Monmouthshire Merlin

MERTHYR. A FATHER KILLED BY HIS Sos.-On Tuesday, Mr. Overton, coroner for theMerthyr District, opened an inquiry into the death of an old man named Griffith Evans. The deceased went drinking with his son, Benjamin Evans, on Sunday, and on the way home they quarrelled and fought. The old man received such injuries that he was compelled to keep his bed, but medical aid was not called in, and on Monday he died. Further evidence was taken on Wednesday, from which it appeared, that Benjamin Evans, the accused, was seen by two or three witnesses treating his father in a most brutal manner. The old man, wheu first seen by the witnesses, was lying in a gutter, and his son was standing over him, kicking him and beating hI3 head against the ground. The jury eventually found a verdict of Manslaughter against the son, who was present at the inquiry, and he Wall committed for trial.

PONTYPOOL. Harvest Thanksgiving Services were held at Treve- thin Church at 3.30 and at the Tranch Church at 7.30 on Thursday, when sermons were preached by the Rev. W. R. Thomas, vicar of Abersychan. The at- tendance, notwithstanding the inclement weather, was very large. --T ACCIDENT.—On Saturday last whilst a dray belong- ing to Mr Walters, Pontnewynydd, was being turned in Crane-street, the bearing rein caught the shaft, causing the horse to back the tail of the cart into the plate glass window of Mr. Pegler, smashing two panes. NARROW ESCAPE.—On Sunday a girl named Brown was reaching into a water-butt for water at Ponty- moile, when she fell in on her head, and must have been drowned had not her mistress gone to look for her, she having been absent rather long. Mrs Sewell saw her in the water, and pulled her out. A sermon was preached at Trevethin Church on Sunday last, on behalf of Seamen's Missions. LOCAL BOARD. The usual monthly meeting of the Local Board was held at the Town Hall, on Friday, at eleven o'clock. The Finance Committee met at 10.30, present—Messrs. i. Fletcher, John Bevan, and W. Sandbrook. The following members were present at the meeting:— Messrs. E. H. Davies, chairman T. Fletcher, Wm. Sandbrook, John Bevan, George Gorrell, S. B. Mason, Peter Eckersley, and Richard Jones. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed by the Chair- man. The Collector teported that he had collected jElOl of the General District Rate. The, Clerk read a letter from Robert Morgan, Esq., one of the Inspectors of the Local Government Board, asking when would be a suitable day to hold an in. quiry to hear evidence as to the making of a new road from Pontypool to Abersychan. -Resolved that the Chairman reply that any day would do except Sa- turday. It was proposed by Mr. John Bevan, and seconded by Mr. T. Fletcher, that the attention of the owners of the houses, now in course of erection at Cae Nicho- las, be called to the 15th Bye-law, as to ventilation. — Carried. A circular from the Public Works Loan Commis- sioners was read, drawing the Board's attention to sec. 13 of the 38 and 39 Vic., c. 89, as to the necessity of renewing the application for the proposed loan before 31st December. The Clerk read the following letter from the Local Government Board :— Local Government Board, Whitehall, October 8th, 1877. SIR,-I am directed by the Local Government Board to state that their attention has been drawn to the absence of any effective arrangement for the disposal of the sewer- age of the urban sanitary districts of Abersychan, Blaen- avon, Pontypool, jJanteg, and Llanvrechva Upper; and it appears to the Board that it may be desirable that a united district should be formed, under section 27 of the Public Health Act, 1875, for the purpose of making a main sewer, or carrying into effect a system of sewerage for the use of the several districts. The Board desires that the subject should be considered by the Pontypool Local Board, and the Board would be glad to be informed of their views with regard to such a combination when the question has been considered by them. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, "J. F. ROTTON, Assistant Secretary. "E. Stephens, Esq." Resolved, that the Chairman meet the Chairmen of the other Boards, to discuss the question, and re- port to the Board. The Medical Officer's and Sanitary Inspector's re- ports were read. This was the whole of the business. POLICE COURT.—SATURDAY. (Before IV J. PHILLIPS, Esq., and JOSIAH RICHARDS, Esq.) STEALING BEER.-Sarah Evans was charged with stealing one cask of beer, the property of Messrs. Monk and Edwards, on the 25th October, atTalywain. —John Coles, being sworn, stated I am a haulier, in the employ of Williams and Bunning, beer agents, at Pontypool. On the 25th October I delivered three kilderkins of ale at Messrs. Monk and Edwards' offices at Talywaio, near the Golynos Inn one of the casks was numbered 108,804.—William Naylor, a walking ganger in the employ of Monk and Edwards, said they had a sale on 25th October, at Talywain on that day he sent a kilderkin of beer to the office, and had since seen it at the house of the prisoner.—Sarah Merrick, sworn, said I am the wife of Edwin Merrick, and live at Messrs. Mouk and Edwards' offices at Taly- wain. On the 25th October a kilderkin of ale was brought to the office by George Jones, and put in the wash-house. About six or seven o'clock some men came to me and asked for the key of the wash-house. I gave it them they rolled the cask of beer away they did not say they were going to take it away, and I did not ask what they were going to do with it.— John Lewis, sergeant of police, stationed at Abersy- chan, said On the 26th October, between one and two o'clock, I went to the prisoner's house, and found a cask of beer, No. 108,804, in the house. Defendant was in the act of drawing the beer out of the cask into large jars asked her how she came in possession of the cask she replied that it was brought there by some men-that they said it had been given them to drink. I asked who the men were she said she did not know them, but she was drawing the beer to take the cask back.-She was remanded for a week for enquiries. TRESPASS IN PURSUIT OF GAME. — Collin Evans and Joseph Taylor were charged with trespassing in pursuit of game in Coed Alice Wood, in the occupa- tion of J. C. Hanbury, Esq., on the 13th October.- Defendants did not appear.—John Ford deposed he saw the defendants in the wood with dogs on the 13th inst. in pursuit of game.-The Bench fiued defendants 20s each, or 14 days. MORE TRESPASS.—Elizabeth Phelps, Eliza Griffiths, Ann Parry, and Rebecsa Merelith, were charged with trespassing on the property of the Ebbw Vale Com- pany, on the 19th inst, at Panteg.—Constable Hum- phreys deposed to seeing the defendants on the Com- pany's property picking coal. Fined 53 each. FIGHTING.—Charles Gratton and Valentine Arthur were charged with committing a breach of the peace by fighting in the public streets, on the 22nd inst., at Pontypool. Sergeant Basham proved service of sum- mons on Gratton. and P.C. Gardner the offence. He stated that both the defendants were in High-street at 11.30 at night stripped fighting. They refused to desist when he asked them.—Gratton was fined 15s and Arthur 10s. GUY FAWKES. —Frederick Purnell was fined 5s for letting off fireworks in the street, on the 24th October, at Pontypool. SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A PUBLICAN. —George Moxham, Sebastopol, was charged with supplying liquor to a police constable named Seys, then on duty, on the 17th October, at Panteg.—Defendant pleaded guilty to supplying the liquor, but thought he was justified, as the constable was out of his district.— James Seys, P.C. 73, sworn, stated I am a constable of this county on the 17th October I was on duty, and called in the Shearer's Arms at eight o'clock at night, and asked for a glass of gin-hot, for which I paid; the landlord supplied me.—Cross-examined: I cannot remember whether I told you I had a pain in my stomach."—The Bench said it was a very serious charge, but considering the defendant's character they would only impose a quarter of the penalty, X2 10s. DRUNK.—Timothy Hayes was fined 10s for being drunk on the 2Gth October, at Abersychan. MONDAY. (Before Rev. J. C. LLEWELLIN.) James Preece was charged with being drunk and riotous on the 27th October, at Abersychan.—He pleaded guilty.—Fined 10s, or seven days. AN IMPUDENT ACT. — Henry Barnes was charged with wilfully throwing a stone at and breaking the window of the police station, on the 27th October.- The prisoner said he threw the stoue purposely in order to be locked up, as be had nowhere to go.— Fiued 15s, or 14 days' hard labour.—Committed. W EDNESDAY. (Before Rev. J. C. LLEWELLIN acd J. C. PARSES, Esq.) Elizabeth Davies was charged with stealing two sheets, the property of George Griffiths, on the 24th October at Llanvrechva Upper.—Eleanor Davies, an 'a assistant to Mr George Griffiths, draper, said On the 24th October, at about 8.30 in the mormug, the prisoner came into the shop. I saw her put the two sheets (produced) under her shawl off the counter.- William Beaven, police constable, apprehended the prisoner at her house, and found the sheets (produced) there.—The Bench sent prisoner to gaol for a month. HARVEST THANKSGIVIN G.—On Wednesday evening, at 7.30, a Thansgiviog Service was held at St. James' Church, Pontypool. The sermon was preached by the vicar, the Rev. J, C. Llewellin, the rev. gentleman selecting the words, "The harvest is passed and the summer is ended," for his text, and on which he de- livered a most eloquent and impressive discourse. The choir under the excellent guidance of Mr. Has- kins, sung some beautiful hymns with good effect the church was decorated in an elegant and beautiful style bv Mrs. Bunning, Miss Haddock, Misses Essex, MissesTaton, assisted by the Revs. J. D. Lewis, D. Jones, Messrs. J. R Essex, C. W. Toye, and T. Gar- rett. The pulpit and reading desk were adorned with dowers, fruit, oats, wheat, berries, and hedge leaves the autumn tints of which were exquisitely arranged by Mrs. Bunning and Mfss Haddock. On the com- munion table were fruit and vegetables aud ou the I other end a sheaf of wheat and barley, whilst the chancel wall immediately between was covered with ferns and dowers, presenting quite a pleasing effect the white ground. The chancel chandelier was de. corated with ivy entwined, and oats hanging from the centre, shaded with berries. The chancel and choir pews were furnished with sheaves of corn. This task was entrusted to Miss Essex and the Misses Paton, and was beautifully accomplished—whilst the massive pillars in the nave were festooned with ivy, and the gas uprights were encircled with evergreens and ivy, combined. The decorations on the whole were beau- tifully designed. The collection was applied to the Church Missionary Fund.

