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r DEATH OF JOHN FROST, THE…
r DEATH OF JOHN FROST, THE CHA11TIST. There passed awa.y on Saturday last, at our neigh- bouring village, Stapleton, and at the patriarchal age of 93 year, a gentleman who, although he has for some ytsars past lived in such perfect retirement that the world ma.y be almost said to have lost sight of him, at one time played a very stirring part in a great political movement, a.nd even went to the extreme point of at- tempting to overturn by force of arms the existing form of Governiue-it. We allude to Mr John Frost, whom everybody must hare heard or read of AS a famous and condemned Chartist leader. Mr Frost's death recalls one of the most troublous epochs in modern political his- tory. An agitation had been set on foot for enforcing on the Government and Parliament what was designated the People's Charter." Sundry agitators, prominent amongst whom were Mr Feargus O'Connor, Mr Julian Harvey, Mr Joseph Rayner Stephens, Mr IIy. Vincent, and others, were the prime promoters of the movement, and they, by their violent language, succeeded in draw- ing around them a larg nuinberofsyiupathisers amongst the rough colliery and mining populations of the North of England and South Wales, as well as in some districts of London, at Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, and other parts of England. It was an axiom of the Chart- ists that until their pet measure was adopted the people of England were living in a state of political serfdom, and some of their orators made no secret of their resolve to obtain its acceptance even, if necessary, at the cannon's mouth or the point ot the bayonet. Mr John Frost, in the month of November, 1839, car- ried on the business of a draper at Newport, Monmouth- Fhire. He was a member of the Town Council, and had just quitted the office of layor; and took very strong views upon political questions, his respect for things as they were not having probably been much heightened by the fact that he had in the course of his career been fined £ 1000 to the Crown and imprisoned for six months in the Coldbathfields Prison for a trenchant pamphlet which h« wrote reflecting upon a gentleman named Prothero. When the Chartist movement was on foot, Mr Frost, who wns a man of considerable ability and very earnest as a politician, allied himself to it, and was amongst the persons of social influence by whom it was fostered in Monmouthshire and South Wales. Some of the language in which he indulged in connexion with the question led to his being called upon by Lord John Russell to resign his position as a magistrate. He, however, refused in a well-written and spirited letter, and no further hostile action was taken by the Government. It is not our pur- pose to pursue the history of the Chartist rebellion fur- ther than as necessary to elucidate the history of Mr Frost. A plot was formed, by which it was agreed that the Chartists in the Monmouthshire and Welsh hills should march armed upon Newport, that they should take possession of the town, and destroy the bridge so as to prevent the travelling of the mails, and tha.t the non- arrival of tha mails in the North should be the signal for a simultaneous rising there. This rebel army was divided into three corps. Frost was commander of one, Zephaniah Williams, a colliery manager and tavern- keeper of Machen, of a second, and Wm. Jones, a watch- maker, of Pontypool, of the third corps. Several thou- sands of men enlisted under these three leaders, and armed with what was known as the Chartist pike," with guns and mandrils, they on the night of the 3rd of November, 1839, marched upon Newport, reaching that town at two o'clock on the morning of the 4th. Frost's corps was the first to reach, Williams's was some ten mi- nutes late, and Jones's did not get far beyond Malpas. Mr Thomas Phillips, the Mayor of Newport, (who was afterwards knighted), having obtained information of the proposed attack, assembled with other magistrates at the Westgate Hotel, at the bottom of Stow-hill, in which were placed some thirty or forty soldiers, and there awaited the attack. Frost having, as he neared the town, learnt the situation from some beys, divided his forces into two and marched five abreast to the hotel, where they attempted to obtain an entrance, and fired several shots, wounding the Mayor twice, and also in- juring some others amongst those in the hotel. Upon this the soldiers fired, and killed several of the Chartists, amongst whom a panic ensued, and they were speedily routed. For this rebellious act, Frost and Jones and Williams, and several Gthers, vere tried in January, 1840, before a special commission at Monmouth, presided over by the Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, Sir Nicho- las C. Tyndall.'and Mr Justice Williams. The Attorney and Solicitor Generals, Mr Sergeant Talfourd, M.P., Mr Sergeant Ludlow, Mr Whiteside, and Mr Talbot ap- peared as counsel for the Crown; and Sir Frederick Pollock, M.P., Mr Fitzroy Kelly, M.P., and Mr Thomas for the prisoners. As they elected to sever their cases, Mr Frost was first tried alone. The indictment charged him under four counts-first, with levying war against the State second, with compassing the deposition of her Majesty the Queen third, with compassing to levy war against the Quoen. The evidence was conclusive, and the jury returned a verdict of guilty, with a recommend- ation to mercy, as they also afterwards did in the cases of Jones and Williams. The Lord Chief Justice passed upon the prisoners the sentence for high treason—viz., to be drawn on a hurdle to the place of execution, then to be hanged till dead, and then to be decapitated and quartered, their bodies to be afterwards disposed of as di- rected by her Majesty. At wie trial, a curious legal objection was taken against receiving the evidence of any one of the witnesses. It appeared that the true bill against the prisoners was returned on the 11th December. On the 12th copies of the indictment were delivered to them, and on the 17th, five days afterwards, they were served with a list of the witnesses. It was objected by Sir Frederick Pollock and Mr Fitzroy Kelly that as the 7th Anne, cap. 21, sec. 11, required that the list of the witnesses should be delivered with the indictment at least ten days before the trial," the law had not been complied with, an,l no witness could be heard. The Lord Chief Justice considered the point so important that he reserved it for the opinion of the judges. Their Lord- ships, on being afterwards appealed to, were divided re- specting it, and, although a majority ruied in favour of the Crown, it was not thought well, in the face of the doubt, to carry out the death penalty, The sentence was consequently commuted to transportation, and Mr Frost and his companions were sentenced to the penal settle- ment at Van Diemen's Land. In 1856, after he had undergone sixteen years' punishment, a Royal pardon was granted to him, and he returned to his family and country. At first he appeared a little before the public after his