Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

isirtbs, IRaillacits, anti 1aratbs. > DEATHS. Oct. 6, at 11, Victoria-row, Blaenavon, aged 21 years, Naomi, daughter of Mr. Isaac Davies, col- liery overman. Oct. 6, at 9, Upper Hill-street, Blaenavon, aged 51. years, Eliza, wife of Mr. John Allcock, coal miner. Oct. 7, at 29, Bryn terrace, Blaenavon, aged 42 years, Sarah Ann, wife of Mr. Daniel James, blast furnaceman. Oct. 9, at Coaltar-row, Blaenavon, aged 57 years, Mr. Evan Williams, furnace labourer. Oct. 11, at 6, Castle-street, Blaenavon, aged 52 years. Mary, widow of Mr. William Budding, steel bailer. WILLIAms.-At Skegness, on Oct. 14th, aged 24, of brain affection, Norman, younger son of Rev. D. Williams (late of this town.) Generally beloved. I did not anticipate it so soon, but it is all right." Oct. 14, at Steepfield-terrace. Freehold Land, aged 49 years, Mr. Henry Walker, monumental mason. Oct. 15, at Godwith Cottage, James-street, J™0*??11' 42 years', Annie Louisa, daughter of Mr. Henry James, architect. 15' at tJHnback of Quick's Buildings, coal mine?' Mr* JosePh Parker' llat 2'viCbapei"^w' Blaenavon, aged 67 coal minfcr?' d°" °f Mr" S.mmond*, aT 18vS?ss~street> Blaenavon, aged 59 years, Mr. Jacob Kmsey, shoemaker. Oct. 18, at 10 West- street, Pontypool, aged 52 SoaT ™ 01 Mr' A Dart scleral

THE DISTRESS AT SERASTOPOL. 'I -r, T°.tke EdUor of the Free ^ess. Si1r'lT5eisJnp11Srt0ti!'ll^-letter which appeared in £ ° MTI Fdistress in Sebastopol and Griffithstow^, we regret that the writer and his fellow sufferers have not made themselves known in order that their destitution may be relieved. It is manifest that until they do this nothing- can be for them. YVe think it is only fair to say that Mr. Butler has relieved all cases of need that have been brought to nis notice, and moreover he has given us instructions to relieve any urgent cases in in 's absence. We quite agree with your correspondent that there have been a number of children fed at theDrill Hall who were not in want. This no doubt has occurred through the action of the committee in deciding* to relieve all children who presented themselves. We may, however, say in justice to ourselves, as mem- bers of this committee appointed to deal with the funds so generously subscribed by the publio, that it was our intention to help all families in need, but the imajonty were in favour of relieving children only,.and in an indiscriucuttate manner, Yours truly. WWAUEBS. JIM PAW.

