Monmouthshire Merlin

NEWPORT HARBOUR COMMISSION, The monthly meeting of this Commission was held at the Harbour-office, Dock-street, on Thursday, when there were present—Mr. S. Homfray (Chairmau), Col. Lyne (Vice chairman), Mr. T. Gratrex, Mr. O. Goss, Mr. H. Bevnon, Mr. W. Jones, Mr. A. Ward, and Mr. T. Pugslev with the Deputy-clerk (Mr. Morns), the Harbour-master (Mr. Gething), and the Collector (Mr. G. Homfray). The minutes of the last meeting were read and con firmed. REVENUE ACCOUNT. Harbour dues for August of the present year were reported to be zC232 9s, against £ 215 Is for the corre- sponding mouth of last year increase, £ 17 8s. Grid- iron dues for the last month were £.35 5s 4d, as com- pared with £ 21 10s 2d in the same period of last year increase, £13 15s 2d. Hospital contributions for August, 1878, were X28 15s, in comparison with £ 20 4s 6d for the like month of the previous year increase, X2 10s Gel. The balance in the bank was now reported to be £1,702 13s 8d. HARBOUR MASTER'S REPORT. Mr. Gething (Harbour-master) presented the follow- ing rClwrt The following matters are respectfully submitted to the consideration of the Harbour Commissioners: 1. That a piece of five-eighths chain, with a ring at the end, has been attached to the iron buoy above the 1 ailway bridge, as ordered. I am informed that the Great Western Railway Company have arranged to fix chains to the centre piers of their bridge. 2. That the quay-wall at the Old Rlaina, or Cwmbran Wharf, is in bad condition, and likely to give way. Notices to vessels not to lie there have been posted at various parts of the wharf. 3. That on Friday, the 30th August, the sloop Maid of llami, of Cardiff loaded 2G tons of powder at the Monmouthshire Wharf, and sailed therefrom on the morning of the 31st, for Kingroad. The powder was brought by rail from Milenthorpe." A discussion subsequently ensued relative to the bye-laws of the Board and the Vise-chairman pro posed that they should be submitted to the Secretary of the Board of Trade for his approval, representing at the same time that the Board saw no need to make any alteration in them. Mr. Goss seconded the motion, and it was agreed to. THE SURVEY OF TEE RIVER. Capt. Aldridge, R.N., reported as follows with regard to this matter Alantana Villa, Paignton, Devon, H 28th August, 1878. RIVER USK SURVEY. To the Harbour Commissioners of Newport,- In handing to you my report of the survey of the river Usk, I have to point out to you two important changes made since my former visit in 1806—the one being abreast of the entrance of the river Ebbw. where the low water channel has become narrowed to half its former width, or in other words has grown out from the mouth of the Ebbw to a distance of litiO feet into the river chan- nel, lessening gradually the width up to the sandy point abreast the four powder magazines above, where the width of the low water channel remains the same. This growing out is composed of large stones, apparently washed down the river Ebbw by the winter floods, and at present forms a flat of stones or boulders, 1,400 feet in length by about ,1,uO feet in width, one foot high at low water springs. The other change is abreast of the Usk Lighthouse, where the low water channel of the river has become nar- rowed to half its former width, the sandy spit having grown out to the westward 200 feet, for a distance south- ward of 1,600 feet (thus narrowing the low water channel) causing a slight washing away of the muddy bank on the western side, and deepening the water in the channel several feet, the south extreme of the sandy spit remain- ing the same as formerly the highest part of this sand- bank dries 14 feet at low water springs. The upper part of this Deck or sandy spit has narrowed to one-third of its former width, and dries two feet at low water sprites whilst the north-west portion has washed away by [100 feet, thus improving the channel at this point. The remainder of the low-water channel down to the entrance buoys remains precisely as before. The buoys have changed sides and colour since my last survey in ls(!7. and been shifted 3cO feet to the east wards the chequered buoy now lies on the west side the entrance, and the red buoy on the east side. "From Newport Bridge to Newport Docks the river remains the same, the sand bank immediately below the dock entrance having slightly changed in form, as it naturally will occasionally do. A small hard btL.:Jk exists at the entrance of the Alexandra Dock, with only a few inches of water on it at low water springs this, however, is within the limits of the old low water boundary, and I imagine is where the copper dam stood in constructing the dock, and is no consequence. The "rtyvel path off the magazine pokit has slightly increased in size, but in all other respects the river bed remains unaltered. "The splendid Alexandra .Dock, with its capacious dry- dock now in progress, and a new dry dock below Jack's Pill together with a large convenient wharf belonging to the Great Western Railway Company- on the opposite shore, are all additional since my last survey, and a refe- rence'to the chart will readily show their capabilities. From all these improvements, and the great conveni- ence attending them, and the immense rise f„nd fall of tide, I consider the river Usk offers facilities and accom- modation for the largest trading ships in the world. Trusting, gentlemen, I have fulfilled my agreement to your entire satisfaction, and meet with your approba- tion, "I remain, yours faithfully, "8. M. ALDRIDGE, Captain, R.N." All the members present considered the report a very satisfactory one. I It was moved by the Vice-chairman that the plan (presented with the report) be framed and hung up in the Board-room. Mr. Gratrex seconded the motion, and it was adopted. The Board also decided that a Committee (consisting of the Chairman, Vice-chairman, Admiral Foote, Mr. H. Beynon, Jlr. Oolquhoun, Mr. Pugsley, and Mr. G. Y" EY\°1U'.C' appointed to consider that portion of Captaiu Aldridge's report bearing upon the deposits in the river. 0 L THE GRIDIRON COMMITTEE'S REPORT was as follows:- Your Committee having had under their consideration an oiler of Messrs. Graham, on behalf of Mr T P Price by letter dated the lath of Aupusl) tosel, to th;, H.t[.b,u;. Commissioners a further extended freehold of about 230 feet of river frontage, with approaches thereto, as also the Pcntoon abutting thereon, as shown on the plan mentioned in the aforesaid letter, for the sum of Ql,250, recommend that this offer be accepted, subject to the approval of title, and the necessary rights of way in- cluding the right to use the road between the Clarence Nursery and the Kodney Wharf. The Committee have further to report that they have received from 1\11-. Abernethy a plan and estimate for lengthening the Grid- iron, but before expressing any opinion thereon they deem a personal interview with Alr. Aberuethy to be desirable." After some conversation, Mr. Goss proposed that the report of the Committee be adopted, and that Messrs. Graham's otfer to sell the necessary land for the pontoon bridge be accepted, subject to the usual right of way. Mr. Gratrex having secondtd the proposition, it was carried. There was no other business before the meetiDg

