Monmouthshire Merlin

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. WATCH NIGHT SERVICES.—The last day of 1876 being Sunday, special sermons were preached in many places of worship bearing upon the closing year. At St. Paul's Church a watch night" was held, com- mencing at 11 o'clock. The Church was filled, there being, it is thought, not less than 2,000 persons present, embracing all classes of the community. The service was impressive, and well sustained throughout.—Similar services were held at St. Mark's Church St.Luke's Church,and at the Wesleyan Chapels. DROWNED IN THE CHANNEL.—During the tempestuous weather of Friday night, Mr. James Jones, a licensed pilot of this port. was drowned in the Bristol Channel. Deceased went out on Friday in his cutter, and during the night hailed a steamer on her way to Newport. To get on board the steamer he left his cutter in a punt, and on nearing the steamer the punt was capsized. Mr. Jones's cries for help were heard, but none was at band, and he sank. Deceased who was quite a young man, has left a widow and several children. CHRISTMAS SHOOTING.-On Friday evening the prizes won by the 3rd Mon., at the Christmas shooting, were presented to the winners at the Drill Hall, Dock-street, by Captain Latch. At the con- clusion of the ceremony a hearty vote of thanks, ac- companied by cheers, was given to the donors. The awards were as follows :-Sergeant Haley, Corporal Goddard, Corporal Elliott, Bandsman Gregory, and Privates Gale and C. Dix, a turkey each Private J. Roberts (who made the highest ncore with 18) a cruet stand Color-Sergeant Woodcock, Sergeant Anstice, and Privates J. A. Evans, J. Jones and Monmouth, a load of coal each; Private J. Trenchard, a pair of vases; Captain Thompson, a brace of pheasants Sergeant Badger, Privates Greene and Read, and Bandsman Vick, a cask of ale each; Privates J. W. Hewertson, William Pritchard, J. A. Jones, A Gratte, Ford, and F. Hole, a piece of beef each; Private J. Lowman, and Bandsman Goddard, a box of cigars each Lieutenant Bryan, an inkstand; Privates W. R. Everett and J. H. Blensd&le, a bottle of brandy each Private W. Wellsford, a gold pin Corporal Barton and Privates W. Reed and J. Bewley, a leg of mutton; Bandmaster Foxall, Corporal Thomas, Privates A. O'Leary, Crease, T. Burgess, M. Collins and Bugler Wesc, a shoulder4of mutton Private W. Pritchard, a dress piece; Corporal Williams, a sack of potatoes Private D. James, flannel shirt; Quarter Master-Sergeant W. Evans and Privates H. Brown, D. Chambers, J. C. Brooke, J. Morgan, and H. Sims, a bottle of whiskey; Sergeant Thompson. Corporal Stent, and PrivatesBeer, Franklin, W' Jones, W. E. Jones, T. Bowyer, G. Baker, W. Brown, Bandsman Fitzgerald and Bugler Hickev, a packet of tobacco Privates E. Snelling, J. Jones, W. Roberts and Bands- man Getting, a pipe Private Perrott, a bottle of cin Private C. Powell, a felt hr:t, Private ii. Ruddal. a cigar bolder Private Richards and Bandsman Collins. Whitson and E. Roberts, a brace of rabbits each; Bandsman Gregory won a cup presented by the band, bandsmen only being eligible to compete. This cup I was preeented to him at bis father's residence, the Bristol and South Wales Refreshment Rooms, on the same evening, when his fellow bandsmen were present. NEWPORT DEBATING CLUB.—A meeting of the members of this clnb was held on Monday evening last, in the Court Room, Town Hall, when, owing probably to the holiday season there was a small attendance. The subject for debate was Would a Republican form of Government be beneficial to this Country T After the usual discis- sion had taken place, the members were called upon to vote on the question, when the negative (which was led by Mr. Fowles), was carried by a majority of five votes. The next debate will be on the question "Are strikes justifiable?" the subject to be opened by Mr. C. Rosser, on Monday evening, January 15th. CONCERT.-On the evening of New Year's Day, a concert was given at the English Baptist chapel, Commercial-road, the chair being taken by the Rev. W. Jansen Da vies, pastor of the Tabernacle chapel, Commercial-street. There was a large audience. The choir was conducted by Mr. J. G. Thomas, and Miss M. J. Jones acted as pianiste The solo singers were Miss Clara Dowle, and Miss Thomas; Mr. J. B. Edmonds, and Mr. Witts Miss L. Gould performed a solo on the piano, as did also Master F. Lisles, who, with his brother, also gave an instrumen- tal duet. The concert was a great success throughout. Cordial votes of thanks to the Chairman and to the choir closed the proceedings. BALL AT THE BARRACKS.—New Year's Day was celebrated at the Barracks by a ball, which took place on the evening of that day in the large and handsome rooms recently erected for the benefit and recreation of the Garrison. The ground floor of the building consists of a recreation room 40 feet by 30, lavatory, coffee-room, and library. Books, papers, billiards, &c., will be provided for the amusement and instruction of the men, and every effort will be made to enhance their comfort and happiness, and thus induce them to remain more in Barracks, and so be removed from the pernicious influence of the beer shup. The school-room is situated on the second floor. This room is 40 feet by 70, and is approached by a broad flight of stairs. The room is lighted by ten pendent?, each pendent having four burners. The appearance of this part of the building on Monday night was most effective. Invitations had been sent out by the non-commissioned officers of the Garrison to the non- commissioned officers of the local Volunteer Corps, which were largely responded to. The ball-room pre- sented a .very gay aspect. Dancing commenced at nine o'clock, and was kept up with vigour until four a.m. During the evening the following officers entered the room, and took part in the proceedings :—Major Kyle, R.A., Commander of Station, Major Parker, 1st Battalion 17th Regiment; Major Bellamy, 2nd Battalion 17th Regiment; Captain Callwell, 45th Regiment; Lieutenants Gordon, Mayo, R.A., Hume, 45th Regiment, and Lieutenant McKinstry, inn. Bat- talion 17th Regiment. Other amusements were pro- vided for those who did not feel disposed to "trip it lightly o'er the floor." A liberal supply of refresh- ments in the shape of roast fowls, beef, hams, tongues, grapes, nuts, tea, coffee, wines, &c., was provided. Altogether a most enjoyable evening was sjient, and all retired delighted with the entertainment. Too much praise cannot be accorded to Sergeant Demond, R.A., and Col.-sergeant Smith, 17th Regiment, for the admirable manner in which they conducted the affairs of the evening. In fact, all the non-commis- sioned officers seemed determined to make their guests Ituinfortable and happy.—Communicated. T The Rev. Dr. Stamp, a. well-known Wes- leyan minister, died rather (Suddenly on Tuesday night, of heart disease, at his residence, Waterloo, near Liverpool. Dr. Stamp, who was seventy-five of age, had been in the Wesleyan ministry since j was president of the Conference in I860. ANCIENT ORDER OF SHEPHERDS.—The annual J meeting for the Newport District A. O. F., was held one day this wtek. at the Tradesman s Arm?, Com- mercial-street, when there was » large attendance of delegates. The A.M.C. of the Order will this year be held at Newport, a.nd the appniutmbnt? < r officers were therefore of unusual interest. The following were elected: Mr W. Watkins, C.S., Mr James Langley, D.C.S., Mr W. H. Witts, Corresponding Secretary, and Mr S. Vernon, Treasurer. The following were elected Trustees .