arrival, as a lecturer. Since then industrious penny-a-liners and sensation-mongers have inter- viewed' him, and at intervals more than once his death has been prematurely announced. The winter of his eventful life has, however, been paesed in modest retire- ment, in respect wherever truly known, and in the af- fections of all immediately connected with him. So runs the obituary in the Bristol Daily Pott of a man who, under some circumstances, might possibly have made an honourable figure in hi-to-ry -perhaps have been immortalised in an epic, or perpetuated by a statue, and held in perennial remembrance by a grateful posterity. Aged 93 years Only think what a man may do in 93 years! Some (let us say Keats) have found less than a third of that time sufficient to make a lasting mark in the annals of their country. But 93 Will the reader oblige us by going back 93 years, and observing what events have occurred—what great or celebrated men have flourished- during that period. In 1784, when John Frost was mewling and puking in his nurse's arms," America was in the first year of her independence, and two great authors died, Dr. Johnson and Sir John Fielding, the former being the compiler of the most author- ative English Dictionary, and the latter the creator of the most perfectly original work of fiction in the English language. In the same year died, very suddenly, at Rouen, in Normandy, Mr. John Hanbury, M.P., (father of the late C. H. Leigh, Esq). At that time there did not exist in Monmouthshire a tramway or canal. Two years later an iron rail-road was con- structed at Coalbrook Dale but not until 1796, when the canal was opened between Newport and Pontypool, was there any other mode of transit for the produce of Blaenavon and Blaen- dare Ironworks, than that afforded by the backs of horses and mules. In 1791 died John Wesley, (at the age of 88), and in 1793, the Rev. Edward Jones, (the" Prophet of the Tranch,") aged 91 years and 7 months; and if we go back that lengthened term, (something less than the lifer time of John Frost,) we are carried from the 40th year of the reign of Victoria, through the reigns of William 4th, George 4th, George 3rd, 2nd, and 1st, to the days of Queen Anne, when the country was excited, not by the atrocities of I Turks and Russians, but, glorious victories of Marlborough, and thejudieial atrocities of Jeffreys. Somewhere about this time (namely, 1712,) died Richard Cromwell, (son of the great Protector), at the patriarchal age of 90; so that, two pro- tracted lives added to that of John Frost, land us in the days immediately following those of Shakespear and Lord Bacon, and immediately preceding those of the great patriot, John Hampden. Thus we bring together John Hampden and John Frost; and with very small stretch of the imagination we might conceive them changing places in history; for, doubtless, had the latter lived in the days of Charles the First, he would have joined the Commonwealth; and had the former lived in the days of the agitation for the Six Points," he would have been a Chartist. But let us see what other circumstances of local or general interest have been comprised in the period of John Frost's eventful life. In 1793, when he was in the ninth year of his boyhood, the King and Queen of France were beheaded, and England made preparations for a war with that countiy, which ( nl)- terminated-at Waterloo, in 1815. During these stirring times, when history was written in blood, the character of John Frost was formed, and doubtless partook of the vehement nature of those violent days. Lord Howe and the defeat of the French fleet- the executions of Danton and Robespierre-the battles of St. Vincent, the Nile, and Marengo— the Mutiny of the Nore—the Execution of Robert Emmett—Austerlitz and Trafalgar-the Trials of Horne Tooke, Burdett, and Cobbett-the Resto- ration of the Bourbons-the Peterloo Massacre — such were the topics of general conversation throughout England; and we may be sure that in all these topics Frost took no small part. Long before there was any talk of Chartism we find indications of the bent of Frost's mind. In 1821, he issued a pamphlet bearing the following title:- A Letter to Thomas Prothero, Attorney at Law; Agent to Sir Charles M"r-jan, Baronet, of Tredegar, M. P.; Agent to Sir Pwbt. James A'lard Kemeya; Agent to Thomas Nixon, Esq.; Treasurer of the Caerleon Charity; Treasurer and Deputy 1 Sheriff for the County of Monmouth, and Town Clerk of Newport. By John Frost, Newport. "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye DEVOUR WIDOWS' HOUSES.Matt. chap. xxiii, verse 1-1. The Jewish scribes, those plunderers of old, Devour' the produce of the land, we're told; E'on widows felt the grasping of this set, For with them all was lish that came to net; But Christian, scribes the Jewish scribes outdo, They swallow houses and the widows too! Published as the Act directs. Cardiff: Printed for the Author, by Samuel Etheridge, of Hampden Cottage, near Newport, Monmouthshire, 1821. Price One Shilling." This pamphlet, which is a good specimen of Frost's trenchant style of writing, is thus introduced:— Well, Tom, all your bothering and all your blustering have ended in smoke! Your wrath bubbled up a little scum only! Ha, ha, ha! You were afraid to bring the letter forward! Faith! you acted wisely. But what a pretty figure you cut! You come before a jury selected by yourself; you tell this jury that I had committed a breach of the law; that you are desirous of punishing me for this supposed breach; and, after the jury had given you the power to bring me to trial, you drop the affair; and solely because you were afraid that your practices as an attorney would be exposed. I think that no man can be placed in a state of greater degradation than to be under the thumb of a lawyer. The black hole at Calcutta was in- finitely preferable to this. Beware how you rouse the lion; sleep is nearly departing from him; if once his anger should be kindled, and he should put his paw on you, you would return to Usk in a pitiable plight. Do you think that the spirit which formerly distinguished the inhabitants of this country is become extinct P You are mistaken; the day of reckoning is not distant when writs of error, and special pleas, and affida- vits will avail but little. Let every one who has been robbed by lawyers keep an account. I have thirty-three charges, clear specific charges, against these learned gentlemen, and I look with as much certainty to obtain redress as I do for the day of my dissolution. It is impossible* that the country will much longer suffer these robbers to proceed with impunity; the cry of the oppressed has ascended up to heaven, and it will not be very long before justice, ample and complete, will be obtained." The above extracts will suffice to show the spirit of the letter and the author's style of writing. The facts involved in the matter were all personal ones, with which the present gene- ration are not concerned. It is not surprising that a pamphlet such as we have quoted from led to further proceedings. (To bejzontinued in our next).
