. WILLIAMS, TRELLYFFAINT.— The funeral of Mr. Morris Williams, of Trellyffaint, in the parish of Nevern, Pembrokeshire, whose death occurred on the previous Tuesday, at the patriarchal age of 96 years, took place on Satur- day a Nevern Churchyard, being attended by a K?- concourse gentry, fanners, and the general yrV- the locality. During his long life Mr. Jf la?u8 at a11 times Prominently identified him- se t WIth agricultural matters, and was held in high his c.. geniahty of disposition and oj? d"naturedness towards the poor. have contt?KEf ^,e^evolENCE.—Amongst those who lhe ™t '"A t fardiean an*i ti? ^P'ctive parishes in season 1'ound during the recent aifts of monev Ji lu? d'stribution of substantial ? fue1' tea, &c„ the foliow- • nf mpntion? ars Particularly deserv- 'niof KtVnone! Bn?st0cke' Blaenpant; Mrs. Colby,Fiynone,Mrs.Saunders-Davies pentre.Maior J. R. H°well, Noyadd-Trefawr; Messrs. C.Mo^n- Riehardson, NoyaddwHym Savile H. Miles, The Priory and W. Picton Evans, Belmont. BOARD SCHOOL ENTERTAiNMENXS._The annual entertainments in aid of the funds of the Board School Clothing Club were held in the Guild-hall, Cardigan, on Thursday and Friday evenings last, and met with a well-deserved success. DINNER TO THE RAGGED SCHOOL.—On New Year's Day the usual dinner of roast beef, plum- pudding, &c., was given to the members of thb Cardigan Ragged School in the Market House, and was provided through the generosity of Mrs. Lloyd, the esteemed lady of Cilrhue. About 80 sat down, and all thoroughly enjoyed the repast. THE INMATES OF THE WORKHOUSE. In addition to the capital dinner given to the inmates of the Cardigan Union Workhouse on Christmas Day, through the kind instrumentality of Miss James, Pantsaison, a large quantity of tobacco was a few days ago divided amongst those who were in the habit of smoking. The tobacco was provided at the sole expense of Mr. W. D. Brigstoke, Parky- gorse, the chairman of the Board of Gruardiins. ALARMING ACCIDENT. On Saturday evening m old man named David Phillips, a blacksmith, residing at Penllyn, Cilgerran, was returning home )n foot from Cardigan, when he fell on the road- side, and a carriage, which was going by at the time, passed over his body, whereby the poor man sustained shocking injuries to his head, breast, &c. Phillips was conveyed home, and, although he lingered on in severe agonies up to the time of our correspondent writing on Tuesday, his recovery is considered by his medical attendant to be almost impossible. The injured man is the father of Mr. J. R. Phillips, the stipendiary of West Ham, London.

ELY. SUDDEN DEATH.—An inquiry was held on Tues- day by Mr. Grover and a jury at the Railway Inn, Ely, touching the death of Mrs. George Edwards, of Chepstow Villa, Ely, who died suddenly on the 3rd inst. Mr. Edwards said the deceased was his wife, and on Monday evening, about ten o'clock, retired to rest, feeling well. On going into the bedroom a few minutes after she complained of feeling cold, and almost immediately expired. Dr. Richards said he had no doubt but that deceased died from heart disease, which oftentimes followed rheumatic fever. A verdict was returned in accor- dance with the medical evidence.

FEUNDALE. CONGREGATIONAL CONFERENCE.—At a conference of representatives of Congregational Churches held at Ferndale on Wednesday, the Rev. D. Thomas presiding, resolutions were passed expressing sym- pathy with the bereaved at Macdy, and protesting against the proposed Lampeter endowment.

LLANDAFF. ENTERTAINMENT.—On Monday the first of a series of entertainments, in connection with the Llandaff Yard Working Men's Club, was given in the National Schoolroom, Llandaff Yard, the Rev. J. R. Buckley in the chair. A capital pro- gramme was well rendered. The Radyr Amateur Minstrels were a source of much enjoyment by their clever and fantastic performances.

LLANELLY. LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.—Mr. W. Howell pre- sided at the ordinary meeting of this board held on Tuesday, at the Town-hall. Mr. Ernest Trubshaw's motion, seconded by Mr. Robert Margrave, asking the Estate Committee to report on the income and condition of the public estate, was adopted. A statement submitted by the clerk, as directed by resolution recently moved by Mr. Tregoning, showed that the total expenditure on account of channel improvements up to March 25, 1885, was £2,949 13s. lid., and from that date to December 31 of the same year JE655 14s. 7d. had been paid as wages, and zC76 7s. 2d. spent in providing materials, stores, coal, repairs, &c.

LLANDILO. LQCAL BOARD -At an ordinary monthly meeting of this board held on Tuesday evening, Captain Thomas presiding, the clerk stated that he had re- ceived a communication from the Local Govern- ment Board asking why the salary of the newly- appointed inspector of nuisances had been reduced from £ 17 per annum to £12. The clerk was instructed to reply that it was because the elected inspector had voluntarily agreed to perform the duties at the reduced amount.

MAESTEG. INQUESTS.—Mr. Howell Cuthbertson, the district coroner, held an inquest on Monday at the Police- station, Maesteg, touching the death of William Hughes, haulier, Bethania-street, who was killed by a fall of earth at the Oakwood Colliery on Saturday last. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death." Deceased was the son of Mr. W. Hughes, Railway Inn. He leaves a widow and one child.—An inquest was also held at the same time and place touching the death of Anne Jones, aged three years, daughter of David Jones, collier, Castle-street. The poor child fell on a kettle of boiling water on Christmas Day, and was dreadfully scalded. She died from the effects on Saturday. A verdict of II Accidental death" was returned.

MOUNTAIN ASH. DEATH OF DR. WILLIAMS.-We much regret to record the death of Dr. Benjamin Williams, which took place on Tuesday morning at his residence at Mountain Ash. It was about ten years ago that the bulk of Messrs. Nixon's workmen at Mountain Ash selected Mr. Williams as their medical attendant, and it was in his case that the power was first conceded them to select their own doctor. Besides attending on the workmen of the Navigation and Deep Duffryn Collieries, he attended the workmen of the Pen- rhiwceiber Colliery, and the vast majority of those working in the Cwmpennar Collieries. His humility, amiability, and great devotion to duty endeared him to all, and the regret at his untimely death, for lie was only 41 years of age, is general.

MERTHYR. RURAL SANITARY AUTHOHITY. The Rev. A. Davies presided at the monthly. meeting on Satur- day. The Surveyor and Nuisance Inspector notified that there were four cases of typhoid fever in Field-street, Cefn, and that there were several pigstyes in a filthy state within 25 yards of the two houses affected. Notices were ordered to be served to abate the nuisances arising from the uncleanliness of the styes. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—At the weekly meeting on Saturday it was resolved that steps be taken to divide the Gelligaer district into two sections for medical relief purposes, and the election of a medical officer in the place of the late Dr. Evans, which was to have taken place on this occasion, was, in consequence, postponed for a month. The Visiting Committee to the Abergavenny Asylum reported that the patients belonging to this union in that institution, who numbered upwards of twenty, appeared to be comfortable and well cared fpr there. The Master reported that Mr. L. P. Jones, of the Ironbridge Brewery, had sent a cask of beer to the house for the use of the old people. A division was taken as to whether the gift should be accepted or not, with the result that the objectors, led by Mr. D. Davies and Mr. J. Mills, were defeated. It was decided that the beer should be given out at the rate of half a pint per day to each recipient. FIRE. Intense excitement was caused on Sunday afternoon by an alarm of a fire having broken out at the Angel Hotel, an immense un- finished building situated in High-street. Sergeant Olding %nd several other police officers immediately repaired to the scene, when it was discovered that the fire was confined to the kitchen chimney, which had not been swept since the structure has been erected. The hose was set to work, and, a plentiful supply of water being at hand, the out- break was soon extinguished. THE NEUADD RESERVOIR.—The Local Board sat in committee to consider an application from Messrs. Pickthall and Sons for payment of the re- tention money, amounting to nearly £ 3,000, due to them in respect of the construction of the Neuadd Reservoir. The board held that the contractors, having failed to maintain the reservoir in a water- tight state, were not entitled to be paid, and they decided to refuse the demand. There is every prospect, therefore, of an expensive litigation.

