Monmouthshire Merlin

CHEPSTOW CHURCH. To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin. SIR,- Your correspondent, ''A Churchman," in last we^lt s MERLIN, asked a very proper quesi.'on respecting the accounts if the Chepstow Churchwardens, but a. I think he could have isked a few more with tqual propriety, ifyC" will allow me, I ""111 take the libeity of doing so. How many times has one of the present Churchwah. C°* been ,muggled into office, against the wish of a majority of fbe P'* ishioners ? Did he not last Easter beg to be allowed to remain in offic* ther year, as the Minister's Churchwarden, to have an op- t nu Put,'Df> b's house in order 1 "llas'he l'1116 ,0 d° s0> an'' 10 Pr*duce hi* 00WhJ hat »*t the K<pected Organi.t of Chepatow during the ast two years, pa,d more than one-fourth of Ihe salary promised him 1 obedient servant, I am, wr,yon» J A RAT £ pAY £ R> Chepstow, August 9, 1843.

FETING OF THE OOPPBB A WORBLERS. ^e'nS the Beveral deput ations from the respective I i^ y.gfT.^s upon the Swansea and Neath rivers, was held at In'1 'he > '^e res'c'ence of Col. Cameron, on Wednesday 01 L ^ugust* This meeting took place in conse »hn w's'' 'he men that deputations from the several jt'e,1en.U d be allowed to wait upon the Colonel, and lay a O'*8 of °u 'beir grievances before him. There were large m assembled on the Burrows, on the other side ol i(|.0tiel »8ea ferry this request was preferred to the gallant 'V'Ni)1 L16 rode by them, and in acceding to the same, e C'oiinV em in kitjd and forcible language, impressing upon l> DO, impottance of keeping the peace, cautiun.nf; lO admil among them any peisons who would seek o to political discussions, and from the simple kl SQ, Wages between their employers and them also that UDnU& proceedings on their part would inevitably dra« C 'hf Q "'em the vengeance of the law and tn any contest 1 *treaUuhorilies. lhey would find by Sad exPenenCe' thi' iha weaker party* # CN w u' ia reply, stated that on their part they had no in- Cyi ik bre»ki°8 the peace, or behaving in any way disor- C* 'hey had even placed a man over every troop o 2N O! *L ,f>ecial PurP°" of preserving order: and that it M; lhem 8°«drunk °r in a°ywi,e d,sorde,|y'he would V 6 Qu; 'Ur°ed out from amongst them. CVo^'H paaceable conduct of these copper workmeB \l "be "bole of the unfortunate affair, has hitherto been **°rthy. W. would earnestly counsel them to con- ''wring tinm that it i. the only proper and legitimate starts far them to partne, and tine ess, above all others, liksly to ensure their ease ft fair and attentive consideration from their mastei 1. The foli'dwing written communication was handed in by the mastei 1. deputation to Colonel Cameion — tue rcguiauuu 01 prices or smelting copper ore in every I b-anch of Messrs. —————. and ————— woris- Calcining ••••••< »..v« 94 for 2s 6d now reduced to 2s 4d Smelting irt.i24 „ Is 4d Is 2d I)o. metal. 23 Is 4d is 2d I Do. sla;a and metal 56 2s is 4d i 001 on an average, moire than nsne n:on|^a ou\ of twelve, owing to the work bfcltig so hard, and the repairing of furnaces. We wear out sis flannel shirts every year, atid three pair of drawers: three pair of shoes, at 8s, and three suits of working clothes; and we eat in two weeks as much as we ought in three, owing to our working by night. To Col. Cameron, Dan.y-Graig." These parties complained also that the men of one of the works were obliged to smelt 23 cwt. of ore and 1 cwt. of slags for the same price as 21 cwt. waS smelted for iil bthsrs, which made a difference of about trl in twelve hours. On testing this, however, by the statements of the men from other works, it was found that although it had proved a source 01 discontent among 'he men, it was a distinction almolt without a difference, inas- much as at the diffeient works the hundred weight and the too mean different things, the cwt. being at some the standard one of commetce, namely, 112 Ibs., while at others it represented 142 tbs. so that, in fact, the men are paid at some works a certain sum for smelting 23 times 112 lbs., and at others for smetting 21 times 142 lbs., which amuunt to nearly the same thing in the end. They complained also, that fthile the masters stated that the reduction proposed was 12J per cent., it was not so in reality, but was in some cases a reduction of 2s 6d, in others, 3s 4d, and in others, 2s in the pound and they say that as their em- ployers adduce as a reason for the present reduction, that the price of copper is now so low that they cannot afford to pay more, they would consent to it provided the wages were raised upon a regulated scale, as the price of copper rose—stating that they have been at the present wages for many years, and that during that period copper has been sold at £180 and £130 per ton, when they never asked tor an advance, but were contented with the same wages they now have and they also state that some months since, when the price of copper fell to about £87 a ton, they consented to a virtual reduction, although not in money, as the roasters then increased the weight of ore per ton from 22 cwt. to 23 ewt. of ore and 1 cwt. of slaggs, by which atterationthe m.. were given 1 12th more work at the same wages. The following is the statement made by the men at one of the works, which, although varied in a slight degree by the state- ment of the men at other works, yet the variation is only as to minor details, and therefore one statement will, for the purpose of our readers, embody the whole. It appears that in each copper work there is a variety of pro- cesses employed in converting the crude ore into the pure cop- per and that there are ore calcining furnaces, smelting ore furnaces, slagg furnaces, metal furnaces, roasteries, and refine- riel, at each of which men are employed in tht-ir various de- partments and gradations, from the inferior species of work up to the most finished and the best-paid parts of the manufacture. Colonel Cameron, who was most anxious that correct infor- mation should be elicited, kindly permitted each deputation to be examined on the various points at issue, and they were fully cautioned that if they attempted to deceive by incorrect state- ments, it would only lecoil upon themselves, as of course, any- thing which was untrue would be contradicted. We have rea- too to believe, from their respectful manner and their plain, unvarnished" assertions, that they have in no instance attempted to state ihat which is untrue. The first statement given was arianged under these various heads, and was as follows. Of course we omit the names of the worki. Copper Works. 8LAGG FURNACE. At the slagg furnaces there are 54 cwt. of slaggs worked in a charge, and two charges are drawn in 12 hours, for which the workman is paid 4t but which is now sought to be reduced to 3s, or a difference of 5* in the pound. This reduction has been made greater than others, in consequence of the masters considering the work to be lighter, but the men state that this is an error. ORE CALCINING FURNACE. In this process there are, at it it stated, live tons of ore cal- cined and wheeled away in 12 hours, for which '2s 5d is paid in wages, but which is proposed to be reduced to 2s Id or a difference of 3s 4d in the pound. aUTAL CALCINING FURNACE. To this furnace the men carry four tons and 11 cwt., each ton consisting of 23 cwt., the whole of which is carried by the men in boxes containing 1 cwt. each, in addition to 181bs., the weight of the box, and then calcined. For the peiformance of this work there is 2s 6d wages, in 12 hours, which is now proposed to be reduced to' 2: 3d. or 2s. in the pound. This work is described as being very laborious and difficult, as but little rest can be taken during the 12 hours. METAL FURNACES. These are very similar to the smelting ore furn ices as re- spects the payment and the work. And as regards the amount which the masters state they receive weekly, the employers only mention the highest wages which they are paid. At every weekly payment the workmen receive a ticket, which specif.es the amount due, that is, to two of them, for they work double. Five of these tickets were exhibited, which are consecutive, and according to them the weekly payments vary, as the allowing amounts received by the men will shew. The amounts for the five weeks are, viz.: — 16s. 8d. £ 2 10s. 8d. jgl 14s. 2d. £ 2 8d-lOd. £1 19s.8d. The difference in these weekly sums, we believe, arises from [he fact of the furnaces being out for a part of the time, or from their not heating as well at some peiiods, as at others, from which they inferred that their wages and work w^ie inde- finite and uncertain, and consequently would not adm of any ledflction-and that the average earnings of men at