PONTYPOOL.I LOCAL GOVERNMENT…
PONTYPOOL. I LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD. "r- The monthly meeting of the above board was held on Friday. Present Messrs E. H. Davies (chairman), J. Bevan, T. Fletcher, G. Gorrell, T. Roderick, P. Eckersley, J. Knipe, R. Jones, and G. Wilton. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. FINANCE. Mr T. Fletcher, speaking in reference to the finances, said the board were indebted to the bank in the sum of £ 145 5s. 3d. the wages for the month amounted to t25 13s. 3d., and bills to £ 2 16s. Id. The collector (Mr Jones), during the past month, had brought in a sum of £ 101 9s. when the wages and bilis for the month had been paid, the debt would be zEl73 14s. 7d. Mr Eckersley thought the board was indebted in the sum of 1145 5s 3d it was not right to in- clude the expenses for another month as form- ing part of the debt of the present month. MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT AND NUISANCES. Tiie medical officer's report was read, as fol- lows :— Gentlemen,—I beg to report that eight deaths only were registered as having occurred in your district during the month of June; but the causes of death, being only ordinary, require no comment. i During the quarter ending June 30th, the deaths were-April, 10: May, 7; J une, 8: total, 25. The death- rate was 20.6 per 1000 per annum. I regret to inform you that measles has become very prevalent during the present and last months, although few deaths have resulted from it in your district. My attention has been called by the inhabitants of West Place to the nuisance at the back of the King's Head, which has existed for a considerable time, arising from the keeping of pigs, the accumulation of filth, and the boiling and stirring up of offal for pigs' food, &c. I have visited the place, and advised as to removal- but your inspector informed me that promises only are made —the nuisance is at times abated, but not removed. No pigs should be allowed to be kept there, nor anywhere else shut up between houses. The stench arising from the above nuisance makes the neighbours sick at times and prevents them taking their food. J. WILLIAMS, M.D. The portion of the above report referring to the nuisance was confirmed by a letter received from Mr James Ellis, West Place. The iuspector said it did not matter about the distance that pigs were kept from houses if I pigs were a nuisance anywhere, they were liable to be removed. Mr Roderick The board must take notice of letters of this kind. The inspector said he had spoken to Mr Pro- byn several times respecting the matters re- ferred to in the medical officer's report. Mr Probyu said he was going to got rid of the pigs the drainage he would attend to as soon as some houses which he was building were completed. Mr Eckersley c If Mr Probyn disposes of the pigs, we can allow the drainage question to stand over for a week or two. Mr Roderick Is there not a slaughter-house in the yard ? One is as bad as the other. Mr Eckersley Mr Probyn has promised to get rid of the pigs, and the offal boiling will then be done away with. The subject dropped. THE NEW ROAD AND THE WIDENING ÐP GEORGE-ST. Mr Eckersley said, with reference to the ap- plication by this board for an inspector to come and view the site of the proposed new road lie would remind them that during the last inquiry it was several times stated that the board had in contemplation the widening of George-street near the Full Moon the same thing had also been stated in communications made to the Local Government Board, London. It seemed to him they would be lacking in their duty, if at the same time they did not take this question into consideration. The #1.500 they had applied for was a separate and distinct affair from street improvement question he thought the board ought to get Mr Deacon to make a tracing of the street near the Full Moon, so that the widen- ing scheme would be one of the objects of hia visit. Chairman The first step would he to find whether the property could bo purchased. Mr Eckersley I understood a committee was appointed to see the owners. Chairman There was a committee appointed in that and Mr Masters' case, but it was thought to be unwise to go into both schemes at once, Mr Eckersley understood that two of the owners were willing to sell he thought it ad- visable that the question should immediately be taken into consideration; so that an arrange- ment may be come to, aud have the iuspector down at once. Chairman And the first thiijg ho would sav wouia ut7, 1-nu-Biicoi ra vao unirow near the Greyhound to widen this." (Laughter.) Mr Eckersley If they are foolish at London, I don't think we need be more foolish than they are. The chairman thought if the scheme received no opposition from any of the parties, there would be no opposition to the improvement. Mr E kersley suggested that a committee be appointed to confer with the parties interested in the properties. Mr Bevan proposed that a committee, consist- ing of the chairman, and Messrs Fletcher, Gor- rell, and Eckersley, be appointed. This was seconded by Mr Roderick, and car- ried unanimously. PLAN8. A plan, presented by Mr Feiling for the erection of a house and shop in Georgo street was passed, subject to the bye-laws being ad- hered to, and sufficient space for ventilation being provided at the back of the building. A plan of house, to be built in Cae Nicholas for Rev. T. LI. Jones, was likewise passed, sub- ject to the bye-laws being carried out. THE PUBLIC LAMPS. Mr Fletcher called attention to the fact that the board used to have two or three lamps in stock, but owing to tho severe weather during the last twelve months they had not any lamps in stock at present. He thought it would be advisable to have a few lamps in stock. Surveyor We also require two lamps for the Town Hall. I It was agreed to pujehase the lamps. Mr Eckersley thougH in having a lamp near the Town Hall they ought to have some coloured glass, with "police station" on. A LAMP FOR TH! FIRE BRIGADE. A report was lead fran P.s. Young respecting the xeceut fire on the premises occupied by Mr Jolhffe in the old Japan House, and requesting the board to supply tileire. brigade with a lamp for thevpurpose of exanitiing premises where fires would in future octur. Mr Roderick proposed that a lamp be pur- chased and handed overdo P.s. Young. Mr Eckersley seconder the proposition, which was put to the meeting ard carried uuanimously. Mr Fletcher pointed ott the want of drainage in C'jedcae Field. There was some discusiion on the question, and the matter then dropped through. Mr Bevan moved for thi reading of the mi- nute having reference tl the surveyor's in. crease of salary. I- The clerk was requestetfto produce the book containing the minute lefe red to at the next meeting of the board. ALLEGED BUILDING ENCROACIMENT BY A MEMBER OF THE BOARD.—LIVELY PROCEEDINGS. A difficulty respecting Ir J. Bevan's new building, in Clarence-street was referred to. Mr Stephens suggested tilt the question be considered in committee. Some of the members conerred. Mr Eckersley thought as his was a matter which affected a member o, the local board, what was said and done shoud be above board. As far as resolving the boar into committee and excluding the reporter, h would not agree to it. Mr Roderick thought like'ise. What was said on the subject should go btore the pnublic. Mr Fletcher Then in justice shall call upon the surveyor to state the case. Mr Stephens then entered intun explanation. When Mr Bevan had nearly inished taking down his old building, he askeihim (Mr Ste- phens) to measure the distant between the wall and the kerb of the path tray did so; but previously the Street Committee had made a measurement, and Mr Bevan askd the gentle- men composing that committee it would not be better for him to take the curv off the front of the house, aud make the new buding square. On Tuesday previous he heard S/eral parties say that Mr Bevan's building projjted from 18 inches to 2 feet into the roadway. He met Mr Fletcher shortly afterwards, and sssed a re- mark that he thought Mr Bevan h< come out beyond his original line. He tl\ measured across one angle at the nearest pOll, and there found that iustead of the distance ting 3 feet 91 inches, it was only 3 feet 3 in8: and at the other point of the corner it wasuly 3 feet 1 inch a little lower the encroacment was only 6 inches. Mr Wilton (to Mr Bevan) It ist wonder you did not