Monmouthshire Merlin

COUNTY COURT-TUESDAY. Before J. M. HERBERT, Esq., Judge. The list for this month showed the large number of 148 Plaints entered: namely, for to-day, 84, and Wednesday, "4. A great many of these were, as usual, settled out of court. ° At the opening of the court, his Honour delivered the following judgment, in the case of the RED ASH COAL COMPANY V. J. llGGGINS. This action was brought by the Red Ash Coal Co., against the defendant, who is master or partownerof the ship, Lady Brougham, of Whitehaven, to recover J616, for the breach °f a memorandum or charter. The charter-party was in *^e usual form, and purported to be signed by a broker, Mr. M. M. Jones, by authority of the defendant. Under It, the defendant undertook to load a cargo of coals from the plaintiffs, and to deliver the same at Ballinacurragh, in Ireland, and being paid freight at the rate of 6s. 6d. per ton; the vessel to be laden at Newport, and discharged yith all possible despatch. From the evidence of Mr. •ones, it appeared that on the 8th of August, he saw the defendant and two other masters of vessels, and had a com- munication with them about freights to Waterford, and other places; that one of the masters asked him if there Were any freights for Ballinacurragh; that he replied there was, at 6s. a ton; that they told him that rate of freight Was very low, but that if he could get freight for them at 6s. 6d. per ton, they would accept them; and that the defendant distinctly authorised him to charter his vessel for him to Ballinacurragb, at 6s. 6d. per ton. The witness then asked the defendant and the other masters, for the registered tonnage of their respective vessels, and what they would carry, in order to enable him to fill up the charter- party. Upon being told these particulars, the witness made the following entry in pencil, on the back of a card; Sisters, 85, carry 90; Lady Brougham, 98, carry 159 Elizabeth, 71, carry 117; 6s. 6d. and 2d.; Monday, August 8th, 1853. Received authority to charter the above-named vessels for Ballinacurragh, at 6s. 6d. per ton, with 2d. This circum- stance took place about half-past nine A.M. The witness then told the masters, that he would see the agent of the freighters, and communicate again with them. Shortly after, Mr. Jones met Mr. Clapp, the agent of the plaintiffs, when they signed the charter-parties. He afterwards returned to his own office, when his brother prepared orders for loading the above-mentioned vessels, addressed to the company's shipper. He then saw the defendant and the other masters, and informed them that he had "fixed" them, meaning that he had signed the charter-parties on their behalf, and gave them the orders for loading the coals. The rate of freight was entered on their orders. Defendant then left the broker's office, taking the order with him, and appeared quite satisfied with the terms. Some time after, in the afternoon of the same day, the defend- ant returned to Mr. Jones's office, and said that he was •sorry he had been chartered so soon, as a gentleman from Cardiff had informed him that freights for Liverpool were going up considerably; and he asked Mr. Jones if it was possible to get the charter-party cancelled. 1\fr. Jones told him that it was out of his power to cancel the charter- party, but that he would go with the defendant to Mr. Clapp to see what could he done. They accordingly both went to Mr. Clapp, and asked him if he would give up the charter to Ballinacurragh. Mr. Clapp refused, and asked the defendant why he wished the charter cancelled. Defendant replied, I can get 8s. 3d. a ton in Cardiff for Liverpool." The testimony of Mr. Jones was confirmed by that of his brother, and of Mr. Clapp; and to some extent by that of Mr. Burton, an agent in the coal com- pany's office, who hoard the conversation at the office between the defendant and Mr. Clapp. The defendant, on the other side, :and Mr. Pearson, the master of the Elizabeth, deposed, that they had never authorised Mr. Jones to do anything more than to inquire about freights, and not to sign charter-parties on their behalf; that when they saw him, after he had gone for the purpose of making inquiry in the morning, he told them, that he had been round, and could get nothing more than 6s. 6d. for Ballinacurragh— thatthe defendant asked him, Is the vessel fixed ? Where's the charter?" to which he replied, I have no charter- party and that he then gave them the orders to load; that when they went to the company's office in the after- noon, the conversation with Mr. Clapp was as follows :— Mr. Jenes: "The captains are not willing to go the voyage." Mr. Clapp "If you will get me another vessel, I have no objection." Defendant: "Jones may do as he thinks proper, I'm not fixed. I'll not go." Defendant further stated that Mr. Jones offered him a cargo of grain on the following day; and the witness Pearson stated that Jones had offered him a cargo of bark afterwards. This, however, was denied by Mr. Jones and his brother stated that he 'had offered them cargoes' before he knew that his brother had signed the charter- parties. It was further proved by Mr. Jones, that it was the practice of the ship-brokers of Newport, to sign charter- parties on behalf of masters of vessels, as he had done in this instance. The defendant having taken his departure from Newport without fulfilling his contract, having, indeed, laden his vessel with another cargo, Mr. Clapp estimated the damage resulting from the breach of contract, at 2s. per ton. He stated that the company were under orders to supply coals at that time to Ballinacurragh; that in consequence of the defendant's default, they were unable to get other vessels and that the freights had now reached .10s. 6d., whilst the coal had only risen in price, Is. per ton. Such was the substance of the evidence produced on side. Mr. Philpotts, on behalf of the defendant, raised two points :-r" First, that the cause of action did not arise within the jurisdiction of the Court, inasmuch as the eon- tract would not be wholly performed On the part of the defendant within this jurisdiction; and, secondly, that Mr. Jones had no authority from the defendant to sign the charter-party, and therefore that the defendant was not bound by it." As regards the first point, I consider that the Court has jurisdiction. From the caseofHochsterv. DeLatuer, 17 Jur. 972, and the cases there cited, I am clearly of opinion tha the caus o actiin was complete, as soon as the d fjnd- ant, by taking another cargo, had rendered it impossible that he could perform his contract with the plaintiffs. The charter-party was signed in Newport; and the breach of it also occurred here the whole cause of action therefore arose within the jurisdiction of the Court. As regards the second ground of defence, I also think my judgment must be for the plaintiffs. If the evidence of Mr. Jones be trustworthy, there can be no doubt that he had full authority to bind the defendant—for he stat3S that the defendant expressly authorised him to charter the vessel to Ballinacurragh, on the terms of freight contained in the charter-party. And he further states, that he communi- cated to the defendant the fact that he had signed the charter-party, and that the defendant was satisfied, and as a proof of his satisfaction, took away the order to load, without raising any objection whatever. And not only is Mr. Jones' evidence corroborated by that of his brother and Mr. Clapp, but it appears to me to elicit some corroboration from the question, which the defendant admits he put to Mr. Jones, when he returned from his first interview with Mr. Clapp—"Is the vessel Where's the charter- •party ?" for how is it likely he would have put this ques- tion, if he had not had reason to expect that Mr. Jones had "fixed" the vessel; or in other words, if there had not been an understanding between them, that Mr. Jones was to sign a charter-party, if he could obtain such a rate of freight as the defendant had been stipulating for ? Now thæ evidence is denied by the evidence of the dfend- ant and the other master, who had placed himself in the fiame predicament and seeing that their evidence is not only that of interested parties, but also in some measure inconsistent with their conduct, whilst the evidence on the part of the plaintiffs is that of persons who have much less interest in misrepresenting what did occur, and who, in the regular course of their business, are in the constant habit of nogociating transactions of this kind, and may therefore be expected to settle such matters in a business- like manner, I feel no difficulty in arriving to the conclu- sion, that I ought to accept the statement which the plaintiffs' witnesses have given of the transaction, and so to give my judgment for the plaintiffs. The damages, I assess at 10 guineas. David Evans v. William Thomas. This ca=e, which was partly heard atthe last Court, was aelaimfor £ o as. Hd., amount due to the plaintiff for numbers of Jhe Principality newspaper, supplied to the defendant as the agent of that paper. Mr. Champ, who appeared for the defendant, examined the plaintiff and defendant as to the items of a set off for work done as agent, in supplying news amend ing oat bills for such