CHEPSTOW REGATTA. The first Regatta, under the auspices of the Chep- stow Rowing Club, came off on the river Wye on Sa- turday afternoon. Considering that this is the first year of the Club's existence, and that the notice of its intention to hold a regatta was very limited, the event may be regarded as fairly successful. The courso was one mile and a quarter. The following is a pro- gramme I TWO-OARED RACS, open to amateurs only i:, two gold medals and coxswain's cup, vatuejE33-Pn.st heat Ariel Rowing Club (Bristol) 1; Taff Rowing Club (Cardiff), 2 Chepstow Rowing Club, 3. By t vo lengths. Second heat Chepstow Rowing Club. I Ariel Rowing Club, 2. By three lengths. Final heat: Chepstow, 1 Ariel, 2. \V hen the course had been about half pulled the Ariel men retired. I. FOUR-OARED RACK, for youths uunder 18, (1st, X2 2nd, 15s.}.-Li;ie (Chepstow), 1 Dryad (Taff Rowing Club), 2. CHEPSTOW REGATTA PLATE (Prize, four gold medals and coxswain's cup).—Taff Rowing Club, 1 Chep- stow Rowing Club, 2; Ariel Rowing Club, 3. The I Bristol boat fouled the Chepstow boat about a quarter of a mile from home, and though they took second place, the judges awarded the honour to Chepstow. FOUK-OARKD BOATS, of not less than four feet beam, open to the port of Chepstow (Ist. X3 2nd, £1 10s.— Albatross, 1 Clara, 2. This race caused a good deal of excitement, and a good deal had been laid on the (Jkfa, but before the course had been half traversed, itlwas evident she was not in it. An easy win by four le gths. TWO-OARED RACE, open to members of the Chepstow Rowing Club only (prizes--1st, three silver cups 2nd, two gold pius and coxswain's prize, value E4 1 Os.).- First heat William—W. H. Proctor and W. F. Web- ber-l Buck— T. Hodgson and W. C. Thomas- 2. S :cond heat H. Gillam and B. Gillam. Final heat H. Gillam and B. Gillam. I FOUR-OARED BOATS belonging to the Port of Chep- stow (1st, £ 2 2nd, £ 1).— Lizzie, 1 Arrow, 2. TWC-O.VRKD BOATS, belonging to the Port of Chep- stow (lbt, £ 2; 2nd, £1). Dart, 1; Unknown, 2; Ripple, 3. ———

PONTYPRIDD. SHOCKIXG DEATH.—Pontypridd was, on Saturday, the scene of a railway accident of a peculiarly plainful description. William Jenkins, the drummer of the I 19th Glamorgan Rifle Volunteers, jumped out of the train, and when found was literally cut in pieces. He was seen by one of the engine drivers of the Taff Vale K.iilway at Cardiff at eight at night, a little before the excursion train left which had conveyed veyed the workmen of the Glamorgan Collieries, with their families, to Cardiff and Penarth that day. It is conjectured that be entered his train surreptitiously :it Cardiff—for no ticket was found on the. body—and th b he jumped out of the train, which did not stop at Pontypridd, when opposite the platform, and that he stumbled and fell under the wheels. His hat was found on the platform. The upper portion of his body was found lying between the metals, and his lower extremities across the rails, mangled in a horrible manner. One of his legs had been severed from the body, nndcarried some distance. His tibs, were in fragments, projecting through the skin. Portions of the flesh were found adhering to the side of the platform, and there were marks as of nailed boots, which he wore, having scratched the side of the platform kerb. The poor fellnw was well known iu the town as a good tempered and inoffensive man. SUDDEN DEATH OF A WESLEYAX MINISTER.—On Monday night the Rev. J. Ambrose Hemsworth, the recently-appointed superintendent of the Wesleyau district, of which Poutypridd is the centre, died at Wesley House, Chapel-street, with awful suddenness, through the bursting of a blood vessel in the lungs. The rev. gentleman bad suffered from whooping-cough, which resulted in a severe attack of bronchitis. He He was in intense pain all day on Monday, and Dr. Leckie, who was called in, administered three grains of ipecacuanaha as an emetic, and it was while this was taking effect that the blood vessel burst. Mr. Hemsworth died instantly, in the presence of -the medical man. The deceased, who was 3!) years of age, was a native of Moriey, near Leeds. He came to Pontypridd from Pentre, Rhondda Valley, where he iiad been resident minister during the last 12 mouths.

