The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General Advertiser for the Counties of Brecon Carmarthen Radnor Monmouth Glamorgan Cardigan Montgomery Hereford

THE WATER-WORKS QUESTION. Mr. Griffiths stated that parties had complained to him they could not get the water turned on, while their neighbours had it. Could not their new plumber take the management of the old supply as well as the new? The Mayor said the same idea had occurred to him, and he spoke to Mr. Kirk about it, whose opinion in such matters he highly valued. Mr. Kirk said if they took off the man from his present work it would cause a good deal of inconvenience-more so than the tem- porary inconvenience now felt Mr. Cansick said this inconvenience arose not from inattention but from the want of a supply of water. Why one person got it and another had not was that the water must be turned off in one place before it could be supplied at another. The Town Clerk said the complaint would bo reme- died by application to the proper authorities. It was not the function of the Board to attend to it. Mr. Morris said his neighbours complained that for several days they could not get water. The Town Clerk stated that the committee had met on several occasions to consider the subject of the water works, and they found that the contractor had left off work, and they had accordingly given him notice to terminate his contract under the terms of the contract, and which notice expired that day. The Board had resolved on the completion of the work them- selves and would send men to work on the morrow. In compliance with a request from Dr. Lucas, the following report of the engineer was read Bulwark, Brecon, 23rd July, 1867. WATERWORKS. GENTLEMEN,—I beg to report that the contractor has aban- doned the works since the 14th inst., and that I have last week engaged two men in finding out and repairing leaks in the Wes- tern filter bed. By filling the bed quite up to high water level, we have been able to discover six small leaks, which have now been effectually stopped, and although there are two or three more which have not yet been discovered, I think the bed can be made secure before the end of this week. In the other bed a puddle is laid in the bottom, and about half way up the sides, and it has been filled with water to the top of the puddle since last Thursday without signs of leakage, and this test is deemed sufficient to prove the bed to be safe to the present height of the water. There are, it is believed, enough of broken stone and ham- mer-dressed stone for pitching on the ground to complete the filter beds, and also a sufficient quantity of gravel and sand for filtering materials for one bed. About eight tons of lias lime will be necessary for concrete, and to complete masonry. There are so many things begun and left in an unfinished state on the works, that it would be next to impossible to arrive with any degree of accuracy, by measurement or otherwise, at the value of the work executed by the contractor, because a large quantity of earth has been removed from cutting, and not de- posited in the proper place. The gravel and sand on the works are not screened, washed, and properly prepared for use. A large portion of the broken stone, and some of the pitching stone, will require further preparation before they can be used in the works, and some little cutting in the reservoir will have to be finished before the bottom can be cleaned fit to receive the puddle. For these reasons I would recommend the Board to proceed with the completion of the works by day work, and by adopting this course there can be no dispute as to quantities and the condition in which the contractor left the works, and the cost of completing the works according to the contract will be charged against the contractor. CILWlIyBERT RESERVOIR. There are about ten men at work at this reservoir this week, and the scat of the embankment has been formed in the bed of the stream, and the puddle trench is cut to the required depth in the solid ground the whole length of the bank. I am, gentlemen, your very obedient servant, ISAAC DAVIES. To the Brecon Local Board of Health. Mr. Rich asked how much the contractor had re- ceived. The Town Clerk replied that he had received within about £ 30 of the contract, but then there were the extras to be taken into consideration. The Mayor stated that they hoped to have their new works soon, and that it was their intention to put as many men as possible on them, and proceed with all despatch. Alderman Thomas moved a resolution confirming the decision of the committee in reference to the water- works. Mr. Morris having seconded it, it was carried. Dr. Lucas said they had now entered on a new stage of the water-works, and he hoped that their past dis- comfiture might be a lasting warning to a Board of Health how they took upon themselves so serious a re- sponsibility as the direcion of water-works, or any- thing of such magnitude. A body of men brought together as they were, were not the persons most fitted for such an undertaking. The same men, with the same undertaking, by forming themselves into a com- pany would have been successful, just as the Gas Company bad been but he thought it was cruelly trifling with the interests of the ratepayers for the Board3 to constitute themselves the directors of an Amateur Joint Stock Water Supply Company, the shareholders being the unfoituaate ratepayers, who would have to pay for their mismanagement or extra- vagance. A short time ago he asked a number of questions in reference to their financial position, and he should like to be informed how they stood in re- ference to it. How much money had been laid out ? and how much interest were they paying for the money borrowed ? It would seem from the report read that there was some difficulty in ascertaining their position in respect to the reservoir, but never- thel HS he should like to have some clear statement of their financial position. He would therefore move that if it be possible this should be done at the earliest possible occasion. Alderman Thomas thought their friend Dr. Lucas had a little over-strained his remarks. They were all anxious and interested in this subject, and they did not give way to that gentleman in those particulars but they perhaps exercised a little more patience. For his own part he thought that they had made a very cheap contract, and when the work was finished he inclined to the opinion that they would be able to look upon it with a good deal of satisfaction. The works had been done for a large sum under what some con- tractors were willing to engage in it, and the money which the Board were now going to lay out to finish them would come, not out of the pockets of the rate- payers, but out of the contract price, there being clauses in the agreement enabling them to hold the percentage for unfinished works. With these feelings be would merely kindly ask Dr. Lucas to wait. They must get to the bottom of their present difficulties. They had had serious disappointments