thr ore fur- naces did not exceed all the year round from 18s to 2\), weekly. Also, that the men cannot follow the work continue isly, in consequence of the alternate changes of atmosphere,) dm in- tense heat. &c., and the sulphurous smoke when tapj 1 ig the furnaces, causing great wear and tear of the constitution. The loss of time arising from these causes was estimated at between two and three months in the year, and which time was made up by supernumeraries on such occasions, and who, from the frequent illnesses &c., of the men. were pretty constantly employed in one part of the works or other. An enquiry was made, that if they lost so much time, and if their wages were subjected to such deductions as stated, how they maintained their families 1 The answer was, that they mutually subscribed to certain Benefit Societies, among themselves, upon the funds uf which they depended for relief. At another of the Woiks it was stated that they carried 21 cwt. of ore, &c«, to the ton, and that the cwt. was more than 1251bs. That in the ore calciner five tubs' full of ore were put in during the twelve hours, which wtre estimated to contain I'. cwt., of 125Ib!, each, and for working which they received ts. each. The employer did not propose to reduce their wages in money, but to put six tubs of ore into the calcing furnace in the 12 hours, instead of the five, and to P1Y the same wages. At the same works, the price for smelting varies for instance, if 2.. tons be smelted In the 12 hours, Is. 4d. per ton is paid but If, Lom the mfenor quality of the ore,or other causes,only two tons are smelted, Is. 2d. per ton is paid. And if the) should not succceed in smelting more than 1J ton, the wages are only Is per ton; and it is now proposed to reduce this scale ot wages, from Is. 4d. to Is. 2d. per ton, as the highest scale, and 10 downwards in propOl tion. It was also stated that at some of the works the addition of slaggs to the quantity previoustj used, has been so great that the work has been rendered much heavier, and that during the pe. riod of24 hours they remain at work, six hours are employed in carrying (at four turns of 1 £ hour each), the metal to the furnaces which they do in boxes, weighing, with their contents, about 1391bs. each load, and that the remaing portion of the 24 hours is employed in very heavy work, viz.,—minding the fires-skimming the melted metal-tapping the furnaces- wheeling away the slaggs. and charging the furnace, to do which, each man carries 26 boxes of metal, a distance of about forty yards during each turn. The complaints were nearly all of the same character except that at some of the woiks the men are employed both Sundays and week days, so as to prevent them going to a place of woi- SX following writlen statement of the men employed at one of the most extensive copper works, was handed in it com- menced by stating that the copper-men lab°ur for one, two, °i more vears at the works, before they even reach the inferior j f .l.. thpv then serve fur another or so grade of ore calciner—that tney i»eu o before they get to work at an ore furnace, and that they then spend nearly, or, probably, all their lives, at 'bat species of work, without rising to a metal furnace, &c. •hat not hall the number of men employed ever live to become ers, &c., the best paid portions of the work. Consequently. but few men get the high wages of which the Masters speak of, and that the employers do not either take into account the time tost by the men, by the furnaces being out of work, from want or repairs, or other causes, three months out of the 12 being thus, upon the average, lost. The document further gives the following as the scale of wages, viz :— Labourers, fiom Is. 6d. to Is. 8d. per day Calciners, 2s. 2d. 2s. 6d. — Ore Furnaces, Is. 4d. per ton, of 24 cwt. to the ton, and about 142 lbs. to the cwt., including the weight of the box. That sometimes they are not able to do half their work. and that when the masters speak of the men earning from it 8s. to £ 1 10s., and £ 1 12s. a week, they forget how very hard, and how many'watches the men work during the week. 'I hat lor those wages, they work not only the usual watches of 12 hours each, but Sundays as well. Also, that when they are work- ing by night they most have food as well as by day, wtnc must not be strong food, because they have no stomachs tor such food, their appetites being destroyed by the intense heat of the work, and the sulphurous smoke with which they are so constantly enveloped. No men were present from the Hafod Works, but it was un- derstood they would wait on Colonel Cameron in the evening, after which the gallant Colonel intends having an interview with the employers, with the very laudable view of endeavour ing to bring both parties together, and to put an end to the strike, which, if successful, will be a real benefit to all con- cerned. W e most heartily wish it success. TURNPIKE TOLLS. On Thursday se'nnight, a written complaint was made to the Magistrates of Swansea, by a great number of peisons who K.ain a livelihood by hauling coal for supplying the town. I ng Mr Bullen, the farmei of the tolls for the Swansea a f^nt wIth the exaction of illegaf tolls. The magistrates re- d.stnct.w.th heex^nt with the greatest cordiality and kind- ? pjad to find that they had brought forward their ness, and wer g bj an(j |awful manner, and assured the comp aintina peaceame immediate attention. Mi. complainants t ^end, which he readily did, and Mr Bullen was requ {| e complainants. 1 he complaint ZT,! 3.f toll" -tab M°. B»I1«b had rented of Hie t.uL'ees authorised him to take three half-pence only for every wustees, authorised ni sum was ais0 stated on the one-horse cart of coa' charge; notwithstanding that painted toll-board, as "^d a toll of th.ee pence he had for more than a year pas^.ex or every horse drawing;coal. Mr JJu Parliament, for his answer to.this charge, referred^ {o reduce th „ and contended that the trustees ad no po tQ d d to three half-pence that therefore ne «> the utmost toll allowed by the Act, namely p admitted that the scale of tolls let t0'1\l"'a"ilhVhe ma^is only authonsed the demand of 'bree balf-pen • g, .rates referred to Act 4 Geo. IV. c. 95. whe„rf,bfyha1' 'Vwed bv that any toll-collector, exacting a greater to Denaltv any order or resolution of the trustees, was habte to a penalty of £5. They signified their unanimous opinion that he had been guilty of an illegal exaction, and that they wei to fine him when the case was ready for adJu^ A hearing of this case was resumed on Friday and g unanimously convicted Mr, Bullen in the full pe y We hope this decision will give the public con^e laws, and induce all persons to bung their gr before the magistral* »rh» have thes shows tnemseive ready to give redrew. RECHABITE FEITIVAJ.—On Tuesday last, the first anniversary of the Newport Independent Order of Recha- bites was held in this town. The morning was very propitious, and at an early hour the loud and stirring music of the Cardiff Rechabite brass band of sixteen talented performers, attracted gaily dressed inhabitants and friths to rtltfless the streaming banners, the quaint erabiems, and the diversihed mottoes which accompanied the respectable and intelligent-looking body or men who had thus assembled to celebrate their first anniversary in Newport, At ten o'clock the brethren of the order met at their respective ten's, and having arranged all preliminaries, proceeded thence,, arrayed in their sashesi. and bearing their respective )ns)gnia.tn is I! in f.)r Ptoqtgqlon,opposit-. itie lown Hall. At eleven the procession was formed, and preceded by the band it murched around the town, through various streets, and at length halted at Mount Sion chapel in Hill-street, where the members listened to divine service with marked and devout attention. They were also addressed here, in an eloquent and forcible style, by the Rev. Mr Wood, minister, we understand, of the Teetotal body recently divided from the Wesleyan sect in Cardiff. His address was upon the principles of Rechabt- tisiii, and seemed to atford genera) detignt. The pfoCessioo then re-foimed, and walked through Fillg^eo!!y>, from whence they returned to the Town Hall, and then adjourned to the tent houses in Commercial and Llanarih-strects, where-in festooned and well-decoiated rooms—they sat down to sub- stantial dinners. At the dinner table in Llanarlh-street, Dr. Reynolds, of Abergavenny presided, supported by Mr. Ashton, of the Biistol society of Friends; Mr. Sanders, of Abergavenny, and other gentlemen and Mr. VVooiieit, surgeoti to the tent, ably filled t e vice-chair. All present seemed to bate it great love of the edibles, and certainly proved that if they are