BRIDGEND. On Saturday the Rev. Rees Prichard, Llandyfodwg, was fined for conveying two dogs in an ordinary third- class carriage, on two distinct occasions, contrary to the bye-laws of the Llyuvi and Ogmore Railway. Def ndant objected to the animals being placed iu the ordinary dog boxes.

THED.GAR. POLICE COURT. — TUESDAY. (Before Dr. COATES aud the Rev. WM. HUGHES.) Joseph Hogley was charged with selling intoxicating drink at Rhymney without a license.—The case was fully proved against defendant by Sergeant Richards, and he was ordered to p iy a tine of £ 5 and costs, or in default one mouth's imprisonment with hard la- bour. Michael Roche, John Walters, John Jones, Joseph Davies, and Charles Chappel were charged with being found upon the premises.—Four of the defendants were fined -5s and costs. Roche, who had given more than one false name, was fined 10s and costs and 5s for making false representations to the officer. John Williams, Henry Davies, and Henry Harris pleaded guiltv to trespassing on lauds belonging to the Rhymney Iron Cornpany.-The defendants were each I fined 2s Gel and costs, or in default 14 days. Elizabeth Edwards, Rhymuey. wa? fined 2s and costs, or in d-erault ten days' imprisonment, for caus- ing a nuisance by depositing rubbish in a running brook. The Bedwellty Guardians caused several persons to be summoned for allowiug their parents to become chargeable to the Union, and an order to contribute was made in each case. Sarah Morris, of Ebbw Vale, was charged with assaulting Margareta The case was proved, and the dcfendaot was fined Is and costs. John Lewis was similarly cbnrged with assaulting Elizabeth Hilman, at Ebbw Vuie. — Fined 6d and costs. Patrick Rhine, for assaulting Catharine Sullivan at Rhymney, was lined 2s 6d and costs, or in default ten days. David Davies, Benjamin Williams, and John Col!ins were charged with committing breaches of the peace by fighting at Rhymney.—The defendants were each ordered to be bound over for the space of three months in the sum of A:5, with the exception of Wiliiams, who did not appear, and a warrant was ordered to be issued for his apprehension.

Lord Falmouth's Jeannete won the St. Legtr on I Wednesday, his lorship's Childeric taking the second Lord Lonsdale's Master Kildare the third. To disguise its inferior quality.—Consumers have now quite settled in their minds, that the only reason the Chinese have for painting Tea with Prussian Blue and Black Lead, is to disguise the worthless brown leaves, and so pass them off as best tea the purchaser aware of his or her responsibility, carefully selects Tea that is guaran- teed by the Importers to be pure and unsophisticated and the substantial nutritive properties of Hornimari's Pure Tea, in packets, being so w ll kuown, thousands of persous daily enjuy the advantages of a rich and delicious beverage, not elsewhere obtainable. See list of Agents for this District, printed in this paper. ° EPPS'S COCOA.—GRATEFUL AND COMFORTING. By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well-selected cocoa, Mr. Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a deli- c itely-flavoured 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. Hun- dreds of subtle maladies are floating around us ready to attack wherever there is a weak point. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished frame."—Civil Ser- vie: Gazetie.-Sold only in Packets, labelled-" JUlES LIPS & Co., Homoeopathic Chemists, London."