ABERGAVENNY. THE WHITE HOUSE.- This residence and 29 acres of land, now in the occupation of Mr James Straker, auctioneer, was put up by auction, by Mr Sunderland, senior, at Abergavenny, on Tuesday. Mr Straker bid £ 2,800, but it was bought in at £ 3,000. Tyr Ewen Farm, adjoining, about 110 acres, was sold to Mr Crawsbay Bailey, whose estates adjoins, at £ 2,850. ILLNESS OF Mn. R. REES, J.P. — Many of our readers will hear with regret that this gentleman, who is highly respected in the town and county for his liberal disposition, and valuable public services as a magistrate, a Guardian, a Visiting Justice at the Joint Counties Asylum and the County Gaol, &c., was sud- denly seized with an appolectic attack upon alighting from the train on the platform of the Great Western Railway Station, at Abergavenuy, on Thursday, the 25th ult. The symptoms were of a serious descrip- tion. He is attended by Dr. Smythe and his atten- dant, Dr. Irvine, and is progressing very satisfac- tory. MAD DOGR. — A dog suffering from rabies passed through the town about a fortnight ago, and bit a bitch with whelps at Treiilliou House. The magis- trates have issued an order to the police to seize all dogs found not to be under proper control, and to summons the owners. The market on Tuesday was well attended. There was an increased demand for store sheep, especially mountain ewes and wethers, and the prices were up. The supply of beef, as has been the case throughout the season, was very scarce. 8d per lb. was realised, and mutton 9d and 9 £ d per lb. The pig trade was brisker, bacon being 10s per score. In the general market butter Is 5d per lb. potatoes from 15s to XI per sack apples from 12s per sack. THE TOWN SEWAGE. — Mr A. D. Berrington, the Chairman of the Usk and Ebbw Board of Conserva- tors, has intimated to the Rural Sanitary Authority that the Board intend to take proceedings against them unless they call upon the Town Commissioners to divert the town sewage from its present course into the river. It is believed that the town sewage will have to be conveyed across the river to some fields near the race course. POLICE COURT.—WEDNESDAY. (Before Capt. HILL, Capt. AMEL, and Mr. HUMFREY.) WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.—James Martin, grocer, High-street, was charged by Superintendent Freeman in not having his weights properly stamped, and also separately charged with having one weight, viz :—gib., one drachm short.—Fined Is. and costs in each case. The following persons were also fined Is. and costs for not having their weights properly stamped, though they were of the proper weight:—Wm. Morgan, Flan- nel-street; Tom Richards, butcher Mrs. Tudor, but- cher. Mr. D. R. Jones, of the Herefordshire House [nn, was also fined in the same amount for not having his measures stamped. STEALING MEAT.—Mary Matthews and Mary Fox, living in Byefield-lane, were brought up in custody and charged with stealing 71bs. of beef from the Bull Inn, on the 24th ult. Prisoners went to the Bull Inn, and Matthews, as it appeared from her own confession, took the meat home with her out of the passage and cooked part of it. Fox was discharged, and Matthew. was committed to 21 days hard labour.