not the most cordial friends of the landlords, they are excellent supporters of butchers. At the conclusion of the dinner, the Chairman proposed a cold-water toast—"Victoria, the Queen of teetotallers which wa* responded to in a manner Pe^a''af the order, by three vol lies of clapping hands. Ihed'n!,6f tit the other tent house was got up in excellent style, an'1 was conducted with just the same routine of proceedings. At four o clock, the members held an open-air meeting in the square at Penionville, when Dr. Reynolds and the Rev. Mr. Wood de- livered forcible speeches to large audiences. At seven o'clock, the great room of the Town Had was thrown open for the use of the society by the kindness of the worthy Mayor. Nil, Ashton being called to the chair, opened the meeting in a sim- ple and appealing style. He introduced Dr. Reynolds to the audience, who were delighted by one of his usually happy and stirring speeches. Mr. Sanders, of Abergavenny, followed in an aigumentative address; after whom came Mr. Wood, who electrified the meeting by a speech of powerful eloquence and masterly reasoning. Mr. John Evans, block-make), from Car- diff, closed the evening's speeches by the plain advice which he, a reclaimed drunkard, was well able to give them. Loud applause was given to each speakei. Praise had been voted to the band in the orchestra, for its performances throughout the day and evening, and playing a farewell air, they re- tired. The meeting being about to disperse, thanks were ex- pressed by the clapping of hands to the chairman, for his kind services, and to the Mayor for the use of the hall. A host ot converts having signed the pledge, the meeting quietly dispersed. Excepting some rude noises, which some foolish persons persisted in making during the evening, everything passed off pleasantly; and the members departed with their friends to their homes, much gratified and instructed by this their first anniversary. NEWPORT CAVALRY AND INFANTRY BARRACKS. —The contract for the erection of these extensive barracks has been taken, we are hippy to say. by the respectable firm Messrs Rennie and Logan, who completed our floating dock in that style of excellence which has elicited the warmest praises of the many engineers and scientific gentlemen who have visi'ed t since its opening. The area within the walls will be about te n acres, and we have heard that the cost will be from X40 000 to £ 50,000. The expenditure of this large sum will be of great benefit, in the present depressed state of the district, to all classes of our trading community, but more particularly to small shopkeepers, labourers, and artisans of all descriptions. The work was commenced on Wednesday last, and about 70 men were put on. The foundation stone of the Baptist chapel, now erecting between St Paul's Church and Pillgwenlly, in this erecting between St Paul's Church and Pillgwenlly, in this ,own, was laid on Monday evening last, 7th instunt, in the pre- sence of a large concourse of persons, who repaired thither to witness the interesting ceremony. The ponderous stone was Uid by W. Williams, Esq., timber merchant, aided by Messrs. I' Theophilus Moiris, — Penny, Jan., and Wm. Thomas. Portions of the scriptures were read, and hymns were sung, dler which two very impressive and appropriate addresses were lelivered by the Rev. T. Morris, formerly of Charles-street, and ne Rev. J. Jones, of Crickhowell, and at the close a fervent rayer was offered, by the former minister, to the Great Head f the Church on behalf of their undertaking. The Rev. T. ilorris adverting in his address to his former labours in coo- isciion with the church at Charles-street, remarked, that his access was not more signal in the increase of the church and "ongregalion during his pastorate, than in the freeing that ,lace of worship from a debt of £ 700 within £ 30 and ex- pressed sanguine hopes that his labours in connection with the ("fcsent rising interest will not prove less sucCtssful; that he <Iall have the high gratification of witnessing a large church ngregite within the walls of the temple, the laying of the first sione of which they had met to witness, and the whole debt of lilC building removed e'er he should rest from his labours. The b ;i)dtng committee, in consequence of the intensely crowded it, etiogs, and the consequent almost suffocating state of the present room have made arrangements in older every way to t" nlUate the progress of the building, and hasten, as far as pos- sible, its completion. THUNDER STORM.-This town was visited by a terrific storm of thunder and lightning, which began at a very early hour on Wednesday morning, and continued with increasing violence until about half-past nine, when it began to abate, and finally ceased anout ten o'clock. It was accompanied by a deluge of rain. We have heard several rumours of acci- dents, but of nothing very serious. A correspondent who was travelling on that morning from Newport to Worcester, describes the scene as truly appalling, the lightning being vivid and inces- sant, and the peals of thunder so load, and sometimes exploding so nearly over his head, as to cause much apprehension for each succeeding flash. At Worcester he informs as, a house was unroofed, but he does not mention any injury having betn ex peiienced by any person. CRICK IET.-Afatch between the Newport Club and the Officers and men of the 73,.d regiment.—This match came off on Tuesday last, on the ground belonging to the club The day was extremely favouiable, and the field was graced by he presence of a large number of ladies, who appeared to take much interest in the game. The gentlemen of Newport came off victorious: the following is the score :— NEWPORT CLUB. 1st innings. 2nn innings. Latch, b Bisse 0 run out, Li'tlehales I). Hariliy, c Hall 3 b Littlehales } = E. Cairns, b Btsse 2 run out, hisse. •••••• E. Brewer, b Littlehales 25 c Littlehales VV. Brewer, b Bisse 9 c Bisse .1. Harrhy, b Bisse. 8 b Littlehales D, Prof hero, c Bisse 0 b Fitzclarence J E. Allfrey, c Bisse 0 not out „ it. P. Jones, c Bisse 5 b Littlehales C. Cairns, not out 4 c Bisse J. S. Allfrey, b 0 b Fitzclarence 6 Byes „ 56 W ide balls.. 128 56 1st 184 OFFICERS JIND MEN. P-. 1 l8tl"n,.rsY 2nd innings. Fitzolarenoe, b Harrhy 5 9 Hall, b Jones n KY J 2 Vandermeulen, b Jones 0 h iT! 1 Bisse, b Jones « ? Jronel1 ]6 Littlehales, b Jones 5 b Prnf|S 2 Eyre, b Harrhv "I « JE u 0 Bicknell.b Harrhy 1 I0C0T™ 0 Lov day, run out, Jones 7 c Harrv 4 Siinins. not out 15 ,V 3 Saunders on, c Prothero 15 c Jones 5 Boole, o Harrhy 3 b Jones 7 6 BTe8 y Wide balls ^4 Wide balls! 10 67 68 1st innings. ôÎ 135 Majority in favour of Newport JBATHER MATTHEW IN MONMOUTHSHIRE. This eminent individual, whose progress through England has been one continued triumph, is about to visit Monmouthshire, having been invited by the Abergavenny Teetotal Society. The apos- tle of temperance has addressed the following letter to the Se- cretary of the above Society London, August 7, t843 My dear Friend,-It will afford me grelt pleasure to be able to visit Abergavenny, and I only regret that I cannot at once com- ply with the invitation of my ftiends. Assoon as prior engage- ments will permit, or as soon as I find a vacant day, you shall have early information of it. In haste, I am, dear sir, yours devotedly, THEOBALD MATTHBW." On Tuesday se'nnight, about forty brothers of the Friend in i\eed Lodge, Garndiffath, met at the Victoria Lodge Room, King's Head Inn, Usk, and from thence pro. ceeded (accompanied by several brothers of that lodge), to Llanishen, to follow the remains of Brother Gibbon to the grave. The service was performed by the Rev. H. Warrilow, in a most impressive manner, and subsequently the funeral ser. vice of the order was read by P.G. Charles Harper, which eli- cited the greatest sympathy and attention from a very numerous assembly. On Monday, the 31st ult., the brothers of the Friend in Need Lodge of the 1.0. of O.F., Llaotillton Cres- senny, met at the house of Host Morgan, to celebiate their first anniversary, when they were joined by several brothers from the Grosmont, Loyal Victoria, Usk, and Rock of Blaen- dare Lodges, from whence they walked in procession to Church and heard an excellent sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Da- vies, from the 35th verse of the 13th chapter of the Gospel of St. John. By this shall all men know that ye are my disci- ples if ye have love one to another," in which he dwelt at greal length on the benefits arising from united and brotherly love. The procession afterwards returned to the Lodge-room to enjoy a capital dinner, provided for the occasion, by the wor'hy host. The (haIr was filled by the Rev. Mr. Davies. supported by