understand this whilst tl building was being put up. Mr Bevan We^will go into that presently. I Mr Wilton We are into it now. Mr Stephens: At the end nearest Mr Mor- gan's tho distance from the building to the kerb was 5 feet it is now only 4 feet 11 inches, so that the encroachment is from 1 inch to 8 inches. Mr Bevan said he was prepared to adopt cer- tain means which would effectually answer the charge brought against him that day he would make certain alterations which would improve the appearance of his honse and the encroach- ment. Mr Eckersley: You admit an encroachment? Mr Bevan To a certain extent. Mr Stephens has made a statement with reference to the first resolution, and that is correct. When he (Mr Bevan) was about to build, he considered that in the excited state of the public mind with reference to other buildings, people would say, or, at least, fancy, that his new building was out of line and he took the precaution to hav-b the measurement taken between the then exist- ing building and the line of kerbing which is undisturbed now. He made the sketch in his own pocket-book, and set down the various dis- tances, on April 26th, 1877. He superintended the setting up of the wall at different points and he would say that the figures were pretty correct, with the exception of one part where Mr Stephens said it was an inch narrower it was only 1 of an inch, and the reason of that was that his plinth was thicker than that of the adjoining house, and so narrowed the pathway a little. He could assure them, as a member of the board, that he would rather give a yard than take a single inch from the board, because he was not tied for room in the place and he would much rather have gone back than come out, because he knew he would be watched very narrowly. He had been called away to the Usk Quarter Sessions for two days, and it wasduring the time that he was away the corner here com- plained of was set np, so that this particular corner had been done without his knowledge. He had not noticed it till the previous Tuesday evening, there being a hoarding and a heap of mortar in front of it. The encroachment ex- tends about Gi or 7 inches at the angle, and this encroachment included the plinth. He regretted exceedingly that any encroachment had been made—and he would admit that these explana- tions did not answer the charge effectually- but he would direct their attention to extenu- ating circumstances in connection with this affair which should not be entirely overlooked. At one part he had set his now building back 6! inches and he could say he had given the board three times as much land as he had taken from them. The board would virtually pay George-street people for paving in front of their own houses now he had always advocated that property-owners should do the whole of their paving and hand it over in good condition to the board, and he intended to pave in front of his shop. Again, when the shop is open the corner will be thoroughly well lit: whereas, no lamp is within 40 feet of it at the present time. There was also the probability of a road coming out where this encroachment extends, and this road would relieve the traffic very much and he would make an especial point of the line given across the doorway. He regretted very much that Mr Stephens pursued the course he did in reference to thismatter; instead of coming to him (Mr Bevan) he had gone to other people and spoken about it. He thought Mr Stephens had neglected his duty very much in not seeing that the foundations were properly laid. Chairman I think not the burden lies with you. Mr Bevan I think Mr Stephens has- served me very unneighbourly he has spoketi to an- other man Chairman: I think yon should not go into personal matter. Mr Bevan lIe has made a personal matter of it! Why shouldHie treat me so ? Chairman I appeal to the board, and ask them is it wise to go into personal matters be- tween Mr Stephens and Mr Bevan ? Mr Bevan He has sat in a bar saw it wrong; and I dare say he has laughed in his sleeve, and said, "I'll make him pull it all down again." j He should have come to me like a gentleman Mr Roderick We cannot go into this matter at all. I would make a suggestion If Mr Bevan has anything to bring forward against our sur- veyor, let him do it in an official way, but not now this has nothing to do with the case. Mr Bevan I say it has to do with the case, and am perfectly warrant«*«*■ to the i Knew nothing of the encroach- ment until Tuesday evening, when Mr Stephens comes to me and says, You have encroached." Mr Stephens I think I should defend my- self. Chairman Here it is. We shall go on to infinity. Mr Eckersley What does Mr Bevan mean to do ? Mr Bevan said he intended to cut away part of the plinth and part of the brick-work. If he cut four inches off each, he presumed that would do. Mr Eckersley If he can do away with the encroachment, it is not for us to inquire how it should be done. Mr Bevan We are willing to do the best we can. Mr Eckersley Five minutes on the spot would decide the whole affair. Mr Bevan If you wish to hold an inquest over it yon may. Mr Wilton (to Mr Bevan) Well. I blame Mr Stephens as well as you. Chairman If Mr Bevan has anything to say against our surveyor officially, let him say it. Mr Fletcher proposed that a committee of the whole board proceed to inspect the pre mises. Mr Roderick Let us adjourn this case till the next board day. Mr Stephens entered into an explanation, say- ing that he had received constant complaints about the state of the road near Mr Bevan's I building. He had gone to Mr Bevan repeatedly, telling him he should put up a hoarding, but he had never done it. He had been told that Mr Bevan went beyond his line in building. He told those who made the assertion that he had not. Ho (Mr Stephens) then met Mr Fletcher, and, as chairman of the streets committee, he was the proper person to go to. He then went straight to Mr Bevan and told him of it. He emphatically denied that be had spoken to any one else about the matter. Mr Bevan You told the chairman. Mr Stephens I'll take my oath that I did not. Chairman He never spoke to me on the sub- ject. Mr Stephens continued that he had no ill- will against Mr Bevan. When the encroach- ment was first discovered he proposed as lenient a measure as possible. Mr Bevan here made an observation, where- upon Mr Stephens retaliated, and said he would demand an apology from Mr Bevan. Mr Bevan and Mr Stephens absorbed the re- maining portion of the discussion. A scene ensued the climate began to grow quite tro- pical in its temperature; "sound and fury" reigned supreme and, in the midst of the scene, the members quickly rose from their seats, and made their exit. An adjourned meeting of the board was held
THE COLORADO BEETLE, or POTATO…
THE COLORADO BEETLE, or POTATO BUG. The fear that this terrible pest may have found its way to these shores is so natural, when its great numbers are considered, as well as the difIl- culty which has hitherto been experienced in at- tempting to exterminate it, that no one can wonder at the expressions of anxiety which are so very generally met with. The ravages cpmmitted by it in America, wlfere the extent of territory is al- most boundless when compared with this small country, have been so considerable as to cause the greatest alarm wherever it has appeared. The rate of progress caused by its amazing increase of numbers is such, that only a very few years would suffice to place the whole of Great Britain within its relentless grasp; and as it exhibits a charm- ingly accommodating spirit, by transferring ita devouring attentions, when the potato plants are all destroyed, to others which are nearly as useful, indeed one might say as necessary, as the potato, the effect of its introduction here would be most disastrous; and possibly, as regards those crops on which it is pleased to prey, nearly akin to famine. Some of our learned societies have given the subject their serious attention; and, to show their appreciation of its importance, Professor Tennant was lately sent down from London to Hereford, expressly to find out whether the beetle lately dis- covered in large numbers there, and supposed by the inhabitants to be the dreaded Colorado beetle, were really so or not. He found the insect in question to be the seven-spotted ladybird (coct* nella septempunctata), a friend, instead of a foe, to the agriculturists; and so allayed the excitement which had been