Monmouthshire Merlin

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. PORT CATTLE MARKET-WFDNESNY, No- 19. Price per lb. to sink the offal. »• d. s. d. Beasts 0 5 to 0 6 Sheep 0 6 0 6§ j Calves 0 0 0 Pigs (per score) «.••• 8 6 •• 9 0 f n consequence of the very rough state of the weather, oaIl's taking place on this day, and very little Irish stock being «;nted' the market was unusually small for the time of year, ve •? t|,fi exception of pigs, a large lot of which appeared, of Jll superior1^ality, imported by Mr. T homas Murphy, to- £ *>«■with some excellent cattle. High prices were asked u.* obtained forced beasts. Anything tit for the shambles a*? S00n disposed of. All the fat sheep penned were sold, T? nearly a clearance was effected m other descriptions, do' P"'g market seemed to be well filled, and a good business we> prices a shade lower than recently. Many inquiries pp,e lnade for horses fit for general purposes, but none ap- i'hjred- have heard that several vessels now in [reland, ma ed for live stock, are expected to arrive for the next ar«et day. „ Information has been received, within the last e* days, in Newport, of the loss of the English brig Juhc Sunderland, near the Butt of Lewes, off the u est coast o -tland. This vessel was laden at Archangel, with.a cargo ^vootl.tar, &c. and consigned to Messrs, Wm. Williains. ^vootl.tar, &c. and consigned to Messrs, Wm. Williains. Co., timber merchants, Newport. We regret to sa> ie |BSfc the whole of the cr ew were lost. The ship and cargo J ^oth fully insured. CWMBRAN IRON FURNACE.— hear that Li1!8 one of the most productive furnaces in Monmouth- 'thUre; A corrpspondent informs us, that the average make at l"at furnace, for the last four weeks, has been one hunqred a,id five tons per week, and principally of good grey forge pig-, CIRCULATING MEDIUM.—Mr.Shephard, grocer, of> Commercial-street, finding that the poor of the town were n want of the smallest current coin, in their purchases at hisf ;Shop, has just had down from the Mint ten pounds' worih o farthings, amounting to nine thousand six hundred in number. |A proportion of them now giv« to hi» window a golden hue. L An account of the quaniity of Coal and Iron brought to port and PiHgwenlly in the Quarters ending June and September, and the months of October, in the yeais 1844 and 184;"), 5howing tue increase upon iast year. I 18,(4. J845. Iron. Coal. Iron. Con!. June Qr. 49,088 163,786 51.854 156,000 Sept. Qr. 48,05. 149,815 49546 176,267 97,102 313,611 101,400 332/267 Increase 4 253 18,656 Oct. monlh 17,343 60,483 22,846 67,220 Increase 5,503 6,737 DESTRUCTION OF THE SHIP ABEONA BY FutE.- The following is an extract from the log-book of the* barque Diamond, Pearse, commander, of this port, which arrived here from St. John's, N.B., on Saturday, 15th instant, after 33 days' pao'sage: Monday, Nov. 10th; wind lit. 50, 16 N. long., by chronometer, 8 30 \V. • at I P.M. saw smoke on the weather how,-supposcd it was a steamer.' On nearing, it proved to b- a ship on lire. Passed to leeward of her tacked, and stood towards her. Site was a mass of fire on deck, except a small part forward her bowsprit was. out, and her masts under the bows. She had a gilt female bust head, and a board, with the words New Ross," in gilt let- tel's, floated alongside. Supposed to be a ship of500 tons, timber laden. At 3 P.M., hauled our wind, and proceeded." i\ subsequent accounts, it appears that the ill-fated ship was the Abeona of New Ross, from Quebec to Water ford. We have heard that her crew were sstily landed at Liverpool a Jew days ago. 1 IRE. About two o'clock, OIl Sunday morning last, a fire broke out in the house of Mr. Solomon Maker, beer vendor and water carrier, Charles-street, in this town. The alarm was promptly given by Mr. Harriett, of the same str eet, and r. Cs. Pennimore and Bath (of beats No. 2 and 3), 5?^ n ai.1 mstant in setting to- work, but had the greatest n leuity in procuring water. The ricketty old engine was soon diagged out ot the station-house, but sticking fast in the newly Macadamised road. the "force" employed were not able to keep it moving, and the civilians (having the fear of the up-hill work of Charles street before their eyes), were very backward in co ning forward on the occasion. In this emergency, the Superintendent seeing P. C. Harris convey- ing a prisoner to the station, put both their shoulders in re- quisition and at length, with many a weary step and many a groan," the venerable engine was brought to the scene of danger, when it was ascertained that the pump on Stow-hill was dry and that they could not get even as much water as would soften the hose. The buckets were then sent round to the houses, and, by the alacrity of the force, as much of the element was obtained and carried up stairs to the room vliere the lire originated, as soon removed all cause of alarm. Had not the most prompt measures been adopted so soon after the llame was seen, the consequences might have been most seri- ous, considering the destitution of water. Adjoining are the stables and coach-house of a gentleman who keeps several horses, and his hay loft was weil stocked. At the close of operations, it was found that Harris's prisoner had bolted, and that Mr. Solomon Maker had his pocket picked of six pounds. It is said that the fire was caused by a lodger, who came home in an advanced state ofheer. reading an inflammatory article in a London Sunday paper in bed. ANOTHER AND MORE SERIOUS FIRE.—On Wednesday night last, about nine o'clock, a fire broke out on the premises of Mrs. Jarres, adjoining the bonded timber yard of Messrs. Cooke and Nicholas, Gnflin-street, which threatened the most disastrous consequences to that pm of the town. Be- fore the crazy engine was brought up-wlllch Mr. Hopkins and the police lost not a rncrnent iu dragging to the bonded yard- buckets and every vessel could beobtained were employed by active aud energetic persons who came to render willing aid Among the most active in reudeiing nssiBifince, were Mr. Blewitt. the Mayor, Messrs. Cooke, Nicholas, Townsend, Tombs, &c. The hon. member, and other gentlemen who hsd assembled at the canal piopiietors' dinner, on hearing the alarm, immediately ran to render help and to their judicious arrangements and ex- ertions the prevention of serious loss of property may be attri- buted. Ooe of the gentlemen who was most aciive in the "ood work, felllntu the Canal, and in the confusion arising fiooi the crowds who pressed to get w.ter, was in much per:! his zeal, however, was not damped even by the accident, for he after- wards worked with undiminished aciivily, unlil all cause of a!srm was completely at an end. The fire is said to have originated from SOrtIe clumsy means adopted to dry wool. From the want of a fire-bell in the town, very many persons who would have been active in rendering assistance, knew nothing of the event till the discing morning. This, unfortunately, is the third fire within the last fortnight, and we deem it qnite unnecessary :0 make any addition to observations previously written in this paper, in refeience to a prop-r fire-engine establishment, a public fire-bell, and a more general recourse to fire-insurance. LOVER'S IRISH ENTERTAINMENT.—This admirable treat was fu/nis'ied, *,) a crowded room, at the Town Hall, last evening, and will be remembered as a pleasdnt event in Newpori. Our critique wants space. The following gentlemen have been named as sheriffs for the ensuing year Monmouthshire Thomas Pro thero, of Malpas Court, Esq. Cbas. John Kemvs Tyntr, of Cefu Mably, Esq. William Hunter Little, of Upper Panty- goytre, Esq. Glamorganshire ltd. Frankien, ofClementsou House, Esq.; T. W. Booker, of Velindra, Kstj., N. V. E. Vaughan, of Rheola, Esq.—He:<-for(!t.)tirc J. Partridge, of Bishop's Wood, Esq.; Sir J. J. (L Walsham, of Knill Court Bart., and J. F. Vaufc>h»n, of Couitfield, E-q COMMERCIAL ROAD.—This road, the property of the Trrdpgar Company, is in a<disgraceful condition, from the vast quantities ot mud allowed to accumulate upon it. and the large pools of water which so frequently embrace the feet and leg" of passengers. This delective order of things ex tends almost to the Salutation, and is a generally-admitted nuisance. We hope to see some improvement immediately effected, as that approach to Newport is now very much frequented by masters of it die dock, and a nnmb°r o' respectable persons residing near the road, and in the new houses erected adjacent to the Cattle Market. These resi- dents pay high rents and heavy taxes, and ought to be properly provided with safe highroads and footpaths, instead of having to wade through mounds of mud and filthy reservoirs. EDUCA T ION IN W ALES.—On Wednesday even ing last, a meeting was held at the Town Hall, Newport, called for the purpose of receiving a deputation from the Welsh Edu- cational Committee. The chair was taken by Joseph Latch, Esq., Mayor; and the Rev. T. L. Bright, of this town—the de- putation, the Revds. Messrs. Griffiths, of Brecon, and Jones,. of Carmarthen —a.ud other gentlemen, addressed the meeting We intend giving, in our next number, a copious outline of the proceedings, including a full report of the important statistical statement of the Rev. Mr. Griffiths, otc. SERIOUS ACCIDENT.-On Wednesday last, Mr. John livers, of this to'.vn, and his son, aged about 17, went down to the Dock for the purpose of obtaining a situa- tion for the lad, who was desirous of going to sea. The lad, on returning to go ashore, leaped from the bulwark of the Oregon oil to the hatchway, supposing it to be closed, but which was merely covered over with a tarpauling, he unfortu- nately fell through the hatchway, and was precipitated to the bottom of the hold, where he was found insensible, with bis head lying across the keelson. He remained insensible for some time, when, having partially recovered, lie was imme- diately conveyed on deck, and was perfectly unconscious or the narrow escape he had had with his life. He was enabled with assistance to walk to his home near Bane's Well,where he now lies under the skilful treatment of Dr. Cossens. We un- derstand that, though in a lair way, he is not altogether out of danger. A man, named Samuel Kail, alias Pill Rodney, was drowned at Jack's Pin. Verdict accordingly. A RUN WITH THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS. —On Monday lust, the meet was at Llacarth Cnurt. where the members of the hunt, ant) other gentlemen, sat down, as usml, to a good breakfast, provided by the hospitable lady, Airs. Jones. The first cover drawn was the plantation, near the house. The eartli being well stopped, and the word given, the hounds spread j the cover, and Reynard was soon found, aud stole away into the park— Hark what loud shouls Re-echo through the proves. lie breaks away Shrill horns proclaim his flight. Kach straggling hound Strains o'er the lawn, to reach the distant pack. 'Tis triumph all, and joy." He made up lor Bryngwin, thence to the firs, crossing Clawr brook, and off for Lwyo-a.gare. The scent lay well and they pressed liiin up for Pentose church, and to Tregaie woods; but no reluge being there, on he weot for Dingestow, passing the Court ot a railromi speed, crossing the Monmouth road into Dingestow wood, where his merciless pursuers rao i■;to him in gallant sts le, after a chase of one hour and ten minutes. without it check. Afterwards, they trutted back through Ragland, tin foi Clytha-inll covers, where the" varmint" is not on good terois with the farmers' wives but, betn j absent without leave, they tiotted to Liansaiot.rah-d covers, wheie Ji^ynard w..s soon found, and he broke away for Clytha urieriing hounds, with peals of echoing vengeance, close pursne "-he there got into a drain in a meadow near the river Usk, and saved his brush for another day's sport, after a run of thirty minutes good hunting.

