Monmouthshire Merlin

NEWPORT TOWX COUNCIL. On Tuesday last a meeting of the Town Council was held at the Town-hall. Present-Mr. Latch (in the chair), Mr. Homfray, Mr. II. J. Davis, Mr. Townsend, Mr. II arrhy, Mr. Knapp, Mr. W. Graham, Mr. Hynd- man, Mr. Moore, Mr. Sheppard, J. Lewis, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Lyne, Mr. Burton, and Mr. Jones. The meeting commenced by Mr. H. J. Davis proposing a vote of condolence to the M ivor on the d"ath of his wife. Mr. Homfray seconded the motijn, and it was carried unanimously. The Town Clerk stated tht Mr. Scard had been com- plaining that the Cricket Club made some demur about payit.g the £10 for the use of the Marshes. Mr. Harrhy explained that be had been applied to by Mr. Scard, and referred him to the secretary, Justice but be Mr. Harrhy) believed that Mr. Scard had not yet seen the secretary. Mr. Hyndman observed that the money was certain to be paid. The Town Clerk said the Marshes sold for 191. THE SURVEYOR'S REPORT Was read as follows :— "Gentlemen,—In accordance wi'.h your directions, I called on Mr. Morris, and explained to him the alterations of the slips from causeway to carriage road, Stow-hill, proposed at the last meeting. Mr. Morris strongly objects to the alterations. I ulso waited on Mr. Sayer, engineer to the Monmouth- shire Railway and Canal Company, respecting the com- laint of Mr. Moxley and others on Dock-parade. Mr. Sayer promised to give it his favourable consideration. I have apportioned half the cost of the new pavements between Mr. LI'Carthy's lane and Charles-street, on the owners, who agreed to pay the same. The Gas Company are about to lay down a main pipe along Commercial-street, between Skinner-street, and Charles-street. I beg to lay before you a plan sent by Mr, Jacob Jones for a house in St. Woolios-place." Mr. Davis said the carriage road on Stow-hill might be made very much more useful to tne public by the removal of a slip opposite Havelock-street, and another opposite Mr. Morris's. He suggested one slip in lieu thereof, The Surveyor said he should like to refer the matter to the Public Works Committee, as the work would entail some expense without any corresponding advantage. It was resolved to dispose of the matter in the manner proposed. With reference to the proposal of laying down a new gas pipe, Mr. Sheppard observed that few towns had been so cut up as Newport, and Mr. Townsend remarked that since the hint he had given a little while ago, the lights had certainly improved. He wished the Company to know that he had his eye on them. The Town Clerk reported that the dispute respecting the paving along Canal-side wou!d be settled without legislation. Mr. Bolt, however, expresses his determina- tion not to pay He promised to see the Council, and explain his reasons. THE TOWN CLERK'S SALARY. Mr. Jones intimated that the Mayor had requested the matter of the Town Clerk's salary to be adjourned for consideration till he could be present. It was agreed to defer the subject till next meeting. Mr. Townsend inquiied why the half-yearly accounts had not been published. The Town Clerk was d dug an illegal act. Did he admit it w-.s another manoeuvre of his r The Town C!erk said he did not. The Act of Parlia- provided that it was the duty of the Treasurer to prepare the accounts, but he would undertake to prepare the accounts this year as usual. Mr. Graham read the resolution appointing the Town Clerk, in which it was provided that he should discharge the duties recon.mended by the General Board of Health. Those duties embraced the preparation of accounts. Mr. Lewis suggested that the whole matter be ad- journed, and the subject accordingly dropped. The Chairman stated that the collector had paid S54 in since the last meeting, making £ 2,470, and leaving £150. all the drainage account, zCl35 had been paid in, making X74,3, and leaving After a few other remarks, the meeting was ad- journed for a fortnight.

