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glfrtlmr & Jbetta.
glfrtlmr & Jbetta. FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1863. 1 RECORDS AND RECOLLECTIONS OF MERTHYR TYDVIL. As the Brecon Railway is on the point of open- ing out a new world to Merthyr men, and of i sweeping away the old dreamy cohdition of things there, it may interest my readers to take a glimpse at the district as it was a hundred years ago, when our grandfathers wore long blue coats and brass buttons, tall hats, and other apparel of the same character. The same, indeed, as we '-all see occasionally when a fossil old boy finds i his way from his out-of-the-world quarter to Merthyr, and takes out his wedding suit, worn years ago, in honour of the occasion. One hundred years ago you might buy a sheep in Vaynor for a shilling. I can imagine the sen- sation this will cause. How many of my readers Will wish that he or she could have lived in such happy days. But then it is like the Irishman's Expression—" eggs were uncommonly cheap in Ireland, but the sixpences short," and so Vaynor sheep were plentiful but a shilling was a scarce thing, and men had to work a weak; to get one. Perhaps, and here I suggest a matter to the pro- fessional antiquary, the drinking habits of a cen- tury ago were modified considerably by rsason of the scarcity of shillings. Ale-houses were scarce, land I question if any ale-house keeper of the parish retired, as some of the beer-house keepers have. But when with the ironworks came more currency, the drinking habits grew, and Merthyr thirty years ago was such a place as Hogarth has painted. Sheep were a shilling, and butter Was fourpence a pound. Even at this rate butter could not be sold, and as there was more made in Vaynor parish than was consumed, the farmers would put it into tubs and take it on an old grey Dobbin to Cardiff. Taking it to Merthyr would have been, a hundred years ago, something like the people of Pontstikil taking it to Vaynor. At Cardiff there was a dealer who, the good people of Vaynor said, bought the butter from the farmers in the country round at the uniform rate ^f fourpence per pound, and "took it over sea." ■Perhaps (bones of our forefathers1 rest quiet!) good Cymro butter went to please the palate of the Saxon! Coal was bought for a penny the at Dowlais, and this paid a good profit to oldThomas Guest, for pits were unknown, and the level was simply a hole driven into the face of coal which had been exposed by the action of the elements. At Pontstikil, then a far lUore more thriving village than now, several tnen lived who supported themselves by selling Coal. They bought the coal in Dowlais for a Penny a sack, and sold it in Brecon and as far up Herefordshire as Kington, for lOd. the sack. tte of the old coal vendors told my informant t at their plan was to put a big lump of coal in the middle of the bag, and 0 then, when they Cached Brecon or Kington, they would give the sa.ck a good shake, and make it look a bigger sackful], Now," said my friend, an old dweller Vaynor parish, an engine takes more at one time than he could take in his life." It was a long journey from the Vaynor dingle to Kington, and the custom was to start in the fining with mules or the diminutive mountain es, each laden with a sack of coal; and thus tato ii-3 mountains they would travel, getting j~erefordshire in the course of the next day, S°W the coal, for which there was i ways a ready demand, the return journey would for more. The farms in the neighbour- ed were then leased at a very low sum, and D°Ut the time that the Guest family began to 1se in the world, the representative then, Tho- tnas Guest, made a great deal of money by buying the old leases as they fell in, and re- ting the farms at twenty times their old rate. U8 the Castle farm was formerly let for i'14 Per annum, and Blania Garth near Pant-coed v°r> for = £ 6. The new rental for the first was and for the second £ 120 per annum! a IS, my readers will see, was one source, and not a small one, from whence came the great eftlth of the Guest family.
p THE LOUNGER.
p THE LOUNGER. ger Ver^ a°e ^as its Spectator, Idler, Loun- '0r the like wandering, versatile writer who ned his daily or nightly observations for the interest or the amusement of his fellows. Addi- 31 the courtly, the handsomest gentleman and Purest writer of his age witty Dick Steele, fonder "f his flowing bowl than mental effort; prosy ohnson, with his Rambler, his love of a good mner, hot tea, and antipathy to fashion and cotland. Then not alone had London its perio- ral essayists, Edinburgh had its Mirror and its °unger, wherein Elizabeth Homespun and Si- Ulator chronicled doings and sayings, mixed ^ith pungent bits of scandal, and comments that 111 modern days would entail action and damages. We propose to have our Lounger, one who shall profit by the experience of past chroniclers, and give that essence of Town Talk which shall Ð.tnuse or interest without wounding any save °se who deserve a wound,* and by a wound may j6 I^osipted to amend their line of action and, lthermore, be neither so ultra liberal in the Passion of views that he may be accused of °a<*ying to working men, nor so high-churcli and ^°nservative as to be liable to the accusation of toadYing to the masters and upper stratum of society. much for promise, now for a sample of per- f0rmance. There is a prevalent rumour in town that ano- er newspaper is to be started. Upwards of s'Ki are Ascribed, and the intention is, if pos- £ 1000. The movers in the matter 6 no special literary predilections, but they ave a motive equally strong as an incentive—an mo lVe equally strong as an mcen lve-an ^na against the Merthyr Telegraph, called into by recent events in connection with the JyaX Carriage and the commemoration in Mer- But there has always been a party in Se6fV who have fancied themselves unrepre- Ca d"* ^ourt'1 estate. Our Grandmother of ^id this little business until a few years > and now the notion is strong that a paper of ^°nservative tinge is wanted, and would pay. \Ve ga^nj? Paft of the business is very doubtful. Iltaille if any paper of the sort could be and tlrQeC* w^lout ^ie of annual dotations, •^edon? s^eP would crush any attempt at A fe bought and expression. and earn ^ears a§° we were rambling in England, So iniuri 6 across accidentally a condition of things Crusadp> T \° PuMic interests that we thought a Denr/i started against it. Out came the loeni1 T an^ resu^ was that the Editor of Cambrian T>1rina* a letter, so redolent of the geolooio+ ? 3that he was astounded. Like a 1 stttQlWing over a fossil of the chalk in the Silurian, he conned over the wonder, turned it this side, turned it,that, and then replied, "My dear friend (he was. an intimate friend of ours), I like your letter very much; I really be- lieve it is called for but unfortunately the paper I am connected with is supported by a proprie- tary, and one of the proprietors is a brother of the man who is the mainstay of the nuisance This of course was a closer. Afterwards I found the spirit of independence was only allowed to ooze out when the interests of the proprietary were not concerned; then the Editor was untram- melled. So in Merthyr, a paper supported by a proprie- tary would lack a manly independent character. If a liberal-conservative organ could be made self- supporting, its chances of success would of course be greater, and from it more might be expected. L. 0.
