Monmouthshire Merlin

ABERSYCHAN. BIBLE CHRISTIANS.—On Monday last, Mrs. Window laid the foundation stone of a new chapel, about to be erected for the use of this denomination. Ao effective address was delivered by Mr. Bowen, after which the friends and promoters of the undertaking adjourned to the Baptist Chapel, where an impressive sermon was preached by Dr. Thomas. In the evening, a large party partook of tea in the Primitive Methodist Chapel, in connection with the same object.

BLAENAVON. LECTURE.—On Tuesday evening last, a very instruc- tive lecture, which was remarkably well attended, was delivered in the Wesleyan Chapel, by R. P. Steel, Esq., oil The wonders of minute animal and vegetable life." T. W. Plum, Esq., manager of the works, occupied the chair. At the conclusion of the disconrse, the Rev, J. Rought proposed a vote of thanks to the lecturer, which was most enthusiastically seconded by Mr. Charles Smith. In placing the motion before the audience, the Chairman made some very interesting observations after which it was carried by acclamation. In respond- ing, Mr. Steel remarked, that if his endeavours had been successful, he should feel great pleasure in render- ing them service at a future period. A vote of thanks was also passed to the Chairman, which he very warmly acknowledged. We cannot close our report without noticing the admirable manner in which Mr. Steel's lecture was adapted to his hearers, who were principally working men; he wisely confined himself to a very small section ofhis subject, and drew attention more parti- cularly to the first germs of animal and vegetable life, and illustrated by large coloured diagrams, the many and varied forms assumed by animals of this simple organisation, while undergoing the process of reproduc- tion. The tendency of his lecture was to excite a spirit of enquiry in the minds of working men, and so lead them to avail themselves of the means of acquiring kncwledge placed within their reach, by the establish. ment at this place of a Reading and Mutual Improve- ment Association." VENTRILOQUISM. — On Thursday evening, the 5th instant, Mr. Newman, the celebrated ventriloquist, gave his highly popular entertainment, at the King's Arms assembly-rooms. His performances gave general satis- faction, and caused considerable mirth among the audience. The only thing which appeared to have been regretted was the scarcity of attendants. FATAL ACCIDENT.-A very deplorable accident, which terminated fatally, occurred to an orphan boy, thirteen years of age, named James Jenkins, on Friday morning se'nnight. He was sitting on a coupling between two of a train of loaded trucks, when the engine backed, and the poor lad's body was almost severed in twain. He was immediately conveyed home, and Mr. Steel, sur- geon, very promptly attended, but his skill was unavail- ing, as the lad expired instantaneously. On Monday an inquest was held over the body, at the King's Arms Inn, before T. Hughes, Esq., coroner, when the jury, after some deliberation, pronounced a verdiot of Acci- dental Death." The engine driver was exculpated from all blame. ACCIDENTS-—A lad named Daniel Rees, who was employed in the coal workings at this place, met with a rather severe accident, on Saturday last, occasioned by the fall of a large quantity of rubbish on his body. When extricated from the debris it was found that one of his legs was broken, and that he had also-eustained several severe bruises on other parts of his body. He is, however, in a fair waj of recovery, under the diligent attentions of Mr. Steel, surgeon, of the works.—On Monday last, an engine tender, at the New Forge, named James Wookey, had his right arm and side severely scalded caused by the sudden emission of a jet of hot water, through the cylinder escape-valve, while he was engaged in assisting to start the engine. SERIOUS ACCIDENT.—An accident of a very painful nature, happened on Monday last, to a miner named Joseph Moore, who was engaged in the Coity pits. While making ready to fire a blasting hole, the wire struck against a small piece of mine the sparks caused thereby ignited the powder, and the ramming" was blown out wi h great violence against the ill-futed indi- vidual. His body was severely lacerated, and he has lost the sight of his right eye. It was also deemed necessary to have the left arm amputated above the wrist, which operation was aceordingly accomplished. The unfortunate man still lies in a very precarious con- dition, but hopes are entertained of his recovery.