NEWPORT HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS The annual meeting of this corporation was held on Wednesday. Thomas Gratrex, Esq., was called to the chair, there being also present Aldermen Burton and Latch, Capt. Foote, Messrs. G. Harrison, H. J. Davis, He wertson, Hall, T. Latch, and John Davies. The minutes of the previous meeting were read, and with regard to a portion of them remarks were made. The Clerk (Mr. Wildy) stated that the resolution re- quiring Capt. Moon to change his residence had been con- veyed to him, and he would, no doubt, act upon it, when enabled to make the necessary arrangements. Mr. Hall reported that Mr. Homfray and himself had examined the articles upon Mr. Cooke's premises, and recommended the Commissioners to purchase the b'ack- smiths' shop (without tools), the steam kiln, and the grindstone, at £ 30. The other things the committee considered it undesirable to purchase. Mr. Hewertson thought the amount named by the com- mittee very low. Mr. Hall was requested to proceed with the matter, the clerk being authorised to pay the amount, should it be accepted by Mr. Cooke. RAISING FUNDS FOR THE GRIDIRON. The report of the committee upon this subject- Messrs. Homfray, G. W. Jones, C. Lyne, and H. J. Davis was read. It recommended ''that the money required should be raised by sale of shares in the Water- works and that 100 shares at least, being 50 original and 50 preferential, be sold at once, and a similar number of shares two months afterwards; but your committee think taat if at the first sale the shares sell freely and at a good price, a further number might then be prudently sold." Mr. H. J. Davis explained that the object of the com- mittee in recommending the sale of both original and other shares was to try the market for each. No doubt the original shares were worth more than the others. The question was which were the better to keep, and that would be ascertained after the first sale; while by an interval of two months being allowed to ela;- e, the JlLrkt would not be over pressed. It was su^v.-sted, too, that the shares should be divided into Lts of rive or ten each, so that the opportunities of purchasing them might be more extended. Ald.rman Latch did not think they could do better than receive the report, and empower the committee to exercise their discretion and upon the proposal of Mr. Juhn Davies, that was doue, and authority given to the clerk to arrange with the auctioneer. TIIE ANNUAL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS, Duly audited by iir. M. Brewer, and a copy of which had been forwarded to each commissioner, was received and adopted upon the motion of oUr. John Davis. HARBOUR MASTER'S REPORT. Mr. Gething, the harbour-master, reported— That a gridiron is in course of construction on the east Lank of the river Usk, a short distance below the Newport bridge. It is bounded on the north by the Rodney wharf or landing-place, used by the Bristol Steam- Packet Company's steamers, and on the south by Messrs. Hewertson's timber and bark-yard. The aforesaid grid- iron will be 250 long by 37 feet broad, and is calculated to supply a want long experienced in the port, as vessels can be readily placed for examination, and may perform the requisite repair. Heretofore there were only some liard bunks in the river where vessels could be laid for stopping a leak or other teuiporl-y repairs, and where they were always liable to collision and other danger. The estimated cost of the gridiron is £ 3750. It is to be con- structed by the Harbour Commissioners, out of the har- tour fund, and is expected to be complete and fit for the •use 0: shipping in the course of five months from the present period. That the quay wall at the Moderator wharf, which had partly fallen down into the river, and was in a very dila- pidated condition, has been rebuilt by Crawshay Bailey, Esq., the proprietor. New moorings have been placed on the quay, the docks cleared and rendered safe. This ■wharf is bounded north by the CinJerhill wharf, and on the south by a wharf of which Mr. T. B. Batchelor is the proprietor. Adjoining this latter wharf lies a wharf belonging to Messrs. bailey, and in a bad condition. The rebuilding of it was contemplated by Messrs. Bailey last year. That the wharf and river bank at the Monmouthshire Itailway and Canal Company's wharf, which had partially given way through the deepening of the docks, so as to render them inaccessible to large steamers at neap tides, has been repiled, strengthened, and improved, and new mooring posts have been placed for the greater security of shipping. A substantial wall has also been built on the margin of the river, the entire length of the wharf; the whole is now in excellent working condition. The river bank at the Victoria wharf, adjoining the before-mentioned wharf, which has also broken away into the river, has been piled at considerable expense, and every means used to sustain the same, and appears at present to be effec- tive. The docks at these wharves have been deepened and frequently levelled during the past year, and are in good condition and capable of receiving ships of nearly 200 feet in leugth. These wharves are bounded on the north by Messrs Yipond's coal wharf, andonthe south by Jack's pill. That the wood wharf constructed by Messrs. Grant, reported last year as having given way towards the river, remains in the same state and condition. That the wharf reported last year as building by the Blaina Cwm Celyn Company, adjoining Messrs. Grant's wharf, is now com- pleted, the dock cleared of the mud and levelled, and good, sufficient moorings placed thereon. "That Mr. John Thomas, timber-merchant, has driven many additional piles along the frontage of his wharf, and thereby rendered the river bank much more substan- tial these docks, and the docks at the various wharves from the bridge to the Newport floating dock, have been cleared, or are in course of being cleared, and are safe for shipping. That the Newport dock enlargement, reported last year as in progress, has been completed and opened for the reception of shipping on the, 2nd day of March last. It ia