MONMOUTH. TOWN COUNCIL.—The monthly meeting of the Monmouth Town Council was held on Monday, the Mayor (Mr. C. Powell) presiding. A long dis- cussion took place on the state of the slaughter- houses, it being complained that a nuisance arose from them. It was ultimately decided that a competent man should be appointed to examine the place. The other business was purely formal. SPORT AT LEASEBROOK.—In answer to kind invi- tations issued by Captain St. Ives Partridge, of Leasebrook, Dixton, about 40 tradesmen and others, of Monmouth and neighbourhood, assembled for a day's sport at Leasebrook. At mid-day the whole company met in the wood, were a b lunteous luncheon was partaken of, which had been generously provided by the gallant captain. After luncheon sport was resumed, and continued as long as the light would permit. SUPPER TO THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY'S EMPLOYES.—The annual supper to the Great Western Railway Company's employes was held on Tuesday evening, at the Beaufort Arms Hotel. Mr. Gooding, station master at Troy, pre- sided, and Mr. John Jones, of the firm of Messrs. Lewis and Jones, occupied the vice-chair. There were between forty and fifty present. The ex- cellent catering of Mr. Stephenson (the manager of the Beaufort) gave every satisfaction. The usual toast list was gone through, and several songs were sung. The company broke up at midnight, after spending a most enjoyable evening. JUVENILE PERFORMANCES AT ST. MARY'S SCHOOL. —The first of a series of two performances by the children of St. Mary's School took place on Tuesday evening, in the Bovs' Schoolroom, the large building being crammed. The first piece was an adaptation of the beautiful old fairy tale of Cinderella and the Glass Slipper." The after- piece was the old, but ever-new, farce, Box and Cox." The entertainment, as a whole, was a great success, and showed that a great amount of time, trouble, and patience had been called into play to secure the result. FREEMASONS.—Mr. Thomas Gilbert Prosser was installed Master of the Monmouth Lodge of Free- Masons on Tuesday evening, after which,. banquet was held at Bro. John Thomas, King's Arms Hotel.

PONTYPRIDD. DEATH OF MR. NOAH THOMAS—We regret to announce the death of Mr. Noah Thomas, son of Mrs. Thomas, of the Llanover Arms, Pontypridd, which took place on Friday night from inflamma- tion of the lungs. The funeral will start from the house, for the Glj ntaff Cemetery, at half-past two on Thursday afternoon. INQUEST.—On Monday Mr. H. LI Grover, deputy coroner, held an inquest at the Malsters' Arms, Trallwng, touching the death of Mary Williams, aged 13 years, daughter of Mr. Williams contractor, &c. It seemed, on Friday last, that the deceased was in the chainworks yard playing with another girl named Lewis. While so engaged they touched a heap of iron lying there. A large piece was set in motion, and it struck the deceased on the hip and other parts of the body, and heid her fast under it. A little boy succeeded in extri- cating her. A verdict of death the result of an accident was returned. LLANWONNO SCHOOL BOARD.—At the monthly meeting of this board on Wednesday, Mr. Idris Williams in the chair, a letter was read from Mrs. Roberts, widow of the late Mr. John Roberts, thanking the board for their vote of con- dolence. It was decided to give the Aberdare School Board notice that the services of the Mountain Ash attendance officer were required by this board altogether at the end of the present month. Mrs. Spence, the mistress of the Mill-street Infants' School, wrote asking to be exonerated of all blame and responsibility in the regrettable incident which had recently occurred. Someone had broken into the schoolroom between Friday and Saturday and stolen the cash-box containing the school pence. She found that the door bad not been locked during the time. She pointed out that the teachers were in the habit of leaving the school pence in the desks until they were paid into the bank, and, therefore, she asked the board not to hold her liable for the amount stolen. The board, however, thought teachers ought not to leave money in the schools, and they must all be held responsible for every sum received until it was actually paid into the bank.

PEMBROKE DOCK. THE DOCKYARD.—Captain Alfred John Chatfield, R.N., superintendent of this naval establishment, has been promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral, and has been succeeded by Captain Edward Kelly, who took over the command here on Saturday. Captain Chatfield has held the appointment as captain superintendent of this dockyard since October 14, 1882, and has gained the highest esteem of all classes of the community by his kindness, urbanity, and courtesy, and much regret is expressed at his departure. SUDDEN DEATH.—On Saturday evening the wife of Mr. Henry Charles, ship carpenter at the dock- yard, expired very suddenly at her residence, Gwyther-street. Dr. E. Saunders was promptly in attendance, but his services were of no avail. Death is believed to have ensued from heart disease.

PENARTH. LOCAL BOARD.—The usual monthly meeting of the above board was held in the Windsor Estate Office on Monday evening, Mr. James Edwards in the chair. Attention was called to the state of the roads and the carrying out of the private im- provements, and several letters were read com- plaining of want of lamps. The Surveyor said that they were now having a considerable number of lamps erected, and that they were proceeding with the private improvements. Attention was then called to the baths, and the Surveyor said that at present they were very little used, but that he had spoken to the keeper, who was of the opinion that the attendance might improve con- siderably after the Christmas and New Year holi- days were over. The clerk was instructed to write to the estate agent to try and get a reduction of the rent, or to let it lie over till they were in a better financial position. ENTERTAINMENT.—In connection with the Cogan Pill Mutual Improvement Class a most enjoyable entertainment was given on Monday evening, being provided entirely by the female members of the society. The programme included songs, reci- tations, &c., and was divided into two parts. The chair was taken by the Rev. S. Adams, pastor of the United Methodist Free Church.

TEN BY. SAVINGS' BANK.—The annual meeting of the trustees and managers of the Savings' Bank was held on Saturday, Dr. Dyster in the chair. The annual report was laid on the table and approved. It showed that during the year the balance had increased JE264 5s. Id.; the receipts from deposits had decreased S139 17s. 4d.; the total received being £ 1,521 2s. 7d. There had been paid to de- positors £ 1,563 18s. 4d., being a decrease of £ 185 4s. 5d. over 1884. Fourteen accounts had been closed, and fourteen new ones opened. The total number of receipts during the year was 217, and the total number of payments 125. The number of deposits open are 406. The auditor's report showed that the assets of the bank were L13,645 6s. 2d., and the liabilities X13,559 2s., leaving a surplus of ze86 4s. 2d. Mr. Dunn was elected a trustee and manager and the business terminated. THE ODDFELLOWS.—On Monday evening the half-yearly audit of the accounts of the treasurer of the Loyal Ship and Castle Lodge of Oddfellows (Bro. John Leach, P.P.G.M.) was held in the Lodge- room, Bros. J. A. Jenkins, J. Gifford, and T; Nicholls being the auditors. The accounts showed that at the commencement of the half-year the treasurer had a balance in hand of L25 13s. 9d.; received in contributions 1202 4s. 8d., had with- drawn from bank £ 25; total Y,252 18s. 5d. The treasurer disbursed in sick benefits to the members of the lodge £ 137 lis; to other members, £ 20 18s.; management, JE13 17s. 6d.; invested in bank, jElO; funeral donations, X30; to other lodges, X14 19s. Old. to 2 medical officer (Dr. Lock), J621 6s.; leaving a balance in hand of L4 6s. lOd. The lodge has an invested capital of £ 2,223 10s., and numbers 237 members.

USK. HIGHWAY BOARD.—The ordinary monthly meet- ing of the Usk and Pontypool Highway Board was held at the Sessions House, Usk, on Monday, Mr. William Bunning in the chair. A letter was received from Mr. James Farquhar, clerk to the Abergavenny Turnpike Trust, stating that the portion of main road which has lately been transferred from the trust to this board had been measured and computed at 3 miles 35 chains. The surveyor was directed to test this measurement and report to the clerk as early as possible. This was all the business of public importance. THE DEPUTY-CLERK OF THE PEACE.—Mr. Wyatt, the clerk of the peace, having nominated to the lord-lieutenant of the county (the Duke of Beau- fort) Mr. H. Stafford Gustard, solicitor, of Usk and Newport, as deputy-clerk of the peace, his Grace on Wednesday telegraphed his sanction of the appointment.

GELLIGAER GRAMMAR SCHOOL. A meeting of the governors of the Gelligaer Endowed Grammar School was held at the school, Pengam, on Friday afternoon. In the absence of Mr. G. T. Clark (chairman), Mr. C. H. James, M.P. (vice-chairman) presided. There were present- Captain E. D. Williams, Maesyrhyddyd; the Rev. J. L. Meredith, M.A., rector of Gelli. gaer; the Rev. A. Davies, Pontlottyn; Mr. J. T. Green, Abercarn Mr. W. Beddoe, Llanfabon; with Mr. F. James, clerk. The Rev. J. P. Williams, of Pontlottyn, took his seat as a governor for the first time, having been elected by the Gelligaer School Board. A financial report was placed before the governors showing the capital and revenue for the year ending June 30, 1886, to be £ 2,701 13s. 4d., and after deducting the expenditure there remained a balance of JE50 2s. in hand.- Mr. R. W. Jones, the second master, applied for an advance of salary, stating that he had held the position for ten and a half years at P,120 per annum, and his emoluments from boarders had decreased, and his expenses increased. —The Rev. A. Davies proposed that Mr. Jones' salary should be raised to £ 150 a year.—It was suggested by the Chairman that before taking such a step they should consider their means.—The Clerk stated that they were doing pretty well, £ 1,300 had been invested in the Funds during the past half-year, and probably they would have f,1,000 to invest this year.—The Rev. J. L. Meredith seconded the motion, and in a few well-chosen remarks attributed whatever success had attended the school for some years to Mr. Jones.—The motion was agreed to.—A report was presented by Mr. W. Beddoe and the Rev. A. Davies on the condition of the building at Cross Vane Farm, and it was agreed to carry out the repairs recommended.—Mr. G. T. Clarksent a letter asking the governors to accept his resignation of the chairmanship on account ot failing health.—The Rev. A. Davies moved that the resignation be accepted, and at the same time expressed regret at its necessity, and he payed Mr. Clark a very high tribute for his many acts of kindness. Mr. C. H. James also made some appropriate remarks, and referred to the loss they would sustain.—The Rev. J. P. Williams seconded the motion, which was agreed to.-It was resolved to make a grant of f,15 yearly to three successful students from the Gelligaer Board Schools while pursuing their studies for two years at Swansea Training College.

