Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

SATURDAY. Before Col. Byrde, C. J. Parkes, Esq., and E. J. Phillips, Esq. ASSAULT. John Whitcombe was charged with assaulting Thomas Sayce, on Sunday, the 9Lh inst. Defendant pleaded not guilty. Complainant deposed that, on the date above: mentioned, about 3 o'clock, he met defendant and a gang of 10 or 12 men near the" Parson's Bridge,Abersychan defendant caught him by the sleeve of his slop," and ripped it; defend- ant was quite tipsy at the time. Fined 20s.

TRESPASS. Robert Stanswicke was charged with trespass on the property of the Patent Nut & Bolt Co. John Harwood said defendant was crossing the Cwmbran Park told him to go back, but he refused to do so, and went straight on. Defendant said that he was on the footpath. Harwood said that defendant went over a hedge after he had been told to go back. Fined 5e.

POACHINO. William Jenkins, Thomas Bodenhatn, and Dd. Williams were charged with trespass in pursuit of conies. Defendants did not appear. The wives of Williams and Bodenham, and the mother of Jenkins appeared, and pleaded gnilty for them. Hezekiah Mitchell, gamekeeper, saw defend- ants on Sunday, August 19th, coursing rabbits iu the Coedcae, near the Folly they ran one rabbit into a drain, and then commenced pulling the drain up to find it; they made a hole about a foot in width through the drain, and did some damage they ran away, and he overtook two of them, who gave wrong names the defend- ants bad greyhounds with them. JohnMaisey said that on Sundays the grounds belonging to Mr Hanbury are infested with gangs of men, 40 or 50 in each gang, and they ran the rabbits, &c., down; Mr Qaabury was very anxions to have a stop pat to the practice. Thomas Smith was called, and corroborated the evidence given by Mitchell. Defendants were fined 60s. each, or 28 days' imprisonment.

TRESPASS. Mary Duck and Thomas Griffiths were charged with trespass on the property of Benben Bowers, at Mill-road, Trosnant. Defendants pleaded not guilty. Complainant said that on the 4th inst. Grif- fiths came to his door and said he wanted to speak to him complainant said he would not speak to him, and Griffiths then threatened to break in his door, and began to tear and swear be kept at the door for about half-an-hour, using very violent language; the other defendant, Miss Duck, threw stones at his door. By Mr Morgan, who appeared for defendants Complainant did not insult Griffiths, nor did he insult the young lady with whom Griffiths kept company he told her she was the consequence of sending people to bombard bis door the de- fendant Duck threw stones at his door on the 11th inst. be was upstairs watching her; Bhe spat in his face that evening; they actually stoned" his door when he was in bed. Supt. M'Intosh said that Bowers had fre- quently complained ef the annoyance that he was subject to he knew Bowers to be a very quiet, inoffensive man. Arthur Duck, brother of the defendant Mary Duck, said that his sister had not been near complainant's door she bad a jug in her hand, going for beer she didfnot pick up a stone. Bowers said that this witness had thrown stones at his door also. Emma Vanghan was next called. Bowers exclaimed This one threw stones at my window. The witness said that Miss Duck had a jng in her hand when she passed complainant's door she did not throw stones at the door Bowers said, If you don't go away from my door, I will blow your brains outMiss Duck had not picked up a stone, and she did not intend to pick one up. Jane Jones said that Miss Duck had come into her house on the 11th inst. and complained of the conduct of Bowers, who, she said, was abusing every one. William Duck, father of the defendant Duck, gave evidence, but it was not to tbe purpose. Defendants were bound over to keep the peace for six months.

KON-PAYMENT OF RATES. David Lewis, Lewis Williams, James Jones, David Jenkins, and Anne Williams were sever- ally charged with neglecting to pay various amount* of rates duo to the Abersychau Local Board of Health. David Lewis pleaded that the road in the vicinity of his property was in a very bad state, and lie would not pay any rates till the road, was repaired. An order of payment in each case was made.

DRUNK ON LICENSED PREMISES. John Maize and Michael were charged with being drunk on licensed preinisoe, at Blaenavon. P.c. Ford found Maize in the King's Arms with a quart of beer upon the tablo called the landlady's 8ttn to the condition of the men, and said they were drunk coming into the house they had gone into the house at 2.30, and it was at that time nearly 5 o'clock. Fined 10s. each. Emily Rasser, Pontyp.ool, was charged with being drunk and incapable. I Fined 5a. Lattrence Council was charged with a like offence, at Blaenavon, on the 6th inst. I' P.c. 83 proved the charge. Fined 10s. E Itti Nelms was charged with being drank aud riotous, at Blaenavon. P.c. Rutter proved the eharge. This good lady, it appears, had only recently completed a term 9f imprisonment for a similar offence. Fined 20s., or 14 days.

ASSAULT. Francis Rescivion was charged with assault- ing John Smith. Defendant did not appear. Fined 10s., or 7 days.

CWMFPRWDOEH ROAD. In pursuance of the order of the committee appointed to deal with the subject of widening the above-mention- ed road, 1 met Mr Thomas Jones, on the 27th ultimo, and pointed out tbe alterations suggested by them to him, at the same time requesting him to accede to their proposals. He readily acquiesced, on condition that the board give him a uomiual sum of £1 for the land taken, and raising the wall, when put back, three feet higher than it is at present. I also waited upon Mr T. D. Roberts, the engineer to the Mon. Railway and Canal Company, and explained the nature of the contemplated improvements, and re- quested his permission for the same. He promised to communicate his decision in a few days.

SNATCHWOOD ROAD. The large quantity of water which descends from the Snatchwood is a fruitful source of complaint from the residents of that locality. I beg to suggest that the matter might be remedied before the winter sets in.

The Proprietor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions of his Correspondents. The columns of this paper are at all times open to the ex- pression of opinions on subjeots of a pubiio character. Correspondents are requested to write on one side of the paper only, and to avoid personalities; and must enclose with the letter OWN names and postal addresses, not necessarily for publication (unless intended by them),.but for the satisfao- tion O the Editor.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. Flyn," who gives the name of J. Morgan, Snatchwood, is informed that his letter cannot be inserted unless he sends his own name.

iafttbs, i^larrt'ages, antf MAKEIAGE. On the 15th inst., at Mamhilad Churoh, by the Rev. C. Cook, Rector of the parish, and uncle of the bride, assisted by the Rev. J. C. Llewellin, J.P., View of Tre- vethin, J. D. Lewis, second son of David Lewis, Esq., of the Burrows Tin Works, to Pollie, second daughter of Richard Jenkins, Esq., of the Avon Vale Tin Works, Aberavon. DEATHS. Sept. 12, aged 53 years, at Snatchwood House, Snatch- wood, Mr Daniel Sadler, gardener and coachman. Sept. 15, aged 37 years, at Abersychan, Mr Joseph Tucker, labourer.

ABERSYCHAN. A collier, named Joseph Tucker, was killed at I Abersychan on Saturday by a large quantity of rock failing upon him in the pit. He leaves a v,ii3 a id seven children. At the inquest, held by Mr Batt, coroner, a verdict of Accidental death" was returned.