capable of containing from 70 to 80 ships of large tonnage, having an area of seven acres; it has 26 feet depth of water, and its various appliances for the discharge of iron ore, timber, ballast, &c., as also for the shipment of coal when completed, will render it oue of the roost efficient docks in the United Kingdom for its size. Hydraulic power has been applied to the opening and closing of the dock-gates, thus rendering the ingress and egress to and from the dock easy and quick. A large quantity of mud has been cast into the river Usk since the opening of the dock, from thence, which caused re- monstrance on the part of the Town Council, and subse- quently complaint was made to the Admiralty, and Capt. Alldridge was sent as a deputation from that Board to inquire into the alleged offence, when, after several days' patient investigation, he pronounced that the matter cast into the river had not caused any injury or obstruc- tion thereto. That on several occasions during the past year I have examined and surveyed the river Usk from the bridge to its entrance, and I find the water more shallow in Town- reach, and the sand bank in Pill-reach somewhat increased, but from thence down to the river's mouth, the sand and gravel banks continue the same as reported last year, and the depth of water in the channel the same. The channel continues the same course, no new bank has formed, and the river is free from any obstruction, from roots of trees, or any matters other than those beforementioned. The moorings at the various wharves and and on the river banks are in a good efficient state, and the docks safe for the reception of shipping. The various banks of the river have been defended from the action of the tide by limestone and rubbish, together with stakes where required, and at present the river banks are in a good state of preservation. That during the present year ending the 26th of May, 1858, no new jetties, piers, buildings, or encroachments have been made. "ROBERT GETHING, Harbour Master. Newport, Monmouthshire, May 26th, 1858." The Chairman That is a very satisfactory report. Alderman Burton It appears to be no matter what is thrown into the river. It doesn't seem to do any harm. Mr. H. J. Davis It must be a very satisfactory report for the weaker vessels." (Laughter.)—Mr. Davis further remarked that the report of Captain Alldridge must give general satisfaction. Alderman Latch I and Captain Alldridge don't agree, I can tell you. The report was accepted. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT. GENTLEMEN,—I beg to report that the police con- stables employed by you, and under my control, have attended well to their duties during the last twelve months, and that I have no cause to complain of any of them during the said time. Charles Broad, No. 3, has resigned at his own request, and I have appointed Thomas Sutton, aged 25, now serving in the Gloucester Constabulary, in his place and be will commence duty here on the expiration of his month's notice in that force. During the twelve months the constables have appre- hended and summoned before the magistrates the following number of persons, viz. For stealing from ships 4 Iron 13 Coal. 12 Drunkenness 48 „ Vagrancy upon wharfs 17 Summonses. 9 For d-.tmages to vessels 3 Deserting from apprenticeship 3 Assaults 17 126 I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant. "JOH HUXTABLE, Superintendent." Mr. H. J. Davis remarked that the document set forth the crime prosecuted. No one could say how much was prevented. EMPTYING RUBBISH INTO THE TRIBUTARIES OF THE USK. The subjoined letter was read by the Clerk, who stated it was overlooked at the last meeting Pontrhydyrun Works, near Newport, 14th April, 1858. To the Harbour Commissioners and Conservators of tltt: liiver Usk. GENTLEMEN,- Will you allow us to draw your atten- tion, officially, to the quantity of refuse that is tipped from the various works on the banks of the Avon Llwyd, into its bed. We are compelled now, for our own de- fence, to employ a company of 40 navigators to clean the channel of the river, so as to drain the back water from these works, and the rubbish thus to be turned off is com- posed of broken bricks, puddling furnace cinders, and coal ashes, cemented with fine sand. We think, if the conservators were to inquire, they would find that thou- sands of tons of this sort of material were carried down by the- last flood, and we are fully persuaded ourselves that this sort of material is fifty times more likely to ob-truot the navigation of the River Usk than all the mud thai can possibly be dredged out of the Newport Dock. To be forewarned is forearmed,' and we rest by bringing this matter under your notice, in the hope that you will be able to find a 'preventive' for it, which will be far more important and less cost than a cure.' We are, Gentlemen, yours obediently, "CONWAY, BROTHERS." Alderman Latch, amidst some laughter, said according to some opinions the stuff from the works must be of great service in stopping up the holes complained of, in which mud would not remain. The Chairman: Are we, as conservators of the Usk, conservators of the rivers above, because, if we are, this mOlY be an important matter to discuss hereafter. The Clerk read the clause applicable to the powers of the Commissioners. The Chairman How fir do our powers extend? The Clerk There is no limit. The Chairman Do you mean to say that our juris- diction extends over every stream flowing into the river Usk ? The Clerk could not say that. The limits were not defined. Mr. H. J. Davis asked if there was not a ckuse at the end of the Act giving information upon the point. The Clerk replied in the negative. Alderman Burton said they bad certainly got as far as Caerleon, because dues were paid there. Alderman Latch thought it had been the intention to embrace all the tributaries. The Chairman said what he wanted to know was whether they had any power to prevent what was com- plained of by Messrs. Conway. Mr. H. J. Davis They themselves can take proceed- ings if they experience any injury. They are as much in a position to move as we are. The Clerk (in reply to