LOCAL NEWS. SMOKING CONCERT.—A "smoker" will be held at the Conservative Club, George-street, on Tuesday next, at 8.30 p.m., at which all members are requested to attend. A capital programme has been prepared, and a most enjoyable evening is anticipated, Capt. Bevan having kindly consented to preside. Y.M.C.A.—The inaugural meeting of the coming session was held at Crane-street Chapel on Thursday evening. A report will appear next week. Attention is also directed to an advertisement respecting a lecture to be given, under the auspices of the Association, on Mon- day evening next, at Mount Pleasant Chapel, by the Rev. H. B. Robinson. SILVER WEDDING OF LADY LLANGATTOCK.— We understand that Miss Annette Hill has arranged to take a select party of the Pontypool Ladies' Choir, vocalists and instrumentalists, to the Hendre to-day (Friday), for the purpose of assisting in the celebration of the silver wedding of Lord and Lady Llangattock, her ladyship being the president of the choir. The party will number about fourteen, including Alaw Gwent, under whose able conductorship the programme which has been selected will be performed. A SLOPER POTATO—A short time since, Mr. G. Newth, of the Sir Garnet Hotel, "unearthed" a potato which bore a striking resemblance to the published portraits of the famous "Ally Sloper." The tuber, weighing 31bs., was forwarded to the office of Ally Sloper's Half Holiday, and Mr. Newth has received the following acknowledgment: H Very many thanks for your kind favour to hand, with potato, which is certainly a curiosity, though we regret we cannot insert an illustration in Sloper as suggested." PONTYPOOL HARMONIC SOCIETY.-The grand oratorio, Handel's Messiah," is to be performed in January by the members of the above-named Society. We are pleased to find that Mr. C. Lawrence and Mr. H. J. England, who have together conducted the Society through so many seasons, are still devoting their energies to improve the musical taste of the town. We wish them all success in their efforts, and trust that on Monday next the Park-terrace room will be too small to contain the singers and members of the orchestra. A FOOTBALL CLUB FOR PONTYPOOL.—A meeting for the purpose of forming a Football Club for the town was held at the Crown Hotel on Wednesday evening. It was unanimously resolved to form such a club, and subscriptions amounting to £ 2 10s. were at once forthcoming. We understand that the Recreation Grounds have been secured, and that the Club intend adopting black and red as their colours, being the colours of the club which flourished in the town a few years ago. The following officers were appointed :—Captain, Mr. Ben Williams, vice-captain, Mr. D. Highley treasurer, Mr. E. Probyn hon. sec., Mr. C. E.*Francis. GUNPOWDER ACCIDENT.-On Tuesday last two boys named Lloyd and Hawkins, living at Six Bells Inn and the Albion-road, Pontypool, respectively, met with a serious accident through playing with gunpowder. By some means or other the two boys, who are frem 14 to 17 years old, got possession of a pound of gunpowder, and commenced making what are known as devils" in with it. These they lit, and began dancing around them. By some means or other the sparks from them set the whole pound of gun- powder on fire, with the result that both boys were very badly burned, Hawkins so seriously that it is feared that he will lose the sight of both of his eyes. Dr. Mason was at once called in, and is doing his best for the unfortunate sufferers, MOUNT PLEASANT SOCIAL CLASS.—A social tea in connection with the above class was recently held at the Waverley Hotel, being the first meeting of the winter series. There were over 40 present. After tea, Mr. D. W. Simpson was voted to the chair, and spoke of the benefit of holding such classes in connection with the church, and impressed upon the young people the importance of joining, promising that if they attended regularly they would hear something that would improve and elevate their minds as the programme for the series of meetings con- sisted of readings from the best authors, lessons in elocution, &c. The meeting was interspersed with singing, recitations, and charades, and at the close it was manifest that all had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. GRAND ORGAN OPENING.—The new organ recently built by Messrs. iVowles, of Bristol, to the Primitive Methodist Church, Park-terrace was opened on Sunday last. The preacher was the Rev. Joseph Harding, of Bristol, who de- livered three eloquent and appropriate sermons, which were listened to with much appreciation. The organist was Mr. Fred W. Rootham, the organist at Clifton College, who delighted the large audiences with his manipulation of the instrument. Rarely indeed have we heard such an excellent display of talent. Seldom has such an able player appeared before a Pontypool audience. The organ itself is an exquisite instrument of beautiful tone, having two manuals. The specification is-Grand organ Flauto traverso 4ft., dulciana 8ft., clarabella 8ft. open diapason 8ft.; swell organ: Gemshorn 4ft" oboe 8ft, voix celeste 8ft., salcional 8ft., Lieblich Gedact 8ft., horn- diapason 8ft.; pedal organ: Bourdon 16ft., swell to pedal, great to pedal, swell to great. All which were used to the tallest advantage by the organist. The services were unusually well attended, and everybody agreed that the organ Was in every manner a great embellishment to the church. The collections realised upwards of JEM. A grand concert took place last night, of wluch particulars will appear next week, and we understand that the opening services will be continued next Sunday by the celebration of the harvest festival services, when the Rev.J. Wilson will preach at 11 and 6.iThe afternoon will be devoted to a popular Sunday afternoon service, 3 o'clock, which will consist for the most part of vocal and instrumental music. R.A.O.B.—A smoking concert in connection with the General Gordon Lodge of the above Order was held on Tuesday evening last at the Lodge-room, Sir Garnet Hotel. A large number of members and friends of the Order were pre- sent, the chair being occupied by Primo C. J. Fowler. A capital programme was gone through, several of the songs being encored.—In the course of a short address, the Chairman said that many people were under the impression that Buffalo- ism meant conviviality. That certainly was one ,y. of the features of the Order; but there was another to which Buffs attatched far greater im- portance, and that was philanthropy. There were to-day many who were glad they had been connected with the R.A.O.B.—members and also widows and orphans of members. He (the chairman) then mentioned several cases which had come under his notice of brothers who had received substantial aid during sickness, and of families of deceased members who had been placed in comfortable circumstances through the instrumentality of the Order. Sir A. H. Babbidge also spoke of the advantages of the Order to men travelling either for business or pleasure, as in most towns there was a lodge of the R.A.O.B. Visiting brothers were warmly wel- comed, and, incase of necessity, granted relief.— The singing of the National Anthem brought a pleasant evening to a close.—The following was the program}rr.fe — Song, The midshipmite," Mr, A.M.&abbidge song, "After the ball," Mr. Peterson; song, Down went McGinty," Mr. I Wakeley song, Good news from home," Mr. Hughes; song, My fnend Brown and I," Mr. W. Newman; song," Slave's dream," Mr.J. Morris,; soag, "Alaw Yayae Mr, Forbes; whistle solo, "Belphegor," Mr^McCutcheon; song, "Rumour," and encore-song, "Ay, indeed to Goodness," Mr. J. Victory song," I was in it," Mr. Peterson song, Bay of Biscay," Mr. Babbidge song, How Paddy stole the rope," Mr. Wakeley recitation. Mr. Combley song, Sailing merrily home," Mr. William Newman whistle solo, Mr. McCutcheon recitation, Mr. Forbes song, "Give him my kind regards." and encore song, Everything's done for the best." Mr. J. Victory.

ABERSYCHAN. UNITED PRAYER.—A united prayer meeting in connection with the Sunday SChool D nion was held at the English Baptist Chapel on Monday evening. Councillor Daniel conducted the meeting, which was fairly well attended. LIBERAL COMMITTEE MEETING.-On Thurs- day the 5th inst. a Liberal Committee meeting was held in the reading-room, Old Lion. There was not a very large attendance. Ale1. J. W. Mulligan was in the chair. Arrangements were made for meetings to be held in connection with the Liberal Campaign to be conducied by Mr. McKenna the Liberal candidate for this division. COLLIERY ACCIDENT.—About inid-day on Tuesday a sad accident occurred to a collier named Jacob Purnell, employed at the British Top Pits (Messrs. Hoskins and Llewelyn). Whilst the injured man was working in bis stall a stone fell out of the roof striking him so as to dislocate his hip. He was immediately con- veyed to his residence at Abersychan, where he was attended by Dr Mulligan and his assistants, who had to administer an anaesthetic in order to set the injured limb. Notwithstanding the great shock to the system the unfortunate man is now progressing as favourably as can be expected. ENGLISH BAPTIST CHAPEL.—On Sunday, the Rev. J. O. Hughes commenced his ministry at this church. lutbe morning his discourse was directed to the members of the church from the words in John xii.21—" Sir, we would see Jesus," and John xx. 20-" Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord." The rev. gentleman went on to speak of the importmce of seeing Jesus in the sermons of the present day, ana hoped it would be the case with regard to his ministry. In the evening the chapel was crowded, the sermon being more especiaflr applicable to the hearers, and was based upoi the text Gal. vi. 14 "But God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Cirist. The dis- course, which was marked with eirnestness, was listened to throughout with rapt attention. This church has been without a minister for 12 months but notwithstandingjthis the woik has been car- ried out successfully, and there are at present many young men and women waiting to be re- ceived into the church. The Sunday School has been increasing rapidly recently and at pre- sent the average atteudance is 220 The Kev. J. O. Hughes has worked ve-y successfully at Ebbw Vale, and with the wide. sphere at Aber- sychan it is hoped that undei such favourable circumstanceshis ministry will oe signally .blessed. -Communicat ed.