paper, during its existence. After a long hearing, judgment was given for jE3 5B. 6d. and costs, to be paid by 8s. a month. Eleanor Lewis, executrix, v. J. Coleman, claim for dE4 3s. 8d., for goods supplied, and carriage of gOlds for the defendant, by the plaintiff's husband duii.ig his life- time. To this claim, a set off was pleaded, amounting to £5 19s. 7d. Mr. Champ examined the plaintiff as to the entries in her book, and the Judge ordered the case to be adjourned to the next Court. Williams and wife v. H. P. Bolt. This was an action arising out of the alterations next to the Coach and Horses, in High-street. Mr. Owen appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Davis for defendant. The damages were laid at £ o. Ann Williams proved that she was the tenant of the Coach and Horses; on the 7th November last, the defendant com- menced pulling down the pine-end wall of the Coach and Horses, and the house had been kept < pe I ever since, the men employed had thrown the earth from the new founda- tion into her house, and compelled her to leave the lower part of the house, and reside up stairs; the tiles had been Temovtd from the roof, and the rain came in go that she could not now live up stairs; had complained to defendant frequently. Cross-examined The house was taken in my name, the license was in the name of the barmaid, Eliza Williams I don't know where my husband is. Mr. Davis: I object, your Honour, that the wife ia im- properly joined in this case, and there is no authority from the husband to bring the action. His Honour: No doubt the wife is improperly joined, and the difficulty is, as to the authority. The witness then, in answer to the Judge, said that her husband left her five years ago, intending to sail for Boston had not heard from him for three years. His Honour said all he could ùo, was to direct that the plaintiff should give security for defendant's costs. Mr. Davis said he would not object further to the case proceeding. Witness's examination continued: There is not more than £ 5's worth of property in the house; the windows are broken; I am staying in the house in order that I may get back some of the money I paid to go into the house there 41\8 been moro damage done by the defendant in rebuilding the adjoining house than necessary they put up supports to the Coach and Horses, when the wall was pulled down; had complained to Mr. Bolt; had also complained to Mr. Moore. Re-examined by Mr. Owen Mr. Davis has been acting for the corporation in the matter. His Honour What have I to do with the corporation ? I know nothing of them in this case; all I know is, that they have very much inconvenienced the Court, by placing me here to-day—for which I don't thank them. Mr. Phillpotts: And to the inconvenience of the pro- fession also. Robert Tilney was called, and proved seeing some of the workmen spill some tar inone of the upstairs rooms. Thomas Davies, draper, High-street, had seen the pre- mises in question the house was completely exposed and very much injured; should think jE5 not too much as damages. The receipts for the rates and taxes paid by Ann Williams, were then put in. Nathaniel Webb, surveyor, valued the plaintiff into the Coach and Horses she paid him for the valuation. Mr. Davis then objected that there was no evidence to fix Mr. Bolt as the contractor. His Hgnour thought there was evidence. Mr.4)ims then addressed the Court for the defendant, contending that there was no case for damages' The plaintiff was holding over in defiance of the owners of the property, and every means had been taken to induce the plaintiff to give up possession. His Honour: But what right had you to pull down the pine-end at all without the permission of Mrs. Williams the erection of the old pine-end was a license executed, and you had no right to remove it without permission. Mr. Davis then called the defendant, who proved that he had let the whole of the mason work about the house, to Mr. L. Moore; the old pine-end was removed and the new one erected by Mr. Moore, and his men had not inter- fered in the matter, and had no wish to inconvenience the plaintiff; had urged Mr. Moore not to inconvenience her more than he could help; have no controul over the men working there. Mrs. Williams never objected to the party wall being pulled down, but urged the completion of the work. His Honour: Then I think permission was given by Mrs. Williams. The case was then adjourned to the next Court, for the production of the contract between the defendant and Mr. Moore. Howard v. Evans, claim for ,£2, amount of value of off- growing crops of clover on a farm at Christchurch. Mr. Phillpotts for plaintiff. The plaintiff was examined, as also Edward Morgan, farmer, who proved the custom of the country to be, for the outgoing tenant to be allowed by the incoming tenant for the seeds and labour. William Evans, son of defendant, was called by Mr. Owen and stated, that after plaintiff left the farm, Mr. Grove took possession. Mr. Owen applied for an adjournment to pro- duce Mr. Grove. Adjourned accordingly, at the cost of the defendant. J. N. Hawkins v. Walker. This was a summons under the County Courts Act, to recover possession of the Britannia, near the bridge.—Robert Graham proved that he was agent to plaintiff. When Elderton WIlS leaving the house, the defendant asked me if there was any objection to his becoming tenant. I answered no, and said the terms were £27 per annum, payable quarterly, and three months notice, to expire at the end of any quarter that was the usual way of letting such- houses. Defendant's tcnancy commenced October, 1850. Cross-examined by Mr. Champ I becamc agent to plaintiff in 1848; the appointment was not in writing; Mr. Hawkins told me to determine the tenancy with Walker; I was agent while Elderton was tenant. Mr. Champ addressed the Judge, Rnd observed that the defendant's case was, that the tenancy was a yearly one, and that not one word was said at the time of the letting, about a three months' notice, nor was it at all likely that such a tenancy would have been entered into by the defendant, when, as would be shown, asum of £23 10s. had been paid for fixtures, which, if removed from the premises, Would be worthless.—The defendant was then called, alldstated that he took the house of Mr. Graham, at a rent of £27 a year nothing was said about a notice to quit, of that he was certain witness paid the outgoing tenant £23 10s. for fixtures; these would have been almost worthless for any other house; had been told that the railway wanted the house; the rent has been paid quarterly. —Mrs. Walker was called, and corroborated her husband's statement.—His Honour, in giving judgment, said he could come to no other conclusion, on the evidence, than that the tenancy was as stated by Mr. Graham; at the same time he did not impute to Mr. Walker any intention of stating what was not true—looking at all the circumstances, he must hold that the tenancy had been properly determined-, and the warrant for giving possession would be issued in 14 days. His Honour intimated that in his opinion the railway company ought, in fairness, to compensate the tenant for his loss of fixtures. WEDNESDAY. The plaints entered for to-day ware unimportant. Graham and Evans v. the Monmouthshire Railwayaud Canal Company, claim for .£10 damages, for neglecting to provide trucks for conveying the plaintiffs' hay from New- port, per Western Valleys Railway, to Blaina. A jury had been summoned at the instance of the plaintiffs, to try the case; and a great many freighters and others interested, were on the qui vine for the hearing of the cause. At the opening of the Court on Wednesday, it was stated that the matter had been settled between the parties, by the with- drawal of the claim on the payment of costs, and the assn- ranee by the defendants, that erery facility should be afforded the plaintiffs, in common with all other freighters for-the oonveyance of their hay on the Western Valleys Kail way. INSOLVENCIES. Thomas Lewis, of Risca, oollier, appeared for his final, examination, supported by Mr. Greenway, of Pontypool. The insolvent was opposed by Mr. Phillpotts, on behalf of Henry Gregory, a creditor, and in the course of his exami- nation, admitted that be had made a statement of account with Mr. Morrison, for whom he had worked. The account produced, shows a balance due to Mr. Morrison, but that gentleman is indebted to the estate in a sum of jE60 odd. Several of the items in the account are not correct. Mr. Bothomley, clerk to Mr. Phillpotts, produced judg- ment in action against the insolvent conjointly with Isaac Cooper the costs were taxed at £34; J616 of these costs were omitted in the insolvent's schedule. Mr. W. Evans, agent for Mr. Morrison, proved that-there were several sums due from the insolvent to Mr. Morrison, but there were not sufficient to make the debts of the in- solvent £ 300.. Adjourned for further proof of state of accounts between the insolvent and Mr. Morrison. Thomas Evans, of Pillgwenlly, beerhouse-keeper, appeared for his final order, supported by Mr. Blakey.—Final order granted. ° John Cochrane, ofPilgwenliy, beerhouse-keeper, appeared for his final examination, supported by Mr. Greenway for Mr Owen.—Examination passed.