Alderman Latch) All Icm say is that you are limited by the Act to the port and harbour of Newport." The Harbour Master said some few years since, he was appointed by the Commissioners to go round among the hills, and examine the tributaries. He discovered that refuse was being thrown into them from almost all the works. The Chairman Was anything done then ? The Harbour Master Several letters passed upon the subject, but the Commissioners agreed that they had no authority to interfere. Mr. John Davies It is likely we have jurisdiction as far as the tide flows. Mr. II. J. Davis: If you moved in the matter, the first thing that would be said to you would be—" Show us it is yuur river." Mr. Harrison And here they would say-" Prove that we threw the stuff in." It would be impossible to iden- tify from which of the works it came down. The Chairman What am I to do with the letter ? Alderman Latch Refer it to the Dock Company. (Laughter.) The Chairman Then we will acknowledge the letter, and say that we are much obliged to Messrs. Conway for drawing our attention to the matter, but that we are advised we have no power to interfere. This was assented to. Some bills were examined, and ordered to be paid, when the Commissioners separated

TOWN HALL, NEWPORT.—SATURDAY. [Before J. LEWIS, T. GRATREX, and T. LL. BREWER, Esquires.] Thomas Wood was charged with trespassing on a piece of ground in the occupation of Moses Scard, in search of coneys. The prisoner pleaded guilty. Mr. Moses Scard gave evidence, stating that such trespasses were very common. He added that he did not wish to press the charge, on account of the prisoner's family. Defendant was fined 15s., including costs, with a caution from the Bench Samuel Vowles was charged with stealing a coat, the property of Robert Hum. Mr. Champ appeared for the prosecution. The complainant said he kept the Miners' Arms, at Risca, and on the 17th inst. the ptisoner, ac- companied by three others, entered his house. They went into the kitchen, adjoining which is a parlour, and in this room was a black cloth coat. Other evidence was adduced to show that the prisoner took the coat away. He pleaded not guilty, and the Magistrates committed him for trial. MONDAY. [Magistrates—CHAS. LYNE and GEO. GETHIXG, Esqrs.] DRUNKENNESS.—Mary Ann Egerton was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and with assaulting the police, on Thursday last. P.S Pratten deposed that on the day named, he found the accused near the Lord Raglan in a drunken state; she there asaulted a man named Williams, and was then taken into custody. She was very violent, and he was obliged to have assistance to take her to the station-house. Prisoner said that Pratten had beaten her in the station-house in a brutal manner; this Pratten denied, P.S. Bath confirming the denial. Defendant then said that thq, fault entirely lay with the man with whom she lived, who had struck her down on the same day in the street. Fined 10s. and costs, or 21 days' hard labour. A COOL HAND,—Lewis Jenkins was charged with stealing two loaves of bread from the shop of Samuel Harse, Llanarth-street. Prosecutor stated that on Wed- nesday evening last, about nine o'clock, while he was putting up the shutters of his shop, he saw the prisoner loitering about, and then enter his shop and take down the loaves, and put them under his arms; he then walked up the street with the loaves, prosecutor following him, but not seeing a policeman he went up to prisoner and took him back to the shop, when he replaced the bread. Prisoner then asked Mr. Harse what he intended doing rfvvi with him, as he did not feel disposed to remain there all night-did he, or did he not, intend giving him into custody? Prosecutor on ascertaining his name, let him go, Jenkins saying, Well, good night, God bless ye." He subsequently gave information to the police, when prisoner was apprehended. Superintendent Huxtable gave him a character extending over some 18 years, during which period he had put in a great number of appearances at the police court, but he was never before charged with theft. Sentenced to one month's imprison- ment, with hard labour. CAUSING AN OBSTRUCTION.—James Barry (a man in the employ of Mr. James Keyse, corn-merchant) was, on the complaint of Mr. Townsend, charged with obstruct- ing the entrance into his warehouse in Cross Keys-lane, by placing his horse and cart there, and also with using abusive language when ordered to move away. Mr. Townsend stated that his object in bringing the case before the Magistrates was principally to place himself in a position to enter an action against Mr. Keyse for conti- nually allowing his men to load and unload carts opposite his warehouse door, thereby obstructing the entrance thereto, and consequently deteriorating the value of his property most materially. Mr. Townsend then stated that on Friday last Barry placed the horse and cart on the spot referred to, and be remonstrated with him, and ordered him to move away, when defendant made use of very low language, placed his fist close to Mr. Townsend's face, and threatened to strike his brains out. Defendant here said that Mr. Townsend struck the horse three times, and afterwards struck him across the head with his stick. This Mr. Townsend emphatically denied, but admitted to having given the horse a slight cut to cause it to move on.—Moses Scard gave corroborative evidence as to the foul and abusive language used towards Mr. Townsend, adding that he saw him slightly cut the horse, but did not see the defendant touched.—William Evans (foreman to Mr. Keyse) said that he did not see Mr. Townsend strike the defendant, but heard very bad lan- guage made use of by both parties—" one as bad as the other."—Defendant: "If I can give worse than him, I'll give any one the best."—The Bench considered the charge proved, and inflicted a fine of 8s. 6J. WAGES CASE.- Mr. John James, jun., was summoned for the sum of £1 2s. 6d., wages alleged to be due to James James for carving a coat-of-arms. Plaintiff stated that he had offered to do the work for 10s. in his brother's yard but was afterwards requested to go into the country, a distance of three mi'es beyond Caerleon, where he had to do mason's work in addition to the carving, which occupied altogether, including the time consumed in wallyng to-and-fro, two days and a quarter, for which he demanded payment at the rate of 10s. a-day.