GARNDIFFAITH. NEW RAILWAY STATION.—We have much pleasure in stating that it has been definitely settled to have a station on the new line. The directors visited this place last week, aud at once decided to erect one near the Six Bells. OUR RIFLE VOLUNTEER CORPS has, considering its having been but recently formed, developed itself very rapidly, and augurs well for the future. Its success has chiefly arisen from the combined;energies of Lieut. Verity, Lieut. Partridge, and other good promoters, through whose agency the members have had some pleasant outings during the season. Having been gra- tuitously provided with clothing, they have met the last two Sundays for church parade. The rendezvous was the Hanbury Hotel, from which place on Sunday week they paraded in their new uniform to Talywain Church, when an able sermon was preached by the Rev. W. R. Thomas. On Sunday last, in conjunction with ether corps, they marched to Trevethin Church, when the Rev. J. C. Llewellin preached. His praise of the volun- teers of this parish was well deserved, the appearance and conduct of the men were highly commendable and creditable to the officers. On both occasions they were under the command of Lieut. Verity aud Lieut. Par- ridge. ———

MAESYCWMMER. NARROW ESCAPE OF AN ENGINEMAN.—On Sunday, John Thomas, who had charge of an engine in a colliery situate between Maesycwmmer and Bryn, in close proxi- mity to the Great Western Railway, just above the chemical works, had a very narrow escape of being buried alive. While Thomas was in the workings some of the double timber gave way, and a large quantity of the roof fell, shutting Thomas in. He was got out through a small hole, just before a heavy fall of roof, which would have made his incarceration certain for many hours, if not for a day or two.

NEWPORT. THE FORTHCOMING MEETINGOPTHE BAPTIST UNION. —The local committee has bad a kind and hearty re- sponse to entertain the visitors who are expected on the 8th of October. There is no certainty yet that Mr Spurgeon will be able to come, owiag to the state of his health. DEATH FROM HYDROPHOBIA.—About two months ago a man named Immanuel Hobbs, who was employed at Tredegar House, was bitten by a dog, the property of Lord Tredegar, which was destroyed immediately after the occurrence. The wound healed, and it was only till very recently that symptoms of hydrophobia showed themselves. Then the usual agony and terrible sufferings, common to such cases, followed and the wretched victim, although every effort was made by med- ical men to save him, died on Saturday. It is expected that collections will be made in all the places of worship and Sunday Schools of New- port on behalf of the Indian Famine Fund. Mol W. J. Lloyd has communicated with the school su- perintendents, and there is no doubt his appeal will be generally responded to. On Sunday morning an eloquent sermon was preached at St. John's Mission Church, by the Rev Mr Ruddach, on the Indian famine, and collections were made during the day for the fund. Next Sunday more collections are likely to be made. RENOVATION OF PLACES OF WORSHIP.—A good deal of activity is being displayed in the renovation and beautifying of dissenting places of worship just now. Tbe Baptist Temple has been completed, and looks well. The Bible Christian Chapel, the Commercial-st. Baptist, and the Commercial-road Baptist Chapels are nearly completed, and will be re-occupied next Sunday. A great improvement has been effected in treating the wood work. Instead of the old method of varnishing, which was very sticky and susceptible to dirt, French polish has been resorted to, and with the best results. This is very apparent in the Commercial-street Baptist Lance's), where the work of renovation has been carried out somewhat elaborately, by Messrs. B. and A. King. During the time these places of worship have been closed services have been held by the Bible Christians in the town-hall, and by Mr Lance's people in the Albert-hall. The latter building has been crowded during the last four Sunday nights. THe CASE OF JAMES BROWN.—The committee ap- { pointed to take steps for procuring a commutation of the sentence of twelve months' imprisonment passed on Mr James Brown for a misdemeanour, at the last Mon- mouthshire assizes, have drawn up a memorial to the Home Secretary, and they ask for signatures. The me- morial gives the following reasons why the Queen should exerm* her clemency in this case 1. By reason of tbe wisoner's advanced agu of nearly 70 years. 2. By rea- son of the social aud public position he enjoyed, he having been an extensive iron master and colliery pro- prietor, as well as a large employer of labour up to a very recent period. 3. By reason of the services to the public rendered by him for upwards of 30 years, during which he was a member of the Newport Corporation, and three times mayor of the borough, in addition to which he had held the office 01 guardian to the Newport Poor Law Union for more than 10 years. 4. Because, during an active public life, and whilst in bettercircum- stances than of late years, the prisoner expended several thousands of pounds in promoting what he considered to be the interests of his fellow townsmen and countrymen. 5. Because your memorialists apprehend the most fatal results to the prisoner's health and constitution by so long an incarceration in gaol, and therefore earnestly crave your favourable recommendation of their memo- rial for the exercise of her Majesty's royal olemency.

ABERGAVENNY. FLOWEB SHOW.—The first show of the Abergavenny Horticultural and Floral Society was held on Thursday, the 13th inst., in the market-place. Captain Hill had very kindly placed a. field near his residence, "The Brooks," at the disposal of the committee, and there the show would have been held but for the heavy rain which continued to pour all day, rendering any attempt at holding the show in the open air quite out of the ques- tion; indeed, it even came through the roof of the market, just to prove how relentless it was. fConsidering the unfavourable weather, the attendance was very fair, and the show may be considered successful as a first at- tempt, both as regards the quantity and quality of the exhibits. Some gentlemen of the neighbourhood had lent a number of plants and ferns, and thereby added considerably to the appearance of the show. The cele- brated Cyfarthfa Band was in attendance, and contri- buted very much to the enjoymen t ofthe visitors,[although it would doubtless have been heard to greater advantage had there been less echo in the building. Prizes were taken by the gardeners to Lord Raglan; J. C. Han- bury, Esq.; A. D. Berrington, Esq., Pantygoitre; Sir J. Bailey, Glanusk; Crawshay Bailey, Esq., Maindiff Court; W. B. Partridge, Esq.; R. Bent, Esq., Cold- brook Park E. J. Price, Esq., Froid Vale House, Main- dee; D. Morris, Esq., Dan-y-graig; Major Phillips, Crumlin Hall; H. Hall, Esq., Xjlwynddu; B. Lewis Esq., Glanbaiden Col. Pago, Cardiff; the Ven. Aroh- deacon Davies, Courtygolla; &c., &c. Mr E. Fowler, jun., Penygarn House, took six first prizes—for Hardy ferns, 'British ferns, fern (single specimen), roses (out), basket of cut flowers, and collection of hardy ferns. Mr Patrick, gardener to Major Phillips, took first prize for a hand bouquet with a really magnificent one, worthy of a much higher prize, and he also showed—not for competition—two most rare and beautiful orohids, whioh were the admiration of everyone, and for which he was awarded an extra prize. The show of vegetables wat very good, as also was that of fruits (espeoially grapes), but the flowering plants were, on the whole, very in- different.

MONMOUTH. TOWN COUNCIL.—At a meeting of this Council, held on Monday, for the consideration of the salary of the various officers of the borough, Supt. Wheeldon's salary was raised from £100 per annum to J6130, in addition to which he is to be allowed to retain two small offices, the emoluments of which amount to jE13 6s per annum. The salaries of the other officials were not alteted.

COWBRIDGE. THB INDIAN FAMINE RELIEF FUND.—On Sunday last sermons were preached in the parish chnroh of St, MaryV, and collections were made in aid of the above charitable object. In the morning the Rev. Philip Ed- wards, and in the evening the Rev. Owen Bowen Price, preached. The sum of about £20 has been remitted t the Mansion House.

