Welsh Newspapers
Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles
7 articles on this Page
tSH £ RTERLY meeting of THE…
tSH £ RTERLY meeting of THE Washeld t ^°1?T T0WN COUNCIL The Mayor (W Gr°ugh C°-Urt' on Tuesday—present: AlderaeJ Homfrar r ] £ D-' Esq)' ia lhe, £ Bend: Messrs TT« # Daviss» Knapp, and Town- Jones, Phillies n't?7' Ijlewellin» E?ans, Lyne, G. W. Hewertson, Brown' n Mo8es' B0ynOD' w* Jones> The minnto e Harrhy, and Morgan. 8 the last meeting were read. The M T-HE B°ROUGH FINANCES. of F l^e business was to receive the all of th A nce C°mmittee, which consisted first ahd cirpnl e ~.Q&ncia! statement which had been printed then the oth better 8et °f l^al aD(* Could hp tot61 mattMs ia the finance committee's report Aid after. Bppeare^froo^th*8 ^rec^e,i attention to the fact, which a Bum of no l 8ccouq^*» that they were worse off by moment, than f?, lhan £ 1>908 5a- 8d' at the Present their account J?'eLy Were three months ago—as regarded and he did n t ^ant* That was a serious matter; make that » 860 w^ere the money was coming from to ^ilteeE*. Pe,rhaP8 some member of the finance hove it w 00,1ld explain how the deficiency arose, and showed hft88 l° remedied ? Alderman Davis then Various the total of £ 1,908 was divided among the The M s* Utlder8ta a/°r bought gentlemen would he better able to figUre na. accounts if he presented to them some JJJittee If ,oh at a sPeciaI meeting of the Finance Com- at an ♦ • ye8terday, were prepared in order to arrive tftkio(.eS- ate of the expenditure for the current year, to gUn ,mto °°Dsideration the debts now owing, a d *>ke/. 7 a basia f°r the rate they would presently be Healtk °rder* He *ou,d uke the L°0al ° «icti account first. Thev began the year just expired tb a balance due to the bankers of JE594 lis, 81.; l»ani ended the year with a balance due to the iQ *8 per the financial statement before the meet- Jj. which provided for the payment of the accounts to for tv!SSed to-day, of £ 1020 19a. 6d. The expenditure foil Past year in the separate quarters had been as £ ]9fliS *—"1st quarter, £ 1430 17s. 2d.; 2nd quarter, q 7 15s. 8d; parliamentary costs, £ 848 2s. 10d.: 3rd B0.5 > £ 1169 4s. 3d; 4th quarter (which they wtre to pats) £ 1321 los. 7d. so that the year's expen- u*6 amounted to £ 6,031 15s. 6d. They had made last, which for the purposes of jv Looa! Board of Health was Is. 4d. in the pound amounted to £ 4951 12s. lid; but it produced, making all the allowances, £ 4355; so that there Pan 8 dfcfioiency on the rate, as compared with the ex- rece-63 f°' the year> of £ 1676 l5s* 6L But they had menfVe *a Edition the rate, for private itnprove- ^2^,s' moiety of the cost of pavements, &c., jgi. 18s. Id., which reduced the deficiency to pj. 17s. 5d. There was yet due for private im- e&ti etnenls an amount of £ 717 13s. 4d., which was be,?ate<M° produce a total of £ 600. After that had ther reoe*Te<^> and would be received in due course, Ij.a?(^r°u^ he a balance against the Local Board of f0r J* £ 804 17s. 5d. That was the exact position Cojjj, .? year as to the Board of Health. The Town qn. account stood thus:—Expenditure for the 1st <JUa™er' 13s.: 2nd quarter, £ 465 19s. 5d.; 3rd ^hich' ^161 17s" 7d,; 4lh 1uarter> £ '276 6J. 3d., t{jeg » *Uh an additional item of £ 30, ordered outside *^222 q1Uarterly "tatements, made an expenditure of Al 16s. 3d. .ThdeerM0lnDaTi3 I don't see that in this account. That m ,ay°r 'aid he was giving the several quarters. il222 l6g a t°tal expenditure for the Town Council of Present fi -le ^a'ance ^ue t0 the Treasurer, as d"y, was ^n°'a' 8tatement, after paying the bills of ^508 dug fr There was an amount of to have'h t!le of the borough which *"»rd8 of the Tr*n Paid» an<i there was due from the respect of th« KrfaSttry' lhe Govtrnment allowance in Jnakil'Jg together^ Police a sumofJE449 18s. lid., the balance d ° ^3- H^ which deducting from f274 19s Q i to the bankers, It ft a balance of ^gures before 't.a^aiDst the Town Council With those the Corporatio01 wou^ undetstaDd the position TheDTler t0aque8tioD' P'Wate i W" ^'er^ 8a'd the payment of £ 600 due for Period oflrilprovements could not be enforced until a Mr Pi.' .ee months had elapsed. he could not trace in his own mind Jja 80 'arge a sum as £ 848 had been expended in Par- lar entar7 proceedings last year. The.v had not had a 8e number 0f bills to oppose. The Parliamentary Penees more than covered the deficiency on the Board I fiealih account, and he should certainly like some had tion of 11 aPPeared t0 him tliat wilen 'hey a gone carefully into the probable requirements of the the* l^67 estimated correctly but however carefully bv 1lnade their estimates, if they were to be overridden fina "I" 8Um Hke £ 8i0 for Pa rliamentary expens's, no Thev*510" their part would keep them within bounds. PendU °U.^ • '8 running !^e town into an enormous ex- much f rV In^eed they were now expending the rates iug a. ai5 er than they ought to expend them and look- thoueh deficiency which appeared on the account*, he tlB$• 8 rate would not be sufficient. It was no it t 15111 on this way with a heavy debt against them; add Went on increasing their expenditure, they must hay 0 the call on the ratepayers. But if they were to ^ereS. exceptional items, they would never know heaw feWere going to. He again asked how the membere^ toeDtary C08ts were 'ncutred> aa on'y re" "Western f °ne which they had to oppose—the Great br°ug^ayor 8«d the sum of £ 848 had been previously JUight su 6 ^0UDCi't and it was all paid, and they uPP080 that due vigilance had been exercised in nt8teu»'. iccoiirn L ^0De»s It is not referred to m the quarter s TU M 0re °8- paid. ay°r J It is not in the accounts, because it is al! AI j the r Townsend ssked the Board if they thought Up0jj would be satisfied with increased demands sh unless a guarrantee were given them that the totted eDl* ac^ the reckless expenditure be discon- fromHe contended that in the voting of money Obliggj1116 t° time there was no regard to those who were tllHj to find the means—no due regsrd to the pressure to CfTaa made upon the ratepayers. He urged the Board *etr "° a re80'ute determination to adopt a system uf ent, and vigorously carry it out. inn, r" ^oses irquired if the Parliamentary costs were all D5ted last session? M 9^ayor: f10 'a8t Session of Parliament. ^°ses: Tte opposition merely to the Great gem Bill ? th Le Alayo;: There were some other petitions beside M Was 'a8t year'B Parliamentaiy expenses. has nothing to do with the amount paid TK l?&tiani in the previous year ? Mr6 ■RaJ,°r 1 No; nothing at all. l'h r. lIewertson: It appears for this sum we have got e*„ a?"street crossing confirmed that is the result of ^Pending £ m. gja f* A, Homfray: We have four very nice photo- £ 200 8 '-n °ur ^ounc'l Room—(laughter,)—which cost fn„ „ a Piece, or a little more that is all we have to show T Ur money. 0n e Town Clerk, at a subsequent stage of the meeting, being revived, explained that the sum of c ° included £ 251 paid for Parliamentary costs in. *Jed in the previous year. ^r. Llewellin said he observed that to meet the defi- jlenoy they seemed to have a sum of £ 30 18s., the uncol- /sft balance of the general district rate made April, • He should have beea glad bad the account given 6 total amount of the rate, and shown how much had ^deducted. lhe Mayor explained that the Board of Health and r&inage rate had amounted to £ 6,615 10s. 7d.; of that fjfi £ ^>377 14s. lOd. had been collected, and there was t* to collect, which was in the hands of the police. ■Mr. Llewellin Then that would leave a balance of «, 7 » take £ 26 or £ 27 out of that, they had a loss on '"e rate of £ 1,210. The Mayor assented. Llewellin That is something like 20 per cent.