EBBW VALE. CHURCH SABBATH SCHOOL SERVICES. — 0a Sunday afternoon the united schools connected with the English and Welsh Churches of this town held a special service at Christ Church. The Rev. William Hughes, M. A., vicar, read the prayers, &c. The Rev. Mr. Jenkins, F.G.S., delivered an address iu English and Welsh, founded on the following passage—" Feed my Lambs." The preacher made an earnest appeal to the congregation to come forward as teachers in the Sabbath schools The children, led by Mr. J. Lewis, sung appropriate hymns during the service. A collec- tion was made in aid of the school funds. On Wed- nesday evening a public meetisg was held in the Christ Church school-room, the Rev. Wm. Hughes, vicar, in the chair. He delivered an appropriate opening address, and was followed by the Revs. Williams (Glanmore), and Jenkins, F.G-.St Prizea were awarded to some scholars-of the school. Songs were sung, and addresses delivered during the evening. THE WORKS.—There are unmistakable signs of in- creased activity at the Works. There are at present 34 puddling furnaces iu full work, against 15 a fort- night ago and there are rumotna afloat to the effect that ere long more puddling, as well as balling fur- naces, will be put in. Should tiis be the case, more rolling mills will, of a necessity, be started. The Steel Works are in full operation*, the make of rails being very large.. On account of a part of the pud- dling, as also a part of the mills being idle, the coal trade continue in a depressed state. ENGLISH WKSLEYANS AT THE; STEEL WORKS.— On Sunday the friends of this branch society, opened several years ago, held special services on the occasion .f the re-opening of that place of worship, after being cleaned and repaired. Mr. Oeo; Rogers, of Cwm, preached three aeimons to good congregations, after which liberal collections were raade in aid of the chapel funds. On Monday evening the services were continued by public meeting. HEAVY STOEM.—Monday witnessed a very heavy storm in this town, which raged from morning till night without intermision. A stop-was put to all out- door work in the valley, as it was impossible to with- stand the force of the down pour. The mountain streams were greatly swollen, and the Ebbw ran with great force. The inhabitants of the low lands were greatly inconvenienced by having the cottages par- tially flooded, and many of the fields down the valley were covered with water. No serious damage has been as yet reported.

CARDIFF. LORD BUTE AND THE CORPORATION. It would appear from certain statements in the Western Mail, that for some time past there has been a lack of cordial relations between the Marquis of Bute and the municipal authorities of Cardiff. Lately (says the same journal) some merchants and brokers at the Docks couceived the idea of bringing about a better state of feeling, and this was to be accomplished by inviting the Marquis to a banquet, to be attended by about 500 representative men. The Mayor seized upon the idea with avidity, and; immediately called a meeting of the Town Council for "special purposes.' That meeting was held at uooa on Monday. Some few members of the Town Council who were present appealed to feel grave doubts as to the propriety of the proceeding, and questioned whether Lord Bute could be induced, after what had so recently occurred, to accept any such invitation. But the large majority of the "Couucil carried a resolution, the purport of which was to depute the iJayor to wait upon Lord Bute and personally deliver the iuvitation. Mr. Elliott tost no time in executing his mission he repaired forthwith to Cardiff Castle, and, although it is not known what passed between his Worship and Lead Bute, there is reason to believe that his lordship did not fail to tell the Mayor the true state of his feelings in regard to some members of the Corporation. Lord Bute declined the invitation in most courteous terms, but with a firmness which even the Mayor is not likely to misunderstand. It is obviously (says the Mail) a most deplorable thing that such a state of feeling should exist, but no impartial person conversant t with Cardiff can feel any difficulty in attributing it to j its true cause. It would be too much to expect that,' after having to endure such unmerited opprobrium, Lord Bute should so far forget his own self-respect as to be willing to receive courtesies and hospitalities from those who have wantonly and persistently maligned hiia. On Wednesday afternoon, a a special meeting of the Town Council, the Mayor of Cardiff announced the decision arrived at by the Marquis, from whom he had received a courteous letter the evening before. Becoming angry that his application had not been successful, he attributed his failure to the adverse influence of Mr Sherley, Lord Bute's legal agent, and indulged in an undignified fling at the conductors of the Western Mail for having stated that the Marquis was justified in declining the invitation. The Cardiff daily papers of Thursday-the Mail and the Daily Nem — discuss the matter in anything but gentle terms, the former sharply attacking, and the latter vigorously defending the Mayor. A SHIPPING CASE.—Ralph Campbell, master of the steamship Iiouen, and Henry Dodd, the first mate, were charged on Friday morning, the former with de- fault and disobedience, on board the vessel on the occasion of her stranding in the Baltic on Sep. 17. A preliminary inquiry had been held before the magis- trates, assisted by Rear-Admiral Powell and CaptaiD Castle, and the two men then gave their evidence. The I solicitors on behalf of the accused contended that, it was illegal and un-English to charge the men after l having put them on then oaths in the witnesa box. The Court held, however, that they were guilty, and suspended the captain's certificate for six mouths, and the mates for twelve mouths, ATTEMPTED SUICIDE BY A LADY.—A very dis- tressing occurrence took place on Monday Morning at No. 3, Wood'ield-plaee, Roath, the residence of Mr. Decandia. It appears that his wife has for some time past suffered from mental aberration, and the malady had lately assumed 90 serious a form that it had been decided by her friends to have her removed to an asylum. The removal was to have taken place on Monday morning, but before it could-be effected the unfortunate lady succeeded in cutting her throat. An alarm was immediately given, and Dr. Buist, her regular medical attendant and Dr. Bolding, of the Infirmary, were promptly in attendance. There is a cut into the windpipe, of a somewhat dangerous character, but hopes are entertained of her recovery.