ANOTHER TRESPASS. Martha Jayne and Sarah Simmowwere both charged with trespass on the property of Chas. Williams, Lasgarn, on the 6th inst. Complainant said that defendants and others were frequently trespassing on his grounds, but on the 6th inst. he found the two women with a bundle of wood each. One of the defendants admitted that they had had some wood,, but it was browse, and worth- less. Fined 6a. each.

THE WATCH STEALING. Mary Wathen was charged (on remand) with stealing a silver watch, the property of Thomas Wathen, at BJaenavon. Mr Morgan appeared for the defenoe. Prosecutor deposed that he was a collier, re- siding at Blaenavon on the 13th inst. he lost a silver watch from his bedroom; the watch produced was his property, and the one he had lost. Fredk. J. Wall said that he kept a pawnshop in George-street, Pontypool, for Mr Goldstein, Newport; on Thursday, between 3 and 5 o'clock, prisoner cafhe to his shop and pawned the watch now produced she said she had a little boy dead, and he lent her 7s. 6d. on it. In answer to Mr Morgan He thought it was nearer 3 p.m. than 5 p.m. when prisoner oame to the shop she had a shawl on and a turnover over her bonnet; he reeognized prisoner as the woman who had pawned the watch by these shawls, and also by her general features she gave her name as Ann Watkins, and said she lived at the Raca. Edward J. Wall also recognised prisoner as the woman who had pawned the watch. By Mr Morgan She came to the shop be- tween 3 and 4.30 p.m.; she wore a shawl, and had a turnover over her hat; he had never seen her before the day she came to pawn the watch. Jane Wathen, wife of Thomas Wathen, said the knew the watch to be her husband's pro- perty her sister-in-law came to her house between 10 and 11 o'clock, and asked her to cut a jacket oat; she left to borrow a scissors on Thursday morning she saw the watch at about 8.15 she missed it between 11 and 12 o'clock; when she got into the house sbe found the clothes-pegs now produced on top of the stairs the shawl produced belonged to her; she had lent it to the prisoner on Thursday. By Mr Morgan Went to prisoner's house be- tween 10 and 11 o'clock when she returned she fo ind the clothes pegs produced, and told her sister-in-law that some gipsies had been in the house they went up-stairs and searched for the watch, but it was not to be found there was nothing said about going to a fortune-teller at Talywain. P.8. James said he went to prisoner's house on Friday morning about 7 o'clock, and found the Friday morning about 7 o'clock, and found the shawl and turnover now produced she said the turnover belonged to another woman this was before he had charged her. Mr Morgan asked for an adjournment, saying that he could prove by evidence that this was a case of mistaken identity. The adjournment was granted.

MONDAY. Before the Rev. J. C Llewellin and C. J. Parkes, Esq. EMBEZZLEMENT OF MONEY. Rosetta Jay, aged 18, was charged with em- bezzling various sums of money, the property of William Gameson, Gelly Pistil. Prosecutor deposed that prisoner was em- ployed by him to sell milk she gave him a list of persons whom she said owed her money for milk; in this list appears the names of Mra Jeremiah, Old Furnaee. for 5s. 3d. Mrs Wil- liams, 38.; and Mrs Joues, Gwent-street, 4s. 3!d. Those ladies, on being put into the witness- box, denied having owed any money for milk to the prisoner. Prisoner made a statement to the effect that her mistress used to give her short measure going out every morning and evening. Mr Gameson said that she always had full measure, and on many occasions bad brought home more money than she had been credited with. He asked tbe bench to deal as lightly as possible with the prisoner,jjwhom he had not found any fanlt with before. It appeared that prisoner had gone to Mr Prosser, grocer, and borrowed a sovereign in her master's name. and with this money she paid off some of the ficti- tious accounts she had been presenting. Sentenced to 14 days' hard labour.

COAL STEALING. George Fisher was charged with stealing a quantity of coal, the property of J. C. Hill and Co., Cwmbran. Prisoner was remanded till Thursday to Caer- leon Petty Sessions.

WEDNESDAY. Before the same Magistrates. NON-PAYMENT OF RATES. A. Stroud, C. Evans, and J. H. Lloyd were summoned for non-payment of poor-rates. An order was made in each case.

Pontypool Union. vv- The usaal fortnightly meeting of the above board was held on Thursday, the 13th iost., at the Union Workhouse at 10 o'clock, when the following Guardians were present :—Messrs. Henry Lewis (chairman), Edward Lister, John Browne, David Llewellin, Thos. E. Cooke, Wm. Jones, Evan David, Thos. Derrett, Jno. Howells, John Morgan, E. Prichard, Rev. Christopher Cook, G. R. Greenbow-Relph, Wm. Gwatkin, E. Holdsworth, Col. Byrde, and Rev. J. E. Jones- Machen. Mr Bircham, the inspector, and Capt Rowley attended. The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed, the master's report concern- ing the state of the house was produced, from which it appeared that the number of inmates was 171, consisting of 61 men, 57 women school, 39 infants, 14 and ,that 12 bad been admitted, 1 born, and 6 discharged since last meeting. The schoolmistress applied for leave of ab- sence, which was granted. The Inspector of workhouse schools, Dr. Clutterbuck, bad examined the schools on the 7th September, and his report was read, which was a very creditable one, the children having passed a very good examination. Mr Cooke proposed that the minutes of the previous meeting be read at 11 o'clock in future, instead of 10 as heretofore.—There was no dis- sent to this course being adopted. The election of a relieving officer for the Panteague District was then proceeded with, the three candidates selected attending the meeting, and Mr George Jerroms, of Uak, was elected to the vacant post. Finance Committee T. E. Cooke, chairman, T. Derrett, and H. Lewis.—The accounts of the relieving officers for the past two weeks showed the followingexpenditnre Abersychan district, £59 2s 7d-£58 4s lid Pauteague district, £41 8a 10id-£40 168 7d Usk district, £21 8s 4d--£23 168 4d. Cheques were signed to meet the out relief for the two ensuing weeks, as follows Aber- sychan district, and £55: Panteague dis- trict, £45 and £40; Uek district, £20 and £20. The applicants for relief were then heard.—This was all the business.

Abersychan Local Board. The monthly meeting was held on Tuesday. R. GREENWAY, Esq., in the chair. Also present—Messrs. H. Lewis, A. A. Williams, D. Williams, C. Herbert, J. G. Dent, D. Davies, P. Ham- bleton, W. P. James, T. Winston, W. Richards, and J. Herbert. The minutes of laat meeting were read and confirmed. The surveyor's report was read, as follows :— Gentlemen,—I beg to.report on the undermentioned subjects: —

PENTREPIOU WELL. At the interview with Mr Roberts (mentioned above) I presented him with a plan showing the requested site for the proposed new well at Petrepiod, as fixed by the board at ita last meeting, and urged that the work should be forthwith commenced. He undertook to sink the well at the point suggested, and promised that it should be proceeded with as soon as the land could be obtained.

REPAIRS OP ROADS. During the past month we have distributed upon the roads 389 loads of stones, cinders, and ashes, the haul- ing of which has cost £ 17 9s 6d.