—a tk °f the whole rate. llr. Cathcart: Do you actually consider that gone? •^he Mayor: Yes. Excuse me just saying, Mr. Lie- "ellin, that JE725 of that is a legal deduction made to 00vilers of property who pay the rates for their tenants, and which is provided for by law. ^r. Llewellin Then the remaining £ 500— Mr. Cathcert: That is not bad. Mr. Llewellin: The other £ 500 represents losses from other causes ? The Mayor: Voids, bankrupts, appeal, poverty, &c. Mr. Llewellin: So that the JE725 is a deduction pro- off the £ 6,615. The Mayor explained that the losses on appeals Counted to fSO, on voids £ 181, from poverty JE50, and the balance came under the head" otherwise not reco- verable," including insolvencies, bankruptcies, &o. His Worship further stated, in answer to Mr. Llewellin, that Board of Health rate produced £ 4,355. The sum of j>,377 was the product including the drainage rate, for f hjch one-fifth must be deducted. ~Jr. Llewellin That would meet the expenditure ? The Mayor: No the expenditure is £ 6,031. ™r, Llewellin: Then our estimates for the year are mpletely wrong. We have an estimate of £ 4,000 odd carry us over the year—to meet, in fact, £ 6,000 *he Mayor: Yes. 1d.r. Llewellin Then we have to cure that in future. »V v 8"d it was the exceptional sum of £ 840 and* v. °.reafed difficulty. Their mode of calculation sunt financing were quite right weie it not for that them' Llewellin did not think that sufficient to meet 'Would^\>^r° ^°re0Yer, before the end of the year there fcCOjunt *tema t0 swell the bulk of the Because, RB a rule, expenses were always in excess of estimates, and he looked at what had ocourrt l in the past year as an index of what would occur this year. He suggested that they should have a rate suffi- ciently large to pay their present debts, and also to meet the estimates for the next year. The Mayor said that subject would come forward presently. Mr. Llewellin pursued bis interogatories in to the several accounts. Th» various points °^eta'' which Mr. Llewellin raised were explained by the Mayor, who said the real state of the case was, as be had already explained, that the balance against the Board of Health was JE804, and that against the Council -&274. An inquiry was made as to the non-payment by the borough overseers of the call made upon them, and The Mayor said the reason assigned was the illness of Mr. Baker, the assistant oyerseer. Mr. Llewellin (with whom other gentlemen concurred) thought that reason was insufficient.. Of course they all sympathised with Mr. Baker; but still he might be ill for a year, and, therefore, if be was unable to collect the mey, the overseers should provide a substitute. On the motion of Alderman Davis, seconded by Mr. Hewertson, the accounts were then passed. The Mayor, in answer to Mr. Lyne, explained that the bankers charged interest on the account overdrawn, and allowed the same rate of interest on the moneys paid in. The practical effect was that they only charged on the balance. It was then resolved on the motion of Mr. Llewellin, seconded by Mr. Lyne, that steps be immediately taken for the recovery of the money due from the borough overseers. THE "WAYS AND MEANS" FOR THE ENSUING YEAR. The Mayor then introduced the question of ordering the rates for the coming year. On the Board of Health account, as they were now aware, they owed £804 17s. 5d. The finance committee estimated the expenses of the current year at £ 4,400, which added to the £804, made JE5204. The rate of Is. 4d. in the pound had last year produced £ 4355; and the com- mittee now recommended a rate of Is. 6d. in the pound (which was an increase of 2J.), and a drainage rate, as before, of 41. in the pound. They estimated that the rate of 1". 6d. would produce £4900, and if that were realised, and the estimated expenditure, JE4400, proved to be right, they would then, at the end of the year, after paying off the debt, have a balance against them of £304. Mr. Moses: Do you estimate j64,900 as the whole rate ? The Mayor: The nett cash in our pocket, after de- ducting everything on the basis of last year. Perhaps they would allow him to give them some figures which he had had from the collector, and which showed, as he thought, that they had gone on very satisfactorily. In the first year of Mr. Thomas's collec- tion (1860), the deduction amounted to 22^ per cent. in 1861, 26^ percent.; in 1862, 26^ per cent.; in 1863, 26J per cent.; in 1864, 21| per cent. in 1865, 19j per cent.; and last year, 17 £ per cent. He thought that ex- hibited very nicely that they had been improving in their actual cash receipts. Mr. Phillips: A great deal of that is attributable to our compelling the prompt collection of the account. Alderman Davis: Have you put down anything for a contingency like the ES40 ? The Mayor: We are dividing the balance over two years, and taking the larger moiety out of the first. Mr. Lyne: How much do you allow for Parliamentary expenses ? The Mayor: Nothing. Alderman Latch: Suffioient for the day is the evil thereof. The Mayor: No Parliamentary expenses can be in- curred unless you order them. There seems to be no- thing afloat, so far as we know, to affect us, and in that case there will be no Parliamentary expenses. Mr. L. A. Homfray: We did not order anything like J6600 for Parliamentary expenses last year although we agreed to pay it when it was incurred. Mr. Hewertson believed that at the end of the next 12 months they would be further indebted to the treasurer than they were at the present moment, unless they could in some way economise their expenditure. The present prospects of trade generally, and in which Newport must share, were anything but encouraging; and therefore he could not apprehend that they would close the rate so satisfactorily at the end of the ensuing year as they had closed it this year, vix., by a loss of 17 j per cent. He quite foresaw, and he spoke from experience, that there would be a great many people in Newport in theensuin* year thrown out of employment, who bad been fully em- ployed during the last year. Hence he could not see how it was possible to exceed a rate of Is. 6J. in th-i pound at the same time in view of the figures presented to them, he could not see how a rate of less amount would carry them through. It behoved the Board, therefore, to exercise that economy relative to the affairs of the borough, which judicious, thoughtful men would txercise 10 their own private business. Mr. Hewertson eonciuded by moving that a rate of Is. 6d. in the pound for Board of Health general purposes, and 4d. in the pound for drainage, be ordered. Alderman Homfray seconded the proposition. Mr.Cathcn toUeredsome observatiuua, in tne course of which he said that certain remarks which had been made that, morning were but idle talk, and might mislead the public, and cause it to be thought that the Board did not discharge their duty with sufficient acuteness and diligence, if the gentlemen by whom those remarks had been made were not pre- pared to suggest how the Board could be more econo- mical than hitherto they had been. Looking over the matters for which cheques had to be signed, he did not see that there was one item which could be dispensed with in the future. They must have a proper staff of officials, and they must have a police force; and he trusted the public would consider the Board had scruti- nised the accounts with diligence, with a regard to the interest of the ratepayers, and with