and obstructions, but he thought they were now got into smooth water and had passed the breakers. The publishing of figures would follow at a fitting time. If published now i hey would not show their real position, and could not therefore be satisfactory. It would be far better to publish a first and final statement. Mr. Morris said Dr. Lucas had accused them of being a set of incapables—they were unfit to discharge the duties of their office. For his own part, if that were what Dr. Lucas intended, he was quite prepared to accept his share of the rebuke. (Laughter.) Mr. Walton was somewhat surprised at the inter- pretation Mr. Morris had put on the very sensible and iudicious remarks which Dr. Lucas had made. He, however, thought it would be a wiser course to wait for the full financial statement. Indeed, such a state- ment could not now be rendered. There was a claim for £ 500 for extras, but in all probability that would prove to be in excess. An approximate estimate, however, could at all times be given. The Town Clerk stated that Mr. Alderman Williams bad drawn up a very elaborate statement of the expenditure, which had been taken as their guide by the committee. The Chairman d,-fnded the course the Board had taken in regard to the water question. He would not make any lengthened reply to the observations of Dr. Lucas as to whether they ought to have taken up the question. He thought, however, that of all other men, the members of that Board should be the identical men to take up the water question, as it was one of the first elements of a healthy condition of the town. Although he was one of the earliest promoters of the gas company, and took an active part in its formation, he had always regretted that the gas works were not the property of the town. By means of the old water- works water had been supplied to the town through that Board at a cheaper rate than in any other town that he was aware of, and if the Board gave their attention to the matter he thought it would turn out that no better thing could have happened than for the Board to have taken up the water supply question. They would have water not merely for domestic pur- poses, but also for sanitary purposes. And they would have a magnificent supply—better than could be got in any other town. Mr. Bright had during the past week visited the place from which they were to get their supply and he bad told him (the Mayor) that the quantity there was abundant, though in the Usk it was so low. The Town Clerk stated that if a private company had taken the matter un it would have been for profit, and it was better that the ratepayers should be bene- fited than a private company, The misfortune had been in not having a contractor who could fulfil his contract, but there was nothing to deplore except the delay. Some further conversation took place, after which the Board adjourned till Monday. On Monday sufficient members did not attend to form a quorum, and no meeting could be held. Indeed, there was no business of any importance to be trans- acted. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The usual meeting of the Board was held on Satur- day morning at the Town Hall. W. Perrott, Esq., presided, and there were also present—Lewis Hughes, Esq.; Messrs.Thomas Evans, St.Mary; Abel Powell, St. John; Frederick Watkins, Christ College; John Davies, Llandefaelog fach; Thomas Williams, Modrvdd; John Griffiths and John Phillips, Llandefalley; Jas. Powell, Cray; Thomas Ferrar, LI arid dew; Thos. S. Cornish, Llanspyddid; Rees Williams, Llanfigan; John Powell, Aberyscir; David Downes, Llandett\; John Williams, Garthbrenzy; Philip Edwards, St. John; Thos. Grif- fiths, Glyn David Morgan, Merthyr Cynog James Probert, St. David; William Williams, Troscoed Evan Bowen, Llangorse; W"tkin Davies, Merthyr Cynog; Rhys D. Williams, Llanhamlach; and Thomas Williams, Llangwern. J. T. Graves, Esq., the Poor Law Inspector, also attended the Board. VAGRANTS. The number of vagrants for the first fortnight was 67. Mr. Evans asked if it were right that they ought to lodge all the travellers that came. They had been in the habit of giving them a night's lodging and the necessary subsistence; but now they came with their wives and children, thus imposing on the ratepayers a very serious burden. Mr. Graves replied he hardly knew what they ought to do-it depended upon the state of destitution of the parties. When he attended their Board a year ago their system then was to leave the relief of tramps to the superintendents of police. They had one of the county constabulary at Devynock, and one of the borough police here. At Devynock they were re- lieved at a lodging-house, while here an assistant- relieving office gave orders, and the ordinary relieving officer gave relief. Was it not so? 11 Mr. Evans: It was so. We did appoint the superin- tendent of police for the borough to be a relieving officer, but we found that he used to sign blank forms and leave them in the house, and they were given in- discriminately. Mr. Graves: I have found it to be the same, and in some instances in place of signing there is his printed signature. Tramps get the orders as a matter of course. The Clerk said the man at Devynock was very effi- cient. In some cases he bad foliowed men and found them spend Is or Is. 6d., and he had brought them before the magistrates, who bad sent them for fourteen days' imprisonment. This had had a wholesome effect. Mr. Graves: You have no regular task of work pre- scribed for these men, according to Act of Parliament. The Clerk No there was a resolution passed that they should do a certain amount of breaking stones, but lately we have been unable to get the stones. Mr. Graves: It is obsolete then? The Clerk: Only because we could not get stones. Mr. Graves: The master tells me they work chiefly in the garden. THE CHAPLAIN'S JOURNAL. The Rev. R. Price, the chaplain, stated in his journal that he had performed Divine service twice. THE MASTER'S JOURNAL. The Master reported that during the last fortnight there bad been 15 admissions, andone discharged. leav- ing 75 remaining in the house, an increase of six on the corresponding weeks of last year. The cost of main- tenance had been 2s. 9'ld. A man named Williams applied to the Board for out-door relief. He had been in the house for ahout a fortnight. It was stated by some of the Guardians that he was the owner of about an acre of freehold land on Llangorse common. His application was therefore refused. COMMUNICATION FROM THE POOR LAW BOARD. The Clerk read a letter received from the Poor Law Board, stating that they had issued an order putting in force the Diseases Prevention Acts, and also the directions in respect of the unions and parishes for carrying out the provisions of the 18th and 19th Vic., c. 116, to prevent the spread of cholera. Mr. Graves said the effect of the order was to give Boards of Guardians almost unlimited power in taking precautions to prevent the outbreak of disease. THE PENPONT ASSISTANT OVERSEER. A communication was received from