CHEPSTOW PLOUGHING MATCH. The thirty-sixth anniversay of the Chepstow Far- mers' Club was held on Tuesday, on Great Dinham Farm, in the occupation of Mr. T. Woodall, who treated all comers with his characteristic hospitality. The ground wbereon the competition took place was two large fields, near Mr. Woodall's residence. Forty- nine teams competed, and the work was described by all who examined it as excellent. On the ground there were some double-furrow ploughs, sent by Messrs. Howard, Bedford and Ransome and Sims, Ipswich as well as a three-furrow plough sent by the latter firm and the work performed was watched with a great deal of interest. IN the evening, the members and their friends, to the number of about 70, dined together at the George Hotel, under the presidency of Mr. C. E. Lewis, St. Pierre, who was supported by Mr. John Lawrence, Mr. Henry Clay, Mr. S. Calla- ghan, Mr. E. P. King, Captain Lambert, and the principal farmers of the district. After dinner, the secretary, Mr. T. Griffiths, read the list of awards, as follows PLOUGHING.—The son of a member (not exceeding 23 years of age) who shall plough half an acre of land in hours, with a pair of horses without a driver A silver cup, value X5 5s Mr. Tom Perkins. The son of a mem- ber (not exceeding 18 years of age) for ploughing as above Plate, value £ 3 3s., Mr. Carey Rugman 2nd. (given by Mr. W. S. Bryant), XI Is., Mr. William Rosser. Plough- men in the employ of members 1st, £ 2 2s., Arthur Lewis, servant to Mr. John Burridge 2nd, £ 110s., James Cleaver servant to Mr. S. Baker: 3rd, £ 1, Kichard Jeremy, ser- vant to Mr. H. Bi Idle 4th, 15s., James Edwards, servant to the Rev. E. T. Williams 5th, 10S., James Puddle, servant to Mr. M. Perkins; 6th, 5s., Thomas Baylis, ser- vant to MR. H. Clay. ROYS under IS years of age 1st, £ 1 10s., George Jones, servant to Mr. E, Bull; 2nd,.£ Edward Edmonds, servant to Mr. J. Till;. 3rd, 10s. George ) Phillips, servant to Mr. P. Price 4th, 5S., William Jeremy, servant to Mr. William Biddle. The championship: 1st, £ 2 2s., Thomas Jones; 211d, Xl 10s., Edward Jeremy, servant to Mr. William Biddle; 3rd, £ lR Mr. George Williams. Iron swing-plough prizes 1st, £2 2s., Phineas Wright, servant to Mr. H. Price; 2nd, £ 1, WILLIAM Jones, servant to Mr. William Brown. Ploughing an acre of land with a double-furrow plough and three horses abreast (without a driver) in 512 hours X2 2s.. James Barker (Bansome, Sims, and Head). SPECIAL PRIZES.—To the wife or lady relative of a member who shall offer the best site of land for the ploughing match this year A piece of plate value X5 5s, Mrs. Woodfall, Dinham. The owner of the best pair of horses in use at the ploughing match £ 3 3s, Mr. C. E. Lewis. Bast general collection of live stoojc on the- farm of a member of the club; 1st, .£Û 6s John Rymer, Bish- ton 2nd, £ 4 4S Thos. Woodall, Dinham 3rd, £ 2 2S Henry Rymer, Llancant The owner of the best standing flock of not less than 10> sheep: A prize value X5 5s, Val. Parsons, Caerwent. FARMS.—Best cultivated first-class farm A silver cwp value X-5 5s, Thomas Prewett, Ledbury. Best cultivated second-class farm: A silver cup value X5 5S, James Rymer, Wibdon. Best cultivated third-class farm A silver cup value T'5 5S, Albert Baker, Wi;crick ROOTS. — General crop OF^ roots on a first-class FARM'. A silver cup value X5 5sR Val. Parsons, Caerwent General crop of roots on a seaond-elass farm A silver cup value X5 5s, Henry RymerR Llancant. Best general crop of roots on a third-class farm A silver cup valuo k4 53, Albert Baker, Wilcrick. Five acres of swedes grown with manure purchased of Messrs. J. H. Mullins and Co.: A silver cup value £ 5 5s, James Rymer, Wib- don Six acres of swedes or tusnips on any class farm, grown with manure purchased; of Messrs, Thomas Griffiths and Son A silver cup- value £ 5 5s, Edward Ball, Crfck. Five acres of swedgs grown with manure purchased of Messrs. H. and T. Proctor, manure manufactures: £5 5s. Edward Bull, Crick. Piece of mangold wurtzel (not less than two acres) 1.2, Val. Par- sons, Caerwent. Eight acres of roots grown on a first- claes farm, from manure purchased of Messrs. Robert Purnall and Company 1st, t.5 James Tidd, Caerwent; 2nd. 210s, Val. Parsons, Caerwent. Eight acres of roots grown on a second-class farm, from manure purchased of the above 1st, £ 5, Edwaril Bull, Crick 2nd, £ 2 L!%s, John liymer, Wibdon. Eight acres of roots grown on a third-slass farm,from manure purchased of the above; 1st, £ 5'Albei-t BAKER' Wilcrick 2ud, £ 2.10s, Thomas Wood- all. Dinham, Five acres of swedes grown from seed pur- chased of Robert Impey, seed grower, Street, Somerset 1st, £ 2 2s. Stephen Baker, St. 2nd, 1:1 Is, Val. Parsons Caerwent. Five acres of purple-top swedes, grown, from seed purchased of Mr, William M. Pillinger X2 2s, Edward) Bull, Crick. Two acres of yellow-globe; mangold wurtzel grown from seed purchased of Mr. William M. Pillinger: FCL Is, Val. Parsons, Caerwent. Five aore» of sweeds grown with manure manufactured by W. S Bryant, Bristol, and purchased from his agent, Ml". S. Rugman, Ledbury A silver cup value -85 581 T- P. Williams, Bcachley. Two acres of man- golds, grown with manure puvchase&iof the above A prize of X3 3s, Val. Parsons, Caerwaut. Five acres of swedes^ grown with not less than two tons artificial manure purchased of Mr. Charles D. Phillips: £ 4 4s. Stephen Baker, St. Brides. Five acres of swedes grown with artificial manure manufactured by Messrs. E. Packard and Co. Ipswich A silver-cup value £ 6 6s. Edward Bull. Crick. Five acres of sivedes grown with artificial manure purchased from Mr. John Thomas Usk £ 5 5s, Val. Parsons, Caerwent. Five acres of swedes grown with manure PURCHASED of Mr. J. B. Fewings, Woolaston Grange A silver cup value t5 5s, Edward Bull, Crick TiiAxeiiiNS, KICK-MAKING, Servitude, &C.—The son, servant, or labourer of a member- (over 30 years of age) who shall have made and thatched the ricks of his father or employer in the neatest and most workmanlike manner, this year: £1 10S, Charles Kite, servant to Mr. Isaac Mullius, Alvington. Same, for thatching ricks only (over 30 years): £1, John Lloyd, servant to Mr Valentine Parsoas, Caerwent. Ditto, ditto (under 5) years) J0-s, Isaac Lewis, servant to Mr Richard Parsons, HanmeHia. Same for making ricks only (over 30 years) XI, Wm. Frape, servant to Mr Val. Parsons, Caerwent. Labourer who has the cleanest and best managed cottage and gar- den 1st, £ 1, George Shurev, servaat to Mr John Talbot, Mathern 2nd, 10s, Henry Pask, servant to Mr William Biddie,.St. Arvans. The shepherd, who had alive the 1st of May last the greatest number c.Z. lambs in proportion to the- ewes put to the ram (not less than 100 ewes), Leicester and Cotswold breed £ 1 10s, William Frape, servant to Mr Val. Parsons, 175 EVRES, 238 lambs. Same as above for not less than 50 ewes T'L, Enos Grant. seiT-IWIT to Mr Henry Woodruff, Woolaston, 50 ewes and 60 lambs. The shepherd, who had alive on the 1st of May last the greatest number of LAMBS in proportion to the-! ewes put to the ram (not less thiya 100) of the Down ami Cross breed £1 10s, Edwin Stephens, servant to Mr John Rymer, 115 ewes, 1-12 lambs. Not less than 5U ewes-: 1).£ the same breed: £ 1, liobeit Hyett, servant to inlr Rugman, 57 ewes, SJ lambs. The out-door labourer who has worked for the same mastei;, or on the same farm, the greatest number of years consecutively £1, Geo. Price, servant to Mr John Rymer, on same farm 51J years. Tho young out-door farm labourer-), not exceeding 20 years of age, who has lived not less than three years consecutively with the same master Xi, Henry Price, servant to Mr T. P. Wiiliams, Gl years. The female indoor servant for same £ 1, Emma Thompson, servant to Mrs Price* Dew- stow, 4 years 9 months. The judges for ploughing werfe Messrs Albert Baker, Stephen Baker, Henry Rhymer, and Charles Williams. For farms and green crops AHessrs J. Burridge and John Talbot aud for stock Messrs T. P. Williams aud S. P&?kins.