a desire to be as eco- nomical as possible. As to the Parliamentary expenses, he did not think this was the time to revive a discussion on that account. Those matters had been before the Board, and they had excited much dieieussion-perhaps some unpleasant feeling and if any gtntleman were disposed to elaborate the subject, there was perhaps ample scope, but what was the use—what practical end would be served? He admitted that it was desirable to avoid Parliamentary expenses; and he was glad to find that there appi ared to be nothing requiring consideration in the ensuing year—that they were not likely to be in- volved in further Parliamentary expenses. He should be glad to know that not a shilling was required for that purpose: but with regard to the past he deprecated all bickering-it could be of no value whatever. What was done, he would say, was done for the best. Unfortunately the result was not so desirable as they could have wished but they could not have everything their own way. Let it be remembered also that they had to meet a very strong company; and, moreover, (with which observa- tion he would conclude) they were in the hands of a very hostile committee. The resolution was shortly afterwards adopted. The Mayor then brought before the meeting the ques- tion of the Council rate. The expenditure for general purposes last year was JE1,222, and the police J61,673 -making £ 2,895; there was a balance against the Council of t274 19o. 9d. which made a total of £3,169 19s. 9J. A rate of 8d. in the pound would pro- duce £2,858, which would make the balance against the Board B311. That balance would be entirely covered, and leave a surplus of £ 150, by the payment by Govern- ment of their contribution towards the maintenance of the police. So that a rate the same as last year, of 8d. in the pound, would cover all expenses as estimated for the current year, and leave a balance in hand of £ 150. :Mr. Lyne inquired how it was that the same rate would produce more money ? The Town Cierk: Because the valuation is larger. On the motion of Mr. Brown, seconded by Alderman Davis, a rate of 8d. in the pound was ordered. THE CORPORATION ACCOUNTS: REVISED MODE OP BOOK-KEEPING. Mr. Brown laid before the meeting a printed copy of the Wolverhampton Town Council accounts, which he recommended to the Board for adoption as a vastly su- perior mode of keeping the accounts to that now in use— as, indeed, a most perfect style of keeping Munioipal accounts. The Mayor said there was a special report of the Finance Committee on the subject; and in the prepara- tion of which they had had the a sistance of Mr. E. J. Phillips, although Mr. Alderman Homfray (on whose financing ability Mr. Brown bad passed a high eulogy) was unable to be present. The report was read by the Mayor it was as follows :— The Finance Committee are of opinion that with the view of keeping down as far as may be the expenses of the Board, notice should be given in writing by any member, eeven days previous to any meeting, of his intention to move execution of any works, or the expenditure of any sum exceeding £10. "The Finance Committee report to the Council that the accounts, both of the Council and Board of Health, are kept unsatisfactorily and they recommend that a com- petent accountant be at once employed to open a set of books, and bring all the accounts up clear to the present time." With regard to the first paragraph of the report Mr. W. Jones proposed a resolution affirming the recom- mendation of the Committee, which was seconded by Alderman Townsend, but after a conversation in which Mr. Llewtllin and other gentlemen objecled to tie the hands of the Board as they alleged the resolution would tie them, it was negatived on a division by ten votes to eight. The Mayor, as touching the second paragraph in the report, offered some supplementary observations, in which he stated (confirming a previous remark by Mr. Brown) that with the present system of keeping ac- counts they could not, without great difficulty, ascertain what the property of the Corporation really was, or what rents were falling due, and when they were due. It was therefore a matter for the serious consideration of the Board. Moreover, the Towfl Clerk contended t that it was not his duty to keep the books, that it wa* the duty of the treasurer, and that he (the Town Clerk) was liable to a penalty of £ 100 for an infraotion of the law in keeping the accounts. A very long and tedious conversation arose on the subject, principally as to the desirablitv of keeping an accountant clerk, and the mode by which he sbould be paid. No blame whatever attached to the Town Clerk as to the way in which the accounts had been kept-he having followed the plan laid down by the late Mr. John Williams, accountant, modified from time to time according to the direction of the Board. The Mayor explained that the Act of Parliament, under which the Town Clerk contended he was not permitted to keep the accounts, was passed 30 years ago, at a period when usually a private gentleman was treasurer. Now, how- over, bankers were treasurers, and they received no salary, but charged the nsual rate of interest; and the question was whether the Board should keep an so- countant clerk, and pay him the salary which formerly went to the treasurer. It seemed to be the general opinion of the Board that it waa not necessary to keep an additional clerk, but that all the extra cost which need be incurred was to employ an accountant to open the accounts on some such plan as the Wolverhampton accounts, and which could then be kept by the Town Clerk. Ultimately, on the motion of Alderman Davis seconded by Mr. Lyne the following resolution was agreed to:—"That it be referred back to the Finance Committee to consider the propriety of appointing an accountant clerk and the salary to be paid him, and and from what sources and in what proportions such salary should be drawn: and whether, in the event of an assistant clerk being' appointed, any alteration is desirable in the Town Cterk's salary; and generally to report as to the best means of keeping the accounts." REPORT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER. The following report was presented by Dr. Davies:— I beg to report that 226 births were registered during the last quarter of 1866, being at the rate of 3.56 per cent. of the population. 152 deaths occurred during the same period, being less by 22 than in the preceding three nontbs, and affording an annual rate of mortality for the quarter of 2.40 per cent., or 24 per 1000 of the inhabitants. "The chief causes of death have been pneumonia 11, bronchitis 15, pulmonary consumption 22; tubercular di. seases of children 5, croup 1, hooping cough 2, typhus 8, typhoid fever 2, cholera and choleraic diarrboM 7, diarr. hcei 2 making together 26 deaths from inflammatory af- fections of the lungs, 27 from tuberculai disease, and 22 from the class of zymotic (epidemic, ke.) disorders. 49 children died under 5 years,while 13 old people had reached the age of 70 and upwards ten deaths took place from heart disease, and seven persons met a violent end. The present return shows a marked diminution in the mortalitv from epidemic diseases as compared with my last report, as only 22 deaths resulted from these causes against 70 in the preceding quarter. The chief decline being in the number of deaths from typhus, which were only 8 in comparison with 32 at the former period. Summary for the year 1866- 983 ohildren were born during the past year as com. pared with 1025 in 1865, showing a decrease while 716 deaths occurred as against 679 in 1865. Our births have therefore not only fallen off during the last twelve months, but the mortality has also been heavier this high rate being mainly attributable to the prevalence of epidemic disease, especially typhus fever and cholera. The deaths from which, were distributed thus:- Choleraic 1866. Typhus. Cholera. Diarrhoea. 