BUILDING PLANS. Plans are before tbe board to-day for their approval for 1 house for Mr Stephen Golding, at Talywain 3 houses for Mr "William Bush, at Cwmffrwdoer; I house for Mr Alfred Bailey, at Cae Palash; and alterations and additions to a house at Snatchwood, for Mr E I Gould. ENOCH COOKE, Surveyor, &0. According to the minutes of a committee of the board held a fortnight ago, it appeared that the caso of a man named John Jones, residing at Old Furnace, was taken into consideration. This man holds tho possession of four houses and some garden land, but does not pay any rates, and has actually for some time been re- ceiving parish relief. The committee decided to represent his case to the Board of Gnardians. At the meeting of this committee Mr Chap- man tendered his resignation as collector, on the ground of his being unable to devote the whole of his time to the duties of collectorship. The term of notice will expire in November. The committee recommended the board to ac- cept the resignation. The question of summoning defaulting rate- payers before the magistrates was discussed. Mr Chapman gave a list of the persons sum- moned. Amongst those was a man named David Lewis, of Graigddu, who refused to pay the highway rate on the ground that the board neglected to repair the roads. The magistrates had desired Mr Chapman to represent the matter to the board. Mr Herbert said that Lewis had not a public road, and did not require one. The surveyor The parish road ends at Mr Emanuel's house. Mr Chapman The parish road does not end there. There has been very little done to the road, but thMo is a right of way over the road. Mr Herbert The only road there is near Graig Wen, and that is only a bridle path. Mr H. Lewis: The man objected paying the highway rate because the road was not repaired. He was ordered to pay 15s., but he then refused to pay a farthing till the road was repaired. Mr C. Herbert: If you were to make a car: riage drive for Lim, he would not pay rates. Mr H. Lewie I thougftfc'he was poor. Mr Davies He can vejf" well afford to pay. The chairman In ^(Itijire we must tell the magistrates what we think they are able to pay. Mr Hambleton, condemning the practice of allowing any person's rates to.accumulate, said they should uot allow the ixlffgistrates to have so much power over the rates. The chairman would suggest that a dozen of the defaulting ratepayers be summoned every week if a ratepayer owes but 2., let U8 have his name off the list. Mr Chapman, the collector, stated that the amount due for private work up to Lady Day, 1877, was £241 14s. lOd. Since that time the sum of £105 10s. 3d. had been collected, and the balance now due 7dJ; in this ac- count he had not included rents nor money from any other sources. Mr Herbert: Have you had" the money for those houses that Mr Thomas Lewis has bought ? Mr Chapman I had J638 for private work done. With reference to the widening of the road at Cwmffrwdoer, it was proposed by Mr Ham- bleton, seconded by Mr Herbert, that the work be carried ont in accordance with the sugges- tion contained in the surveyor's report. Mr H. Lewis That will cost about £20? The surveyor The widening of the road will cost that, independently of the repairing of the sewers. Respecting the complaint of the ratepayers of Pontnewynydd, with reference to the flow of water from Snatch wood (for whieh see sur- veyor's report), the snrveyor said he had Been Mr Roberts, and he at one time offered £10, but subsequently agreed to give £15 if the board would remedy the evil themselves. He subse- quently saw Mr Roberts, and having again in- troduced the subject, told him that the board did not feel satisfied that £15 would be suffi- cient to cover the cost of remedying the evil. He (Mr Roberta) then said if a resolution could be got from the board accepting £,20 in lieu of the price of labour and all damages, they would hand the money over at once to the board. Mr Richards I think myself that £20 is not enough, nor half enough let the Company do it themselves. I have a cottage near that place, and I have had to allow the tenant a month's rent for clearing out all the rubbish and dirt whioh that flow of water brings down to it. Mr Hambleton: You must not throw the whole of the blame on the Railway Co.; I do uot think you can compel them to abate the whole of that water. Mr Richards: The water that used to come down there never injured any property, but now it does I think £30, nor even £40, would be sufficient to remedy that evil properly. The surveyor said that a committee had ex- amined the place, and they considered £20 would be ample. Mr Riohards It will cost more, and why should we lay out money to remedy an evil that was never an evil before. Mr Hambleton There was always a great quantity of water coming down there. Mr Richards: But not to injure property. The chairman We thought it would be far better to arrange the matter than get into liti- gation, where many doubts would he raised. Mr Richards: As far as getting into litigation is concerned, I would be the last man to enter into it; but as a representative of the parish, or at least a portion of it, I think it is my duty to prevent the parish being imposed upon. Mr C. Herbert: Have you'permission to put the water into any drain on the road ? The surveyor: We have a right to put the water,into any drain. I have seen' Mr Sayes, and he has said that he will get the water run into the side drains for about £1, and let it run over the woods again. It would be far better for the board to accept £20. Mr Richards I know he could not do it there is the water from the embankment. If we make improvements for their benefit, why should we pay for it. Mr James Suppose an estimate of the cost be made. The surveyor The committee were round, and they considered if .£10 were given it would be ample. Mr Richards They have no property there. Mr Hambleton I propose that we accept £20. Mr Richards: If you accept £20 you will take all responsibility for any damages, that may accrue from the water running down. After some remarks from a member, Mr Richards warned the board that If they accepted this £20 they would relieve the rail- way company of all responsibility. The chairman (to Mr Richards) The com- mittee goes and sees this place, and they re- commend the course laid down to-day and not only that—they are backed out by their surveyor in the matter; it is a great pity you were not there. Mr Richards I think you should know what the cost of doing the work will be. The surveyor said it would cost about £40. The chairman Let the matter bo referred to the next board. Mr Richards I propose that Mr Cook go into the qnestion, make a little plan, and see what it will cost,and afterwards speak to Mr RobertB on tho subject. Mr James I second that. The surveyor I have seen Mr Roberts, and he says the company are not liable for the over- flowing. As to the cost, it will be about £40 as near as possible. Mr Hambletsn I beg to propose a fresh com- mittee to look at the place. Mr Richards: What is the cause that the water has been stopped ? The surveyor The silt" coming down. Mr Richards Yes, from their embankment. The surveyor No, Mr Richards. Mr Hambleton There is no stuff coming down from the railway. The chairman: I think the question is, whe- ther we will take £20 or nothing. Mr D. Williams I propose we have another committee, and Mr Richards be upon it. Mr Richards: If the committee has been formed, visited the place, and expressed an opinion, I am not the man to dictate to them. Mr Hambleton: I propose that we put a grating down on the side of the road, and let the property-owners bring their action against the Railway Co. afterwards. Mr C. Herbert: A very good suggestion. Mr Richards And the property-owners will stop paying rates to you then. Mr Hambleton They can't do that. Mr Richards Can't they, though? After some further discussion, Mr Richards said if the present committee thought proper to take £20, he would not be the man to stop them. The question was then deferred till the next board meeting, Messrs W. Richards and W. P. James in the meantime to visit the place. Plans having been presented, Mr D. Williams proposed that the dimensions of the buildings be entered upon every plan. Mr Hambleton seconded the proposition, which was carried unanimoasly. Mr Wm. Bush attended, and complained of the state of the roads at Cwmffrwdoer. Mr Hambleton What is the reason of the roads being so bad ? Mr Bush Because they have never been re- paired. The chairman The board thinks they have put the roads in very good repair for ordinary purposes, but you and Mr Chapman have dam- aged the roads By your waggons, and you ought to put them in proper repair and hand them over to the board. Mr Bush said there was scarcely any road at all there, ouly a bit of clay. Mr Chapman Tho railway people destroyed the road first, and now Mr Bush and myself have all the trouble with it. The surveyor: The railway people never carted things that way. Mr Chapman You have never done anything to the roads since your present surveyor has been appointed the watercourses have not even been attended to. The chairman suggested that Mr Chapman and Mr Bush should meet the expense of putting this road in .order. Mr Hambleton We should want £150 laid out upon that road. Chairman And we have net .£150 to spare. Mr Chapman £20 or £30 would fill the ruts, and not let the thing be 18 months without doing anything to do it. The chairman You put it right, then come to this board, and say, "Horo it is koep it right." Mr Chapman We have kept in repair a road a mile tong that really belongs to this board. The surveyor That road should be metalled at least 10 inches deep. It was finally agreed that a committee be ap- pointed to meet Messrs. Chapman and Bush, and examine the road in question. The medical officer's report was as follows :— Gentlemen,—There were 24 deaths registered during the month of August from-the following causcs:— Measles, 3 softening of the brain, 1; phthisis, 3; heart disease, 3: infantile disease, 3; infantile diarrhoea, 2; apoplexy, 3; tubes moseuterica, 2; bronchitis, 5 con- apoplexy, 3; tubes moseuterica, 2; bronchitis, 5; con- gestion of the lungs, 1; natural decay, 1. The births ) exceeded the deaths by 19. The deaths from infantile diarrhoea were much less than the average at this time of the year. As far as I can make out, the epidemic of measles has subsided in the upper part of the district; the three deaths occurring in the lower portion were two on the Tranch and one at Pontnewynydd. Although the death rate is comparatively high, I consider the distriot healthy, as the majority of deaths were from constitu- tional affections, and not in any way influenced by pre- ventible causes. J. W. MULLIGAN, M.D. Mr Hambleton called attention to the water courses, saying that on a certain day when there»was very heavy rain he went to Pentre- peodtand Sowhill, but 8aw nobody looking after the water drains. After considerable discussion, the subjeot dropped. The board was declared to be indebted to the bank in the sum of £99 17s. Id.; the bills for the month amounted to £211 5s. 4!d. Mr Dent called attention to the matter of assessment, which he considered unfair. There were three miles of the Great Western Railway rated at £550, and .,along this lino there were neither stations nor buildings the line he re- ferred to was on the route to Grumlin. There were 3! miles of railway belonging to the Mon. Railway and Canal Company whioh was rated at Mr Dent submitted if one was a fair valuation the other was not. But it should be remembered that in the latter valuation he did not include the Cwmffrwdoer or other branches. The chairman You seem to demur to the assessment. Mr Dent: Yes; I have brought this matter forward because there are two members of the assessment committee on this board—Mr Lewis and Mr Edmonds. He would instance the Water Works Co.; they had a reservoir and a greater part of their mains in the Abersychan district, and yet they were only rated at whilst in the Pontypool district they were rated at £170. There was a lot of talk about the Is. and 2s. ratepayers grumbling, bat he thought they had a right to grumble until the board would re- medy this state of things. Mr H. Lewis There has been" great deal of fault-finding, and inoendoes are made; let; everything be done fair and above board. Mr Dent: I came here for the purpose to-day. Mr Lewis But you should bring this matter before the assessment committee. Mr Chapman mentioned that the rating of the Mon. Railway Co. in the district was £1334. Mr Dent: But that bears no comparison to the assessment in other districts. The ohairman All we can do is to direct the attention of the assessment committee to the matter. Mr Dent said that in other districts railway companies were rated at £750, and instanced a distriot not 20 miles from Pontypool, where, on an appeal being made by the farmers, the rating was actually raised from £70 to £700. The ohairmau No doubt you will find many other properties rated low, and some rated high. Mr Lewis: I have attended the assessment committees many years, and anything brought before us always receives strict attention. Mr Dent: Do you remember that Mr Relph advised us to form committees ? Mr H. Lewis I do. Mr Dent: Well, nobody ever took that step and I hope now that the board will take this matter up, and save a great deal of unplea- santness. Mr C. Herbert: I have DO objection I know I am rated high enough. Mr Dent: Don't you think it would be wise for the finance committee to look into this matter ? The chairman If the attention of the as- sessment committee be directed to it, they will take it up. The subject then dropped.