Brother Phillips, P.GM. of he Kentchurch district, in tile vice-chair. The greatest regularity and decorum were main- tained on the occasion by every brother of the order, and all left at an early hour in the evening. Mr. Thomas James, of the Goytre, had some wether sheep brought from the mountain to his barn, on the 12th ult., for the purpose of shearing, after which they were hurdled off in a corner, and when they had all been shorn, they were turned out to the hill again. On the 29th ult., some iambs were taken to the barn, for the purpose of undergoing fhe same operation as the sheep had, when their bleating was faInt Y an swered by a poor prisoner, which, in the attempt 10 acC°™^7 his companions, had unfortunately been caught by » lar& die which had fallen upon him, and confined him l" & eD, spot until that time being 17 days without any D°u whatever. The poor animal being released, the. s0" turn j," James (an intelligent youth), took the P^80"" grazing in to bare pasture for the first day, since which »t.is « he»ed good grass, and has quite recovered the effects of i« b diiclirigorous tast. It „ a welher sheep. Kmirhood. The harvest is beginning in our ne,ght^Dnckpool They are reaping wfeeat to day in a 00 Farm, An inqutst WAS held last Wednesday, at the George Inn, Blackwood, before William Brewer, Esq, and a respectable jury, 0n the body of Samuel Perkins, aged 41, a collier, who unfortunately met his death by the blow of a stone, which accidentally fell from the top, or the root above, at Tynyllwyre colliery. The poor fellow survived the dreadful blow about three hours, when death put an end to his sufferings, ffs 11M left a widow and six small children to deplore his untimely ioss. the Jury returned a verdict of j *• accidental death." j SHOCKING ACCIDENT.—On Friday evening last, a young man named James Gardiner, of Doward, nearMon- mouth, met with a sad accident at Monmouth, whilst in charge of 8 float, which he was taking down the river Wye. It appears that on nesffng th's bridge, the steersman gave an erroneous di- tection to the men w&'c'KCJTtrsed them to bring the float in con- tact with the bridge. Gardiner, wJvo'wtfs on one of the timbers, attemp ed to jump into the boat, but miasi'ng his leap, he got jammed between the raft and the bridge, by which fo-ir of his iibs were broken, and other parts of his body much mutilated. G. Wilson, Esq., promptly attended the sufferer, and although for some days his lite was despaired of, yet by the unremitting kindness and skill of his medical attendant, he ts, under Divine Providence, likely to recover .11 ^feve'ral accidents occurred in the neighbourhood of Monmouth, ad Y?edfresday morning, from the effects of the awful storm, accompanied tfiih thonderand lightning, which so extensively prevailed over this part of the coontry. fhe thun- der clap" were alarmingly loud, and the lightning most vivid. At Hedbrook the chapel of ea-e was very much lojUied. Ai <he west end, the wood work which piotected the hell was slu vered fo stemj bv the lightning, which was attracted, doubtless, by the latter, '/be v»jfid5w immediately under it was forced into the chapel, and of cotfrsS, completely destroyed, as was also another at the side. Large fragments of plastering were scattered across the turnpike road with great »iolence, and the p'j!«''t inside the chapel was much broken. The walls appear to have been shaken to their foundations. The chapel, which is used during the week as a school room, was occupied at the time by the children but although many of them were struck by portions of glaw and plasteting, yet not ons of their number was hurt. Great consternation prevailed in the village, and several females suffered severely from fright. At Penalt, on the opposite side of the river, two calves were killed, belonging to Mr Philip Williams, and a boy was much injured. Goodrich Church and the Forest New Church were also much injured by the lightning. On Monday last the Druids of Monmouth, accompanied by a party of friend# to the number of nearly one hundred, went for a water exciifs'eri tf> the rains of Goodrich Castle. A barge was fitted up for the o'cifasSon, and the excel- lent Redbrook band was in attendance, wbosti varied airs, as thev eolioed from the massive rocks which overhung the wooded sides ol New Weir, and other parts of the river, afforded moch animation, and delight to the party, Afterpartakiogofa boun- tiful repast at the rains, dancing commenced, and vv»? kppt "P with spirit for some time. Other amasemcnis followed, an,. tbe delighted pic nic party returned at a late hour. much gratified with their day's festivities, which passed off very pleasantly. On Monday morning last great excitement was caused at Brockweir, by the melancholy intelligence that Mrs. Tippett, wile of Mr. Tippett, foreman to iMr. SWift, hllo hanged herself. Her bereaved husband had left her in bed at his usual lill,e of rising, and on returning to bis house at the breakfast hour, he for some time wailed her appearance. At length he sent the servant to call her, who toond the bedroom door locked, and heing alarmed at so unusual a circumstance, she called her master, who was horrified at seeing, through the keyhole, his poor wife hanging from the bed post. 011 breaking open the door, she was found quite dead. The deceased had suffered for some time from depressed spirits, but nothing unusual was lat- terly perceived HI her manner. On Tuesday last, an elderly man named Williams, in the employ of Mr. Purchas, of Landoga, whilst loading a waggon, lell backward to the ground, and so severely injured his spine, that he survived only unrillhe following day, leaving a bereaved widow and a large family. MERTHYK.—The anniversary of the Firemens' Society was held on Saturday last, and Cyfarthfa and neigh- bourhood presented a very animated appearance. Between 11 and 12 o'clock hundreds of people of both sexes, young and old, were seen running in breathless haste towards the Lamb and Flag Inn, where the society is held. Precisely at 12. the members of the newly formed society, amounting to about 200, were on the road, preceded by the Cyfarthfa band. They started in good order, the band playing most admirably, and proceeded up '.he Brecon road, and went through the northern lodge to Cyfarthfa Castle, to meet their benevolent president, Robert Crawshay, Esq. Here the members, who were all well-dressed, wearing white trowsers, were carefully inspected by the visitors at the castle, who expressed themselves highly pleased with the sight of so many having united loge her to provide a fund to assist each other in sickness. It betnt; now half-past 12, they left the castle in the following order:—Thret men with a large banner, (there being no less than eight in the procession); the band R. Crawshay, Esq., and E. Davies, Esq., surgeon of the works; the agents, clerks, and the other members of the society. In this manner they moved down the Bandy road, through Tydfil and H)gh.streets,to Menhyr church, where the Rev. T. Harries, assistant-curate, read the service in Welsh, in a very imp:e-sive manner, and deliveied a short dis. course in the same language. He was followed by the Rev. T. Williams, curate, who preaahed an excellent sermon in Eng. lish. Divine service being ended, they lelt the church in tht- same order, and returned through Bridge-sireet, over the iron bridge, up Dynevcr street. George Town, by Cyfarihfa Office and once more by Cyfarlhfa Castle, where the band played se- veral favourite tunes. We may remark that the streets were lined with thousaads of spectators anxious to see the club, and hear the band playing. At four o'clock they started to the Lamb and Flag to dinner, .vhere grace was said by ihe Rev. T. Williams, and full justice was done to the good things provided for the occasion. It was delightful to see Robert Crawshay, I Esq., presiding over his woikmen and brethren. The cloth having heen removed, he was called upon to take tile chair, Rnd spoke to an admirrble sfyiff ofiT'fTie duty áDd advantage of mas ter and men uniting to promote the imeiest of each other, and of his intention to exert his influence to extend (tie benefits of the institution, the first anniversary of which they were comme morating that daT. It is needless to say that his health wa, drank with the most enthusiastic cheers. He was followed by E. Davies, Esq,.8urgeon, Mr. Stephen the cashier, &c. Mr Crawshay furl her strictly enjoined his men to keep within the bounds of moderation, and to show by their good conduct that they were worrbJ of the attention and kindness he bad the plea- sure of mamfestiig towards them. Flour contiiues to be sold at 5s. 3d. per 28 Ibs. It is truly affliciiig to see our industrious