the Poor Law Board, enclosing the correspondence which had taken place between Mr. Thomas Jones, the assistant overseer for Penpont, in whose books some errors of casting up had occurred. The Board were of opinion that the overseer was a most respectable man, and that there was no necessity for taking any steps in reference to the matter. MIRABILIS DICTU Some time ago the husband of a woman named Ann Lewis deserted her, and in consequence she became chargeable to the Union, and received about 10s. in relief. Husband and wife have now become recon- ciled, and not needing parish assistance the 10s. formerlyreceived by the woman was sent byMr.Downes, of Maesmawr, and by him handed in to the Board THE CONDITION OF THE WORKHOUSE. Mr. Graves said be found that the number of out- door paupers relieved up to the Michaelmas quarter of last year was about 160 more than this year, but the expenditure for relief was rather more this year. Were provisions dearer? The Clerk replied that they were considerably dearer. The bread alone would almost make the difference. Mr. Graves then said he had been through the Workhouse, and saw with much gratification their new hospital, which he thought would be a great advantage to them. Their sick wards were certainly not as they should be; they were low and ill ventilated, and often too crowded. He hoped they would find the advantage of the hospital when completed. It appeared to be very fairly done. Were they satisfied with the contractor? The Chairman replied that they were very well satisfied with him. Mr. Graves added that there were two things which struck him as defects. They had only one receiving ward, and that was now filled with itch cases, and on account of the fulness of the wards and the incomplete state of the hospital, there was no other room for seven cases of children's itch than in the receiving ward, and which looked in an unsatisfactory state. Another thing was that they had no suitable lavatories. In most workhouses there were troughs with basins and taps, as well as towels, under cover. Here they had pumps at which the inmates washed, or in wet weather they filled buckets and washed in their own day room. When they were in funds, and thought of making improvements, he should be glad if they would remember the lavatories. The Chairman I am afraid this building will come rather heavily upon us. Mr. Graves I do not wish to press willing horses but you will bear it in mind. Mr. Ferrar The paupers then would be better provided for than the ratepayers. RELIEF GRANTED. It appeared that during the last fortnight the amount of relief granted had been-in Brecknock, £ 37 12s. lid. and £ 3019s. 9d.; Llangorse, £ 19 12s. lOd and £ 19 lls. 6d, and in Defvnock, £ 27 10s. 9d. and X26 10s. 3d. THE LIBRARY. The Rev. R. Price stated he had communicated with the Christian Knowledge Society with reference to the books proposed for the library, and found that all the books mentioned in the list were included in those to be sent for the £2 10s. Mr. Price was requested to write for the books, and an order made for the amount stated. It was also stated that a suitable place could be made for them at a trifling outlay. The Board then proceeded with the relief business.

BRECON POLICE INTELLIGENCE. BOROUGH PETTY SESSION, TOWN HALL, MON- DAY, before the Mayor, J. DAVIES, ESQ., and JOSEPH JOSEPHS, Esq. ASSAULT CAS E.-Elizabeth Cook was charged with an assault on Jane Turner on Monday, the 29th ult. From the evidence of the complainant it appeared that the defendant owed her 7d, and she went there on Saturday afternoon and asked her for it. Defendant replied by abusing her, and on the following Monday threw a stone into her house, made use of very foul language, and subsequently assaulted her.—Defendant was bound over in the sum of 210 and two sureties of £5 to keep the peace for six months. PUPLIC-HOUSE OFFENCE.—Thomas Powell was charged with permitting drunkenness in his house, and with keeping it open after proper hours on the night of Sunday, the 28th ult.—P.C. Williams stated that about forty-five minutes after 11 o'clock on the night of the 28th ult, he was on the top of Ship-st., and his attention was drawn to a row at the Crown public- house on going to the house he found the landlord holding a man named Wm. Darling, and another man named Jones with his coat off, and in a fighting atti- tude he spoke to the landlord and called his attention to the time, at the same time offering his assistance to turn the men out if desired to do so the defendant told him to hush," and asked him to come and have a glass this witness declined and again offered his services to turn out the men not being accepted, he left the house he afterwards heard another row and the defendant's nephew came and asked him to help the men out; this he did while outside a man named Watkins came out with a jar of beer.—Defendant called two or three witnesses, whose evidence to some extent bore out the evidence of the constable; they,how- ever, admitted that they did not offer to assist the land- lord, and that he did not ask for their assistance they stated the time of the occurrence to be about half-past 10, though one of them brought it up to five minutes after 11.—The Magistrates told the defendant such conduct was disgraceful, especially on a Sunday night, and fined him 303,, including costs, in default, a dis- tress warrant, or a month's imprisonment.—The Mayor reminded the defendant the time would soon come for the renewal of licenses, and, for his own part, he should remember these occurrences. DRUNK AND RIOTOus.-David Jones, Wm. Jones, and Wm. Darling, the men mentioned in the last case, were summoned for being drunk and riotous.—They each pleaded guilty to being noisy, and were fined 10s., including costs, or in default 7 days' imprisonment. RATE SUMMONSES.— Wm. Lewis was summoned for non-payment of rates.—Mr. Evans appeared and stated that the defendant had nothing in the world, and that even his furniture would very likely soon be sold —Mr. Williams, the collector, said he merely wished the name to betaken off the book.—Defendant was then excused the rate.—John Davies, Thomas Watkins, and Llewellyn Powell were also summoned for non-payment of rates, but were excused. TRANSFER OF LICENSES.—The Blue Boar from Eliza Powell to Peter Powles the Clarence from Philip Wain to Wm. Harris the Drover's Arms from Peter Powles to Joseph Price the King William from Thos. Thomas to Wm. Jones the Coach and Horses from William Harris to David Griffiths. COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY, before JEF- FREYS POWELL, Esq. STEALING CARPENTERS' TOOLS.—David Jones was brought up in the custody of P.S. Jones, stationed at Cefn-coed-cymmer, charged with stealing a quantity of carpenters' tools and wearing apparel, the property of Thomas Jones and William Jones, both of Defynock, on the 30th of July last. The Sergeant applied for the remand of the prisoner till Saturday, in order to procure the necessary evidence, and the request was acceded to.