To the Editor of the Free Press. Dear Sir,—I should like to call attention through your columns to the very rough state of the path leading to Trevethin Church, which has been in bad condition Jor a length of time, and since thefal of the late heavy rains large stones are exposed, as well as roots of trees, render- infl the walk to our parish chtrrch more of a penance than a delight. Those persons also who live at or near TrevUhin, must of necessity make frequent journeys into town, to the great discomfort of their poor feet. Perhaps you, Mr Editor, or one of your readers well up in the intricacies of parish law, will inform me who is answerable for the repair of the path referred to. Is it the duty of the Pontypool Local Board or of the Churchwardens 1 Your insertion of this letter will be esteemed a favor by many, amsngst others, by Your obedient servant. TENDER FEET,

TADY MULRANY ON MATTHERS IN (}lNIB.A.L. THE COIOBADO BBBTtfi FOR IJISTANOE, Well, Misthcr Edither, shure goin' to write ye a short bit ov a letther agin. > Pd rite ye a good big long letther, but ye see that hole in the windy of the post office wudn't be large enough to swallow down all the idays I could put on a hope of ould rags, thransformed into nice, clane white dacent paper. Well, 'tis what I'm goin to rite about is the Colorado Beetle. They're sindin. about great big papers wid picthers ov him, and tellin' ye the colour 00 his clothes, the linth of his nose, and the colour ov his eyes, and ex- amin' thim to see if there's any Paris green in thim and throth, but it reminds me ov the time when they were thryin' poor Sir Roger, above in London. Now, but who do ye think, or what do ye think these detistitable little speciments ov the insect creation is. Why, ye know that the black beetles in Wales is well known to be the sowls of the colliers, that's coming back by night to have a tashte ov bread and cheese and a dhrop ov beer if they can find a dhrop. Well, shure, I think the Colorado beetle is no other thin the sowls of the poor eraythurs that left th' ould counthry the time ov the poor cray- thers that wint in dhroves to Amerikay, and left their counthry nat for want, fer they eould get plinty of that at home in thim times. Well, uran man printed a lot ov papers tellin' us how to get rid ov the beetles. Ye're to go wid a pot ov Paris green, he sez, and turn the laves ov the pratee shtaks upside down, and put the Paris green upon the beetle and his black guard eggs, Well, shure, if 1 had that man Pd shtuff him, and put him in the musay- um for a rale spedmint of ajaynius. But hould been rubbin' me head wid a good rough brick, thryin' if I could produce an iday; out if ye was to see the boys afther the fair, wid their ehillelahs bent up wid de fair dint ov argumiut, ''twould do yer heart a power ov good, and show ye how the idays are produced here. Well, I got aniday about the beetle, and perhaps 'twould be all good as the wan ye seez in the papers. Wouldn't it be as well to go afther the beetle, and whin you found wan to tickle him undher the fifth rib, and whin he'd open his ugly mouth to laugh, shtick some of the Paris green in and pislum him. Misther Edither, shure I was never beyant in Amerikay, but 1 was over in Wales wanst; I wint across in a butther boat—not a boat made ov butther de ye mind,for that uti melt-anà I catne back agin in three ships; but I had a letther last fortnig M from my sister-in-law's wife's husband, Paddy Rorrigan, as clane, as dacent, and as nice q boy as ever cracked a skull at a fair, or danced a jig at a patthern. Well, he was tellin' me all about Tom Loolan's eon, from A naravadherum, that wint over to A.merikay from Clonakilty. The poor boy-resht his sowl—thotogfU, innocent like, that a good skehogue of pratees would be a grate advantage to him when he got across, and would help to fill up a void in his intayriors whin he'd land. Well, shure, he landed in one of the shtates where, bad luck to the pratee could be 8ee b8 raison of the presence of the Colorado beetle. Poor Doolan had a good dinner prepared he had a pig' s head and a boulsther ov cabboge to have the head lie nice and aisy on, inhisshtomackj he had apeck of pratees,and whin these wor put inside his skirt, ye may be shure that the shkin of his body was as tight as the Mad ov any dhrnm that ud be braced upforplayin' the" The humours ov Bandon," or the" Cafe rambles to the child's sauce- panor any othbr lively air upon. Afther taking a rmdherate dhrop of calamity water, in the shape of a I quart of whiskey ptfflch, he wint out into afield análay down in the arms of Morphe When he was shnorin' the beetles smelt the pratees he had within him, and about a hundred thousand million ov um came down like an army of desthruction, and gettin' in wid suck forcd through his mouth afther the pratees, they never shtopped till the poor boy was bursht asundher be the pressure ov thim. I'm shure I don't know what'It become ov ye at all, if the blackguard in yer counthry. We're not at all afraid ov him in this counthry, for you see all shnakes and pishnuz reptiles wor banished from the counthry hundhreds of years ago besides, don t ye see all the pratees that grows in Ireland got eyes, and can see the beetles comity, and the corn, too, have ears, and can hear him thrampin' along so there's no fear he's to sthale a march upon um here. Howsumever, I'm bound to commind thatjaynius that recomminds ye to go over a field ov 3, or maybe 5, hundred acres of pratees and turn the laves of the shtalks of evry pratee up to put Paris green on um. Arrah glory to him I'd like to put my spectacles on him to see if there was anythin' green in his eye. However. sir, no more at present from Your obayjint sarvant, TADY MDLEANY, Top of Cork Road, in tK ould Counthry. I