population famishing for lack of bread while the unjust laws enacted by monopolist and landlord pallamens, exclude the superabundant corn 01 other countries, vhich are really to exchange with us their sur- plus foori, and ta.e in return thaI iron. now lying to the amount of thousands 01 tins on our yards and wharfs. The weathff during some part øf this week has been favourable or harvest. It is supposed that the gieatei part of the hav wll be housed In good condition. The Ivorites of Morlais Castle had their anniver- sary on Monday,and appeared very respectable. The RechaHtes met at their tent-room near the Market-square, In Monday, and, having formed themselve, imo a processiot. and walked to Hermon Chapel, Dowlais where Mr. John Davies, one of the members, delivered a dis- course replete wi h sound sense and scriptural arguments on tht- principles of temperance, and the duty of every rational being 10 provide for thecasualties of accidents and sickness. Rumour is afloat that appScation has been made to Fither Matthew to visit Merthyr, but we cannot vouch for its authenticity. The inhuman monster who had the hardihood to strike his own father last Saturday, at Merthyr, and then threw him in the water course has not yet been taken. The old man's life has been saved by the kindness of those who helped him out of the waler. Between eleven and twelve o'clock on Thurs- day the 3rd inst, in a mine level near Merthyr, a man named Richard Jones had his leg broken by a (all upon him of severa! tons of rubbish. On Tuesday last the members of the Cardiff New Inn club of Ivorites perambulated the town in their full pgrapbarnalia, aDd attended divine service at St. John's church, after which they dined off the fat of the land, and spent the day merrily yet soberly. CHEPSTOW.—Boat Race.—On Saturday last, a spirited affair in the shape of a boat race came off on the river Severn, between the boatmen at the New Passage and the Custom House men at Beechley. It appears that the contend- 109 parties have long wished to test, not only their own skill, but the qualities of their boats, and the trial look place on the day stated. The start was from Black Rock, crossing the Se- vern to Aust, then passing tound a flag-boat, and re-crossing the Severn to beechley pier. At about half-past one o'clock. Ihe boats, with their respective crews, 4 men and a coxswain, appeared at the starting place, and precisely at 2 o'clock a gun was fired, and a fairer start was never seen. Before lhey had pulled a mile and half the New Passage boat was some lengths in advance, and in rounding the flag-boat she was 200 yards a head, and continued increasing the distance between herself and her opponent uott) she touched the Beechley pier, a winner by about 300 yards. The distance, between 6 and 7 miles, was accomplished in 35 minutes. SIIIRENEWTON NATIONAL SCHOOL.—On Friday evening last, the children of this establishment, about 90 in number, were plentifully regaled at the hospitable mansion 01 the Rev. J. A* Gabb, with a sumptuous enteitainment, where each child was rewarded by his good lady, according to their merits. We may add that the conduct of the chiluien reflects the highest credit on Mr. and Mrs. Phillips. We are given to understand that Vaughan, land- lord of the Pontardulais Inn, to whom the case ot arms recently alluded to, was directed, can prove that the guns (fowling pieces) were ordered for sporting bv farmers in bis neighbour- hood, from a commercial traveller who stopped at Pontardulais Inn in ^ac'> that the farmers and tbe commercial tiavellers will be forthcoming in due time. We hope so, for the credit of that part of the county of Glamorgan. It appears that the eyes of the magistrates of Carmarthenshire are at length opened to the gross injustice so long practised on tbe poor farmers, many of whom were obliged to leave their land almost unmanured in consequence 01 the excessive toll plunder. In one district nine gate" levelled by Becca," are not to be restored. FIRE DAMP.—On Wednesday morning last, as the men were about to go to work in the Dunryn colliery, ai Aberdare, an explosion of the destructive ¡::as popularly known as fire damp, took place, by which much injury was done to the pit and the surrounding bouses, but happily there was no loss of human life. HEALTH.— "How much is expressed in this short word, and how lew set a value on its real enjoyment. How readily would the high and mighty when lacked by pain. and approaching a premature dissolution, sacrifice all factitious disiineticn, and part with all their wealth to add a few hours more to existence. Ought not this startling tact to induce u< to secure by every means in our power a good constitution? This desirable state can now be secured by a steady course 01 Parr's invaluable Life Pills." THE LATE MR. ABERNETHY.—It is well known to all who consulted this talented and celebrated surgeon, that he principally relied on nature herself in his attempts to cure the maladies of his patients. This he chiefly effected by reliev- ing the digestive organs of their improper contents, and hiv- ing thus secured relief, made it permanent by keeping the ali- mentary canal in its proper healthy state, usmg mild aperients. Ftampion's Pill of Health is a medicine of this character, be- in^ gentle In its operation, and destitute of causing those grip- ing pains, which are frequently attendant on the aamiaistmk of purgativ* medicines.

MONMOtJTH OAS AND WATER WORKi COMPANY. 1 The half-yearly meeting of the proprietor, of this Company was held at *he Borough Court, ia that town aD Wednesday week, Thomas GrRtrex, Esq., in the chair. The Chairman read tbe Report of the directors, of which the following is an abstract. :,u The directors congratulated the proprietors, that no standing the depression of the times, lhe recerpts of the gas department, compared wiih the corresponding peffo 0 ceiiing year, had decreased only £ 3 3s 10d w t s o quarter there had been a slight impiovement. ie 0 a cetpts lor ibs haff-year are £ 256 0s 9|d. On the water s'ct'eteST tbeie has been an increase ot £ on the half year. f ron wi From the last half receipts, a payment of £ d0 ha been made for the erection of fiC1* pillars for the gas holder, which of course would not be caused agarn *°J l*tan? ?ear r The directors had procured ihe assistance r,1Dvv„'i.„ Cheltenham, in making a seiies experiments a! .eir for the purc'ote rf asceitainin^ the I>UANH,Y of COB N <• 1 r pd in the lown in for generating the pYopwssn of gas consuti»5u the year. The report of Mr Spinney accompanied the rep0T ( (^e directors. The balaoce on the whole of the accounts half year, is fl60 Os ljd, which will yield at di?iden4 of },'1H per cent per annum. Mr Spinney's repoit staled that the retorts and flues wers fm. properly constructed, and thatlbe letort5 hitd been in a lealy slale for some time. On making a calculation of the quantity of coal used during the last three years, and the amount of gas consumed, Mr Spinney stated that about 200 tooa of coal had been used more than was required. Due attention, he thought, was not paid to changing the lime in the purifiers, and that therefore the gis contained a large portion of sulphuretted hy- drogen. Tile report strongly recommends the general use of meters, as Mr Spinney was ot the opinion that the directors— although obtaining a nominal rental of 12s 6d per thousand cubic feet, really did not realise more than 8s. At the conclusion 01 its perusal, a long conversation ensued on the amount of dividend to be declared, when it was ulti- mately decided, on the motion of Mr Dyke, seconded by Mr Theasbv, that a four per cent dividend should be paid ou the 29th of September following. The report of the directors was unanimously received and adopted, upon the motion of Mr. Theasby, seconded by Mr. Yeates. Both Mr Thackwell and Dr Holbrook entered into lengthy and interesting details of the experiments adveited to in the report, and both gentlemen contended that the result proved gross mismanagement on the part 01 their manager. Mr Palmer was heard in reply, and contended that the ex- periments were of a most inconclusive nature, and that the results which the directors wished to arrive at, could be ascer tained only by a reference to the station meter. This, how. ever, he allowed, had been for some time out of repair. The meeting getting impatient, it was resolved, upon tht motion of Mr Thackwell,—" That a second series of expeii- should take place." me"u -Ke meeting adjourned, Mr Dyke and Dr Holbrook Before ••Mention of retiring from the directorship. A^ intimated their >ady been very protracted, it was then 'lie meeting had aliw t Wednesday, at ten o'clock in the adjourned till the followi»>b forenoon.