MARGAM LOCAL BOARD. BOBROWING WITHOUT POWERS. A meeting of the Margam Local Board was held on Monday, when there were present: Mr. C. R. M. Talbot, M.P. (chairman), Mr. A. P. Vivian, Mr. Gray, Mr. E. Davies, and Mr. T. David. Consider- able discussion took place with regard to the financial position of the board, from which it ap- i peared that Mr. Talbot had already lent the authority the sum of £ 300, and it was stated by the clerk that on Monday the account, was over- drawn to the amount of 190, whilst he had bills for Y,250 which ought to be settled. Some of the members proposed a shilling rate, which would produce ztl,200, but Mr. Talbot was opposed to this, thinking it advisable that the board should borrow £1,000, and he added that he was prepared to lend that amount at 3t per cent.—Mr. Scale (the clerk) pointed out that the sanction of the Local Government Board was necessary before any money could be borrowed, and he was afraid the board would be found fault with for taking money in this way.—The board agreed to accept Mr. Talbot's offer to advance an additional £700, and instructed the clerk to apply to the Local Govern- ment Board for borrowing powers.—It should be mentioned that a considerable sum has been laid out in draining Taibach and providing a water supply, but the plans of these works were never forwarded to the Local Government Board, and consequently have not been approved by them.

« MABON'S SUPPORTERS. MEETING AT WAUNARLWYDD. On Saturday evening the train arriving at Gower Road from Swansea just after six was met by a large procession, and, preceded by a band, some. of the passengers who had arrived by train were escorted to the Board Schools, Waunarlwydd. In the carriage of Mr. Powell, Mynydd Bach y Glo, were Mr. W. Abraham, M.P., Mr. R D. Burnie, the Rev. Sam let Williams, and others. Great enthusiasm was manifested on the march en route, "Mabon" having been a resident of Waunarlwydd about eight years ago. The meeting held in the school- room was crowded.—Mr. Powell, who presided, in opening the meeting, said tlicy met that opening the meeting, said they met that night to congratulate an old resident on the honours he had received, and to see if they could not do something to assist their Rbondda friends in keeping him in Parliament. (Cheers.) I iiere was a time when men went, to Parliament to represent themselves, but men were now returned to represent the electors, and Mabon was nne of them. (Loud cheers.) In his opinion they would never get thorough representation until they had paid representatives. (Applause.) -iMi-. Rowland proposed, and Mr. Bodicomb seconded, That this meeting, in congratulating Mr. Abraham on his return, also pledges itself to contribute towards his pecuniary support as Parliamentary represen- tative of the colliers of South Wales."—The meeting was afterwards addressed by Mr. R. D. Burnie, Mr. Abraham, M.P., and others. The reso- lution was afterwards carried amid the greatest enthusiasm.

MR. F. L. DAVIS'S TESTIMONIAL. A well-attended meeting of the committee arranging for a testimonial to Mr. F. L. Davis was held at the Temperance Hotel, Porth, on Tuesday evening, under the presidency of Dr. Parry. Some routine matters having been transacted, a deputa- tion was appointed to wait upon Mr. Davis to con- sult his wishes as to the form which the testi- monial is to take.

The remains of Lord Henry Gordon Lennox were interred at Chichester on Wednesday. The Dean of Chichester officiated, Tho Duke of Richmond and the Earl of March were among the mourners.

CARDIFF. SATURDAY. (Before Dr. JONES, Mayor; Dr. PAINE, and Mr. FULTON.) WATCH STEALING. Mary Harris, 31, was brought up in custody charged with stealing a silver watch, value jE2 10s., from the person of William Morgan Thomas, in Bute-terrace, on the 1st inst. The prosecutor, who is a lock- smith, residing at 18, Millicent-street, stated that about nine o'clock on the night in question he was standing near the gasworks. Someone suddenly came up and struck him in the face, and on feeling for his watch he found it was gone. Another young woman who was passing called prosecutor's attention to the watch chain, which was broken. James H. Adamson, a youth, gave evidence to the effect that he saw the prisoner kneeling over the prosecutor. He stooped to pick up the prose- cutor when he saw the watch in the woman's hand, which she afterwards put in her bodice. A witness, named Mahoney, said that on the evening in ques- tion she saw the man lying down. He told her he had been robbed of his watch. Witness ran after the woman saying, You have my father's watch give it up to me. The watch was given her,which she afterwards handed to Inspector James. The prisoner pleaded guilty, and was s-ntenced to three month's imprisonment with hard labour. MONDAY. (Before Mr. R. O. JONES, Stipendiary, and Alderman M'CONNOCHIE.) A SUSPICIOUS CHARACTER.—Joseph Hawkins, 63, was charged with frequenting the Great Western Railway Station for the purpose of committing a felony on the 2nd inst. Detective Smith said that at half-past five on Saturday evening he saw the prisoner watching ladies booking for the train's, and then following them up, with the intention apparently of picking their pockets. He had re- ceived complaints about five weeks ago from the stall-keepers of the market that the prisoner and another man had been lurking about the stalls watching ladies when they made pur- chases for the purpose of picking their pockets. Prisoner was dismissed with a caution, and ordered to leave the town., SHOP ROBBERY. William Adams, 20, was charged with stealing two pairs of trousers from No. 38 Castle-road, value 8s. 6d., the property of Arthur Joseph, on the 2nd inst. Arthur Joseph, pawnbroker, Castle-road, said that at a quarter to six on Saturday evening he saw the prisoner come to his shop door. Saw him t3ke two pairs of trousers that were hung inside. Witness followed him, and upon overtaking him asked what he had under his arm. Prisoner threw one pair of trousers down on the pavement. Witness took the other pair from under his arm. The pairs of trousers produced were his property. He after- wards gave the prisoner into custody. The prisoner was sent to gaol for a month with hard labour. ALLEGED ASSAULT BY A POLICE-CONSTABLE.— Police-Constable Mitcheil was summoned by John Connor, tailor, for assaulting him on the 20th ult. Mr. Belcher appeared on behalf of the police-con- stable. John Connor said that on Sunday morning, the 20th of December, at three o'clock, he had a dispute with someone in the street, when the policeman came along and, without first asking him to go home, hit him with his staff. Head- Constable Hemingway said that the complainant had applied to him in the matter, and, as he did not appear to be satisfied with his decision he had told him he hadibetter take out a sum- mons. The complainant in cross-examination said that he was going down the street to go on board a vessel with a captain whom he had been introduced to at the Independent Club. He went to the club about eleven o'clock and remained there drinking until between two and three in the morning. He had a fight with a man before the police-constable came up. He afterwards went into George-street, and commenced fightingagain. The defendant again came up and hit witness seventeen or eighteen times with his staff. The complainant asked to have the case adjourned in order to subpoena two witnesses. The Bench accordingly adjourned the case till Wednesday week. TUESDAY. (Before Dr. PAINE and Mr. FULTON.) A DISORDERLY WOMAN. Bridget Sullivan was charged with being drunk and disorderly on the 4th inst., and also with breaking windows at 26. Halkett-street, value 4s., the property of Joseph Hobbs. She was described as one of the worst characters in the district, and had committed this offence frequently before. She was fined 20s. and costs, or fourteen days' hard labour. STEALING GLOVES.—William Mock was charged with stealing three pairs of leather gloves, value 3s., from 34, St. Mary-street, the property of Messrs. Thomas Thomas and Son, on the 2nd inst. Detective Smith said that from information received he went to some stables in the Penarth- road, and there found three pairs of leather gloves in the horse bin, concealed in some chaff. He charged the prisoner with stealing them, and took him to Messrs. Thomas's shop, where they were identified. Sydney V.'ilkins, assistant at the shop, gave evidence in identification of the gloves. Prisoner was sentenced to one month's hard labour. WEDNESDAY. (Before Alderman M'CONNOCHIE and Alderman FULTON.) AN INCOREtIGIBLE.-Florence Jones, a miserable- looking young woman, aged 20, who has been pre- viously convicted eighteen times, was fined 5s. and costs, or seven days' imprisonment with hard labour, for being drunk in Stanley-street on the 5th inst. THEFT OF BARLEY.—Thomas Latey, labourer, was charged with stealing a quantity of barley from the B" Warehouse, East Bute P.alue Is., the property of Lord Bute's Trustees. The evidence was conclusive, and the prisoner was sen- tenced to five days' imprisonment with hard labour. MILK ADULTFRATION.-Eliza Johns, vendor of milk at 23, Eisteddfod-street, was fined 10s. and costs for selling adulterated milk.