BLAENAVCfr. On Sunday the Rev. loma Meredyth, late pastor of Bethany English Baptist Church, Tre- herbert, commenced his pastorate at Ebenezer Chapel, and preached two powerful sermons in the presence of large congregations. The rev. gentlemen is an old pastor of 1he chapel, having served for a period of eight yejrg in that capacity with much acceptance. Three years ago he left for Treherbert, and it speaks highly of the esteem in which he is held by the members and congregation of the chapel hat he was again given a unanimous call ;0 become their minister. PRIMITIVE METHODIST ClFAPEL.-On Sunday last the Rev. A. J. Smith gaie a most able and practical address in connection with the Sun- day School work, basing h.s remarks on the words of Solomon, Train U) a child in the way he should go. In the evenijg ^e rev. gentle- man preached a most effective funeral sermon relating to the late Mrs. Phoebe Rogers, aged 82 years, taking for his text Isaiah 4 chap, and part of 6, 7, and 8 verses. A 'Ver good memoir was given, and som3 rayountelhyujjg of the deceased sung, the first part being stng a«. solos by Mr. Hardwick, the congregation joining in the choruses. ALAKMINC. EXPLOSIONS.—)n Sunday an ex- plosion occurred at the blast furnaces of the Blaenavon Company (Coity lide) in consequence of a quantity of molten metal escaping from No. 7 furnace and coming in ton tact with water which had accumulated through the heavy rain- fall. Three terrific reports following in rapid succession, were distinctly ieard in the town, and much consternation pre\ailed Large quanti- ties of iron, bricks and other debris were hurled in all directions, and a ml\õ;sive piece of iron struck the roof of the new bat engine, crushing the slates and setting the rafters on fire. which was,however, soon extinguished Thefire brigade were summoned to the Works,* but fortunately their service were not required' The workmen seeing that an explosion was inevitable, ran to retreats of safety, and so escaped uninjured. MINISTERIAL.—On Sundiy the Rev. loan Meredyth, late pastor of Betlanv Baptist Church, Treherbert, commenced his rastorate at Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, and preached- two powerful sermons in the presence of arge congregations. Mr. Meredyth ministered in his present sphere on a previous occasion for a period of seven years, and was held in high tsteem by the mem- bers and congregation attending the chapel. Three years ago he left to undertake the charge of Bethany Church, where he laboured with much success. The fact of lis being re-called t9 fill, the pulpit at Ebenezei by the,unanimous voice of the membership speaks highly of the estimate in which he is held by them. We have no doubt that the rev. gentleman, provided he is blessed with good health, wil be most successful in his ministrations, and will in a short time fill his chapei to overflowing. WANDERERS' FOOTBALL OLUB.—The first of a series of smoking concerts in connection with the above was held on Morday evening last at the Ivor Castle Inn. The spacious room was filled with the friends ant supporters of the team. and everything passec off in a most pleas- ing and harmonious manner. In the unavoid- able absence of the president (Mr. J. D. Hirst), the chair was ably filled by Mr. D. Price. Mr. T. Harris with his usual ability presided at the organ, and all the singers tcquitted themselves in a very creditable manner, Appended is the programme :—Song, "A soldier and a man," Mr. W. Williams recitation," Twins," Mr.T.Davies; sons, Chicago," Mr. J. Lumley song, "Boys of the old brigade," Mr, T. Doel; soag," Cbimipg bells," Mr. D. Price song, The sons that reached my heart," Mr. E. Powell; song, "Mona," and encore song, Maid of Athens," Eos Bry- cheiniog Soldiers' chorus," party address, Mr. J. Wathen song, Jolly smiths," Mr. D. Morgan song, Anchored," Mr. S. Joseph glee, Hail, smiling mora," party comic song. Girls on the Hereford-road," and encore song. Wooden-legged brigade." Mr. W. Preece song. "Tom Bowling," and encore song. "Laug'bincr" Eos Brycheimog song, Corduroy," Mr. *P. Francis giee, Sailors' chorus," party finale. Land of my fathers." BAPTIST CHAPEL, FeRGE SIDE. Harvest thanksgiving services were held here on Sunday last. The 11 o'clock morning service was devoted to prayer and praise, and the pastor, the Rev. J. Tucker, preached very appropriate sermons in the afternoon and evening. The chapel was most profusely and tastefully decorated with fruit, flowers, and vegetables—the free gifts of loving hearts and the work of loving hands. The congregations were very good at each ser- vice, additional accommodation having to be provided in the evening. On Monday evening a miscellaneous entertainment and- fruit banquet was held, the pastor presiding. Mrs. A. Coombs played the accompaniments with her usual ability and taste. The following programme was well and efficiently rendered: Pianoforte duet, Misses A. and E. Coombs recitation, Miss H. A. Evans song, Mr. J. Thomas (Eos Brycheiniog): recitation, Miss M. A. Jones; song, Mr. E. Powell; sono-, Miss A. Coombs; "Mechanical music," Mr. E. Davies dialogue, Messrs. E. and S. Evans; song. Miss L, Gratton; song, Mr. Joseph Kay recitation, Mr. George Dash song, Mr. Thomas Browning reading, the Chairman recitation, Miss Minnie James Mechanical music," Mr. E. Davies. The passing of the cus- tomary votes of thanks brought a most successful and harmonious thanksgiving to a close.