ABERDARE.
ABERDARE. A correspondent writes :—In your account of the Rustic Sports at the above place on the occasion of the Prince of Wales's marriage it should have been stated, that the hurdle race was won by Mr. Morgan's Princess Alexandra." Mr. Watkins's Nell" passed the winning post first. but having gone round the hurdles was disqualified, Polly" and htttle Lady" were distanced. In the Pony race it should be stated also, that, Black Bess"—who did not start- was disqualified through being over the stipulated height, and not through having run the wrong side of the flags. FATAL OCCURRENCE AT THE GADLYS IRON WORKS. -An inquest was held by Geo. Overton, Esq., on the bodies of Thomas Williams and Joseph Jenkins, who were killed at the above works. It appeared from the evidence that the deceased with others were at work pulling down the bosh" of No. 2 blast furnace, when a large quantity of material fell upon the deceased, and they died on being carried home. The witnesses said they deemed the furnace quite safe. Verdict, "Accidental deaths." COUNTY COURT, MARCH 11. The sittings commenced on the above day, and were continued on the 12th, before T. Falconer, Esq. In the cause list were 23 adjourned cases, 880 new plaints, 59 summonses after judgment, and 7 scire facias total, 449. THE MARRIAGE REJOICINGS. During an interval in the business in the early part of the day, seeing the Rev. T. Price, Baptist minister, in the court, his Honour called to him by name and .said,—" You, I know, take a great interest in, and labour assiduously for, the promotion of moral and intellectual improvement. I-am induced to make a few remarks from the very gratifying im- pression left on my mind by the demonstration on the 10th. To see so vast a body of mechanics, labourers, colliers, miners, and other sons of toil shewing in attire and demeanour self-respect, and willing compliance with the rules of well regulated society, was indeed a pleasing sight-a sight in most delightful antagonism to what would have occurred in my more youthful days amongst such a multitude upon such an occasion. Then we should during the day have had brawls and fights, intoxication and de- bauchery at night all kinds of looseness and iniquity. On the 10th we saw a well ordered assemblage, en- joying their holiday with free hearts and merry countenances; the children of the schools a credit to their parents and teachers; and the whole a sure index to the wonderful progress of the adult and rising generation, under the auspices and christian supervision of men like yourself, who devote their energies and abilities to the social and intellectual developement of the flocks entrusted to their care. Mr. Price, in a few expressive words, thanked his Honour, and observed that he never heard the Na- tional Anthem to such perfection as when rendered by the multitude of young voices. 14,500 children entered at one gate of Abernant Park, and the scene on presentation of the Sunday School Bible to Mrs. Fothergill was truly soul cheering. IMPORTANT JUDGMENT REFERENCE FROM THE COURT OF CHANCERY. Isaac Donere Jenkins, executor of Thomas Mor- gan, against Gwenllian Richards, administratrix and widow of David Kowell Richards, formerly a miner, and John Jones. This was a bill filed in the Court of Chancery, January 6th, 1862. By an order made by Vice-chancellor Stuart, and by consent on the 27th day of June, 1862, it was referred to the Judge of the County Court, at Aberdare (T. Falconer, Esq.) with power to him to deal with the suit and the sub- ject matter thereof in the same manner as the judge might have done on the hearing of the cause, and it was ordered that each party might apply as advised. The cause came on for hearing at Aberdare in Jan- uary, 1863, when Mr. W. R. Smith for the plaintiff, and Mr. F. James for the defendant, were heard at great length. There were forty affidavits filed. His Honour in giving judgment said, considering that so far as the plaintiff is interested in the suit every personal object be could legitimately seek to gratify was obtainable in this court, it is to be re- gretted that these proceedings in chancery were in- stituted. The husband of Mrs. Richards died Feb- ruary 13th, 1860, indebted amongst other simple contract debtors to Thomas Morgan, since deceased, in the sum of XL31 18s. 6d. Of this sum she after- wards paid to the plaintiff the sum of £ 1. At the time of filing the bill the debt dble to the plaintiff was about .£20 18s. 6d. Mr. Richards, at the time of his death, was possessed of six houses situated in Mill-street, Aberdare, demised from the 25th March, 1828, for the term of 99 years. Of these leaseholds John Jones, one of the defendants, was the mortgagee for the sum of £ 169 16s., or say £170. On the 19th April, 1881, there then being due to the plaintiff, as executor, the sum of £ 20 18s. Oll., he sued Mrs. Richards, as -executrix de son torr,' and she pleaded plena administrant' of such goods as she bad- re- ceived. The C¡lU,.e was heard in the County Court of 17th May, 1801, and the brief minute of the judgment was to pay immediateiy as to the goods which were of the deceased and referring to a certain numbered form contained in the rules of court. On the 4th June, 1861, or seven days after the judgment, Evan Griffiths, a surveyor, gave a certificate of his valuation of the leasehold cottages to John Jones, the mortgagee, for the sum of £175, which sum of money be stated to be the ample value of the same, taking into consideration their very delapidated state. On the 18th June, 1861, or fourteen days afterwards, Mrs. Gwenllian Richards sold and executed a deed of assignment to John Jones of the residue of the said term of 99 years for the sum of £ 170. And berr; it is important to notice that the late husband