NEWPORT. SATURDAY. (Before Dr. WOOLLETT and Mr. E. LEWIS.) MATRIMONIAL INFELICITY.—Thomas Powell, a labourer, of Machen, was charged on a warrant with assaulting his wife, Sarah Powell. Mr. Gardner appeared for the complainant, and stated that the wife wished the bench to make an order for separation in consequence of the continuous ill-treatment she had received at the hands of her husband. Mrs. Powell stated that on December 12 she brought her husband home from a public- house. He afterwards went out again, and as his manner was menacing the wife bolted tiie door in order to protect herself from him. When he returned he endeavoured to force open the door, but, failing in this, he got in through the win- dow, which he broke, and severely assaulted the complainant, whom he struck on the head with his fist. They had been married 22 years, and had grown up children. The Bench characterised the conduct of defendant as scanda- lous, but advised the wife to withdraw her appli- cation for a separation. Powell was fined Yl, and bound over in a sum of X20 to keep the peace for three months. If his wife again applied for a separation order the Bench said they would cer- tainly grant it. ALLEGED THEFT.—Thomas Hill, of Penhow, was charged with stealing a bag containing articles valued at 12s., the property of Mr. Cullimore, grocer, of Penhow. The bag, which contained two pairs of gloves, a silk handkerchief, a bracelet, and an ornamental slipper, was lost out of Mr. Cullimore's trap as he was going home from New- port on Christmas Eve, and prisoner said he picked it up. The Bench thought there was not sufficient evidence to convict, and prisoner was discharged. MONDAY. (Before Mr. T. P. WANSBROUGH and Mr. R. W. JONES.) A SUSPICIOUS CASE.- Frank Pendergast, an employe in the post-office, living in Gordon.treet, Maindee, was charged with stealing and receiving a duck, the property of James Herbert, of the Railway Hotel, on Saturday last. Five post-office men were in the Railway Hotel, Dock-street, on Saturday afternoon,and after three of them had left a live duck and drake which were left in the back yard were missed by the boots, Charles Griffiths, who saw a man vanishing with a bulky pocket. The boots followed, but the man got away as sharply as he could through George-street. The same afternoon Police-Sergeant Dukelow went to prisoner's house and found him plucking the feathers of a duck, which was then warm. The duck was identified as one which had been missed from the hotel. Prisoner denied steilihg the duck or buying it knowing it to have been stolen. He said he bought it from a man in the street who was offering ducks and rabbits for sale. It appears that the other two post-office men who went out with prisoner had not turned up to their work since. The Bench re- garded it as a very suspicious case, but the evi- dence was not strong enough to convict, and prisoner was discharged. ANTICIPATING A NEW OFFICE.—Samuel Hillman was charged with threatening Thomas Corner with a knife at complainant's lodging-house in Corn- street. Because defendant was refused lodging he began to breathe out threatenings and slaughter against the lodging-house proprietor, and hoped he would be a fireman in hell over him." The Clerk: Oh. an application for a new office. He was bound over to keep the peace and ordered to pay tile costs. VIOLENT CONDUCT TOWARDS A S'AHAMOCR.—James Lloyd, a Ilotorious fellow, was charged on a war- rant with t'vo assaults upon Jessie Lund, a prosti- tute. with whom he cohabits, and also with break- ing her furniture. He was sent to prison for a month. A HAD BEGINNING.—William Day, a dock rigger, was charged on remand with being disorderly and -iss, (assaulting his wife; also with assaulting Police- Constables Paton and Carter. He had been watch- ing the Old Year out and the New Year in, and when his wife complained of his late hours he assaulted her nnd created a great disturbance in Temple-street. Serjeant, Williams and Police- Constables Paton and Carter had to lock him up. He kicked the two latter, and broke the door of Pill Police Station, the Bench lined him 20s., or fourteen days. ANOTHER ROUGH FELLOW.—William Crane made his fourteenth appearance on a charge of being drunk and disorderly in Courtybella-terrace and assaulting Police-Constable Williams on Saturday night. Four men had to take him to the station. Sent to prison for a month. WINDOW SMASHING. Daniel M'Cartby was charged with being drunk and disorderly, also with breaking a window, the property of Caroline Stock, in Ruperra-street and assaulting Police- Constables Foster and Harper. He had to be frog marched" to the police-station on Saturday night. Fined 21s., or 28 days. ANOTHER SMASH.—John Johnson and Stephen Mellor Wvlie, sailors, were charged with being drunk and breaking the window of Mr. Ingleton, grocer, Commercial-street, the damage amounting to JE5. It was stated that prisoners accidentally fell against the plate of glass, and they were now prepared to make good the damage. On promising to do this they were let off with a fine of 5s. JUVENILE THIEVING.—Daniel Mahoney and Wm. Buckler, boys, were charged with .stealing a female's jacket from the shop of William Jones. Mahoney was discharged, but Buckler, who had been before the court on several occasions, was remanded till Friday, when he will probably be sent away:to an Industrial School. WEDNESDAY. (Before Dr. WOOLLETT and Dr. MORGAN.) IMPUDENT ASSAULT.—William Price, a plumber employed by Mr. John Linton, was convicted of violently assaulting two females, named Ann Lawrence and Agnes Eliza Davies, on Monday evening, and fined j61 and costs. SAVAGE ASSAULT ON A WIFE.-Edward Fitzgerald was charged on a warrant with assaulting his wife, Annie, on Friday. It appeared from the wife's statement that on Friday she went to defendant (who has been living away from her) to get some pawn tickets. He struck her a violent blow in the chest and turned her out of his mother's house. This was his fourth ap- pearance for assaulting his wife, and he was now committed to prison for two months. INFRINGEMENT OF THE HARBOUR REGULATIONS. -John Davies, master of the Bess Mitchell, was summoned for refusing to remove his vessel from the gridiron when requested to do so by the harbour-master. Mr. H. S. Lyne prosecuted. Defendant said he would have removed the vessel when asked if he could have got a tug to take her off. Fined 20s. THEFT FROM A PUBLIC-HOUSE TILL.-Samuel Colley, a smith, was charged with stealing six- pence from the till of the Ivy Bush Inn, Clarence- place, the money of Thomas Linton. Prisoner, who is a ticket-of-ieave man, with nearly 18 months of a term of seven years' penal servitude unexpired, went to the Ivy Bush on Monday and asked Miss Linton to give him a glass of beer for n penny, which he produced, saying it was all the money he had. She let him have the beer, and, after being out of the bar a little while, heard money in the till rattle. Returning, she caught prisoner leaning over the counter with his hand in the till. The Bench found him guilty, but, as Mr. Linton did not wish to press the charge unduly, he was let off with a week's imprisonment.

SWANSEA. SATURDAY. (Before Messrs. J. G. HALL and J. TREV. JENKIN.) LARCENY BY A LAD.—Edward Kelly, aged twelve, of 15, Tontine-street, was charged, with stealing a tin whistle from the shop of Charles Cotton, in High-street, on the 1st inst. Prisoner was caught red-handed by Police-Constable 74. He was sentenced to six strokes from a birch rod. ALLEGED THEFT OF WEARING APPAREL. Ed. Browning and William Harris, men living in Charles-street, were remanded till Wednesday on a charge of stealing a pair of trousers and a waist- coat from the shop of Mr. Samuel Lewis, in Alex- andra Buildings. POACHING.—Henry Evans was charged with un- lawfully searching for game on land in the occu- pation of Mr. J. Clarke, Oystermouth, and having in his possession certain rabbits. Police-Constable Herbert met defendant and another man, named Samuel Draper, carrying a basket containing four live rabbits and a number of hare and rabbit snares, of which witness took possession. The same evening he discovered about 50 snares of precisely the same sort set on the land of Mr. Clarke, Kittle Hill. James Veal, gamekeeper, also gave evidence as to the snares set on the farm at Kittle Hill. Mr. Glascodine, who appeared for the defence, called evidence to show that defendant was a dealer in game, and came by the rabbits legally. The Bench decided to convict defendant, and fined him £ 3 and costs. WEDNESDAY. (Before Messrs. J. G. HALL and J. TREV. JENKIN.) THEFT FROM A TAILOR.—Kdward Browning and William Harris were charged with stealing a pair of trousers and a waistcoat, value JE1 3s., the pro- perty of Samuel Lewis, tailor, of Alexandra Buildings. The prisoner Harris was seen about the premises twice on the day the clothes were missed. The other prisoner was proved to have pawned them at the shop of Mr. Siedle, and, on being arrested, he declared he received them from Harris. Prisoners were sent to gaol for six weeks with hard labour each. ALLEGED THEFT BY LADS.—Samuel Ramsay, William Jeremy, and Thomas Jeremy, three lads, were charged with stealing two pairs of gloves, value 3s„ from a glass case outside the shop of Mr. Lidstone, in Castle-street. The prisoners Jeremy were dismissed. Ramsay was remanded. COUNTY BusiNEss.-THEFT OF COAL.-Clreorge Collins and William Collins, two lads, were sum- moned for stealing certain coal, value 3d., the property of the Cwmfelin Tin-plate Company, and were fined 5s. each.