E'r.r,= =r- NEATH INTELLIGENCE. LATTER-DAY SAINTS.—We alluded in our impression of the 3rd instant to the eccentricities of the street preachers of Neath. We were rot prepared, however, for the preposterous blasphemy which was openlv uttered on the Corporation quay last Sunday evening, by some individuals calling themselves "the represen- tatives of the Mormonites of Wales." Fortunately, their unblushing falsehoods and impious declarations were not allowed to pass by unnoticed. Mr. William Rees ("the people's friend") made the saints "hide their diminished heads" under the shadow of their own ignorance, while he remained master of the position he bad taken as a defender of the truth. "ROMANTIC, BUT TRUE."—Under this head we recorded some few weeks back the old old story" of a love-lorn damsel sulking in the woods, and seeking consolation with a Leghorn hat and a silk parasol hanging on a tree. Strange to say, the same individual has been seen every evening lately in the self-same spot; but as the place is retired and very lonely, there are few intruders on the scene of the romance. The "sublime," however, became" ridiculous" on Monday evening, when a cow gave the lady in question a chase over the hills and faraway," the animal subsequently returning and chewing up the hat and parasol, the remains of which are still visible on the spot referred to. TIIE CONCERT AT THE TOWN HALL.—We shall not be able by any amount of praise to add to the laur. Is already gained by Ertrth Wynne, Montem Smith, the Thomases, and Mrs IJenry Davies, by giving an account of the admirable conceit and exquisite music they performed at the Town Hall, on Saturday last. It will simply be sufficient to say that it was as near perfection as possible, and most thoroughly appreciated by the audience, which, by the way, was more select than numerous. Encores were frequent, and the applause quite beyond what a Neath audience generally offers to strangers. The visit will consequently long be remembered, and we indulge the hope that it is but the first of a series of such rich musical ireats, MURDEROUS ASSAULT.—On Friday evening last this neighbourhood was thrown into a state of excitement* and alarm by the report that Mr. George May had been murdered on the Neath and Cadoxton Cricket Ground. On proceeding to the spot matters were found not to be so serious as rumour had made them, although Mr. May was in a very critical state and undergoing an operation by Dr. Rything. The police columns of this day's paper contain a full report of the magistrates' decision on the case, and of the evidence also, but we are enabled to offer further particulars which do not appear there. For some time past per- sons have been seen with opera-glasses watching the bathing machines at Briton Ferry, more especially those visited by ladies. A letter recently appeared in reference to the subject in a contemporary, giving also minute description of one individual who was alleged to be guilty of the unmanly act, and stating that the writer hoped to be able to ascertain his name shortly." The letter "M" was the only signa- ture attached to the communication. Report says, however, that the description of the individual was too minute to be misunderstood, and consequently that a "horsewhipping" would be inflicted on the writer, if found out. Unfortunately the secret was not kept, and we hesitate to say why," or to accuse any one of a breach of faith, but while the ground was being cleared for the progress of a cricket match then taking place, three individuals enquired for Mr. May, and the assault occurred. On the arrival of the police two of the party had escaped one was in the pavilion, and was handcuffed on the spot. The officers then took possession of the broken wicket, bludgeon, sword-stick, and heavy whip butt, and a carriage was sent for to convey Mr. May to his residence. We refer our readers to the police report for the full par- ticulars of the cowardly attack. HANDSOME CONDUCT AND LIBERAL (?) REWARD.—On Tuesday morning a horse and rider, the latter evidently a stranger, were observed walking in the bed of the river while the tide was out, near the bridge, at Llantwit, when, by some means, both fell to the ground, the horse rolling over the rider, bruising him and covering his clothes with mud. A kind-hearted labourer at work close by hastened to the rescue, and after securing the horse raise the stranger, and, at considerable trouble, made him decent and re-mounted him. His gratitude was shown on departing by the present he made the good Samaritan, viz., three- halfpence We suppress his name for obvious reasons. THE FETE CHAMPETRE AT THE BURROWS. The "short notice" horse races announced to take place at the above fete did not come off, the whole a.ffair being a decided "sell." Not so, however, the tea party and concert by the Zoar choir. The former was well patronised, but the latter was not attractive enough to keep the audience from continually moving in and out of the room. The arrangement of seats being level, the people who occupied them at the lower end of the room elevated their position by standing up, causing considerable confusion and annoyance to others. The music was partly inaudible through the circumstances referred to, and Mr. Fricker's admirable accompani- ments were consequently lost. The arrangements were as good as the difficulties of the entertainment and the immense number present would allow, but the special trains were found scarcely numerous enough to convey the holiday-makers home again at the close of the evening's proceedings. The amount realized on behalf of the choir fund was much in excess of the most sanguine expectations of the managers. ORDER OF SERVICES AT ST. DAVID'S CHURCH.— Eighth Sunday after Trinity.—Morning Voluntary, Handel Venite, Felton, No. 5 Te Deum, No. 6 Gloria, Houldsworth Jubilate, Hayes, No. 1 Kyrie, Tallis; hymns, 196, 234; Voluntary, No. 15; Novello's Service Book, Credo." Evening Service Volun- tary Benedictus, 1st Mas, Cantate, 7A Nunc Dimittis, Hayes, No. 1A hymns, 294 (Friburg), 232, e 109 concluding volut tary, Hallelujah." The evening service at this church will in future be semi- choral. THEATRICALS.