of Mrs. Richards was the first cousin of <lobn Jones, and that he was the brother nf wife John Jones. The bill is filed in order that it shall be declared, that tbe release of the equity of redemption of the said leasehold was fraudulent and void, and that it may be delivered up to be cancelled. The rules of law affecting this cia-is of cases maybe illustrated by these authorities. If," said Lord Redesdale, there be two person;- ready to purchase—the mortgagee and another—the mort- gagor stands equally between them—and if the mortgagee shall refuse to convey to another purchaser the mortgagor can compel him, by applying the pur- chase money to pay off the mortgage. It can there- fore only be for want of a better purchaser he can be compelled to sell to the mortgagee. But courts view transactions of that sort even with considerable jea- lousy, and will set aside sales of the equity of re- demption, where by the influence of his incumbrance, the mortgagee has purchased for less than others would have given, and there are circumstances of misconduct in obtaining the purchase." (Webb v. R0rk, 2 sch., and lef, 673.) "So if one concert with an executor or legatee by obtaining the testator's effects at a nominal price, or at a fraudulent undervalue, or by applying the real value to other subjects on his own behalf, or in any other manner contrary to the dutv of the office of executor, such concert will in- volve the seeming purchaser or his pawnee, and make v him liable for the full value." Or as stated by Lord Cran worth, in the late case of Walker v. Taylor, in the House of Lords, (8 Jurist 684), "Where an executor parts with any portion of the assets of the testator under such circumstances as that, the per- son purchasing them must be reasonably taken to know that they were sold not for the benefit of the estate, but for the purpose of the executor selling and disposing of them for his own benefit, the result of that is that the purchaser holds the assets as if he were himself, in respect of those assets, the executor." And as regards the purchase of estates at an undervalue when the purchase cannot be sustained, the Court of Chancery in the case of Jones v. Ricketts (8 Jurist 1198), set aside the sale of a reversionary interest where the money paid was £ 200 and the value was £ 238, or a difference of £ 38. In the case of Foster v. Ro- berts (7 Jurist 480), a sale was set aside of a similar interest where the money was £ 370, and the value was £:100. or a difference of only £:30. It re- mains then in the case before me to consider the circumstances under which the sale was made. The legal rules which govern this contention are. clear enough This suit is not one for the administration of the the assets of Richards, and no order for the sc payment of the debt due to Morgan or his represents fives can be made in this suit. If the leaseholds were sold at an undervalue the defendants might have been made chargeable on account of their al. leged eoliusion, by a mere effectual process than that which has been adopted. The first question is, has the leasehold property been sold at an under- value, that is, simply sold at such a price as one per- son for special reasons might say he would give, or merely sold for something less than the sum paid for them, but whether within the fair limits of what'the courts have held to be a substantial difference of price regarding the variations of different valuations there has been a disposal of the property at an undervalue injurious to the estate which Mrs. Richards had to administer. Not, however, that mere valuation is at all times conclusive. There must be a discretion exercised in sales-there must be care and watchfulness, and there must be good faith. It may be difficult to ascertain the motives which urge the performance of various acts of life, but there are many disputed cases, the solution of which depends on the determination of what was the intention of the parties, (Phillips v. Bistolli, 2 B. C. 511), and it is constantly necessary to estimate the good faith or character of certain acts by the manner of their performance. First, then, as regards the value of the property. On this point the wit- nesses on both sides may be divided into professional and unprofessional persons. Mr.. Evan Griffith, a surveyor, valued the property at £ 175, and his valua- tion shall presently be examined in detail. Mr. Thomas Watkins, an innkeeper, values it at £170. Mr. Evans, a grocer, at £ 170, and Mr. W. Harris, an auctioner, at .£166. These speak for the defendants. On the part of the plaintiff, Mr. Morris says he is willing to give £24.0. Mr. Thomas, a grocer, puts it at £280..Mr. Williams, a grocer, at £ 220. Mr. John Jones, a grocer, at £ 240. Mr. Iienshole, at £25û. Mr. Gawn, at 230, which, in a supplemental affidavit, he says he would reduce. Mr. Jenkins, a surveyor, at £234, which sum also be would reduce. Mr. Charles, a builder, at £2;}0 or £ 240. Mr. Ro- berts, at £246. Mr. William Griffith, at £218, and Mr. Hall, at £ 238. This in a formidable array of valuers, but the number is very considerably reduced when the elements of valuation are sought for. In fact there are only four who express any particulars of their estimates, Yet it is not a fancy price which is sought after, but what may fairly from usual and recognised particulars of valuation be calculated as the price. Now it is admitted by all that the houses require repair. Mr. W. Griffith puts this expense at £ 27, as ah immediate outlay. Mr. Thomas Jones at from £ 40 to £ 50. Mr. Charles at X-12. Mr. Evan Griffith at ,£50. Mr. Roberts at £75, and Mr. Hall at £75. Secondly, Mr,. W. Griffith, Mr. Hall, and Mr. Roberts consider the annual gross value to be .