Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

A PRIZE OF 150 GUINEAS FOR PONTYPOOL. ART UNION OF GREAT BRITAIN. At the head of the list of prizes just issued by this Art Union we find the following "1. 114,079. Pontypool Highland Cattle and Sheep, C. Jones, I- 157 10s." It is with much pleasure that we find that this valuable painting has been won by our esteemed townsman, Mr G. J. Jee, of GJanwern Offices, and we heartily congratulate him on his good fortune. Some papers have stated that the prize fell to the share of Mr C. Jones, Pont- ypool this mistake has arisen in consequence of taking the artist's name for that of the win- ner. By kind permission of Mr Jee, the pic- ture will shortly be exposed to view at Mr Hughes's, stationer. An extraordinary run of luck has been ex- perienced by Mr IIenrv Walters, of the Black Horse inn, Stoke's-croft, Bristol. He has now gained two more prizes at this Art Union, ha- viug won 37 pictures or 22 prizes, in eleven successive drawings. [The LncJcy Office" at which the fortunate ticket, No. 114,079, the winner of the First Prize, was sold, was the oMce of the PoNTYrooL FREE PRESS. Tickets for the next drawing, which will take place on Wednesday, Junc 30th, ?cill be ready in a few days, and may be had at this office,]

LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS. THE FIRE ENGINE has at last been removed from the shed at the top of George-street to the corridor at the Town Hall. There may it rest in peace, with no more undignified squabbling over it, and no necessity for its use. ROMAN CATHOLIC INTERESTS IN SOUTH WALES.— The Marquis of Bute having joined the Church of Rome, the material influence of that church in South Wales will be very materially augmented. The Roman Catholic interest will be most strongly represented, especially in Glamorganshire and Monmouthshire. The Earl of Dunraven, who, on his mother's side, will suc- ceed to avast territory in and around Bridgend, is, like Lord Bute, a convert to Rome. The Joneses of Llanarth and of Clytha, a very old Catholic race, have fine estates almost adjoining the Bute property, and one of the Clytha family (who is now named Herbert), by marry- ing the heiress of Lord Lianover, has added immensely to his landed possessions; so that a whole region may now be said to be in the possession of Roman Catholic heritors. No doubt the cause will receive a considerable impulse, by the Marquis of Bute's conversion, in Cardiff, where there are already two Catholic chapels—one of them a very splendid building. The young Marquis is a great traveller, and fond of the fine arts; but he neither hunts, shoots, nor fishes. There was a report some time ago that he proposed for one of the daugh- ters of the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn, but that the young lady questioned him as to the truth or otherwise of his reported intended secession from the Church of England, when he is said to have replied that he could not give an answer until after (the last) Christmas.— Bristol Times. HOUSEBREAKERS DisCO-VERED.-l' The burglars and housebreakers," says the Peterborough Times, who were thought by some timid persons to have come to this city, are being discovered. If the charges are proved against the accused, they are persons residing in our midst, one being a case of a peculiarly aggravated cha- racter. A young man named Smith is charged with burglaries by entering the dwelling-house of Mr M'Ker- row, with whom he resided, on the Cromwell-road. The parties are travelling drapers. Smith, the accused, had lived with and served prosecutor for a period of three years and a half, after which he started him in I business for himself, supplying him with goods, and allowing him to reside in his house, which he used as his own premises for nearly two years. His custom was to travel a weekly round,' leaving home on Monday and returning on the Saturday following. On Monday, the 12th of October, be started on his journey, and the evidence against him at present is, that he suddenly and clandestinely left it, and returned to Peterborough on the night of the following Thursday, broke into the premises, took therefrom three account books, contain- ing debts to the amount of £ 500, together with £ 23 6s in gold and silver. After closely and minutely inquiring into the case, Superintendent Brooks apprehended the accused on the 16th of December, and he now stands committed for the robbery, the plans for the carrying out of which seem to have been cunningly conceived and adroitly executed. But the keen eye of the super- intendent proved too penetrating; and great credit is due to him for the ability he has displayed in the case." —His activity and vigilance, coupled with large dis- criminating powers, obtained great eclat for Mr Brooks whilst employed as a sergeant in tho Monmouthshire constabulary, and inspector of nuisances, a year or two ago, at Pontypool, and seemed to have qualified him in no ordinary degree for satisfactorily discharging the more onerous and important duties of superintendent of police in the borough already iaamed.-&ommtenicated.