BRYNMAWR. "OMEGA" IN A FIX! [TO THE EEITOR.] SIB,—In reading Ome",a II second letter, in your columns of last week, I was much amused to find my dose taking such effect on him as have deranged his mental vision, and caused him to write so long and confused a letter. But Omega must not blame me for it, seeing that I did not his „ consfcitutiol'v, an(f therefore, had to PRESCRIBE BY CHANCE. But, in this my second epistle I am not quite 80 much in the ;iark as to know, pretty nearly, who Ome^a" is • for it is Drettv eertain the FOX is not far off when you can see his TAIL; and from the repetition, and rambling remarks of Ome^a tbrathei» « K S,t fai.lt iitl, those who'are3]!40 b°-th" '"w T that I am afraid of foUowinf'^AJ3Upf,n?ra" .Jere lt,Dot letter, much might -ITL °me-a, ,ln wrltln« a, lo"f will VJ. ? ai<* 0n some of nis remarks, but I nliiP ^.8elf by criticising a few; and in the first think nf says he did Dt mention my name, or If If 'u en, •¥ waa writing. Pray, who did he think '] fun ° W Pni hQ address his letter, but to myself a.n. eW°w-ratepayers, whom he taxed with want of mental sight, and business talents. Omega's" version may satisfy himseli, but it does not. satisfy me and my fellow-towns- nieix. He also lays great emphasis, and makes a great noise about there being so few of the respectable inhabitants at the meeting. I may just say there were three causes why there were not more there; and first, the members of the Hoard of Health were not invited, because the subject would come before them in the form of a petition. Secondly, a great number had signed the requisition in favour of the meeting and lastly, the weather was very stormy, which kept many of the respectable inhabitants away, and they, therefore, entrusted the meeting with their views and senti- ments on the subject. '» Omega" then makes a bold attack on me, for signing my name to my letter, and says it was to gain populariiy. But, sir, if "Omega" is ashamed to come out and speak his mind, so that all may know who is, I am not bound to follow his example, nor will I; and, therefore, fling back his insinuation With disdain, and I very much question whether, if he had been honoured with the chair, we should have seen his civility in your pages. In the next plaee, he complains of my allowing two or three persons to speak at the same time but he also forgot to tell us that he was one of the two or three that broke the order, at the close of the meeting. The next topic that seems to give him offence, was the resolutions, which he terms half-starved, gasping for breath, and only filling a few lines in your pages and here allow me to say thit Omega very clearly shows the shallowness of his mental capadty, and that he prefers nonsense to com- mon-sense, and fiction to facts; and that, because the reso- lutions did not, like his letter, fill up nearly a page of your paper, they were half-starved, &c,, &c. It is, therefore, quite evident that Omega does not measure resolutions bv himself. There are some other things mentioned in his letter which I do not think worthy of notice for Omega is not con- tent to and fault with the living, but even the dead have not escaped his bitter attack. Fearing that I have trespassed too much on your space, I will now conclude by reminding Omega that, though he assumes the character of adviser, poet, scholar, drama- tist, divine, and I know not what, yet he leaves out one of the great laws of moral duty—namely, Mau, know thyself." Had he done this, he would not have said that Omega was not a sacred name. I know as well as he does, that the words Alpha and Omega, are the first and last words in the Greek alphabet; and I know also, that our Saviour applies them to himself, when he says, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, which terms denote his perfection and eternity; the force of which will appear by comparing Romans ch. i., v. 8; and many other passages might be quoted, if required, to show that the word is sacred. I alD, dear sir, yours very sincerely, WILLIAM FORD. Beaufort-street, February 2, 1854. N.B. Omega," in his first letter, made a great ado respecting our Literary Institution, but, like much that lie said in his letters, it is only froth for I cannot find his name on its books, eittter as a subscriber or donor,

CHRISTCHURCH. I SANATORY ENQUIRY BY AN INSPECTOR OF THE GENERAL BOARD OF HEALTH. ROYAL OAK, WEDNESDAY. This morning, at ten o'clock, Thomas Webster Rammell, Esq., one of the superintending inspectors appointed for the purposes of the Public Health Act, to visit the parish of Christchurch, attended at the above inn, to make public in- quiry, and examine witnesses, with respect to the sewerage, drainage, and supply of water; the state of the burial grounds the number and sanatory condition of the inhabi- tants; the local acts of parliament (if any) for paving, lighting, cleansing, watching, regulating, supplying with water, or improving, or having relation to the purposes of the said act the natural drainage areas the existing paro- chial or other local boundaries the boundaries which may be most advantageously adopted for the purposes of the said act; and other matters in respect whereof the General Board of Health is desirous of being informed for the purpose of enabling them to judge of the propriety of reporting to her Majesty, or making a provisional order, with a view to the application of the said act, or any part thereof, to the said parish. This inquiry was, we believe, mainly originated by Mr. Wm. Graham, who is largely interested in the welfare of the inhabitants of this improving parish, and has a considerable amount of house and landed property in the most populous part. Mr. Graham, on receipt of the notice for an inquiry from the General Board, issued a circular, in which he ex- pressed his anxiety on behalf of the health and comfort of the inhabitants, and his desire to prevent the evils which might result from bad and imperfect drainage. In the ab- sence of any individual, more competent, Mr. Graham ob- served, taking up the matter, he resolved, at a large sacrifice of time and labour, to make an attempt himself. He goes on, in his circulars to say :—" Having failed to obtain any sympathy, much less assistance, from an irresponsible body, entitled Her Majesty's Commissioners of Sewers for the Hundreds of Caldicot and Wentlooge,' who, under the pro- visions of an act of parliament, passed as far back as the reign of Henrv VIII., exercise controul over all the reens or main watercourses within those Hundreds, some of which are within this parish, the nearest outfall for such into the river being Liswerry Pill, and who arc supposed to provide proper aud sufficient drainage to take away all surface water flowing down upon the low lands within such Hundreds; but who, within the memory of man, have done nothing whatever to improve the very imperfect drainage now exist- ing upon such lands, notwithstanding they hold. estates, and levy annual rates upon all lands within their jurisdiction, for these purposes; but, whether their constitution, the powers they have, the number of outfalls into the river which they possess, or the manner in which they attempt to carry out the drainage of a most valuable and very exten- sive tract of land, is adapted to the progressive spirit of the present age, public opinion will answer. I then looked into the provisions of the Public Health Act, and consulted seve- ral large owners and occupiers of property in the parish,on the subject, when it was thought desirable to apply to \e General Board of Health for their advice, to whom I wrote, setting forth the difficulties under which we laboured, which led to Mr. Austin, their consulting engineer—when he shortly afterwards visited Newport—walking round the neighbourhood of Fair Oak and Maindee, in company with myself and several other gentlemen who take an interest in the matter,—the result of which was, that he recommended the necessary preliminary steps to be taken,either for addin" those districts to the Newport Local Board of Health, which already comprises a portion of the parish, or t6 form a sepa- rate district of the whole parish." The latter, Mr. G. observed, appeared to find most favour chiefly, because if the Council of Newport added the parish to the .borouh, the necessary sanatory measures required AT ONCE in Christchurch, would not be carried out for some years, if the four years that had elapsed in Newport, since the application of the Public Health Act, without putting it in force, might be taken as a criterion. The mode of car rying the Act into effect, was then pointed out in the circu- lar together with the mode levying of rates, on the basis of the poor rate, &c., &c.: and in conclusion, Mr. Graham stated :-1< It is my ardent desire to see effective mea- sures adopted, before the month of June next, to improve the sanatory condition of Caerleon Village, and to remove the