±'31 10s. 6d., and Mr. Evan Griffith to be £ 31 4s. Thirdly, Mr, Evan Griffith puts the annual out- goings to be 1'6 4s., consisting of ground rent £ 1 3s. 6d., rates and taxes X3, and loss of tenants and poundage on. collection at £2. I should have thought something should be added to these items on account of annual repairs. Mr. E. Griffith makes the net income £ 25. Mr. W. Griffiths makes the outgoings amount to £4. Mr. Griffiths makes them to be 1'4 2s. 6d., and Mr. Hall does not specify them. Fourthly, Mr. Evan Griffiths values at seven years' purchase, Mr. W. Griffith and Mr. Hall at ten years, and Mr. Roberts at nine years. The sums of £ 25, £2ï 8s., or £27 10s. 6d. represent the estimated annual net income. Mr. Jones, the mortgagee, says the average net income has been zCI8 lis. Id. Mr. Morris, however, believes he has netted X30 a year. Thi-Jre is a dispute as regards the quantity «f the land valued and the quantity actually demised. The valuations may be most clearly expressed thus:- Mr. Evan Griflith. £ s. d. Sent 31 4 0 Outgoings 6 4 0 25 0 0 7 years'purchase 175 0 0 Mr. W. Griffith. Rent. 31 10 6 Outgoings 4 0 0 27 10 6 10 years' purchase 275 5 0 Repairs (immediate outlay).. 27 0 0 248 5 0 If in Mr. Evan Griffith's valuation his estimate for repairs of X50 is deducted, his valuation would be £ 125 and not £175. If his valuation is changed to 10 years' purchase, then deducting X-,50 for repairs, the result would be £ 200. But if the repairs are taken at the estimate of Mr. Hall or Mr. Roberts, the re- sult would be to put the value at X169 or £170. In the same way the estimate of Mr. W. Griffith, for- merly a manager here for the Ecclesiastical Commis- sioners, at £ 275, would be reduced to X200 by the deduction of J675 on account of repairs. His estimate is for the present value. The higher price in this case (above £ 175) arises from the estimate of the outgoings being at zC4 instead of X6 4s. The other estimates are these:— Mr. Hall. £ s. d. Rent. 31 10 6 10 years'purchase 315 5 6 Repairs 76 0 0 238 0 0 Mr. Roberts. Rent 31 10 6 Outgoings 4 2 6 27 8 0 9 years' purchase 246 12 0 Repairs 75 0 0 171 12 0 Mr. Roberts, however, states that the expenditure of £ 75 would make them as good as new, and then they would be worth £323. If outgoings of £6 for 10 years were taken from the estimate of Mr. Hall, the result would be £179. He takes repairs from his valuation, but Mr. Roberts has not done so, though had he done so at £75, the result would be as above, namely £171 12s. Mr. Hall, who is surveyor of the Board of Health, does not specify any outgoings. If £4 were deducted the difference would be Jess. On this state of facts I shall first take 10 years to be the proper, term of valuation. The second question will be, what is to be allowed for repairs ? This consider- ation is complicated by the surveyors, one of whom puts it in reduction of the present price, as Mr. Hall does, and some Treat it as an outlay productive of future increased annual value. If the rental will not increase from the repairs, then it must h", m reancuon or present price, as Mr. Hall has done, and my opinion is to this effect :-I adopt the higher estimates of Mr. Hall and Mr. Roberts for the full repairs of the property. There are six houses, and they are admitted to "he in a bad state of repair. The lait question is, what amount is to be deducted for annual outgoings ? Is it to be X6 4s. or X4: 2s. 6d.? The ground rents must be deducted. Mr. E. Griffiths has specified his estimate of this amount, and it has not been contested. The result is that the sale of the equity of redemption was not made at a price to authorise the cancellation of the deed of assignment. The affidavits in point of form are in the highest degree unsatisfactory in omitting a precise statement of the elements of valuation. I think an impropar course was pursued in the sale of the equity of re. dereption. So soon as the plaintiff failed in recover- ing in the County Court about £21 from Mrs. Richards we find her conveying tba equity of redemption by a private arrangement to the mortgagee. The person who comes forward to effect the sale is the mortgagee himself, and not a person fulnlling the duty of ex- ecutor. The price agreed on is fixed by the certifi- cate of Mr. Evan Griffith, procured by Mr. Jones the mortgagee, and it was not sought for by Mrs. Richards, who ought to have been protected by some person in. structing her on the safest mode of protecting the interests of the creditors of the husband. It is deeply to be lamented that so costly a process as a suit in Chancery should have been permitted in order to recover the sum of £21. It can oniy ter- minate in the distress of one or both of the parties. So long, however, as the law permits this game of beggar my neighbour" to be played, I can only call attention to the terrible consequences as they must be exhibited in the misery and loss of the winners as well as the losers in such a game. The setting aside of this deed of assignment would have put no money hy any order in this suit into the pocket of the plain- tiff. It would only be a preliminary step to the acquirement of that money which, even if the deed were set aside, might have been procurable by easier and cheaper methods than those which have been preferred. On the other hand, regarding the family connexion of Mrs. Richards and John Jones, and the violent baste exhibited on their part to conclude the sale, and to withdraw the property from any suit in the County Court, or from the claims of creditors, their conduct might reasonably suggest the greatest infirmity of good faith and honesty on their part. The decision, however, must be governed by the es- timate of the value of the property as explained in j the affidavits, and the bill must reluctantly be dis- j missed with costs.
¡ PONTYPRIDD.