1st Quarter 19 — — 2nd 11 51 — — 3rd 32 12 11 4th 8 2 4 110 14 15 29 deaths therefore occurred from cholera and chole- raic dirrrhcea, which are regarded practically as one and the same complaint, the difference being merely that of degree. Our fortunate escape from cholera in a severe form as compared with some of the neighbouring sea-ports is, I believe, in a great measure due to our plentiful and con- stant supply of water obained from a source placed quite beyond the possible contamination of sewage. The great diminution in the number of deaths from typhus in the last quarter may be attributed to the fol- lowing causes. 1. The natural law of rise and fall in the severity of all epidemics. The mortality from typhus reached its highest point in the second quarter, and has since steadily declined. "2. The town has not been so crowded with|the tlass of unskilled labourers, among whicb, with few exceptions, it has chiefly raged. Employment has not been so plenti- ful at the end as it was at the beginning of the year. "3. A great number of those persons who happened to be susceptible to typhus, and who were exposed to its contagion had probably already passed through the fever. For assuming Dr. Christison's estimate of the average mortality from typhus, viz 1 in 10 of those attacked, to have been an approximation to the actual rate that pre. vailed in Newport, it follows that as 110 deaths from ty. phus occurred dnring the past year, 1100 persons must have been attacked with it. This would constitute a Itir40 proportion of sufferers drawn mainly from one class o£ t.bo -1 .g..a.1U C4:üUtu: Z;UWUlöuw1..J' 'H .1- the idea suggested that typhus has declined in virulence partly from the diminution of overcrowding, but also in some measure from exhaustion of the supply of fresh subjects among the class more peculiarly susceptible to the inroads of the disorder from their defective hygienic sur. roundings. While the mortality from typhus, the fever of squa. lor and overcrowding, has been so heavy, it is gratifying to find that only five deaths in the year occurred from ty. phoid or gastric fever, the disease particularly connected with bad and defeoiire drainage. 18 prosecutions were instituted during the year against persons for overcrowding their houses. The application of the 35th section of the New Sani- tary Act will arm your officers with additional powers to deal with this evil, which is now looked upon as one of the chief sanitary difficulties of the time. There has been only one prosecution for the possession of unwholesome meat. This offence has become more rare since the erection of our public slaughter houses." The Mayor remarked that the concluding paragraph of the report showed that although the slaughter-houses had not been so remunerative as could be desired, their estab- lishment had at least prevented the sale of bad meat. Mr. Cathcart: There is a large number of deaths of young children is there any special cause ? Dr. Davies: There has always been a large infant mortality here. 1 have called attention to it in nearly every report, and entered into explanations in several reports. Mr. Cathcart: What do the deaths arise from ? Dr. Davies: Convulsions, teething, and other oom- plaints-chiefly tubercular affections. Mr. Cathcart: Not from causes that we have any con- trol over ? Dr. Davies Not at all. THE SALUTATION WELL. The Town Surveyor read a copy of the correspondence between Mr. Bryan and Mr. Herapath, with reference to the alleged contamination by gas products of the water at the Salutation well. The correspondence, with the ex- ception of one letter, which we append, and which reached Mr, Bryan on Tuesday morning, appaars in our report of the hslf-yearly meeting of the Gas Company in another column: Old Park, Bristol, Feb. 11th, 1867. Mr. Bryan, Gas, Works, Newport, "SIR,—I suppose I have to thank you for a copy of the Newport paper containing the discussion and correspon- dence on the subject of the water from it I perceive that I differ from Dr. Frankland as to its constitution. I think it right to mention that I shall keep one bottle full to prove my correctness if necessary. As I have samples for- warded from all parts of the kingdom (more than 200 in three years) I always ask the question I put to you-as a water may be wanted for a public supply, for domestic use, for brewing, for mineral qualities, for lead, for organic or other impurities. The last five words are all I should have wished for an answer. I forgot to say in my report that small portions of rotting woody fibre were found in the water, as well as living vibriones, which could not exist in gas water. Yours respectfully, WILLIAM HERAPATH, Senr." Mr. Brown suggested that this matter should be termi- nated by the Board ordering the well to be cleared; and that suggestion was without discussion adopted. THE RECENT PROSECUTION OJT THE RAKERS OF NEWPORT. The Mayor stated that a case had been obtained by Mr. Llewellin, in order that the legality or otherwise of the decision given in the recent charges against the bakers of selling bread otherwise than by weight, might be argued in the superior Court; and the Board ordered that counsel be instructed to support the conviction. THE USE OF THE MARSHES BY THE VOLUNTEBRS. Mr. Lyne referred to the rental by the volunteers of the Marshes. They had been paying X75 a year, which was the sum agreed upon on the average of the amounts for which it had been let for five years preceding the time at which the volunteers first rented it. The volunteers, however, lost about JE25 a year by that arrangement; and he (Mr. Lyne), suggested that the Board should reduce the rent to £ 60, he at the same time guaranteeing to use his utmost efforts to make the Marshes profitable, and to hand over to the Board any surplus which he might receive beyond the JE60. I Some conversation ensued, in the course of which objec- tions were raised by some members to the reduction of the rent. Mr. Llewellin suggested that the Marshes be let to the volunteeis at JE65 a year; Mr. Alderman Davis said if that were proposed he should move an amendment that the Marshes be let by auction Mr. L. A. Homfray could not support Mr. Llewellin's suggestion, nor would he vot e for the tolls being let by auction, if the volun tetrs would continue to pay £15, which he thought they ought to pay and ultimately, considerable diversity of opinion prevailing upon the points raised, but a general feeling being expressed that it would be inexpedient to divide the Board, Mr. Lyne withdrew his application for a reduction of the rent, and agreed to pay for the next year £7 õ, a8 heretofore. r THE BASSALLEQ-ROAD FOOTPATH. Dr. Morgan said it appeared from the Star of Gioent that notice had been given that application would be made at the next Quarter Sessions to do away with the path from near Mr. Lyne's house to the Cemetery, He wanted to know on what condition Mr. Lyne intended to encroach on the public footpath, or to take the path from the public ? Alderman Davis: Mr. Lyne has nothing to do with it. Mr. Lyne: I assure you the land in my hand as tenant is partly taken from me. I know nothing of it; but I saw it in the paper. Dr. Morgan wished to ask whether it was intended to to take