BRIDGED. SATURDAY. FOWL STEALING.—Jas. Duggan and John Lawler: were charged, on remand, with stealing two fowls at Aberkenfig. Duggan was fined 40s., but Lawler was discharged.—James Davies, a railway packer living at Stormey, was also fined 40s. for stealing three fowls, the property of Morgan Jones, of Llan- mihangel, and of William Morgan, of Marias, in the parish of Pyle. ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF NETS.—Edward Coleman, labourer, Bridgend, was fined 40s. for having in his possession on the highway nets for taking game. NEGLIGENT FARMERS.—David Thomas, Thomas David, Hannah John, and John Joseph, all farmers, 1 in the parish of Margam, were charged with neglecting to report that scab had broken out among their sheep. They were fined 10s. 6d. each. 1 ROAD OBSTRUCTION.—Lewis Joseph, Aberavon; George Joseph, Ken fig Farm James Blair, Ivor I Jones, and Henry Wood, all of Aberavon, were fined 8s. each for obstructing the turnpike road by holding a trotting match thereon on December 26. ]

LLANDAFF. MONDAY. (Before Messrs. R. C. G. DORNFORD and E. LEWIS.) GAME TRESPASS.—George Williams and Albert Fears were charged with trespassing in pursuit of game on the 22nd of December. Samuel Price, gamekeeper to Lord Windsor, stated that at about three o'clock in the afternoon on the date in question he saw the defendants at the bottom of St. Fagan's big wood. He was at the top of the wood. The defendants were ferretting. He col- lared Fears, and Williams, who ran away, was collared by another man. He found ten nets over the rabbit holes. The defendants had four live rabbits and a bag. The defendant Williams was fined 20s. and costs, or one month's imprisonment with hard labour, and a warrant was ordered to be issued for Fears, who did not appear. WEDNESDAY. (Before Messrs. RICHARD NEVILL, R. M'LAREN, and T. BUCKLEY.) A FOWL DEED.—Arthur Nurse, described as a labourer, was brought up in custody and charged with stealing seven fowls the property of W. Badger, and four ducks the property of D. Bowen, Penyfai. After the birds had been missed, Police- Constable Bowen and Police-Constable Evan Davies apprehended the prisoner near a rick about a mile from the scene of the depredations. On the rick were discovered the fowls, a gun, shot cannister, net, and a number of stakes. Prisoner was committed to take his trial at the Quarter Sessions the following day, bail being refused.

LLANDILO. SATURDAY. (Before Messrs. JOHN PEEL, J. C. RICHARJSON, and J. W. GWYNNE HUGHES.) POLITICAL MAD.NESS.-POlice-Conctable Poyntz charged Joseph Daniel, of Llanedy, with doing malicious injury to the house of Dr. Lloyd, of Ammanford, by smashing a window on the 4th of December, being the polling-day for the Eastern Division of Carmarthenshire. Mr. Brodie, Llanelly, appeared for the defendant. It appeared that the act was one of revenge upon the doctor for the active manner in which lib supported the Con- servative cause. The defendant was fined 2s. 6d. and costs, and 4s. 6d. damage.

MONMOUTH. SATURDAY. (Before Messrs. GEO. GRIFFIN GRIFFIN and Taos JAMES.) ALLEGED BURGLARY.—Joseph Powell, porter in the employ of Messrs. James Bros., ironmongers, and living in Glendower-street. was charged with breaking into Messrs. R. T. Smith and Co.'s ware- house and offices, in Glendower-street, on Friday night, with intent to commit a felony. Mr. Edward Bartlett, agect in charge of Messrs. Smith and Co.'s offices, deposed that he left the premises about eight o'clock. The office was inside the warehouse. The large doors of the warehouse and that of the office inside were both locked and secure. In consequence of what he was told he went there again about nine o'clock, and found that the out- side lock had been broken open. Prisoner was committed for trial at the quarter sessions at Usk, but was admitted to bail.

MERTHYR. WEDNESDAY. (Before Mr. T. WILLIAMS and Mr. E. B. EVANS.) ASSAULT ON THE POLICE.-David Thomas was charged with assaulting Police-Constable Alfred Jones, at Dowlais, on Monday. The officer stated that at about half-past four p.m. on the day in question he saw a crowd of persons around a woman, who was about leaving Dowlais for Aber- dare. They were hooting her, and she appealed to him for protection. She was struck by a female, wnom he took into custody, and then the prisoner came up and dealt him several blows. Upon this he let the won.an () and arrested his assailant. The Bench imposed a penalty of 20s. and coats, or 21 days' imprisonment. COAL STEALING.—W illiam Daniel and Mary Ann Griffiths, children about eleven years old, were each fined 2s. 6d. for stealing 401bs. weight of coal from a tip belonging to Messrs. Crawshay Bros., at Heolgerrig. Police-Constable P.irker proved the case.

PENARTH. MONDAY. SUNDAY DRINKING.—Frank Clode, landlord of the Caldicot Arms, Merthyr Dovan, was summoned for supplying drink on Sunday. Police-Constable ] Gill deposed that on a Sunday, the 27th of December, 1 he visited the public-house in question, and saw < Itobert Brock and William Fen wick and his wife, all of Cadoxton, in a room drinking beer. Defen- i dant's wife came in and said that Brock was a I ftiend of hers, that she did not know the Fenwicks, t but had asked them in along with Brock. The three then finished their beer and left, and witness noticed they were under the influence of drink. The Bench fined defendant £ 1 and expenses, and I warned him that if such a thing occurred again he I would lose his licence. t CRUELLY WORKING A UORSK.—Edward Morgan t was summoned for cruelly working a horse. It appeared from the evidence that on Monday, the ) 28th of December, defendant was seen by Inspector Riggdrivinga brown mareinabrakecontainingjflve passengers and himself. The mare was very lame, J and could hardly put her foot to the ground, and I on being examined was found to be quite unfit for work. The Bench said this was one of the worst cases which had come under their notice, and t defendant was sent to gaol for one month with r hard labour. ]