felt, pot only in Hereford, but throughout the neighbouring counties, as the newa had been extensively circulated in the newspapersi before the verdict of the learned Professor had become known. This incident shows how necessary it is for the public generally to be made acquainted with the appearance of this beetle, not only that it may be killed when found and precautions taken for the destruction of eggs, larvae, &c., which may other- wise remain in the ground, but that false alarms may be rendered impossible by iinproveel know-, ledge, and towards this end, we are pleased to see a capital colored plate, which has been published by Messrs. Hardwick & Bogue, of London, show-, ing the beetle in its natural size, and also very greatly magnified. The natural size cut is a very good representation of the beetle, sufficiently like for identification, and to give those persons who. have not seen the insect itself, a tolerably correct idea of it. The utility of the magnified size ia not so apparent, as it is so greatly enlarged as to be somewhat alarming, even in a picture, to an excited juvenile imagination. It however exhibits details in a manner which of course cannot be shown on a smaller scale. The beetle is a very pretty one, not quite half an inch long, the wing cases being marked by ten bold black lines on a yellow ground, five^on each side, the yellow being nearly as bright as that of the wasp, the body ana head are also yellow with black marks and spots, the most oonspicuous being two marks on the body which nearly (but not quite) take something of the horse-shoe form. Underneath the body, the over-tapping plates of battle armour are curiously tipped with black spots in four different places, forming regular rows, two near the middle and one on each side. The upper parts of the six legs are also yellow, with what might be called the knee joint ornamented with black, and the ancle joints, several close together on each leg are black. The head and body are small in com- parison with the wing cases covering the tail part, which are about three quarters of the entire length, and the lines on which are from the tail towards the head. The specimen of the real beetle from which the above description is taken is the property of Mr. John Hughes, Chemist to Lawes' Chemical Manure Company, Deptford, London, who kindly lends it for inspection. It may be seen at the shop of Mr. Hughes, Stationer, Pontypool. [The Colorado Potato Beetle (Doryphora Dceemlineata) highly magnified and natural size, price 6d. Hardwicke and llogue, 192, Piccadilly, London, W.j
Family Notices
BIRTHS. July 28, at Clarence-street, Pontypool, the wife of Mr William Gunn, of a son. July 30, at Castle Parade House, Usk, the wife of T. Watkins, solicitor, of a son. DEATHS. July 27, at Abersychan, aged 19 years, George, son of the late Mr James Dunnett, farmer. July 28, at Long-row, Abersycban, aged 66 years, Elizabeth, wife of Mr Jonathan Coles, blacksmith. July 29, at Abersychan, aged 32 years, Mary Ann, wife of Mr James Thomas, banksman. July 29, at rtig-Edge- Hill-row, Abersychan, aged 62 years, Mr Francis Pitchford, carpenter. July 30, at Garnditfaith, aged 20 years, Mary Hard- ing, wife of Mr Henry Harper, plasterer. July 30, at Blaenavon^ aged 74 years, Mr Walter Downs, formerly blast-furnaceman.
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MR. CHARLES BENNETT, of Pontypool-road, died suddenly in a railway carriage, near Bristol, on Tues- day evening, while journeying to Bristol with his wife. AT MERTHYR, a purse containing X30 and a hand- some timepiece have been presented to Mr T. Davies, district corresponding secretary to the I.O.O.M.U., during the last 20 years. At the Glamorganshire Assize, on Tuesday, Ann Thomas, a young domestic servant, indicted for the murder of her illegitimate child, at Aberdare, the body of which was discovered thrown down a pit, was found guilty of concealment of birth only, and was sentenced to 15 months' hard labour; and Thomas Holloway, for stabbing his sweetheart at Gelligaer, nine mouths. A Monmouthshire case came before Lord Coleridge at the Bristol Assizes on Tuesday. Samuel Young, a farmer, of Shirenewton, sued his father-in-law, Henry Jones, of Trevella, near Usk, for damages for having maliciously given him into custody, and for the wrong- ful conversion of a cow. The jury found for the plain- tiff, with X 150 damages, and his Lordship granted im- mediate execution. THE ship Newcastle," 1,137 tons, Capt. Whereat sailed from Gravesend on Friday last, bound for Brisbane, Queensland, witn the following number of emigrants on board, viz., 72 married people, 164 single men, 90 single women, 61 children between the ages of 12 and 1, and 10 infants, making a total of 397 souls, equal to 3561 adults. -The single women are under the care ot Miss Neill, Dr Woodward acting as surgeon-superintendent. SCHOOL TREAT.—The children of the Crane-street Sunday-school, by the kind permission of the Presi- dent, the Rev W. M. Lewis, M.A., had their annual treat at the College2 on the 26th ult. After having done justice to the tea provided in the dining-hall, they repaired to the lawn for the usual sports, which were continued until dusk Mr Jones, photographic artist, added much to the amusement of the evening, by successfully taking various groups. POXTYPOOL UNION WOKKUOVSB SCHOOL —Wednes- day was a red letter day to the children of this ootabliah- mcnt. The Rev J. U. Llewellin and Mrs Llewellin invited them, about 50 in all, to the Vicarage, where abundance of tea and cake were provided for thein. After tea in a field near the^icarage, sports and amuse- ments of many kinds were indulged in, and altogether a most enjoyable and happy day wfts spent. The children will long remember their visit of 1877 to the Vicarage APPLICATIONS FOR NEW LicrNSES.-A notice must appear in a newspaper circulating in the district not more than four, or less than two, weeks before applica- tion is made to the Justices for the certificate. Twenty- one days' notice must be given to the superintendent of police and overseers of the poor. Notices are to be affixed on the premises for which a license is sought, and also on the church door between 10 and 5 o'clock on two Sundays within 28 days before the application. PONTYPOOL BOAIW OI-GUARDIANS.—The fortnightly meeting of Guardians was held at the Union Workhouse On Thursday morning, at 10 o'clock. Present Henry Lewis, Esq., in the chair; Messrs T. E Cooke, Henry Parfitt, Thos. Dunn, and Rev Christopher Cook. The state of the House was reported to be 178 inmates, con- sisting of 62 men, 56 women, 60 in school and infants. The master reported that the school children had been entertained at tea by the vicar of Trevethin and Mrs Llewellin, at the Vicarage, on the previous day, and that they had heartily enjoyed the treat. The Board expressed its high appreciation of the vicar's kindness, and that the same be communicated to him. The finance committee signed cheques for-Trevethin Relief District, for ensuing two weeks, £60 and S53 Panteg District, S35 and 135; Usk District, £ 30 and X25. The expenditure in the two previous weeks being—Tre- vethin, Y,58 14s. 7 d. and L56 2s. 9d.; Panteg, £34 16s. ll|d. and £ 33 los. 9d.; Usk, S27 14s. 9d. and S28 3s. lid. IlesJvtd. that the notice for the election of Guardian for the parish of Llangibby, in the room of Mr Warren Evans, deceased, be forthwith issued. This concluded the business. MONMOUTHSHIRE ASSIZES.—On Wednesday, James Brown, of Newport, was indicted for that be, being a bankrupt, did, by false pretences, and with intent to de. fraud. induce Mr John Eustace Holtharn to advance and pay to him E] 50, and to give him credit for the se- curity of a bill of sale upon his furniture, at St. Woollos on the 30th of December, 1875. The jury returned a verdict of guilty, bnt sentence was deferred till Thurs- day morning, The counsel for the prosecution recom- mended him to mercy on account of his advanced age. Prisoner I am close upon seventy, my lord. His Lordship remarked that although he ought not to make any distinction between him and others, it was clearly a fact that to a man of his years and position hard la- bour would be attended with serious consequences, and he only wished he could deal more lightly with him, but he must sentence him to twelve calendar months' im- prisonment without hard labour.—Charles Hatton Walters was aftei wards indicted for perjury. The in- dictment was quashed.