USK. A RUN WITH THE LLANGIBBY PACK. The meet on Monday, the 2nd of January, was at the Riiadyr, near Usk, at half-past nine. As we were going up to draw Poacarrow wood, just before we gut to the limekiln, the hounds threw up their noses and dashed off, leaving the huntsman with only one hound at his horse's fieels-tliis was a cropped eared one, which had been so disciplined that he evidently cared more for the lash than trie scent of a fox, but here there was no vile whip to check the dash and mettle ot the hounds, which is so essential in this country so away they went on the drag, and, turned from the wood, we were going todraw and bore towards a cover on the lelt, Graig Vule. Here was rather a novel sight to us who had been accustomed to see the huntsman, with some other packs, first enter a wood and the hounds following, and then driving round to the other end of the cover and blowing his horn to get the dogs through it, and in our ignorauce we deemed this proceeding necessary, but here the joily pack topped the hedge before the huntsman could get to it, and to quiet our surprise, he remarked, They do not want any help now, for if he is there they will soon make him quit." They now dragged him through the wood almost to the end, when they turned back and began to call much quicker, and we could then see by the un- easiness of some of the old sportsmen that something was forthcoming, when we heard such a crash with the longed for and thrilling "Go hark off," as m&de us forget all else, and away we went towards the town of Usk. He then turned through Graig-henalth wood and out across part of Cefii-ila farm, with the pack well at him, to Coedy- deon woodland ringed all round it twice, with the view, no doubt, of gaining a little upon the pack before taking the open. Here we enjoyed a glorious cry as we galloped under the wood. He then broke over towards Cefn-ila, and turned again to the left over some large fields, where we had a splendid view of the pack, and had a chance of seeing how they ran, for we had heard from some rather fastidious gentlemen that this pack did not keep well together, but here we were convinced to the c .ntrary, for although the leading hounds ran breast high, we could have covered the whole pack with a crinoline petti- coat; they now ran down almost to Llanbaddock at a tremendous pace, so, to cut off an angle, we made for Cefn-ila lodge, and up to the top of Panty-cuckoo wood, where we thought to head them, and give our nags time to breathe but no, just as we got to the top of the wood the hounds were topping the hedge out of the cover all abreast they then missed it for a minute on a large fallow, and they all spread beautifully to regain the scent, when Madcap" bad the luck, and as soon as her scolding voice was heard, every hound closed to her like folding up an umbrella after a storm. They now seemed to go faster than ever to regain what they had lost, down to Kilfin Orls, and over the Dowlais brook by Cefn- drainog, up through Coedy-fern and over Ten-y-caio hill towards Prescoed here something turned him back short up into the Cwm wood, and we feared the hounds would not have turned with him at the rate they were going down the hill, but they did not over run the scent many yards, and one wave of the hat turned them all up into the Cwm wood, when he broke directly over the hill to Llangibby park, and, when crossing the dell, the cry sounded most beautiful- (talk of a concert, indeed!) He gave a ring in the park, and came out almost where he entered, when he seemed much distressed, having had such a blowing as he could not get over. Although this wood is near two hundred acres it was surprising to see how quick the whole pack came out after him, little Madcap still leading. He now ran over Tenycaio hill, by the fire, down through the Bitier wood to the Dowlais brook, and then turned to the left, up the bottom to Kilfigin, when it was manifest the gallant pack were gaining on him fast, but we all feared he would reach the Rhadyr earth, but when he crossed below Kilfigin and was mounting Cefn-ila hill in that direction we saw him look back at the pack, who were then within three hundled yards of him, when he turned from the hill to the brake under Cefn-ila house, where they finished him after a sharp ran of aa hour and a half. He wu a fine old dog fox, and carried a beautiful brush, which was won, and deservedly so, by Mr. Powell. We were much pleased when the fox broke from Llangibby park to observe some of the footmen lie flat on their backs and let the fox pass close by them, instead of running and bellowing at him as soon as his nose was out of the cover as is mostly the case. We hope that any footmen who may happen to read this will take a hint from an old sportsman, and be convinced that nothing tends more to sport and damp the hounds than turning a fox back into cover when they have worked him out, and are prepared for a stretch in the open.

NASH. AN INQUEST was held on Monday last, at Nash, on the body of David Musgrove, aged 66 years. It ap- peared that he had been to several farm houses to see his relations, and having 'partaken of some cider, on going home across the fiolds, had fallen into one of the reens, as, when found, he was very wet, and was lying on his face on the path leading to his home. A verdict of "Found Dead" was returned.

ABERGAVENNY. At the magistrates' meeting at Abergavenny, on Wednesday last, Wm. Moore, a tramp, was charged by Miss Hannah Coates, of the Cymreigyddion Hall Inn, Tudor-street, with begging, and assaulting her sister on Sunday evening last. Moore was dismissed, on promising not to offend again.

MONMOUTH. BURGLARY.—A daring attempt at robbery was per- petrated on Friday morning last, between 2 and 3 o'olock, on the premises occupied by Mr. Williams, the New Inne Whitecross-street, Monmouth. It appears that the burglar effected an entrance into the house by taking a pane of glass from the window of a room on the ground- floor at the rear of the premises, and which opens into a yard used by a coach-builder named Morgan, and to which easy access can be had from the street. Having succeeded in obtaining admittance by this means, bs j proceeded to the kitchen, where he took off his boots, and, not finding anything to suit him below, he went upstairs, and got into the bedroom of Miss France, Williams, youngest daughter of the landlord. She heard some one walking about the room in the dark, aad, thinking it was her mother, asked if it was her, but not receiving any reply, and observing a silent lucifer match struck, but which did not ignite, she screamed out that somebody was in the room. Mr. Williams immediately jumped out of bed in his shirt, and was just in time to c itch hold of the ruffian as he was making his escape from the room.