4 BRTNMAWK. 1 ALLEGED THEFT OF HAMS.—William Matthews and Alfred Williams, colliers, were charged at Brynmawr Police-court, on Monday—before Dr. G. H. Browne and Mr. W. Roberts—with steal- ing 10 hams, valued at £ 3, the property of Mr. Lewis James, grocer, Beaufort-street, Brynmawr, on the 25th ult.—Mr. T. J. Powell prosecuted, on the 25th ult.—Mr. T. J. Powell prosecuted, and Mr. Daniel Evans defended.—Frederick Govier, a carman in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, delivered a box of hams for prosecutor, leaving it by the gate lead- ing to a yard by which there was a right-of-way to several properties. The top of the box was broken open, and men were seen meddling with the box and taking its contents in the direction of the Mitre Hotel stable.—P.S. Williams looking ithrough an aperture in the stable door' saw Matthews on a ladder leading from the loft' There was a man in the doorway who dropped a bag, which Matthews caught and dragged along the yard. The sergeant then entered the yard and Matthews dropped the sack and went into the Mitre. Witness followed, caught him by the collar and brought him out, just as Williams was coming from the direction of the stable. Catching hold of Williams with the other hand he pushed both before him to the stable, where they were joined by another constable. Two hams were found in the sack.-P.C. Lloyd found six hams in the centre of the loft, two in an old bag, and four besides, hidden in hay.—Prisoners pleaded not guilty, and were committed to take their trial at the quarter sessions.

GRIFFITHSTOWN. THE DISTRESS.—A meeting of a few railway- men representing the different grades of the men was held at Griffithstown on Tuesday to consider what steps should be taken by them to raise sub- scriptions to defray the expenses incurred in giving free dinners to the necessitous children in Griffithstown and Sebastopol in consequence of the number of men thrown out of employment owing to the stoppage of Messrs. Wright, Butler & Co.'s Works. There were present—Messrs J, Rees, S. Winsor, James Williams, William Thomas, W. H. Roberts, Edwin Phillips, Thos. Hughes, W. Brown, and A. R. Beynon. Mr. S. Winsor explained the object of the meeting.— Mr. A. R. Beynon was voted to the chair, and Mr. S. Winsor was elected as secretary.—Mr. Winsor read a letter from Mr. Hartley Feather, secretary of the present Relief Committee, ask- ing if an appeal would be kindly made to the railway men on behalf of the children. A dis- cussion took place as to the best ways and means of having each railway man seen, and it was arranged for the gentlemen present and others to take different sections. It was also agreed that four members of the Railway Committee should be added to the present Relief Committee, and that the secretary reply to Mr. Feather to this effect. The Rev. J. Rees, who was invited to attend the meeting, was appointed treasurer of the railway men's fund and the following gentlemen were put on the Relief Committee- Messrs. E. Phillips, James Williams, S. Winsor, and A. R. Beynon. Subsequently, Mr. Phillips wished to withdraw his name and substitute that 8f the Rev. J. Rees, which was agreed to. From inquiries made, it appears there are several cases of great distress in Sebastopol. Free dinners are still given six days in the week to the children at the Drill Hall, Griffithstown soup being given on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, and bread and cheese or butter and tea on other days. Nothing has been decided with regard to the Steel Works, and the men are in a very unsettled state.

EBBW VALE. COLLIERS' BALLOT.—Owingto the unpleasant- ness caiised by the action of some of the colliers' over the late dispute, a ballot has been taken of the Ebbw Vale and Sirhowy workmen "for" and against" the South Wales and Monmouth- shire Colliery Workmen's Association, and, according to the items of the agreement every man will now be compelled to join the Associa- tion at once or leave the pits. The above ballot was arranged at the suggestion of the non- unionists. The result is as follows:-For the Association, 2.165; against, 575 majority in favour, 1,590.