—The Prince of Wales theatre has left the Corporation field, and the managers have erected it at Dowlais. A farewell performance with a pantomime took place on Tuesday, and the "gods' performed a second edition of it shortly after. The house has been crowded nightly, during the time the company have been here, and the performances, gene- rally speaking, have been rather in advance of the strolling entertainments of the present day. MESMERISM.—Miss James, the mesmerist, who created so great a sensation at the Stuart Hall, Cardiff, has announced a series of mesmeric lectures and illustrations at the Town Hall, Neath, during the coming week. Report speaks highly of her powers and ability in that peculiar science, and she will doubtless be well supported by the lovers of the marvellous in this neighbourhood. MONSTER PIC -NIC .-Messrs. Gibbins and Player, of the Melyncrythan chemical works, kindly treated the men in their employ to an excursion to the Mumbles and Caswell Bay on Tuesday last. Each workman had two tickets, so that the married might take their wives, and the single ones their sweethearts, or as some of the married preferred taking their children, they were allowed to do so with the same ticker. Upwards of 120 availed themselves of the kind invitation. Tea and every other kind of refreshment required, with an unlimited supply of provisions, were supplied by the masters on the arrival of the party at Caswell Bay, a beautiful and romantic spot having been selected for the spread." Mrs. Gibbons, the Misses Gibbons, Mrs. Player, and the Misses Player waited on the party at tea, after which a little music was enjoyed. A few of the visitors then went to the lighthouse and the battery, while others had a trip on the water. Votes of thanks were then given to the masters for their kindness, in which the expression was made use of that if the masters and men would work harmo- niously together, as on this occasion, there would be no strikes. The ladies were also thanked for their kind attention. The whole party returned safely home, delighted with the day's pleasure, and feeling none the worse for enjoying a day's recreation free from the impure air their occupations compel them to labour in. The orderly conduct cf the Neath excur- sionists contrasted strongly with the disorderly manners of those parties who occasionally come from th-e hills on pleasure trips, and a welcome was given to the visitors, which good manners only can deserve or ap- preciate. The Great Western Railway Company kindly lent one of their first-class engines for the Brecon trip, and upwards of 100 Neath Abbey work- men availed themselves on the same day of the plea- sure ticket fare" for the double journey by ordinary train at 8.30. The entire management was faultless, and the time kept on the journeys, up and down, true to the minute. THE TENBY EXCURSION.-The band of the 17th Rifle Volunteers chartered the Keath Abbey for a trip to Tenby on Saturday last. The excursion was one of the pleasantest of the season, and the weather being delightfully fine, the enjoyment was without any "disagreeables." We need scarcely add that the hand" discoursed sweet music" in their usual excel- lent style, and the votaries of Terpsichore hid their fill of dancing both on shore and afloat. The entire arrangements were excellent, and beyond question admirably carried out. VOLUNTEER ORDERS. Orders 15th Glamorgan Rifle Volunteers till further notice :—Class firing, Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Squads to meet at the armoury to be supplied with ammunition. The Captain hopes and requests that every member will complete his class-firing by the end of this month. Squads may arrange for shooting on days not mentioned by applying to Drill-sergeant Godding, at the armoury. FAREWELL TEA-PARTY.—A farewell tea-party is an- nounced at the Wesleyan Chapel for August 22nd. Mr. Taylor and other gentlemen will address the meeting. The preliminaries are not yet finally ar- ranged. THE CREMONA MUSICAL UNION.—These talented artistes, ten in number, have announced a concert at the Town-hall for Monday, August 12th. On their previous visit to Neath the weather and other attrac- tions affected the attendance at their entertainment. The programme was nevertheless well sustained, and the reputation they left behind them will no doubt in- duce many, who were not present then, to honour the concert with their company on the present occasion. MARKET ITEMS.—A general complaint of slow and dull" appeared to echo through the market on Wed- nesday last..Stock was fairly represented, but the demand was small." General produce was plentiful, but buyers scarce, and prices lower than usual. The dripping weather bad the efeetof limiting busi- ness to close and necessary purchases. Fruit and vegetables were more reasonable than quoted for som" tin.e I-as-, while dairy produce and poultry be- came quite a glut before mid-day. Cr ickn-y was well represented, and the occasional "smash" told that things were broken in assumed disgust because buyers were not to be found. CmcKET MATCH.—On Tuesday last a match was played on the Neath ground between 15 members of the "Cambrian Club," Swansea, with the veteran professional Bancroft and his son, and a Junior Eleven selected by J. T. D. Lewelyn, Esq., from the Neath Club. The weather was showery and the ground heavy, but some good play was shown on both ides. The of the Swansea team appeared to make runs impossible they were really everywhere—still they were affectionately beaten in the first innings. Time would not ailow the match to be played out, and, as usual, the knowledge of the fact made the second innings no proof of skill on either side, Bancroft's "wicked slows removing the timbers ill quick suc- cession. We append th" score, noting that Messrs. Lewelyn and Williams had all the Swansea men out but two themselves 1st Innings. illit. LLE"'EL y' s ELEVEN. 2nd Innings. C. P. Leach, 1) Bennett 2 b Bennett, b Ban- roft, sen 0 J. W. Young, b Blackmore 14 Run out 4 L. Williams, c Bennett, b Blackmore 1 Not out 0 W. Donague, b Blackmore 2 Run out 12 J. Western, b Hill 11 b Bancroft, sen 16 J. T. D. Llewelyn, b Blackmore .10 C. Bancroft, sen., b Bancroft, jun 13 W. H. Holt, b Blackmore 9 b Bancroft, jun 7 R. Lcyson, hit wicket, b Blackmore.. 0 b Bancroft, sen. 0 W. Eustance, b Blackmore 3 b Bancroft, jun. 1 Q-. Griffiths, b Hill' 10 c Squa.nce, b Ban- croft, sen 0 H. C. Fowler, not out, 3 c Davies, b Hill 0 Byes, &c.11 Byes, &c 13 76 15 SWANSEA CAMBRIAN CLFIJ. 