Pirncli In the Provinces, ORACULAR MERLIN. — Many hundred veut3 have elapsed, since I hob-nobbed with Jack "-Kent and thee. in the wizrixi cavern of ancient Wallia and the bumpers were quaffed of right good inetheglin—Alas! for auld lang syne Myself and Judy being rather dyspeptic, resolved on a tout to the Principality. We. have had a brief sojourn at Newport, and I now beg to announce, through thy prophetic pages—which, like the sybillme leaves, are scatfeied to a)) points of the compass —that I have detected A HIGH-SOUNDING DEFAULTER 1 a public delinquent a functionary whose movements should pos- sess popular and imptiotcoandence, and which—alas! for poor mortals' foiesight—hath deceived myself and fall other observers. Punch regrets to state, the culprit it no moie nor less than ST. PACL'S CLOCK. Punch's repeater having gone upon a temporary visit to his ma- ternal unde—at the sign of the Golden BRHs—Punth was m a happy state of ignorance, hurrying- with anticipations of the Epi- curean repast promised him by his darling Judy, when a parsing glimpse at St. Paul s, pelritied his ocular faculties—a full hour had been added to Punch's existence. Visions of Mis. Cauilc, spoi e inner, and curtaio lectures, arose befo?e his imagination, pnd Punch went to the adjoining Punch-house, and got incon- tmeaily drunK* On the ensuing morning, Judy's implacability was soothed, on toe announcement that the hands of the clock had been affected wilh»he»t.«us8 dance like the electric telegraph., as being connected with the ups and downs of the railway niarket furly however, who has been, ,n her juvenile ye,us. ladies'maid in a btiefles-i barristers family; and as a|| briefly, barmfers are privileged to oe punsters and poets-i "sisis that, legally speak. ing, theie must be Laeh-e.s somewhere in Newport and b—s to offer the following distich, to be affixed uuder your Newnort ulock v Legs have I none, yet do I go and stand, And when I stand, I lye- Witness my hand." May you live a thousand yenrs, and your shadow never crow less and so, wizard of the Emporium of Siluria ° I remain affectionately thine, PUNCH. POSTSCRIPT.—AWFI-L CALAMITY !—Poor Candle, so recently a disconsolate widower, and having buried his woes as well as his wife, was on a visit to myself and Judy, and had engaged himself to a Mrs, Caudle seeunda but shocking to relate misled by the railway movements of Newport clock-under the delusion of being too late for St. Woollos and the bride's cortege—has just entombed—no! 1 beg pardon, engulphed-hiniseit in the S r. pentine and LEON-ine waters of the Usk. Verily, a heavy deo- dand must be laid upon the clock Alas poor Qnudle