ABERSYCHAN. PoruLAR ENTERTAINMENTS.—The fourth of these social evening amusements was given at the New Inn Assembly rooms, on Tuesday night, the Rev J. Pritch ard presiding. The room was completely filled, and the audience manifested their approval of the readers, singers, &c., by repeated and hearty applause. We ap- pend programme, and may mention that encores were awarded Mr and Miss Lewis in their duet, Messrs Lewis and Lysbon, and E. Kinsey for the" Mocking bird" song, with bird whistle accompaniment. A vote of thanks was passed to the chairman and suitably ac- knowledged. We trust the committee will manage by next Tuesday to have a little more fresh air in the room, which when so thoroughly filled becomes uncomfortably warm. PROGRAMME. Glee—Mr E. Kinsey's choir. Reading—" Gelert "-Mr J. Rees Dnet—" In the Starlight"—Mr and Miss Lewis Reading-Mrs Caudle—Mr F. W. Hughes Song—Miss Lewis Recitations 11 Douglas The Stranger"—Mr D. Crawcour Duet-" All's Well"—Messrs Lewis and Lvshon Scene—From the comedy of Marriage "—Mr Jones and party Reading—" Widow Grimm's law "—Mr Crawcour Song and Chorus—"Mocking bird"—Mr E. Kinsey and choir God Save the Queen.

TALYWAIN. UNITED FRIENDS.—The Waterloo Lodge of this so- ciety, held at Host Wilkinson's, Commercial inn, is, we are glad to learn, increasing in prosperity. The half- yearly audit was held on the 8th, when the books WPre examined by the auditors, PG Win. Howells, I'G Rees Jones, and PG Wm. Richards, who expressed themselves pleased with the manner in which the books were kept by secretary C. Harper.—[We omit the financial state- ment furnished by our correspondent, the insertion of which should be paid for as an advertisement.

BLAENAFON. THE WATCH CASE—On Thursday an action was brought at the Abergavenny County Court, by James Bradshaw, groom, to recover a watch which A. Smith, keeper of the King's Head, Blaenafon, won from him by tossing when he was drunk. The case was not set- tled but the judge advised Smith to give up the watch to Bradshaw. If this be not done, we bear that the case is likely to go to a higher court. THE WORKS.—In consequence of the very long and heavy rains, some of the mine work which lies to the deep has been flooded, causing a deal of inconvenience to the workmen and raastersi. The Company and their agents have exerted themselves to the utmost to keep the mine in working order, and we hope all will be right again in a very short time.

NEWPORT. BOROUGH POLICE, MONDAY.—(Before the Mayor, W. Evans, C. Lyne, and W. Morgan, Esqs.)—John Hodgkiss, a private of the 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Friar's fields. Ordered to be banded over to the military au- thorities.—Mr Wybert Rousby applied for a renewal of the theatrical license for the Victoria-hall. The bouse having been properly conducted and no complaint hav- ing been laid, the application was granted. THE UMEMPLOYED NAVVIES.—At the conclusion of the business of the court the Mayor announced to sever- al navvies who were in the court that he and his bro- ther magistrates bad waited upon the Poor-law Board to see if anything further could be done for their relief, but he was sorry to say that the law was so stringent that nothing further than bread for labour could be given. However, Lord Tredegar and Mr Herbert had each promised to employ from 20 to 30 men, and Mes- srs Thomas and Griffiths, contractors, had also promised to put on some work at the new dock, and if the wea- ther became dry 400 or 500 men would be put on to work. He hoped that the men would continue to be- have as they bad done, as he had not heard a single complaint against them. Ms Rousby, who had not left the court, then generously offered to give a benefit night for the navvies on Wednesday evening. About 250 of these men were entertained at the Temperaucc-hall on Tuesday evening, through the generosity of Henry Phillips, Esq., at whose expense a capital tea was provi- ded. Suitable addresses were afterwards delivered.