— Messrs. W. Watkins, C. Pearce, and Edwin Jones. The follow- I ing gentlemen were selected to attend the A.M.C. as delegates -—Messrs. W. Watkins, E. Jones, W. H. WittB, T. Phillipsoo, B. Morris, and W Brown. DEATHS IN !ave RA„S weak to record the deaths of two tradesmen o L*u ¡"f many years carried on business in the town. On Wednesday of last week Mr. Abraham Clements, who a few years ago transferred his business as a chemist and druggist to Mr. Seys, and has since, as well as for a long period previously held the post of stamp dis- tributor, suddenly became faint at his office, at the foot of Stow Hill. In a short time he recovered some- what, and attempted to walk home. As the faintness returned, it was found necessary to obtain a cab, in which he was conveyed to his residence. He lay in a prostrate condition until Sunday, when he died. As one of the oldest tradesmen in the town, he was well- known and generally respected. Mr. Clements, who had reached the age of 70, was, we believe, a freeman of the borOllgh.-On Saturday, the 30th ult., died Mr. Frank Sanders, who had for a long period been in business as a grocer at Pillgwenlly. Mr. Sanders became ill some months ago, and although there was at one time an abatement of the more painful symptoms of his disorder, the improvement was but temporary, and, to the great grief of many relatives, he passed away on Saturday. Deceased, who was esteemed as an honourable man of- business, occupied positions of usefulness in connection with Wesleyan Methodism, and his removal will be regretted by many beyond his family circle. CRIME IN MONMOUTHSHlRE. At the Mon- mouthshire Quarter Sessions, held this week, there were twenty-two prisoners brought to trial. Of these 3 were described as well educated, 13 as imperfect, 3 none, and 3 not described. The charges were house- breaking, 2 wounding, 3 assaulting women, 2 false pretences, 3; stealing, 12. The trials resulted as follows :—Seven years' penal servitude, 2 twelve months' hard labour, I nine months, I six months, 5 four months, 3; three months, 7 not guilty, 2 bill ignored, 1. MONMOUTHSHIRE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.-The first annual report of this Society has just been issued, and it is satisfactory. The Society has in hand a cash balance of X21 Os. Id., and subscriptions in arrear amount to £3. During the coming season the Com- mittee intend to carry out a series of excursions, for the purpose of thoroughly investigating the local for- mations. They have also arranged for a public lecture by Mr. J. E. Taylor, F.G.S., of London, at an early date. The Committee are anxious to provide a "local habitation" for the fossils and mineralogical specimens collected by members of the Society, and they regret that the state of their finances prevents them incurring the cost of a museum. To do this, and also to ad- vance the general interests of the Society, will require a larger number of members. LLANPAFF CONSISTORY COURT.—A sitting of the Llandaff Consistory Court was held at Llandaft Cathedral on Thursday, for the purpose of hearing applications with respect to the churches of Usk and Wehvoe. In the absence of the Rev. Chancellor Williams, who was unable to attend in consequence of the serious illness of his son, the Rev. Mr. Parsons, minor canon, presided. Mr. Matthews, of, Cardiff appeared for the vicar of Usk, whose application was that a faculty should be granted to him to remove the organ and choir from ttj £ north east gallery to another portion of the church. As there was no opposition Mr. Matthews stated that he should apply at the next Court that the faculty should be given. The Registrar said that the Chancellor had stated that he should hold the matter over for three weeks as usual. The uext application was made by Mr. Matthews for a faculty to remove the gallery in Wenvoe Church, and make several alterations. Mr. Matthews suggested that the case should be adjourned until another Court, when the Chancellor might be able to be present. He suggested this course because the application first came before the Chancellor. Mr. Grover, who appeared for Miss. Jenner, in opposition to the faculty being granted, stated that he was wil- ling to agree to an adjournment He had not filed his proxy and petition, but he would so by the next Court. Mr. Matthews said he did not object to that bieng done, and the application was then adjourned. The proposed alteration will cost about jE306, and Miss Jenner, who opposes the application, states that some valuable portions cf the church will be destroyed by tharennovation. f POLICE BUSINEss.-The business disposed o at the police-court, on Wednesday, by Messrs. R. G' Callum and T. P. Wansbrongh, was not of unusual inte- rest. Several charges of drunkenness were disposed of, three of the delinquents being soldies of the 17th Regiment, and one a cab-driver, named Frank Holland. The latter was a bad case, as Holland was in charge of his cab at the time, and endangered the safety Qf his fare. Another case of drunkenness was that of Wm. MorgaD, landlord of the Alexandra beerhouse, Com- mercial-road, who was found incapably drunk on his own licensed premises. Edmund Evans, of Ebbw Vale, was charged with being in possession of uniform clothing, belonging to Private Jackson, of the 17th Regiment. He said he was drinking with the soldier in a public-house, and the soldier lent him his clothes for him to sing a song in character. He then decamped. Evans was fined 10s. 6d.—A soldier named Bowles, also of the 17th Regiment, was handed over to the military authorities on a charge of assaulting a woman in a licensed house called the Black Swan.-Catherine Burrows, for assaulting Elizabeth Richards with a kettle,and otherwise, was tined 5s., both parties being bound over.—James Davies, a man of respectable ap- pearance, was charged with stealing a lump of coal, the property of Mr. L. A Homfray.—Mr. Graham defended. Mr. Homfray did not press the charge, and the case was dismissed.—Joseph Ewins, confectioner, was charged with keeping his refreshment house open after eleven o'clock. The law says that refreshment- house keepers shall close at the same hour as licensed victuallers. Superintendent Sinclair explained that licensed victuallers had complained of defendaut keep- ing his house open after hours, as he had a license to sell beer. The defence was that the shop was only open for the sale of confectionery. Defendant was ordered to pay costs. -James Collins, a pensioner, charged with leaving his wife and children chargeable to the Newport Union, pleaded that he was seeking work, but could not get it. He was sentenced to a month's hard labour, and ordered to maintain his family on his release. PROBABLE MUNICIPAL ELECTION.—We under- stand that it is probable, in the event of Alderman Brown not resigning his seat at the Newport Council Board, (he being a bankrupt), that the necessary steps will be taken on Tuesday next, at the ordinary meeting of the Corporation, to declare his Aldermanic chair vacant. A Councillor will, probably then be raised to the dignity of Alderman, and in that event, an election will take place, and we hear that the vacancy will probably occur in the Central Ward. A contest is anticipated. THE STAMP DISTRIBUTORSHIP. — There are, we hear, several applicants for this post, rendered vacant by the death of Mr. A. Clements. Tbe nomination lies with Mr. T. Cordes, the member for the Boroughs. Among the applicants is Mr. W. N. Johns, the secretary oi the Conservative Association. LIQUIDATIONS.—J. Smith, Caerwent, Mon., grocer, draper, and general shopkeeper W. Evans, High-street, Abersychan, and Garndiffaith, and Com- mercial-street, Newport, Mon., boot and shoe manu- facturer; T. Powell, Cross-street, Abergavenny, painter aud paper-hanger; C. Reynolds, late of the Colliers' Arms beerhouse, Abertillery, Mon., now of Abertillery, beerhouse keeper and builder; J. H. Roberts, Phillips'-parade, Swansea, painter, out of business; L. Musgrave, Ferndale, Llanwonno, Gla- morganshire, grocer; D. Jones, S'nop-y-Garreg, Peny- graig, Glamorganshire, draper.