BLAENAVON.
BLAENAVON. THE ANNIVERSARY of the Sunday School in connec- tion with Bethlehem Chapel was held on Sunday, when sermons in Welsh and English wers preached bv the Revs. W. Jenkins (Pcntro Estyll, Swansea), and J. P. Bellingham (Pontypool). Collections, about X9. SERIOUS ACCIDE.NT.-On Tuesday evening, the Rev W ynne Jones, curate, was returning home after officia- ting at two funerals, and when at the corner of Beaufort street he suddenly slipped on a stone and fell, breaking his leg below the knee. He was carried into the house of Mr Morgan, saddler, where Dr Ball soon arrived, and having set the fractured bones, procured a convey- ance from the Lion Hotel and took the rev. gentleman home, which fortunately was near. A Service of Sacred Song was given on Monday evening, at the Broad-street Baptist Chapel, by the Rev W. J. Mayers, Bristol. Some excellent selections were giVfen by Mr Mayers, and his musical abilities much delighted the audience. At intervals he gave short ad- Ll dresses, which were listened to with great attention. There was a good attendance; and the proceeds are to be given to the Forge-side Sunday School. Mr Jones, furnace manager, very efficiently presided. On Friday evening, a concert was given at the As- sembly Room, White Horse Inn. The programme was a go«d one, amongst which the following songs, &c., were very successful :-Duet (piano), Mrs Gorrell and Miss James; fcur-part song, Missc» Williams and Pro- thero, and Messrs Jarman and Jones; and songs were also given by Messrs Jones, Thomas, Williams, Morgan, and Davies. An excellent violin solo was given by Mr Grieve and the glee class, conducted by Mr John Jones (Eos Llwyd), rendered their parts well. The coBcert was got up by Mr James, White Horse Inn, on behalf of Mr Stubbs. late butcher, who is now in very reduced cir cumstances owing to severe afflictions. The attendance was fair, the large room being half filled VALUABLE DISCOVERY FOR THE lalir, I f YCU' hair is turning grey or white, or falling oil, use The Mexican Hair Renewer," for it willpositively restore in every case Grey or White hair to its original colour, without leaving the disagreeable smell of moat "Restorers." It makes the hair charmingly beautiful, as well as promoting the growth of the hair on bald spots, where the glands are not decayed. Ask your Chemist for THS MEXICAN HAIR RENEWER," pre- pared by HENRY C. GALLUP, 493 Oxford Street, London, and sold by Chemists and PerluraerB everywhere at 3i 6d per Bottla.
SATURDAY. | .
SATURDAY. | Before Col. Byrde and C. J. Parkes, Esq. DOG OFFENCES. I James Deane was charged with keeping a dog without a license, at Blaenafon, on June 5th. Defendant said lie had taken out a license on 1 the day the excise officer called. Michael O'Connor, excise offcer, said that he called at defendant's house on June 5th, at 2 p.m., and saw a dog there he then went to the Post-office, inspected the book, and whilst he was in the office, eouie person applied for a li- cense for the dog witness wrote out the license himself. Defendant said he had always taken out a license for the dog, and would have done so this year, but he had been very ill. Fined 25s., with a recommendation to reduce the fine to 10s. Samuel Jones was charged with a like offence. Mrs Jones appeared, and said the dog did Dot belong to her. Mr O'Conner said that when he called at de- fendant's house they admitted the ownership of the dog Mrs Jones said they had neglected to take out a license she did not say that the dog belonged to another witness found that a li- cense had been taken out for the dog, a week after witness's visit, in the name of Samuel Jones. Fined 25s. William Edmunds was charged with a simi- lar offence. Fined 25s. Nathaniel Sargeant was charged with a like offence. Fined 25s. Thomas C. Thomas was charged with keep- ing a dog without a license. Fined 25s. JUVENILE OFFENCE. Sydney Davies, aged 14, Pontnewynydd, was charged with stealing a shovel, the property of Samuel llollings. Defendant pleaded guilty. Hollings said he lost the shovel about a fort- night previously it was found at the Osborno Forge. Fined 10s. MONDAY. Before the Rev. J. C Llewellin and C.J. Parkes. Esq. COAL STEALING AT TALYWAIN. Margt. Mahoney, aged 16 years, was charged with stealing a quantity of coal from a truck, on the Monmouthshire Railway, at Talywain. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. P.c. Price said that ou the 28th inst., about 6.20 p.m he was sent in plain clothes to watch some coal trucks on the Mon. Railway he saw three boys and six girls on a truck throwing coal off till they had about 3 cwt. of it on the ground when witness went towards them they jumped down and ran off he followed after them, and succeeded in taking prisoner and a little boy they were rescued from him, but he apprehend- ed the girl afterwards. Inspector Howell (who represented the Com- pauy) said there was systematic coal stealing carried on at this place. On Saturday no less than a tou of coal had been stolen from the trucks. Prisoner was sentenced to 14 days' hard la- bour. RESCUING A PRISONER. Maurice Allen and Mary Mahoney (mother of the prisoner in the last case) were charged with rescuing William Mahoney and Margt. Maho- ney, two prisoners in the custody of P.c. Price, on the 28th inst. Defendants pleaded not guilty. Mr Morgan defended Allen. P.c. Price said that on the 28th inst. he had Margaret Mahoney and William Mahoney in custody at Talywain immediately a mob sur- rounded him, and got hold of the prisoners they got hold of the boy, after having taken the girl off him witness held the boy with both hands, but a mob of about 150 persons were around him, and they succeeded in taking the boy from his custody Margaret Mahoney and Maurice Allen were amongst those who tried to rescue the boy. In answer to Mr Morgan The mob met him in an open space near the top of the iucline there were men and women in the mob he was dressed in plain clothes, but they knew him very well they said they would make witness let the boy go knew the prisoner Allen very well he made witness loosen his grasp off the arm of the girl apprehended Allen at 7.30 p.m. on the same night P.s. Lewis called him out of the house when charged with rescuing, he said, Wliat me?" P.s. Lewis said that Price came to the station at about 7 p.aiM and aai J tiiai a "Hili Hi TV i>Oli* laud-row had rescued two children from him he described the children and the prisoner Allen to him accompanied him to Woodland-row, and Price immediately pointed out the prisoner Allen to him had a great deal of trouble in getting him from the place, which was a very disagreeable one. John Desmond said he saw the policeman running after the boy, and caught him inside the railway fence the boy screamed, and all the women ran out Allen and Tom Reed were standing together whilst the women were trying to get the boy out of the policeman's hands the policeman had not the girl in custody the people were asking the constable to let the boy go Maurice Alleusaid, You will tear the boy asunder the policeman said to Allen, Ili] have him, and I'll have you after Allen did not touch either the boy or the man. In answer to P.s. Basham, witness said he had been fined twice for drunkenness he had also been convicted of felony. Prisoners were fined 40s each. DRUNKENNESS. Isaac Richards was charged with being drunk and riotous. P.s. Young proved the charge. Fined 10s. Ann Pugh was charged with being drunk and riotous. Fined 10s., or 7 days. APPLE STEALING. Henry Barnett and Geo. Lloyd were charged with stealing growing apples, the property of Henry Knipe, at Coedygric. P.O. Beanland proved the charge. Fined 10s each. THREATS. Henry Haynes was charged with assaulting and using threats towards his wife. Bound over to keep the peace for six months WEDNESDAY. Before Rev. J. C. Llewellin. DRUNKENNESS. Mary Thomas was charged with being drunk and riotous, on the 30th inst., at Pontypool. Fined 10s., or 7 days. THURSDAY. Before the same Magistrate. DRUNKENNESS. John James was charged with being drunk at Pontvpool, on Wednesday. Fined lOs.