crying and dangerous nuisances from stagnant sewage collected in the open ditches at Fair Oak and near the King of Prussia, which if not removed, I feel confi- dent will lead to very serious consequences to the health of the inhabitants in those localities, if not to great mortality amongst them, for it is an indisputable fact, that where stagnant cesspools and impure water are found, especially upon low marshy spots, the atmosphere in such neighbour- hoods becomes a most powerful agent in attracting the mias- ma from the air, and to concentrating it, that the rate of mortality in such localities, when epidemics prevail, is al- ways the highest, and from the facts recently published by the Registrar-General, it appears that the fatal epidemic (cholera) has appeared in this country, about the same period of the year (September) as it did in the years 1831 and 1848, with this exception, that in neither of the previ- ous epidemics was any such sudden destruction of life ob- served at its appearance,as the mortality at Newcastle-upon- Tyne very recently, where the number of deaths reached 2,085 in three months. And in England, in 1849, 2,046 per- sons died of it in the month of June 7,570 in July j 15,872 in August, and 20,379 in September—the mos4 fatal day be- ing the 6th of September, when the deaths by the disease were 1,121." -» This circular was extensively distributed, and attracted much attention and comment; and, while there was a stron" feeling of concurrence with the views it expressed, on the part of those who held large house property in the parish there was also, it should be stated, a decided objection to the application of the Act to the whole of Christchurch, on the part of others. The business of the day on Wednesday, at the Inspector's Court, was opened Boon after ten o'clock. There were present in the room, shortly after the business was commenced, Messrs. Hall, Farr, Llewellin (solicitors), W. Graham, jun., T. Kesaick, M. Cope (overseer), Thomas (architect), E. V. Jenkins, H. Williams (surveyor), H. Bernal Jones, John Lawrence, and John James, with a'}afgè number^of the Moor farmers and, at a later hour, the number was increased by Messrs. H. J. Davis (solicitor), James Rennie, John Logan, R. F. Woollett (surzecnl Joseph Latch, Dr. Stack, &c. Mr. Rammell, in stating the object of the inquiry, said the General Board of Health had power to direct such inquiry on two grounds—one being on a petition of one- tenth of the ratepayers and the other, when the mortality of the district amounted to 23 in the 1000. This proceeding had befti instituted upon a petition, which had been received by the General Board, from the rate-payers, on the 5th day of December, 1853. The customary notices had been duly published; and every step of formality taken, that was necessary on the subject. Mr. Wm. Graham, jun„ was examined: Had received a parcel of notices from the General Board of Health on the 20th day of January last; which he fixed publicly in the parish on Sunday.the 22nd January—on the parish cliurA door, the doors of two Wesley an chapels on Summerton Common, and one at the Royal Oak Inn; one at Newport Town Hall on the 23rd, and another on the door of the Caerleon Independent chapel, on the 24th. Mr. James Wring, assistant overseer of the parish of Christchurch, said The names affixed to:,the petition, are those of ratepayers owners of property in the ptrish. The name of Mr. T. M. Llewellin was among this list; whereupon, The Rev. T. Pope, inquired if Mr. Llewellin was a rate- payer or resident in the parish ? The Inspector said if Mr. Llewellin was all owner in the parish, that would be sufficient. Mr. Pope wished to ascertain at this stage of the proceed- ng, how the expense of the present inquiry would be met,' if the Act was not applied. The Inspector said this question might be asked by-and- by but at present, the inquiry had better proceed in the proper manner. Mr. Pope remarked, that he should make the inquiry, on receiving an intimation of the proper time, by the Inspector. The 95 names to the petition were then read through. They appeared to be chiefly of freeholders on the Newport Freehold Land Society's estate. Eighty-five of them were rate-payers; and others, owners of property only. There were on the last rate-book, 410 rate-payers." The Inspector said 41 rate-payers would be sufficient. 'Eighty-five good rate-payers were on the petition and the remainder were simply owners of property, whose names would be struck off. Mr. Pope said there were .persons' signatures to the peti- tion, whose names had no right to be there, not being rate- payers. The Inspector Those names.are struck out. Mr. Pope said it was no use disguising the fact, that a portIOn of the names of the mt6-payers were those of partlcs who occupied property to which they were not entitled the houses being built on common land, purchased from the Crown some time ago; and the periJons who were rated" were not owners. Mr. Farr It is not necessary they should be owners- rate-payers only, are requisite. The Inspector The signatures of rate-payers are suffi- ciently numerous. Have you, Mr. Pope, any other objection, which you will put in a tangible form ? Mr. Pope: I care nothing about it; but here are a number of persons who will object. Now is your "time, my friends, if you have any objections. Several voices exclaimed, We are all against it." Mr. Pope I supposa if the farmers signing the petition are ratepayers, and that that is sufficient, it -is all correct; but I understood it was requisite the signatures shou d be those of owners also. I believe niue-tenthe of the persons signing, did so under misapprehension. Mr. Llewellin I did not so sign it. The Inspector considered that all that was neeessary to be done, had been done, in the way of preliminary formalities and now he would wish to take some general description of the parish. Mr. Wm. Graham, jun., was called upon for this purpose. He said I am a land agent. The extent of the parish of Christchurch is, from Newport bridge, east and west, in the direction of Chepstow, about 3 miles—north and south about six miles. Mr. Pope Oh, Mr. Graham, that is not correct. M. John James That is no doubt like many of the in- correct statements we shall hear. Mr. Graham I meant along the turnpike road but in a direct line it is about four miles. I do not know the aver- age of the parish. Mr. Pope It might have been obtained from the map. It is about 5,700 acres. Mr. James Mr. Graham ought to be pardoned for errors, not having been long in the parish. Mr. Graham It is chiefly pasture land—about one-third arable not much woodland a large portion-perhaps one- half—is marsh land, very little above high tide level, if any so much so,-that it is necessary to fence the banks from the sea. The drainage is under the commissioners of sewers. The marshes are in one plot extending from near Chepstow eastward to near Cardiff westward. In the parish, the marsh land is from 2A to 3 miles. I think there are about 24 commissioners. Some are present. Perhaps Mr. Pope can say how many there are. Mr. Pope I cannot say. Many of them have not qualified. Mr. James: There must be three times 24 commis- sioners. Mr. Graham If so, they never attended. My father is bailiff of the court. (To the Inspector) The commis- sioners meet periodically at the King's Head. The parish of Christchurch joins Newport, divided by the river Uske; but a part of the municipal borough of Newport is situated ) within the parish of Christchurch—from Newport bridge to Liswerry pill, being about 500 acres of marsh land- The district of the Public Health Act in Newport is coextending with that of the municipal borough and there are 500 acres of the district under the Public Health Act) in this parish. An application has been made to the Local Board of Health at Newport, in reference to this petition, inquiring if the Board would object to an extension of the limits of their district, so as to include a portion of the parish of Christ- church. This portion included the districts known as Fair 1 Oak and Maindee. Those parts have not defined boundaries known to the law. That application was made in Novem- ber last; and the only reply was, that they would consider the subject when the superintending inspector came down but the general feeling of the Board was against the annexa- tion. There was no further communication with the Board on the subject. There is, in the farther extremity of the parish, the village of Caerieon-ultrar-Pontem containing 78 houses, and 302 inhabitants; there is also a large collection of houses, on the western side of the parish, called Fair Oak and Maindee, half-a-mile from the town of New- port. There are 130 houses erected, and in the course of erection there with a population of 422. There is another collection of houses at Liswerry and Summerton, at the southern side of the parish. There are about 50 houses there, with