JOilLj IjAIS ILKA Q LI E& 111 J2\. MEHEMET ALI MURDERED. Intelligence from Constantinople, dated September 7th, states that Mehemet Ali Pasha, after escaping, its recently announced, from the Albanian mob at Yacova (a town to the north-east of Scutari), took refuge in a shed, which was, however, speedily sur- rounded by the rioters. These men, who were dis- satisfied with Mehemet Ali's efforts to restore order in the province, called upon him to organise an attack against the Christians, and, on his refusal, massacred him, together with 20 members of his suite. A later telegram announces that the Mutessarif of Ipe^a and ten functionaries of that place have been asj.isjinated by Albanian insurgents. The latter sub- sequently set fire, by means of petroleum, to the house containmg the body of Mehemet Ali Pasha. Later pai ticulars received at Constantinople on Tuesday, correcting the first accounts, state that the members of Mehemet Ali Pasha's suite were not assassinated with him. A part of the troops defended Mehemet Ali Pasha, aud in the fight which occurred between them and the insurgents. 400 were killed on both sides. On the evening preceding his death Me- hemet Ali Pasha telegraphed to Constantinople that he was surrounded and could not escape. BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA. VIENNA, SEPT. 7. General Szapary, continuing his offensive movement, attacked the insurgents at noon on the othinst. After severe fighting, lasting until dusk, the Austrian troops carried at the point of the bayonet the strongest of the entrenched positions occupied by the enemy. The Austrian troops afterwards bivouacked on the ground they bad won. On resuming the offensive the following day, General Szaparj- found that the remain- ing fortified positions had been completely evacuated by the insurgents. The general's report states that the Austrian losses in this affair are not inconsiderable. The road to Maglai is now cleared of the enemy. The disarmament of the inhabitants of Brozeni, Maidan, and Kozarak, continues without interruption. The Hungarian papers announce that a former chief of the insurgents, who took part in the rising against I urkish rule in the^ Herzegovina, a Roman Catholic priest, named Music, has placed him- self with 1,300 Catholic guerilleros at the disposal of the Austrian General Jovanovich, and has rendered excellent service in skirmishes against the Mohomedans. The commandant of Bjelina, the most strougl}- fortified of the in-urgent positions, has ordered all non-com- batants to leave the town immediately. The Vienna and Pesth journals of yesterday, moreover, announced that operations on a large scale were about to be re- sumed, more particularly in the valley of the Ljwer Drina. On Saturday, the Austrian troops entered Trebinje at noon without opposition. The Turkish troops surrendered the citadel to the Austrians, and left the town the same evening. The Daily Telegraph correspondent at Vienna, writing on Monday night, says :—Grave intelligence reached Yienna tu-Jay from the army of occupation. General Zach was defeated yesterday at Bihacs and forced to retreat on Zavalje, after sustaining very heavy loss. The order to fall back was only given at three o'clock in the afternoon, while before twelve as many as 400 wounded had been brought in. The list comprises several officers of high rank and a large number of captains and lieutenants. Major Pappen- heim telegraphs from Ragusa that shortly after Irebiuje had been occupied by the Austrian troops half a battalion belonging to the 74th Foot, which had been left behind to guard the Trebinjeica Bridge, was attacked by the enemy. Colonel Leni-t, of the artillery, which had just arrived, opened fire against the assail- ants. The right lasted an hour, and ended in the repulse of the insurgents. General Sametz appears to have obtained a partial success at Ivljuc on Friday last, forcing the insurgents to retreat behing the river Sana. Nevertheless, he failed to capture the fortress or castle which commands the Petrovatz-road, and was thus unable to occupy the Initza valley. The official report says that the troops were so thoroughly ex- hausted by the day's encounter that Saturday had to be devoted to rest. Another skirmish is announced by the commandant at Zara as having taken place be- tween Han Prolog and Livno. The Austrians are said to have forced a mountain defile on the road without serious loss. The commander of the 36th Austrian Division announces from Banjaluka, on the 9th inst., that on the previous day the enemy's right flank at Kline was surrouuded, and that, notwithstanding their stubborn resistance, the insurgents were compelled to retreat at all points. The Austrian troops subsequently ascended a seeep mountain-ridge, surmounted by a citadel, which the insurgents were compelled to surrender. The citadel was therefore occupied by the Austrians, the insurgents retreating precipitately in all directions. The neighbourhood of Kline is now entirely cleared of the insurgents. The Austrian losses in this affair were 260 men killed aud wounded. A skirmish oc- curred on tne Sth inst. at Ljeskovic, between a Jager outpost and about 600 insurgents, the latter being forced to retreat. In the afternoon of the same day there was a skirmish between the insurgents and a Hungarian Landwehr detachment at Posioenikamen It is announced, from Doboi, that in an engagement ca the 5th inst., the insurgents lost over lieo men. BATOUM. It was officially announced in St. Petersburg on Saturday that the Russians took poses-ion of Batoum the previous day. They did not encounter any opposi- tion.

THURSDAYS MARKETS. P.RI?TOL CORX MARKET. On our market to-day there was a supply of home- grown wheats, which sold at rather under the currencies of this day se'nidgut. Foreign parcels very slow, and Is. per quarter lower in some instances. In malting barley very little business transpired; grinrdne sorts quiet. Maize inactive. New Irish oats realised ISs. 9d. per qr.. and tawny, 20s. 9d Old ofts unaltered. The flour trade of the past week has shown no improvement, and it is probable that the end of "the year will be seen before we get any turn for the better. Shipments of American wheat have been irregular in the extreme. The large ship- ments of winter wheat here, at Detroit, and seaboard points, and the somewhat improved accounts of the crops, have acted as a counterpoise to the intelligence of rising markets. Present prices of British and foreign grain Dantzic white (49/;lbs.), 50s to 53s American, white, 49s to 51s do. fine red, 46s to 48s do. secondary, 44- to 46s Ghirka. Odessa, and Nicopol, 38s to 42s; Saxonica and Petersburg, 39s to 41s English, old red and white. 44s to 46s do. new do, 4Us to 41s. Barley: Fine malting, 35s to 48s; Odessa, grinding, 22s to 22s Gd American' do, 21s Gd to 22s. Oats: Swedish and Dutch (per 320 lbs), 26s to 2/s Limerick, white, 25s to 26s 6d Duhlin light, 22s to 23s Cork, Waterford. and P. E.. 2 s to 21s. French small maize, 2 s to 27s flat, 24s to 25s barrel flour, 22s to 24s. BRADFORD WOOL MARKET. Market again extremely quiet, and operations are most scanty. Stocks in hand are considerable, but there is no undue pressure to sell, and values, although not strictly firm, droop very gradually. At Ludlow, on Tuesday, best Shropshire Down wool fetched Is 2d to Is 3d. per lb. Trade dull. BRISTOL CATTLE MARKET. There was a large supply of beef at this market to-day. and trade was rather heavy. Best sorts fetched 55s, and middling, 70s per cwt. We also had a large supplv of mutton, and with a good demand, the pens were cleared, wethers fetching 9tn., and ewes, 8d to 8j per lb. The lamb season is nearly over, and there was but little on offer. Some flue samples fetched lOd per lb. There wa« a good show of milch cows, and a good trade prevailed" The coiisigiimeiit of store cat;le from Ireland was ao-ain very large—upwards of 3,0ii0—and trade was active Among them were a good many weanlinirs, which sold at from i'410s to £ 6 each. Bacon fetched 10s 6d inr porkers from 10s 9d to lis per score. CAERPHILLY CHEESE MARKET To-day's market was much smaller than last week Prices sngatly in advance of last week's quotations, from 5-1s to per cv\ t.. ^average price bring 55s per cwt. CORK BL'TIER MAiiKLT. Ordinary: Firsts, 113s seconds, P2s; thirds, 80s OUILIS,^ 0S, finhs, sixths. 46s. Mild cured super-; hue, io,s farsts, llos seconds, It 3s thirds, 8Ss. Fir- kins in marke t, 2.394. T +i IRON MARKET. a C71-' (^roP 'n marked iron one leading atuiiori.shire firm would have advanced last quarterly meeting, has this afternoon been declared by that firm, iiud by certainychers marked iron is dropped by them to the prices resonated, being £ 7 10s for 'oars this is a re- uueT^~r"uT 2Us per ton. The firms who announced their preparedness to accept orders on tliut basis are Messrs Phillip Williams and Son, and Messrs Barrows and Son. Suchactnu in advance of the quarter limiting is strik. ing-Iy indicative of the scarcity of new business