LLANVRECHVA UPPER LOCAL GOVERNMENT…
LLANVRECHVA UPPER LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD. 'V' An adjourned meeting of this board was held on Monday. Present: Messrs C. Conway (chair- man), H. Partitt, R. Richards, G. Williauiii, and C. Roberts. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. A general district rate of 6d. in the E, and a highway rate of 6d. in the E, were confirmed. It was agreed that a drain situated to the left of Cwrnbran Brook bo repaired. Mr Edward Francis was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Dr. Brew. Mr Richards wished to defer the considera- tion of the subject till the ordinary Board day, and added that Griffithstown was fully entitled to five-twelfths of the representation. Mr Parfitt said that Griffithstown was equit- ably represented there were four members re- presenting it, and the rateable value of the dis- trict was only one-third of that of the parish. Some minor questions having been disposed of, the business terminated.
Advertising
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on Friday evening, without any conclusion be- ing arrived at, and the board again adjourned until Monday evening, when the following members were present Messrs E. R. Davies (chairman), G. Gorrell, S. Morgan, J. Bevan, T. Fletcher, D. Williams, P. Eckersley, R. Jones, G. Wilton, and E. Hutchings. Mr Bevan having left the board-room, it was resolved unanimously that Mr Bevan pull down the front part of his new building facing Clarence-street, and set tho same back in ac- cordance with the measurements taken by the surveyor before the old building was taken down. In consequence of the resolution of the board, Mr Bevan had the projecting part of the build- ing taken down on Tuesday morning, and sub- sequently rebuilt it according to the require- ments of the board.
Advertising
THROAT IRRITATION.—The throat and windpipe are especially liable to inflammation, causing soreness and dryness, tickling and irritation, inducing cough and affecting the voice. For these symptoms use glycerine in the form of jujubes. Glycerine, in these agreeable confections, being in proximity to tho glands at tke moment they are excited by the act of sucking, becomes actively healing. 6d. and Is. boxes (by post for 14 stamps), labelled JAMES Epps & Co., Homoeopathic Chemists, 48, Threadnecdle-street, and 170, Piccadilly, London."—Depot in Cardiff: R.Drane, 8. Queen-st. CAUTION.-MESSRS. RECKITT & SONS beg to caution the public against imitation square Blue of very inferior quality. The Paris Blue in squares (used in the Prince of Wales' Laundry) is soid in wrapper, bearing tte name and Trade Mark.
BLAENAVON.1 LOCAL GOVERNMENT…
BLAENAVON 1 LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOAUD. The monthly meeting of tbe above Board was held on Friday last, at the Blaenavon Schools. Present: Messrs. T. Hemming (chairman), J. Burgoyne, W. Burgoyne, E. Williams, J. Kay, E. L. Harris, W. Edwards, H. C. Steele, W. B. Lawrence, J Morgan, D. Lewis, J. Morgan, T. Edwards, and J. Thomas. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The surveyor's estimate of expenses for the remaining portion of the year was submitted. The collector said that a rate of Is. ld. would be required to cover it. Mr Steele The rate you are now asking for is a very heavy one. Mr Prosser You can't do with less. Mr Steele Do you know that place opposite the market ? Mr Prosser Yes. Mr Steele: Do you know that it is used as a saloon now ? Mr Prosser: But there is a sum of Y,10 put on the Brewery Tap. Mr Steele: Show me where that is added. Mr Prosser referred to the rate-book. Mr Steele: Does Mr Williams pay for the Town-hall ? Mr Prosser: No, but I cannot myself strike it out of the rate-book it is for the Assessment Committee to do that. Mr Williams arrived. Mr Steele (to Mr Williams) A question has cropped up with reference to void property. I see that the Town-hall is entered as void pro- perty. Is that so ? Mr Williams Yes, it is void—at least, the greater part of it. Mr Steele But it is not absolutely void. Mr Williams It is not much good to me, but as a lumber-room. Mr Steele: Is it not occupied as a saloon? Mr Williams: It is included in the Brewery. Mr Prosser The premises used to be rated at E36, but now they are rated at 46. Mr Williams: Taking my property on the whole, I consider I am rated very high every property I have is fully rated up. Mr D. Lewis, continuing the subject of the Town-hall, said the Assessment Committee would consider it liable, as it was on the rate- books. Mr Prosser I think not. Mr Keys The Town-hall has been always connected with the tap. Mr Prosser Yes. Mr Steele: But will it again appear as void property ? Mr Prosser Yes, unless he makes some alter- ations. Mr Williams I would much rather have both properties merged into one. A few of the members suggested that a rate of 10d. in the £ would be sufficient. Mr Prosser The amount which a lOd. rate will realise will be £ 748 4s. 3d. and this is under the estimate. Mr Steele (examining some bills) You have got a heavy bill again, Mr Burgoyne. Mr Burgoyne: Yes. Mr Steele: You would not care if it was much heavier. Mr Burgoyne: No. Mr Steele I see the other items in this esti- mate are made up of paving-stones, masonry, and labour. The surveyor: We will require all that is mentioned. Mr Steele What will a rate of Is. Id. in the £ realise ? Mr Prosser: £ 1070. Mr Steele A40 that Is. Id. rate will wipe away our debt ? Mr Prosser: I think so. Mr Steele Is it not possible to carry on with- out an increased rate ? The chairman We shall have not much ex- pense, during the coming year, with regard to our roads they are in very good condition. A member But there is the dqfct. Another member: What is the amount of our debt ? The chairman E335 Is. lid. Mr Prosser And there are some lamps want- ed near the Rifleman's Arms there are also other matters which will increase the estimate. Mr Williams: We ought to goon with a rate of 10d. in tliet. Mr Prosser We can't go on very well with- out a to. I d. rate. There have been paid this year about zCl5 to the bank. Mr Steele: I suppose there are few claiming exemption on account of void property ? Mr Prosser No, there is nothing of that. We cannot do with less than a Is. Id. rate, for we will not have time to make another rate. Mr Williams What is the labour rate per week ? How many men do you keep ? The surveyor Five, and want them all. Mr Williams That is £ 5 2s. 9d. for men's labour alone. Can't you reduce the number ? The surveyor: No. Mr Williams Gentlemen, there is one item of more than E250 per year. Mr Williams: And horse-keep ? The surveyor 17s. and 6d. per week. Mr Williams: Will you require more than one horse ? The chairman Of couse, what will one horse do? Mr W. Edwards How many months will