NEWBRIDGE. HARVEST THANKSGIVING.—The Rev. David Gower, vicar of Penmaen, officiated at Mynydd- islwyn Parish Church on Thursday, the 12th inst., at the harvest thanksgiving services. A very tasteful display of fruit, flowers, and decorations graced the edifice on the occasion. ANNIVERSARY SERVICES.—On Sunday at Zion Congregational Chapel the annual special services were held. The Rev. J. Lloyd Williams, Machen, preached most acceptably. The after- noon service was held at the English Baptist Chapel kindly placed at the disposal of Zion Church.. The Rev. J. M. Jones officiated with Mr. Williams. The buildings were crowded and a large sum collected towards the new chapel. HARVEST THANKSGIVING.-Services have been held at St. Paul's Church, and were well attended.The preachers on the the two evenings were :—The Rev. W. Gillmore Kirkham, M.A., Blackwood the Rev. J. G. Jones, B.A., New Tredegar; the Rev. W. R. Thomas, M.A., vicar of Abersychan and the Rev. David Jones, M.A., Abercam. The church was nicely decorated, the following ladies assistingMrs. P-ymer, Mrs. Noyce, Mrs. W. Davies, Mrs. Wakelin, and the Misses Mou, GrQve. and Gower, 1110^ MNMt NEW CHAPEL.—Zion Congregational Church have long felt it necessary either to enlarge their bundijig or build a new edifice owing to the lack of accommodation for those who attend the services of the chapel. Tenders are invited for the erection of a new chapel, and Mr. Morgan builder. Newbridge, was successful amongst a large number of applicants, in securing the con- tract. A convenient plot of land, belonging to j Tr|d,e?ai;' situated by the side of the main road, and leading from Newbridge to Cwindows makes a good site. The chapel-the eontract for which is £ 1,655—will be a spacious building with a gallery, and will seat 600. A large schoolroom and several classrooms ard to be pur underneath. The building committee, with Mr. F. Jones (Celynen House) as chairman, Mr. S. E. Price, secretary, and Mr. James Phillips, treasurer, have worked with commendable zeal for the furtherance of the good cause. TEA AND LECTURE.—On Monday, the annual tea took place at Y Demi, when a large number sat down. The arrangements were carried out with tne assistance of the following :—Mesdames Cornock, Welch, and Williams, the Misses Mary ..nHgvfS' t*t ^°nes, Ellen Hughes, and Gaad. W*Uiams, L. Hughes, and E. T. r ™ u-SS.?r*« given in the evening bv I" Abertillery (late of the wL \?°°wOUTI*ber assembled to hear ir w r i' Jones Celvnen, presided. Sr' ZlTF?' rt? £ a £ ?v<*irite at Y Demi, had and r nt^'U Th f i ° farm.ers—Abraham £ J^^ef°"ner character one worthv of emulation. The speaker dealt with h,s obedience, his spirit of adventure wealth and his deep trust in Jehovah. Lot was k man of business, but lacked the many good mm^res of his uncle. The speaker drew a most^nstruv tive parallel, and his lecture throughout was very interesting. The usual votes of thanks brought the proceedings to a close. Y DEML.—THE LANTERN M, issio.N.-Whe is there in thi s district who does not know of the above place and of the popular entertainments held there during the past two winters ? By all appearances the entertainments already held this season will be even more popular than those in the previous session, if we are to j udge by the attendances at the beginning of the series. The first of these for the present winter was held at Y Demi on Wednesday week. The pastor (the Rev. D. L. Jenkins) presided. Recitations were given by Miss Ellen Hughes, Miss Price, and Mr. Ned Morgan in good style. Evangelist Evans, Abercarn, played some beautiful selec- tions upon his concertina, and Miss Edith Davies sang a few solos with her usual ability. Miss Jeffreys accompanied very acceptably. The subjects illustrated by the magic lantern were- Buy your own cherries," The fool's pence," and "Paddy and his pig." Mr. D. Davies, Aber- carn, was the lecturer. There was a good attend- ance. On 'Wednesday last. the programme which was provided by the promoters was excel- lent, and a large audience came to see the magni- ficent pictures of the World's Fair at Chicago. Their expectations were not disappointed, as the views were really grand, and were fully de- scribed by the lecturer of the evening, the Rev. D. L. Jenkins. Miss Jeffreys made an efficient accompanist. The lanternists were Messrs. D. Davies and W. Gwyn, members of Mr. Stead's Magic Lantern Mission. These entertainments will be continued weekly.

MAESYCWMMER. OBITUARY.—On Friday last the funeral of Mrs. Jane Williams, of Fair Grove Villa, Maesy- cwmmer, took place at Tabor Independent Chapel. The deceased lady, who was the relict of the late Mr. Thomas Williams, manager of the Chemical Works, died on the previous Mon- day evening after a long and painful illness. She was one of the oldest inhabitants of this place, and highly respected by all her friends and acquaintances.

PONTNE WY NYDD. PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL.—The harvest thanksgiving services were held on Sunday week, when two sermons were preached by the Rev. J. Wilson. In the afternoon a children's service was held, when recitations and singing were given by the children and choir. On Monday a social tea was held. After tea a fruit banquet and entertainment were given. The following took part ;-Mr. J. Burton, Miss L. Burton, Mr. S. Burton, Mr. T. Morgan Miss Moseley (Ponty- pool), Mr. Connop, Mr. David John Gregory, Mr. Joseph Gain, and the choir. All did their parts with great satisfaction. The sisters of the church carried out the arrangements for the tea and fruit banquet in a splendid manner. The chapel was well filled at all the services. The collections were good. After the entertainment a hearty vote of thanks to all was given, which brought a pleasant meeting to a close. EBENEZER CHAPEL.—On Monday evening, the teachers and older scholars of the Sunday School connected with the above place of worship, to the number of about 45, met together to enjoy their social tea, chiefly with the view of creating more interest among the youth of the school and con- gregation in the library, and also of devising means to make the same more attractive. Tea being over, the Chairman (the Rev. D. Phillips) opened the meeting by giving out a hymn from Sankey's, It is well," after which he proceeded y 82. is W' to give his opening address, in the course of which he threw out valuable suggestions, and gave some sound advice to the youths present as to the best way of occupying their leisure hours to their own benefit as well as the glory of their Maker. He gave instances of young boys in the past, although surrounded by all that was discouraging, by dint of perseverance and indo- mitable courage surmounting all their difficulties and now resting on their laurels in the Temple of Fame. One essential to mental culture was to form the habit of reading, and there was no period of life so well adapted for this as the period of youth, when the mind was free from the cares of life.—The several points were taken up one after another by the teachers, and a very enjoyable evening was spent, which we trust will tend to create a deeper interest in the library as a very desirable means of attain- ing the improvement of the mind. The final outcome of the whole was that a special commit- tee was formed, in order to select an additional supply of readable books to the some 140 volumes in the library at present; also, that a gathering of this nature shall take place monthly, when an opportunity will be given to each mem- ber to write out a paper, giving an epitome of each book he reads, together with a few notes on the impressions and benefits received therefrom. —A complaint having bfen was wanting in books to suit the tastes of the ^"generation, the Chairman pointed out very foncibJy that books of light reading were seldom of any real benefit in improving and developing the mind. The books that would benefit were those which demanded the greatest exertion to master their contents, a great deal of the wishy- washy literature of the present day bejing dero- gatory rather than helpful to mental develop- ment.—After a vote of thanks to all those who had exerted themselves in any way with the getting up and arranging of the tea, t.he meeting was brought to a close by pronouncing the Bene- diction.