& A deadly encounter here took place in the dark, but Mr. Williams kept his hold, and down the stairs they rolled one over the other, struggling most desperately. Having got the burglar down the stairs, he was dragged into the y -rd, the door of which had just been opened by Mrs. Williams, who rushed out to alarm the neighbours. The screams of Miss Williams brought the superintendent of police to the spot, and the ruffian was secured and safely lodged in the station-house. In the examination before the magistrates, the above- mentioned facts were deposed to by Mr. Williams and 1 is daughter. Superintendent Wheeldon, who was also examined, said I took the ptisoner to the station, before looking at the place: I told a young man, named Hill, who resides with me, and who went with us to the sta- tion, to watch the prisoner that he did not throw any- thing away. At the station I asked prisoner where his boots were; he replied-" Oh, I dare say you will find them." He smelled very strongly of liquor. On search- ing him I found upon him a soda-water bottle, with a small portion of rum, and a box of lucifer matches, and also 4s. 6d. in money. On examining the premises I found a pane of glass in the back window had heon,re- moved, close to the fastening of the casement, which oould be opened when that was done. The oasement was large enough to admit a man's body. On the kitchen floor I found some lucifer matches, and also prisoner's boots. I went to the station, and asked prisoner if they were his boots. He said—"They are." That morning about nine o'olock, I read the charge to prisoner, when he said it is right enough." He first told me he be- longed to the Island, in Gloucester, and afterwards said he came from Hereford. I have reason to believe that he is a ticket-of-leave man, from the Forest of Dean. There is another charge against the prisoner, but the parties refuse to prosecute unless they are compelled. I have the property here it is a piece of bacon, taken from Miss J effries's shop at the top of Monnow-street. I found it boiling in a house in Wyebridge-lane, though the party denied it w is there. I have also here some cheese, which the prisoner sold at 41d per lb. at a house in the town. The prisoner was remanded till Tuesday, in order that evidence in the other charge might *ie piu- pared. Some candles had been sold by the prisoner to a party in the town, but no owner can be found to these. On Tuesday morning prisoner was again brought up, and further.charged with having stolen a cheese, and several pieces of cheese, from the shop of Mr. Thomas Baker, Monmouth. Mr. Baker gave evidence, identifying the cheese produced, and stating that he had missed it on Thursday night, but had no recollection of seeing pri- soner in the shop. Several beggars had called that night, but he could not identify prisoner as one of them. -Thomas Turner Hill stated that on the night in ques- tion he had seen prisoner standing on Monnow- bl idge, near Mr. Baker's shop, and loitering about there for three quarters of an hour.—Edward Jayne, landlord of the Bridge Inn, stated that prisoner had been in his house that evening, and had called for some beer. He went out and came back about nine o'clock with a cheese, which he offered to sell at 5d. per lb. A person in the house said I daie say you will take 4|d." Pri- soner replied-u Well, I am not very particular, as it is the last Witness bought the cheese at 4Jd. Had not seen prisoner before that day, or after, till he was in custody. Had given up the cheese to Sergeant Harris; was not accustomed to buy cheese, and did not know its value.-The prosecutor, Mr. Baker, was re-called, and said that the cheese was of the best make, sold by him, by the cheese, at 9J. per lb.-Prisoner declined to put any question to the witnesses, and when the usual caution was read to him, refused to make any statement. He was fully committed to take his trial at the next assizes. The charge of stealing the bacon was not entered into, the Bench thinking the evidence not sufficiently con- clusive. James Monnington's case, on a charge of beating his wife, had been remanded on the 6th inst. The wife to- day did not appear, and the case was consequently dis- missed. Mr. Galindo, however, appeared, telling the Bench that Mr. Monnington's former sureties for good behaviour surrendered their bail, and, in the course of the sitting, Mr. James Watkins, of Wyebridge-street, became surety. William Foster, a navvy, from Taunton, Somersetshire, was charged by P.C. Sandy, with assaulting him, and being drunk. The officer not pressing the charge, pri- soner was dismissed with a caution, and ordered to pay the costs of the luck-up.

CARDIFF. NEW BUILDING AND INVESTMENT SOOIETT top SOUTH W ALES.-A building and investment society on a large scale is now in process of formation in this town, to be called The Principality Permanent Benefit Building and Investment Society." The trustees and directors of the society are already appointed, and they consist of a number of highly respectable gentlemen, merchants, and trades- men of the town. Mr. E. A. Freeman, a Liberal candidate for Cardiff at the last election, is, we hear, about to take up his resi- dence at Barrow-court, Somerset. THE LATE MARCHIONESS op BUTB.-About three years ago the Marchioness of Bute was made the execu- trix and residuary legatee of her uncle, the late Captain Hamilton Fitzgerald, R.N. That benevoleift officer munificently left a legacy of £10,000 to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and the like sum to the Seamen's Hospital. The gallant captain died in Brussels, but his will had been previously executed in London by Messrs. Clayton, of Lancaster-place. The Belgian Government made, we believe, a claim of JE15 per cent. or more of legacy duty on the whole of the captain's property, amounting to about £ 60,000. The English Government made also a demand of JE10 per cent. on the same, so that between the two Governments the legacies of the two benevolent societies would be reduced one- fourth. However, the Marchioness of Bute resolutely disputed the claim of the alien Government, and her litigation continued for nearly two years with it. In the meantime her ladyship, most considerately, had deposited the £ 20,000 at the London and Westminster Bank. During a portion of the period of its lodgment there the money actually bore an interest of £ 8 per cent., and an average of more than £5 per cent. on the whole term. At last the marchiones succeeded in completely frustrating the Belgian Government, and in having the satisfaction to pay the legacies nearly in full to both institutions, exclusive of legacy duty. At that period the National Lifeboat Institution was struggling hard to pursue its course of usefulness in the cause of hu- manity, and its committee at once decided to spend, if necessary, the whole amount of the legacy in placing additional lifeboats on the coast. Since then the life- boats have been built, and have often been instrumental in rescuing scores of lives from a watery grave. SPECIAL RELIGIOUS SERVICES. The present will be a week long to be remembered by the several Christian churches of all denominations, worshipping in Cardiff. The religious communities of this town, in