THE LATE ATTEMPT TO MURDER AT NEWPORT. (To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin SIR,-If you will kindly insert the following letter in your paper, I shall be much obliged :— I wish to inform all inquiring friends that I have recovered from the serious effects of the late attempt to take my life, and that, with caution and a little more rest, I hope all danger is past. The warm sym- pathy shewn by so many for me and mine, has indeed stirred deep feelings, and to every one of the many kind friends and sympathisers, I beg to offer the ver,7 sincere thanks of myself, my wife, and family. Evea in the great agony I suffered for the tirst three days after I was injured, and when the Angel of Death was hovering so near, I knew of, and felt deeply, the kindness shewn by so many. All will, 1 hope, accept the warm thanks, and believe in the deeply grateful feelings of their well-wisher, JOHN MILE* Mamdee, 4th January, 1877.

THE EASTERN QUESTION. The news from Constantinople this (Friday) morn. mg !a & Ijttle mere ho;><;iuJ in tone, and once more beiief in a pacific solution is entertained. The Con- ference Was to meet again yesterday. It is stated that the European plenipotentiaries have considerably modified their original proposals, to Turkey,

_nn_ I THROAT IRRITATION.XHTF ihrout and wijidpitie are es- pecially liable to infl&mmitU6n;cau8iRg soreness andiirv»ee, tjck.li.nK and irritation, inducing cough and affecting th< r'oioe. For these, symptoms use glyoert»ie in the form cf Rljoerine, m these agreeable confections, beir.g in j/jcjunai, to the Kland3 at the moment they are excited by the act I I sucking, becomes actively healing. 6d. auid Is. taxes (fcy post 14 stamps), 'abelled Joints Uprs & Co Homoeo- pathic Chemists, 46. Threadncudte Street, and 170. Piccadilly, London."—Depot in Newport: Joan Young, Qz&xw-, Higfi. f ifcrwt.