PONTYPRIDD. THE GUARDIANS.—The 25th inst. being close at hand, an election in one or more parishes is anti- cipated. BRISTOL BANKRUPTCY COURT, Friday, March 13th, before the Registrar.-Re Charles Davies, jun., Pon- typridd, colliery proprietor. This was the first meeting, but as no creditor appeared to prove a debt, the conduct of the proceeding was transferred to Mr. Henry Brittan, the Crown solicitor.-Tuesday, March 17th, before Mr. Commissioner Hill.—Be William Rees Lewis, Trailwn, furniture dealer, beerhouse keeper, &c. This was an adjourned sitting for the last examination of the bankrupt and order of dis- charge. Mr. Trenerry, who appeared for the assig- nees, stated that the fresh accounts filed by. the bankrupt were not satisfactory, but as there had been so many previous adjournments, and it appeared the bankrupt had no means of filing better accounts, he (Mr. Trenerry) thought it would be well to ao- cept an offer the bankrupt had made to buy the book debts, and a small leasehold stable, near Trallwn, for £ 35, and would therefore not oppose the granting of the order of discharge, subject to the payment of this amount. His Honour said he had no doubt as to the legality of a conditional order, and suggested an adjournment for such a period as might be agreed, to afford thejbankrupt the opportunity of obtaining the necessary money. Mr. Press, for the baukrupt, assented to his Honour's proposition, and on Mr. Treaerry's motion, the meeting was adjourned to September 15th. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The weekly meeting held on Wednesday at the New Inn Hotel, was attended by William Perkins, Esquire, chairman, George Fothergill, Esq., and Messrs. Prichard (Lantrissant), E. Thomas (Lanva- bon),R. Jenkins (Lantwit), D. Davies (Ystrad), Davies (Lantrissant), Fowler (Lanwonno), Jones (Lantwit), W. Thomas (Lantrissant), W. Francis (Eglwysilan), Williams (Lanvabon), Reynolds (Caerphilly), W. Evans (Lantrissant), E. Jenkins (Lanwonno), D.. Davies (Eglwysilan), Bassett (Lanwonno), and L. James (Lanwonno). REGISTRATION DISTRICTS.—The question of the division of the union into districts for registration purposes, which had been postponed from, the last meeting in consequence of the absence of Mr. Davies (Cwm), was the first subject. Mr. Reynolds said Mr. Davies was again unable to attend, but lie hoped the board would give the subject their best consideration. He was still of opinion that the convenience of the union required four districts, and thought that if the matter was fairly put before the Registrar General that he would comply with their wishes. The Chair- man explained that the Registrar General had already examined the board's report suggesting four districts, and had replied that if the board would agree to make the division into three districts, he would ap- prove of the arrangement. Mr. Reynolds then said he was of opinion that the proposed divisions in the board's report were far from desirable. His parish was the remotest part of the union, and having always had a registrar among them he thought they had claims upon the board's attention, seeing the great inconvenience they must necessarily be put to if the proposed arrangements were carried. Mr Bas- sett thought they should act for the union as a whole and not for one particular portion only. The popu- lation of the nsaion principally lived in the valleys, and their convenience required consideration. He moved that the three districts should be :—1. Caer. philly district—the four town hamlets of Eglwysilan, with the parish of Lanvabon; 2. The hamlet of Glyn- taff, and the parishes of Lanwonno, Lantwit Vardre, and Lantrissant: 3. The parish of Ystradfodwg. He thought this arrangement the best. Mr. Reynolds seconded the amendment. Mr. D. Davies (Lantris- sant) after some remarks, moved a second amend- ment that the division be made as follows:— 1. Eglwysilan and Lanvabon; 2. Lanwonno and Ystradyfodwg 3. Lantrissant and Lantwit Vardre. Mr. W. Evans seconded Mr. Davies's amendment. In answer to a question the Chairman said the dis- tricts proposed by the committee were:—1. Eglwys- ilan, Lanvabon, and Lanwonno; 2. Lantrissant and Lantwit Vardre; 3. Ystradyfodwg. Mr. Thomas pro- posed that the committee's report be adopted, which was seconded by the Chairman. On Mr. Davies's amendment being put to the meeting, eleven hands were held up in its favour, and it was accordingly carried. RESIDENCE OF THE REGISTRARS.—This was the next subject, and Mr. Reynolds proposed, and Mr. W. Francis seconded, that the registrar for Eglwysilan and Lanvabon reside at Caerphilly, which was opposed by Mr. Bassett. Mr. W. Williams moved and Mr. Thomas seconded, that at or near Lanvabon church be the residence. The amendment was carried by six to four. As regards Lantrissant and Lantwit Vardre, it was proposed by Mr. G. Fothergill, and seconded by Mr. T. Jones, that the registrar live at Pontypridd. Mr. Prichard moved as an amend- ment that the officer reside at or near Lantrissant, which was seconded by Mr. W. Evans. Thirteen to two voted for the amendment, which was accordingly carried. For the third district it was unanimously agreed that the registrar reside at Pontypridd. PARISH REPRESENTATION.—Mr. Reynolds said in accordance with the request of a vestry meeting of the parish of Eglwysilan, be brought forward the question of having an additional guardian to repre- sent that parish for the board's consideration. On referring to the population statistics of the various parishes of the union, he found that Eglwysilan bad one guardian to every 1,600 inhabitants, while the whole of the other parishes were considerably stronger represented, by about one guardian to every 1,100 persons. Mr. Francis said a matter of much discontent in the parish was that it consisted of five hamlets, which were represented by four guardians, while the rule was one guardian to every hamlet. He believed that the elections would be annually con- tested, unless another guardian was appointed. The Chairman said the question had deen discussed very recently by the Cardin Board, when the Poor-law Board allowed them another guardian. He thought it would not be politic to press the question further at the present time. Mr. Reynolds expressed his approval of the chairman's remarks, and the matter was allowed to drop. OUT-DOOR PAUPER CHILDREN.—A list of out-door pauper children belonging to the union was ordered to be prepared, and it was resolved that those chil- dren from the Merthyr union who had now become connected with the Pontypridd board, should con- tinue to be educated at the expense of this board. INSPECTOR OF NuISANCES. Notice having been given at a former meeting for the purpose of electing an inspector of nuisances for the parish of Llanwonno, Mr. Bassett proposed the appointment of Air. Day to that lie said that that gentle- man had been connected witn the Higuvvtvv uuum surveyor for five years, during which time he bad fulfilled his duty very efficiently. He visited the parish at least fortnightly or weekly, and in his posi- tion, as surveyor, had the best opportunities, for doing the duty of inspector of nuisances. He was also an independent man, and one who would uot be influenced by the frowns of any individual from the execution of his duty. Mr. D. Jenkins seconded the motion. Mr. G. Fothergill proposed Superintendent Thomas, which was seconded by Mr. D. Davies, who remarked that the influence of a blue coat was more than that of an ordinary individual. Mr. W. Francis nominated the relieving officer, Mr. William Phillips, which was seconded by Mr. W. Thomas. A show of hands was then taken, when there appeared for Mr. Phillips 7, for Mr. Thomas 6, and for Mr. Day 4. The names of Mr. Phillips and Supt. Thomas were again put, when 8 guardians voted for each party. The Chairman then said ho had listened with great attention to the several remarks that had been made respecting the merits of those nominated, and was in hopes that the election would have been settled without his interference. He had been very much struck with Mr. Davies's observation regard- ing the influence of a blue coat, and without the slightest intention of discouraging Mr. Phillips, for whom he entertained a high opinion, he felt bound to support the election of Mr. Superintendent Thomas, who was, therefore, declared elected. The salary was fixed at X10 a year. COLLECTOR FOR LLANWONNO. — Some discussion took place regarding the election of Mr. C. A. Gwyn, as collector for Llanwonno. The Poor-law Board had received several letters upon the subject, which they had forwarded for consideration to the Ponty- pridd board. Mr. L. James, one of the writers, said that it was mentioned at a meeting of the board that Mr. Gwyn was elected at a vestry meeting of the in- habitants of Llanwonno, which be contended was not the case. Mr. Gwyn made an explanation, and on a show of hands being taken, only Mr. James held up his hand against the election of the col- lector. The appointment of Mr. Gwyn was therefore confirmed. This concluded the public business, and the meet- ing soon afterwards separated. HEALTH OF PRINCE ALFRED.—Prince Alfred, we are giad to state, continues to progress favourably. His Royal Highness is expected to be fully restored to health very shortly, when he will proceed to England overland. Amongst the numerous inquirie after his Royal Highness's health was one by tele- graph from the Emperor of the French. I
Idietwrai flciu.t .