LLANYAIR. SERMONS were preached at this place on Sunday last, by Rev Mr Howells, in aid of the fund for defraying the cost of the recent repairs to the church. There was a good attendance both morning and evening, and good collections.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. [It is our rule to select from the Registrar's office, every Thursday, deaths registered up to that day. Notices of deaths that have not been registered should be sent, properly authentieated, to the Editor. -All births and marriages will be charged Oue Shilling each.1 DEATHS. Jan. 4, at Pontnewynydd, aged 12 years, Lemuel, son of Mr John Thomas, labourer at the works. Jan. 5, at Llanithel, aged 68 years, Ann, wife of Mr William Bullworthy, labourer. Jan. 6, at Penleaf Cottage, in the parish of Goytrey, Frances Maria, wife of Richard Colston Mais, Esq., aged 85 Jan. 10, at High-street, Pontypool. aged 10 years, Mary Ann, wife of Mr Meshach Munday, puddler." Jan. 11, at the Tranch, aged 2 years and 6 months, Catherine, daughter of Mr Samuel Collins, iron-miner.

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. THE EXTRAORDINARY CONFESSION OF MURDER. FURTHER PARTICULARS. On Tuesday the remains of the woman who was murdered at Norwich in 1851 were dis- interred for further medical examination. At the time of the murder the medical gentlemen stated that the remains were those of a young person, and if this is now ascertained to be the case the charge against Sheward, the self- accused murderer, can scarcely be sustained, as his wife at the time of her disappearance was bctv.n titty a. d bixty. The inquiry was resumed on Wednesday morning. After a lengthened examination, Sheward was further remanded. The evi- dence taken referred to the discovery of por- tions of a human body in 1851. No medical evidence was gone into this day.

GREAT MEETING OF RITUALISTS. The adjourned meeting at Freemasons'-hall, London, to consider the course to be pursued by the Ritualists in consequence of the recent judgment in the case of Martin y.Mackonochie, was held on Tuesday. Admission was by let- ters of invitation only, which were sent to all the clergy known as using altar lights or otherwise specially interested in the judgment, the chairmen of branches, and other leading members of the E.C.U., as well as all known sympathisers in the Catholic movement, not being members of the E.C.U." Among other resolutions carried was one leaving the ques- tion of obedience to the decision of the Privy Council to individual priests. The Rev Mr Mackonochie declared that the time had come when the Church should demand to be de- livered from the burthen of its connexion with the State. Mr Strange, of Farrington-street, London, writes to the Times concerning the strange ri "I disappearance of his secretary, Mr Roche. This gentleman left London last Tuesday week for the purpose of transacting some business at Bath, and, if necessary, afterwards at Bristol. He was to have called upon'the manager of the Bath theatre, but that gentleman has written to say that he has not seen him. Air Roche should have returned on Wednesday 1 evening, but no tidings have yet been learned respecting him, and the probabilities are that if any ordinary accident had happened to him he would have communicated with Mr Strange or his wife. It is to be hoped that the publi- city given to Mr Strange's statement will lead to some tidings of the missing gentleman. The Ultramontane leaders in Ireland have writlen to the National Association of Dublin declaring' that they will stoutly oppose any compromise on the Irish Church question, and that nothing less than complete disendowmeut will satisfy them. Cardinal Cullen states that a Catholic country cannot rest content with any but the denominational system of educa- tion.

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MONMOUTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE. A preliminary meetingW this recently-orga- nised institution was held at the Beaufort Arms Hotel, Monmouth, on Monday, when T. W. Oakley, Esq presided, and there was a numerous attendance of county gentlemen and agriculturists. The rules of the association having been read by Mr J. S. Stone, the chair- man made some remarks urging the importance of an alteration in the system of local taxatron, which, he contended, pressed unfairly on the landed interest, and gave undue relief to per- sonal property. In a desultory conversation the same views were enunciated by Mr Ber- rington, Mr Stratton, Mr Fowler Price, Mr Pybus, Mr Stone, and other gentlemen, and it was stated that the subject would come on for discussion at the next general meeting, to be held in February.