I NEWPORT SCHOOL BOARD. j SUGGESTED INCREASE OF SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION. An ordinary monthly meeting of the New. port School Board was held at the offices of the board, Stow hill, on Friday. The Ven. Archdeacon Bruce (the chair. man) presided, and there were also present Father Bailey, the Rev. T. L. Lister, the Rev. D. Edwards, Messrs. A. J. Stevens, R. Davies, Edward Thomas, M. Wheeler, J. W. Bebell, and S. Batchelor. MARSHES-ROAD BUILDINGS. At the last meeting of the board it was reported that Mr. Fawckner, the architect for the new buildings at the Marshes-road School, recom- mended that the contractors, Messrs. Hilton, be paid the amount of their contract, though he (Mr. Fawckner) declineJ to give a certificate that the work had been satisfactorily completed. On that "occasion the board passed a resolution agree- ing to pay the contractors the amount due to them, notwithstanding the withholding of the architect's certificate.—Upon the reading of the minutes by the clerk at the present meet- ing, the Rev. D. Edwards drew attention to the anomalous position the board ap- peared to he in with reference to the matter, and expressed his opinion that the board at its previous meeting had not fully understood the nature of the proceeding.—The Chairman thought it was due to the board that the architect should send them a certificate or state the grounds upon which he declined to certify the satisfactory completion of the work.—In the result it was agreed, upon the motion of Mr. A. J. Stevens, seconded by Father Bailey, that the cheques for payment of the architect and contractors be not signed until the architect had sent a certificate for the satis- factory completion of the work. THE CLERK'S LEGAL CHARGES. With reference to the bill of legal charges which was presented by the clerk at the last meeting of the board (through the Finance Com- mittee) Mr. A. J. Stevens said the Rev. D. Edwards and himself went through the account, the total of which was JE396. The first question which arose was upon what principle they were to determine payment, and whether they could recommend that Mr. Batchelor was entitled to payment as a solicitor for professional work. He gave them the terms of his agreement, but there was no mention whatever as to how he was to be paid. Nothing whatever was said about extra or legal work. It appeared, however, from what he said that some three or four years ago he was paid for legal charges. Their recommenda- tion, therefore, was that he be paid Y,300 in settle. ment of his account. A great deal of the account was for work that a non-professional man could do just as well as a solicitor.—On the motion of Mr. M. Wheeler, seconded by Mr. R. Davies, the report of the committee was adopted, and Mr. Batchelor accepted the offer of the board with thanks. THE AUDITOR'S SURCHARGE. The Chairman having read a letter from the auditor with reference to the surcharge made upon Mr. J. W. Bebell, the Rev. D. Edwards suggested that as it was the first day of a new year Mr. Bebell and the clerk should shake hands and make matters up.—The Clerk said he should be very haDpy to do so. He had prepared an appeal to the Local Government Board, which, he hoped, Mr. Bebell would sign, and he believed the result would be that the surcharge would be abandoned.—The Chairman said he had no doubt Mr. Bebell and the clerk would carry out, either literally or metaphorically, what the Rev. D. Edwards had suggested. THE QUESTION OF COOKERY. The Chairman said the next matter on the agenda was Mr. Batchelor's perennial motion upon cookery. (Laughter.) It had been placed upon the paper in accordance with a pledge which had previously been giv-,n.-Mt-. Batchelor, without discussing the matter, remarked that, if he had not the good fortune to be upon the next board, he hoped the chairman or some other member would take the matter up. SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION AT PILL. The Management Committee, in its report, re- ferred to the want of further school accommoda- tion in the vicinity of the Alexandra Dock.—The Clerk said the question was whether the board would provide an extra staff and ciass-rootns, or build a school. The school at the Alexandra Dock was quite full.—The Rev. D. Edwards said the schools were now quite full and building was still going on in the locality, and the question was whether they would have additional class-rooms, or provide another school, as was at one time suggested by Father Bailey, more to the south. If more class-rooms were built they would fill up the whole space of the playground.— Father Bailey remarked that the Boys' and Girls' Schools were not, he thought, over full. All that was wanted was a new class-room for the infants. He believed that they would have to close the Central School altogether as the new schoel in Bolt- street filled up, or turn it into a Truant School. But he did not think there was any need whatever of a new school at Mendelgief.—The Clerk re- marked that after the draft from the Infant School into the Boys' and Girls' Schools the latter would be quite full. The accommodation and average attendance in the three departments was as follows:—Boys': Accommodation, 276; in average attendance, 247. Girls': Accommodation, 241 in averaee attendance, 243 Infants': Accommoda- tion, 366; in average attendance, 406.—The matter was adjourned for further consideration. The Chairman intimated that an adjourned ¡ meeting would be held on that day week.

NEWPORT BOARD OF GUARDIANS. A QUESTION OF PROCEDURE. The ordinary weekly meeting of the Newport Board of Guardians was held at the Workhouse on Saturday last, Colonel Lyne, the chairman, pre- siding, and Mr. Edward Thomas occupying the vice-chair.—Mr. W. Price (Goldcliffe) said he wanted to ask the clerk whether there was not a resolution on the books of the board that no advance of salary to any officer belonging to the union be made without notice being sent to all the guardians. If no such resolution was upon the minutes the sooner one was entered the better. He was sure a resolution of the sort had been moved before, and he was equally sure that it bad been carried, and, indeed, such a motion ought to be acted upon. If it had slipped notice he could not think how the slip could have arisen. The point that he complained of was that in raising salaries without notice due courtesy to all the members of the board had not been paid. There had been a good deal of dissatisfaction ex- pressed out of doors at the action cf the board in the last instance of such an advance. He had received several letters from different guardians. The case he alluded t3 was that of the increase granted to Mr. and Mrs. Har- ding, of the Caerleon Schools. It seemed to him that the matter had been smuggled, and this, too, was the second time it had been done. He did not so much care about the increase of salary itself, but he complained of the want of courtesy to all the members in not sending notices out, as the board had resolved. The CHAIRMAN said he had been asked whether he was aware of the increase of salary, and he said he was not. There was no doubt a rule that when an increase was to take place notice should be given. But he did not know the facts of this case. Mr. PRICE said he was not acquainted with the facts, but he had heard a great deal of complaining about the matter, and he looked upon it as a sort of hole-and-corner affair. Mr. EDWARD THOMAS said he thought the board ought to know that when the increase was voted Mr. Bircham, the Local Government Board Inspec- tor, was present, and he himself recommended the increase, on the ground that the teaching of music was so efficient, and he also said that none of the money would come out of the rates. Mr. HUNTER said the latter statement was simply absurd, because all the salaries were paid out of the rates, either directly or indirectly. The CLERK said he did not think it was right for Mr. Price to say that the matter was smuggled at all. It was brought forward in the ordinary way. Be then entered into a lengthy explanation of the circumstances. He reminded the members that on one occasion a resolutior. was passed to the effect that before an officer of the board could obtain an increase of salary he should resign his appointment. That, however, appeared so absurd that the Local Government Board would not sanc- tion anything of the kind. The CHAIRMAN But that has nothing to do with this matter. The CLERK Yes, it has. It leads up to it. The regulation of the Local Government Board was that any matter of the sort could be brought before the Board of Guardians by one of the members giving notice at one of the previous meetings. It was not exactly right to say that an increase of salary was awarded by the Schools Committee and sanctioned by the Eoard of Guardians. The committee recommended that the Local Govern- ment Board should make an extra allowance to Mr. Harding as superintendent for the teaching of music. They also recommended an increase to Mrs. Harding as matron, and two-thirds of the increase would be paid out of the Consolidated Pund. There would, therefore, be only a difference of jE3 per annum to eome out of the local rates. The same course was followed with regard to the report of the Schools Committee a had been observed with reference'to other reports. The report was re- Ct-ived, accepted, and adopted, and, as part of the report, it was recommended that the increase alluded to should take place. If it were intended that, notice sho1 Id go to eve-y member of the board, some member should upon that occasion 1 have moved that the matter of the salary stand over and notices be sent out. It certainly was ] not right for Mr. Price to say that there had been 1 any smuggling or under-handed work. Mr. PRICE said he would stick u what he had already said. The mailer had not been properly brought before the guardians, and he moved that ( the resolution advancing the salaries be rescinded, 90 that the matter might be considered again. He 1 had not been in good health of late, hut if he had < known such a question was to come before the 1- board he would have ordered a cab from Newport t to drive him in. He did cot wonder at the inspec- tor of the Local Government Board agreeing to an increase of salary. The Local Government Board had several inspectors getting £ 300 a year, and they were bound to get their funds from some- II where. ( Mr. T. L. BAKER seconded Mr. Price's motion. 11 The. CHAIRMAN said the matter appeared to huve been conducted in the usual way, but if he had 1 Jeen present he should have moved to send a 1 notice to all the guardians that an increase of { salary was proposed to be made. 1 The matter then dropped without Mr. Price s ¡ motion being proceeded with. The CLERK reported that be had received no ] applications for the post of laundress at Caerleon < Schools, and suggested that the matter be referred I sack to the committee.—This was agreed to. I The number of paupers in the workhouse for the t week ended January 2 was 317. as against 301 in ;he corresponding week of last year; sick, 62; lumber of children in tha schools, 196, as against 188.