dietwrai flciu.t Garibaldi's wound 00" ShUWli symptoms of an ag- gravated character. 0 Lady Westbury, the wife of the Lord Chancellor, is dead. The Prince and Princess of Wales returned to Windsor Castle on Tuesday. The Prince Consort memorial statue for Cambridge has been decided to be executed in marble. DA Confederate Bank is projected, to facilitate the monetary arrangements of the South. A War Office notice states that classes for the musketry instruction of Rifle Volunteers will be formed at Hythe and Fleetwood on the 8h of April. A second Polish manifestation has taken place at Marseilles, but the crowd dispersed on the appearance of the police. Applications for 92,000 shares in the National Bank of Liverpool have been made, and there are only 10,000 shares to be issued. A crowded meeting was held in London, on Tues- day night, to sympathise with Poland. The Lord Mayor presided. Mr. Bentley has just published a translation of Count Montalernbert's article on Poland, which has excited much attention both in France and Engiand. The Rev. Christopher Nevill, M.A., vicar of Thor- ney, near Newark, has resigned his benefice, assign- ing as his reason his repugnance to the use of some portions of the Book of Common Prayer. Mr. Spooner, M.P. for North Warwickshire, does not again, it is said, intend to offer himself as a can- didate for the representation of that county. The Italie of Turin announces that the men con- demned to death at Palermo, for having stilettoed several persons in the streets of that city, were executed on the 10th. The British residents at Valparaiso have sent 3,000 dollars as a first instalment in aid of the Lancashire sufferers. Mr. Weekes is preparing a statue of Hunter, for the Hunterian Museum Coilege of Surgeons, Lon- don. It is seated, and is larger than life. The Art Union has arrived from China, with 969,242 lbs. of tea, and the Chryseis with 543,871 lbs. of tea and 98 bales of silk. It is stated that Colonel Wilson Patten is about to be raised to the peerage, under the title of Lord Winmarleigh. The handsome bronze statue erected by the citi- zens of Londonderry to commemorate the public services of the late Sir Robert A. Ferguson, M.P., was inaugurated last week, in the presence of a large concourse of the inhabitants. The Bishop of Derry officiated. Private letters from St. Petersburg to the 14th inst., assert that the reduction of the import duty on sugar has been postponed to the 1st Jauuarv. 1865. Prince Christian of Denmark, accompanied by the Duke of Cambridge, and attended by a numerous suite, was present for some time in the gallery of the House of Commons on Monday evening. Lady Emily Peel, who is still at Nice, is so much better that her ladyship is expected home soon after Easter. The Earl of Derby is better. The noble earl is suffi- ciently recovered to leave his bedroom, and there is every prospect of his early convalescence. It is doubtful whether he will be able to resume his active duties in parliament before the Easter holidays. Colonel Lake and Dr. Cleghorn have taken steps for the introduction of the quinine-yielding cinchona into the hill ranges of the Punjaub. FALLING OF A CHURCH STEEPI.E: The steeple of a new church building at East Sheen fell with a tre- mendous crash on Sunday morning. The work bad been raised to the height of ninety feet, so that the alarm its fall occasioned may be imagined. Luckily no one was near enough to be hurt, but the ruins which fell in and around the chaneel boredown and broke a g eat deal of scaffolding. The directors of the Isle of Wight Railway (Eastern Section) have recently issued a special re- port, in which they state that a responsible con- tractor has entered into a contract to construct and complete the whole line from Ryde to Ventnor, a dis- tauce of twelve miles, with rails, sleepers, and per- manent way, including also the tunnel and a sum of £ 7,000 for the cost of stations, for the sum of £ 120,300, and he has commenced his operations. The clergy of the rural deanery of Leeds have addressed a memorial upon the mush vexed subject of Dr. Colenso's book, to their diocesan the Bishop of Ripon, in which they deeply deplore that there should have been found a bishop capable of putting forth such views upon the historical accuracy of the Pentateuch as Bishop Colenso has propounded— views hastily adopted on matters of the highest im- portance, and now put forth with a precipitancy for which even the author himself deems it necessary to offer an explanation. A letter from Stuttgardt of the 11th says:—"M. de Gunther, tutor to the heir presumptive to the throne, and chaplain to the court, has left to-day for Paris, on an invitation from the Evangelical Alliance of London. He will be met in the French capital by the other members of a deputation, composed of Englishmen, Dutchmen, and Prussians, who will proceed to Madrid to make representations to that court in favour of the Spanish Protestants who have been condemned to the galleys for distributing Bibles." THE CIRCUITS.—The long contemplated changes in the circuits are at last, we understand, resolved upon. The Northern and Midland Circuits will cease to exist under their present appellations. The counties which they traverse are to be distributed among two new circuits:—The Lancashire circuit to go to Appleby, Carlisle, Lancaster, Liverpool, and Manchester; and the Yorkshire Circuit with the assizes at Newcastle, Durham, and York, with those at Lincoln, Nottingham, and Derby, from the Mid- land Circuit. The remaining places on the Midland i Circuit, Oakham, Leicester, Northampton, aud War-' wick, are to be added to the Norfolk Circuit.—John Bull. SOMETHING LIKE A PICKLE TANK.—The Princess Alice, new at Queenstown, brings from New York a cargo of pork and hams, worth at New York about £ 16,000. The pork is salted into the lower hold, and the hams are packed in the space 'tween decks. The ship is, in fact, a monster provision cask afloat, and is the first that has arrived in the kingdom with such a cargo, stowed in such a manner.