1st Innings. W. Bancroft, jun., B Holt b Williams 21 E. Morgan b Williams 6 S. Thomas b William 3 J. Hill c Donague b Williams 0 J. Blackmore c Williams b Williams 7 Bancroft, sen., b Williams b Lewelyn 9 R. Squance c Williams b Williams 1 J. Snell b Llewelyn 8 F. Llewelyn c Donague b Williams 5 E. Squance b Llewelyn o F. W. Brooks b Llewelyn 0 E. Bennett b Williams 0 B. L. Davies c Williams 0 B. Davies not out 0 J. Richards b Llewellyn. 0 Byes 2 Leg byes. 0 Wide batts. 2 No batts 2 66 The analysis of the bowling is not sufficiently inter- esting to be worth recording. The Brecon gentlemen are expected on the 15th and 16th inst. We trust the weather will be more settled by that time. SENSATIONAL PARAGRAPHS.—A b(-ery" notice ap- pears in our contemporary the Sivansea Herald, in reference to two paragraphs which we inserted re- specting a "False Ala-m" and an "Abprdulais story." If a respectable man, and not a "rambler," wishes to have proofs of the correctness of those paragraphs we are prepared to furnish them, and also to give the names of the religious parties" who formed the ring at the late Sunday evening fight. Of course envy knows no limits, especially when displayed by those who, though writing about the cup that cheers but not inebriates," rather worship the inebriating beverage itself, and accept it as an incentive for writ- ing any amount of small t waddle, which they dignity by the term "news." We are, therefore, not at all surprised at the insignificant notice referred to, the cloven hoof" being visible all through the "rambler's" croaking and cloaking! We refer him to a second edition of the "Romantic" in to-day's paper, and defy contradiction. ENGLISH PLUCK IN FRENCH WATERS.—The French journals are loud in their praise of an act of heroism performed on the banks of the Seine by Mr. Glyn Griffiths, a young gentleman, 19 years of age, and a son of the highly respected vicar of Cadoxton. It appears that a young married lady, of great personal attractions, was crossing the Seine on her way with her husband to the Summer Baths at Bougiva). The boat had reached the landing-stage, and the lady en- deavour, d to hold by the platform and draw the boat closer. She failed in the attempt and fell over the side into the river, the current running rather strong at the time. Mr. Griffiths witnessed the accident, and observing that the lady could not swim, and that her husband only attempted to save her with the boat's oar, immediately jumped in and dived after hpr. She clasped him by the left arm, and round the waist, re- gardless of the danger she was likely to put both parties in. He succeeded in getting free, and, holding her by the hair of the head, struck out for the stage with his right hand. The cheers that greeted the young Englishman on his reaching the shore can never be described. He endeavoured to pass quietly through the crowd, but such a daring act of courage was too highly thought of by our Gallic neighbours to go un- recognised, and he was publicly thanked by them. The lady tendered her gratitude in writing, and also personally, h' r husband joining in grateful thanks to her preserver. Mr. Griffiths has but lately left Bruns- wick for the completion of his studies previous to entering the Indian Civil Service. He is now studying at the International Institute, Chalon. THE CARMARTHEN RIFLE MATCH.—We are proud to be able to state that Corporal Gregory won the £ 10 prize at the above match, and that. Private Harris also won the 9 1 prize-both men belong to the 17th Gla- morgan Rifle Volunteers. The 15th G. V. R. was not represented at the meeting. EXCURSIONS.—On the 10th inst, (Saturday) the Odd Fellows' Lodge will visit Brecon, as announced in their excursion bills, and on the 12th the Odd Fellows' Lodge from Brecon will visit Swansea. Upwards of 4000 excursionists have gone over this line (the Neath and Brecon) since the opening, and we understand that the receipts are increasing rapidly from all sources, including those of business as well as pleasure. ARCHERY MEETING.—The grand arohery meeting in the GlloIl Park Cricket Ground, which takes place this day (Friday), will be fully reported in the Brecon County Times next week, with lists of scores, and dis. tances of each competitor. EXAMPLE WORTH IMITATING.—Mr. Flowers, the proprietor of the Melyn Tin Works, has set an example to wealthy employers which deserves recording. A trip to Brecon was given to the employees at the works (550 in number), on Saturday last, every expense being borne by that gentleman and, with a view of improv- ing the scientific and practical knowledge of his managers, he has presented Mr. Williams (chief me- chanic), Mr. Williams (forge manager), Mr. Bunford managers, he has presented Mr. Williams (chief me- chanic), Mr. Williams (forge manager), Mr. Bunford (mill manager), and Mr. Roberts (tin house manager), with the handsome sum of £25 each, for the expenses of a trip to the Paris Exhibiton. We feel sure that so liberal a master must have his liberality appreciated by those who have the honour and pleasure ot serving him. PETTY SESSIONS, FRIDAY, be.fore G LLEWELLYN, E-q., and J. H. ROWLAND, Esq. NUISANCE r-,r,%fOVAL.-Alf?-ecl Bi-.qant Campion, dis- trict surveyor, and having the public drairs under his care, was charged with allowi a nuisance to exist in a drain leading through a passage out of Water- street, at the back of the Lamh and Flag.—Com- plainant said it was foul and offensive, by reason of being choked with water and filth, and he had been ordered by the local authorities to take proceedings ir, the matter.—Mr. Kempthorne elicited, in exami- nation, that the drain was used by the public—those living in the houses about it; the road had not been repaired, but the gutter had been attended to by Mr. Campion, to the best of complainant's belief, as a dis- trict surveyor but witness could not say whether he cleaned drains for priva'e persons. The matter was brought before the Nuisance Removal Committee three weeks ago.—Mr. Campion said he bad nothing to do with it.-No other evidence being offered, the case was adjourned. AFFILIATION.—John Davies was summoned by Dinah Thomas as the father of her illegitimate child.—De- fendant did not appear.—Mr. Simons appeared for complainant, and called several witnesses to give evi- dence.—Order for 2s. 6d. per week and costs, includ- ing advocate's fees, and witnesses.- H'illiam Anthony was charged by Diana Morgan with being the father of her illegitimate child.