—Mr. John James, for the defence, stated that James agreed to go into the country and complete the job for 10s., which sum he had paid. Mr. James added I feel bound to say, he did his work well-he is a first-rate workman." —Catherine Jones, servant in the employ of Mr. James's sister, said that she received messages on three occasions, stating that plaintiff would execute the coat-of-arms for 10s., and that he would carve it in the country.—The Bench considered it to be a contract job, which took the case out of their jurisdiction it was therefore dismissed. ASSAULTS.—Sarah Pring (who did not appear) was charged with assaulting Catherine Rees, on Thursday night last. Complainant deposed that accused struck her an open-handed blow on the face. Fined 5s. and costs, or 14 days' ira prison ra en t. -.Nlary Ann Kelly appeared on the complaint of Mary Ann Parry. Complainant stated that on Friday last Kelly abused and struck her. The Superintendent stated that defendant was designated the Champion of Castle-street," but the championship availed her nothing, the magistrates fining her 5s. and costs, or 21 days' imprisonment. Patrick Welsh pleaded guilty to striking John Jones, a sailor lad, serving on board the Little Nell; it appeared from the evidence that Welsh contracted to discharge the vessel above nclmed of a cargo of iron ore; that at six o'clock in the evening the men left work, when Patrick insisted on their working until eight o'clock; the men refused doing so, and the complainant asked Welsh why he was in such a hurry to discharge the vessel, when Mr. Patrick Welsh, by way of reply, kicked the boy in the mouth, causing it to bleed and swell very much. Sergeant Lloyd gave the defendant a character for any- thing but amiability of temper, adding that he was in continual brawls. Welsh on being called upon for his defence, said I just put me fut in his mouth," and called a witness to prove it. This witness, an Irishman, proved the assault, much, as it appeared, to Patrick's surprise and indignation, who called out in a very sen- tentious manner, Mike, how much money do you have for coming here this day to persecute me ?" Mike re- plied very indignantly, Me d—e no money." Fined 10s., and 9s. 6d. costs. DRUNKENNESS.—Catherine Burton was charged with being drunk and incapable on Sunday evening last; it appeared that she was so helplessly tipsy that she was obliged to be carried 011 a stretcher through the town from High-street to the Town-hall, followed by a large mob of people. Defendant, when placed at the bar, pre- sented a sad and pitiable spectacle, having no covering to her head, or shoes to her feet, and her hair hanging in dishevelled tresses down her back, She trembled ex- cessively while stating that she was the wife of one of the soldiers quartered at the Barracks that her husband had been in the Crimean war-a horse-artillery min- that while in Scotland she had managed, by selling off everything she was possessed of, even her wedding-ring, to purchase his discharge. They then came to this dis- trict, when her husband succeeded in getting into work at his trade—that of an engineer—he, however, in three weeks, getting tired, it is presumed, of hard work, again enlisted, leaving his wife in an utter state of destitution. Two of the officers, she said, very humanely gave her five shillings each she had been almost starving, sub- sisting on a dry crust of bread for days together. While in this state her husband carne to her lodgings on Satur- day night, and excited her very much certain of his comrades gave her a glass or two of beer, and eventually she got into the state described; all she now inapL„ ed was to get to Falmouth, where she had friends, who she trusted would take her in.—The Bench were favourable to this request, and humanely ordered her fare to be paid to Falmouth, on condition that she would leave the town the same evening by the Bristol packet. James Sheppard was charged with assaulting Elizabeth Beamish on Friday morning last, It appeared that the parties weie engaged at Messrs. Rennie's brick-yard, and a quarrel took place about the ownership of a small pan from words they quickly came to blows-a regular up and down" fight took place; the trophies of which were a black eye received by the complainant, and a sample of defendant's hair exhibited by his wife, about sufficient to make an ordinary periwig, which was stated to have been plucked out by t'ie innocent complainant from her opponent's head.—Defendant was fined 10s., including costs.

BLAINA. PETTY SESSIONS, F RIDkY.-[B j fore F. LEVICK, Esq. and Captain MARSH.]—Mr. Thomas Morgan, assistant overseer, obtained orders for the removal of Benjamin Jacob, to Llanover, Monmouthshire; Sarah Lewis, to Blakency, Gloucestershire; Jane Williams, orphan, to Blaenpendal, Cardiganshire; Rachel Richards, and her four children, to Llanvrechva Upper, Monmouthshire Mary Griffiths, orphan, to Gelligaer, Glamorganshire; Mary Jones, to Llanarth, Monmouthshire; Mary Crump, to Garway, Herefordshire and Samuel Anthoney, wife, and child to St. Stephen, Carmarthenshire.

MONMOUTH. TESTIMONIAL TO A PAST ARCH OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF DRUIDS.-It is in contemplation to present Mr. Thomas Tippins, of Church-street, with a handsome mark of the appreciation by the members of his services and general conduct since his connection with his lodge. The testimonial comprises a nicely-finished silver watch, to which is attached a neat gold guard, on the case of the former being engraved-" Presented by the Loyal Tra- falgar Society, A.O.D., No. 7, Monmoutb, to P.A. Thomas Tippins, as a token of respect. May, 18.58." Mr. William Bevan, watchmaker and silversmith, of Agincourt-squaie, has exercised care and judgment in providing the testimonial, which gives every satisfac- tion, and at his establishment it has been on inspection during the last few days.