THE PROPOSED CONFERENCE. CONSTANTINOPLE, TUESDAY. — The Ottoman Government, iu reply to a communication from the Marquis de la Valette, relative to the pro- ceedings at the first sitting of the Conference, has informed the French Minister for Foreign Affairs that Turkey will do nothing to aggravate the statu quo, adding, however, that it has no measures to suspend, the decree expelling Greeks from Turkish territories having been already re- voked. Regarding the closing of the Ottoman ports against Greek ships, the Government says that it will await the result of the Conference before adopting that course. PARIS, WEDNESDAY EVENING.—The following is a summary of the view's expressed by tiio semi-official newspapers of this evening" npon the attitude taken by Greece at the Conference. The Public says that the attitude of the Greek Government has created a very delicate situa- tion, which may produce great political embar- rassment. Should the conference be dissolved, the two contending parties would be brought face to face, and an armed conflict would then be inevitable. The Public adds its belief that Greece will yield to the representations of the plenipotentiaries. SPAIN. General Dulce has asked for a reinforcement of 4000 men. They will leave for Cuba in the course of the present month. General Caballero de Rodas has returned to Madrid. The Epoca publishes a notification asserting that the candidature of Prince Amadeus of Italy has been agreed upon between one of the mem- bers of the Provincial Government, General Cialdini, and the French Minister that the scheme has also the support of Senor Olozaga, at Paris, and was approved by the Emperor. TURKEY. CONSTANTINOPLE, TUESDAY.'—Particulars aro published of the capture of the Cretan Insur- rectionary Government, after a fight resulting in the death of four of their members. Their archives fell into the hands of the military, and are said to contain highly compromising correspondence. ITALY. FLORENCE, TUESDAY.—The Chamber of Depu- ties reassembled to-day, but there was no quorum. No further disturbances are reported, and order has been restored throughout the kingdom. INDIA. BOMBAY, Dkclmler 26TH.—(Fm Brindisi.)— The Earl and Countess of Mayo and Lord Napier reached Bombay on the night of the 19lh, and landed on Sunday morning. Great preparations had been made for their public reception, but the proceedings were marred owing to the fact of the day of their arrival being Sunday. It is reported from Aflghanistan that Shore All Khan has become possessed of the territory in Turkistan, where his nephew, Abdul Rahman, had previously ruled. CALCUTTA, DEC. 22.Sir,Tolll1 Lawrence will not leave India before the end of January, Lord Mayo having asked him to prolong his stay. The native chiefs and nobles of the Punjaiib are actively preparing a farewell address to Sir John Lawrence. Relief committees have -been established in the north-west provinces, in consequence of the famine. Some rain had fallen in the north-west and central provinces, causing a reduction in the price of food.

JloUowajfs Ointment and Pillq.-Sciati(-a, Rheumatism.—The very sound of these names carries terror to the minds of all who have once experienced the torments of these direful dis- eases, though Holloway has pointed out a method of relief that should give the mosit de- spondent sufferer renewed courage and refresh. ing hope. After the afflicted parts have been dulv fomented with tepid brine and carefully dried, this Ointment should be patiently aud perseveringly rubbed upon the skin thus pre- pared for itss" reception, and these Pills should be taken in doses as prescribed in the iiistl-uc- tions." This course will conduct the severest- forms of tic, Deuralgia, rheumatism, and gout to an easy resolution, rcduco the swelling, relax the tightened tendons, and strengthen the nerve- less limb. Luxuriant and Drautifllllhir is the distinguishing badge of Youth." M us S. A. ALI,E-N S WORLD'S IIAIK RESTORER OR Ditr.ssixo never fails to quickly restore GrillI or Faded Hair to its youthful colour and beautv, and with the first application a beautiful gloss and delightful fragrance is given to the Ihir. It stors the Hair from fallin 0if. It prevents baldness. It promotes luxuriant growth it causes the Hair to grow thick and strong. ""It mnovts all dandruff. It con- tains neither oil nor dyo. In large bottles r-Priee Six Shillings. ZVLOEALSUM (MRS S A. ALI.KN'S) f:ir excels any Pomade or Hair Oil. To those whose Hair is naturally drv, requiiing frequent dressing, its cheap- ness and great value will be proved. Its early use on Children's Hair will insure an abundant and bountiful supply front I outh to Old Age. 1 n large Hot ties — I 'rice Three Shillings. Sold by most Chemists, and Peifumers, Depot, 266, High Holborn, London.