SEBASTOPOL. PRESENTATION.—On Friday b.st Miss K. E. Hambleton was the recipient of ■ a pleasing testi- monial from the teachers and sd lolars attending the National Schools upon her- I eaving after four years' conscientious and efficif JOt work as first assistant. The gift, whieh emsisted of a hand- some writing case and parse ir Lth an address, was presented by Mr. Glover,, tl ie master, who, in doing ~so, spoke highly of Hi te services rendered by Miss Hambleton, and if ie great regret they all felt at losing her valr table services. Miss Hambleton, who was taken by surprise, feelingly replied, and eaqp ressed her sorrow at being compelled to sever f ier connection with the school.

TREDEGAR. 1 FATAL CONSEQUENC ES OF A FOOLISH ACT.- An inquest on the body of Elizabeth Taylor, widow, of back No.. 8, High-street, Tredegar, was held at the po lice-station, before Mr. C. Dauncey, deputy-m- roner. Deceased and another woman, named Eliza Jones, retired to rest in their usual good health on Friday evening, having previowli put an old can, containing burning coke, i'r.1to the room to warm it. The coke was left in the room during the night. Upon a lodger knocking at the bocfroom door next morning be received no reply, and the door was eventually burst open, when the two women wore found apparently dead. Jones was still alive, assistance was procured, and animation restored. The jury retamed a verdict of Accidental death."

USK. A SERIOUS MISTAKE.—Mr. J. Haeget, butcher, of Usk, took a lotion instead of medicine by mis- take. Fortunately emetics were at once taken, and serious oonsequeniee averted.

PONTYPOOL BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The usual fortnightly meeting of the above ¥ the Workhouse. Griffiths- town, on Thursday morning. There wer present Mr. E. J. Phillips, J.P. (chairman) the Rev. F. Foster, Dr. A. Davies, J.P., Messrs Dar^ ? T i Ford- Jones- D. S lJdvifc5. j. Jeakins, D. E. Williams. C. Yovce 7 Williams, F. W. BafareL D Wa:k;n^cli^ a U"illiaQS' Mr' T- COR li ESPON DENC E. had seejflvT "H.1"' ^ort* rt'Ported that they rhem fh Jr! ^pheilS- she had toid daiiv butsh°V,i Vn her PRIVIUE apartments hei iutnrp !t U°C know how tbiit wcuiduirect nei iuture prospers. takfea* to the T^rtnal a ieti:er which he had written been been received m Mrs. case. AN AMUSING CASE. M £ lter reip0r;ed Elizabeth Davies. an wHr! *h* h mK 0I.- cation aT: offence for occasions the Board former r, v^aTlef- on being brought before the Board, hanaed the chairman a letter in which sne seated taat since a twelvemonth ago, when sbe ana several others seat in to the Uulrcans a letter of complain; regarding ih.ir food, they x,ad been persecuted by tfce other inmates. This was the only defence made. The Master said Mrs. Davies had'used trg most abusive language towards another woman m the House-a Mrs. Lone-who was in a delicate 8ta e oi health, and had upset her very much. Ittranspired that Mrs. Davies had at one time been inmate of the Asylum, and that she was very exdtable. The Botfd took no other action than to inflict a reprituanb. 0 letter (if cemplaint was referred to the iauies commutes. GIFTS IQR THE INMATES. fr.???6 reported that he had received gifts o?VrmrUt°f follows :-Basket I f"1 ^Irs- Emmanuel, Sunny Bank M R /^e Messrs. Hughes and Si Beynon, Griffiths^, and th?Rev. T. Vauhan Evans. ,and the u81 taonthlv parcel from the Free Literature Soci^y. London MASTER'S REPORT. The Master s report was as foliows-Number of inmates in the Workhouse at the last mc-e-,ing of the Board, 214; admissions, 25: borr,. o dis- charged, 13 dead 3; remaining, 223 —mec 88 women, 64 children, 71—223. Number of indoor poor for the corresponding period of last year, 201 increase, 22. Number of vagrants relieved in the casual wards during the last fort- night, men 108, women 9, children 5—122L Number of children in the Cottage Homes Boys, 30 girls, 23 total, 53. This was all the business of importance.

PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETY MEETING AT BLAENAYON. The Juvenile Branch of the HoweL Dda Lodge of the Philanthropic Society, Merthyr Unity, were entertained by the Adult Lodge, at their lodge-room at the Ivor Castle, on Monday last. to a cold spread. Seventy partook of the good things provided by the genial hostess, Mrs. Evans. After the tables were cleared a most interesting and enjoyable evening was spent. The chair was filled by P.M. William Davies in his usual able manner, and his speech was indicative of the interest he took in the welfare of the order and the prosperity of the juvenile branch. He was ablv followed by the vice-chairman, P.M. John Howells, Park-street, who gave a very interesting account of some of the past members of the l, and urged upon the young members to emulate them. By doing so they would not only be doing then duty as members of the order, and as citizens ol Blaenavon, but would maintain their town in its proud position of having, according to its popula tion, the greatest number of friendly societ1 members in Monmouthshire or South Wales. The Chairman then proposed the toast o "The Queen and Royal Family," which wa enthusiastically received.—This was followec by the glee, Rockway most beautifully sum by Mr. J. Parry and Party. Recitation, Th< open door," Master A. Griffiths. Song, Mr John Parry. Recitation', DeaLh's doom," Mi J. Jones. Toast, Town and Trade of Blaen avon," proposed by Mr. D. Rees, and ably re sponaed to by Mr. Harry Parry. Song, Mi William Browning. Recitation, Mr. Joshua H Williams, Toast, "The Howell Dda Lodge,' proposed by P.M. James and seconded by Mi H. Williams, and responded to by the secretarj P.M. John Parry, WHO gave the financial condi tion of the lodge, which he said now numbered 266 members and although they had, as witl other lodges, a considerable amount of sicknes and had, unfortunately, lost some old and ver; valued members, he was pleased to say tha their financial position was second to none, anc thanks to the efforts of the brothers and th sound position of the lodge, the numerica strength had not been weakened. Song, Mr. Elias Davies. Recitation, Tiat harem," Mr. Llewellyn Daniel. Song. Mr. Thos E. Browning. Toast, "The Merthyr Unity, coupled with the C.S. County Councillor Thoma Griffiths, who responded, and gave an account c the year's work and congratulated the lodge o their sound basis, and strongly urged on tb juveniles the necessity and the advantage ( attendance at the lodge, which he pointed ot had been of great advantage to many who ha risen to prominence, and that to-day there wi no less than three of their members on the Loci Board and others who occupied good positions- a other places. Glee, Comrades in arms," Mr. John Parr and party recitation," A plea for philanthropy Mr. David John Edwards. Toast, The Hostess," proposed by P.M. Jol Howells, and responded to by Mr. W. Jones. The singing of the National Anthem broogh to a close a most enjoyable evening.

M. GOUNOD DEAD. The music-loving public will hear with pe that M. Gounod is dead. He passed away Wednesday morning at hie VILLA at Saint CUM near Paris. M. seized some tii ago with 1114(1 been a warm to hisreLU^' »>ut b% appeared to have cc pletelr and he used to go out da: either on foot or m his carriage. He was si: ing hi& Requiem, on Sunday, in the la drawing-room, accompanied on the organ by Couture, when he dropped on the floor froc fit of apoplexy. He remained unconseious to his death this morning.

BRITISH SEA FISHERIES. The report of the Select Committee which he evidence during the past Parliamentary sessiolm the state of the British sea. fisheries was issued Saturday as a Blue Book. The Committee c siders that, so tar as the herring, cod, and hadd( fisheries are concerned, there is no indication any falling off in the number of fish to be foond eur coast; but with regard to the more valua classes of flat fish, especially soles and \.laic«, th has been a diminution of the take in the t 6 ing grounds of the North Sea, though jhere been little or no falling off so far a^ihe so' coast of England is concerned. TIA Commit attributes the diminution to oer-tisliin(,- trawlers in certain localities and'feconiuien<& adoption of a size limit l.elow rfhich the salt flat fish should be prohibit ed./ The introduci of a representative element jdto the English Fishery Board is strongly Ar»e('- .The evidt with regard to English ov^tei nsheries proves yond doubt that the I tion of English oyt beds has been extensive

-ju/DE JONG CASE Latest rppvts from Arnhem say that as Jong had been seen with Miss Juett, afterward* alone, on the Velp heather, near hem, aptl as a body can easily be hidden u the tbifck moss and the high heather, the p have given instructions to make a thor seareh in the vicinity. How difficult this ^11 prove to he may be seen from the tact tl few nays before Miss Schmidt was supposed t murdered a peasant buried a sheep, which died from an infectious disease, on the heather where searches were made for the be the last-named woman. The sheep > earcast not hidden very carefully, yet the spot wher animal was buried was not even detected, alti it has been trodden upon repeatedly in few days. De Jong is furthermore snspect having thrown a woman out of a raiINN-ay ca on August 17, 1889, she being killed on the He presented her as his wife, took charge o money and valuables, and arranged every for a decent funeral. When, however, it bt known that the woman was his W-lady.Ti. to give up her valuables, and modified the fx. ceremony in such a way that it became a meagre one. Afterwards De Jong Wme c and went to the Rotterdam Park. The pohc to that time had not had their supicions aro but they will now make further mvestiga into this affair also.