a population of about 300. There are a few straggling houses at Fishpool, and near the church at Christ- church. These are all outside the borough of Newport. There is a collection of about thirty houses near Newport bridge, within the borough. The population of the parish is about 2000. Mr. Pope: No, no; it is about 1700, according to the census. Mr. Wring It was 1630 at the last census. Mr. Graham: The population at present is about 2000; and, in my opinion, is rapidly increasing, in consequence of a large tract of land, near Newport, being laid out for building at Fa.ir Oak and Maindee, and because of its proxi- mity to Newport, where there is no freehold building ground to be obtained. This land was so laid out in the years 1849-51-52. It is a respectable class of houses generally, now built or being erected there—some are of a very supe- rior class indeed. Newport is largely on the increase and I anticipate a very considerable influx into this parish, the site for building being peculiarly desirable and eligible. This is generally the case in the uplands of the parish. The in- crease from 1841 to 1851, in Newport, has been about 8000, and the population is now upwards of 20,000. The average rental of land in the parish is from £40 an acre to £1 5s. Mr. Pope What? You are surely wrong. Mr. Graham I let land at £40 myself. Mr. James Fortunate man Mr. Graham: The rental of agricultural land varies £1. But for wharf land, I have obtained £40. The principal landowners in the neighbourhood, are his Grace the Duke of Beaufort, Sir Charles Mcrgan, Bart., the Rev. Sir Charles Salisbury Mr. Pope NG, no. Neither Sir Charles Morgan nor Sir Charles Salisbury is a large owner. It is misleading the inspector, who is taking down incorrect statements. Mr. James: It is like many other statements Mr. Graham is making. Mr. Graham Mr. Leigh, of Pontypool park, Mr. James Rennie, Mr. Logan, Mr. Pope, Mr. G. and Mr. John Lawrence, Mr. Wm. Jones, ofClytha, Capt. Mark Wood, and Miss Webb, are among the principal proprietors. The extent of their properties is—the Duke of Beaufort, 500 acres; and the lowest landowner, 100 acres. The Marsh land is among a number of small proprietors. I have served the office of suryeyor. The parish is divided into two parts for the highways only the upper and lower divisions. The extent of highways in both divisions, is from 12 to 16 miles. The rate in the lower division, for the last three years, was about 6d. in the pound for the repairs of the roads in the upper division, about 4d.—not on the rack rent. The turnpike roads are under the trustees for the Newport and Caerleon separate trusts. There are about five miles in the former, of turnpike road; in the latter, about two. There are very good turnpike roads in the parish but the highways are very bad indeed—accounted for, by the inferior materials used in repairing them the improper period at which these materials are used and from the fact of their being gene- rally under the management of the farmers, who haul stones for the repairs only when they have a convenient opportunity. Several voices: Thank you, Mr. Graham—thank you much. (Laughter). Mr. Graham In a portion of the parish, the blue lias limestone and sandstone and used; and in other parts, the sand stones gathered from the land. Mr. Brain And Cork stones. Mr. Graham They also raise some stones for the roads, from quarries. The roads are not economically managed— certainly not; the charges made for hauling being greater than it would be done for by contract. The roads are not judiciously repaired either. The surveyors are paid £5 per annum in each division. I do not think that is a sufficient salary. I would prefer seeing the roads placed under a paid professional surveyor. I should like to see Cornewall Lewis's Bill pass. We should have better roads, and less rates ultimately, under such system. The main drainage lines would be to the river—not to the sea. Mr. Brain They all go to the river, and that leads to the sea. (Laughter). Mr. Graham There is a brook passing through Fishpool. There is a, small stream from Eve's Well, falling into the river Usk, at Liswerry Pill. There is only the Eve's Well spring in the parish, that I am aware of. The soil, generally, is clay. The marshes have been flooded—they are partially flooded after very heavy rains, in the lower portions—arising from the outfalls into the river being insufficient; Liswery Pill being the only one in the parish. The water in the ditches is generally higher than it ought to be—generally nearly full, one-half of the year. The depth from the surface is usually under three feet, excepting in the main reens near the outfall. Therej have been complaints by the occupiers and owners, of the state of the drainage of marsh land and I am now unable to drain lands of which I have the manage- ment, by arterial drainage, in consequence of the outfalls being insuttici.at., There is a very considerable rise of tide bere-the greatest in the kingdom, except at Chepstow. The lushest sprffcgs rise about 40 feet. That would give facili- ties for the drainage of the marsh lauds. There is a good deal of fog ever these lands; and much ague frequently. (Laughter.) There will be two medical witnesses to speak to that. Dr. Stack: Not to the extent you speak of, as to ague. The Inspector You will state just what you know, sir. We will take your evidence next, as I dare say you wish to go. Dr. Stack I am much obliged. The Inspector said he had no further questions to ask Mr. Graham. Mr. Llewellin said he wished to ask if Mr. Seamark and Mrs. Cox were not large landowners in the parish. Mr. Graham They are. Mr. Pope: Is the property described as Fair Oak pro- perty, freehold ? Mr. Graham It is—that portion on which Fair Oak ter- race is built. The return of the last census is 1636. Mr. Wring, to the Inspector The population in 1841, was 1310 and in 1851, it was 1636. Mr. Pope Are there many houses built on the Maindee property ? Mr. Graham There are now built and occupied, and in course of erection, on what Mr. Pope called the Maindee property, about 83 houses. Mr. Pope You mean on the Eve's Well property—not the Maindee property Mr. Graham Define what property you mean. Mr. Pope, to the Inspector I merely wish to have the truth, and not exaggerated statements. Was the population of Newport, in 1841, 10,000, and 18,000 in 1851. Mr. Graham It was so, according to my recollection. Mr. Pope: The fact should be ascertained, that false statements may not be taken. Has the population increased from 1841 to 1851, eight thousand ? Mr. Pope, to the Inspector: The population, in 1841, to the best of my belief, was about 14,000. In 1851, about 19,000. I cannot give the present population. With re- gard to the highways, it is an important matter to the parishioners. The Inspector thought the better mode was, that other gentlemen should give evidence on the disputed points. He merely wished to have the fullest evidence for or against the Act. Mr. Lawrence thought the only way to get at correct in- forma'ion on the points named, would be to examine otller par ies on the same questions put to Mr. Graham. The Inspector said he had no objection to hear statements on the points named by Mr. Graham or to take further evidence from Mr. Graham, on any matter which might be raised. Mr. E. V. Jenkins said Mr Graham, who had been the promoter of this inquiry, and had no doubt considered the matter well, had stated that if the Act were applied, the rates would be decreased. The Inspector said that referred to the improvement of the roads, under the management of a professional surveyor. Mr. Lawrence wished to know the tenure of the property upon which the Liswerry cottages were built. The Inspector did not think it right to go back, and hear Mr. Graham again on the same subject. Other gentlemen should be examined on the point. Mr. Lawrence said it was well known the houses in question were not built on freehold. Mr. James wished to be examined. The Inspector said he had half promised to examine Dr. Staciirst. Mr* Llewellin said Mr. James wished to go out huntiu" to-day, ° Mr. James That is no business of yours, if I do. I was kiting yesterday, and I do not want to go to-dav. The Inspector I will examine Mr. James, then, first.