5 £ W P o B r POLICE IN TELLIGE NCE. f COUNTY POLICE.-SATURDAY. [Magistrates: T. GRATREX, Esq., Chairman; Lord TREDEGAR, and F. J. HALL, Esqrs.] THEFT AT THE CEFN. —George Martin, labourer, on remand, was charged with stealing a flannel shirt, the property of Wm. Jenkins, from a clothes line, at the Cefn, Bassalleg. —P. C. James Burns deposed to appre- hending the prisoner in a hut, at the new reservoir, Henllis, and in the hut he found the stolen shirt.—In answer to the charge, he told the policeman that he stole it, but had a drop too much beer.—Mrs. Ed- wards and prosecutor gave evidence.—There was a conviction against the prisoner for unlawfully wound- ing, for which he was sentenced to two years' impri- sonment, at Glamorganshire Quarter Sessions. He served about a year and seven months, and was then discharged on medical gronnds.—Prisoner now pleaded guilty, and asked for mercy, as he had never before been brought up for thieving.—Two months' hard labour—Prisoner, who seemed to think he had got off very lightly, then resumed his seat in the dock, and proceeded to chew tobacco with great gusto. CHARGE or TRESPASS.—Benjamin Giles, William Giles, and William Richards, were summoned for tres- passing in pursuit of game, in the day time, on Christ- mas Day, at Humney, but Mr. Williams the prose- cutor, withdrew the charge. STRAY ANIMALS.—Samul Lawrence was fined 5s., including costs, for allowing a donkey to stray on the highway, at Undy. William Dutfield, summoned for allowing a pig to stray, at Llanvaches, was also ordered to pay 5s.-Both cases were brought forward at the instance of the Highway authorities. STEALING HAY.—Andrew Charles and Isaac Chap- pie were charged with stealing a truss of hay, the pro- perty of Tsaac Senior, their master. -Prisoners were engaged in hauling hay from Caerleon, on the 23rd of December.—About twenty minutes to four P.O. Wil- mot saw them stop on the highway, near Duckpool- lane, leading to Maindee, and take down a truss of hay. Wilmot asked them some questions, and Chap- pie requested him not to make a bother about it. Wlimot afterwards saw Mr. Senior, ana prisoners were apprehended.—Prisoners now, after a good deal of hesitation, pleaded guilty, and were sentenced to one month's imprisonment each. SINGULAR CHARGE OF THEFT.—Edward Rosser was charged with stealing a half-sovereign from the dwel- ling-house of David Harries, collier, Machen,—Mr. Leak (from the office of Mr. J. Gibbs) appeared for the defendant. This was a somewhat singular case.- Prosecutor's wife stated that her husband ordered a clock, which prosecutor brought to the house in her husband's absence, but the clock did not suit. On the mantelpiece, near a lamp, was a half-sovereign, wrapped up in a piece of paper. Rosser asked what was the price of the lamp, and took the coin from the paper, making a pipe-light of the latter. Witness did not say anything to him, because she was afraid to do so. This was at half-past eleven in the morning, and her husband had given the money to her at half-past su&of the same morning. She told her husband when he came home. — P. J. Benfield deposed to apprehending the prisoner, who denied all knowledge of the theft.— The prosecutor proved giving his wife the half-sove- reign.—The case was adjourned for the attendance of a necessary witness. BOROUGH POLICE.— MONX>AY. [Magistrates W. EVANS, Esq., and T. P. WANS- BROUGH, Esq.] DR U N R B KNESS. Martha Beaven, for being drunk and disorderly in Comfflfircul-road, at a quarter to twelve QB Saturday night, was fined 10s. 6d., or 14 days. Mary Ann McCarthy, for causing a crowd to assem- ble in Commercial-street on Friday, about five o'clock p.m., was fined 5s. Joseph Hughes, charged with being drunk and dis- orderly on Saturday afternoon, in Commercial-street, pleaded that he knew nothing about it.—Fined 10s 6d. George Tazewell, labourer, for being drunk and incapable, was fined 5s. OBSTRUCTION. — John Phillips, ironmonger, Com- mercial-street, was summoned for obstructing the pavement on Saturday night.-P.C. Tooze said that on Saturday night defendant had a box on the pave- ment; told him to take it in, but he did not do so for an hoor.-Defendant said it was a small box. He gave his boys orders to attend to it, but they were busy and forgot it. -Urdered to pay costs. ASSAULT.—William Hughes was charged with as- saulting Jane Travers.—Hughes was beating his wife Travers, who is her sister, interfered, when he struck her in the cheat.—Defendant said Mrs. Travers always enticed his wife away, and told her a lot of non- sense." He also alleged that another sister of his wife, who was called as a witness, struck him with a tongs. This witness gave a long narrative of the occurrence. — Fined 10s. 6d. including costs, and bound over. I ASSAULTING THE POLICE.—John Jones, a youth I residing in Friars Fields, was charged with being drunk and disorderly and assaulting the police in Dock-street, on Friday morning.—P.C. Duerow took him into custody, and a struggle took place on the ground, in which the officer was kicked, but the assault was not a serious one. He was taken to the Town-hall with assistance, where he was also very violent.—The Bench dealt with the case as simuly one of drunkenness and disorderly conduct, and fined defendant 10s. 6d., or 14 days. James Thompson, an Irish sailor, was charged with assaulting the poLse. -P.C. Badger, who had a black eye, stated that on Wednesday evening he bad a prisoner named Neil in custody, and he became violent, and witness stooped to put the handcuffs on him, when Thompson kicked bim and hit him. He did not know which of the n:eii gave him the black eye. Neil was taken to the Town- hall, but Thompson ran away. He had since been I apprehended on a warrant.—Thompson now stated that the policeman was on top ot the other man choking him, and all he did was to pull the policeman off. He denied striking or kicking him.-Neil was dealt with on Friday, when he was fined 40s. and costs or one month's hard labour. Thompson was similarly dealt with. MERCIFUL PROSECUTOR.—George Carrol, a youth described as a runner, King's-parade, on bail, was charged with obtaining A:3 5s., with intent to defraud, from a beerhouse-keeper named Pattisoo.-M, Tom- linson (from the office of Mr. R. Graham) was for the defendant.—Pattison stated that an advance note was made over to him by a sailor named Henshaw. He either lost it, or it was stolen from his pocket. He went to Mr. Pugsley's office to stop the note, when he found that it had already been cashed by the prisoner. The amount thus obtained he was now charged with stealing. Pattison wished to withdraw the charge, because he believed the boy was "an innocent boy and an orphan, and had been more imposed upon than imposing. He believed his brother put him up to it." Prosecutor said he was unwilling to pay the expenses as he had already lost X3 5J. and the case was further adjourned to give an opportunity for some arrange- ment to be come to between the paities as to this point. I"

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. TREDEGAR HOUNDS WILL UIRT ON Monday Jan. 8 Coedkernew Pound Thursday Jan. 11 LlanvibaDgel Bridge At a quarter to eleven o'clock. LLANGIBBY & CHEPSTOW HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Tuesday Jan. 9 Lodge Wood Friday Jan. 12 Chain Bridge Each day at half-past ten o'clock. MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Monday Jan. 8 Clytha Lodge Thursday Jan. 11 3 Salmons, Graig Friday Jan. 12 Llantilio House At Eleven o'clock each day.