I THE MATRONSHIP OF THE MERTHYR I WORKHOUSE. THE APPOINTMENT UPHELD. At the weekly meeting of the Merthyr Board of Guardians, held under the presidency of Mr. R. H. Rhys,*on Saturday, Mr. Thomas Thomas brought forward & motion to rescind the appointment of Mrs. Turner to the matronship of the Workhouse, which was made a fortnight ago. Mr. FRANK JAMES, clerk to the board, said he thought it was only right that he should inform them that they had no power to rescind the ap- pointment therefore, it appeared to him to be un- wise to put such a motion, inasmuch as if it were submitted and carried it would be utterly inoperative. In his opinion, it would be pure childishness to pass a resolution which would have no effect, but it was a matter for the board altogether to S'iY what course they would take. Mr. James proceeded to read a letter from the Local Govcrnmf>nt Boud, acknnwle 'ging the receipt of a notification of Mrs. Turner's election and certain enclosures. Mr. Thomas, it appeared, had written to the Local Government Board, informing them of his intention to introduce his proposition and stating that the feeling of the ratepayers of the union was intense against the action of the guar- dians in appointing a lady wholly ignorant of the Welsh language, a knowledge of which was regarded as an indispensable qualification. The voting, he pointed out. was—For Mrs. Turner, 15, and for Mrs. Williams (a Welsh- woman), 13. Mr. John Richards, another guardian, had also written stating that great indig- nation was felt at the appointment. Another enclosure was the following resolution passed at a I mass meeting of Plymouth coiiiers and other work- men held at Abercanail on the 21st December:- That this meeting condemn ,ve h,'¡'1tm('t mane I bv the guardians of a pèr-on with no know-ige of tile Welsh language to the position of matron 01 The union workhouse, and authorises thr chairman and Mr. David Morgan, miners' agent, to memorialise the Local Government Board i:1 regard thereto, and hopes that the appointment may not be sanctioned, as it is a great in- justice to those Welsh paupers in the house who arc totally unable to understand the Engiish ianguage. The Clerk further read a resolution sent to him which had been passed at a special meeting of the Troedyrhiw Chamber of Trade and Ratepayers' Association on the 30th of December, protesting against the appointment and urging the board to re-consider their decision. Mr. David Morgan and Mr. Jrhn Jones attendee as a deputation from a meeting held atJAberdare "Q the previous evening, at which a condemnatory resolution was carried, and they were accorded an interview with the board. They mentioned that the feeling of the general body of workmen was strongly adverse to the board's selection, and that it was felt to be an utter impossibility tor a unilingunl English person to have the same sym- pathy with the :poor Welsh people in the house as one who could understand and speak the language. The CLERK, who was asked by Mr. J. Riciia, ds whether the appointment had been confirmed by the Local Government Board, said the Local Government Board could sanction the salary or not, but the appointment having been made by the guardians it was a contract with the officers, and, to put it straight, they could not rescind it any more than they could rescind his appointment. Mr. THOMAS said every appointment must be confirmed by the Local Government Board, and if it were not confirmed by them then eventually it became vacant. The CLKKK said this appointment wa? liable to be nullified by the Local Government Board, but, so far as the guardians were concerned, they bad made a bargain and they must abide by it. In was arranged that the matter should be fully discussed, notwithstanding the clerk's dictum, and Mr. THOMAS, in introducing his motion, said he did so in deference to the wishes;of the masses, whom the guardians had been sent there to repre- sent. Let him remind them of the past history of Wales. What had been herexpprience but that of a persecuted, down-trodden country, disdained and disregardedj The most lucrative appointments in all her public institutions, whether spiritual or temporal, had invariably been conferred upon Englishmen, Scotchmen, or Irishmen, whilst the Welshman had been utterly ignored in his own native land. Was that right or just? He said most emphatically "No." Why persist in perpetuating the disgrace ? Down with it. Let them, as true and loyal Welsh- men, band together and insist when opportunities occurred, as in this instance, that priority be given to the sons and daughters of Wales to occupy posi- tions of trust in our institutions. Let it not be said that they were cowards and traitors to their country. Therefore, it was with pleasure that he moved that the appointment of Mrs. Turner be rescinded, it being highly necessary for the peace and happiness of the Welsh portion of the inmates that a Welsh-speaking matron should be elected. Mr. J. OWEN seconded the motion, remarking that 54 per cent. of the inmates were Welsh people, and that, unless the guardians repaired their error, the agitation which had already arisen would become more powerful and they would incur great odium. Mr. J. RICHARDS and Dr. JAMES supported the motion, the former declaring that the master had in a sense dictated whom they should elect, and the latter giving expression to the very compli- mentary observation that the board showed them- selves almost fit for a lunatic asylum in appoint- ing to a workhouse like that a person with no ( knowledge whatever of Welsh. ] Mr. J. PLEWS said it was quite clear that as the matron had been appointed she could only be die- i charged by order from the Local Government Board, f or for misconduct, and would it not be placing i themselves in a ridiculous position to pass i a resolution which they had no power to pass, and which would be of no effect ? In making the appointment the board exercised their best discre- tion, and, the majority having considered Mrs. Turner to be the most fit and proper person, the minority ought with good grace to bow to their decision. The cry that Mrs. Turner was not able to speak Welsh was entitled to every respect. All i things being equal, he should think it his duty to vote for a person who could speak both languages but where things were not equal that question did not arise. So far as he could judge, there was no comparison between Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Turner. Mr. T. WILLIAMS, J.P., who thought it important that the matron should be able to converse with the Welsh inmates in their own tongue in times of critical illness, suggested that the guardians should represent to the Local Government Board what i he feeling of the district was, and let the whuie responsibility rest with thew. The CLERK said that if the board carried the motion it would be a very serious matter indeed, for no officer who would be app linted in the future would feel the slightest confidence that he held his office with any kind of security. It would be a monstrous and degrading thing it the board should, within this short period, rescind the resolu- tion that had been come to, and he should be very sorry to think he was the clerk of a board which would be guilty of such conduct. Mr. D. DAVIES said the people who were creating this agitation were those who were constantly trying to get up some antagonistic movement, and, amid angry protestations from those at whom be aimed, he asserted that the gentlemen at the board who were desirous to upset what had been done were the instigators of the indignation meet- ings which had ueen called to protest against the board's conduct. The CHAIRMAN said he should have completed his fortieth year at the board next April, and never during that time had he experienced such a pro- ceeding as they were discussing that day. He thought it was a most objectionable thing to attempt to upset an appointment once made, because, as Mr. James had pointed out, it de- stroyed the whole system of confidence between the officers and the board. He was told the new matron had conversed with every- body in the house, and had had no difficulty in making herself understood. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were at the house for seven and a half years, and neither of them could speak Welsh, and when they left Mr. and Mrs. Meredith came. They were there going on for 23 years, and he defied anyone to say that he bad ever heard any com- plaint from any pauper of any want of kindness on their part. Mrs. Meredith was a kind, good woman, who did all she could to alleviate the suf- ferings of everyone who was ill, and the paupers were very much attached to her. Why, after 30 years, object to an Englishwoman now ? If Mrs. Williams had been as eligible a person as Mrs. Turner, he should have had no hesitation in voting for her, but before they adopted a hard and fast line they ought to get persons duly qualified for the duties to which they were to be appointed. He believed it was contrary to law, but as it seemed to be the feeling and wish of the board that the motion should be put, he would put it. Tiie votes were then taken, with the following result. For the motion Messrs. T. Williams, J.P., J. Richards, J. Mills, D. Hopkin Lewis, T. Williams (Gellyfaelog;, T. Thomas, J. Owen, J. W. Janit-s, J. Gabe, J. Jenkins (Pcnderyn), Thomas Jenkins (Penderyn), -ird the Rev, J. E. Jenkins—12. Against: The Chairman, Messrs. D. Davies, M. Trunin, W. Jones, W. Beddoe, Howell Jones, G. Martin, M. Bates, T. Phillips, J. Plews, Lewis Evans, J. Matthews. E. M. Hann, R. T. Griffiths. T, Jenkins (Panf«cal!og), W. Bell, j. Lewis, J.P., and j W. Little—IS. Neutral: Tiie Rev. A. Davies, Mr. W. Williams and Mr. T. Rees. The motion was, therefore, declared lost.

MEIITHYR SCHOOL BOARD. At the ordinary meeting of th',s board on Friday, Mr. W. L. Daniel,chairman, presiding, a 1et.ter was read from the Education Department enclosing H report from her Majesty's Inspector, in which it was stated that the managers of St. Mary's Roman Catholic School, Merthyr, liad complained that many of their cliildien were not compelled to attend school when they had reported the cases to the School Board attendance officer. A list of absentees for prolonged periods'was given, a boy of eleven, who had only passed Standard II., being i»tated to be at work, and the department directed that the board should duly enforce attendance at tliis as well as at other schools within the district, The Clerk explained thar ill parents of some of the children referred to had been summoned seven or eight times, and that others had left the neigh- bourhood.—The Chairman !l1()'t"pn thar the clerk he instructed to report specially upon each case to the School Management Committee their next meeting, and that the attendance officers be re- quested to supply him with the necessary informa- tion in writing—Mr. D. Davies seconded the motion, and it was agreed to.—The Chairman thought it was only due to the board to state that they paid quite as much attention to irregular attendance at the Denominational Schools as at their own, and that it had always been laid down as a rule for the officers to deal with all alike.—The Clerk said he had written to the liquidators of the Penydarren Works calling attention to the dangerous condition of the footbridge over the Morlais Brook at the upper end of the works, and he had received a letter from Mr. Simons saying that if the bridge was a public one it did not rest with the liquidators to repair it,; if it was private the public had no business there.—It was decided that the matter should be brought under the notice of the Board of Health.