ADJOURNED 1\JEE,"ING, c ""ompany was The adjouined half yearly meeting tbi# v, held on Wednesday last. r. The results of the second experiment made b, the direcw. at 'he works on the previous Monday, were communicated to the meeting. The subjects of the quality 01 the coal supplied to the Company, and of the general management of the W orks oy Mr Palmer, formed matter of some hours' discussion; and it was ultimately resulved ;— that a competent practical person be engaged for a fort night by the directors, to superintend the works, and to report generally on their present management." The time of the directors' office having expired, Messrs. Dyke, John Tyler, and Dr Holbrook declined being re-elected The latter gentleman, however, subsequently acceded to the request of the meeting to be re-appointed, and the following jentlemen were elected for the ensuing year—J. Hallewell, r. Greatrex, and John Powell, Esqrs, Dr. Holbroot, Messrs. Thackwell and Hawkins, and James Thomas, Esq.

ROSS SECOND ANNUAL RECHABITE AND TEM. PERANCE FESTIVAL. Never were the principles of total abstinence more beauti- fully developed, and its claims on the christian, patriot, an<. philanthropist, more energetically enfoiced in this town, than on Monday the 31st ult., this day been fixed upon by the mem- hers of the Rechabite and Temperance Societies of Ross, fo; celebrating their second annual festival, fhey received tin ,-o-operation of their brethren and sisters of the surroundiru I¡)WIIS, who, be it said to their praise, nobly responded to th, ■all and, by ihe distance they hddcometot-ke a part in Hit temonstration, clearly evinced the real and interest they took If he sacred cause. A* soon as dawn of day," and lcnn belon he sun had poured forth his enlivening rays, the" Sons 0 llechab," ever alive to the;r duly, were making preparations • nd at four o'clock the Rechabite banner was waving in Iii. jreeze from a window of the Temperance Hotel. At hv. .'clock, a prayer meenng wa held in the Baptist Sundav School-room, to invoke a blessing on the abours of the day and at the close of this meeting ii, chief rulerof the aga Tent of the Independent Order of Rechabttcs' 10 the Dame, an °'i i>ehalf of the Ross Rechabites, ptesenled a eDf 1 Pas c 'e uler's sash, of ihe Order, as a small testimony o% Tes^Cnoj)jt gratitude to their worthy brother, Thomas Hill, for iw, exeriions, and great sacrifices he has made for the sacrfcd rill", lie has so I/luch at heart. May he long live to promote it, at d nay his last moments be cheered with the pjeasing recollec- ■ ion that he has done all he could to promote so gooct a cause. At nine o'clock, those from Gloucester, Hereford, Cheltenham, Vlonmouth, and Coletord, were met by a deputation of the Ross ocie les, accompanied by the Ross teetotal brass band, in the new Gloucester road, an,1 after being presented with a congj*- uUtory address, were conducted to the Temperance Hetef. At eleven o'clock an excellent dtscourteonthe practicability ana happy results of entire abstinence, was delivered to a numerous and highly respectable audience in the Baptist Chapel (which, ",ilh its school-room had been kindly lent for the day), by the Rev. Thomas Jones, of Chepstow. At half- past two o clock a procession was lotmed at the Temperance Hotel, and, precedec by the band, and accompanied by a number of splendid ban- kers, the brethren and sisiers, in lull regalia, to the number 01 150, paraded the principal streets of the town, and after visiting hat unequalled and justly celebrated spot, the Man of Ross' Piospect, the membeis and Iriends, amounting to 240, look teu In the Baptist school room, after which they again formed in irocesston, and proceeded to Myrles'Place, where they hac been kindly invited by W. Cary Cocks, Esq., who, with h)- lady met :hem tn his delightful garden, and paid great alien- ion to his numerous visitors in pointing out to them the many ,eaulles and curiosities which it contains. The company were at a loss 10 know which to admire most, the tasteful and nea manner in -vh.ch the garden is lain out, or the elegant strUt, ture, Prince Georges', Room. After examining the objects o- nature and art, the company returned to the Baptist Chapel where, according to announcement, a public meeting; was tc; he held. The chair was taken at seven o clock, by N. Morgan, Esq., supported on his right and left by S>. Bow ley, T. Burges5, r. Barnet, and Clarke, Esqrs. Afler a hymn had been suag, and other preliminary business gone through the meet U1g, which was composed of about 270 individuals, amongs. whom we notired many of the most influential and res pec a .t of the inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood, was addres sed by Messrs. Davis, of Cheltenham, Turner, of Hereford, Rev. J. Jones, of Chepstow. Clarke, of Glastonbury, and Sa. muel Bowley, Esq., of Gloucester. The greatest attention was paid by the audience, with the exception of a slight inter ruption caused by the silly remarks of a poor deluded devotee 01 Bacchus, and a little grumbling by a certain landlord, who Ilappened to be present. In the course of the evening allusion was made by Mr. Bowley to the opposition offered by profes- sing chnstians, and others, 'o the temperance movement. lit was sorry to hear of christian ministeis refusing their places 01 worship for temperance meetings, and he was quite astonished at the fact, that although a majority of the committee ofthr British and Foreign School were favourable to the principles oi teetotalisra, that school-room was shut against the teetotallers tie hoped these things would soon have an end, and the prin- ciples of true temperance be duly appreciated. During the day several persons took the pledge, and we are happy to say, with but few exceptions, things went off satisfactorily. It is very pleasing to observe the change that has taken place in this town iast year we were scoffed al and insulted, this year we are re spected, and nought but the smiles and good wishes ol our fel- low townsmen gieeted us, and amongst the hundreds of spec- tators who lined our streets, few seemed inclined to find hull with the Heaven born principles" of Teetoialism.—(From u Correspondent.)

PRESENT TO THE PRINCE OF WALES.—On Thursday sen'night her Majesty was pleased to command the attendance of two celebrated Welsh harpists (Mr. Jones of Llanover, harper to Sir Benjamin Hall, and Mr. Griffiths, the harper of Tredegar) at Buckingham Palace, to have the honor of performing before her Majesty, Prince Albert, and then illustrious visitors. At the same time the Rev. Mr. Price, vicar of Cwmdu (one of the most learned Welsh antiquaries ofthePnncipaiity), attended, with the splendid Welsh harp made by Mr. Basset Jones, of Cardiff, the chief harp maket of Wales, expressly for his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and which tribute of loyalty and respect her Majesty and Prince Albert were graciously pleased to receive, and a description of which is subjoined. T he Welsh minstrels first performed a duet ("Codiad yr Ehedydd'')on their own harps, after which Mr. Jones, of Llanover, had the honour of per- forming a solo on the?Prince of W.tles's harp, ("March of the Men ot Harlech") which he did with much taste and effect Mr.Griffiths followed with theancientmelody of"Pen-Rhan" which he performed in a very masterly manner. After which they played Sir Hairy Ddu as a duet. The performances concluded by Mr. Giiffiths playing a composition of his own, named '-Dyverwch Tywysog Cymru or the Prince of Wales, Delight." The Rev ) Mr. Price had the honour of explaining io her Majesty and Prince Albert the particular construction of the harp of Wales, and the meaning of the Welsh mottos carved upon the Prince of Wale's harp, of the woiktnanship and design of which her Majesty and Prince Albertexpressed theirapprobatfon. Her Majesty was also graciously pleased to desire th .t the harpers might be informed that she had been much gratified by their performance The harp which her Majesty and Prince Albert have graciously received for his royal highness the Prince of Wales is in the ancient pictu- resque toim of the national instrument of the principality, stands about six feet high, isetaburatety carved in solid wood, ind the base of the pillar is supported by the leek, the emblem of Wales, entwined with mistletoe and oak leaves; a wreath of oak leaves goes up the pillar, which terminates in the Prince of Wales's plume, supported by sprays of oak, from ahich depend three labels, on which are citrved "Albert Tyw- ysog Cymru" or Albert, Prince of Wales. On the side of the comb of the harp is likewise carved, the following line from one of the Welsh bards Faith enaid ar ei thannau" (the language of the soul is on its strings). On the sounding board are emblazoned the arms of Wales, four lions passant—or, and gules counterchanged, with the red dragon of Wales supporting the shield, and the coronet and plume of the Prince of Wales. The Master of the Household, the Hon. C. A. Murray by die command of her Majesty, presented each of the Welsh narpers with ten pounds, in testimony of her Majesty's appro- oation of their performance on the triple harp of Wales, and also in remembrance of their having had the honour of performing before her Majesty, her illostrioua Consort, and the whole court.