-Grocer. The person whose presentation at the late levee at St. James's Palace has been cancelled," is said to have been tried at Colchester, some few years since, for'a systematic course of fraud and swindle, and ou conviction was sentenced for a term of years to rvan'.l f f CO A VQ fid til' fi CO w p lack as other convicts doomed to iu« wmo mockery of punishment, and finally turned up by some means as the protege of a noble duke at the late levee. A superb dinner service in Sevres porcelain will, in the course of a fortnight, be presented by the Emperor Napoleon to the Prince and Princess of Wales, and a colossal vase in the same material has ¡ been ordered for them by the Empress. This will be adorned with two large portraits of their Imperial Majesties, and small medallions of the other mem- bers of the imperial famiir. A Gobelins carpet will be also included in the presents. The New York papers record the death of Nicholas Longworth, a millionaire, eighty years of age. He beg-an life as a shoemaker, and afterwards became a lawyer. In defending a horse-dealer he received for I a fee a couple of second-hand copper stills, and ex- changed them for 3a acres of waste land. This was the foundation of his fortune. He was a famous horticulturist, and devoted much of his time to the cultivation of the grape and strawberry. He died worth nearly 20 millions of dollars. A subscription has been raised among the children of Windsor for the purchase of a present to the Princess of Wales, and a very handsome Bible and Prayer-book were purcharsed and forwarded to Mr*. Bruce on Tuesday morning for presentation td the Princess. They were boiud in ivory, with gilt and turquoise ornaments. In reply to the Vicar, Mrs. Bruce says that she is desired by the Princess of Wales to a3k him to convey to the children her royal highness's tbenks for the present, which her royal highness will always keep in remembrance of them, and of the brightest days of her life. An action for breach of promise of marriage was concluded on Saturday at the Galway assizes. The plaintiff, Miss Lucy Evans, is the daughter of a gen- tleman residing near Tuara, and defendant, the Rev. Hardoe Fleming, is rector of Ballvmacward, in the ceunty Galway. The case on behalf of the plaintiff was stated by Mr. make, Q.C., who read several lelters which had passed between the parties, on which he relied as showing that the defendant had promised to marry the plaintiff. The father, sister, and uncle of the lady were examined, and proved that the defendant had admitted having made the promise, but that he alleged that circumstances pre- vented him from fulfilling his engagement, and also that the plaintiff had released him from it. After an able speech by Mr. Robinson, Q.C., on behalf of the defendant, his lordship charged the jury, who found for the plaintiff, with £1,000 damages, and Gd. costs.
SINGULAR SELF-ACCUSATION OF…
SINGULAR SELF-ACCUSATION OF WIFE MURDER. At tne Deal borough police court on Monday, Robert Webster was brought up under the follow- ing singular circumstances. Thomas Parker, 0 superintendent of police, deposed Yesterday the defendant surrendered himself to me, as having murdered his wife. He was brought to me by Captain Gay, from a ship from Newcastle, and bound to Catherine. I have written to the superintendent of police at Edinburgh, and I apply for a remand until Thursday. I produce the prisoner's first letter, which is as follows Ship Trenton, March 9. Sir,-A troubled mind makes me inform you of a deed I committed some few years ba.ck. for which my conscience will not allow ma to rest, I murdered my wife in Scotland, in Edinburgh, and II have escaped justice up to this time. I am miserable, and have no wish to live. What I have suffered since, God only knows. I call upon you therefore to give me over a prisoner to the authorities, or to some of her Majesty's ships of war. I give myself over to you. Captain Gay. as a prisoner, and no more one of your crew, for you to hand me over to justice. I have no wish to live but for the sake of my poor children. My right name is Webster not Guthrie. Forgive the trouble I give you.—I am, &c., "HOBERT WKSSXER." Sunday, 15th—My wife's name was Agnes Webster. I lived at No. 1, Danube-street, Stock- bridge, Edinburgh. I believe my two children, whose names are Jane and Isabella, are living with my wife's mother, named Jane Smaii, in the same place that I left them about three years ago." The following letter, addressed "To Resident Magistrate," was written by the prisoner on Tuesday morning :— Honoured Sir,—I am the unfortunate wretch who was brought ashore from the ship Trenton, on account of my addressing a letter to the captain when I was labouring under delirium tremens from excessive drink. I received a sun-stroke in the interior of Africa, white lion-hunting, and when under the influence of drink, mv mind wan- ders. I left my wife. Agues Webster, a few years back, through a family quarrel, and have been in Africa ever since. I came home to London about two years ago. I had written numberless letters home, but never received any repliy.. My wife used to threaten to make away with herself if I left, and on my arrival in England I heard she was gone. I was nearly out of my mind on hearing this. I made up my mind to put an end t<^my existence, as I considered myself her mur- derer; but from the state of mind" I was labour- ing under, I had neither the fortitude to put an end to my life nor to go to Scotland, and I gave myself up to the authorities. I have no wish to live if my wife is dead. If the law will not ac- knowledge me as her murderer, the Almighty will. If she lives, I will be too happy to return. to the bosom of my family. But my conscience tells me she is dead, all through me. Be kind enough to communicate with the authorities in Edinburgh, that my mind may be at rest. ROBERT WEBSTER." The bench remanded the prisoner until Thurs- day, i:\order that the superintendent may receive a reply to the communication he has addressed to the police authorities at Edinburgh.