BIRTH. VAGGHAN,-On the 7th inst., at Glen Trothy, Aberga- venny, the wife of R. Vausrhan. Esq of a son MARRIAGE. MIDDLETON—GATHEKGOOD.— On the 7th inst., at Holy Trinity Church, Tidse Hill by the Rev. W. C. Moore M.A., Vicar, irancis Herbert Middieton, to Alice Jane' youngest daughter of the late Alfred A. Gathereood of Kiug s Lynn. 6 U1 DEATHS. MERKICK —On the 0th inst. at Pomeroy-terrace, Roath, Ed*aid Merrick, clerk to Mr. Ensor, solicitor, a°-ed 75 years. B RKES.-On the 7tli inst., at 8, Gore-terrace, Swansea. Rees Rees youngest son of the late Morgan Phillip Rees, of. Bail)" Glas, Hirwain, aged 3S years. Manr years mineral IIgeBt to the Blaenavon Iron Company. U ANKLING. On the 7th inst., at Charles-street, Mr. James Wankling, aged 28 years. BATES.—On the 10th inst., at Mountjoy-road, Mr. George B ites, aged 78 yens.

CAERPHILLY. FUNERAL OF A CENTENARIAN.—On Monday the mortal renin ins of Thomas Rowland, or, as he was better known, "Thomas Rowland Evan," who died. on the 3rd instant, at the residence of his daughter, Joan Montague, at Llanblythiac, near Cowbridge, were interred at the Groeswen Welsh Independent Chapel, in the presence of a large number of friends and relatives. Deceased was in his 103rd year, having beeB born on March 2, 177(3, at au old house, called Clwyd Pentwyn, near the Graddfa farm house, in the parish of Llanfabon, and close to Ystrad Mynach. The deceased was the son of one Rowland Evan ROW- land, farIU labourer. For very many years he was bailiff to the late Mr. Vaughan, of the Van, Caerphilly, but the last few years of his life were spent with his daughter at Llanblythian. Deceased leaves eight i children behind him, whose names and ages are as 0 follow Mary, 71 Evan, 70; Ann, GS John, Gü; William, 64; Joan, 61; Hannah, 58 and Morgan, 65 their united ages being 514 years, or an average age each of about 64 years and 3 months.

DEAN FOREST. A MISER AND HIS MONEY. — Sometime since a. sheep-owner named Voyce, residing at Carter's Piece, in the Forest of Dean, made a complaint to the police that on returning from church one Sunday he found his cottage had been entered and £10 stolen. Al- though no traces of thieves could be found the old man persisted that he bad been robbed of all his money, except a few shillings and he was considerably dis- concerted when Superintendent M'liae, while exami- ning the premises, came upon £ 50 carefully hidden away. It is believed that the story of the robbery was invented by Voyce to deceive the neighbours, he being known to have received jEll for sheep a day or two before he complained of his loss. Unluckily this scheme for putting his friends off the scent had quite the opposite effect- Voyce, who has lived alone for 17 years, is nearly 70 years of age. NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING. —On Saturday evening Mr. Bright, one of the proprietors of the Dean Forest Guardian newspaper, had a narrow escape from drowning while engaged with a party of friends in a tishing outing. It appears that Mr. Bright's line became entangled in a bush, and, on endeavouring to release it, the unfortunate gentleman overbalanced himself, and slipped into the river, from which he tscaped only by great exertion, and in au exhausted condition. SINGULAR CHARGE -or ASSAULT.—At the Coleford Police-court on Tuesday, John Gandern, of Worcester Lodge, near Coleford, was charged with assault- ing Frederick Lloyd, a young miner, residing at Lane End. It appeared that defendant, a volunteer, had been to drill, and was returning home on horse- back, carrying his gun. On reaching the lodge he was informed that some boys had been pelting plums and he rode after them. One boy stopped and cried "murder," when complainant, who was a short distance away, ran to see what was the matter. Lloyd remonstrated with defendant, who appeared from his statement to be worrying the little boy, when Gandurn threatened to serve him in a similar manner. He then rode at him. Lloyd picked up a stone, when he alleged, the defendant twice cocked his gun at bim, and then administered upon his head a severe blow with it, felling him to the ground, and necessitating the attendance of a medical marL Witnesses were called, who corroborated the complaiuant. It was stated also that defendaut poked the iirst boy in the ribs with his gun as he was running him down. Defendant was lined 10s and costs, the justices con- sideriug he had received some provocation by the loss of his fruit. FmJIT WITH CARE.-Recently a respectably-attired individual, apparently a commercial traveller, pre- sented himself at the Victoria Hotel, Newnha'm-on- Severn, where he sought quarters for the night, taking care to inform the landlord that he was on friendly terms with two Jeading tradesmen of the town. After partaking of the excellent cheer of the hotel the traveller retired to rest. There was nothing remark- able iu the fact of the visitor rising early next morning to view the charming scenery of the neighbourhood. But when he failed to return to breakfast inquiries were commenced. It transpired that a box bad been sent to the residence of one of the tradesmen men- i tioned, labelled Fruit, with care." But the lady of the house refused to accept it, and the hotel pro- prietor, who eventualty opened it, discovered its con- tents to consist of a couple of stale cabbages and a portion of a cucumber. The visitor has not been since heard of in Dean Forest.