I MERTHYR LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH. I THE DWELLINGS OF THE POOR. The ordinary bi-monthly meetina of thin board I was held on Wednesday, Dr. Probert. in the absence of the chairman, presiding.—Bills to the amount of 12,486 15s. Sd.. were ordered to ba paid.—Dr. Dyke, the medical officer, reported as I follows There were 422 births and 362 deaths registered during the last quarter of 1885. These figures represent annual rates of births of 31 and of deaths of 25 per 1,000. The deaths in the several divisions of the parish were—In Merthyi Vale, 18 divisions of the parish were-In Merthyi Vale, 18 Merthyr town, 21 Plymouth, 24; Geilideg, 25; Penydarren. 27 and Tydfil's Well and Dowlais each 32. An epidemic ol measles in Penydarren and Dowlais occasioned 4C der. ths of young children in those districts. The number of deaths calculated on the estimated bumber of children therein under five years of age would represent the death of one child out of every 75. The schools were not closed in those districts. Measles were als" prevalent in Treharris. At the request of Dr. Leigii the schools wnre closed ana the malady quickly ceased to spread. Wboocing cough caused ten deaths, scarlet fever two, and infantile diarrhcea nine. During the quarter I have re ported to you about 100 building* as being unfit for human habitation. These were under-houses- places in which diseases are most prevalent an most fatal. There are still many hundreds t( report o:i." With reference to certain cottages in Bethel-court, Dowlais, recently condemned by the medical officer as unfit for habitation, the surveyor specified certain alterations and repairs which would ren ;er tiietn jit- for occupancy, and it was resolved that his suggestions should be enforced. Mr. D. Davies called atten- tion to the fact that there were at)-IUL 359 accounts stiil outstanding in respect of the general district rate made last August, and a somewhat si1I!J"u number of p..rson, in arrears with the water rate for the period ending December.—Mr. J. Jenkins said Mr. Goodfellow, l-he collector, had engaged extra assistance ana had undertaken to get the money in a" quickly as possible.—A letter was read from Mr. Goodfeiiow stating that lie had collected and banked £ 1,435 Is. 7d. on account of the water rate, this being the largest sum ever collected in one quarter. With regard to the accounts remaining unpaid, he proposed to sum- mon all persons in arrpar in fourteen days after service of demand.—Mr. Gur.son wa selected to supply the groceries required at the hospital for the present year.—Superintendent Thomas, D.C.C., reported that ten persons had been proceeded against for obstructing the highway, and 23 for either keeping or assisting iu the manage ment of t)rothels.-iNir. Stephens, clerk to till School board, wrote bringing unaer the notice o the board the dangerous condition of the foot bridge over the Morlais Brook at the upper end of the Penydarren Works, and the surveyor waf directed to report as to the cost of putting it into such a state of repair as would make it perfectly safe. A letter wns read from .Mr. Henshaw the general manager of the Brecon and Merthyi Railway Company, certifying that the board'- private siding at Doiygaer would be taken up The siding was saiJ to have afforded great accommodation to the board, and i-egret was ex pressed at the refusal of the company to allow it to remain.—Mr. Piews. referred to the dirty con- dition of the main street of the town, and'depre- cated the practice of cleansing it in the middle of the day, when there was a considerable amount of traffic about. The sur- veyor promised to give the mar .er attention, and he was instructed to obtain and submit to the board a list of prices showing the cost of revolving brusnes, with a view to one being purchased.—Mr. Harvey reported that the consumption of water, as registered by meter and for special purposes, during the fourth quarter of the year 1885 showed that 4,544.000 gallons, of the value of jE131 7b. lld., were useu for machinery and motive power, and 4,022,000, of the value of £ 129 5s. lid., for other purposes of trade and manufacture that the charges for water not measured amounted to £ 18 5s., and meter rents to £ 9 10s. 4d., making a total sum for the quarter of £ 288 9s. 2d. For the corresponding quarter of 1884 the total amount was j6285 6s. 2d.

NEATH BOARD OF GUARDIANS. GENEROSITY OF MR. GWYX At the customary meeting of the guardians or Tuesday Mr. Y. J. Gibbins moved, and the Rev. D Griffiths seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman iMr. Howe; Gwyn) for his liberality and thoughtfuiness :n providing the usual Christmas dinner of roast beef and plum pudding for the in- mates of the Workhouse and Cottage Homes.— Several members, in supporting the motion, spoke in very eulogistic terms of Mr. Gwyn, and stated that the dinner had been much enjoyed, and had afforded much gratification to the recipients of the same.—There was no other business of public in- terest.

DISORDERLY HOUSES AT PONTYPRIDD. HEAVY PENALTIES. At Pontypridd Police Court on Wednesda' (before Mr. Blandv Jenkins and Mr. Evan John Jessie Morgan was charged with keeping a dis orderly house.—Sergeant M'Donald said on Christ mas day he watched defendant's house from half past six to eight, and saw a number of men going in and cut. About half-past ten, with Acting Sergeant Menhennick, lie went to the house again and saw a prostitute come out of the house anc speak to a man. Tney went back together to the house. Fined ilD and costs, or two months. The fine was paid. Grace Knight was charged with a similar offence. Sergeant M'Donald, with Acting-Sergeant Menhennick, visited the house at 10.35 p,m, on Christmas Day, and found in a room downstairs ten men and two prostitutes. Fined 110 and costs, or two months' imprisonment. The tine was paid.

ALLEGED INDECENT ASSAULT NEAP NEWPORT, At Newport County Petty Sessions on Saturday James Reynolds, a young collier, living at Ponty- wain, was charged with indecently assaulting Rosannah Goodwin, a child ten years of age, at Pontywam, 1- Christmas Day.—Tiie prosecutrix deposed that on Christmas Day she was going on an errand to her brother's home. She passed prisoner on the road, and he stopped her and put his hand under her clothes. She was frightened, but sue managed to run and get away from him. —David Goodwin, father of the child, stated she came on Christmas Day and told him how the prisoner had behaved to her. Witness went to see prisoner about it, and he acknowledged the offence, stating that if he were forgiven he would not offend again. Prisoner was of weak intellect, and might not be responsible for his actions.—The father of the prisoner said his son was verv strange at times, for two or three years ago he had a severe attack of brain fever. He hoped the bench would consider this. The father of prosecutrix then asked to withdraw the charge and to this course the Bench agreed.

A RUNAWAY "PARENT" FROM RISCA, At Newport County Petty Sessions on Saturday Alfred Jones, whu aid not appear, was summoned to show cause why he should nor contribute towards the support of the illegitimate child of Elizabeth Haycoch. 17 years of age, of Eassalieg.— Mr. Fred Gardner appeared for complainant, and stated that defendant had run away to America. This, however, need not prevent an order being made against him. The defendant had been s washman at Pontymister Works, and earned good wages. His home was at Risci, and he woulc probably return. He loft the neighbourhood tht very day after receiving the summons.—Th« paternity was proved to the satisfaction of tht bench, and an order of 3.. per week made upon defendant until the child was fourteen years oi age, together with all costs.

ADMIRALTY A Rill T UATION AT NEWPORT. Captain Parfitt and Mr. H. K Foote have just concluded an arbitration at the offices of the New- port Harbour Commission respecting a collision which occurred on December 23 between the Forest Princess, a barquentlne owned by Messrs. Brooks, Jones, and C,1., nf Newp n t, and the schooner Morning Light,.off Barry. Hot h vessels were damaged, and the geutleir.on nan ted were mutually appointed arbitrators to decide wincii vessel wus to blame and to assess the damages. Messrs. Downing and Hancock, solicitors, of Cardul and Newport, ap- peared for the owners of the Morning Light, and Mr. H. G. Lloyd appeared for the owners of the Forest Princess.—In the result the arbitrators came to the conclusion <11<\[, the Forest Princess was to blame, but the question as to the amount of damage was deferred to an adjourned sitting.

OPENIXG VF THE LLANELLY NEW POST-OFFICE. A capacious and well-built post-office, inore in keeping with the importance and status of t he town tnan the unpretentious edifice w'hic.: has for years doue service tlierts has been adoed to the architec- tural possessions of Llaneiiy by the efforts of Mr. Henry Baker, the courteous and respected post- master. Tc commemorate the event, Mr. Baker invited the members of his staff—about 40 in number—together with some frier 3s, to a wll- providec dinner, which took place at the new- building on New- Eve. A couple of hours were, very spent or the occasion, ro customary toasts being honouted. At the close M e post Hi aster was agreeably surprised by being ma dt the recipient of a valuable timepiece- presentee to him by the staff as a token df respect Hrxj esteem. The inscription included the names of Mr. 1 fi-ed Owen. Mr. G. C. Mynett, and Mr. A. C Rowans, who, as the oldest members, acted in the capacities respectively of honourary secretaries uni treasurer. The g'f' suitably acknow ledged. Mr. Baker has been master at Llaneliy for the last ten years. and ras during that periot made a host of friends by his urbanity and kindiy disposition.

SHOCKING DEATH OF A WAGONER SEAR NEWPORT. An inquest was held at the King of Prussia Inn Liswerrv. on Saturday afternoon touching tht death of a young mnn named Sidney Promer, wagoner in the employ of Mr Ebenezer Phillip? who was killed on the previous day by being ru- over. It appears that as deceased was drivin ilong the road near the turning to the Slipway h fell off the wagon, and the fore wheels passed ove. his body. His head was also badly injured. Be. fore medical aid arrived he had succumbed to his injuries, and was conveyed to the King of Prussia. A verdict of "Accidental death was returned.