NEWPORT INFIRMARY AND DISPENSARY, WEEK ] £ SMN« Octorku. 27t.V,. Patients attended it the Dispensary 28'5 Patients attended at their homes ft) ¡ Patients in the Infirmary during the week 13 ¡ Dr. DAVIES, Snrgcou for- the week. O. E. BCLWEP. MARSH, M.R.C.S., Eng., L.R.C.P. House Surgeon. SOUTH DI.-TUUT. No. of Patients during the week 21 No. of isifcs paid to Patients during the week. 60 R. COOKE, M.R,C.S., England, L.S.A., London, Visiting Surgeon.

THROAT IRIUTATIOX.—Soreness and dryness, tickling I and irritation, inducing cough aud affecting the voice. For these symptoms use Epps's Glycerine Jujubes. Only in boxes Gd and Is, labelled "JAMEs EPPS & Co., Homoeopathic Chemists, 48, Threadneedle St., and 170, Piccadilly, London." AN EVENING BEVERAGE.—Epps's Caciioine (Quint- essence of Cacao) is equally liquid and refreshing as tea, affording moreover a sterling support to tbe system. Unsweetened. Each packet (0«1) is labelled JAMES Errs & Co., Homoeopathic Chemists. London." F1133 Epl"s COCOA.—GRATEFUL AND COMFORTING.—"By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion tad nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well-selectod cocoa, Mr. Eppa has provided our breakfast tables with a dc-li. cately-fiavoured beverage, which may save.us many heavy doctors' bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a constitution may he gradually built up until strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. Huu dreds of subtle maladies are floating around us ready to nttack wherever there is a weak point. We may escape uaana fatal sh ift by keeping oursolves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished frame."—Civil Ser- vife Gazettc.-Soht only in Packets, labelled—"JAUES Errs 4 Co., Homoeopathic Chemists, London."

QUESTIONING A DECISION OF COUNTY JUSTICES. Asi agitation of a somewhat uinis'iifti character has taken place at Llanymynech, near Oswestry, On Thursday week, it appears, a man named Thomas Evans, a horsebreaker, was sentenced, to a month's imprisonment, without the option of a fine, for a.n assault upon a Mr. Churchill-Reynolds, at Llanymynech Station, and the decision met witihauch. an amount of public disapproval that a public-meeting has been held, and tllOTrultgistrate8 haipe been asked to reconsider the sentence. On the 22hd ultimo Evans had a glass cf gin at tha refreshment room, and there was some dispute with the barmaid about the change, whereupon Evans walked away with a water bottle, saying he wauld have it as security for his money. Mr. Reynolds followed, and had a struggle with Evans, who assaulted him in a very violent manner. The magistrates who heard the case were CoL Lovett, Lord; Harlech, Capt. Lovett, Mr. E. B. Wood, Capt.. Arkwright, Mr. C. H. Wrigh^. and Mr. S. J. D. Leese. The resolutions, which wera carried unanimously, set forth that, in the opinion- of the meeting, Evans- had been too-severely dealt with, inasmuch as he received groat provocation by not receiving his correct change; that he was roughly handled by Mr. Reynolds, who had no right whatever ic- interfere with him; that Evans was taken out of his bed to prison, and that he had been unable to make proper arrangements for his own defence that no witnesses were examined for the defense, although several were in attendance; and that the (10-: f&ndant was an industrious, honest man, and was hi ill-health, being consumptive. Several gentle- men,, farmers, and others condemned the con se taken by the magistrates, and nearly £;"i was col- lected in the room for Evans and his wife. The resolutions passed at the meeting- are- to be for- warded to the magistrates,

HALLOWE'EN AT BALMORAL. Agreeably to the expressed wish-of the Princess if Wales, her Majesty advised tha celebration of Hallowe'en at Balmoral on Monday night. The Princess of Wales greatly desisted to see the solemnisation of the festival in full character. It was a very grand display. It began shortly after dark. There could not liwe been less than from three to four hundred persons present at the festivities. These consisted of the game- keepers, gillies, servants, and tenants, with their wives and families, on the Royal estates. One brigade of torclibearers emanated from the Castle, another, and perhaps the larger, started from the head gamekeeper's house (:ú:. D. Stewart), and when the bodies joined there- could not have been fewer than at least two hundred torches. The night was fine and dark and still, and heightened the splendour of the brilliant display, which perhaps has never on any previous occasion been eclipsed at Balmoral Castle. At the head of the process sion, which marched through the grounds ia beautiful array, preceded by the Queen's pipevs playing lustily on tbe national instrunn.-jjt, were the Princess of Wales, the vonng J'v|>3. cesses, and the Princess Beatrice, each o; wii*>m carried a llaming te-rch aloft. Arrived at the Castle, and the several circuits having been liiiv.k- by the gay company.thePrinccssBeatrice and thoPri 11- cess of Wales approached the huge pile erected on the Green, on the west side of the Palace, aud apydied their torches. As the blaze mounted, the torch- light dance commenced around the flaring crack- ling mass, in the presence of her Majesty, and the Princess of Wales, the Princess Beatrice, as well as most of the ladies and gentlemen of the Rcyal household, engaged heartily in the dance. lie freshments weie liberally supplied during tho proceedings, fecarcelv had the dancing abated when there broke within the circle of liLIlt a fantastically dressed company in charge of The Witch, enthroned on an improvised carriage, and preceded by musicians. The ap- proaehed the fire, passed round it, and round It again, and at length pitched her sable witch ship into the burning' mass. After numerous toasts had been drunk, amid deafening cheers, to i; The Queen," The Princess of Wales," The Princess Beatrice," &c., the proceedings were wound up as usual by a ball, merrily kept up for a few hours, and honoured by the Royal party.

TheLordMayorvisitedWappiag in state on Weel- nosdav, and opened the Thames steam ferry be- tween Wapping aud Roilierbithe in the presence of vast crowds of people. Both sides of the river were gaily decorated. The ferry is expected to relieve. London Bridge of much of the heavy trafiio.