Markets.
Markets. "l <T' LONDON CORN EXCHANGE.—MONDAY. Wa were heavily supplied with foreign oats, but the- show of English, Irish, and Scotch was trifling. Sales progressed somewhat heavily, at a decline in the curren- cies, corayared with this day se'nnight, of tid. to Is. per quarter. Gooi sound beans changed hands slowly, al tha- late decline in value; but damp parcels conimaudel scarcely any attention. The supply was less extensive. Peas were in moderate supply, and sluggish request, at -es. En,; about stationsry prices. English flour was inactive, but not cheaper. American parcels were a dull inquiry, and sour qualities ruled the turn lower. Indian corn was nominal in value. CURREKT QUOTATIONS, PUTY PAID WHEAT.—English Essex and Kent white, 40s to 48s; ditto, fine, 41s to 51s ditto, red, 42s to 46s Nor- folk, red, 40s to 48s perqr Dantzicand Konigsberg, 50* to 62s per 4941b; Rostock 49s to Ms American, Mrttite, 50s to 54s. FLOUR.Town,42s to 47s; Norfolk, 31s to Ms per 2801b; French, 33s to 42s per2301b.; American ( Uaitei States), 22s to 28s per barrel. BAELEY.—English mailing, 23s. to 42s.; grinding 23s to 39s foreign grinding, 23s to 25s; malting, 32s. to 35s per qr. OATS.—British, 19s Od to 24s Odper qr.; Russian, 18sto 22s per qr. PEAS.—English boilers, 39s. to 415.: maple, 35s. tt, 39s.; grey, 34s. to c6s.; foreign, 36s. to 37s. WKDNESDAT. The arrivals of English grain and foreign wheat are- moderate, but of foreign barley and oats large. To-day's,, market was thinly attended, and business in wheat, either- English or foreign, was very limited prices are unaltered from Monday. Spring corn was quiet at Monday's quota- tions. METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET— Mosna. The supply of beasts is again small, and the demand. is, good; consequently prices have advanced on all descrip- tions. The number of sheep is rather larger, bat the demand is good. We have a brisk trolde at higher prices.. Choice lambs are in request at fully Is. per lb. The num- ber of calves is unusually small. Choice qualities are quickly sold at high rates. Per 811). sinking the <s(Fal. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. 4-. Best Sets, Heret'ords 4 8 5 0 & Hif .brads, sh 0 (» ft ft Best Shorthorns 4 6 4 10 Long-wools. M i 8 Second quality bsts. S 4 4 C i Ditto shorn 00<t< Calves 4 ■» 5 6 Ewes and 2nd(iiriity 4 4 4 8 Pigs 3 6 4 8 Ditto shorn « tt 0 Dwns& Haif-breda. 6 8 6 0 Lambs I I 0 I LIVERPOOL CATTLE MARKET.—MONDAY. The supply of cuttle and sheep much less than last Monday. Demand good for beef, at higher prices. Sheep slow sale, without much change in value. PROVISION MARKET.—MONDAY. Butter Irish has been dull of sale and pricess irregu- lar. American, Gf fine quality, in. good request at 2s. to 4s. decline, at which considerable parcels have been sold fair business ls'^ouig "af "Zs^aArakkceV'tSiilS tfte"iYF5Vk>4fc closed quietly. Lard and pale Ha.ms in more request. Smoked hams dull of sale. TALLOW MARKET.—MONDAY. The tallow market, has been steady to-day. The best prices made last week, however, are liardy supported, 4Js- having been accepted for present, delivery, immediate ca«!u Not much has been done to-day, the trade being chit-fly occupied with the payment for tallow given oft on the 2nd. BOROUGH HOP MARKET.T—MONDAY. A steady, trade doing m most descriptions of hop-, at about the same prices as las- week. BRISTOL HIDE, SKIN, AND FAT MARKET. WEST.&TREET. SATURDAY. Hides, 9olh and upwards 1to lid per Hr. „ 851b to 941b —d „ 4 I „ „ 751b to 841b —d „ 3 |d „ 651b to 741b —d 3^d „ „ 561b to 041b —d „ 3|d „ 551b and under —d n 3Jd „ „ Cows' 2|d „ m „ „ Bulls' _d „ 2|d „ „ Flawed ar.d irregular —d „ —d „ Calf 171b and upwards —d 5 £ d „ lllb to 161b —d „ d „ aud 101b —J „ (Hd n 7lb and 81b 0s Od to Os Ud" in;, and under Os Od., Os Od If Wool Skins. 8s Id to lis Od extra Os Od cutei Pelts is Od,, Is 7d „ Os OJ- n ijambs 0s Od Fat i. to 3|d pet IW FOLlVi'ARD PEtCES UP TO THURSDAY. Wool Skins 8s s 0 d extra 0-i Od eaci;, peits Is OJ "Os Od Is 711 Lambs 4d to 0s Od per Ifc, Fat v. 3*d OJ. „ Fat Sale, 10.30. Hides and Skins, 115.
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Great Strength combined with choice flavour is considered indispensable in Tea; (liei-efil-e, to inslaret a good cup," young leaves only muit be infused. It is well known that the ingenious Chinese, with a view to disguise and get rid of brown withe-led ';Ofts, have long "faced" the leaf with mineral colour, can.- sequentiy it is evident that those who desire reliable tea mast purchase it pura ami undisguised such is imported by Horniman and Co., London; theirgreea is a natural olive hlle,-not bluish-it is, with their black, the strongest, cheapest aud best. Horniman's. Pure Tea is sold in all towns by chemists, & secured in packets. See our columns for list of IGfla.I.: Agents.