CHUltCH RATES. To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Metlif. SIR,—Observing a communication in YOUR last, STGDFCD A. Churchman," wherein he wi-hes to be informed concerning the appropriation of the church rates collected in tbll parish, I beg to make a few observations on that subject. It is true that the inhabitants are called upon annually for the church rate, which is paid without murmur, there being no party contests here between churchman and dtssenter, as pie- vailing in many other towns. Your correspondeal seems to think that the money so collected is not properly accounted for. How is this? I believe that notice is annually givb.i to he rate payers that the accounts of the chuichwardens will t> £ ex- 3mined on a particular day when that day arrives, it is seldom there is any attendance of the parishioners, and the church, wardens are left, as it were, to pass their own accounts, which I suppose they do through the assistance of one or two friends, who are called in pro forma, and so the business ends. Now, I think A Chuichman," on the next opportunity that occurs for examining churchwardens' accounts, should exert himself to procure the attendance of a majority of rate-payers, who would then be able to make a report on the subject, so as to give some sort ot satisfaction that the rates are not expended in an improper manner. This is due, as well 10 the churchwar- I dens as to the public. In the Beacon of last week I noticed a letter to the editor, 1 conclude w as also the production of A Churchman." that the tradesmen's bills have not been paid. If iwsrnoatin? oush{ ceilajnly i0 be made as to the ex- thi? be true, r»s ( 800ner a parish meeting is called penditWe ot tn>C r for the purpose the ben* ,eQs fof thig parjsh( one 8pp0in ed There are two tMmchiraru. y the rate.piyerg the forrDer by the minister and tFre other u, „riod> ,be ]a|)er js chosen continues in office for an iof»e&»ne w ff)r ,f applied t0 8S t0 annually but he is almost a novenxtty, •- tc||g j)e parish business, he knows nothing afbwsl Jl' -es through ioes not hold the money, nor keep the wxmnls be g». -_e# so IllS year of office, and after the accounts aire passed, ietn. > so hat the minister's churchwarden directs every thing. This is not the way they manage things in Monmouth, New- port, &c. But if the rate payers of Chepstow "ill not aliewi to examine the accounts, it is worse than useless 10 keep cow plaining in the streets. Hoping to rouse the parishioners Iron, the state of apathy into which they seem to have tallev, is the ohjt-ct of A RATE PAYE-K. Chepstow, Aug. 8, 1843. P.S. It is seldom that aoonymous letters are of any servitv (alwavs excepting that memorable one relating to jemmy Wood's last will and testament); but i lake this opportunity "f mentioning, that the appropriation of the Chepstow gas rates requires to be explained as well as those of the church. Single as well as double rates are levied on the inhabitants: still the inspectors do not pay their debts. Qy. Who is to pay the organist for his services Tbe non- payment of his salary is not very creditable to the parish.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. NEWPORT Import» and Exports, for the week ending the 1 llh "f Aug., 1343 IMPORTS. „ „ „ Lvdnev Lass, Allpass, Rouen: Godefredus, Dreyer. Caen Courier rreinann, Hamburg; Atalanta, Bteter. diUo, Mitchell, Bridgwater; Gem. Fryer, Gloucester, flour.-En* Trick, Waterford; V«nus, Thomas, Bridgwater Cerus, lnlI"0' Uoucester, corn and Oour.—Erin, Dempsey, Kinsale; BandG.. .te. Carthy, ditto; Neptune, Ball, Yougbal Ivancy Dawson, Murrow, ork, cattle,-Tewport Trader, Jackson, Gloucester Amazon, Long. iino Blucher, Barratt, ditto; BritoT>f James, ditto, St. Pierre, Jones, .eath: Robert, Clampitt Cardiff; Queen Victoria, Sutton, bwansea, sundries. — Quicksilver, Brokeushaw, Truro, tin. Amazon, .Long, Gloucester, tar.—Union, Jones, Barrow; John, Newman, ditto; Oli- ,rey, Phillips, ditto; Kate, Richards, Padstow, iron ore.—Venus, Thomas, Bridgwater; Betsy, Pinn, ditto, bricks.—Adventure, Joues, Barrow, iron ore. And the market boats from Bristol with sundries. EXPORTS. Kate. James. Messina; L'Edonard, Ponmeller, Brest; Jafttina, Das, ■Uettin; Heroine, Furgeman, Malaga; Comus, Perham, Jersey; C, nilia, Hain, Dordt; Caroline, Crawford, Grenada; Jubilee, Anderso \.ncona; Atalanta, Steher. Gluckstadt; Courier, Tnneman, 6I;lt< oar.na Frederick, Domche, Kiel —Alice, Rees, Dordt, P'B Newport Trader, Jackson, Gloucester, sundries-— Kate, Cardiff' i'adstow; Mary, Sundercock, Boscaitle; Robert, Clampi Hope, Tasker, ditto; Young Gipsey, Williams, ones, ditto; Osprey, Phillips, ditto f,^e"tUrtYarmouth Emerald, Ubert, Gough, Dungarvan Yar! Chichester; Indefatigable, .tanson Sunderland; Margaret, NutHarwood, Bii>tol; loose, Cork, Hope, Vaughan, Cork. WasD Bellingham, 'nion, Jones, Liverpool; Hop?, Newman, D Youtrha) St. .imerick Sovereign, Menson, Maldon Nept Q„ £ n Pierre, Jones, Neath; Ann and Susan, Wltot'C ,t0*: -mrock Victoria, Sutton, Bristol Shex, Davies, Swansea- Sh mroclr, lichards, London; Christianna, Walters, Fowey, iron.andtin P^s- The market boats for Bristol, with sundries; And 150 vessels lor I variou.s ports, with coals. ( The bark Jo^1 Panter,-Harrison, of tWsport, saiM from Singapore ,3th May, 184J,for Powes, for orders. All well. VESSELS ENTERED OIR* A*D Jan" EHen Brayson 5M Edward^.rs Messina Kate ^7 5« -Hto Grenada Caroline tltto Altona Hederig V, ,70 dfU» Swinemunde Hibernia Mjchaelw ditto Hamburgh Emanuel Bohn 03 Hrest C'esarine Matbieu Palermo Argo Reeve».~ a Smyrna Queen Victoria.Shan 128 Marseilles Nelly Guguen .157 ditio Ilochfort Naiad Wright 113 ditto ijrest L'Donard Poumellec ft ditto urenada Venillia Vickers 58f ditto .Messina Pilot Williams Ilg ditto Ditto Dromo Tolman 116 ditto Ditto Girdou Rebow .Harvey 59 ditto Naples Duke of Cornwall.. Phillips 108 dHf Stettin Jantina Das Ilp ditto Ditto Emilie Hoenig let ditto Ditto Godefriedas Dreyer 140 ditto Kiel John Frederick..Dmcke 181 ditto Malaga Heroine Feirzeman 59 Moreton & Co. Ditto Superior Sherris 60 ditto ibraltar Pearl Sherriff. <9 ditto lrniJca Good Luck Payn 2S2 ^!tto Quebec William Rowe 469 ditto ncona .Jubilee Anderson 235 ditto "v Comus Perham 48 ditto AS:r:.Qu^filver .Bwkensbire 66 ditto Marseilles Laurev Gales 123 ditto