—This case was adjourned from the 12th ult.—Mr. Simons appeared for the de- fence.—After hearing the new witnesses for the com- plainant, the Magistrates dismissed the case for want of sufficient corroborative evidence. ASSAULT CAsr.-Sa,-nuel Bryant was charged with an assaulc on William Edward Jones.—Defendant plea(led not guilty and justification.—Mr. Scale, for the defendant, applied for an adjournment, but the Bench decided that the case should go on.-The evi- dence was, however, of so conflicting a nature that the Bench adjourned the case to the 9th instant, to enable the defendant to take out cross summonses. POOR'S RATR.—Hannah Junes was summoned bv the overseers of Michaelstone, for non-payment of a poor's rate.—Defendant admit,ed the claim, but pleaded poverty.-William Rees, however, proved that her poverty consisted of a beerhouse, shop, and five cot- tages.—An order was therefore made for 4s. 4d. and costs. BREACH OF CATTLE PLAGUE ORDERS.— Owen Jones was charged by Superintendent Thomas with allowing a cow to graze on the highway without being in charge of any person.—Defendant pleaded that he had left his girl in charge of the cow, while he went. to fetch a wheelbarrow.—The Superintendent proved that the defendant was absent too long for such a trifling purpose; and as the offence was becoming too general, defendant was fined 5s. and costs. MAGISTRATES' CLERK'S OFFICE, before S. GARDNER, Esq., Mayor. UNLVWFUL WOUNDING—Andrew Mcintosh Bell was charged with unlawfully wounding. An applica- tion was made for a remand, which was granteh Application for bail was granted, himself in Y,100, and Edward Acland Moore in 2100. SATURDAY, before S. GARDNER, Esq., and J. H. Row- LANDS, Esq. MURDEROUS ASSAULT.— Gwynne Lewis was charged by William Grey with an assault, with intent to murder him. Mr. Howel Cuthbertson appeared for the prosecutor, and Mr. Kempihorne for the prisoner. The evidence of Mr. AVilliaru Hutchins was taken, and a full report of the case appears in another part of to-day's paper. The prisoner was admitted to bail in £ 200 sureties. Mr. Moore, jun., of Lowlas, n ^salso admitted to bail on the same charge, and same amount of surety. The case was adjourned to Thursday, the surgeon stating that Mr. G. May would probably be able to attend on that day. MONDAY, before the same magistrates. ANOTHER ASSAULT.—Henry Rogers was charged with assaulting Sarah Ward. The complainant's face was strapped and covered with surgical plai.-ters, and she appeared to have been very badly used. The evidence was, however, very conflicting, and was completely upset by the Superintendent's depositions. He said "I know the complainant, and where she lives her character is bad she keeps prostitutes in her house, and also convicted thieve, The magis- trates thereupon dismissed the case with costs, for want of corroborative evidence. Complainant subse- quently applied for another summons. It was refused until the expenses of the first hearing were paid. The remarkable evidence in this case goes far to prove that hard swearing is not so scarce as it might be,—the comp'ainant deposing that the defendant had struck and abused her, when it was distinctly proved that the blows complained of were inflicted by her own husband. TUESDAY.—Before S. GARDNER, Esq. THE CRICKET GROUND ASSAULT CASE. Mr. Turberville appeared on behalf of Mr. G. May to request that the recognizances of Mr. Andrew Mackintosh Bell should be estreated in consequence of his non-appearance at the h'ur named on Friday last (ten o'clock), when he was admitted to bail on the charge of unlawfully wounding Mr. George May on the Neath cricket ground. Mr. Bell, however, shortly after put in an appearance, when he was immediately served with a warrant by Superintendent Phillips for the more serious charge of wounding with intent to kill and murder." Mr. Turberville applied for a remand till Thursday, and the Mayor said the prisoner would stand bound over to appear on that day in the same amount of bail as Mr. Moore, to answer the charge preferred against him. Mr. Turberville suggested that he considered the amount of bail on the second and more serious charge was not sufficient, as Mr. May was in a very critical and dangerous state, and if erysipelas si t in the result might be fatal. Medical gentlemen were present to testify to Mr. May's dangerous state of health. The Mayor did not consider it necessary to enlarge the recognizances, viz., prisoner in X160, and two sureties in £50 each. E. A. Moore, Esq., of Loulas, and James Evans, Esq., of Neath, were accepted on behalf of Mr. Bell. A summons was granted to Mr. W. Hutchins, of the Queen's Hotel, against the same prisoner, for unlaw- fully wounding him on the same day in the cricket field. He was given into custody of P.C. Phelps, on the field, for the assault, but released on bail during the evening. THURSDAY, before S. GARDNER, Esq., Mayor, and J. H. ROWLANDS, Esq., Ex-Mayor. J. C. FOWLER, Esq.. also occupied a seat on the Bench. Lieutenant Lewis, Mr. Moore, and Mr. A. M. Bell, accompanied by their solicitors, attended the court with their sureties this morning to surrender them- selves in discharge of their recognizances. Mr. Plews and Mr. Howell Cuthbertson appeared for the prose- cution. On the magistrates taking their seats, Mr. Plews rose and said he appeared for the prosecution, and as Mr. May was still unable to attend the court, and medical men were here to prove it, he wished to ask for an ad- journment, although he was anxious that the matter should be settled on both sides as soon as possible. Mr. Smith: The sooner the better for all parties. Mr. Dixon: I appear for Lieutenant Lewis, and I can hardly fall in with what my friend has said in reference to Mr. May being unable to attend. Though not going to object to an adjournment, but- The Bench: If Dr. Ryding is here, call him, and take his evidence-that will be conclusive. Dr. Ryding was then sworn, and said, in reply to Mr. Plews: I am a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, and am practising at Neath; I have been attending Mr. George May, who received severe in- juries in this case; I have seen him this morning, and in my opinion he is not in a fit state to attend here to give evidence to-day judging from present appear. ances I should say it will be a fortnight before he will be able to be out; the injuries are on the head