the land from the public, or to compensate the public by giving them another right of way ? Alderman Davis There is a very good footpath by the turnpike road. Dr. Morgan For people who can keep their carriage, like Alderman Davis. Alderman Davis I do not keep a carriage. Mr. Lyne: I had a conversation with the owner of the land, and he told me he was going to take the land to build. I said, You cannot do that because there is a public footpath and you will find it difficult to abolish it." He said, I am going to apply to the Quarter Sessions, because there is a good path by the road on the opposite side; and that path belongs to us and therefore it is only a quid pro quo from one side to the other, and if I were prevented taking this footpath, I should enclose tke footpath on t ie other side." Dr. Morgan Have you given such notice, and do you intend to proceed ? Alderman Davis Yes there is notice given. The Mayor: This is a footpath outside the borough what have we to do with it in the Council ? Dr. Morgans This-that the people to whom the path is a benefit are the ratepayers of this town and we re- present, or profess to represent, the interests of the ratepayers. Mr. Brown: I think if you break up the subject, vou will find that wa have a right to spend money to open paths in the neighbourhood outside the borough. The subject was not further pursued, and no resolution was come to. The meeting shortly afterwards terminated. fSubsequently to the Council meeting we find that the Parliamentary expenses for 1866 were not thereat accurately represented and as we have had access to the figures we may as well put our readers in posses- sion of correct information on the subject. Mr. Bing- ham's bill for 1865 amounted to JE300 and the ex- peases of the Parliamentary committee for the same year to 4154 19s. 21, making a total of jE454 19s. 2d. In 1866 Mr. Bingham's bill was £251 13e. 6j. Par- liamentary Committee's expenses-in the Commons, £ 114 10s. 4d. in the Lords, JE181 19s.— £ 296 9s. 4d.- making a total for 1866 of £ 548 2" lOd. This £54B 2s. 10d. represents the actual expenses of the Par- liamentary campaign for last year but Mr. Bingham's bill of j6300, for professional services in 1865, was not Paid until 1866, and that bro ;ght up the expenses of 1866 apparently to J6848 28, 10.1,]
. PONTYPOOL.
PONTYPOOL. TOWN HALL.—SATURDAY. [Before H. M. KENNARD and G. R. G. RELPH, Esqrs.] CRUELTY TO A HORSE,—John Griffiths, who did not appear, was charged with having cruelly ill-treated a horse belonging to Messrs. John Vipond and Co—Mr. Gieenviay, who appeared for complainants, called a lad named Frederick Jones, who deposed that defendant hitched the horse to some trams of coal to which it was usual to attach two animals, for the purpose of taking them away. As the horse failed to remove them defen- dant put the holmes" round the horse's neck, and causedit to be dragged with such force that witness thought he would have pulled his head off.-A warrant for de. fendant's apprehension was granted. GAVE TRESPASS.—William Davies was charged with having committed an offence of this nature on land be- longing to the Ebbw Vale Company (limited).—Mr, Greenway appeared for complainants.—Hercules Jones said, that in his capacity of gamekeeper to complainants he saw defendant with a dog, and beating for rabbits, at Cwmnantddu, on land belonging to complainants. He Went up to him, when he (defendant) asked him to for- give him, to which he replied that he should summon him.-This case has been in suspense since January last in consequence of defendant's absence.—He was con- victed in the penalty of 20s. including costs. LEAVING. EMPLOYMENT.—Michael Sweeney appeared to a summons charging him with havivg left the employ- ment of the Ebbw Vale Iron Co. (limited), without having given the necessary notice to do so.—Mr. Greenway, who appeared for complainants, said that the latter did not wish to press the charge, and would be oontent if defendant would pay the coats, and return to work—an arrangement by which the case was finally disposed of. COAL TREPABS.-Patriok King appeared at the in- Eobw Vale Company. AhfiiRvuhan. to answer a charge of tais nature.—Mr, Gteenwaf tor complainants. The private constable of the works, G. Mitchell, deposed that about 6 p.m. on Monday last, as he was stan ling by the forge he oame up with defen- dant, under whose coat he discovered a piece of coal.— Defendant said he expected his allowance of coal at the time, and thought there was no harm in taking a small lump of coal. The constable remarked that many people were in the habit of selling their allowances, and supplying themselves afterwards at the company's ex- pense.-Dcfendant was convicted ia the penalty of 20a. including costs. STEALING A DIAMOND.—A young man named William Churchill was charged with having stolen a glaziers diamond the property of Henry Goswell, Abersychan.-Prostcutor deposed that on the morning of Tuesday the 29th ult, the property was found upon the prisoner he had taken it out of his workshop, to which he had obtainedjadmissioa by climbing over a wal). The diamond cost him 13s. and he (prosecutor) did not wish to press the charge against the prisoner .-P .C. L?w!S,said that when he charged the latter with the robbery he took the property out of his boot, and gave it to him.—Mr. Window, Abersychan, gave prisoner a good character, but he wAs sent to gaol for 21 days. PROHIBITED HOURS.—Thomas Whitaker, Blaenavon, appeared to answer a charge of having offended against his beer licence on Sunday the 27th ult.-P.S. Coombs visked a shop at the back of the premises at 11.45, on the day in question, in which he discovered three men drinking out of a vessel containing bedr.-P. C. Evans having given corroborative testimony, defendant en- dtavoured to shew that the vessel had not contained beer.—Defendant was fined 20e. including oosts. NOT PROVEN.—Philip Richards appeared at the in- stance of Selina Wiltshire, for having assaulted her at Abersychan.—From what complainant said, it would seem that she was in a public house, in company with her husband and other people, at about six o'clock on the evening of Monday last, and on rising from her seat to prevent her husband and another man fighting, defen- dant struok her on one of her eyes.-From other evi- dence adduced, it appeared that the blow which com- plainant said she had received from defendant had been aimed by her husband at the man with whom he had been fighting.-The Magistrates dismissed the case, ordering the plaintiff to pay 8s. expenses. ASSAULT AT THE IRONWORKS.—Thomas Llewellin pleaded guilty to having assaulted Jeremiah Leary, at Abersychan Ironworks, but urged provocation as an ex. tenuating circumstance.—Defendant is a roller, and as complainant was allowing the iron to get too cold, he remonstrated with him, upon which he laughed, and, as he (complainant said), spat in his face.-A witness, named David Cowick, who was the only one called, denied that complainant had done that which defendant had attributed to him.—Defendant was ordered to pay a fine of 20s., including costs. INJURING a PIO.-J oseph Jones, PantS^, charged a girl, named Rachel Smith, with an offence of this nature. -The parties are neighbours; complainant's pig had been the habit of running into the house of the parents of defendant; and the latter had given the pig such a severe blow, as to cause its death.—Defendant said that she only struck the pig with a small stick.—Complainant said the pig was worth 14s. or 15s.—She was tolJ that she ought to have kept the pig out of the house.