— How shall I describe you, sir ? Mr. James You may describe me as you like as gentle- nan, if you please. I reside at Caerleon u-ltra-Poncem. I Wl,s to deny Mr. Graham's exaggerated statements. ,lhe Inspector I wish to hear your evidence--not preli. minary remarks. Mr. James: Mr. Graham said the roads were bad. They we good. Mr. Farr That is untrue. Mr. James I contradict Mr. Graham totally and entirely. ^Cheers and stamping of feet.) In my opinion, the high- ways are in a better condition than the highways generally throughout the parishes of this county, except where they lave cut up the road for the Suig's End Estate. Mr. E. V. Jenkins You would like, Mr. James, to have portion. Mr. James Mr. Graham wished to cast an obloquy on he farmers, as to the roads. Mr. Graham has been here dght years, and surveyor one year. I know more about the highways than Mr. Graham can. Mr. Llewellin I should like ask Mr. James how long he ras resided in the parish. Mr. James, to the Inspector I have not served the office f surveyor, aad do not intend to, if I can help it. I have ived in the parish about three years, and have known it or the last forty years. Mr. Graham has also stated that le knows the parish well—and knows of but one spring, mil that is Eve's Well. Now, I know of few parishes )etter supplied with springs, than the parish of Christchurch. Mr. Pope Of very good quality, too. The Inspector Where are they ? Mr. James I can scarcely tell you where they are not. Lhere are at least half-a-dozen springs in St. Julian's Wood. Chere are numerous springs between this place and Eve's well—also between this and the northern part of the parish, III both sides of the ridge extending from Fair Oak-hill, awards. They are constant springs. Mr. Brain Aye, night and day, (Laughter.) Ihe Inspector; Are they large? Mr. James: I do not know that twenty millions of gallons per day runs from either. (Laughter.) The Inspector required a proper answer. Mr. James They are constant, and of moderate size. There is one on the Cwm farm—two or three on Coldra farm —a spring on Belmont farm, a very good one. There are many other srpings—and on the whole, I consider the parish particularly well supplied with springs. Mr. Graham stated that the ditches on the marshes averaged three feet from the surface. It is five feet. The Inspector: He stated that the depth of water was about three feet. Mr James: Oh, I misunderstood him. The usual depth to the water in the Marsh ditches, from the surface, is under three feet, I think-in summer, nearly dry-too dry for agricultural purposes, a great many of them. In sum- mer, 0 there is frequently a scarcity of water for the cattle in the Marshes. I suppose the cattle are generally driven, at those times, to the nearest running streams. There is an over- supply of water in the winter, and too little in the summer, in the Marshes, as regards agricultural purposes. If I could have the controul of the water, I would not distribute it as at present. The value of the Marshes would be increased, if the distribution of the water was more equal. I do not know what is the present average rental of the land. Mr. Graham ought to know better than myself; but I think his statement, as to value, was incorrect. I cannot give you an approximate idea of the rental, so as to give a correct answer as to the value. Some portl4ms, and pretty good, are let at about £2 5s. to £2 10s. per acre. Those parts are of average quality. I know some portions let at 30s. an acre, I think. 1 cannot say if there is much rot or disease among the sheep and cattle in the Marsh lands. Mr. Graham said there was a great deal of flooding, after rains, in the parish. I do not think there have been 20 acres, so flooded. A Voice No nor five. Mr. James I have never seen much of the Marsh land in this parish flooded. I have seen large tracts of the level flooded--I may say in the neighbourhood of Bishton. As to the number of houses and inhabitants—78 houses, and 302 inhabitants, in Caerleon—I can say it is one of the healthiest places I ever lived in, and so close to the banks of the river, that a drain easily be made, without the interference of a public body or board. We, at Caerleon, do not want this commission \mt the inhabitants of the other part appear to wish it. Mr. Graham I would wish to ask Mr. James if he is an owner of property in the parish. Mr. James: I am only a tenant. It is very little property I've got at all, unfortunately. I am one of the commis- sioners but do not know how many.there are, having only just got into harness. Dr. Stack I have practised over six years in Newport, four of which I was acting as assistant-surgeon to the Union, in which the parish of Christchurch is included. Yesterday I renewed my acquaintance with the state of sewerage in Christchurch—especially in the neighbourhood of Maindee Common, the King of Prussia Inn, and Liswerry. I ob- served a great many stagnant and fetid pools, ditch drains, privies, and pig-styes, from which there appeared to be no exit for the filth. The badly-drained state of Fair Oak, I believe to be injurious to health, and is likely to become more so, now that a large number of houses are being built, and the population consequently increasing. In the summer months, the emanations from those pools, impregnated, as they will be, by animal refuse and decaying vegetable matter, must generate a poison productive of fever of every type, and other forms of disease. In that locality, during my at- tendance on a family there, I found a very offensive smell on entering the house. This family, previously to their coming there, enjoyed good health but now, some member is constantly unwell, and all are far from enjoying good health. As I attributed this to the moisture of the ground surface, and the imperfect drainage of the entire surround- ing neighbourhood, I recommended a removal of the family. They still reside there, and are still ill. During the last vi- sitation of the cholera, I called the attention of the autho- rities-the nuisance committee—to the fetid odour arising from the stagnant pools along the roadside, in the Fair Oak part of the parish. I cannot say who the authorities were I applied to. I reported the state of these pools in the year 1849, I believe, to the committee appointed by the Board of Guardians. I believe some move was made for the purpose of cleansing the stagnant pools; and that the work was done, partially. Diarrhoea was very general in that neigh- bourhood at the time. There were some cases of cholera. I don't recollect how many cases. I have found fever en demic in the neighbourhood of the King of Prussia; and diarrhoea and dysentery very general amongst the poor of that locality. The fever was of an inflammatory type, and also typhus. If the drainage of that part were improved, there would be better health. I agree with the report of the Re- gistrar-General, in regard to the health of the population beingtter on dry and well-drained ground, than on ground of the opposite character. I allude to the drainage of the land in Christchurch, and the imperfect sewerage of the houses as the cause of illness. Small-pox has been very general in Newport, and in this parish, since I have been here. I think this was the case about twelve months ago. There have been cases of sporadic fever also occasionally. With regard to ague, I have observed some cases in the parish—on the Marshes part; but not to an unusual extent Mr. Pope As the minister of the parish, I wish to know where those cases occurred. Dr. Stack I have had some in the Marshes, and in dif- ferent parts of the parish, and some in Newport Mr. Lawrence here wished to ask a question of the wit- ness. The Inspector preferred its being done after the examina- tion in chief had been completed. Dr. Stack I cannot particularly call to mind the imme- diate locality where the cases of ague occurred. I speak from an impression only—I could not trust my memory to men- tion any precise locality. Ague is not more general in the lower part of this parish, than I have found in any other parishes I have gone through. I have found the climate moist, arising from bad drainage, causing catarrhs, affec- tions of the lungs, and diarrhoea. I attribute this to both the undraiued state of the iAnd, and the quantity of rain falling, I do not know the depth of rain which has fallen. Mr. H. J. Davis, solicitor, acting for Sir Charles Morgan, wished to ask Dr. Stack on what part of the Fair Oak Com- mon the fetid pools were situated in 1849. Dr. Stack I spoke of pools along the road side, and by Mr. Robert Jones's house-at the back of which there were cases of cholera—and along Clarence-place. I cannot say if those districts are within the district of the Board of Health of Newport. Mr. H. J. Davis: They are, though. How many houses were in the neighbourhood of those pools in 1848—were there half-a-dozen ? Dr. Stack I do not know. Mr. Llewellin There were eighteen. The Inspector Can you give the fact yourself. Mr. DAVIS ? Mr. Davis I merely wish to test the accuracy and know- ledge of Dr. Stack. (Hear, hear, and stamping of feet.) The Inspector said there might be an investigation into this matter hereafter. Mr. Davis said it appeared to be the intention of Mr. Graham and the promoters, to place the whole parish under the Board of Health for the use of those gentlemen who are building houses. If it was merely intended to take in parts where drainage was necessary, he should have no objection. Otherwise, he should oppose the measure most strongly. {Hear, hear.) The Inspector read his notice, to explain the object of the inquiry. 