CHURCH-RATES. On Thursday, last week, a parish meeting was held at St. Mary's vestry-room, for the purpose of examining and passing the accounts of the churchwardens—Mr. Berrow, ironmonger, and Mr. David Roberts, builder. The attendance was tolerably numerous, and the interest felt in the proceedings of the meeting, which lasted upwards of three hours, was intense. Loud complaints were again made against the practice persisted in by the Vicar, as chairman, of not entering the minutes of proceeding in the parish-book at the time, ^vriting them on scraps of paper, and then taking the book home to transcribe them into it. The subject was discussed at some length, during which it was shown that the practice of taking the books from the vestry was illegal and liable to heavy penalties, and that the resolutions passed were thus liable to be altered or per- verted to answer the purpose of the writer. The Vicar said that he could not at the time write down the resolutions in the book, and take the part he should in the meeting as chairman, and he wished the vestry to appoint a clerk to write the minutes of the meetings. In the course of the proceedings, it was proposed by Mr. Vaughan, seconded, and carried, that in future the resolutions be entered in the book, without any observa- tions, notes, or comments connected with them. In going through the various items of the expenditure of the churchwardens several were objected to as not being in their estimate. Mr. George proposed, and Mr. Meredith seconded, that L3 for bell-ringing be disallowed. The motion was carried. A sum of <63 for visitation fees was also disallowed. After the items in the accounts of the churchwardens had, seriatim, been examined and compared with vouchers, Mr Meredith proposed that as the ohurchwardens had not furnished the meeting with lists of the vacant houses, of the names of defaulters, and the sums they owed, the meeting be adjourned in order that such lists might be produced, and that the parishioners might know who were the defaulters, how much each owed, how much the sum which amounted fro;u vacant houses, and thereby have some data before them, and some check on the churchwardens, instead of their bare word. He con- tended that it was impossible that the accounts could be balanced without such lists, and that otherwise the pass- ing of them would be a mere sham, reflecting no real honour on the churchwardens. Mr. Skynner seconded the resolution, remarking that such lists were indispensable in order to account for the sums said to be uncollected. A very long and sometimes rather angry discussion now ensued, in which part was taken by Mr. George, Mr. Vaughan, the Rev. Mr. Watherston, Mr. P. Williams, and a great many others. The Rev. Mr. Watherston proposed as an amendment that the accounts there and then be passed. On a division it was found that, several persons now having left the vestry, 12 were for the amendment, and 12 for the original resolution. The Vicar did not vote, but after he saw th it the mem- bers on each side were equal, he contended that he had a casting votl', and said he would vote for passing the accounts. But the meeting decided that as he had not voted before, he could not regularly now give a casting vote-which would not be a casting vote in the ordin- ary acceptation of the term, and therefore no vote at all. The meeting now came to a dead lock. The church- wardens positively refused to promise to furnish the parishioners at a future meeting with a list of the sums uncollected. They were repeatedly told even by their own party, that this would be greatly to their honour, but they were unbending. At last, how- ever, they yielded, and promised to produce the re- quired lists at the adjourned meeting, which was fixed for that day fortnight. The meeting then adjourned. It is expected that very shortly the new church- wardens will call a meeting to get a new church-rate, and it is said it will be opposed even to the polling of the parish: -Dissenters and others who do not attend church complain that as they do not see notices of vestry meetings, they are held unknown to them. Those, however, in the parish, who are opposed to church-rates, will have an opportunity in less than a month to oppose a rate. ———— DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS.—SATURDAY. [Before GEORGE CAVE, T. WAKEMAN, and J. DAVIES, Esqrs.] A CHARGE OF ILLEGAL FISHING.—James Jones, a boy of about 18 years old, was charged with having placed night lines in the river Wye, with a view to c-tteh eels.—Mr. J. E. Powles appeared for the prosecutrix, who nominally was Mr. Mills, of the Angel Hotel, who rents the river and Mr. T. J. A. Williams appeared for the defendant.— The evidence of Mrs. Mills, Mr. Morris, of Chapel Farm, opposite whose land the boy was found, and a keeper to T. Booker Blakemore, Esq., M.P., of the name of Jones, proved that the defendant had put down lines, which, however, was not denied on the part of the defence.—Mr. Williams rose two objections, namely, that the magistrates had no jurisdiction in the case, and that the statute under which the proceedings were taken did not apply to the case. He also contended that the defendant had, by prescription, perfect right to such mode of fishing. Mr. Wililams asked for an ad- journment, and in the interval to have the opinion of counsel on the points in dispute, each party to abide by the decision. He argued that this was a case just in point to settle a question which frequently arose here, but was never fairly sifted.—The Bench ultimately, re- fused the application.