common with the people of God in other parts of the world, had pre-arranged to set apart this week as a special season for solemn and devout prayer to the Father of Mercies, for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and a revival of religion in every land. If Cardiff has attained an unenviable notoriety for the gross immoralities and unblushing crimes which are hourly perpetrated, there are, nevertheless, to be found within the borough, a large number of earnest, holy, devoted, Christian men and women, and ministers of the Qospel, both within the pale of the Established Church and amongst the Dissenting congregations, who take their stand between the porch and the altar, and whose prayers continually ascend to lleaven on behalf of the ungodly. It would be difficult to give a correct description of what has been calmly, but solemnly, transpiring in every house of prayer, during the numerous services of the week. Last Sabbath-day, the attention of the con- gregations was in various ways specially drawn to these services. Every day, from half-past five o'clock in the morning, again at seven, also, at noon, and then during the evening, have special prayer meetings been held in the various places of worship. On Tuesday evening there was an united prayer meeting of all the denominations of Cardiff, held at the Town Hall. There was something remarkable connected with the circum- stances of this gathering. Clergymen of the Church of England, accompanied by their congregations, Metho- dists, Calvinists, and other sections of the Christian church, were all seen bending their footsteps towards the hall. Before the commencement of the service, the Crown Court was filled, and numbers are said to have returned home, in despair of gaining an entrance. The new Law Court was subsequently opened, and the high praises of Jehovah were at once ascending from each of the judicial chambers. The Rev. Mr. Green opened the service in the Crown Court, by giving out two verses of an appropriate hymn. He afterwards read a suitable portion of scrip- ture, delivered a short, earnest, and very appropriate address, and the congregation joined in supplication. Clergymen, Dissenting ministers, and laymen took part in this holy exercise. There were no exhibitions of frantic grief or marked enthusiasm, but there was a deep tone of earnestness evinced throughout this large assemblage, and every worshipper seemed to feel that it was no ordinary occasion. This impressive service was concluded by the congre- gation joining with one heart and voice in the One Hundredth Psalm it was sung to that olden tune, which our forefathers were wont to sing, and which never fails to remind one of bygone days and primitive worship. The services in the New Court were conducted si- milarly to those already described. It was a solemn scene—a day to be remembered.

MERTHYR. BOARD OF HEALTH. A meeting of the Board took place on Thursday, the 5th inst., when the following members were present :—R. T. Crawshay, Esq., (chairman) Messrs. Foreman, D. Rosser, J. Bryant, D. Williams, J. Jones, and T. H. Williams. The minutes of the last meeting having been read and signed, the following report was read from the Surveyor Merthyr Tydfil, Jan. 4, 1859; "TO THE MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH. Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,-In accordance with the resolution of tLe Board, I beg to recommend that three gas lamps be placed on the Penydarren road,- the first to be below the entrance to the Penydarren Works (as shown on the tracing and accompanying plan), the second to be opposite the clock on the Peuydarren-road, and the third to be a bracket placed at the bend of the houses above the Music Hall Tavern. I beg to submit for the approval of the Board proposed forms of new books for the use of the office, so as to en- able me to carry out a better system of accounts by which I shall be able to inform the Board annually, or otherwise, the amount of moneys which shall have been disbursed in each particular street or road David Jones has delivered a plan for permission to build one house at the corner of Alma-road, and Thomas- street, to which leave may be given. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, "ALFRED TAYLOK. The recommendations in the report were agreed to. A letter was read from Mr Williams, Pant, complaining that the pitching in front of his house required consider- able repair. The Board agreed that his request should be granted. WATER WORKS. The following report was read from Mr. J. Lewis :— To the Merthyr Tydfil Lotal Board of Health. Gentlemen,— I beg to lay before you a brief report of the progress made in the carrying out of the Merthyr Tydfil Water Works as follows :— The Messrs. Edington, of Glasgow, have delivered in Merthyr 23f miles of pipes; 31 miles of piping being about the extent of their contract. They have also deli- vered 63 tons of special pipes. "The length of the main pipe laid and completed by Messrs. Crump, is as follows: From the filter beds towards the quarries under Mor- lais Castle, 2,464 yards from filter beds towards Merthyr Tydfil, 550yarilaj filter beds to Gellyfailog Bridge, 792 yards; in the neighbourDOOJ or rontyaH"il1. 74R yards. The Messrs. Harpur, are progressing favourably with the filter bed works at Penbryn. In consequence of the quantity of excavations for the works being large there has been but little yet done in buildings. "The Messrs. Evans are making preparations for com- mencing with the large reservoir. I. With regard to damage done to a garden by the laying of pipes at Gellifailog Bridge, and spoken of at the l ist Board meeting, I find that Samuel Jones has no lease of the ground consequently he can only claim compensation as a yearly tenant: as the fences will be made good, and the ground properly filled in. I believe that if the Local Board will allow him a year's rent for the garden it would be a fair compensation. "I remain, Gentlemen, your obedient Servant, "JOHN LEWIS. Merthyr Tydfil, Jan. 6th, 1860." I Mr. Rosser hoped the Board would be disposed to deal liberally with Samuel Jones, as he was a poor man, and benefitted much by his garden, which is now much cut up J by the pipe line. Mr. Bryant hoped that the committee will furnish the Board with a statement of the whole accounts connected with the Water Works, and that the same should be handed in at the next Board meeting it was evident that the works would cost considerably more than Mr. Hawks- ley's estimate, viz., £ 48,01)0, It was now high time to look out where this extra sum could be borrowed, as there was but one more instalment to rece\e.jRoin 0 oc't Assurance Company to make up the £ o0,000. The Chairman explained that Mr. Hawksley s estimate did not include parliamentary and other legal expenses, which formed a considerable sum. He thought if the works could be completed tor toU.OUO, they might con- gratulate themselves on their good luck. Several bills were ordered to be paid, and the Board then separated.