1 Mr. Rennie quite concurred with Mr. Davis, and as a proprietor, would strongly oppose the measure, if it was intended to charge the whole parish. If it was merely for the drainage of parts where it was necessary, he should have no objection. The drains now requisite, should have been laid down by those who had built, previously to building. That was the feeling of most persons in the parish. The matter might be carried out with a proper understanding if it was intended to apply the Act to those parts where it was necessary. Mr. Davis said it was generally thought the Nuisance Act would be sufficient; the Public Health Act beinc unne- cessary. Many parties who had clamoured for the latter, were now undeceived, and wished they had been content with the Nuisances Act. Mr. Llewellin said there was no desire to saddle the whole parish with the expense. The Inspector The expense of partial drainage would not be charged upon the whole of the parish. Mr. Llewellin said it was necessary, now that a large town was springing up in the parish, that something should be done to prevent the increase of evils, such as fevers, &c., in consequence. Mr. H. J. Davis What is the district ? Mr. Llewellin That is to be defined. Mr. Rennie Ou what principle are you to ak a farmer, livng miles off from the locality requiring drainage, to pay for works from which he will derive no benefit ? Could you not define the area, which requires the particular drainage sought for s t'lat the works may not become chargeable to to the whole parish ? The cost should be confined to the district where it is incurred. (Great applause.) Mr. Llewellin, Our objects are precisely similar. The Inspector This inquiry could not proceed, unless upon a petition from the whole parish. In the first place, it was from a petition of part of the parish. Mr. Graham Which Mr. Rennie signed. Mr. Rennie But I did not sign for the whole parish. The Inspector That petition was invalid. Mr. Davis Deci le the boundary at once, and save time. The Inspector The Board can apply the Act to a part or to all the parish. If you point out a boundary, which you j desi "e to include, it may be (lone at once. Mr. Fatr: Place all the matter before the Inspector; and let him decide. Mr. Graham Some want better roads, and I for one, and others, wish the Act applied, to remedy this. The Inspector Would you wish the Act applied, because the roads are bad ? Mr. Graham I would. Mr. Pope If any boundary is adopted, would the rent charge be liable for the drainage, though I derive no benefit from it ? The Inspector The rent charge is liable. Mr. Pope: Then that is a hard case, and contrary to com- mon sense and the Act. The Inspector: If contrary to the Act, it will not be charged. A conversation then ensued, as to the part of the parish where it would be most desirable to apply the Act. The Inspector wished to know what was the most populous part. ir. Thomas: There are about forty houses built on the i? air Oak Estate and perhaps fifty or sixty will be built there this year. This is going on, and will, in an increased proportion. Every allottee is almost ready to build. Mr. Davis The whole parish was not included by New- port in the Board of Health jurisdiction—only the borough. The Board thought they had enough to do, without under- taking the new district of Christchurch, when application was made on the subject. I Mr. Rennie remarked that Messrs. Graham, Farr, and the freehold Land party, should have made a general drain for themselves, and not call upon the parish to make it for them. As <f*e of the members of the Newport Board, be would have no objection to annexing certain portions of the district requiring it, to the Board's jurisdiction The Inspector saw a difficulty in forming a Board for the parish. 0 Mr. Davis did not see how to admit representatives of the parish into the Newport Board—it being composed of the Town Council. Mr. Graham was against any annexation. Mr. Pope The Christchurch Board members would have no power at the Newport Board. The Inspector They would, on all matters pertaining to the parish, Mr. Pope The principle laid down, for the application of the Act, is the mortality in the district. The Inspector The principle is the petition. Mr. Pope: The proportion of the mortality in this case, is not sufficient. Mr. Graham It is a great deal more than sufficient. Mr. Rennie approved of the annexation. Mr. Llewellin said the Newport Board would not admit it. Mr. Rennie Look at the great expense to the parish. They must have a Board, and all the necessary officers. The Inspector There is here but a small population, and scarcely enough to justify placing the parish under the Act. Mr. Lawrence And the chief place where the stagnant pools exist, is close to Newport. ° Mr. Davis: We may possibly get a greater extent of juris- diction for the Newport Board, by the New Reform Bill. Mr. Thomas And what are we to do in the meantime ? We have no outfall for the drainage of the Freehold Land Estate. The Inspector: To appoint a Board from the whole parish, when the whole parish is against the Board, would work badly. Could such a small place afford a Board and officers ? Mr. Graham Yes, for it is a question of health, which ultimately affects the question of rates. Mr. Davis Has any leave been asked for, to get a drain through any land to the river ? Mr. Graham An action was threatened, if a drain was made. Mr. Davis And quite right too. Sir Charles Morgan would have no objection to your making a drain through his land, on paying the damage but you must not let all the sewage of your property run into the water streams of Sir Charles Morgan, to poison the cattle drinking there. Mr. Pope The people at Fair Oak have gone on building, without making drains, which they knew would be required, and should be done. Mr. John Lawrence I hold 175 acres of land in the parish, and feel aggrieved that Mr. Graham gave me no notice of the petition. The Inspector The Act has been complied with or I could not be sitting here. Mr. Lawrence The greater part of the houses on the common land now sought to be drained, have been placed there with as much right as parties would have to put them on my back. Mr. Farr thought this was wasting time on a question which would lead to nowhere. The Inspector begged the last speaker's pardon—it would not lead to nowhere. The plan of the parish was then sent for, and a discussion ensued as to the parts of the parish to whIch it would be most advisable to apply the Act. The Inspector certainly thought it would be better if the gentlemen of the parish could arrange among themselves what parts of the parish should be selected instead of discussing the application of the Act to the whole district. Mr. Graham, Mr. Logan, Mr. Harris, Mr. Hall, Mr. Rennie, Mr. Llewellin, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Farr, and others, at once set to work to examine the boundaries laid out on the plan. The Inspector said he should be glad if they would point out a boundary, which he might consider, with a view to the application ef the Act. Mr. Wilcox said a large proportion of the land had been presented, with a view to its drains and reens being" cast" as soon as possible. Mr. Llewellin said he had no objection to throw off a portion of the parish. If the people of Caerleon wanted the Act, let them apply for it. Mr. Davis and Mr. Lawrence said they would withdraw their opposition at once, if the boundary pointed out, were resolved upon. Mr. Graham would be quite satisfied if he had proper drainage of the district. The difficulty of carrying the drains from the populous part to the river, could not be well got over; but Mr. Davis said the owners would have no objection to such drains, if the land was paid for. Mr. Williams, surveyor, said if the line of boundary were altered to take in the King of Prussia, Summerton, and Lis- werry Common, it would be advisable to make the Nash road the boundary. All agreed at last, that a boundary line should be drawn, which would include the chiefly-populated places in the parish, The Inspector said he was quite ready to consider any district that might be pointed out. His view would rather be to fix on a boundary which would be agreeable to all. Mr. Graham said the part taken under the Act, would be exempted from all charges for the other highways in the district. Mr. Davis Which the parish generally would be glad of —being more anxious to get rid of the heavier expense, in order to bear the lighter. The Inspector said he would have a plan to morrow morn- ing, from Mr. Graham, showing the boundary. He would now finish with Dr. Stack, and then go and examine the ground. The meeting shortly after separated, and adjourned to Thursday. ——— The Inspector sat to-day for a short time, and after taking some additional evidence, and examining the proposed boundary, terminated the inquiry for the present.