TREDEGAR JUNCTION. CRUELTY.—A shocking case of cruelty to a brown mare was discovered on Saturday near Tredegar Junc- tion. A man employed by a Monmouthshire horae slaughterer purchased two old horses from a jobber at Caerphilly, and proceeded to walk them to Pontypool. One of the animals, a brown mare, had her fetlock out of joint before starting from Caerphilly. On reaching Tredegar Junction it was noticed that one of the shin bones was broken, the beast at the time being in a fearfully exhausted condition. Police-sergeant Hale's attention was called to the circumstanc, and on proceeding to the spot he at once bal thj uiare killed.

PONTYPOOL. TREVETHIN SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.-The children attending this school were on Thursday last enter- tained in a field close to Trevethin church, with tea and cake, by the Vicar, and all enjoyed the treat very much. IMPROVEMENTS AT ABERSYCHAN.—We are glad to learn that the contract for the erection of a viaduct at Abersychan, connecting the London and North Western and Great Western Railways, has been let to Mr. Firbank. Several hundred persons must neces- sarily be employed in the work. DAMAGE BY LIGHTNING.—Mr. Wilcox, farmer, Llanthewy, sustained a heavy loss by the lightning which prevailed on the morning of the 8th instant. Three horses and a colt were in a field, near to a beech tree, and were all struck and killed. The value of them was over £100. PIGEOX SHOOTING.—A shooting match was hel 1 on Tuesday, at Twynyffrwd, when the sweepstakes were won by a Cardiff gentleman. RIFLE SHOOTING.—On Thursday the Hanbury Rifle Corps held their annual shooting at Cwmlicky, when the following prizes were won :—Hanbury silver me- dal, shot for by marksmen ollly- Priv. J. C. Williams, 44 points. Company's prizes :-First prize, £ 2, Pri- vate J. C. Williams, 34 points Private C. Joshua, 31, £1 10s Corporal W- Edmunds, 31, £1 Corporal W. Purnell, 30, Xi Corporal U Morham, 30, 15s Corporal C. Davis, 29s, 15s Private C. Evans, 28, 10s; Corporal LI. Morgan 28, 10s Private W. H. Pitten, 27, 10s Sergeant W. Truman 25, 10s Private G. Newth (Globe) 25, 7s 61; Corporal S. F. Sumner 24, 7s 6d Sergt. F. Probyn 22, 7s 6d Private H. Long 20, 7s 6d Private A. Hewitt 20, 5s '.Private W. 1!. Sumption 20, 5s Sergt. H. Evans 19, 5s Pri- vate L. Thomas 18, 5s Private Z. Cook 17, 5s Pri- vate G. Saunders 16, 5s Private H. Parry 16, 5s Sergt. S. Harris 15, 5s Sergt. J. Truman 14. 5s Sergt. J. Jones 14, 5s. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. At a meeting of the Guardians of the Pontypool Union, held on Thursday (yesterday) the following Guardians were present :-Henry Lewis, Esq., chair- man Messrs. Wm. Jones, John Browne, T. E. Cooke, C. Conway, Henry Parfitt, J. Derrett, E. Holdsworth, W. Parker, J. T. Edmonds, G. R. G. Relph, and E. J. Phillips. The minutes of the last meeting were read, and also the report of the Visiting Committee, which shewed the House to be in a satisfactory condition. The Mas- ter's report shewed the number in the House at the last Board meeting, 195; admissions, 9; discharges, 28 dead, 2 remaining, li4 -men, 73 women, 49 school, 41 infants, 11. The Finance Committee signed cheques for relieving officers—John Powell, £ 65 and zCG5 George Jerroms, £ 50 and £ 45 William Jerroms, £ 20 and £ 20. The following sums were ex- pended during the past two weeks in out-relief —John Powell, £ 67 3s. and £ 66 4s George Jerroms, £ 49 12s. 3d. and £ 47 19s; William Jerroms, £ 22 7s. 4d. and £ 20 3s. 7d. Mr. Conway applied to the Board for the grant of a piece of the Guardians' land, near the site of the pro- posed new schools, for the purpose of widening the parish Mad, upon the Llanvrechva Local Board fencing it by a quick-set fence. Proposed by Col. Relph, and seconded by Mr. Cooke —" That the land be given on condition that the soil removed be placed on the Guardians' laud, a retaining wall built a foot above the ground from the road, and the timber to belong to the Guardiaus."—This was carried. The tende s for the supply of articles of consumption at the Workhouse for the ensuing quarter were ac- cepted—Meat, Thomas Lewis. Bread and groceries, John Daniel. Ditto, Usk, J. Parker. Milk, Henry Knipe. Shoes, Parkbousc. Hair cutting, Taylor. Coal, The Ebbw Vale Company. TRAMPS. The Committee appointed to consider the question of relief to tramps, presented their report, through Mr Morgae, when it was resolved, on the proposition of Mr. C Conway, that a special meeting be callal this day fortnight, to receive and adopt the same. Mr. Edwards stated that the number of tramps re- lieved during the last fortnight had reduced from 103 to 5S. The following is a copy of the report :— The Comma tee appointed by this Board at the meet- ing on the 30th August, to report upon the question of the increase in tramp relief and mendicity, have arrived at the following conclusions :— "1. The Committee find that the class referred to are increasing in numbers to an alarming- extent, and be- coming a terror t,) the inhabitants of rural di-tricts. 