-The Bench dis- missed the case, remarking that the pig had received an unlucky blow. The parties were ordered to pay 4s. each expenses. NON-PAYMENT OF WAGES.—James Williams appeared at the instance of Joseph Tyler, for the non-payment of a balance of £3 14s 10d which he said was due to him for wages.-From complainant's statement it would seem that he had been employed in cutting paving stone and labouring in Craig Dig quarry for 54 days, for which he claimed 4». 6J. per day.—On investigating the case, the Bench made an order on defendant for the payment of £2 7s. 7d. with 7*: costs., after reducing complainant's charge from 4s. 6d. to 4s. a day. STEALING BACON. — Bridget Manning appeared on remand, to answer a charge of having stolen four pounds of bacon, the property of John G. Dent, grocer, &c., Abersychan.-In answer to the charge, prisoner said she was so drunk at the time that she did not know what she was doing.-Prisoner went into prosecutor's shop on the night of Saturday week, and examined some bacon. Having been observed to put a piece under her shawl, she was handed over to the custody of P.C. Lewie.- Prosecutor identified the bacon found on prisoner, as being his property. The latter was committed for 14 days with hard labour. CONNUBIAL J .ÄRs.-E!izabetb Pitt deposed to being in bodily fear of her husband, and a similar charge was preferred by Elisabeth Williams against her husband. the first-named complainant said her case had been settled, and she was enjoined by the Bench to impart the secret of how the matter had been settled to the other complainant that she might go and do like- wise," j PIG NUISANCES.—Patrick White and Dmiel Gwyer respectively appeared at the instance of Mr. Chapman, Inspeotor of Nuisances for the Abersychan Local Go- vernment Board, for that they had kept pigs in such a state as to allow them to become a nuisance to the public. —Defendants were ordered to remove the same, and each pay 6s, costs. NON-PAYMENT OF RATES.—Margaret Evans was summoned for non-payment of the sum of £ 2 Is.. due to the Abersychan Local Government Board, which she was ordered to pay with costs in a fortnight. ASSAULTING THE POLICE,—Robert Bevan' and James Bevan were charged with having assaulted P.C Hart on the 28th ult.-It would seem that the officer had been attracted to a disturbance in the Malthouse-lane between the first-named defendant and his wife the former of whom struck him, and told him he had no busi ness there.—The defendant James Bevan, who did not apppear, seems to have interfered to prevent the officer from taking his brother into custody.—The latter was fined X3, including costs, with an intimation from the Bench that they would always protect the police officers in the discharge of their duty. DRUNK AND RIOTOUS.-Nicholas Colvert pleaded guilty to a charge of having been drunk and riotous, at Abersychan, supported on the information of P.C. Keily, on the evening of Sunday last.-George Symmonds, George Morgan, Thomas Mackay, and John Parry, were similarly charged on the information of P.C. James Evans; None of the defendants but Parry. It seemed they created a disturbance in King street, Blaenavon, at 12.40 p.m., on the 3rd inat.-They were fined 5t. each. Several other cases were adjourned for a fortnight. COUNTY COURT. His Honour, J. M. Herbert, Esq., held bis monthly Court, in the Town Hall, on Monday last, amongst which none of the cases possessed any degree of public interest. We subjoin a report of a few of them Luke Sanquar Y. Martin Canan. This was a judg- ment summons.—Defendant's wife appeared, and said they had not been able to pay anything on a judgment that plaintiff obtained against them some time ago for £ 1 3s. 5d.-PJafntiff's wife appeared and seemed dis- posed to treat defendant in a lenient manner, from which the instalment was lowered to 2s. a month. Thomas Lewi. v. Thomas Frank.-A claim of £3 17s. for groceries supplied by plaintiff at Abersychan to de- fendant, or principally to a female, named Margaret Watkins, with whom he lodged, on his account.-Case adjourned for the attendance of Margaret Watkins. Richard Williams v. Benjamin Barnes. — Plaintiff claimed the sum of S I of defendant for the loss of a pig from his inefficient skill and ability in making an ope- ration on the aame as a pig doctor.—Thx was an ad- journed case, in which a person named Robert Moor, who united a knowledge of the veterinary art with that of making shoes, was calied to day to give evidence, and he said from what plaintiff had told him respecting the pig, he was of opinion that the operation had not been skilfully performed.—Defendant alleged that it had, and the cause of death was to be attributed to other pigs having gored the one that died.-The case was again ad- journed for defendant to produce evidence that he was sufficiently skilled in the duty he had undertaken to perform. Thomas Waits v. Thomas Jeremiah, — Another ad- jonrned case on- a claim ofJSl 10s., for two chains plaintiff said he bad supplied to defendant. Mr. E. B. Edwards appeared fer the latter, and contended that the chains belonged to a waggon which his client had pur- chasep of plaintiff, and formed part of the effects of such purchase.-Hfnry Crump was called and said that on going for the chains for the defendant, in whose em- ment he was at the time, plaintiff delivered them to him without saying anything about their having been bought separately from the waggon.—His Honour at length said the case entirely depended on which he should believe, whether plaintiff or defendant, and the oharacter of the former had this unfortunate circumstances attending it, that he had been committed for felony, and he therefore preferred to take the evidence of Mr. Jeremiah, whose character, he believed, was irreproachable.—Judgment for defendant. Parkhouse v Davies.—Plaintiff, who is a boot and shot maker re3iding in Commercial-street, Pontypool, claimed the value of two pairs of boots, supplied as alleged, to defendants order.—It would seem that the latter was in the employment of Mr. Edward Edwards, corn-merchant, who when the articles were procured, occupied premises adjoining those of plain tiff.Defen- dant was said to have written a note ordering plaintiff to supply two men named Stone and Evans with a pair of boots each, the said men being iu the employment of Mr. Edwards.—On the case being investigated the claim for one pair of boots supplied to Stone seemed to have been abandoned, and as defendant acknowledged that he bad written the order for the other pair without qualifying the same by stating they were to be charged to Mr. Edwards's account, His Honour ruled that be must be repponsible for their payment. Judgment for plaintiff for 13s. to be paid in a month. .Andrews tt Reece.-This action was brought for tLe 1 \v f La} \.oj. 1 UA. UVUOO oliJi I.ua 'õou ,1.1. J:'1A.a.¿. VJ, Uanbilleth.—The time for paying the rent was on the 13th of every month at 6s. per month. —His Honour ultimately gave judgment for £133. Od. by 4s. month. Mary Ann Sedge v. Isaac Lewis.-Plain tiff, a widow residing on Sow-hill, Pontypool, claimed ZI 12s. 6d., for groceries supplied to defendant.—On comparing the book and defendant's bill the Judge said the items on the latter had been taken out of another book as there appeared to be some discrepancy in the dates of the same. On further examining the accounts, the Judge repeated what he had said respecting them, when plaintiff observed that she was sorry that he thought so, on which he remarked that he did not think SÙI but was sure of it.—The case was ultimately adjourned for a month.