ABERDARE. THE NEW VICAR,-The Rev. E. Lewis, the newly appointed vicar, read himself in at the old parish church (St. John's), on Sunday afternoon last. THE PENNY BANK..—This bank was opened for the first time last Monday se'nnight at the vestry room of Calvaria Chapel. The receipts that evening were X17 12s. 6d., (deposited by from 200 to 300 persons of all ages) a sum far exceeding the expectations of the projec- tors. The success of this bank has induced some of the friends at Cwmbach to try the experiment there. No MONEY TO SPARE.-Placards were posted all over the town, last week, anouncing that The Neath Ama- teur Ethiopian Serenaders" would give an entertainment at the Temperance Hall, on Thursday evening. Some few persons made their appearance at the door at the specified time, but such a small number that it was deemed prudent not to proceed with the entertainment; the money therefore was returned to those few who had entered. A lecture was also announced to be delivered at the Temperance Hall last Friday evening by Mr. F. J. Paton, on "The Genius and Writings of Charles Dickens." This gentleman, too, failed to muster an audience. THE RIFLE CORPs.-The members of the Volunteer Rifle Corps recently formed in this town are making rapid progress in their drill, and their affairs seem to be in a flourishing and satisfactory state. The committee presiding over the business of the corps have made every effort to reduce the expense attending the enrolment and membership, and they are now, thanks to their exertions and the liberality of patriotic funds, in a position to furnish and equip with all necessaries any person desirous of availing himself of the pecuniary advantage afforded by the subscriptions received for the moderate sum of Ll" 17s: 6d. 10s. of which must be paid down at once, and the remainder to be paid by fortnightly instalments of 2s. 6d. It will be percieved by this statement that admission to the corps is not beyond the reach of any thrifty workman, and consider- able credit is due to the committee for reducing the amount to so low a figure. We understand the Govern- ment Inspectors have approved the ground selected for rifle practice.

BRECON. HOUSEWARMING DINNER.—On Thursday last, several friends met at the Bull's Head Inn, in this town, for the purpose of partaking of a dinner, provided by Mr. and Mrs. Davies, the worthy host and hostess, tho principal object being to assist them in meeting the severe loss which they recently sustained by an overflow of water into their cellars in October last.—Mr. David Thomas, Lord Tredegar's agent, with his usual promptitude and sympathy, had promised to occupy the chair, and that announcement brought together a goodly number of trades- men. Mr. James Williams, the Mayor,with his usual good temper and ability, occupied the vice chair. About 70 gentlemen sat down to a sumptuous dinner, provided in r good style by the worthy hostess. After the usual loyal toasts had been proposed, the chairman gave the Lord Lieutenant of the county, Colonel Watkins, the member for the county, the Honourable G. C. Morgan, and the member for the borough, all of which were most enthu- siastically responded to by the company present. The Mayor and Corporation, proposed by Mr. John Probert, of Pontgwellun, was duly responded to by Mr. James Williams, the Mayor.—Mr Councillor Morris proposed the health of the chairman in very complimentary terms, and adverted to that gentleman's exertions in promoting a railway between Hereford and Brecon, to whom QU- | deavours the county was indebted for all other railway I schemes whish were now on the tapis. Mr. r Thomas, in returning thanks, expressed his regret at the apparent delay that had taken place in cutting the first sod. The contractors howevor, as I' man of business, had convinced the company that it could answer no practicable purpose to do so in Novem- ber, as originally projected, leaving, as there of necessity must be, an interval of some months between the cutting and the actual working on the line.—He was glad, how- ever, to inform them that a meeting of the shareholders would be held at Brecon on the 7th February, when the time for cutting the first sod and the actual working of the line of railway would be announced. The chairman (thanked the gentlemen present for their kindness and sympathy towards the landlord, Mr. Davies, on that oc- casion. The company separated about 11 o'clock, highly pleased with the proceedings of the evening. MYSTERIOUS DEATH.—On Saturday evening last, a young man of this town, a mason's laborer, of the name of William Griffiths, was taken home by his aunt in a state of intoxication, about ten o'clock. About twelve o'clock he was taken ill, and a surgeon was sent for, who was told that he was brought home tipsy. He pre- scribed hot tea, with instructions to place him in bed. About five o'clock Griffiths died. An inquest was held on Monday on the body, before James Williams, Esq., coroner, and a respectable jury, and on a post mortem examination, it was discovered that the deceased bad sustained a fracture of the skull, how and by what means it was impossible to state. The inquest was adjourned for a week, in order to enable the authorities, if possible, to clear up the mystery. It is currently reported that the deceased, on the night in question, changed a sovereign, but that no money was found upon him on his return home. WILFUL DAMAGE.