Canal Company. HALF-YEARLY GENERAL MEETING. Ti:5 half-yearly genera! meeting of this company was held at the Cans! Office, in Newpott, on Wedoesdny last. There was rather a full attendance of shareholders. At twelve o'clock, Sir C. Morgan, Bart., took the chair, and proceeded with the business of the meeting, of which the following is an outline:— The proceedings of the several general and special meetings of the company, held since the last half-yearly meeting, in May last, were read; also the minutes of the proceedings of the committee since the last general meeting, in May last; and it was Resolved—" That the same be confirmed." Mr. Llewitt then lose to inquire ot the engineer of the com- panv, Mr. Marsii, wha' steps had been taken in reference to the formation of the intended railway from Newport to Pontypooi. Mr. Marsh handed in a written report, the substance of which he stated to be that the necessaiy preparations were being made, and that he hoped by next mouth to be in a position to advertise for contracts for the construction of the line. Mr. Blewitt wished to know if it was the intention of the committee to proceed with that line of railway. Mr. E. H. Phillips said that the committee had given ihe subject a most careful consideiation, and were of opinion that the most advantageous pldn that could lie adopted would be to let out the constiuclion of the line by contract; and they had resolved upon adopting that course. Due notice would be given to the landholders on the line, of the property which it would be necessary to take in the formation of the railway. Mr. Whittaker begged to inquire of the committee if they wished the shareholders to understand that the dividend of £ 5. per share would be lessened or at all prejudiced by the construc- tion of the proposed Newport and Pontypooi railway. If such was the intention of the committee, he must say that he con- sidered it a very injudicious proceeding, to embark a large amount of capital in a new undertaking, like the Newport and Pontypooi railway, when they were in treaty with another company for the sale of their entire property. Mr. Phillips explnined that the dividend of f5. per share would still be secured io the canal proprietors. Mr. Coles inquired if the company iritended making^any alter. ation in the tram-road near Court-y-bella machine-In order to avoid the accidents which, he was sorry to say, were now of too fitquenl occurrence, an;! which arose from the tram-road crossing the turnpike-;oaj at that place. Mr. Barber had piepaved a plan, showing that the tram road might be earned under the tutnpike-roacf, and he (M r. Coles) thought if such a change could be easily effected, it would be a most desirable thing to have it done. Mr. Phillips said the company had taken the subject into their consideration two or three years ago, and it was estimated that it would cost about £ 3,000.; but he was certainly of opinion tha if the alteration were made, the road trustees should pay half the expense of accomplishing it. The Chairman said he thought it would be ptemature to dis- cuss tha*. point without knowing what courso the line of the South Wales railway would take in that direction. This coultf not be yet known, and he therefore thought they had better ad journ the consideration of the question for the piesent. Sir C.Morgan then announced that the next business for their consideration was the financial statement for the half-year ending 30th of September, 1845. The accounts of the last half year were produced and read, nnd it was Hesolved-" That a dividend of -5 per share be declared—the same to be payable on the 31st of December next, bv the Treasurer, clear of the income tax." £ s. d. The financial statement showed a balance from 170]1 the last account, ending March, of j 17-11 14 1 Proceeds of tonnage in the half year 22754 4 7 ]New debenture account—for this sum borrowed of Josiah Wedgwood, Esq.—at 3^ per cent., f in part of the £ 5000. further subscribed to the i Newport Dock J £ 40965 18 8 The outlay of the company in the half year showed an expenditure of f 30,826. lis. 10d., as follows- By dividend of £ 5 per share on 2,409 shares ) "payable on the 30th of June last 1204-5 0 0 By interest on £ 42,837. debentures due this day 1 "at 3] per cent., less income tax f 740 10 6 By Thomas Dyson, for interest and expenses ) upon transfer of debentures t 243 11 9 By income tax, half a year O 5 By Newport and Pontypooi Railway, for parli"a-Y tnentary and engineering expenses J 2909 10 7 By Newport Dock Company, for calls on 250 TIVP- ) ferential shares f <5000 0 0 By law charges, salaries, repairs,* and'' other > n-la 10 incidental expenses. t £ >" 1° 30826 11 10 thus leaving a balance in favour of the Co., of 10139 0 10 r At)Q¡:tt; is S On the motion of Sir D. Mfckworth, it was then Resolved-" That the Clerk be authorised to affix the com- pany's seal to the assignment of Mr. Martin Morrison's debt to the company, he being prepared to pay off the same." It w«s also resolved, on the motion of the same genl'ernat>~ The committee having recommended this company to make a tram-road from a point on the Aberbeeg tram-road, at or near the 17^ mile-post, over and through the lands of the representatives of one Cardy Morgan, and others, according to a notice given by John liussell, Esq., to the general as- sembly, on the 9th day of July last, according to a plan therein referred to and produced-That such road be made by this company, it being thought likely to be of great benefit and advantage to this company." The subject ft the alteration of the tram-road near Court-y- bella machine, having been again mooted, Mr. O. Morgan moved, and it was Resolved—" That as soon as the line of the South "Wales Railway, intended to cross the turnpike-road near Waterloo- gate. shall be ascertained, the sub-committee shall be em- powered to meet the Trustees of the Newport District of Roads, and other parties interested, to determine on the best means of passing the turnpike-road under the tram-road." Mr. t>!f-wui here arose, and remarked that be hjj heard a doubt expressed as to whether the conal company, if the Mon- mouthshire railway company failed to carry out their engage. merit with them, could legally secure to themselves the £20,000. deposit which h<d beea paid by that company; and he wished particularly to know if the contract lelt room for any doubt upon that point. Mr. Piothero said the contract had been read at a previous meeting, and was, in his opinion, as explicit and binding as any- thing could be. He should recommend that it be read. Mr. Phillips said that the contract was, so far as he could judge, plainly and distinctly binding upon the Monmouthshire railway company and he consideied that it was clearly under- stood at the last meeting, that that company were to forfeit the £ 20,000., in the event of their failing to fulfil the contract with the canal company. He (Mr. Phillips) happened to be in the position of a trustee to the caoai proprietors, aod a director of the new company and he watched, with the utmost vigilance, the movements ot that company. He had attended their meetings in London, aod haJ heard the question discussed there and he believed th,t the company in Lon^n -e,e perfectly aware that they would have to forfeit the £ 20,000. if they failed to fulfil their contract with the canal company. Mr. blew.tt hadI oressed some doubts as to whether the agreement was binding, and Mr Blewitt, possessing legal knowledge, might see some discrepancy hut, as far as common sense went, he (Mr.Pliillips) thought it could not be misunderstood. Mr. Piothero thought the clause of the agreement had better be read by the legal adviser of the company. Mr. Waddingtoa then read the portion of the agreement bearing upon the question, when I Mr. Biewitt expressed his conviction that It was perfectly binding, and could not be evaded. Mr. Phillips bad intimated that he was a director of the new company, as well as a trustee of the canal company; and as this subject was now mentioned, he would take the opportunity of expressing his decided conuic- tioo that Mr. Phillips ought not to hold the two offices. He dis- approved in Into of such a course of proceeding. Mr. Phillips said he had not consented to become a director in the new undertaking, without the consent of the canal com- pany but, having obtained that consent, he would endeavour to act conscientiously, as wtli to the Monmouthshire railway, as to the proprietors of the canal. He wa* well aware that some gentlemen were anxious that he shculd withdraw his name from the directorship of the Monmouthshire railway but, presuming to judge for himself, and having a most intimate acquaintance with the affiirs of both concerns, he considered that he could not honourably or conscientiously do so. If he might speak of him- self, he would remiod the meeting that Mr. Blakemore, (whose absence on that occasion he very much regretted) and himself, were principally in securing to the canal company the deposit of £ 20,000. and at the time when the contract was made between the companies, there was a distinct understanding that the canal company should, by every legitimate means, support the interests of the Monmouthshire railway. Six years ago, the subject of enlarging and improving the canal compaoy's property uas discussed, and it was then deemed advisable, from the limited resources of the company, to seek an opportunity of uniting with some other undertaking, in order, by enlarging the capiial, to effect the improvements and extensions which they found themselves unable to accomplish, except in conjunction with another company. Fiom that time to the present the de- sirableness of enlarging the resources of the canal company had been geneiaHy acknowledged; and now that a fitting opportunity had presented itself, the committee had taken advantage of it Find the proprietors generally bad approved.their negociations with the new company. He woul,1 not allude to circumstances which had lately transpired out of doois between the committee of the Morimouihshire railway and a canal propiietor; but. as it had been hinted that no man should serve two master.i," he would ass the co-umittee of the canal company a lluesliQn-whelher he had not acied conscientiously and honourably in all his proceed. ings, as one of their trustees. If they thought he had not, and would, when opportunity arrived for doing so, vote him out of that trust, be should be most happy to retire from the office. He cCltllinly had in his own mind the consciousness of having acted uprightly, and whilst he possessed that petsuasior), he should undeviatingly pursue the course he had rnaiked out for himself, with regani to the point in question. Sir Digby Mackworth rose to order. He considered this dis- cussion quite irrelevant to the husiness of the meeting. Mr. Piothero said, as Mr. Phillip9 had evoked the opinion of the committee, with regard to his conduct as a tiustee of the canal company, he, for one, would state, without the slightest hesitation, that he considered he had acted with perfect upright- ness and had been always an jious to promote the interests of the company. He thought Mr. Phillips had mtsundersiood the in- tention and object of Mr. Blewitt's observations; for he (Mr. Prothero) had interpreted them as not being intended to impute anything morally wrong to Mr. Phillips, but merely as expressive of a fear that Mr. Piullips' connection with both companies might involve any difficulty, if a point of equity should arise between them. Mr Blewitt explained that lie did nol, of course, intend to im- pute anything morally wrong to Mr. Phillips but merely tntendedtoexpreo his conviciion that Mr. Phillips had placed himself in a very false position and if it happened at any time that the interests of the two concerns conflicted, Mr.Pliillips could take no part on either side—he would be, so to speak, a 'Mi^Whltt'aker said he had no doubt Mr. Phillips had acted with the most upright intentions, but he might bemistaken in his judgmenl. But to return to the question of the Newport and Pontypooi Railway, he would say that he thought the committee ought to be very cautious in expending money upon that under- taking—if that expenditure would at all jeopardise the dividend of £5. per share to the proprietors of the canal. Mr O. Morgan perfectly agreed with Mr. Whittaker, and thought that steps should be taken to prevent a reduction of the dividend. Mr. Phillips did not consider that any step* were necessary to secure the dividend of f5. per share. The new Company had agreed that ihe canal shareholders should continue to receive that dividend. The committee would not do anything that would p.qudtce oat dividend. If they could continue to improve the property of the Company, and still divide £ 5. per share, they would do so but if not, the 'epairs wouM be discontinued, so that the dividend might be secured. Mr. Justice begged to call the at'tention of the meeting to ano- ther subject which materially affected the interests of the Com- pany; he meant the projected railways which were intended to run parallel with or near to the Canal Company's propeity. He .bought they ought to be closely watched by the committee, and, if nececsary, strongly opposed. After some desultory conversation upon the subject, it was Resolved-" That the particular attention of the committee be requested to the projected railway schemes whkh may, if carried out aflect the interests of this comply and take such steps to oppose the same as may be deSnecessary." The business of the meeting having been thus concluded, Sir D. Mackworth proposed a vote of thanks to Sir C. Morgan, which was warmly responded to by the meeting The venerable baronet courteously acknowledged the compliment, and the meeting separated. 1

CAERLEON. BULL INN.-A ball and supper took place at this well-known hostelry on Monday eventng last. when a nu- merous and highly. respectable party assembled. The catering of the worthy young hostess on the occasion was .h as to call forth the unqualified approbation of her guests Paccino was kept up with very great spirit, until morning's early dawn pro- clsimed twas time to part, and all went merry as a marriage bell."