BRISTOL EYE HOSPITL, A dmia-ion Days—Tueaday, Thursday, and Saturdi from Half-past Eleven to One. SURGEOA—DU, &4BTLHT.

Qaagrr-—— —rwrri~r'nmm FOREIGN TELEGRAMS. FRANCE. PARIS, Oct. 27.-The latest information with re- £ d to the impending crisis of events leads to the belief that a Cabinet will be formed with the object of simply carrying on the necessary busi- ness of the country, but no final decision has yet been taken upon this point. This evening's Maniteur expresses a belief that the present Cabinet will re- main in office until the opening of the Chambers, The Francais, another semi-official organ, says the Ministers are prepared to meet the Chambers and defend the policy they have pursued, assuming for it their rightful re- sponsibility. At the same time they do not wish to stand in the way of a different solution, and they are ready to withdraw in case the Marshal President thinks it his duty to sum- mon other councillors. The Moniteur formally denies that there has been any question of a second dissolution, and it declares the rumours of a coup (Velut ridiculous. The Temps states that j. leading politicians have expressed openly that the Senate would not, either by means of a dissolution or otherwise, appeal against the verdict delivered by the result of the elections of the H th inst. The editor of the newspaper Le Tclegraphe has been sentenced to three months' imprisonment and a fine of 3000f. for an article insulting Marshal MacMahon. PAKIS, Oct. 29 (Evening).—The dinner given at the American Legation this evening in honour of General Grant was a very brilliant affair, and was followed by a reception. Marshal MacMahon arrived at half-past nine, and stayed about an hour. PARIS, Oct. 29 (Evening).—After a careful cal- culation, it is considered that in the 526 elections which are now finally concluded the Republicans; have obtained 318, the Bonapartists 112, and too monarchial parties 96 seats. The second ballot" ing was chiefly advantageous to the Bonapartists, who gained three seats. PARIS, Oct. 31.-The Itepublique Francaise, M. Gambetta's organ, has an article to-day describing the present crisis as very grave and acute. It must," it adds, "be terminated, for if not we shall be drawn into the most terrible of catas- trophes-a civil war." PARIS, Oct. 31.—A report having been current that negotiations had been re-opened between the British and French Governments on the ques- tion of the treaty of commerce, several leading French manufacturers have held a meeting to consider whether representations should not be made to the Government upon the inexpediency f)f pledging the commercial policy of France under present circumstances. After a long debate, the meeting resolved to await the re-opening of Parlia- ment, and then to act if necessary, through the intermediary of some of the senators and deputies who would interpellate the Government on the subject. GERMANY. BERLIN, Oct. 27 (Evening.)—In the Lower House of the Prussian Diet, to-day, the debate on Herr Camphausen's letter relative to the. leave of absence granted to Count Eulenburg was resumed. After five hours'discussion the motion brought forward by the progress party condemning the action, of the Government in the matter of admi- nistrative reform was negatived, the Progressists and Polish members voting in favour of it- The motion of the Centre regarding the Ministerial Organization Bill, and the bill relating to-minis- terial responsibility, was rejected by 217 against 132 votes. In the course of the debate Herr Camphauseix repudiated, ill the most posi- tive manner all assertion made by Herr Windtliorat that Prince Bismarck ruled abso- lutely, AND^ in regard to a remark of tho same deputy to-- the effect that the Ministers were merely the- clerks of the Imperial Chancellor, Herr Camphausen expressed his opinion that the dignity of the House, and that of the Govern- ment, oughtt not to allow such observations as. tho:-e which Herr Windthorst, himself a former Minister, had thought fit to make. BERLIN, Oct.. 30.—IN to-day's sitting of the Lower House of the Prussian Diet, Herr Camp- hausen, Minister of Finance, presented a bill for the issue of the new loan of 126,743,000 marks,, the proceeds of which, as announced in the speech: from the throne, will be applied to public works. THE COMMERCIAL RELATIONS OF AUSTRIA AND GERMANY. PESTH, Oct.. 31..—The Pesther Lloyds of to-day states that at vesterday'sCabinet Council, attended by the Austrian as well as- the Hungarian Minis- ters, an agreement was arrived at upon the ques- tion of the customs tariff. It was resolved, to at once open negotiations with the German Go- vernment for a treaty based upon the most favoured nation clause, securing to the monarchy the export of raw produce,, and to Germany the continuance of the present system of dressing cotton manufactures, subject, however, to the measures of control already accepted by Germany. At the sam&tinio, andwitlisttt waiting the result of the negotiations, the tariff which formed the basis of the recent negotiations, with Germany will be submitted to the Hungarian, and Austrian Cham- bers as an autonomic tariff. Count Andrassy is said to have given particulars with regard to the intentions of Germany completely satisfactory, explanations; totally precluding the supposition of hostile motives in the tariff question, on the part of Germany against the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. ITALY. ROUE, October 27 (Evening).—The Courier d'Ita1i>' gives an absolute- denial to a statement liublished by a Vicnna, newspaper that the Porte had sent a despatch to Rome contain- ing complaints with L rsgard to the alleged intrigues of Italian agents in the Slavonic pro- vinces. It.adds that not only has the Porte never made any complaints, but has never even had any occasion to present any observations on this subject. It is stated that the expulsion of Father Curci from the Society of Jesus is not yet an accomplished fact. He has been summoned to Florence' by Father Becky, the General of the Order, and the decision upon the point will depend "ipon the result of the conference between them. PORTUGAL. LISD^N, Oct. 28 (aftenwon ).- The commission charged by thegoverumeirc with the task of drawing up reforms to be introduced in the Customs tariff7 of Portuguese Guinea has resolved that the coast- ing trade on the coast of Guinea shall be thrown. open to foreign shipping. STATE OF MEXICO. ]\f¡::w oi:K, Oct. 23V—According to intelligence received here from Maxioo to the L^tli, it was re- ported in well-iufonned circles that the State of Sonora had seceded.. Peace prevailed, however,, in ahe other States of Mexico. AMERICA. W ARITIX«TON, Oct.. 30.—President Haves intends vomiting Virginia to-day. Mr. Nadai has been ap- pointed second Secretary of the American Legation ^1 London. In the House of Congress 8O0 bills, were introduced yesterday. Several proposed the remo- netisation of silver, modifications in the tariff, the consolidation of the public debt, and the repeal of the Resumption Act. One cf the bills pro-posed the appointment of a commission for the American department o-f the Paris Exhibition,, and the ap- propriation of 1.); ,)t It) dols. for that purpose. WASHIXOTC^J Oct. 30.—President Hayes has nominated Mr. John Welsh, of Pennsylvania, to MK-eiod Mr. Pierrepont as Minister to Great Britain. WASHINGTON, Oct. 31.—President Htiyos has been warmly greeted along liis whole route from Wash- ington to Richmond, A irginia. He was received at Richmond by IO,o00of the inhabitants, and the mavor of the town addressed him as the Pacifi- cator of the country." In his reply the President paid a high compliment to the history of the State of Virginia in the past, and predicted for it a pro- perou s future. Secretary Sherman said every member of the administration firmly supported the President's southern poliey, which, with the approval of the people, would be carried out to the end. The war need not be forgotten, but its results must be accepted. If the South observed the constitutional amendments, peace would ever prevail throughout the land. A long procession L OF white and black militia escorted the visitors. Notwithstanding the rain, 50,000 persons were present. WASHINGTON, Oct HI.—"Mr. Sherman, secretary of the Treasury, lias issued a circular fixing the tonnage tax for Spanish vessels at 30 cents, per ton. The majority of the banking and currency committee of the House of Representatives has reported in of a bill repealing the section of the Specie Redemption Act fixing the date for resuming specie payments. The bill WAS ro- committed to the same committee, a course which gives ;hat body power to press for definite action at The test vote taken in the House show, d that there were 138 members in favour of, and 110 against the bill.. Fr'dmt, ^oveinher 2WD, 1^77. Printed !ib!i.-ii< d .-it Oi<> Mc5r.MO!7rrrf.njKB 3lBSLnr General Pri; livtr Ollt e, 13, Oatnmert"Hi-street, in the Borough f t Ni-w].< rt, In the county a M--»tiRiO!Uh, by WILLIAM C Hit 16T() f H K R$, residing at Ci-trcmo Gold Tops, w the i?id Borough.