—On Saturday night last, a party of the Warwickshire Militia (some of whom we regret to say are making themselves rather notorious) who had been in the Green Dragon Inn, in this town, on their return to Barracks through Lion-street, smashed some panes of glass in the Bank windows of Messrs Hughes and Joseph, of this town. Enquiries have since been made, but we regret to hear that no clue has yet been found to the guilty parties. BRECONSHIRE EPIPHANY QUARTER SESSIONS. These sessions were held on Tuesday and Wednesday se'nnight at the Shire Hall, Brecon, before the following bench of magistrates :—Penry Williams, Esq Penpont, Chairman Honourable Godfrey Morgan, M P., Trede- gar Park J. P. de Winton, Esq., Maesderwen J. Powell, Esq., Watton Mount; John Lloyd, Esq., Dinas; J. Williams Vaughan, Esq., Velinnewydd; Capt. Lindsay, Llandefeilog; John Gwynne Holford, Esq., Buckland Henry Allen, Esq., Oakfleld ■, Edward D. Thomas, Esq., Wellfield; John Morgan, Esq., Bolgoed D Hughes, Esq., Brecon; John Evans, Esq., Brecon Wm. Parry, Esq., Noyaddfawr T. Martyn Roberts, Esq., Llangenning Evan Bevan, Esq., Talgarth Rev. W. Jones Williams Rev. Charles Griffith, Giyncelyn Rev. Thomas J. Powell. The following gentlemen qualified as magis-trates for the county—Hon. Godfrey Morgan, M.P., Capt. Lind- say, John Morgan, Esq., D. Hughes,^Esq., and W. Parry, Esq. The following report of the Committee of Visitors to the Lunatic Asylum was read :— The Committe of Visiting Justices have again the satisfaction of reporting the good: state and management of the Lunatic Asylum under the able and attentive superintendence of Dr. M'CuIlough. The number of patients at this period of last year was—males, 1,5%; females, 193. There were admitted during the year 1859-males, 59; females, 62 discharged, recovered,. or relieved, 65 removed to other asylums, 4 escaped convalescent, 1; died, 38. There remains in the asylum -males, lol females, 207 showing an increase of 13 patients on the number of last year. The increase, small as compared with previous years, leads the com- mittee to hope that the accommodation now being made may be sufficient for years to come. The progress of the new buildings has been somewhat delayed by the frost. The roofs are now being put on and the archi- tect having certified that the contractors are entitled to a further amount of £ 1500 on the amount of their con. tract, the committee have issued orders on the several Counties and City of Hereford for their respective por- tions of that sum. The average weekly cost per head of patients during the year will be 7s. 81d. as nearly as can be at present ascertained. The number of inmates during the last six years are as follows :— 18-54 246 1857 291 1855 262 1858 334 1806 270 i»o9 asa (Signed) ARCHER CLIVEr Chairman. The Surveyor's report presented no feature of public interest. A rate of 2d. in the pound was ordered for the ensuing quarter this was intended to cover the expense of providing a place for holding petty sessions at Builth, and also the proportion to be borne by the county during the ensuing and next Easter Quarter Sessions of additional buildings at the Joint Counties' Lunatic Asylum. All but one of the annual instalments of county loans are payable during the ensuing quarter, and this was accordingly included in the estimate. The following report from the Governor of the County Gaol was then read "Gentlemen,—I have to report that the rules and regulations of this prison have been duly observed during the past quarter. I regret to notice that the annual bequest of 4;3 heretofore paid me by the representatives of the late Mrs. Collinson for the benefit of poor prisoners after their discharge from the gaol has ceased to be re- mitted, in consequence, as was intimated, of the insuffi- ciency of the charity to meet other charges having a priority of claim- J. LAZENBY, Governor." The isiting Justices were re-appointed. The Chief Constable a report was then read, as fol- lows:- "Geutldm.ea.-I bag respectfully to report that the strength of the police force is one under its authorized number. Fifty-six persons have been in custody during the past quarter, and were disposed of as follows :-COill- mitted for trial, 4 summarily convicted, 37 discharged, 15. I further most respectfully beg to report to the court that as the Builth police station is to be remodelled it would be very desirable that a little additional room should be given to the men stationod there therefore, if practic- able, a sleeping apartment over the magistrates' room would not, I believe, be attended with much extra ex- pense, and would do away with tho prejudicial system of the police lesiding elsewhere." "EDMUND GWTNNE." The Police Committee recommended that a rate of one-halfpenny in the pound be ordered, which, with the estimated amount to be received from Government will be sufficient to defray the expenses during the next quarter. Mr. Martyn Roberts moved that the Volunteer Rifle Corps at Crickhowell be permitted to store their arms in a room at the police station which was agreed to on condition that they would provide proper arm racks. On the motion of the Chairman, a sum of J610 was ordered to be paid to Mr. Lazenby, as compensation for the loss of fruit trees and crops occasioned by the new portion of the gaol being erected on his garden. Mr. E. D. Thomas, in pursuance of notice given, moved that a sum ofj6212 should be allowed for building a room for holding Petty Sessions, at Builth station. The consideration of the subject wan, however, post- poned to the next Sessions, with a view to embracing, in the scheme, the erection of prisoners' cells under the magistrates' room. Mr. Powell stated that the apparatus which had hitherto been used for heating the Shire Hall had been rendered useless by the boiler getting out of repair; and, after some conversation, on the motion of the Rev. W. J. Williams, the Surveyor was instructed to inquire into other possible methods of heating the Hall. The passing of the Coroner's bills closed