An account of Coal an* Iron brought down the Tram-road during the month ending Juiy^l 140K o" Thomas Prothero •• t? •• •• R Thomas Powell •• •• Rosser Thomas and Co «» •• T. Phillips & Son '• •• I™ Martin Morrison •» Joseph Beaumont •• •• •• •• -,Q W. S. Cartwright The Tredegar Coal Co The Tredegar Coal Co 17 Itock Coal Co 939 Hi Roger Lewis Joseph Jones xji John Jones, Victoria Latch and Cope 00 914 14 John Russell, and Co. 1193 7 Ryce Davis 0 I James Poole 0. 0 Total 11,011 It IRON, COO IQ The Tredegar Iron Co •• 0 Ebbw Vale Co o Rhymney Iron Co Rhymney Iron Co 135 8 I Total 705 "[_

BIRTHS. On Friday the 11th inst. Mrs. Edw. Robathan, Riscaof a son. On Saturday last, 5th inst. Mrs. J. M. Scott, Stow Hill of a son. On the 5th inst. Duke St. Cardiff, the wife of Mr. Jenkins of adaughter. » On Thursday the 3rd inst. at Rose Cottage, Pillgwenlly, the wife of William Webb, Esq., of a son. On the 24th ult., the wife of John Rolley Tripp, Esq., soh. citor, Swansea, of adaughter. On the 1st instant, the wife of R. W. Beor, Esq., solici o Swansea, of a son. On the 28th ult., Mrs. Charles Bassett, Post-office, Ponty- pridd, of a daughter. On the 28th ult.. at Springfield, near Ross, the lady of J. W, R. Hall, of a son. On the 3rd instant, Mrs. Isaac Williams, grocer, Gltbeland, Merthyr, of a son. MARRIED. August 2nd, at Trevethin Church, by the Rev. John Pro- bert, Thomas Guy, Esq., M.D., lith regiment, toFraneee Mary, daughter of Thomas Edwards, Esq.. of Pontypool. [ l he announcement of this marriage was incorractly inserted in the last MKRLIN, Mr. Guy's name having been printed Grey.] On the 1st instant, at Hurst Church, Berks, by the Rev, S. Fox, A.M., Thomas Broughton Charlton, Esq., of Chlllwell Hall, Notts, to Fanny Dora, daughter of John Walter, Esq., of Bear-wood, Berks. DIED. On Sunday last, the wife of Mr. W Davies, of the Bunch of Grapes, Chepstow. Suddenly, on Wednesday 2d August, Mr. Isaac Edwards, the resident manager of the Cardiff Gas W orks, in his fortieth y6On the 28th ult., aged 48, Mr. John Young, saddler, &c., of Swansea. On the 28th ult., aged 47, Mr. Benjamin Davies, pilot, of Swansea. On the 30th ult., aged 54, Martha, the beloved wife of Mr. L. B. Evans, of York-place, Swansea. Ort the 25th ult., at Cowbridge, of consumption, aged 20, Jane, daughter of John and Margaret Morris, of the Pelican Inn, in that town. Suddenly, on Wednesday last, the infant daughter of Mr. Fredk. Atkins, grocer, Dowlais.

In the MERLINlot last week we stated that there were at that time 75,000 tons of iron on our wbaris. We have been requested to state that tbo stock on band in this port is not so great, and that it does not exceed 35,000, inclusive of 11,000 tons held on specalation by all individual. MR. TREFFRY S RAILWAY.—The railway pfojected by J. T. Treffry, Esq., which connects the canal at St. Blazey with the village of Roche, is fast drawing towards com- pletion. The splendid viaduct, ten arches, of large span, has attracted a considerable number of visitors. The UD- dertaking, as a private and individual one, it the roost extensive and important in the West of England. I » i

1 I Mltj l,ffi ft«s, Inspector of Police for Swansea-. tsK» thea S corroborated the testimony ef tt»s ifclt witness a» to ] Tt,j»e 'he gate and the house,. j 'r- i\l '^e case ^or pffi-tttSlion. Str .e'v'i then aiidressed the Bench on the part (5^ this pri- ''the r Q lhe pace-, he begged t6 eXpresi hi* Vegret that, before staled, he wis nAt present at the com- Sij,#eot of the examination; \vMen would certainly have Sty.6 magisirateB premE'nl some additional trouble and aDd he 10 tl,iink 'hem 'or lhe indulgence .fiCes y which had been shown to him undei the circum- -He *-en commented upon the evidence given fey the Stf 1.,rgaret Arnold it appears, he*«H, t>y the deposi rSw ? wi,ness' l'ial the aUack 00 n,*i bar m lier care e vy about thirty or more men, at about three o'clock V 0rt)it>g probably it might luve been dark 41 '+i'«searly ^6 T) A, «'■>. Hewson, D.D.: It tn'tgh't, pobi& be dusk. u'He»re ^ven so. your Worship: tiu3t the Bench 'n mind ''lat on'y one Vvi1"f*s in 'his case deposes as y> and that witness a fttVnale. By her description on aDC' &'arrt,< al so ear'y an 'lour 'n '^e morning, er twenv might she not, under »uch terrifying cir- L thi been 80 greaily affrighted and confused, as it 'risflS hour, to have been able todiscfiminats 0? par- single individual around her — particularly so, when a" events, be admi ted that at the time she speaks ^obj^t00' daylight. I merely surest to the Bench '•>Q thlit may be made to the positive testimony of the l» th*1 reSar<^ her identifying the prisoner, for the I* n #l am ,,ls'r'JI0(Cli 10 'ay before you the evidence of Ik"1 <oV:rs who' am informed, can prove that the prisoner I'Ml A 1 f,ne °'c'ock 00 Wednesday night, and did not £ S)|° c'oc^ 'he next mornino, one of the witnesses whom fight ^aas I am instructed, slept in the same bed L?'stf9. Wil'' him. This is the case 1 have to lay before the ,'m "es on the prisoner's behalf, upon hearing which, and KN«J'M° cons'deration, as before «tated, that probably the Margaret Arnold may have, in the affright and alaim V*11! upon such a sudden attack, mistaken her man, I Ni(, 'Qduce the magistrates present to discharge my client, re"y save to him the trouble, care, and anxiety attendant Xltriai- ^"gistrates deliberated for some time upon the observa- ^ir» Melvin. Si6»° Mom*: The magistrates decline hearing evidence tQ alibi, it not being intended summarily to convict, e c°ntrarv, to send the case for investigation, to ano C UDaK ^1, ?[1Soner was then committed for trial to the next assizes. Tl^ '^Ivin then, on behalf of the prisoner, tendered bail, S ik1iBis" ates again deliberated, and a paper was handed St#f Bench, to which the magistrates subscribed their as- J k ent' 'le ^°" Pre^om'na,e<'> an(' S»hn Morris informed Mr. Melvin that the magistrates declined to accept bail. wk-r'Soner was committed to the House of Correction, ti j0'1' we Bre S'ven t0 understand, several attempts have ^t» by his friends to get him bailed out, but without