A ROMANIST PRIEST SENT TO HARD LABOUR.— A remarkable case was heard at the Cheshire Quarter Sessions, on Thursday, the Rev. Joseph Daley, a Roman Catholic priest, who has until recently had the charge of the populous parish of Runcorn, between Chester and Liverpool, being indicted with having stolen a sum of money amounting to jE12, belonging to Mr. William Hailwood, grocer, of Runcorn. The principal evidence was that of the prosecutor's daugh- ter, a girl of 19, who appears to have been on intimate terms with the accused. After a protracted hearing, he was convicted and sentenced to IS months' hard labour. "GIVEN AWAY."—A POCKST ALMANAC for 1877 niU ofc sent you free per post, on your forwarding youi address to Messrs. Horiiira.m. re:i iinl#(irter,, London, o; it 'a.u be had Gratis at any of their Aleuts t.he addm»-H' i of tho-e in this locality are given iu out- advortisiii cchtmc". This novel and attractive Almanac oorameriu. itself to general acceptance it is printed m colours, ahev. iag views taken from photographs ot Mesors. llornimau" (eu. pla.do.tion in China" the 'ltta picking,' U. "preparing and packing," the tasting and ■wirii a view of the rhiytfing of Horn!man's t6,, £ k jla where they have 3,5:)8 »r:d confectioners,—who supply thii. et-kbruii-d Pure To secured ic packets.

IHl: TEKRIBLB COLLIERY SION AT ABERTILLERY. Yesterday (Thursday)morning, Dr. Morgan, of New- port, the Deputy-coroner, proceeded to conduct the resumed inquiry into the cause of death of the 23 persons whose lives were sacriticed by the explosion at the South Wales Colliery pit, near Abertillery, on the 11th December. Mr. W". H. Brewer, the coroner, was present. The reason for the inquiry being con- ducted by the Deputy-coroner is that Mr. Brewer is the surgeon to the works. Mr. Cadman, Government Inspector, and Mr. John Lawrence, managing director of the Company, with other gentlemen interested in mining, were also present. On the invitation of the Deputy-coroner, Mr. Lawrence, as managing director of the Company, made a few remarks to the jury. He said the directors of the Company were most I anxious for the minutest inquiry. They placed j themselves entirely in the hands of the coroner, and were exceedingly desirous that the cause of the dis- aster should be ascertained, and if there were any blame attached to anyone that he should pay the penalty for his neglect. As a board of directors, they had done everything they could to make that colliery perfect in its workings, and he hoped and believed that the result of the inquiry would show that the ex- plosion had not occurred through any cause over which human foresight had any control. Edward Jones, collier, was the first witness. He stated that he was in the pit at the time of the ac- cident and was not injured. His evidence tended to prove that the ventilation of the pit was excellent. Isaac Watkins, night foreman, was the next witness. He said he was in the pit all night, previous to the explosion, and when he came out at seven o'clock there was no gas in any part of the workings. He had generally found the pit pretty safe, but had put up a danger mark more than once. In answer to Mr. Cad- man Watkins said there was plenty of air on the morn- ing of the accident, but he thought the accumulation of gas that morning arose from the roof. A juryman remarked that there could not have been enough air if this was the case, when the witness said he thought there must have been a fissure or break in the roof, and that the gas suddenly fired out." He admitted that a complaint had once been preferred against him for not placing a danger mark when he should have done so, but was confident that he made a careful examination on the morning in question. He noticed a fissure on the day after the accident, about two eighths of an inch in thickness and 20 yards in length. The explosion took plaoe in Ralph's heading. Wm. Mortimer, overman, deposed to being in the pit at the time of the explosion. He brought John Henry Wales and John Griffiths out of Ralph's heading, and then went into Robert Wellington's stall where he found Henry Hiers on the ground, dead Robert Wellington was injured. In answer to Mr. Cadman, he said he had been underground since he was twelve years old. He thought there was sufficient timber up and that the ventilation was good. There was one place in the gob in the old workings not properly stowed or filled up, and this was at the bottom of Ralph's heading. They were going to have it done. He thought the gas collected in the roof, and not in the old workings or the gob. Saw the fireman's mark there that morning, and it must have been placed there before the explosion. Joseph Smith, fireman, deposed, that after taking due precautions he searched for the bodies. During the three years he had been fireman he had not found much gas in the pit. In answer to Mr. Cadman this witness also expressed himself confident that the ven- tilation of the pit was sufficient. In answer to the jury, witness said he believed the explosion took place in Moses Williams' stall. Williams was not working that morning but he believed that James Pike ignited the gas by the light he carried on his head. Had not visited the place since the Friday previous to the acci- dent. Had acquainted the overman that he had other business to attend to. At the conclusion of this witness's evidence the inquiry, which had lasted five hours, was adjourned till Monday next.