V ARTEG HILL. A PURLlC SUPPER, in connection with the Mountain Home Lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, took place on Thursday at the house of Mr J. Pugh, Crown Inn. There was a good attendance, and the room was nicely decorated 9W the occasion with a variety of evergreens, &c. After supper, which had been sump- tuously got up by the worthy host and hostess, Bro J. A. Kelly, P.G., of the Ilanbury Arms, was voted to the chair, assisted in the vice-chair by Bro Harwell, P.G., of Blaenafon, and supported by Brothers Williams (agent), Harris, Tucker, and Townsend. The chairman opened the meeting with an able address, and after go- ing through the loyal and patriotic toasts, proposed as the toast of the evening The Board of Directors and Manchester Unity of the Independent Order of Odd- fellows, remarking that it was one of the oldest and best societies in existence. It was well managed, being governed by good and efficient officers, and its branches extended, not only throughout the British Isles, but in all parts of the world. Lodges bad been opened in India, Australia, Africa, America, and other distant places and he was happy to say that any Oddfellow, having occasion to visit any of those remote places, was sure of meeting brothers with whom he could associate, and from whom, in case of need, he would receive a helping hand. (Cheers.) After further dilating on the advantages of Oddfellowship, the chairman resumed his seat, and Bro Townsend favoured the company with some very amusing poetical recitations., .The chairman next gave The Blaenafon District," and Success to Mountain Home Lodge," both of which were acknow- ledged by Bro W. Williams, deputy grand master, who said the financial department of the district was in a flourishing position—they were accumulating money quaiter after quarter. The managing officers were a staff of men worthy of the highest praise. They con- ducted the affairs of the district to the satisfaction of the lodges, and every time he attended their meetings he found pleasant discussions going on. and the best feeling existing among them. He would give one in- stance of their generosity, in the case of a deceased member of Mountain Home Lodge. In the order of nature a young man of this lodge was cut down before the date of his free membership; consequently, there was no claim to funeral benefits. The Blaenafon Dis- trict were not heedless of the affair. They presented the lodge with a gift of £ 5 and he was happy to say the Mountain Home Lodge, including that amount, made the funeral donation up in full, as it was their custom to be as liberal as possible in all cases of distress. The current allowance of the lodge is 10s. a week to the sick, and should the demands on the sick funds exceed the receipts, the members were unanimous in putting their hands as deep in their pockets as was necessary to keep the payments good. Bro Williams then went through a statement of the funds, which appeared to be healthy, and resumed his seat amid great cheering Among the toasts which followed was that of" The Tron and Coal Trades," in responding to which, MrWilliams (agent) took occasion to remark that the success of the operations in the immediate neighbourhood, upon which so many families depended, was mainly due to Mr Handel Cossham, Mr J. T. Edmonds, and Messrs Part- ridge and Jones.The vice-chairman.who also acknow- ledged the toast, said that during the last twelvemonths two furnaces had been blown in at Blaenafon, and ano- ther would shortly be ready for lighting, which he cou- sidercd reflected great honour upon MrPaton as a proof of his excellent managempnt. The health of the worthy host, hostess, and family," having been duly honoured, Mr Pugh replied in suitable terms, remarking that nothing could afford him greater pleasure than to promote in any way in Lis power the sucecss of the Mountain Home Lodge and the comfort of its members. ..The healths of the chairman and vice-chairman having been severally given and responded to, the meeting broke up, everything having passed off in the most pleasant manner.

THE BRISTOL ELECTION RIOTS. The trial of Mr IV, ttlins, attorney, and John Cunningham, charged with rioting on the day of polling at the last Bristol election, was con- cluded on Wednesday, before the Recorder, Mr Sergeant Kinglake, M P. After an absence of four hours, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. The announcement was received with much cheering. The naval court-martial on Capt. Wilmshurst, R.N., terminated on Wednesday. The charges against him were for improperly purchasing, for the sum of £ 20, a portion of the cargo of a vessel called the Bremensis, which was wrecked on the island of Ascension, and afterwards selling it for his own benefit for £303. This transaction was considered unbecoming the conduct of an officer. The court decided that the charges were not proved, and honourably acquitted the defendant. Lord Halifax presided at the annual soiree of the Halifax Mechanics' Institute on Tuesday evening. In the course of a long address, hia lordship declared himself in favour of a univer- sal system of education, based upon local taxa- tion, and aided by the National Treasury. This education be would make compulsory with re- spect to the children of criminals, paupers, and vagrants because, whatever the cost might be, the country would gain by tho improved cha- racter of its population. If the people were convinced of the advantages of education, com- pulsion might not be needed at any rate, it would be more easily enforced.