the county business. THE TRIAL OF PRISONERS Took place on Wednesday, when the following consti- tuted the Grand Jury Mr. David Downes, Maesmawr (foreman) Mr. Hugh Edwards, Pontwillim; Mr. John Muacott, Gilestoae; Mr. John Probert, Pontwillim; Mr. George Cansick, Brecon; Mr John Davies, Abersevin Mr. John Boobyer, Glen Usk; Mr. John Davies, High-street. Brecon; Mr. John Bovan, Aberannel]; Mr. Rees Williams, Poncelly Castle; Mr. John Fryer, Millbrook Mr. Edward Powell, Penybout; Mr, John Griffiths, Brecon; Mr. William Prosser, Cefnbrynich Mr. Richard Fryer, Wheat-street. Brecon; Mr. William Smith, Millbrook Mr. Edward Parry, Penybont; and Mr. William Jenkins, Blaennant. Howell Powell, alias William Collin, aged 38, was charged with stealing a pony mare, the property ot Thomas Lewis, of Wern-fawr, Yetradfellte, on the 26th November, 1859. Mr. Bishop conducted the prosecu- tion. Mr. Thomas Lewis, of Wern-fawr, said he missed the pony from a pasture in the parish of Ystradlellte, and subsequently found her in the stab:e of the Upper Lion, at Talgarth.—Mr. James Walker, of the Upper Lion, said that the prisoner brought the mare there on a Saturday morning, and offered to sell her to him. He asked JE16, and witness offered him £10. He said he was going to show her to some one at Cefn-Genffordd who wished to buy her. Witness said that if he could not sell her he would give j610 for her. l'he prisoner took her away and then brought her back, offLiing to take £11. Witness had suspicions, and refused to pur- chase.-P.S. Morris said that he went to the Upper Lion and questioned the prisoner about the mare, when he said she bad been in his possession for thirteen months, having bought her. He subsequently said he had bred her. He once said that he lived at Tairbwll, and after- wards said he lived at Losgest, and had a wife and two children there. He gave a reference to Thomas Watkins, late police constable at Brecon, who said he knew nothing about him.—The prisoner said he had bought the mare. -Tho jury without hesitation returned a verdict of Guilty. A previous conviction for feloniously wonndiog at Ystradfellto was proved.—Sentenced to penal servitude for four years. illiam Pritcfcard, haulier, aged 47, was charged with breaking and entering the house of Mary Prosser, at Llanelly, on the 30th of Octcbcr last, with intent to steal. The prisoner pleaded Guilty, and was sentenced to be imprisoned with hard labour for twelve months, The court was then adjourned until the 25th'inst.

(tritato autt (fasuattiw. w FEARFUL STEAM BOILER EXPLOSION.—On Wednw day ae'night there occurred a fearful explosion of the steam boiler belonging to Mr. Samuel Heath, ironfounder; Middlewich. A report was heard, resembling that of! cannon of heavy calibre, nearly all over the town, shaking the house in the immediate neighbourhood as though there had been an earthquake. It was øoOD evident from the report, and the crowds attracted, that a dreadful calamity had occurred. On arriving at the place, it appeared that the ironfoundry, a building of three stories and shed, was completely shattered to pieces. It was known that Mr. Heath and two sons were under the ruins, and assistance was quickly rendered by several brave young men, at the risk of their lives, amid vapour, dust, and heated metal. The eldest son, Wiiliam, was first taken out, having been heard to speak while under- neath the debris. Though very seriously injured he with^ome assistance managed to walk home; but his bodj^>resented a series of frightful wounds, and he now lies in a very precarious atate, His brother was next, got out, though quite dead. His body seemtr to have sustained injuries in every part. After some further: search the old man was extricated, just alive, and not I expected to survive. His eyes were swollen, and his? ear nearly blown off. Dr. Hughes was quickly on the spot, and rendered every assistance in his power, dress- ing the wounds, and seeing to their comforts being attended to. The boiler was of the egg or oval shapef about 12 or 12l feet long, and 4ft. 3 or 4in. in diametery having a common old-fashioned safety valve, but without a steam gauge or indicator. One end of the boiler it, blown away the remainder leaped from its bod to aj distance of eight or nine yards, knocking down the wall of the Red Lion Inn brewhouse, and lodging within two! inches of the outer wall of the Bad Lion Inn itself, j The engine was used principally for the purpose ofi driving a fan, to give a blast to the furnace in which the ore was heated. At the time of the accident the orei was molten and ready for casting. The engine was, therefore, at rest, and being tea time, the other hands: and assistants, from 8 to 12 in number, were gonsj home ~r leaving Mr. Heath and two son# to watch the! heated metal. Had the accident occurred half an hour earlier or later, it is impossible to say what might have been the loss of life, as often many persons congregate to witness the casting process. DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.—About ten o'clock on Sunday forenoon, a fire took place in the parish church of St. Andrew, Dublin, better known as the Round Church, and in less than two hours the roof fell in and the whole t building, with the exception of the outer walls and the t vestry-room, was a smoking mass of ruins. The ftrø was believed to have been caused by overheating the ? flue in a stove, which, communicating with the-wood- work, speedily set the whole church in a blaze. Like alt the parish churches of Dublin, St. Andrew's had nO < claims to architectural beauty, but was rather a substan" t tial and commodious pile, with a vast deal of woodwor-lf in the interior. POISONING A CHILD.