2. The Committee believe that a very large per centage of the number of tramps are a semi-criminal class, who live a life or unproductive idleness, and exist, partly by mendicity, and partly by theft, and, as such, should be detlit with by the police, who. from the nature of their avocations, are better adapted to deal with a vagrant Arab class while the relieving- officers of the Union are too fully employed to give proper attention to the work. 3. The Committee think the time has fully arrived for Legislative enactments for mitigatiug the evil referred to. They cannot suggest any other efficient mode of dealing with it, and therefore consider the Legislature should pass a suitable law, authorising the Constabulary to act in place ef relieving officers and as the great majority of the tramps do not belong to the county in which they receive relief, any aid given them should be a charge upon the Consolidated Fund. 4. It is the opinion of the Committee that when once & roving, tramping life is alopted. that it is ever after followed and nothing will put an end to it but a stringent enactment, making the tramp feel that his dependence upon charity, theft, and poor-rate aid for existence, is so surrounded with difficulties and punishment, that it be- comes a matter of self-interest to alter his habits, by ex- changing them for industrial pursuits. 5. We recommend the Board to endorse the foregoing by a resolution or resolutions, and forward a copy of the tame to the Local Government Board. Her Alajesty's Jus- tices of the Peace in Quarter Sessions, and to other Poor Law Boards of onr county, with an expression of our readiness to co-operate with any such bodies, to deal with the evil, by petitioning the Legislature, or by any other means that may seem feasible. "(bigued) HENRY LEWIS. DAVID LLEWELLIN. JOIIN ill(IRCAN. CHARLES CONWAY." -1. This was all ttie business. POLICE CO tJRT.—FRIDAY. [Before C. J. PAlUŒS, Esq.] VAGRANCY. — John Williams was sentenced to seven days bard labour for begging. [Before Col. BYRDE antÍ K J. PUILLIRRF, Esq ] WITHDRAWN.—Charles Prosser applied to withdraw the charge against John James, fur a trespass, and was allowed to do so oil payment of costs. PRUNK—William James was fined 10s. for being drunk and riotous in Blaenavon on the 31st of August. ANOTHER—William Jones was fined 10s. for a similar oftence on the 30th August. 1>RUNK.— Margaret Healy was lined 10s. for a similar offence on the 30th August, at Blaenavon. DRUNK ON LICENSED PREMISES —Michael Quinn and Thomas Williams were fiued 10s. each for being drunk in the Royal Arms beerhouse on the 31st August last.—P.S. James proved the case. BREACH Of THE PEACE.—John James and Samuel Price were fined 10,. each for fighting, at Blaenavon, on the 31st August. SETTLED.—John William Price, and John Williams, who had summoned each other for an assault, silted it had been settled. REEPING A DOG WITHOUT A LICENSE. — Superin- tendent M'lutosh, proceeding under the new Act, summoned John Jones, of Trevethin, for keeping a dog without a license on the 22nd August.—Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fiued 2as. STEALING A PARCEL. — Stephen Mag^s was com- mitted for 14 ilays' hard labour for stealing a parcel from the platform of a station of the Monmouthshire Railway Company, on the 5th September. VAGRANCY- —Samuel Channan was charged with vagraocy on the 6th September, at Blaenavon, and discharged. MONDAY. (Before Rev. J. C. LLEWELLIN and C. J. PAKKES, Esq.) DRUNK.-Philip Rees was fined 20s, or 14 days, for being drunk and assaulting P.C. Davies, on the Sth September, at Pontypool.

MONMOUTH. CUTTING AND WOUNDING.—At Monmouth County Police Court, on Saturday, Frederick Stacy, single, a labonrer, residing at Tregare, was charged with having, on the 30th of August last, cut and wounded Edwin George, also a labourer, residing at Tregare. The affair appears to have &risen out of some quarrel that took place on the day in question, between the men while at work at Tyshaw Farm, when the prisoner attacked prosecutor with a pike and stabbed him in the arm and also attacked one William Thomas, who, however, managed to evade the prisoner's attack. The same night prisoner and prosecutor had words on their way home, and a scuffle took place, when both fell to the ground. A witness named Griffiths saw prisoner's hand in his pocket, and called out to him, "Hold on with that knife," but did not see the weapon. When prosecutor got up he saw blood on the ground, and found he had been cut through his trousers and shirt. The prisoner was committed for trial at the quarter sessions.