GUARDIANS' MEETING. The fortnightly meeting was held at the Workhouse, I on Thursday, Thomas Watkins, Esq., in the chair. With regard to Mr. Rees's office, as vaccination officer, a letter was read from Dr. Thorne, suggesting I some alterations, and the Board resolved to pay him 8d. per certificate of successful vaccination within the parish of Abergavenny, and la 6d. per certificate for I' the sub-district of Abergavenuy and the other parts of his district. ¡ The Master reported that there were 130 paupers I in the House and 128 tramps had been relieved during the past fortnight. He added that he had pre- pared as liberal a dinner as possible for Christmas, and the inmates appeared to be all well satisfied, and gave three hearty cheers for the Guardians. The following tenders were accepted for the ensuing quarter :—Charles Knight, beef, 6fd. per lb. mutton, 6fd. and beef suet, 3^d. per lb. Grocery, Mr. W. Price. Bread and flour, Mr. Charles Watkins, Tudor- street flour, 40s. per sack. Malt, Mr. Delafield, at jt;2 3a. per sack. Wines and spirits, Mr. Delafield brandy, JEl 2a., and port wine, 10s. 6d. per gallon. Drapery, Messrs Thomas and Son. for the half-year POLICE COURT.-WEDNESDAY. (Magistrates Mr. REES and Captain AMIEL.) DRUNK WHILST IN CHARGE OF A HORSE.—Thomas Garrold, a foreman miller, in the employ of Mr. Ford, of Llautillio Crossenny Mills, was charged by P.C. Petheram with this offence.-Defendant did not ap- pear.—On Wednesday, the 25:;h ult., defendant was seen by the constable, on h )rae-back, in Cross-street he was very drunk, and nearly rode over several per- sons.—Fined Ss. and costs. ASSAULTINO A SHERIFF'S OFFICER. — In the charge against William Roberts, of the Unicorn Inn, Mill-street, mill-wright, for assaulting and beating a sheriff's officer, whilst in the execution of his duty, the complainant said be had received compensation for the injury received, and wished to withdraw the charge, I which was allowed to be done.

FOREST OF DSAN. A collier, lIamed James Nelmes, was on Monday committed for trial at the Assizes, on a charge of con- spiring to defeat the ends of justice, by intimidating the principal witness in a case of sheep stealing tried at the recent Worcester Assizes, for which William Vaughan, of the Forest of Dean, was sentenced to seven years' penal servitude. The prosecution of Nelmes was undertaken at the suggestion of Baron Huddlestoo, who tried the case. The Forest of Dean was on Wednesday visited by a destructive flood, and throughout the afternoon many of the tradesmen were obliged to suspend business. Never had there been so much excitement, although the water did not rise so high as the memorable visi- tation in July, 1875. Premises were flooded at Bla- keney, Lydney, Parkend, Awre, and Westbury-on- Severn, to a depth of four feet. At Awre railway station a horse, drawing a carriage, was washed off its legs, but rescued. The station could not be approached.

SW ANSEA. BANKRUPTCY FRAUD.—At the Bristol Quarter Ses. sions on Monday a sentence of nine months' imprison. ment was passed upon Evan Davies, a bankrupt, who had attempted to defraud his creditors of a large amount. The prisoner, who belonged to Swansea, had omitted to include in his assets a sum ol upwards of £300, to which he was entitled in respect of tolls at Swansea and Neath. The particulars have been previously published. RUMOURED EMBEZZHMKNT BY A CASHIER, A rumour was afloat on Saturday that Mr. John Walsh, cashier in the employ of Messrs. Cory, Yeo, and Co., and formerly cashier in the employ of Mr. Trevor A. Williams, at Swansea, was dead but it is now believed f)at this rumour was nothing more than a ruse to Mr. Walsh's retreat, he having ab- sconded, as it is stated, owing to defalcations amount- ing to at least £ .-{,000. At the police-court on Satur- day morning, the head-constable asked for a private audience of the magistrates, to make an application of importance. This was granted, and the application turned out to be for a warrant for Mr. Walsh's appre nensiou on a charge of embezzlement, and also a search warrant to empower the police to search his premises. Armed with the former, Mr. Inspector Allison at once proceeded to London. Under the powers of the other warrant Walsh's premises were at once searched by the police, and several criminating seizures, it is said were made by them. It is stated that although only a portion of his books had been gone through up to Monday by the auditors, no less a sum than £ 3 500 had been found wanting, and that a system of em'bez- zlement had been found to have been going on for •on?e time. The latest report as to this case is that /w. mL°ns kave been found to amount to over £ »,00U. The defaulter has not vet been apprehended i.LANVA0fiK8. i.LANVA0fiK8. /I ?il 5:^ri^taia8 ev«r»'g. the Choir and Bible Class of '.roidchrf Congregational Vkwc'n gave an entertain- j rneut, consisting <>{ singing wod recitations, which was highly *pprec tted by a respectable audiecce. The chair was takc-u by the He v. \V. T. Price. j U 8 K. U R K. THE FLOOUS. --The recent heavy .1 the river Usk and its tributaries í overflow its hanks, and completely ir of acre* of land on either 81d.. 'Cb have also be n flooded in an cxtraorr pJttMSt pre vesting traffic. 4