—A long inquiry was concluded on Monday, before the coroner, at the Swan Hotel, Pet" worth, respecting the death of the illegitimate child of ( Harriet Moore, a girl of 20, an inmate of the Petwortb Union, who, it is alleged, gave the deceased whit' precipitate. It was proved that the prisoner had pu*' J chased precipitate at a chemist's shop, and that th* £ child had suffered intense pain before its death. Dr. it t Taylor, of Guy's Hospital, who examined the content of the stomach of the deceased infant, deposed that h fc fonnd an insoluble compound of mercury which had atf the powers of white precipitate. From the explanation' of Dr. Taylor it appeared that this was an extraordinary J case, from the fact of white precipitate having being sO rarely administered internally he knew of only OD case, and that was at Chelmsford Assises, 12 yea (j aao, in which he was engaged. The patient had take 25- grains and recovered. The whole point was this j, whether the system possessed sufficient strength t" j> throw it off by vomiting. The Jury, after coneultioj fj, for about an hour, returned unanimously a verdict 0* Wilful Murder" against Harriet Moore, who wS* committed for trial at the next spring asfliz-es, to be h,JJ at Lewes. I EMBUZZMNQ THE FUNDS OP A SICK, AND ASSURANCE SOCIETY.—At the Worcester sessions OO Thursday JOB* Fryer waa charged with having embezzled sums money belonging to the Friend-in Need Aasurane* and Sick Society" in London, of which he was tu; authorised agent in Dudley and its neighbourhood, av had offices at Netherton. The duty of the prisoner vro to collect monthly subscriptions, and remit the amouøC to the directors in London. A large number of persoøl joined the society, and on the representation of tbo prisoner, that many policies had been suffered to lapØØI iuquiiiies were made by th« Board, when it was disO^j vered that he had sot up, a new society and anbst rip'ions, putting the money into his own The alleged defalcations were chiefly in small sums, b^ they were stated to amount, collectively, to more tb»" £ 100. In support of the prosecution, Mr. E. Marriott one of the directors of the society, and Mr. Wheelfljj the manager and secretary, were examined. The offid' of the society were, 4, Exeter Change, London, M? Wheeler received £ 4 lQs a week for his services, atfj Marriott £ 2 a week. The society was registered, had rules and regulations. There were, it was stated between 80,000 and 9ft,000 members in different par[j of the country, and it was asserted that sometimes £ 5«: or £ 600 were paid away weekly. For the prisoner, | was urged that tie was fully justified in changing t&j society for a branch of his own taut this course the better for the assurers themselves. Mr. Best, counsel, also contended that he had transferred tW money without any intention to defraud the socie^ The jury, after a brief consultation, found the prison^ guilty, and, in passing sentence, the learned chairmM said he had perpetrated a crime of a very serious cb»] J acter. These poor people might have gone on invesUn$ their money in his hands and it might have been a c question whether they would ever have been relief in sickuess, accident, or death, and whether these polioij in the Friend-in-Need would not in time have lap*j altogether. He was sentenced to twelve months' hW labour. In answer to the Court, Wheeler said o policies of ail those people whbh had been returned /I, lapsed would be recognised by tho society, and their p tE meuts acknowledged accordingly. THE MUHDEU AT ST. BUIAVELS'.—The adjour" inquest on the body of John Hughes, who died ft wounds inflicted on his head with a spade by Jose 1>, 11 1 -rl Webh, was held at the George Inn, St. Briavel's, Fat of Dean, on Monday evening. Richard Kear, an 0 He man, 72 years of age, who it will be recollected < struck down by Wehb several times, said that when prisoner struck the deceastd down the latter i j>tl, endeavouring to leave the house as fast as he co>* tnj Deceased had taken no part iu the affray, nor had spoken a word to the prisoner. He believed dece^ was struck down senseless by the first blow of the sP. and he himself would no doubt have shared a Biall fate had he not warded off a blow given him by the 1¡, soner with the spade. Aa it was,, his arm, which he Ii up to save his head, was broken, and a severe wo* was inflicted. From the evidence of Dr. Wigleswoj Ie, physician and surgeon at Blakeney, Mr. Walton, and th, Reed, surgeons at Coleford, it appeared the deceased several contused wounds on the face; both his < tIe: were blackened, and there were three incised wo ti' near the top of his head. In making a post mortem Jjt amination, on removing the scalp, they found two 66 r( fractures of ;he right parietal bone, and on opening j skull a fracture was found running right across the and another fracture was observed on the right .1 The inner table of the right parietal bone was ileprs 111 c, and rested on tiie brain, and their opinion was death arose from concussion and depression of the caused by the wounds inflicted by the prisoner, and by a fall. The prisoner said he was drunk at the and struck the patties in stil-defence. The Coroner suinintd up, and the jury almost immediately retuf, V; all unanimous verdict ot Wilful murder" against prisoner, and the Coroner issued his warrant for committal for trial at the ensuing assizes at Gloucest*

RAILWAY TKAFiaC RETURNS. MONMOUTHSHIRE RAILWAY AND CANA Week ending Jan. 7th, 186!) £ 1872 .a Corresponding week, 18o9 £ 1909 NKWPOllT, ABKRGAVENNY, AND HERKF^ Week ending Jan. 8th, I8G0 £ 1446 j Corresponding week, 1859 £ 1361 TAFF VALE RAILWAY. i Week ending Jan. 8th, 1860 £ 4418 J Corresponding Week, 1859 £ 3885

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