—Mr. Cave said that it was impos- sible that the defendant could establish a right to fish in Mr. Blakemore's water.—The Bench would fine him Is., and expenses. lls.-The Court during the h aring of the case was nearly full, owing to the interest felt in the de- cision of the case, it being well known that there is a strong disposition to preserve the river so far as to prevent people from angling unless by" permission. It is, however, also well known that from time im- memorial all have exercised their right of angling in this part of the river Wye, unmolested, and that such right has been fully established by custom. There are scores in this town who would liberally subscribe towards defending their rights on this point. COUNTY COURT.—-MONDAY. [Before J. M. HERBERT, Esq., Judge.] The cause list to-day, although rather long, contained n scarcely any cases but those in which disputed accounts in different shapes formed the subject of litigation. The following, however, is an exception Wore v. Constance.—Mr. Roberts, of Colefo-rd, appeared for the defendant.—The latter lived at Nuxon, near Cole- ford, and the former occupied an adjacent farm: The action was brought to recover the value of a sheep, the property of the plaintiff, alleged to have been killed by defendant's dogs. Plaintiff stated that when the ewe, which had a lamb, was founJ to have been worried by defendant's dogs, his brother, William Wore, brought two of these dogs to the house. He knew they were de- fendant's dogs.—Cross-examined The sheep died the following Sunday, two days after it bad been worried. On the next day he went to the de fendant's house to complaiD of his loss. Much of the wool and some of the skin about the sheep's neck were torn off when it died. This was not the first time he had bad sheep killed by gentlemen's dogs. For this sheep he was, however, de- termined to get paid, if he could. He did not believe the sheep died from rot. the ewe and lamb were worth 25s. He had left the lamb in the field in which the ewe died. —Robert Callow stated that he lived near the plaintiff, and had seen the defendant's dogs worry the sheep. He well knew the dogs. They were two, one a sheep-dog and the other a spaniel. When he came upon them, the sheep- log had the sheep down, and laid hold of it by its neck, and the spaniel was barking and running around it. The sheep had been badly torn, and had bled much.—The Judge asked plaintiff if he had ever told defendant before this occurrence that the dogs were dangerous, or if he had any evidence to show that defendant knew that the dogs were addicted to worrying sheep.—Plaintiff replied that he had never before complained to defendant about the dogs, and that he had no evidence to prove that he knew they were darigerous.-I-iis Honour then said that in law this was indispensable. The law requiredathat the defendant should be first cautioned that the dogs were dangerous to be at large, before any damage would be recovered for the mischief they did; and it regarded anything done previous to such a caution as a pure accident. The case, therefore, broke down.-Plaintiff said that he had brought the action merely in order to see whether one man could, with impunity, keep dogs to kill another man's sheep.—The Judge said that for the future defendant would be liable for any damage done by these dogs, for it now had come to his knowledge that they were mischievous animals, and he would advise him to kill them immediately.—Mr. Roberts applied for costs, but the Judge peremptorily refused the application. An unusually large number of persons had been sum- moned after judgment, for disobeying previous orders for payment made by the Court. Some of them were committed to prison, and others very narrowly escaped. A person named Adams, on the suit of Taylor, both from the Forest of Dean, was committed to Gloucester Gaol, for 21 days. A Court for he-'ring the petitions of insolvent debtors will be held next Monday.

BRYNMAWR. I LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.—The monthly meeting of the Board was held on Wednesday last, the following members being present:—Mr. T. Kershaw, Mr. J. Hitchman, Mr. G. Vaughan, Mr. William Vaughan, Mr. John Lloyd, Rev. W. Jenkins, Mr. G. Hicks, and Mr. John Judd. Mr. Kershaw took the chair. The Sur- veyor was then ordered to carry into effect the resolution of the Board relative to the paving in front of the Welsh Baptist chapel, in Davies-street. The specification for continuing the Clydach culvert having been read, and the tenders opened and considered, it was resolved that the tender of William Griffiths, jun., be accepted at 7s. per yard, and 6s. 6d. for the branch and Mr. Hitchman was directed to watch the execution of the work. Re- solved that the question of conveying water to fresh loca- lities be adjourned until next meeting. Mr. Hicks then gave notice that at the next meeting of the Board he would move that a chairman be appointed in the room of Mr. Rowlands, who had vacated his seat through non- attendance. The clerk was then directed to communicate I with Mr. Rowlands that his seat had become forfeited by non-attendance, but that if it should be made to appear to the Board that such was occasioned through illness, his seat was still open. 0 TABOR CHAPEL.-The re-opening of the above chapel took place on Sunday last, when sermons were preached at ten, two, and six o'clock, at each of which the attend- ance was very large. The services were also continued throughout the day on Monday, but the weather being so very unpropitious, the attendance was not so large as on the previous day. Very liberal collections were made each day, in aid of the building fund.