TRKDEGAR. PETTY SESSIONS.—TUESDAY. (Before Dr. COATES and the Rev. WJI. HRCIHES.) BREACH OF MINERS' ACT. --J:)hn Rees Matthews and Thomas Evans, joint owners of a coal mine at Maesycwmmer, were charged by Mr. Cadman, Her Majesty's Inspector of Mines, with infringing three of the rules laid down by the Government for the regula- tion of coal mines. Mr. Matthews appeared and said he would answer for his partner (Evans) who was not present. Mr. Plews stated the facts to be that defen- dants had neglected to comply with rules 3, 13, and 29. The first was not having a book to be inspected and showing the state of the pit,-secondly, for neglecting to fence an air shaft,—and thirdly, neglect- ing to keep an account of the external part of the workings. DefeadAnt: I did not tbink a common book would do, and I intended to have one from govern- ment.—Mr. Plews (for the prosecution), he was told that any sort of a book would do.—Mr. Matthews: Yea, after the summons was out.—Mr. Cadrnan I told him months ago; at least, I told his representative. Mr. Plews: The maximum penalty is jE20 for each offence. The Bench inflicted a penalty of 40s. and ex- penses in each case. The Blaina and Nantyglo Company were charged by Mr. Cadman with having neglected to keep a plan of Hirwain and Gething pits, Blaina, as required by the Mines Regulation Act. Mr. Plews conducted the pro- secution and said the charge was a very serious one, as was known by sad experience no survey had been made for a period of over 12 months, and the result had been that in one instance they opened beyond a fault. The plans were the only means by which the inspector could gain information as to the state of the workings the pits were distinct from each other, and so far back as March, 1876, no plan had been made; and under all the circumstances he (Mr. Plews) hoped the Bench would inflict such a penalty aa would have a salutary effect on other colliery owners. Mr. Evaus, surveyor and mining en- gineer, explained that the old plan were scarcely fit for the purpose intended, and that a new survey was now being made, but was not completed.—Mr. Plews: The old plans are kept locked up, and are not to be got at; it is really extraordinary conduct on the part of the company.-The Bench thought it would be a diffi- cult matter to make a plan of Nantyglo collieries.- A penalty of five pounds in each case was inflicted, costs allowed. — Mr. R. D. Bain, assistant inspector, was present during the inquiry. A CURE FOR NAUGHTY" BOYS.—John and Patrick Mahoney, aged respectively 14 and 12, were brought np in custody, charged with vagrancy. Sergeant Cap- per said he found John asleep behind the coke ovens in the works, and ordered him from the place, but he came back; he and his brother were bad boys, and re- fused to go home and stayed in the works.—Sergeant Milkins said the boys had been sleeping out and about for the last six months, and both had been convicted of larceny. Partrick was found in a public-house where he went begging they kept the company of thieves, and it was time something were done with them.—The Bench sent the pair to the workhouse for leven days' prior to placing them in an Industrial school. NEGLECTING A CHILD. John Meredith, collier, Tafarnaubach, was summoned by the Guardians of Bedwellty Union, on a charge of neglecting his child, an inmate of the workhouse.—Mr. Boulton, master of the house, said the Board would not press for expenses, if the defendant would remove his child.—Defendant promised to do this, and the case was ordered to stand adjourned for a week. A PUDDLER'S WALKING STICK.—Benjamin Jenkins, puddler, Rbymney, was charged by the Rhymney Company, with stealing an iron bar, the property of the company -P.C. John Davies and Sergeant Men- henuick gave evidence, and on defendant pleading guilty, and hid character being hitherto unsullied, he was treated as a trespasser aud fined Is.—Dr. Coates asked if the bar was made for a walking stick, as it looked very like one.-Sergeant Menhinnick No, air, it was taken for a poker for the house. OBSTRUCTING THE PAVEMENT.—Catherine Brian, Mary Brean, and Mary Brian, young girls, were sum- moned by Superintendent Foil, charged with obstruct. ing the paving in front of the Golden Lion, Castle-st., on Sunday night.—Mr. C. R. Caird from the office of Mr. J. A. Sheppard, clerk to the Local Board, said.the Board were desirous to make an example in the pre- sent instance, as such obstructions were frequently oocuning.-P.C. Matthews and P.C. James gave evi- dence of the obstruction.—Dr. Coates It is the first case of the kind, and times are not what they formerly were, we have a Local Board to regulate the town, and obstructing the street is an offence against the bye- laws you will each be fined sixpence and costs, or 10 days in default. COAL STEALING.—Elizabeth Williams and Ann Williams, mother and daughter, both respectably attired, pleaded guilty to taking some coal from a tram near the Little Pit, Church-street,. Mrs. Wil- liams said her coal was over due two weeks, and she had her note to get it, but could not have it for some reason or other, and on the day she took the coal her sons came home very wet, and there was no fire to dry them.—Dr. Coates If that is true, you ought not to have been brought here at all: we will adjourn the case for a week to hear further evidence. STEALING WOOD.- William L'swellyn, a respectable looking young man, was charged with stealing a piece < of wood belonging to the Ebbw Vale Company.—The defendant pleaded guilty, and as the case was not pressed, he was allowed to pay a fine of 5a. and expenses. COAL .STEALING,—Sarah Ann Watkins and Elizabeth Evans, two very small girls, were summoned for this offence by P.C. Dowden, works constable at Nanty- gio. -The Beuch tined the younsters 6d. and costs. PUGILISTS.—Patrick Lehay and Patrick Magher were summoned for fighting, and were placed under sureties of the peace for three months in £5 each. PRACTISING FOR 5TH NOVEMBER.—David Jones, a young collier, was summoned by the police for setting off a Catherine wheel in Commercial-road, Tredegar The boy endeavoured to show that he was not the offender, but another boy.—P.C. Mathews proved the charge, and the defendant was fined 6d. aud costs. DAMAGING A FENCE AT SIRHOWY.—Peter Evans and Richard Davies, boys, were charged with damag- ing a fence on the property of the Ebbw Vale Com- pany at Sirhowy. The evidence of ths police was to the effect that the boys cut a post out of the fence to carry home.—The Bench imposed a penalty of 5s. each and costs, or 10 days at Usk. OCCASIONAL LICENSES.—Edmund Henry, bterbouse- keeper, Garnfach, applied for an extension of an hour and a half on 7th November, when a supper was to be given at his house (Golden Lion). This was granted. Henry Dobbs, of the Bridge End, Ebbw Vale, was granted two hours on the occasion of his Annual Nos Calan Gauaf supper on 30th October. WOUNDING. — Mary Mnrphy was charged with cut- tine and wounding Margaret Burke, at Blaina, on 27th October —The evidence of the defendant was in effect that she took up the knife in self-defence.—The Bench fined her 10s. and costs or 21 days. AGGRAVATED ASSAULT.—Julia Barret, a young girl, was charged with assaulting a boy named Henry Llewellyn Jenkins, Rhymney, on 25th October.—The girl, it appeared, was in the habit of going into the play-yard at the National School, Rhymney, and on the occasion which gave rise to the present proceedings she flung a stone at another boy and struck Jenkins on the forehead.—The Beuch told her she must keep away from the play-ground or she would be summoned for trespass.—The assault was proved, and she would Li be fined one shilling and costs, or 10 days at Usk. A MIXED-UV FAMILY.—Emily Dando charged her sister-in-law, Lucy Dando, with assault. The parties live at Whitworth-terrace, Tredegar, and appear not to be in the best of .terms.-Tho evidence disclosed a very bad state of things, the defendant having pulled the husband about and accused her sister-in-law of improper conduct.—The Bench fined defendant one shilling and costs. The charge of stealing a lamp preferred by the Blaina Company against John Bowen, a half-witted lad, was dismissed.