BLAINA.
BLAINA. The want of additional magistrates for this district causes great inconvenience and hardship to the public. The Petty Sessions are holden once in four weeks only, yet it seldom happens that two Justices are in atten- dance i hence all those casts requiring the attendance of two, are necessarily adjourned for hearing at Tredegar, a week afterwards. It is hoped that either by the creation of additional justices, or the regular attendance of those who are already in the Commiusion of the Peaue, this will be obviated in future.
- BRYNMAWR.
BRYNMAWR. PETTY SESSIONS.—WEDNESDAY. [Before JOHN JAYNB and H. BAILEY, Esqrs."] Joseph Bowers, a street hawker, was charged by P.S. Joseph with committing an offence against the Highway Act, by allowing bis vehicle to remain too long in the same, place. Defendant was said to be "an old stager," who ought to know better.—Ha was fined 5s. and coste. George Griffiths, a bacchanalian, who had been locked up for three days, was charged by P.S. Joseph with being drunk and riotous in Brynmawr. He said he was so drunk that he did not know anything that he did.-Fined 5s, and 8j, costs, or seven days' in gaol. Jonathan Jones, a collier, was charged with fighting with James Vaughan.—He pleaded guilty to the charge and was tjld by the Bench that in consequence of his being a troublesome customer he would be fined 20i. and lis. 6j. costs, or imprisoned 28 days. VIOLATION OF THE BEER Acr.—Mary Ann Dean, of the Ciydaoh Arms, was charged with allowing drunkenness and fighting in her house, on Sunday, the 3rd inst-Defenjant said the men were drunk when they came to the house and when they fought she tried to prevent them, but could not. Sie drew them only one quart of beer.—The Bench thought she had no right to do that when she saw they were drunk.— Fined 10s. and 7s. costs. CLEAN DRUNK." — Francis Williams, of the "Rassa," Beaufort, was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and a second charge was preferred against him for obstructing P.C. Morgan in the execution of hia duty at Beaufort.—Defendant, in reply said, CI I was so clean drunk that I don't know what I did."—The magistrates inquired from the policeman what sort of a state the defendant was in, and it appeared he had tried to trip him up, and ultimately struck him. There were often complaints made about the defendant and others breaking people's windows, when they were going home from carousing.-The Magistrates said that they were determined to visit all such offences with se- verity, and fined the defendant 20a. and 12s. costs, or 28 days' imprisonment. James Carter, a young miner, charged with being drunk and incapable, at Beaufort, on Saturday night last, was fined 20s. and costs. Joshua Watts was charged with rescuing the last defendant (Carter) from the policeman.—Defendant pleaded guilty, but said he did it out of good feeling towards his friend Carter, who was drunk and resolute, and he wanted to get him bome.-Fined 20s. and costs, or one month's imprisonment. SUSPICIOUS,—P.S. Joseph applied for a remand for Thomas Davies, a mason, whom he had in custody upon suspicion of being connected with a burglary at Beaufort. He produced a small box, which had been broken open at the Railway Tavern, and X2 13s. stolen, and found a chisel in the defendant's possession which exactly corresponded with the mark by which it had been wrenched open.—Application granted. A FREQUENT OFFENDER,—James Vaughan, who has often figured before the Bench, was charged with fight at the Clydach Arms, on Sunday.—Defendant said he did stiike a blow or two, but it was in self-defence.— P.C. Henry Jones said he went to the Clydach on Snn- day, and found the defendant and Jonathan Jones stripped and fighting. They had got over the wall into the back way. HL separated them and turned them out: they appeared to have been driaking.-Fined 20s. and 7s. coetfli
---4 BLAENAVON.
-4 BLAENAVON. PENNY READINGS. — The ninth of these wint r evening entertainments came off, as usual, at the Infant schoolroom, on Thursday evening Feb. 7th, Mr. Tho? Jordan m the chair. The weather was very unfavourl able, which probably accounted for the attendence not being numerous still the medirg proved a very plea- sant one. The pieces read were all of an amusine character, but the musical portion of the programme was more varied, comprising patriotic songs and songs of the affections, winding up with a negro melody, with banjo accompaniments, which was well executed by Mr. C. Edmunds. Miss Harris played the piano solo with her usuall skill an<J good taste. « The old House at Home, "The Man of War," "The H-ero," and the negro song were each loudly encored. The following is the programme Introduotion-Solo pianoforte .Miss Harris Reading—" Reading by Starlight" Mr. H. Laneford Song— The Old Arm Chair" Mr. C. Edmunds Reading—Selection Mr. J. Prothero Song—"Old Ircn Sides" Mr. J. Jonts Reading— How five Batchelors kept) M T m house"d f A- Clark Song The Man of Wai" Mr T Charles Recitation-" The Hero" L' j^8 Duet—" The Old House at Home" i Miss Williams & Reading—" Cunning Tom and the Le- )\ J°neS brechaun" f Mr. I. Parry Song-A negro ^eiody. C. Edmimd8
TREDEGAR.