PONTYPOOL COUNTY COURT. TUESDAY. [Before J. MAURICE HERBERT, Esq., Judge.] The list contained 73* new cases, 15 adjourned, 13 judgment summonses, and 6 old cases. I)(SOLVET..Nichola" Iffixtres, grocer, &c., Pontypool, passed his first examination without opposition. He was- supported by Mr. Gi-cenway.-Ilis Honour remarked that the estate ought to pay a respectable dividend Mr T. P. Prothero: Yes, yau* Honour; there are a great many debts Thomas Morgan v. Lane.—Claim for beef and lamb, supplied to the defendant.—Mr. E. B. Edwards for the plaintiff, who said he supplied the beef to Miss Lane's servant girl, and hia son the vaal to the --e Darly The amount sued for was 7s. 9J. The girl swore that she never had the meat; and Miss Line deposed that no meat, since the settlement of her bill in 1857, had been had by her or her authority.-Ilis Honour thought the meat had been delivered to some one else by mistake.—Non- suit. Hewy Harris Y. Giles Jones.— This was an action to recover 20s., the value of a sheep, said to have been in the possession of the defendant, but belonging to the plaintiff, for whom Mr. Greenway appeared. Plaintiff deposed that he is a farmer living at Gelly- deg, and owning about 800 sheep. in July, 1856, he bought eighteen sheep of William Rees; the pitchmark of Mr. Reea-" u." in a circle-was upon each sheep be succeeded Afl- Rees in the occupation of the land ra which the sheep were he put his mark on the animitls, burning an H" on those which had horns, and those which h'ld none on the nose undet the right eye. His Honour asked if the sheep were present ? Mr. Edwards answered in the negative, observing that he was afraid the animal would be found an uniuly witness. His Honour, perhaps, might ha.ve found it the best witness. He remembered a similar dispute at Monmouth. The sheep was brought into court. Oae of the patties remarked that he would sr'on sho w to whom the sheep belooged. Billy) Lill- said hl, "caine here, come along, and the sneep immediately ran across to him. Ihere eoaid be little doubt left then as to whose pro- perty It was. (Laughter.) Plaintiff continued: In July last, twelve months after, he saw one of the 18 sheep in the pound; he went to Giles Jones about it, who said Charles Andrews brought it there, and that another man owned the ewe the man he said was from Newbridge plaintiff said I suppose that must be John Powell," and told Jones to let Powell have her, and he would go after her plaintiff afterwards saw the ewe in Giles Jones's field; a demand had been made for her. Cross-examined by Mr. E- ll. Edivards, who appeared for the defendant. There were a great number of sheep in the pound at the same time I merely looked through the bars I saw the mark on the sheep distinctly the mark was twelve months old: I know all my sheep as well as any man. William Rees deposed to having sold the sheep as men- tioned by the plaintiff; he never sold sheep to John Powell. Cross-examined: I have bought sheep of John Powell, those I afterwards sold to plaintiff. Thomas Rees said he saw last week the sheep that was in the pound upon defendant's far. Other evidence suggested that the sheep in question was taken from Gellydeg mountaiu to Pontypool, where she was impounded, afterwards being placed on the land of the lord of the manor at Groesvach. John Powell, living near Newbridge, deposed that in 1855 he tacked 20 sheep with David Davies he sold 15 of them to Mr. Rees, leaving five with Davies one of them was that in dispute; he was sure of it, from the mark. His Honour Were they not all marked ailke ? Witness said all were punch marked in the ear but that in question, which was marked with a knife. Cross-examined: A did not see the letter "R" in a circle when I saw the sheep in the pound, the wool had been torn off, except a bit on the hind part. David Davis had seen the sheep in question, at a sheep gathering.J une> loo6, the animal was at tho Travel- lers' B«8t» luie was a mark upon the ear; saw no other mark except a « p» vvit(l pit £ h> Charles Andresvs remembered assisting Harris in washing sheep saw the ewe in question in June, 1857 an our or fiya d^ys after took her to Giles. She was not marked under the eye. 3 honour, in giving judgment, said he thought the ewe Waa the plaintiff's. The evidence as to identity was very unsatisfactory and he preferred to decide the case as one of mistaken identity than that he should hold Harris guilty of an active fraud, in marking the ewe after having been impounded and after he had disclaimed the ownership. The sheep must be given up, or 20s. be Pa»d. T Thomas Morgan v. Charles JVillia'ns-—The defendant is a quarryman, residing at Risca. He was sued for 9s. 3d., the value of meat aij pplice, to him. He strenuously denied that he had had the meat. Plaintiff asserted the reverse, stating that it waa bought and delivered on a Sunday. In reply to his Honour, defendant at first de- clined to shelter himself under the Sunday Trading Act but upon the Judge expressing a strong opinion against him, he asked permission to plead the statute; and this being allowed, he received a verdict.

If the Atlantic cable is safely deposited, there will be established a telegraphic communication from Constanti- nople to Now Orleans. It is calculated that a message leaving the Turkish capital at two o'clock in the after- noon would arrive at New Orleans at six The first message direct from Constantinople to London came in less than no time"—it left at 11.45 in the evening, but arrived at 8.57 the same evening, beating the sun by three hours. [Thus is realised a step in the calculation ot the prophet who foresaw the time when even the traveller himself might reach his destination "sooner than he$<inld stop at home."]