PONTYPOOL. PONTYPOOL BunGi.ARY.-On the night of the 6th inst., some darmgivillaius contrived to effect an entrance on the premises at Abersychan, belonging to Mr. William Shellard, boot and shoe- maker, by means of removing some bricks which supported the shop window they then busily set to work, and succeeded in abstracting upwards of sixty pair of men's, women'* and boys' boots and shoes, of the value of .C25.. with which they got clear off. Although the robbery was discovered early in the morning, and the police have been on the alert, still no One whatever has been obtained that will lead to the recovery of the property or the detection of the offenders. PUBLIC MEFHKG.—A requisition, numerously signed by the tradesmen of Pontypool, requesting E. H. Phillips, Esq., to pre- side at a meeting to take into consideration the propriety of memorialising her Majesty tD grant a Court under the "New Small Debts Bill," :or recovering, &c was lalely presented to that gentleman, in consequence of which a meeting was held on the ilth instant, at the Magistrates' Ila! The chairman clearly and forcibly pointed out the advantages that the neigh- bourhood and population of 20,000 would receive from the measure being adupted. now trade and commerce are irr such a flourishing and prosper ous state. The hall was much crowded bV the attendance of those persons interested in the proceedings and after a vote of thanks to the worthy chairman for his urbanity' tbe.meetmg separated, with a confident hope that before lone "such a court will be established in Pontypooi.

ABERGAVENNY. FIRST PLOUGHING MATCH AT LLANTlLLlO CROSSED Y. On Thursday, November 13th, the ploughing match took place in a fifctd near the Ostrey Inn. Thomas VVakeman, Esq., of the Graig, president, and John Lloyd, Esq., secretary. This was the first match that has taken place, and was started by a few formers, who were generou'-lv supported by a few ladies, of the neighbourhood, with subscriptions. Mrs. Tuddy subscribed XI. I Is. 6.1.; Miss Faiqtihar, Xi Is.,—and the gentlemen came forward with equal liberality, Mr.Wakeman contributed £ 3. 3i, Messrs. E. L. Powell, J. Lloyd, Pride, Philip Moigan, and George George, £ 1. is. each, aod from various other subscrip- tions the funds enabled the committee to offer the following przes-— A Silver Cup,value £ 5.5^for farmers residing jn the parish of Llaniillio Crosseriy, or their sons resitling with them, for plough- ing half an acre of land in the best and most woikmen-like man- ner, w'ihin four hours, depth, six inches, with a team not ex- ceeding three horses—entrance, 2s. 6d. Two Pounds, for farmers wilhinjthe said parish, their servants or woikmen, for ploughing, *,viih a pair of horse«, half an acre of land, in four homs—depth, (our inches. One Pound Ten to the second best. One Pound, for any person, under 18 years of age, residing in the said parish, for ploughing hall an acre, in four houis, in the best manner, with not more than three horses. Ten Shillings for the second best. One Pound for ploughing half an acre of land, in the best and most workman-like manner, with a team of oxen. No person shall be entitled to compete for any of the above prizes, who is not a farmer residing in the said parish, or the son, or a servant, of such former, who shall have paid 5s. subscription towards the fund, and have entered the team at the Ostrey Ion, be:ween the hours of five and eight, in the eveniag of Wednes. day, the 12th of November. The teams to be io the field, ready to start, by ten in the morning. The day was beautifully fine, and a great number of the famiers, in the neightourhood, were on the ground, who seemed highly pleased with the ploughing. The judges were Mr. Geo. Prichard, of Llanvihangel, nnd Mr. Edwards, of Llanartb, two gentleman of undoubted experience and impartiality. For the silver cup five teams started. Awarded to Mr. David Jones, of Pentwyn. The second pi ize-John Poulson, servant to Mr. Wm. Lloyd, ofHandito. There were five candidates for this also. The serond-best-Richard Dobbs, servant of Mr.Joha Powell, ofthePdrk. For the prize, for the youths under 18 years of age, two candi- dates appeared—^George Phillips, seivant to Mr. Jones, of Cwm. yoy, first, and John Gwatkin, servant to Mr. John Powell, of the Park, second. The prize, fortheox team—Mr. Wm. Jones, jun., son of Mr. Jones, of Tresayson. Aftei the match, the spectators and ploughmen were treated with genuine hospitality by Mr. John Poweil, on whose land it took place, and in the evening about silty gentlemen sat down to dinner at the Ostrey Inn. The evening passed very pleasantly, and arrangements were made for renewing the match next year. The present subscribers testified their readiness to do the like next season, and the contri- butions of many who, on account of the shortness of the time, could not be applied to, will enable the committee to offer many more prizes next year. The inhabitants of LUntillio have done well now, and we wish them eveiv success for their future matches. J HIGHWAY ROBBERY.—As Mr. George Win- dow, of Llanover, was returning home on Wednesday night last, about twelve o'clock, he was. at the hand post, near Coldbrook, dragged off his horse, by a gang of villains, who robbed him of ( h and cruelly maltreated him. He has no suspicion of any of the party. We perceived, in the town, during the day (fair day) several swell horse dealers. ATTEMPT AT HIGHWAY ROBBERY. -On ay, the 14tb instant, a young woman, idotn Llangrwytiey, urniog home from Abergavenny, where she had been re- ceiving a few shillings for woik, was stopped near the brick yard, by a ellow, who demanded her money. The young woman de- nled, having any. He said he knew she had, for he bad seen her receive some, and threw her down, when a severe struggle en- sued the young woman bravely contended with the fellow for several minutes, when happily some footsteps were heard ap- proaching, and the villain leaped over the fiedge, into the adjoin. ing wood, and escaped. —♦—■—

MONMOUTH. On Monday last, Policemen Evans and Clark, of Monmouth, were fined 5s. each, for neglect of duty, on the complaint of the Mayor. On Monday last, a man named Wm. Nicholas, was committed for trial, by Dr. Jones, at Monmouth, charged with havtng assaulted Margaret Hyde, a cbild under six years of la I age. on the 54th August, last. Since the commission of the offence the prisoner had decamped until Saturday last, when he was apprehended at Abergavenny. I he annual meeting of the Monmouth Auxiliary e' Wesleyan Missionary Society, was held on Monday last. The Revds. James Bartholomew and Chas. Haydon attended as a deputation, by whom the meeting was addressed, as well as by several ministers of the neighbourhood. The annual ball, at Mr. Heslope's, Gardiners' Arms Inn, LUnarth, took place onWednesdav, November 12th, where several gentlemen joined the farmerffand uadesmen's soos and daughters, in their festive amusemeuts, which was kept up with much spirit till the dawn of morning, and the numerous company were highly pleased with the excellent arrangements of the werthy host and hostess. MASONIC PARAPHERNALIA.-A very superb display of masonic costume was politely shewn us by Brother Chilcott, at the Beaufort Arms Inn, Monmouth, on Wednesday. It consisted of aprons, handsomely decorated with gold and silver fringe, each bearing masonic arms, wrought in the centra with the same precious material. The t»ble was covered with jewels, which, with the aprons, bad just arrived for the following breth ren:—Brothers Wnkeman, P.M., Provincial Grand Senior war- den A. Rolls, P.M.. Provincial Grand Senior Deacon G, Crnok, Prov. Grani Pureuiv-tnt Joshua Williams, Prov. Grand Sword Bearer; Chilcott, P.M., Prov. Grand Director of Ceremonies; J. Rolls, C. H. S!ewart, Thomas Swift. Prov. Grand stewards. The whole of the elegant costume was sup- plied from Evans's Establishment, London.

USK. During the last year, we noticed in the MERLIN '5 that F. M Donnell, Esq., j^d considerably appropriated a part 01 his land, lymg adjacent to the town, into allotments, with a view of benefitting the labouring classes. The plots of ground were let at a low rent, and labourers were thereby enabled to raise vegetables for the support of their families and many a mechanic was seen employing his leisuie hours, in the healthful occupation of cultivating the soil, instead of spending his time and money in idleness or at an inn. We have now the pleasing uty to record, that, in consequence of the loss ^ostainfd by .the If' and diseaseof the potato crop, thatgentleman has returned 25 per cent to each of the renters.