EMIGRATION TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA.—The Oak- J land* with 338 emigrants, arrived at Port Adelaide on j the 9th inst. All woll. j THE BARQUE SCOTTISH HERO," Capt. McEaoharu, sailed from Gravesend on the 14th inst., bound for Rock- bampton, Queensland, and ha.d on board the following emigrants, 78 married people, 110 single men, 62 single women, 58 children between the ages of 12 and 1, and 9 infants, making a total of 311 souls equal to 279 adults. The single women are under the care of Miss Trwwell, Dr. I. 1a.rk acting as surgeon-superintendent.

FAMINE IN INDIA, Yon Famine-menaced myriads cry for aid; ) Of lage response shall England be afraid, In poor renunciation of a claim, Whose full acknowledgment were fruitful fame, Adding to arms a fuller conquest still, The nobler domination of Good-will ? —PUNCH. THE papers call attention to the famine in India, and to the eighteen millions now starv- ing in Madras. These millions are our fellow- subjects, and if not exactly our countrymen, are linked to us by a title which makes their claim as sacred as that of nationality and kin- dred—they are dependants of the English nation. The difficulty of carrying food to them, if the food were all stored ready to be despatched, would alone tax to the uttermost the wealth and machinery of India. At the very best, months must elapse before the most fortunate weather could give these people another crop, and at present they have neither food nor seed. Every load of rice that reaches them must be dragged for hundreds of miles by oxen that eat almost as much as they can carry. A calamity more appalling, a difficulty more tremendous, never, perhaps, in the his- tory of mankind, appealed to the wealth and charity of a great people; and never was wealth greater, never obligation clearer, never, as we believe, charity more ready and gene- rous, ithan that of the nation to whom this appeal is made. We might, if we pleased, leave the heathen without missions, the barba- rians of the outer world without civilizing help, the wounded of Turkey and Russia withont relief; but if we should leave the famine-stricken millions of Madras without all the aid we can render them, we should neglect a duty clearly, unmistakeably imposed upon us by Providence, and assumed by our own ambition and national pride. It is no super- stition to believe that the neglect of such a duty would inevitably invoke its appropriate pun- ishment; but a consideration of this kind can hardly need to upon a Christian and conscientious people. By the kindness of MR. WOOD, we are enabled to give an extract from a letter lately received by him, dated Feb. 20th, from the Rev. Wm. G. BAKER, of Mesulipatam Mis- sionary College, South India. Many years ago the children of the Pontypool Town Sunday-school resolved to support and edu- cate two poor little Indian orphans by sending out the necessary money to the missionary clergymen of the above-mentioned place. Sad to say, the little girl died some years ago, but the boy lives, and is spoken of very highly by all the gentlemen from whom letters have been received, and it is expected he will be- come a teacher or missionary. He is now about 15 or 16 years of age, MR. BAKER alludes to the famine as follows :— You will be sorry to hear that famine is ravaging South India,' and although we, about Masulipatam, are much better off than the people further South, yet the distress is very great. Many a man earns but ten or twelve shillings per month, and has to keep a large family on this small sum. His ten or twelve shillings this year goes about as far as six shillings last. How the poor people get on I am at a loss to understand. In Kurnool and Cuddapah things are much worse. I fancy people in England know very little about this famine." "By the assistance of friends at home and our own Society, our boys are protected from this excessive suffering." You may not be aware that attaohod to this board- ing school is an elementary school for boys who live in the town. Some of these boys are heathen. I was noticing, only yesterday, what a contrast there waa between our boarding boys and these 'outsiders.' Many of the latter have not enough to eat; they look quite emaciated, while our boarding lads look in good condition." Meetings have been held in a great many places, and collections have been made in numerous churches and chapels in aid of the Indian Famine Fund, with very liberal results, but the amounts yet received, although un- doubtedly large, are almost as nothing when compared with the immense requirements of the millions of our starving fellow-subjects (there are said to be 18,000,000 in want of help in the Madras Presidency alone) who have the gaunt spectre of famine laying his cold and pitiless grasp upon them without having any power to help themselves, except by appealing for relief from the destroying terror, to us in England who are living in tho midst of plenty, and who can so easily, if we only will, spare to them of our abundance.

LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS. AT CAERLEON, on Thursday, James Brown, a tra- velling draper, was fined forty shillings for a common assault, at Cwmbran, on a woman named Lester. Mr Robert Crawshay, of Cyfarthfa Castle, while angling a few miles below Brecon, caught a fine salmon weighing 33lbs. This is believed to be the largest fish which ever was taken with the fly in the river Usk. ACCIDENT.—A man named Alfred Phillips had his leg broken when jumping on Cwmlickey Mountain on Thursday evening, at the time of the shooting for the Snider Rifle. He was immediately carried off to a medical man. Two MEN, named Francis and Thomas, were buried in a level at Ebbw Vale, on Monday, by a fall of rub. bish from the roof. The former was killed, but the other was rescued alive, though it is feared that he wil succumb to the serious injuries he has sustained. ON Monday, two luggage trains came into collisionl at Llanwrtyd station. The crash was terrific, but hap- pily no accident to life or limb occurred. On the same night a labourer was knocked down by an excursion train, and one of his legs was amputated, but he died very soon. THE PONTYPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB.—On Thursday week a meeting of the above club was held, and was very well attended. A field at Pontymoile, belonging to Mr Griffiths, was hired by the club. Mr James Green was elected secretary, so that persons byiapplying to him can become members by paying a subscription of 2s. ON SUNDAY, the English Primitive Methodists opened their new chapel on the Pwllgwaun fields, Pontypridd. The three services were well attended. This is the seventh chapel erected by this denomination in the Rhonndu Valley, chiefly through the energy of the Rev. Mr. Powell, within the last three or four years. • OUTBREAK OF FEVER.—An Abergavenny corres- pondent writes:—This town and its suburbs has been visited with an outbreak of gastric fever. At Llan- foist there are six or seven cases, and Mr Edwards, the well-known proprietor of the Llanfoist Brewery, lies in a critical state. Measles are also in the town, and there are several cases of diphtheria. On Wednesday morning, at the Ebbw Vale Steel Works, two trucks ran down an incline leading to the top of the Cupolas," and came into collision with an engine that was running at a rapid rate from the blast furnaces with a vessel of molten metal. A man named Smith, one of the engineers, was struck dead on the footplate of the engine, and another man named Anthony sustained serious injuries. THE PANTEG SCHOOLS of Sebastopol, Pontymoil, and Penyrheol had their annual treats on Sept. 6th, 7th, and 13th through tho liberality of J. C. Hanbury, Esq., and notwithstanding one day proved unfavourable, the teachers and scholars thoroughly enjoyed their fetes and showed their appreciation of the Squire of Ponty- pool Park's kindness by several rounds of hearty cheer- ing (both in the Park and in Mr Stedman's field (kindly lent for the occasion), as well as by an appreciative con- sumption of plum-cake, &0. THE ANNUAL MBBTING of the Christian Knowledge Society, and that of the Propagation of the Gospel, for the Archdeaconry of Monmouth, was held in tht Town Hall, Pontypool, on Thursday se'nnight. The report presented mentioned, among other facts, that 1,122 Bibles had been sold, 846 New Testaments, and 1,203 Common Prayer Books during the financial year of other bound books and tracts. been disposed of, making an aggregate of 10,798,

BLAENAVON. THE STREET LAMPS.—The public gas lamps were lighted on Saturday night for the first time this season, and enlivened the town very considerably. AUTUMN FAIR.—This fair was held on Monday. There was a good supply of stock, and brisk sales were effected. The pleasure fair was well patronised, and all passed off enjoyably and peaceably. ST. PETER'S CHURCH.—On Thursday, the 13th inst., the Sunday and week-day scholars connected with this church had their annual tea-party in the schoolroom, when they managed to enjoy themselves exceedingly, at tea, and in a variety of recreations afterwards, although the weaiher, unfortunately, was so wet as quite to pre-, vent any out-door amusements, or the procession which had been intended. After the children s tea, the mem- bers and friends repaired to the vicarage, where they were entertained with tea, &c., by the vicar, the Rev. J. Jones. The church bells ra.ng out merrily during the afternoon. PRIMITIVE METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL.—The an- nual tea-meeting of this school was held on Wednesday afternoon. The children, with the chapel choir and friends, met at two o'clock, and, having formed in pro- cession, walked and sang through the town. They after- wards returned to the chapel and partook heartily of the tea and cake which had been provided, in which they were joined by a large number of visitors. During tea, the choir sang several lively pieces of music. When the tea was over, the children repaired to a field, where they thoroughly enjoyed themselves in various games and amusements Ulltil about eight o'clock, the weather having been very Ane that day, to the delight of all present.

USK. A sheep dog belonging to Mr Jones, of the Pant Farm, caught a badger measuring three feet four inohes trom the tip of the nose to the end of the tail, and one foot ten inches round the body. ON Friday, an application was made before the ma- gistrates, by Sergeant Whitton, for a summons against the vicar, Mr Nixon (the master at the National Schools), Mr Davies, churchwarden, and Mr Parker, a grocer, for assaulting his eon, who is 14 years of age. It was alleged that they pulled the boy's trousers down and thrashed him on the naked flesh, with a bundle of switches, in an unmerciful manner. The summons was granted. It would appear that a number of boys had committed a trivial offence, and all were punished in the same man- ner before the other scholars, some of whom, it is said, wept bitterly, and even fainted on witnessing the severe castigation of their schoolfellows. In reference to the above the following letter haa ap- peared in a contemporary :— Sir,—A paragraph headed, Illegal Use of the Birch Rod at Usk National School," appeared this morning in the columns of your contemporary, the South Wales Daily News. As this paragraph contains a great deal of untruth, with gross exaggeration, and distortion of what in it is true, I beg you will insert the actual facts of the case. In front of the school is a small playground, with entrance from the street, and near the school a few cottages occupied by artisans and one or two small shop- keepers. The oocupants of these houses have lately made frequent complaints of the unruly and insulting be- haviour of some of the boys, and this behaviour 1 have done my best by mild means to oheck. Within the last week it appears that this disorderly conduct has risen to an absolute terrorism, a Mrs Morgan, the keeper- of a grocer's shop right opposite, being especially selected as a victim for the unruly attacks of the boys. On Wednes- day last Mrs Morgan complained to me that she had been subject to more than ordinary insult and annoy- ance, and I asked her to come to tho school, and point out a. few of those boys who had been most active in per- secuting her. This she did, and after a calm and patient investigation I punished, with certain exceptions, which will hereafter appear, the offending boys. I gave to each boy two stripes upon the hand with a small cane, and added an imposition of 100 lines to be writttn. One boy, Whitton, refused to take his punishment, and while T was trying to administer it, he attempted to strike me and did actually kick me. I then forcibly ejeoted him J from the school, and immediately he began battering me I door with large stones, and behaved otherwise in a vory violent manner. During the riot in front of Mrs Mor- gan's several caps were thrown into her shop, and these were handed over to me. Four of the boys owning these caps absented themselves from school, and headed by Whitton after his ejectment, conducted themselves in a moat riotous manner, almost mobbing my door, and actually assaulting my little boy when crossing the road, hooting and yelling after me whenever I appeared In he street. Later in the evening I called in at Whitton s homo to see his parents, and while talking to his mother was saluted with cries of Turn him out!" which his own mother heard. Whitton a fortnight beforo, had been ordered out of the school for insolence and insubordination, and had been received into the school again upon promise ofbotterconduot, his father, I believe, at the time having said to the vicar that he wished I had given him a good thrashing instead of suspending him. On Thursday morning Whitton, and four other boys, were beaten by me with a rod of small twigs (certainly not containing nettles), not more than six stripes being administered to any boy, and this punishment was given, not simply for throwing caps when out of school into a grocer's shop," but for con- tinued and repeated acts of disobedience and insolence, culminating in the riotous and defiant behaviour of the Wednesday evening. The sensational reports concern- ing the screams of the boys, and the fainting and weep- ing of the other children who witnessed the punishment" are without foundation, for three only of the other child- dren witnessed the punishment, no one fainted, and the boys, though making some considerable noise before they were touched, could not be heard by the mistress in the next room when thft door was closed. The Rev. S. C. Baker, chairman of our committee, with Mr. O. Davies and Mr. J. Parker, two other members, were re- quested by me to be present, that they might see that the punishment was neither excessive nor unmerited. In conclusion, I will add that our school has always been well reported of by her Majesty's inspector, both for tone and discipline; in fact, it has been spoken of as excellent." Most of our children are well disposed and orderly, but lately, owing to some influence working out? side the school, and whioh, at present, I am enable to trace, some have become disaffected and mutinous. My dwolling-house, I should state, does not adjoin the schools. I am, &o., JNO. R. NIXON. Usk National School, Sept. 15th.