this estimate cover? Mr Prosser Twelve months. The chairman A rate of more than Is. in the £ looks very bad. Mr Steele: I do not like the idea of increas- ing the rate above the present amount. Mr Williams With strict economy we may do with a lOd. rate. Mr Steele: We have been buying a lot of things this year thera is that unfortunate hose: that culvert upon which so much money has been spent and, under the circumstances, I think we ought to carry on with a lOd. rate. A member But there is the gas to be con- sidered. Mr Prosser: How much are we indebted to the bank ? The chairman £ 335. Mr Prosser: The half of a lOd. rate will be required to clear that. A member What does the bank charge for the loan of money ? Mr Steele Not more than 5 per cent. If they charge more than that, somebody ought to see the bank manager about it. Mr Williams I propose a rate of lOd. in the ze. Mr Lawrence Would it not be better to got Mr Prosser to make out two 6d. rates but I suppose the making out of these rates would be equal to the bank charges, and perhaps it would be advisable to take that step again. Mr Williams: I do not think you will be alarmed at being in debt to the bank they will not trouble you. Besides, the Company's fur- naces will be in blast shortly. The chairman 1 advise you to have two 6d. rates. Mr W. Edwards If you pay the bank at all, the debt will absorb the whole of one 6d. rate and you would, for ordinary purposes, require another 6d. rate. The chairman What is the rateable value of the district ? Mr Prosser £ 22,079. The chairman And what will a Is. Id. rate realise ? Mr Prnssor £ 1195 188. lid. The chairman What is the estimate ? MrProsser: R1070 but this includes the debt to the bank. A rate of lOd. in the £ was carried unanim- ously. The surveyor's report was read, as follows:- Gentlemen, I beg to report as follows I have car- ried on the local board work, during the past month, with one man less than usual. Llanover Road and near Capel Newydd have been repaired. The pavements of Mr John Baker, in William-street, and Mr James Jacobs, in Mary-street, have also been repaired. On July 21st I impounded five ponies; and the charges for the same will be duly handed over to the collector. I beg to submit for your approval the following plans: Wm. Sankey, plan of a house and shop to be erected by him in Broad-street; John Williams, plan of a house and shop in Swan-street. JOHN PKITCHARD. A letter was read from Mr Philpot in refer- ence to some matter between him and Mr Wil- liams. This occupied some time. A member thought the board had nothing to do with it, and con- sidered it a waste of time to entertain the sub- ject longer. The matter then dropped. Mr Harris gave notice that limestone rubbish in future would be charged for at the rate of 3s. per load. Plans of two houses and shops in Old Market- place, Cross-street, and Market-street, were sub- mitted by Mr J. G. Williams. Mr Steelo (in reference to the passing of the plans) I can't see how we can help ourselves. Mr Edwards I don't see that we can refuse. Mr Steele If the proper area is there. Mr Williams: There is an area of 596 feet. All I ask of you to-day is to pass these plans I will come to you again for leave to build stable and coach-houses. Mr Steele You say that there are 596 feet of area. Will you consent to put that down on your plan ? Mr Williams I may bo a few feet out, but I will put it on the plan. Mr Harris You say the original plan was put in two years ago and now, when it is asked for, it can't be found. The chairman Not two years ago four weeks ago. Mr Kay I beg to propose that these plans be passed. Mr Williams seconded the motion, which was carried. The proposed cemetery on the Cotcha next came up for discussion. Mr Harris What size shall the cemetery be ? Mr Williams Any size yon like. Mr T. Lewis: A cemetery must be provided before long but some are of opinion that this is not the proper place for it. Mr Williams i If you have a better or a more suitable place for it, well and good. Mr W. Burgoyne People would not be bound to bury there, I presume? A member You do not want to bind the board to this scheme? Mr Edwards Or prejudice them in binding other parties ? Mr Williams said he simply wanted the sanc- tion of the board, Mr Kay Some people say there is a better place to be found. Mr Williams: Where? Mr Kay Just on the other side of the river. Mr Williams Right in the centre of the town. Mr Harris And how would people get to the place ? Mr Kay Get a bridge over the railway ? Mr Williams The Railway Company will not allow that. Mr Burgoyne approved of the site. Mr Williams said it was his intention to form a joint stock company to provide this cemetery for the town and he hoped each of the mem- bers of the board would take a share. The chairman And we will all patronise it (laughter), and guarantee to be tenants. (laughter.) Mr Burgoyne proposed that the scheme of a cemetery be approved of and that the board authorise the formation of a joint stock com- pany to promote that object. Mr Steele objected to the latter part of the resolution. He did not see what the board had to do in the matter. The resolution, after the phrase having refer- ence to the formation of a company was ex. punged, was put to the meeting and carried. The medical officer's report was read, as fol- lows Gentlemen,—I beg to lay before you the vital statis- tics for the quarter ending June 30th, 1877. During that time the number of deaths registered was seventy- one, as against fifty-five in the previous quarter; the number of births during the same period was Ul. Forty-nine deaths were of persons under 10 years of age, and of these, nineteen bad not reached one year; three were of persons aged 70 years and upwards. During the latter portion of the quarter measles were very prevalent, and caused fourteen deaths. The only other deaths from zymotic diseases were three cases of croup and two of diarrhoea. The epidemic of measles is now decreasing very perceptibly. During the present month one fatal case of typhoid has cropped up in Albert-street. The proper precautions have been taken against its spread. The bills for the month amounted to the sum of £ 88 3s. lOd.
EBBW VALE CO.'S WORKS.
EBBW VALE CO.'S WORKS. The month's notice for the cessation of all contracts expired on Saturday. It appears that there is io be no direct alteration in the wage rate, but that every man will work on the day-to-day contract. Trade is so dull, and provisions so dear, that considerable dis- tress, and, in many cases, great want, is experienced. The colliers and all connected with the underground workings are to be exempted from the day-to-day system. I' Printed and Published by HENRY HUGHES, Junr., at his GENERAL PRINTING OFFICER, Pontypool, in the County of A] oil mouth.-Sattkiday, Ang. 4, 1877.