NEWBRIDGE. CONSIDER ERE YOU DRAW THE TRIGGER.— In the neighbourhood of the picturesque town of Newbridge, vifamorganshire, which may well boast of its beautiful Cam- ,tr'a" Rial to—Pont-y-Pridd—is the snug dwelling, called iMitli y-Bran," which,translated, far the benefit of ourEnglish readers, means the "Crow's Nest;a homestead, cele- oratcd as being once the residence of the noted racer, Griffith Morgan, better known by the cognomen of "Gitto-nith-Bran, wnc> performed a feat in'the year 1739, that leaves pedestrians ot the present day far behind. On that occasion, this fleet. looted We!sliman was challenged by a person designated iwysog Bedwas," (Prince of Bedwas), also famed for feats of leet, who would have beaten Atalanta herself, without the stratagem of the golden balls. The distance was ten miles, and the wager forty guineas. The starting post was the Bull lnn, near St. Woolos Church, Newport and the goal, the porch of Bedwas Church. Over this trying and undulating K'Oiind, the bounding competitors ran as men were, seen never J° r»n before, and scores of gallant horsemen gallopped after; but "Gitto" shot a head, and won the race m the incredibly short space of 53 minutes. But brief, alas! was his triumph • the laurel was presented him by the hand ot death, and he lies buried in Llanwyno Churchyard, almost side by side with the 1 celebrated bard, "Gwillim Morganwg," to whose last resting place the sweet line of Thomson is well applied :— rc In yonder grave a Druid lies." In this same Nith-y-Bran" now dwell the brothers M—th; who, if not so celebrated for the same qualities as the Brother Chervble pourtrayed by Dickens, will be known in future for a startling event in their lives, partaking more the character of the ridiculous than the sublime. Having found, during the seasons of Pomona's maturity, that some graceless apple- eating neighbours made more free than welcome with the fruit in their orchard, the worthy pair determined to make an ex- ample of the first intruder that a bullet could reach. A good gun was accordingly well loaded, and on a recent occasion, the watchful couple having heard a noise, When sable night, enveloped all in gloom," placed a percussion cap on the nipple, slowly raised the win- dow, and the question was put in a stern voice, What thief is stealing our fruit 1" But nought but echo answered from the bosom of the wooded glen, Fruit." Again a rustling among the leaves was heard, and forth from the polished tube flew the murderous ball-a fall and a deep groan followed. The brothers, a little shocked at the result of the fire, exchanged in haste the words, "Bill, by gosh you've fetched him down." Yes, Jim, he'll not come here again for his apple dumplings, I dare say; but let's go out and see if he has left the fruit behind him." Away they sallied, lanthorn in hand, and gun reloaded and soon they found, in death's throes-not the body of an orchard spoiler, but the carcase of their own beau- tiful milk-white bull calf, which was fit to be offered on the altar of Jupiter Tonans, and had been carefully brought up for home breed. Here was— A thing to human feelings the most trying, And harder for the heart to overcome, Perhaps, than even the mental pangs of dying, To find one's orchard turned into a tomb And 'midst some scores of apples, palely lying, The body of one's calf, is a deep grief, Beyond a married gentleman's belief." We understand that the boys of Newbridge are, since the calf- tastrophe, in the habit of rudely "saluting the brethren" with the query of Ah I who killed the bull-calf ?"-A Cor.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE, TOWN HALL, NEWPORT—MONDAY. Present—Joseph Latch, (mayor), T. Prothero, W. Brewer, T. Hawkins, T. Hughes, and E. Dowling, Esqrs. Evan Yorath. a simple-looking man, was charged, on the information of Sergeant Huxtable, with being very drunk on Sunday night, and was fined 5s. as a caution against indulgence in "blue ruin." Capt. John Allen of the Avon screw steamer, was sum- moned for damage done to a vessel belonging to Richard Burton, to the amount of £ 19. 10s. The case had been ad- journed from last week, and was now reported as settled." THE "TOUriNC," NUISANCE. Capt. William Dando, of the Usk steamer, was charged with assaulting William Merchant, a porter, in the employ of the Screw Packet Company. Mr. Woollett appeared for the defendant; and Mr. H. J. Davis for the plaintiff. It appeared from the lengthened evidence given by plaintiff and various witnesses, that on Monday last, just previously to the Usk leaving her station for Bristol, Capt. Dando was walking across the Canal Bridge leading to the Rodney Wharf, and that on passing a number of persons congregated on the bridge, one cried out, Who stole the donkey-Captain Dando," which assinine query irritated the captain, and in- duced him to lay hold of the plaintiff, supposing him to be the insulting person, and strike him. The plaintiff thereupon returned the compliment, and brought forward the present charge. Mr. Woollett impugned the credibility of the witnesses in terms of much reproach. The Bench censured Mr. Woollett's remarks very severely. They said they saw not the slightest reason to disbelieve the straight-forward statements made by the witnesses for the plaintiff. Mr. Woollett alleged that he could prod.e a witness who would substantiate his assertion respecting the falsity of the evidence. Mr. Brewer Then don't say anything about it, sir, but prove it by evidence. ? The Mayor: Mr. Woollett, can you disprove the assault? Mr. Woollett. An assault may be committed by placing the hand upon a man's shoulder—so far as it goes, we cannot I deny that an assault has been committed. VVilliatn Merchant was then desired to change places with Capt. Dando, and was charged with having assaulted that indi vidual. Mr. Woollett called Capt. Dando, who stated that he had not struck the defendant, but simply put his hand on his col. lar, and asked him why he had called after him about "the donkey." Merchant immediately struck him a violent blow, which made him stagger, and he cried out for help, fearing the mob, who were inciting Merchant, would do him further bodily t barm. A female, called Buckland, deposed that she saw the de- fendant strike Capt. Dando a severe blow, but did not see the commencement of the affray. For the assault on Merchant, which the Bench held proved, Capt. Dando was finled 5s. and costs and the charge against Merchant was dismissed, on the ground that he had acted in self-defence. b Mr. Prothero though! this a proper time to call the atten- tion of the Bench to tUw great nuisance on the bridges adja- cent to the stations of the two companies' packets, caused by persons obstructing passengers going to the different steamers. The case just decided by the Bench, was one which naturally drew attention to it, and proved that more active measures ought to be enforced, to put a stop to the annoyance. He knew a gentleman who intended going to Bristol by one of the eld company's packets, but was absolutely forced on board one of the new company's, against his will. The police should be always near at hand, when the packets were leaving, to prevent the servants of either company obstructing persons and pulling them here and there in the manner so generally adopted. He had not latterly seen a single policeman on that side of the town, which might be owing to the station-house being now behind the town-hall. It was a matter of difficulty to get a policeman there, when these disturbances took place but he hoped, that after this public notice of the matter, policemen would be more attentive to their duty in the neighbourhood of the packets, and there would be no further complaints of the nuisance to which he had adverted. The Mayor said the superintendent of police bad been or- dered to station a policeman near the packets, to prevent the obstruction, and such directions ougot to be.strictly attended to. [Addressing Mr. Hughes, one of the new company's clerks, Mr. Latch said:] This is a matter which will not be allowed to endure much longer. Your company must look to it, and do all they can to prevent the annoyance. I hope you will communicate this to your employers. The Police Superintendent stated that a policeman had been duly stationed on the bridges. Mr. Hawkins said the magistrates had ordered the police- men to attend to the daily obstruction, and he was surprised that no policeman was to be found there. Mr. Hughes, clerk in the employ of the Screw Company, said that provided the old company did not send touters to the new station to entice passengers away, the new company would not allow any of their servants to stand off the premises, except to take luggage, &c., from the coaches. The Police Superintendent said he had sent a sergeant to the packet stations in plain clothes. Mr. Prothero In plain clothes ? What is the meaning of putting a man there in plain clothes I He should have had his uniform on, that the public might know where to find him, in order to prevent outrages occurring. After some further observations by the magistrates, the subject dropped. The Italian in custody under a charge of stabbing an En- glish sailor, was discharged, it being ascertained that he was not the person who committed the offence. [The wounded man, we learn, is fast recovering ] HORSE STEALING. Henry Curton, a young man from Gloucester, was charged with having stolen a bay mare, the property of Mr. Slade, a farmer, residing in Llanvair Discoed, on Friday night or Sa- turday morning last. o Mr. Davis appeared to conduct the case, and called several witnesses, from whose evidence it appeared that the mare had been put in a field onlthe Friday night by the prosecutor's son, and was missed about four o'clock next morning; that the ttirnt turnpike gate keeper at the Bridge gate, near this town, let the prisoner through, with the mare in question, on Saturdav morning about two o'clock that the prisoner put the animal in Mr. Iggulden's stables, at the Carpenters' Arms, early on Saturday morning, and that when taking her away on Saturday evening, to go on board the steamer for Bristol, the mare was r^p>gniscd by Mr. Langley, a lespectable farmer. He ac- quainted Mr. Slade of the whereabouts of his mare, who pro- cured a policeman, and took the prisoner and mare from the packet, just previously to the vessel starting for Bristol. The mare on Friday night had a switch tail, which was cut off quite squire when found on Saturday. In the prisoner's pocket were two (turnpike tickets, one being for a horse, dated I4 h Nov., and belonging to the Ashton gate on the Bristol roads the other, dated 15th Nov., being the Bridge gate ticket. The evidence was quite conclusive against the prisoner, who said he had bought the mare within a mile of Newport, from a man who wanted money in a hurry, and he was committed to take hii trial at Usk sessions. Frederick Singleton, an innocent-looking apprentice belong ing to the James Gibson, was charged with deserting his ship on Sunday a'teinoon.—The master refused to take him back again, for his ingratitude, dangerous threats, and general bad conduct.— The magistrates could not cancel the indentures on the master's application, the lad being bound to the owneis and thereupon the parties left the court. CROSSING A FORD. Thomas Ford, generally known by the cognomen of Blue Skin," was charged with having stolen coal, the property of Messrs. Latch and Cope. William Richards, one of the men engaged on the coa- wharf, proved the case against Ford, who, with very theatrical action, and upturned eyes, exclaimed, Oh, you desperate sinful man Gentlemen dear, I'd rather have a pistol or a sword placed to my breast, than have my precious life taken away in this manner. Oh, William Richards, where do you intend to go, when you depart this 'ere life Richards: Why, to watch such old fellers as you, when. sumever they prigs coal, I s'pose. ( Laughter.) Bench Ford, were you not here before on one or two little matters of this nature, and convicted ? The prisoner acknowledged he had been. and proceeding to excite the merriment of the court by nonsense, and exclama- tions of, "My dear gentlemen Oh, my dear gentlemen which was cut short bv the Bench committing him for trial.- He was liberated on bail. THURSDAY. Present—J. Latch, Esq., Mayor, T. Hawkins, and T. Hughes, Esqrs. Pat Mahoney, a rollicking Emeralder, was charged with a light-headed outbreak in the public streets.—Pat had the good luck to get clane out of it." Thomas Jones was charged on suspicion of having taken an extraordinary fancy to, and illegal possession of, a fine duck but Thomas was acquitted. Michael Manning was fined Is. and costs for an assault, and ordered to pay ^sfdamage done in starring the glaze." John Harrington was fined 2s. 6d. and costs, for assaulting John Bayley.