1IIÆõõõ: -c. ATTEMPTED FRAUD ON A RAILWAY COMPANY BY A GOVERNESS. At the Eirkdale Sessions, Liverpool, o i Wednesday, a ladylike yoaug^ person, aged 21, was charged with attempting to defraud the London and North Western. Railway. The prisoner alleged that a box con- taining valuables, which she assessed at JE149. 2s., had been lost when she changed carriages at Preston on her journey from Lancaster to South- port. Writing to the railway company, the prisoner said that no money could repay her for her loss, as the articles were heirlooms and belonged to dear departed ones." The box, however, instead of being lost, had been left behind at the Lancaster Palatine Hotel, where the prisoner last lodged. The prisoner was appre- hended at Cornwall road, Vvestboume Park, London, where she had obtained employment as companion to an invalid lady. She admitted her guilt when arrested, and was now sentenced to twelve months' imprison- ment. — Lt

MR. W. E. FORSTER, M.P., ON SECONDARY EDUCATION. Mr. W. E. Forster presided on Wednesday at the an- maldistribution of prizes and certificates in connection with the Oxford Local Examinations at London Uni- versity, and said that what the State had decided to do in regard to elementary education was being done well, but the great evil in secondary education was a want of inspection. He gave the Universities credit for what they had done, and thought things would have been worse without them, but warned them of the danger of their becoming mere examining bodies. They could never stand in the place of a. com- plete organisation, nor could tne evil be met by a system of mere examination, or giving prizes which was open to the objection that it gave no test of j the actual condition of the children. While he was not distinctly in favour of a nativesystem of secondary j education which lie thought would be an unwise inter- ference with the individual action of the parents of the country, he was prepared to advocate an organisation of native inspection which should be made compulsory on grammar schools and ofiered to the private schools who would, he believed, accept it, as certificates of com. petency would be given to the masters and mistresses. He thought public opinion was now ready for such a scheme, and he believed it could be so arranged as to cost the Treasury nothing, the expenses being paid by the schools who availed themselves of its benefits. He also mentioned that Miss Smith, the daughter of the First Lord of the Admiralty, was to receive a prize, she having passed in the second division in ths first order of merit.

MURDER OF A SWEETHEART NEAR NOTTINGHAM. At the Nottingham and Lincoln Assizes, held at Nottingham on Wednesday, before Mr. Just ice Hawkins, Thomas Gray, 36, labourer, was indicted for having wilfully murdered Ann Mellors, at Car Colston, on August 20th, 1877. The evidence showed that pri- soner and the deceased lived in the village named, the latter residing with her mother, who was a widow and a shopkeeper. On many occasions prisoner had been to the house of the deceased, and wished to pay his addresses to her; but on every occasion his overtures were rejected, as she was already "engaged'' to Mr. Holt, then schoolmaster of the village, but now headmaster of a sehool at Middlesbro'. In spite of these rejections prisoner persisted in haunting the young lady, and on the day in question hearing that Holt was on a visit to the- deceased, he became quite excited about it. At an- early hour in the morn- ing he wralked into the house, and it happened at that time that Miss Mellors had just opened the shutters. Without saying anything—as far as can be gathered— he drew a razor from his pocket, seized deceased by the hair, and cut her throat in ten different places. He then decamped. The cries of Miss Mellors aroused the other occupants of the house, who were in bed, and it was to tind the poor woman weltering in blood and quite dead. The razor was lying by her side. Information was-given to the village policeman, who went at once to the house of Mr. Clarke, brother-in-law of the prisoner,, and there found the murderer, who, on being chs-rged with the of- fence, admitted his guilt. Just before the officer arrived the prisoner said to his brother, I have come to bid you good-bye; I have done something." A large number of witnesses were jailed, some of ifliem, including Dr. Brookhouse, giving their opinion that deceased was the victim of mental affection, and had so suffered before the murder. Other wit- nesses, who had been fellow prisoners with the accused, stated that on several occasions while in gaol prisoner had told them that he had been acting "cracked" in order to get off." After a long and patient heal- ii g, which was not concluded until late in the even- ing, the jury found a verdict of guilty, and declined to recommend him to mercy. The judge then passed sentence of death, which the prisoner received with- outr.trhe slightest emotion.