( CARDIFF. I ATTEMPTED SUICIDE IN A POLICE CELL.-On Mon-1 I day evening last, a soldier who was locked up at the J central police-station, Cardiff, on a charge of desertion, broke a pane of glass out of a cell window, and with this he attempted to cut his throat. He inflicterl severe injuries on his neck, and medical aid was sent for. The unfortunate man, who is said to have been confined in a lunatic asylum for two years at Win- chester, was attended to, and a police-constable was specially stationed near the cell to watch him closely, as it was feared that he woul renew his attempt. WESLEY AN CHAPEL.—On Sunday special services, in connection with the 28th anniversary of the Cliar- les-street Wesleyan Chapel, were held, when the Rev. J. H. Rigg, D.D., President of the Wesleyan Confe- rence, preached in the morning, and the Rev. Mr. Smith in the evening to large congregations. In con- sequence of illness, the President of the Conference, who was to have preached twice, was unable to do so in the evening. Collections were made in behalf of the trust funds. TOWN COONCIL. — The monthly meeting of the Cardiff Town Council was held on Tuesday, the Mayor in the chair. A deputation, consisting of a number of the residents of Adam-street, David-street, Moira- street, and other parts of Newtown, waited on the Council with reference to the flooding of their cellars, .3, which lately had very frequently occurred, owing to the overflow of the drains in that locality, aad^the damage caused to their property in consequence. It was stated that during the late floods, out of 189 houses, 113 had from three to four feet of water in their cellars, and 80 had water in the kitchens. The property of many of the tradesmen was much damaged. It was thought by the Surveyor that an additional drain was required in this locality to relieve the great pressure of water, in case of storms, on the existing drains, and the Council promised that the matter should have their early attention. A memorial was presented from the inhabitants of Dake-street, asking for the granite pitching to be taken up there and wood blocks substituted, and this was agreed to. It was also agreed that the Surveyor should prepare plans and report on the state of the sewers in Bute-town and Temperance-town. On the motion of Mr. Jacobs, a committee was appointed to select a site for a new Free Library building, and to report upon it at the next meeting. A letter was read from the Board of Trade respecting the over-crowding of passenger steamers, and suggesting that the authorities should take action, as several cases had been reported to them where passenger steamers had left the port very much overcowded. The letter was referred, to the'Watch Committee to bring it under the notice of the police. GOOD TEMPLARS. —The annual session of the English Grand Lodge of Wales, I.O.G.T., will be commenced at Cardiff, on Sunday, by temperance services. The proceedings of the sessions will occupy till Thursdav, the Grand Lodge meeting on Tuesday and two follow- ing days. There will be a number of meetings, a public breakfast, and a procession during the week. AN ABANDONED WOMAN.—At the Cardiff police- court, on Tuesday, Susan Thomas, a young woman, was charged with keeping a brothel, at 24, Charlotte- street. The case was proved by P.S. Johns and In- spector Tamblyn. The Chief-constable said that in this case a woman was last week sent to prison for assisting in the management of this house. The de- fendant was the woman who induced the two youn" girls from Weston to go to her house, where they were seduced. The defendant was a notorious profligate, and in the habit of inducing young girls to go to her house. She had been once committed for keeping a brothel, and 14 or 15 times for various offences. On the 17th of December last she was -ent to prison for two mouths for keeping a brothel in the same street, and Woods and his wife had been convicted for keen- ing a brothel also at this place The Mayor sai,l'it was a most disgraceful case, and the Beueh resolved to send her to prison for six monies with hard labour.

MAC H EN. On Monday evening, a concert was given at the schoolroom for the benefit of Master Walter T. Barker, winner of the harp prize at the Carnarvon National Eisteddfod in 1877, who is preparing for the harp competition at the forthcoming Birkenhead Eisteddfod. Several selections were played on the harp Ly Master Barker, among them being the competitive selectiohs for the eisteddfod. Each piece received well-merited applause. READING ROOllL-Some time ago, the committee determined to raise funds in aid of this useful institu- tion. On Monday evening a concert took place in St. John's school-room, in aid of the object. The spacious room was crowded. The following programme was gone through Pianoforte solo II Puritani," Miss Handy, Newport; "The Heavens ilig", St. -ii,e tell John's Church choir; "The Death of NelsoD," A1 r. W. D. Williams Then I'd got a letter," Miss S. A. Williams song, Mr. James Rainer The Larboard Watch," Messrs Williams and John comic son C: Mr. Frank Gillman, Newport; "Ye men of Gaza," Miss Codett, Caerphilly; The Raft," Mr. Baker, Caer- philly comic song, Mr. D. Humphreys, "Always do j as T do pianoforte, Harp Elllnne," Miss Handv glee, Huntingsong choir; The Anchor's Weighed," Mr. D. W llliams "The Emigrant's Mother," Miss Jenkius; duet, Messrs. Barker and Williams comic soug, Mr. F. Gillman; "Gathering Shells by the sea shore," Mr. John Williams and char; "The little Beggar Girl," Miss Coslett "Nancv Lee," Mr. Booker; "Could I have my time over again." Mr. David Humphreys.

TENBY. The Tenby magistrates on Monday, sentenced Christopher Claxton to nine days' imprisonment, and ordered him to pay the costs, on a charge of indecent conduct. The decision has created great excitement in the town. On Monday night the windows of the house of Dr. Dyster, the chairman of the bench of magistrates, were smashed.

BRECON. Mr. Henry Richard Procter, eldest son of the late Dr. Procter, of Hay, Breeonshire, has just been un- animously elected mayor of the borough of Smythes- dale, Australia. The Breeonshire magistrates have resolved to memorialise the Government against the closing of their county gaol. I