ABERYSTRUTH PETTY SESSIONS-Nov. 14. Preselit-The Rev. Daniel Rees, and Tom LI. Brewer, Esq. An information, on oath, was laid by James Thomas against tmffith Lloyd, of the Yew Tree Inn, for keeping his house open tor the sale of ale and spirits during the hours of divine ser- vice. It appeared in evidence that he had, for a long time, n?eVn habit keeping his house open during all hours on I the Sabbath day. yined 4Qg., and «rdered to pay 10». 6d. costs j OWN An information, on oath, was alno laid by James Thomas against Mary James, of the Crown Inn, for selling ale and spirits on the Sunday, during hours of divine service. The case was proved, and she was fined 40s,, and lis. 6d. costs. k Information, on oath, having been laid by James Thomas against Daniel James, Daniel Harris, David Thomas, and Thos. Thomas, keepers of beer shops, for keeping open houses on the Sabbath day, during hours of divine service, and each case been proved, they were fined 10s. each, and 11s. 6d. costs. It is high time for the authorities to put a stop to such a public nuisance, so prevalent in the iron districts, particularly on the Sunday after pay, when scenes of drunkenness and outrages loudly call for magisterial interference. John Jones, Edmond Jones, and Catherine Harris, were severally summoned by Benjamin Broad, the overseer, to compel them to shew just cause why they refused to pay their quota of the poor rate, but this not being satisfactorily done, they were ordered to pay the rate, and 2s. each expenses. ASSAULT CASES. Mary Hughes brought a charge of assault against Hannah Morris. The charge, although denied by the latter, was clearly proved. Fined 5s., and ordered to pay l&s. 6d. costs, or submit to be sent to the house of correction for 14 days. She, at first, seemed inclined to pay a visit to Usk, but fearing she might not have comfortable quarters, she paid the money. Joseph Meredith appeared to swear the peace against James Mansell, who was required to give the usual recognisances, himself f20., and good surety for £ 10., to keep the peace for six months to all her Majesty's subjects, and to pay the costs, 138. Elizabeth James also sought protection against David Jones, who had used threatening language to her. Having been duly *Xa^oAiea' was re1u'red to give sureties of the peace himself in £ 20., and Morgan Francis £10., for its strict observance for six months, and to pay 15s. 6d. expenses. A charge of assault was brought by Wm. Edwards against John Lewis. Fined Is., and ordered to pay 13s. 6d. costs. T 1. -t nv BASTARDY CASES. John Williams was ordered to pay 2s. 6d. per week to Jane George for the support of her illegitimate child. Josiah Porter was ordered to pay 2s. per week to Mary Beynon for the support of her illegitimate child, 10s. to the mid- wile, and 15s. 6d. expenses.

CARDIFF TOWN HALL.—THURSDAY, Nov. 40. Present-The Mayot and the Rev. James Evans. Bartholomew Casey charged Timothy Driicoll, Aooora Dris. coll. aad Catherine Driscoll, with assault. Timothy had made himself scarce, and the assault by the females being of a most trivial nature, they were fined 6d. each, and 7s. coata, or three days imprisonment. Allowed till Saturday week to pay. ASSAULT. James Ewins, junr. chaiged Mrs. Evans, of the Three Tuns Ion, with assaulting him on the 12th instant. Complainant said that on Wednesday week, at a quarter after eleven at night, my mother and myself were sitting at supper, when we beard a noise, as we thought in the street mother went to the door and I followed by that time Mr. Davies came up and talked to my mother: we then heard the noise was in the Three Tuns, which is next door to our house Mrs. Evans' niece came to the door and then went in Mrs. Evacs immediately came out (my mother, Davies and myself still standing at our door) and said, what did a parcel of listeners want listening at her door; we gave her no answer, and bhe struck me on the shoulder with her fist. I said, could I not stand at my own door without asking her leave. She said, no I'm d-d if you shall, and pushed me again. At this stage of the case the Magistrates had some dif- ficulty to keep order Mrs. Evans seemed quite overcome by the statement. Mr. Morgan Dav corroborated the evidence. The Magistrates s.id it was a pity that neighbours could not agree, and would prefer their settling it out of court, to which the parlies agr^ Coailes McWrthy, druggist, was charged witb beating hi* wife, and threatening ber life. The charge wM proved. Bound over to fkeep {the .peace, 'himself iD £ 100., |a»d two sureties of £50. each, and, in default, he was committed to prison to appear at the next quarter sessions.

PUBLIC APOLOGY. To Punch Senior, Baron Munchausen, Mr. Green, Mr. Sky- rocket, and all others whom it may concern, but more espe- ciallv to the Bodies Corporate and Incorporate of the ancient Borough of Usk, and to the Great Gates of the Mansion-house there,-the undersigned sends weeping :— Forasmuch as on, or as of Saturday, the 1st day of Novem- ber instant, a certain advertisement did appear in a certain newspaper called the Beacon, bearing a certain signature; which said advertisement has been stigmatised as the wicked, scandalous, and malicious production of some enemy in dis- guise, and as tending to bring into contempt the respectable corporation of a peaceable and contented borough; and whereas it is alleged that you, Punch Senior, have denounced the said document, as not possessing the smallest particle of wit in its composition, and you have gone so far as to declare your opi- nion (erroneous as it is) that it could not have emanated from any legitimate offspring of yours; and whereas I, the under- signed, am really and truly the unfortunate author of the afore- said ivretched pmductioll; and whereas, being moved with con- trition at my folly, wickedness, and servile attempt at imita- tion-I voluntarily desire to make a public avowal thereof, the said several respectable parties so imitated, maligned, and held up to ridicule respectively, having in the most handsome man ner, consented to forego all prosecution against me (whether for piracy, infringement of patent, scan mag., or otherwise), on my paying all expenses incurred. Now, know ye; but first, most strong and mighty Punch (Senior)! thott composition of rum and toddy my renowned and adopted sire! deign to forgive the presumption of thy degenerate offspring, in endeavouring, by his pitiful attempt at wit, to invade thy sacred empire! and ye three other wandering gents, who move in space ethereal, to us scarce visible, and dimly seen, in this lack-lamp-and-gas- locality,—o'er look my great offence for bringing thee in contact with the higher powers And ye, my outraged friends at Usk, pardon the outpourings of too stiff a glass, corrtct my acidity with all the broion sugar and indulgence you can spare, and setting nought down in envy or in malice, attribute all to the laudable desire of endeavouring to enliven the very few dull moments which beset thee! And finally, do ye, majestic por- tals implicit credence yield not to the vile aspersions, false rumour says, are cast upon thy rottenness, but continue, as ye hitherto have done, a safe bulwark to thy learned master, and the admiration of surrounding nations! Written with a tearful pen, in spirits far below proof, and dated from Jamaica, the 17 th day of November, 1845. PUNCH JUNIOR. Witness, Lionel Lemon Juice.