LETTING OF TOLLS.-The annual sale was held in the jury room on Saturday, when Major Davies was the presiding magistrate, the Town-clerk, Mr. T. J. A. Williams, officiating. Attempts were first made to let the tolls of the respective roads separately, but the reserve price was not in any case reached. The tolls of the whole district were then pat up with an original reserve of £.550, the districts including the gates at Redbrook, Bigsweir, Mork, St. Arvan's Clear- well, and Troy-bar. No bidding came, and although the reserve was then lowered to £ 450, so bid reached that figure, and jE390 being offered by Mr. Ender, of Birmingham, they were not sold. The other bidders present were Mr. George Williams, Monmouth Mr. Oliver Davis, Usk and Mr. Thomas Courteen. ASSAULT.—At the borough police-court on Saturday (before the Mayor, Mr. T. R Hyarn, and Mr. Thomas James), Jacob Parker, woodcutter, Whitelie, was charged with assaulting John Williams, chairmaker, Wye-bridge. On the night of the 28th December the complainant was passing down MonDow-street, when he was met by the defendant and a man named George Richards, who had since absconded. They asked him to stand a pint," and on his refusing to do so they knocked him down and kicked him. Defendant was sentenced to two months' imprisonment with hard labour. HUNT BALL. -On Wednesday night the Monmouth- shire Hunt Ball took place at the Beaufort Hotel, Monmouth. Messrs. Pittaway's string band was en- gaged for the occasion. The company numbered 86. Dancing commenced about ten o'clock, and ended at 4 a.m. The supper was laid in the grand jury room of the county shire-hall, which is accessible from the ball room of the hotel. Among the company were Lord H. Somerset and Lord Raglan Mr. J. A. Rolls and party, The Hendre Mr. Kennard and party. Croft-y-Bwla; Mr. Queni, Clearwell Court; Captain Herbert, Clytha; Sir Henry Jackson, Bart., M.P., and party, Llantillio Court; and Mr. F. H. Williams, master of the Hunt.

THURSDAY'S MARKETS. BRISTOL CORN EXCHANGE. Our arrivals are moderate of all articles. On our market this afternoon English wheat was in very short supply, and 2s per quarter dearer. Foreign in better request, and in some instances higher. Malting barley in active demand, at an advance of fully Is per quarter. Grinding sorts and maize unaltered. Oats very dull LONDON CATTLE MARKET. Beef trade qniet. There was a very moderate supply of sheep at market, which, coupled with a good demand, has caused an upward tendency in rates. General inactivity prevails in the CQW market British are quoted at jE20 to f28 each. Calves in request at our quotations. Pork lower and dull trade. Beef, 4s to 6s mutton, 5s to 7s 2d veaL 5s 6d to 7s pork, 4s to 5s. CORK BUTTER MARKET. Ordinary Firsts, 158s seconds, 146s thirds, 115s fourths, 86s. Mild Seconds, 152s thirds, 117.. Firkins in market, 251. LONDON HAY MARKET. Fair supplies at market, and trade firm, at about previous lites. Hay, 70s to 134s. Clover, 851 to 140s. Straw, 40. to 54s per load. GLASGOW PIG IRON MARKET. Market remained firmer. Business done at 57s 9d, one month buyers over. sellers, 57s 9d. LONDON METAL MARKET. Copper lower good ordinary Chili, X75 lOe Wallaroo sale advertised 23rd instant Wallaroo cake nominally £85 10s Bnrra, £ 84. Charters last fort- night of December, 2,700 tons. Tin inactive Straits, 975 10s sellers Australian, jE74 10s English ingots, £78 to £79. Spelter, £21 5s. Lead Engish, X21 158 to £ 22. Scotch pig iron, 57s 6d spot.

TRAFFIC RETURNS. GREAT WESTERX. Week ending December 31, 1876 £ 101,719 0 0 Corresponding week, 1875 £ 116,48t 0 0 BRECON AND MERTHYR. Week ending December 31, 1876 £ 1006 7 5 Corresponding week, 1875 £ 1305 19 I TAFF VALE. Week ending December 30, 1876 £ 6592 0 0 Corresponding week, 1875 £ 8721 0 0 PENARTH HARBOUR, DOCK, & RAILWAY. Week ending December 30, 1876 £ 1207 0 0 Corresponding week, 1875 £ 1832 0 0 a RHYMNEY. Weekending December 30, 1876 £ 1729 16 4 Corresponding week, 1875 £ 1855 9 6

The p jUomru,- "I live of Lord Huntingdon's fox- hound" has crtaud so much indignation among the sportsmen in Kuiiib Couirv that over i."2i 0 has be.;n subscribed for t. e conviction of the offender. The formers in the district held a meeting, at which ttey collated « £ ->0 iu, the same purpose. ACCIDENT AT A SOVTH LormON CHURCH.—On Mon- dhv uiOTing an nccdent, caused by the h?ph winds, s-arTtKi he c-'ncrec ition of St. Philip's Church, Ken- i.;i gton ro id. !t r>eing the Festival of Circumcision a cervH-e wa- beirifc hdd, when a lnrjre portion of one of thf p:v nade* the tower fell, crashing through the roof of i tie ftrip aieie netr the porch. The vereer, Mr. Wilson, was siring near the door when the s,ouep crime 0- the me floor at his fe^t. He was knocked down b\ a pipce of wood. The vicar, the Rev. Allen T Ed«ards. bri- 3v closed the service by omitting his tieniil New Wat 's address, and dismissed the congre- gation. DR. LOCOCK'S PULMONIC W AFERS.-CURE OF A DISTRESSING COUGH OF THBEE YEARS' STANDING.— From Mr. H. Woolley, Orocer, &c.. Moulton, near Spald- ing. A remarkable cure ha< been effected. Mrs. H. Watson, of this village, had a distressing cough, which for three years destroyed all comfort, and prevented her following any out- Joor occupation ftfter trying several medicines in vain, she was cured by DR LOCOCK'S WAFERS, and restored to strength and health, though somewhat advanced in years." DR. Lococir's WAFERS instantly relieve Asthma, Consumption, Coughs, Colds. Gout, Rheumatism, and all Nervous Complaints. They taste pleasantly. Sold by all druggists at Is lid, 2s 9d, 4s 6d, and lis per box. [883