TREDEGAR. *^1*™'°'!?°!°**?-°* Frida? lft8t MifiS Edith Wynne was introduced for the second time t> a Tredegar audience. The announcement that this artiste with Llew Llewyfo, Miss Llewyfo Lewis, Miss Beynon: and Mr. James, the Newport tenor, would appear at the 1 emperance Hall; drew together a very seleot assembly although not half so numerous as such talent deserved! Mr. Lewis gave some of his old favourites, "The Desert" being loudly redemanded, he was also encored in Mendelssbons Roamer" and gave by request John Jones and John Bull" which caused much laughter. Miss Wynne's exquisite rendering of Weber's grand scena Softly sighs," was faultless, and, coming early in the programme, took the audience quite by surprise Bishop's "Tell me my heart" and two or three charming Welsh moreeaux enraptured the listeners; Miss Wynne made an impression such as no vocalist has yet done in Tredegar. Miss Lewis sang very effectively" Home they brought her warrior dead," and I'm a poor Shepherd maid," and elicited a hearty encore. We pre- dict a successful career for this young lady. Misg Beynon presided at the piano with much ability, and played a solo which pleased greatly. Mr. Lewis stated at the commencement of the concert that Mr. Caird had given up the post of accompanist in favour of Miss Beynon, and he (Mr. Lewis) thought it ought to be known that Miss Beynon received nearly tne whole of her musical training at the hands of Mr Caird, who was proud and justly so, of his pupil. We may sdd that Miss Beynon'a manipulation was alike creditable to pupil and master. Mr. James, of Newport, made a very favour- able impression: he sang" Let me like a soldier fall" and "The young soldier." In one of his songs he was loudly encored: he was also a very valuable addition ia the part singing. The Keel row" was beautifully given, and won a most vociferous en core. We were almost forgetting that prettiest of duets—" I know a bank," to which ample justice was done by Misses Wynne and Lewis. It would be unfair not to remark on the splendid performances of Mr. Frost. We have heard sundry harpists of renown, but nothing that we have listened to can surpass the delicacy of touch which Mr, Frost seems to delight in, and which was a great feature in one of the variations in his first solo. The dead silence which prevailed while his fingers wandered up and down the strings, and the burst of applause which greeted his rising at the finish, proved that Mr. Frost had, in concert with Miss Wynne, made a great hit." Llew Llwyfo promises another visit 'ere long, when he may rely on a good house if accom- panied by the same artistes. DEATH OF MR. RODERICK, SHOEMAKER, TREDEGAR. -This melancholy event took p;a.ce at the Asylum, at Abergavenny, on Friday night las', where Mr. Roderiok had been confined since March. His disease was general paralysis of the system. TIn GAS SUPPLY. The price of gas has been a subject for consideration by many of the consumers ill Tredegar, and a meeting was convened at the Castle Hotel last week, to receive the report of the deputation en the subject of lowering the price. Mr. Reed, manager of the works, said, in r, ply to the deputation, that he would give the matter his early consideration and, if it were possible to reduce the price, it should be done. We have not yet heard the result,
ABERGAVENNY:
ABERGAVENNY: COUNTY COURT.-FEB. 7. (Before J. MAURICE HEEB2K.T, Esq., Judge.) ifflths v. Lctcis.—~ £ his was uri aclion fjj1 extras, in- cidental to a builder's contract. Mr. J. G. Price for plaintiff, and Mr. H. L. Baker for defendant. The par- of March, 1865, the plaintiff contracted with the defen- dant to build for him six cottages; the ground plan of the cottages had been previously, vi* on the 16th of March, 1865, left with the Local Board oi Health, but was, sub- sequently to the date of the agreement, rejected, in con- sequence of the plan showing insufficient privy accom- modation. The agreement referred to this plan as being annexed. After the rejeotion of this jlan. another was prepared and passed by the Board. The plaintiff swore that he spoke to the defendant on the subject of the extra number of the privies, and that the defendant had said We must have a fresh agreement thtn," This was denied by the defendant. Trie plaintiff no-v claimed, amongst other items, £ 7 10s. for additional privy aocom- modation.—After hearing the evidence, His Honour was against the plaintiff, as the rejected plan had not been annexed to the agreement or ever seen by the defendant, and that *.e consequently might have supposed that tow plan show, i ample accommodation.•—Mr. Price said that the plan d.l1bt be taken to have been annexed according to the teras of the agreement, and if not the latter was void, and tiie whule question would have to begone into* This agreement had been prepared by Mr. Rees, of Blaenavon. The other items having beea gone into His Honour gave judgment for plaintiff (by consent) foe S5 Si., with costs. Wathinsf. Great Western Railway.—This was an ac- tion brought to recover damages for injuries to the plain- tiff's horse which had strayed on to defendants' line ia consequence of the insufficiency of defendants' fence. Mr. Farquhar for plaintiff; Mr. Sayce for defendants. The plaintiff sued for XIO loss in value, 44 for atten- dance, X5 for loss of horse's services, and ZI lis. vete- terinary surgeon's charge.—Evidence was given at great length.-His Honour said he would himself view the fence and if the plaintiff wus entitled to anything, he should have a judgment for £ 12.—Judgment reserved. Charles Parry v. John Phillips.—The plaintiff, a la bourer, residing at Blaenavon, in the month, of Decem- ber, 1865, entered into an agreement wi'h the defendant, an engineer, for a lease of a cottage arid land for eleven years. The defendant had left the promises, and the ac- tion was brought to recover i5 balance of the first year's rent. A notice of set off was given for a greater amount. The agreement which was prepared bv an unprofessional person, was insufficiently, stamped the plaintiff was consequently nonsuited. PETTY SESSIONS—WEDNESDAY. (Before Rev. J. FARQUHAR, and C. BAILEY, jun,, Esq.) DAMAGING A GARDEN.-R)bert Parry was charged by Alfred Sparrow, with having on the Oh February instant trespassed upon his garden. The damage was put at Is. Mr. Baker for complainant, and Mr. Far- quhar for the defence.—The complainant deposed that he was inspector on the ratlway tuat the defendant re- sided next door, and was in the habit of going to a well in his garden that the defendant had on the occasion complained of gone to the garden, and that when he (complainant) called and told him to go off he became violent and wilfully trod down some peas.—Cross-exa- mined The well is not a common well. I have not stopped up or dug up the path.—Mr. William Warr, the landlord, proved that defendant had a right to the well, and was hindered from going to it,—C^ss dismissed, the exp nses to be divided. STEALING A PIPE. — J. L. Chichester, of Cardiff, charged Susan Lewis, a prostitute, with stealing his meerschaum pipe.—Complainant deposed I met the prisoner last night she wished me to go ho tne with her. I walked with her a little way I was with her about a quarter of an hour she took my pipe out of my mouth; when I left her I did not think ot i, I met her after- wards and asked for it; she suid she knew nothing of it, and said I must have lost it; I informed the police; I value the pipe at 10s. 6d.—P.G. Hare deposed to hav- ing apprehended the prisoner; that she said she knew nothing of it; that she subsequently said, I'll tell the truth; I had the gentleman's pipe, and showed it to Benjamin Gwatkin, who walked off with it.-Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to one month's hard labour.- Prosecutor's expenses disallowed, Benjamin Gwatkin was charged with receiving the pipe knowing it to have been stolen.—Committed for trial at Usk Sessions. Bail was taken—himself in X401 and two sureties in j620 each. LEAVING WORK.—George Sharpe charged John Jen- kins and Rees JenkiDS with leaving their work without giving the proper notice.-The men were discharged, oa promising to return to their work. Harriet Prosser was placed in the dock upon a charge of larceny preferred by the Rev. James Pugh, of Llan- foiet.—The prosecutor was net in attendance. — The Bench extended the bail until next Wednesday for which the day prosecutor would be summoned to appear.—Mr, Baker for defendant. £ Mary Morgan, who was in custody upon a charge oi obtaining goods under false pretences, was remanded fo a week for additional evidence.