PONTYPOOL. Mr. James Jacob, woodward, Trosnant, Pontypool, de- parted this life on the 25th of January, 1854, and was in- terred on the 28th, at Penygarn. He attained the venerable age of 71 years, the almond tree being in full bloom. was followed to the tomb by his disconsolate widow and children, and a large train of grandchildren, friends, neigh- bourSi and workmen. He had been woodward for the Pon- typool Iron and Coal Companies for more than 40 years. His love for children was ardent. PONTYPOOL POLICE COURT.—MONDAY, FEB. 6. (Before the Rev. David Jones.) "William Radford was charged with stealing £2, the pro- perty of his master, Frederick Phillips, grocer, PontypooL —Committed for trial. William Anthony and Charles Edmunds, two boatmen, were charg jd with stealing 300 lbs. of coal, the property of William James.—The case being clearly proved, they were both committed for trial.

THE INTENDED CEMETERY. [TO THE EDITOR.] SIR,—The number and excellence of the plans submitted to the New Cemetery Committee, are significant of the im- portance attached to this locality by eminent professional men; aud I am glad to learu that the committee have fixed upon the designs submitted by Messrs. Johnson and Purdoe. These gentlemen have well proved their great capability for ecclesiastical and cemetery works, which they have carried out with credit to themselves, and entire satisfaction to the parties concerned and I should deem the present, a fittimr and favourable opportunity of consulting those gentlemen on the contemplated renovation of St. Woollos Church. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, A LATE INHABITANT OF NEWPORT.

AN EMIGRANT SHIP SAVED BY THE PASSENGERS On Saturday information was received at Lloyds that the fine screw ship the Themis, > ,500 tons register had had a very narrow escape, and was compelled to bekr up for Oban. The Themis, for Melbourne, sailed from Liverpool on the 29th ot January, with a very valnable cargo, and full complement of passengers, numbering about 300. Her crew, as in the case of the ill-fated Tayleur. consisted principally of_ Chinese and Lascars who make very inefficient seamen in the>-e cold latitudes,' The vessel had scarcely cleared the land when she encountered very severe weather, the cold being so extremely intense as to benumb the crew, and render them incapable of performing any duty. In this stale the adult passengersa volunteered to work the ship, whii h they did with surprising alacri'.y: but the captain considered it advisable to run for some port where he might obtain a few -bullish seamen that he could depend upon, and so bore up tor Obna. The captain states that, had it not fearfid Passe"gers the consequence must have been

rv rr BIRTHS. Wm""° «■»- "fe 0,Thom" Feb 2, Mrs. Wm. Weeks, of Walton, Somerset a daughter. MARRIED. a On the 3)th ult., at Mynyddyslwyn church, by the Rev — Nowlan 1, Mr. John Jones, to Mariam Austin, both of thi telegraph tavern, near the Western Valleys-station Newport, Mon. On the 5th instant, at St. Woollos Church. Newport, Mr. Jo'm Thomas, of Melin Griffith Tin Works, Glamorganshire) to Miss Mary Thomas, eldest daughter of Mr. Henry Thomas, of Bassalle^, near Newport, Monmouthshire. On the 4th instant, at Nebo, Ebbw Vale, by the Rev. John Emlyn Jones, M.A. Mr. Charles Church, to Miss Fanny Weekes, both of Fbbw Vale. At the same time and place, and by the same minister, Mr. Thomas Weekes, to Miss Sarah Davis, both of Sirhowy. On the 2oth December, at Malpas Church, bv the Rev — James, Mr. John Thomas, son of Air. Z. Thomas PrinrJ nf Wales Inn, Abertillery, to Flora, eldest da^Jhter 0f Thomas Scriven, farmer, On the 1st instant, at Skewan church, near Npa+h w Rev. Hanmer Griffith, vicar, and the Rev. Edwd ThomsTa incumbent, Edward Tothill, Esq., of Bristol tn T?r Leonora, eldest daughter of the late H. H. Price, ESQ of Neath Abbey. UL On the 9th instant, at St. Mary's Church Cardiff v licence, by the Rev. David Noel, Mr. W. Roberts Blue Bell, High-street, to Miss Jane Morgan, Bute aW- On the 8th instant, at the Registry office, Swansea. Mr Benjamin Matthews, Draper and Tailor, Pentwynmawr to Mrs. Roberts, Swansea Vale, Glamorganshire Sept. 10, '53, at Darling Point, near Sydney. New Sonti, Wales, Samuel Thorp, Esq. of Melbourne, to Maria of the late Mr. Geoe Long, of Berkeley, Glon- cestershire. DEAIHS. Yesterday morning, at Newport, Wm. Saer Esn firm of AHfrey and Saer, Castle Brewery, Newport On the 4th instant, at Bryn Glas, Newnort and eight months, Alfred, youngest son of Jaraes ilrown, EsqT On Tuesday last, at Newport, the daughter of M™' R. Mason, Commercial-street, aged four years On the 4th instant, at his residence, Liverpool, in the 58th year of his age James Wallace Monteath. Esa deenVVT gretted by all who knew him. The deceased was the f'aw of Mrs. James Gladstone, of this town. ther On the 1st instant, at her residence, Victoria-nW GrosmouL' GU°rge' rellCt °f Jam0S E«q., late of On the 29th ult. at Mount Cottage,Garn-vach, Nantyglo, iohhn Jn • ^ed^ad bemT40tOr the Xantygl0 IronWork^ The deceasedliadbeu] 40 years a resident in the neighbourhood, and m highly icspected by all, for his industry and probity. On the 5th instant, at Cardiff, Mr. smith, an old inhabitant of the above p M V. 1\ i, 'i L h I.