CORN AVERAGES, For regulating the Import Duties on Foreign Corn, from the 21st to the 27th of Nov. 1845, both inclusive. t Wheat. Barley. Oats. Rye. Bean*. | Peas A7fr- s. d. s. I s. d. s. d. s. d. ». d age. 58 11 33 5 24 10 35 0 44 8 | 44 3 Duty. I 14 01 5 0 I 4 0 I 7 6 I 1 0 I 1 0 An Account of Coal and Iron brought down the TRAM-ROAD and CANAL for the Week ending November 15th. Tram road. Canal. COAL. TONS CWT. TONS. OWT. Thomas Prothero 1411 1 126, Thomas Powell. 1824 19 160.. Rosser Thomas and Co. 789 2 T. Phillips and Son 486 15 Cargill and Co. 768 3 W. S. Cartwright 763 17 125 The Tredegar Coal Company 1121 9 Joseph Beaumont 616 2 Rock Coal Company 1107 6 Roger Lewis 626 0 Joseph Jones 122 0 John Jones, Victoria 206 19 James Poole, jun 63 14 J ohn Russell and Company. 1921 13 Latch, Cope, and Company. 1156 7 Lewis Thomas and Company 98 17 Robert Roe R. J. Blewitt 496 John Vipond 400:: J.F.Hanaon. 325 British Iron Company. Gwillim and Webber. Carr, Cargill, and Company. Total. 12984 4 1620.. IRON. TONS, CWT. TON. CWT. _Irl.120 Tredegar Iron Company 608 18 Ebbw Vale Company 746 15 Rhymney Iron Company 477 17 CruttweU,AMiea,&Co. 473 1 Coal Brook Vale Company 116 10 Sirhowy Ditto Total 2422 2447 "5 ——♦ —

TAFF VALE RAILWAY TRAFFIC, For the week ending Nov. 15, 1846. £ ■s. d. Passengers 155 4 7 General Merchandise 153 iq o W. Cotfin and Co 15 4 Thomas Powell Llflncaiach Branch..202 12 8 1 Ditto Lantwit Branch ..23 17 4 ) Duncan and Co 49 2 10 Dowlais Co 224 J.Edmunds. 15 4 fi Insole and Son 13 15 4 R. and A. Hill. 8 12 11 £986 10 0

OUR LETTER BOX. CHURCH RATES. To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin. Sm.—There is nothiog more calculated to mislead the mind than to hear one side of the question. Audi alteram partem is the only sure way to arrive at the truth in all eases. On reading an account io your publication, of the trials of the non-church- rate payers in the parish of Trevetbin, it occurred to me that the statement put foith by the recusants, was much calculated to prejudice the minds of many. sgainit the established Church, especially such as are in a position to 'hear every thing on one side, and have never heard or esamined the arguments in its favour, which are too numerous to bring forward on the present occasion. Suffice it, however, to state a few particulars, chiefly in reference to church.rlte.. In the first place, it should be observed that the making and levying church-rates is in strict accordance with the law of the land. The early Christiana were expressly commanded to obey kings and all that were put in authority under Ihem. Now, the rulers io those times were either Tiberius, Nero, or Demitian, who were infamous for their cruelty and oppression; and their creatures, who were the governors placed in authority under tbem, partook of a corres- ponding character and yet we read constantly in the New Testament, of express charges being given to Christians to obey these, who, it will be remembered, were Pagans. How much more are Christians uoder obligation lo obey Christian rulers- men of the same faith or persuasion as themselves. The first Chriatians were spoiled of their goodl-aot beeause they dis- obeyed the law, for that could not be-they were commanded to obey it but it has reference to the extortions practised upon individual Christians, who hsppened to be rich, and consequently tempted the cupidity of their Heathen rulerl-I state of things not unlike that which now exUts in some parts of the Tntkiah empire. It is, therefore, a most sad perversion of things for those who are resisting the law of a Christian land, to compare themselves with those who took joyfully tha spoiling of their goods," and prelend to be in the same condition. It is trae we are at perfect liberty to employ alt lawful means to procure the alteration of any law but it would be rather difficult to find out from any portion of Holy Writ, in what way Christians, least nf all Christisn ministers, are authorised to disturb the peace of the community, by resisting the operation of any cxistiog law. On the other hand, there are numerous and repealed comauids given to the contrary. In no one place does the New Testament authorise the infringmeot of, or the resistance to, the law and it is impossible for us to conceive how one eommandifaeut of the Bible can be less important than another. I remaio, Air, your obedient servant, E A CHURCH.RATH PI! £ ER, 't, 01

tHE IMPROVEMENT RATE, To the Editor of the Motitnouthshiri ftitrlln, StR,-t reside in a part of the town where there is neither pavemefit, Mr fee-lights, nor policemen and yet I pay for all these things. Now, many of my neighbours think with me this ta a veryjjreat jgtisvanoe, and one which ought to be remedied. k T commissioners like to pay for clothes that never had beta ..t hMae-yietuall they could not use V Tis a parallel can. Tbere are many other persons in town similarly situated, and 1 know one place in particular, ap by the Factory, leading from Pentonville towards the barracks. The inbabitsnts there. or the female part, are frequently insulted by blackguards going along that line in the evening, end no policelbln are Iher. to prevent it; men W1 into ditches, and no paths are improved and those who walk that way, ruB again,t hedges and carts, and all sorts of things, with M, gM lo ,.ye themt Aod th,re ,r. lots of plsces like theeem Newport, where people are obliged to pay the Improvement rate. I wish you would look to this. air. for you are not only able to use your pen in behalf of those who need your assistance in public matters, but you have also a right to speak in the proper place-the commissioners' room and so, with these means at your dispossl, and your known goodwill to assist in redressing every grievance afflicting this progressing town, I shall rely on seeing something further in your pspcr on the subject, both on your part, and on the part of the Improve. ment Commissioners. Yours, &c., UNBENEFITTED RATE PAYER. Newport, Nor. 20, 1845.

To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin. Sta,—In your Isst week's MERLIN,there appeared a parMrenh beaded Cardiff Municipal Election," in which the names of certain parlies were Mentioned as haviog voted io counsel on the question of open courts. Being a reporter of the MERLIN in Cardiff, and snp- posd to be the author of all tbat appears in the paper con- nected with Cardiff, several gentlemen, whose names appean d in that paragraph, have called on me, and censured me for iI. false ststement. Many of them voted contrary to that report and some were not present at all. I was not the author of the paragraph, nor did I know anything of it until I saw it in print and my object in writing this letter is to relieve myself from the accusation of sending false representations. Your inserting tbie will oblige, Your obedient servsnt, Cardiff, Now. 19, 1845. JOHN BROWNE.

To the Independent Bur genes of the Town of Cardiff. Gentlemen,—Surely no man possessed of common sense and understanding. can be otherwise than well pleased at the manly, straightforward, and independent conduct you have for some time past pursued,with regard to the municipal manage- ment of your borough, and other matters deeply interesting to your fellow-townsmen inasmuch, also, as it has furnished an excellent example to burgesses of other towns I could men- tion. to go and do likewise—to arise, and,with manly exertion, to cleanse and purify the Augean stable, and to investigate, with a scrutinizing eye. the conduct and worth of their repre- sentatives in the municipal council; and thereby to enable them. in future, to select none for that civic honour, but such as have been long tried, and found not wanting, either in pu- rity of intention, integrity and real for the economical manage- ment of the funds entrusted to their care, or the consequent welfare and prosperity of their fellow-townsmen. It is impossible, I beg to observe, for any man of indepen- dent and honourable mind, not to perceive that you have, bv a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether, effected much good for the town of Cardiff; for a more wholesome state of things has already presented itself, and doi/btless, by your still persevering in the meritorious course you have for some time pursued, benefits and savings will arise, and be acquired, for yoiir town, of not only the most incalculable advantage to yourselves individually, but to the community at large; and that for this honest and determined performance of your duty as burgesses, you are not only entitled to the thanks of all your fellow-townsmen, hot of the public in general. With these observations I shall proceed to comment upon a particular part of the very shrewd and ingenious observations at one of your recent popular meetings, so fully, and I must say, largely and liberally given insertion to by the respectable Editor of the MEKLIN, on the 18th day of October last. On that occasion, with great precision, and I have no doubt, cor- rectness-for it stood uncontradicted by any Individual at the meeting alluded to, appeared a well-arranged view of the vari- ous accounts furnished by the town council of Cardiff, and a summary of the whole, proving, to the satisfaction and de- monstration of those present, that there had been a saving acquired for the town, for one year only, of no less a sum than £ 214.17s. 5Jd.; and shewing, in a pecuniary point of view, inlfavour of the borough, nearly £700. It is not for me to occupy the columns of the MERLIN, by going through the very explanatory statement of accounts presented to you by Mr. T. G. Phillpotts; but it is to you, the burgesses of Cardiff, that he very properly ascribes all the honour of saving what has hitherto been saved to your town to your perseverance, and yours alone, he attributes all the good that has been effected for your brother townsmen. The doors of the Council-hall have been opened to the public, as if by the magic words, "Open Sesame;" other reforms will follow, as glorious fruits of your patriotic move- ments, to the honour of the little band of Cardiff patriots. Your obedient servant, Swansea, Nov. 16, 1845. LYCURGUS.