PONTYPOOL CATTLE FAIRS. A CATTLE MARKET WANTED. To the Editor of the Free Press. Sir,—Pontypool Fair, with its attendant dangers and nuisances, has come and gone osce more. I think it is hish time that the members of the Ponty- pool Local Board should waken out of their lethargy to a sense of the responsibility that devolves upon them, and provide a suitable cattle market for such fairs to be held in. Goodness knows the question has been harped over enough. Can it not be put into practice? At present, our roads and pave- ments are alloVed to be blocked up by cattle, &c.- making it nearly impossible to pass—and nothing is done in the matter; horses are allowed to be galloped up and down a busy thoroughfare like Crane-street, to the imminent danger of life and limb, and no one prosecuted-the police seem to take no notice whatever of these proceedings on fair days. Something should be done in the matter, and that at once. The state of the streets and sidewalks in the town on Tuesday was disgraceful to any Slowborough," let alone to a town like Pontypool, which. we pride ourselves, has been marching with the times—for the last few years at least. But, with all its drawbacks, the fair has its bright side—if I may so term it. It is rather an amusing sight to witness a sober-looking old_ gentleman suddenly evince great athletic propensities doing a sprint (which would be creditable to any of our athletes) to a place of safety as some mad bull or other animal comes galloping a own the street in his direction. This. and similar incidents, tend to relieve the gravity of one s situation but. never- theless, we have no desire to be amused in such a manner. Hoping the above remarks will have some effect during the next 10 or 20 years, I beg to remain, Sir, Yours, &c., Pontypool—Oct. 12,1893. E.C.P [Owing to arriving rather late, the above was unavoidably crowded out last week. — ED. F.P.]

ABERCARN. THANKSGIVING SERVICES. On Sunday and Monday, harvest thanksgiving services were held at St. Luke's Church, the Revs. W. R. Thomas, M.A., Abersychan, and T. A. Davies, St. Mat- thew's, Barnardtown, Newport, officiating- Both preachers had crowded audiences, their sermons being of a most eloquent nature, with very good matter. The church decorations were taste- ful and much commended. Large quantities of fruit and vegetables had been given by Church friends. The decorations were under the super- intendence of the following :—Miss Ethel Green, cliai, eel Miss Sansom, pulpit; Mrs. Finch and Miss Gertrude Matthews, font Mrs. and Miss Jones, gasworks Miss Edwards, Penar Miss Edwards, Cefn, Tvdu Miss Chick, MissPurnall, and Messrs. Burns, Runt, Brickley, E. Phillips, and Purnall. It should be stated that an excel- lent rendering of the anthem, Seedtime and harvest shall not come" (Simper) was given on Sunday, Mr. Morgan, organist, conducting. Mr. E. T. Beacham sang the bass solo, and the quar- tette was rendered by Messrs. W. Griffiths, Male, and A. and Idris Thomas. The singing through- out was excellent, and the services were a great success. PERFORMANCE OF "SHERWOOD'S QUEEN."—J A full house greeted the appearance of Mr. Edward Jenkins's choir on Wednesday evening inthe above cantata (Pattison's), performed in full character. Everything off admirably. They were assisted by Mr. J. H. Liles's New- port Orchestral Band, renowned throughout South Wales, whose performance was a veritable treat. As regards the voices, Mr. Jenkins had a choice selection of about 50 of the best local talent, collectively giving a very good account of themselves in the choruses, which were capitally rendered. Abercarnites welcomed Mr. Jenkins upon his re-appearauce with the baton in public. The soloists acquitted themselves finely, the following taking the leading parts:-Alarian (Mrs. R. Williams), soprano Robin Hood (Mr. John Thomas), tenor; Allan-a-Dale (Mr. W. Yeoman), tenor; Little John (r. James Matthews), bass Friar Tuck (Jtfr. James Morgan), bass Miss Leah Roberts, contralto; and Mr. David Evans, baritone. Tliey bad the assistance of Messrs. Allsopp and Adams in the trios and duets, which were all excellently sung. The performance of this interesting piece repre- senting the days of Robin Hood throughout was everything that could be desired the pretty music done justice to, and the costumes showing u to good advantage. Mr. Sykes supplied and arranged some fine scenery, which was much admired. The choir repeat their performance on Saturday evening, when a good house is assured.

GrARNDIFFAITH. PRAYER MEETING.—A united prayer meeting of all denominations, in connection with the Sunday School Union, was held at Sardis Chapel on Monday evening last, when there was a large and representative attendance. Mr. J. Rosser conducted. The Revs. D. M. Davies and J. Morgan took part. ACCIDENT.—On Tuesday afternoon a sad acai- dent occurred to a little child, aged 3 years, the daughter of Mr. David Goodwin, living near Six Bells. While the little girl was being taken out by an elder sister, she by some means or other fell to the ground with the result that her leg was broken. Dr. Milne was immediately called in, and under his care she is now progressing favourably. INQUEST.—On Tuesday morning an inquest was held at the Hanbury Arms by Mr. M. Roberts Jones, coroner, on the body of James Sheene aged 4 months, who died on Saturday last.—The first witness was Catherine Sheene, mother of the deceased, who said the child had been very delicate from birth. On Saturday last about 3 o'clock the child had a fit, out of which it partially recovered, but eventually was taken with another in which it died at about 3.50 p.m. -The jury returned a verdict of Death from convulsions." THANKSGIVING Thanksgiving ser- vices in connection with the Primitive Methodist Church were held in the chapel on Sunday last. Three impressive sermons were preached during the day by the Rev. J. Pickles, of Abergavenny. The chapel was tastefully decorated for the occasion with flowers, fruits, and vegetables, and reflected great credit upon those who took in the work. There were fairly good attendances throughout the day, and the services were a thorough success. On Monday evening the preacher delivered his popular lecture entitled The March of the Christian Army," Dr. Milne presiding. The lecture, which, was full of interesting matter was listened to with rapt attention by a goodly audience. The collection, etc., realised the sum of £ 7 4s., which was con- sidered very satisfactory. .r

MAGOR. BAPTIST CHAPEL.—Harvest thanksgiving ser- vices were held at the Baptist Chapel on Thurs- day last, when the Rev. O. Tidman, pastor, de- livered an impressive and appropriate discourse to a large and appreciative audience. The chapel was not decorated, but the service throughout was spoken of as being the best for some years.