giftfts, Carriages, and geatfcs. BIRTH. BARTON.—On the 31st ult., at East Leigh, Havant, Hants, the wife of the Rev. J. Barton, of a son. MARRIAGES. REYNOLDS—NORMAN.—On the 27th ult., at Portishead, by the Rev. F. W. B. Weeks. Mr. H. G. Reynolds, of Newport, to Miss M. A. Norman, Como House, Portis- head. Somerset. WILKS—HARDIE.— On the 1st inst., at Holy Trinity, Stockton-on.Tees, by the Rev. D. R. Falconer, vicar of Stockton and Rural Dean, Maurice Wilks. Esq.. Burn. ley, to Sarah Liddie, second daughter of T. G. Hardie Esq.. C E., Whitby, late of this town. WIDOWFIELD WILKINSON.—Oh the 2Sth nit., at St. Margaret's. Mountain Ash, by the Rev. J H. Protheroe, Frank Widowfield, of Newport, Mon., to Annie, third daughter of George Wilkinson, of Lower Dutfryn, Aberdare. 3 DEATHS. DE WINTON.— On the 27th ult., at Tyn-y-Cae, near Brecon, Francis Parry de Winton, eldest son of Henry de Winton, Esq., J.P., aged 15. CLEMENTS. On the 31st ult., at Newport, Mr. Abraham Clements, stamp-distributor, aged 70 years. WARD.—On the blst ult., at Back Hall, Caerleon. Mon., Fanny, wife of Mr J. E. Ward, eldest daughter of late Ebenezer Rogers, of Abercarn, aged 32 years. Friends please accept this intimation. SANDERS.-On the 30th ult., at Commercial-road, New. port. Mr. Frank Sanders, aged 62 years. T?.?*P? the 24th nIt.. at Alteryn House, Newport, Edward John, son of Mr. John Clarke, Corn Merchant, of this town, in his 30th year. MANHiRi.On the 28th ult. at Sunny Side Villa, Maindee, Newport, William James, son of Mr. Manhire, draper of this town. aged 4 years. U RIGHT. On the 28th ult., at the Docks, Newport, Mr. John Wright, aged 29 years. GRIFFITHS.-On the 30th ult., at Potter-street, Newport, Mary Ann Griffiths, aged 67 years. DARE.—On the 1st inst., at the Barracks, Newport, Mr. William Dare, 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, aged 26 years. HARPER.—On the 1st inst.. at Goldcliffe, near Newport, Charlotte Harper, aged 85 years.. JONES.—On the 1st inst., at Abercarn, Mr. George Jones, aged 69 years. EDWARDS.—On the 1st inst., at Frederick-street, New. port, Mary Ann Edwards aged 25 years. POWELL,—On the 25th ult., at 6, Nichol-street, Swansea, Mr. Henry Powell, aged 71 years. SEVERN.-On the 29th ult., at her residence, Penybont Hall, Radnorshire, Mary Ann. relict of the late John C. Severn, Esq. STBPHENSON.—On the 27th ult., the Rev. Nash Stephen- son. vicar of Bromvard, near Worcester, aged "4 years. PITMAN.—On the 22nd ult.. at PenirJl, Cardiff, Agnes Harriet, the bt loved wife of Captain William Pitman, H.P. R.M.A., Adjutant Glamorgan Artillery Volun- teers. DAvris.Dn the 30th ult., after a short illnes ^T- v H. N. I&viea. of the Lord Nelson Hotel, C •d 46 years. —On the 31st ult., very suddf M Durafriifs-place, V.

"04 wrtic •pprecktioc, D:\u.;h scholarship f apathy wilii ail that (5 eUrriog and n literature, as well as a powerful and 'ri conservative publicist—in which latter he had a congenial and never-failing for his capacities as editor of the 1 Ad/oertiser. HARRIET MARTINEAU, a .d admirable writer on all subjects, and "tainly did as much as any authoress of e to popularise in England a knowledge intific and economic doctrines, after lived twenty years longer than she d, died at the age of 74. We have also SXANDIR RTJSSEL, editor of the Scotsman, the ablest and most thoroughly-equipped iists of his time, and politician, humou- id sportsman as well. MORTIMER COL- le most original and powerful lyrist of y, has gone too, and GEORGE LAURENCE, of GUY LIVINGSTONE-in fiction much MORTIMER COLLINS was in verse. In Sir KATE we have lost not only a distin- ad Indian administrator, but one who bad since made himself an enduring name as gter |nf historic prose, while the most oon- ous loss which European literature has ined has been that entailed by the death EORGE SAND. i the department of English or foreign ssmanship, but few illustriously-filled places left vacant. Mr. SOTHERON ESTCOURT, a "esentative type of the old Tory school, has e from among U:5. FRANCIS DEAK, also if ad phores; REVERDT JOHNSON died at the 1 old age of four seore years the vener- Sir JOHN TAYLOR COLERIDGE, father of J COLERIDGE, departed at the age of 86 GIORGE BARROW, a name well known and fly respected in the Colonial Office, has gone too Lord HYLTON, better known as W. G. JOLLIFFE, formerly the Whip of the servative party, has also gone while the is further swelled by the names of Colonel BTON LEIGH, Mr. J. HOPE-JOHNSTONE, Lord rSDALE, the Marquis of TWEEDDALE, Cardinal rONELLI, Lord Chief Justice WHITESIDE, the re of SALDANHA, Portuguese ambassador in .don. Among the other notables who have us should be mentioned Sir ANTHONY DE HSGHILD, head of the great banking house I Amberly, son and heir of Earl Russell. aral Sir Baldwin Wake Walker (Yaver |jr the Turkish Service) Mr. Henry wig, Secretary to the Local Government t, a figure very familiar in London So- Lady Augusta Stanley, wife of the Dean jsiminster; the widow of Hugh Miller; t Milman, Bishop of Bombay; General ghby Trevelyan; the Right Hon. Holt aeie; Sir George Bowles; Sir James logg; Count Apponyi; Sir John Scour- he newly-created baronet; and Lord 1, the newly-created peer. The Bench i Sir Richard Quain and Sir Thomas ild. Scholarship is deprived of the ervices of Edward Lane, translator of abian Nights; George Smith, the ogist; and Richard Shiluto, perhaps distinguished of Angio-Hellenists.