DOMESTIC JEWS. Captain fnd Lady Ibbttson-the latest distinguished visitor to GretnaMreen—were last Friday married at St. Pancra church, the young bride was given away by her cousin, Mr Wm. Russell, Accountant General of the Court of Chancery. The father of the happy bridegroom, and Mr. Russell, were the only relatives present. The marriage between Lady Georgiana Toler, fifth daughter of the Dowager Countess of Norbury,and John Gurdon Rebow, Esq,, of Wivenhoe Park, Essex, is appointed to take place in the early part of December. On account of the demise of the CounteM Cadogan, the marriage between Viscountess Powerscourt and the Hon. Fred. Cadogan, is postponed till January. The contemplated matrimonial alliance between the Hon Hugh Cholmondley, M.P., eldest son of Lord Delamere, and the accomplished daughter of Ladv Edwatdes, is expected to COUrs« next month. bury, the andenS^^ in Herte*7 h^T.0? G°ham" o°Ts.Lv*d!' The ErhJ Ha?wTl"e^n her 76th year. St.Leonarda.on-Sea.lalt,Fridayfa8 at bis rebiden< evInhingVl?S°heJe55^eibUry "p,red at Clifton last Sunday CAMBRIDGR.—The Rev. i>r. Proctor Aft the College, died on Monday even?ne M"teruof tbe Rev. George Elwes Corris, B.D LniP pJ,Umo,,r^that of St Catherine's Hall, and Norri, .7pri VTnd Tutor is to be the new Master. M<U1 Profes9°r of Divinity, It is understood that parliament will be „ d,y in •» -^°rfTL to her screw, which occurred within forty-eieht hours XI being at sea, and she was obliged to Perform the rest of the voyage under canvass. The Hibernia has also arrived, havinn been detained by striking en a rock in a dense fog. There is no news of importance by these arrivals. Last Friday the bakers of the metropolis reduced second. quality bread Id. in the 41b loaf. The factors of Scotland are offering 25s. per boll for pota toes—last year they were 7s. to 8s. per boll. The current price of old wheat is 85s. per quarter—new ditto, 65s. A discovery of iron-ore has been recently made in the Stan- more Fells, Westmoreland, which is likely to prove of great value. The Earl of Lonsdale has resigned the office of Postmaster General, and the Earl of St. Germans has been appointed his successor. A majority of 431 was obtained against a church-rate in Cheltenham last Monday. The Dublin Gautte of last Friday extended to 127 pages- usually four pages; and its price was 8s. 9d.-usually 3d. The potatoe failure in the south of England is termed a famine.-We are glad to find that a number of landlords are remitting 20 and 30 per cent. on their tenants' yearly rents, in consequence of the loss in the potato crops. The experiments made, prove that the use of the affected potatoes has no bad effect on health. In Louth, the destruction of the turnip crop is much more complete than that of the potatoe crop—the turnips are rot- ten at the core.

The introduction of silk-worms into Prussia has been at- tended with the happiest results. The Sardinian government has prohibited the exportation of chesnutsj At a review at Milan, in honour of the Emperor of Rus- sias arnval, a portion of the troops were served with ball cartridge by mistake, and several spectators were shot. Accounts have been received by the mercantile houses at Buenos Ayres, from iMonte Video, recommending to wind up their concerns, even with a sacrifice, in consequence of measures which would most likely be taken by the Eiiglisit and French. nJp French ministers have had a triumph at Meti, where 258 toTar^ ca M*ate» Pidancet, was returned by .Mormons have agreed to emigrate from Illinois in TlPnng~P blylto California. ..e the canton of Zurich has just applied about 500,000 francs to the purchase of corn. There was a reserve of 10,000 sacks in hand, and it is calculated there is a sufficient supply for the winter. The town of La Colonia is occupied by the French and English squadrons. I

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. —♦——— BIRTHS. At Llanartb Vicarage, on the 8th inlt the lady of the Rey. Price, of a daughter. MARRIED Marsden ^rthufo^N0^^86', Br^on^ire, by the Rev. B. Alexander v n f*1 ,Al^Ck> K*q-, M.B., eldest soaof toC—1; Colonel of Artillery, Water ford, Ireland, Llanfai'r Mines, Cardilansh^ UU Jonathan Mar,den' &<4 Thornin"v at barton Chapel, Shropshire, by the Rev. Minsterley, the Rev. Evan Jones, Tredegar, Monmouthshire, to Catherine, third daughter of John Senkey, Esq., Kerrington Hall, Shropshire. DIED. IvTiS!?'- "r* shipwright, aged 45. •11 w ^}8"w*nNy, aged 89, much regretted by au who knew him, Mr. Morgan Evana one of the oldest cow merchants of that ilaeo. On the 11th inst. at Lysvane, Mr. Rees Rees, aged 77. i i.v S*el,on«. Mrs. David Richards, aged 45. roP? at House, Llanarth, Mrs. Marga- ni 1 \dvan«d of 95, mnch respected. ftt.ll tSrtta!7 AA 'v%t *J?nmouth, aged 20, after an illness oC w dtuehut of M™- ■- Lema, of that town, a ^a7' *anino«th, at the advanced age of 94, j of th» late Mr. Thomas Daniel, of itagland. The deceased had been an inmate of Jones's Alms- house upwards of thirty years. at Cardiff, Mrs. Ann Rosser aged 49. On the 17th instant, of the Five Bells Inn, Cardiff, Mf. Henry Brown, aged 21 years. Oa the 18th instant, at Horsemonden, Kent, aged 96 years. Lucy, reliet of the late Riehard Hughes, Jtaq., captain of her Majesty's 01st regiment of foot, ani sister of Mrs. C. H. Pewell, o{^Monmouth.

Along the stocks that appear sound. The mis- net will be found out when stocks are exhausted hen the temptation of a high price will be reighed against the inducements to preserve even ir seed, it must he recollected that this is but rly in the season—that it ivants more than six yinths to the time when a new crop can come into jse that it will be in the spring, when the stock of rheat is diminishing, and that of potatoes has een exhausted, that the evil will be felt, and that f will be a question whether there shall be any Bed for another crop at all. There is one view of this question which we ave not yet seen noticed anywhere and that is is bearing upon the allotments of the poor. This jaar been a favourite means of benefiting the poor it many parts of the kingdom and much benefit ias certainly been conferred by it. Now the chief op in all these cases is the potatoe crop. The ruggiing agriclllturallabourer has quite enough toil in his regular occupation and he wants in s little spot of earth something which will not quire much cultivation. Stinted, too, in his food, J desires something which will fill his stomach and at of his family, even though its quality be infe- P?r. Hence the general cultivation of the potato. Some benevolent individuals are pointing out the lutritive quality of the turnip, being Stoically re- vived against the obvious remedy of foreign wheat, r'/innot they go a little further, and increase the pilue of grazing land, by teaching the poor to eat jrass ? Ministers are incurring a responsibility at fhich the heart shudders, in not immediately ad- letting all kinds of food, duty free. Our infiu- Intial contemporary—and a moderate one, too— jhe Liverpool Mercury, says it is the crime of Intial contemporary—and a moderate one, too— e Liverpool Mercury, says it is the crime of f raurder." Famine has commenced its march in Ireland and its twin brother, Pestilence, is, we |ee, from the latest accounts, following hard upon •ts heels. On these facts how can some great !aen ponder, and yet enjoy the comforts of a happy iome or think the Creator of All has given them he grace, which teacheth to do unto others as hey would have others do unto them ? It is in their power to suspend the corn-law, by n order in council at once but they deliberately maintain a duty of 14s., and what foreign corn yhere is in bond is leaving our shores for the more congenial ones. of even the Russiau despot, Nicholas. Sir Robert Peel cannot escape by say- ing that he has been overruled by a majority, unless lie resign office. Sir James Graham, if it be true that he proposed a 4s. duty, is not thereby absolved rom the wickedness of maintaining one at 14s. so ong as he continues a member of the Government. Each and all of them—the sanctimonious Goul- urn, the religious Wharncliffe, as well as the Careless Lyndhurst, and the iron Wellington—are 6ach and all personally responsible for the awful lonsequences which now impend, from excluding food from other lands for the millions at the pre- sent appalling crisis. sent appalling crisis.