MERTHYR. POLICE COURT.—At Monday's polioe-court, beforeM, Thomas Williams and Dr. Edward Davies, Thomas O'Reilly, freestone dealer, summoned for assaulting James James, was fined 20s. and costs.—Elizabeth Wheelan, a married woman, residing at Penydarren, was charged with wounding Margt. McKay. Prisoner struck complainant with an earthenware vessel,^inflict- ing a dangerous wound. She was committed for trial at the quarter sessions. — John Sullivan, labourer, was charged by Mr John Davies with stealing 6tlbs. of bacon. As the prosecutor did not appear, prisoner waa discharged,—David Evans, labourer, charged by Mr W. Simons with stealing 521bs. of lead and 41bs. of brass, was committed for trial.—Robert Taylor, a smith, wag brought up charged with stealing a hatchet, the pro. perty of Mr J. F. Biddle. Prisoner was discharged.

SWANSEA. ALARMING EXPLOSION.—The inhabitants of the Fynone distriot were considerably alarmed, and the lives of some were placed in great jeopardy, on Monday morning last, about 10 o'clock. Behind the houses, which stand almost at the top of a hill, with a fine look- out over the bay, there is a stone quarry known as Pugh's quarry, and in blasting the men had used an overcharge of powder, the effect of whioh was to propel a number of stones of various sizes to a great distanoe, not only causing much alarm by the report, which re- sembled the noise of artillery, but damaging the houses an<l endangering the lives of the occupants. A lan$ stone woTgnrng arrant IWJ ins. was Hurled with great violence through the kitchen window of the house of H. Hocking, Esq., assayer, smashing a dresser which stood opposite the window on the other side of the room, and breaking the table in its course. The servant girl waa much shaken and bruised, and her left arm injured, it it supposed, by one of the window bars, two of which were torn out, but she was too much frightened to recolleot anything except that she felt the broken glass flying about her face. She will have to remain in bed for some days. Fortunately, no one else was in too kitchen at the time, although only five minutes before Mrs Hocking and some of the children were there. A stone about 8 Ibs. weight also fell through the roof into a bedroom, bringing down a quantity of plaster, and damaging thQ roof tso that about 18 slates were necessary for its pair. The yard was covered with smaller stones. At Mr Hooking'a house is 70 yards from the quarry, the force must have been very great, and it is extremely fortunate that no one was killed. We think greater carc should be taken in using gunpowder and other ex- plosive materials.

J Volunteer Intelligence. 2ND MON. RlPLE VOLUNTEERS.—The sixth monthly competition for the prize annually given by John 0. Hanbury, Esq., to No. 1 (or ontypol) Company took place on Saturday, the 15th inst., with the following result: 1st, Sergt. T. Fletcher, 35 points; 2nd, Private H. W. Joshua, 33 points 3rd, Corporal A. Cook, 33 points. The previous winners were—In April, GorpL A. Cook; May,; Corporal T. Fletcher June, Lieut. J. Green; July, Private J. Howells ^August, Private James Green. 8ergeant Fletcher, having thus won the most competitions, is the fortunate winner of the prize. The sweepstakes in connection with the above, Ibr too highest aggregate score, excluding the prize winner, were taken by Private James Green, 2-3rds-148 6d, 243; Corporal Cook, 1.3rd-7s 3d; 188. RIFLE COMPETITION AT CWMLICKET.—On Thurs- day afternoon a competition for a beautiful Snider rifle, the property of Mr Jeremiah, Winning Horse Hotel, came off at the above ranges. The firing took place at 200 and 500 yards. The following are the total scores:—C. Davis, 33 H. G. Davia, 33; — Taylor, 31; R. Moxham, 29; D. Jones, 28 j J. Wil- liams, 28 Capt. Williams, 28 James Green, 27; F. Probyn, 27; W.Williams, 27; S. Cole, 27; W. H. Williams, 27; W. Boycott, 27; — James, 27 I A. Cooke, 26; B. Pearce, 26; H. Gosling, 24; J. S. Green, 24; W. M'Camie, 23; D. S. Davies, 23; R. E. James, 23; W. Burgess, 22; S. W. Purnell, 21; A. Davis, 20; R. Lewis. 17; G. Jeremiah, 15; — Sumption, 14. Mr C. Davis was declared winner of the rifle. A sweepstakes was afterwards shot off, when Mr R. Moxham took the first prize, Capt. Williams the second, and Mr J. S. Green the third. BATTALION DRILLS.—On Saturday a battalion drill of the Hanbury and Blaenavon Corps took place in Cae Nicholas. The Hanbury Corps was under the command of Capt. J. F. Williams, accompanied by Lieut. Bevan. Col. Relph, Major Hair, and Adjutant Phipps were on. the ground, and put ihe men through Mverai battalion movements.—On Wednesday, a battalion drill took plaoa in a. field near Pontypool-road. Corps from Newport, Abergavenny, and Usk were on the ground, as well as the 5th Mon., or Hanbury. Col. Relph, Major Burton, Major Hair, anii Adjutant Phipps were also present. The battalion was divided into three companies, and several military evolutions were gone through with re- markable credit, especially the new drill. When the drill was over, the Hanbury Corps, under the command of Capt. Williams and Lieut. Bevan, marched, headed by their band, under the leadership of Mr King, to the armoury, and having deposited their arms, the men pro- ceeded to the Globe Hotel, where a plentiful supply of bread and cheese and beer was served out by Mr Geo. Newth. After the cloth was removed, several songs were sung by the volunteers, and a very pleasant even- ing was spent. Col. Relph complimented the men upon their efficiency in drill.. On Sunday last the Pontypool, No. 1, Abersychan, No. 3, and the Garndiffaith, No. 7, Companies of the 2nd Monmouthshire Rifle Volunteer Corps had a Church parade, and attended Divine service at Trevethin. The men were under the command of Capt. Llewellin and Lieut. Verity. They presented a very orderly and soldier-like appearance, and with their respective bands, headed by Drum-major Waite, marched in excellent style and with great precision, the Pontymoile Company having met the Garndiffaith Company at Pontnewyn- ydd, whence both marched to Churoh together. The sermon, preached by the vicar, the Rev. J. C. Llewellin, was a very eloquent one. The text was taken from 1 Samuel, ch. xvii., v. 45, Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied." In appropriate re- marks, be commended the volunteer movement, charac- terising it as a healthy one, inasmuch as it not only trained the men physically as soldiers, but inculcated habits of prompt obedience to orders, and drew an in- genious comparison between the jealousy which was manifested towards David by his brothers, and that supposed by some persons to exist among our regular forces against the volunteers.—Tbe Church was very full. The united Companies marched from the Church to Pontypool, where the were disbanded. Printed and Published by BENny HUGHF.8, Junr., at his GENERAL PRINTING OFFICES, Poqtypoolf in the County of Monmouth.—Saturday^ ept;,