princi- pally, but also on various parts of the body; his head has been enveloped II1 bandages with ice for several hours, on Saturday night more particularly; I say a fortnight before he is ab.,c, to be here, but it will, at least, depend upon whether he is subject to excitement or not. Mr. Dixon: I have a question to ask- Mr. Smith: Is the patient better? Dr. Ryding: He is slightly so. Mr. Dixon (continuing): I did not wish to dispute Dr. Ryding's opinion of Mr. May's health, but I wish to say that if there is a probability that he will not be able to attend for some time, could we not adjourn for some weeks to save expense—subposnaes and wit- nesses. Lieutenant Lewis (sotto voce): I don't care about expense. Mr. Plews: Mr. Lewis does not care about expense. Mr. Dixon: I think it very unfair for my client's words to be taken out of his mouth. The Ex-Mayor: Do you not think it would be better to go on with the evidence on the other side while it is fresh in the memory, and not adjourn from time to time, or have more enquiries than necessary. The Magistrates' Clerk (Mr. Curtis) We can only adjourn for a week. Mr. Smith Can I have copies of the warrants. Mr. Plews I am in the hands of the Bench, but so far as I am concerned I have no objection whatever to your having them. The Mayor Do you say, Dr. Ryding, that Mr. May is going on favourably ? Dr. Ryding Yes, so far but I fear excitement. Mr. Smith (to Mr. Dixon) I don't at all agree with the Bench, but suggest that we take a formal remand. It mill be best. Mr. Smith I assume that if Mr. May is found to be better at an early day, or during the remand, that we shall receive notice of the same from the prosecution. Mr. Plews I undertake, on the part of the prose- cution, that shall be done. You bad notice of the adjournment yesterday, and could not be inconve- nienced. Mr. Dixon Oh, no we were in no way inconve- nienced, though the telegraph was put to work, but not till some of the witnesses were on the road here. I have one thing to refer to. The bail appears to be very heavy, and as the parties are well known I think a less sum would- The Ex-Mayor Better say nothing about that. Mr. Plews If the bail is renewed it will quite satisfy the prosecution. Mr. Smith I am quite content, and do not ask for any alteration. Lieutenant Lewis I shall be here at the time. Mr. Smith (looking at a copy of the Swansea Herald): I think it will be quite as well if the prosecution refrains in the meantime from writing letters to the paper, and I have Mr. Plews There there don't make a speech. The case was adjourned to the 15th instant. The bail was then renewed, and the court, which was largely attended by the friends of the parties concerned, was in a few moments the scene of a dis- cussion on the merits of the case pro and con. We refrain from offering any remarks on the affair till the matter is settled, in order not to prejudice either party concerned but we shall refer fully to particulars when the magistrates have made known their decision.

THE SUSPECTED POISONING CASE. The inquest on the body of Margaret Taylor was brought to a close on Tuesday last. We give Pro- fessor Herapath's evidence, as it contains the principal facts of the case of death without prejudice to any person. He deposed I received the viscera of the deceased from Serjeant Rodman, on the 18th day of July last; there were five bottles with the box 'and jar containing the viscera on opening the jar I found the stomach, the two orifices of which were tied on opening the stomach I found it empty, and in a state of high inflammation, particularly in the lowest part; this state of inflammation distinguished it from ordinary inflammation, and there was a patch at the bottom of the stomach about four inches in diameter; I had no doubt it was from an irritant poison of some sort; I produce a portion of the darker part which I speak of as the most inflamed part; as there were no contents I proceeded upon the stomach itself; upon operating on certain detached portions of the stomach I proved the absence of all metallic and mineral poisons I then saturated the remains of the stomach with ether, and then evaporated down the ether I then made the follow- ing experiment: I wrote on a piece of paper with nitrate of silver, and, upon introducing it into this, I found the silver reduced, which I present; this showed me the presence of phosphorus; from the results of this experiment I have no doubt that the irritated state of the stomach was produced by phos- phorus, and the inflamed state of the stomach was sufficient to cause death I examined the contents of the five bottles one or two contained vinegar three, a herb resembling hyssop four, a bottle of beer; five, oil scented there was nothing in either of them to produce the appearance in the stomach; there was a quantity of iron in the vinegar and beer. By the Coroner.—The appearance I found would not have been produced by ardent spirits; the body does not decompose more quickly after poisoning by phosphorus than by other poisons it would not turn colour in consequence of the phosphorus I did not see the smoke or smell the phosphorus; it was too far gone; it disappears more quickly than other poisons phosphorus is an irritant poison, and a very violent one a person may die from it quietly or in convulsions I should not like to say that one-eighth of a grain would cause death I should not like to take it; death would ensue in an hour from taking it; there is plenty of phosphorus in the body, but it could not produce these appearances I am of opinion that death was caused from inflammation of the stomach produced by some irritant, and that irritant was phosphorus. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with Mr. Herapath's evidence, adding that, how, when, and by whom, administered there was no evidence to show.

ABERGAVENNY. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, JULY 31st, before J. C. HILL, Esq., T. DAVIES, Esq., C. BAILEY jun., Esq., and F. C. H. WILLIAMS, Esq. BEERHOUSE OFFENCE.—Thomas Edwards, landlord of the Rising Sun, Llantillio Pertholly, was charged by P.C. Dare with having supplied drink on the 21st inst., Sunday. There were six men in the house when visited by the prosecutor.—The defendant was fined 10s. and costs. ROBBERY.—Margaret Robinson, a tramp, was charged with having, on the 27th inst., stolen a bun- dle containing a shirt, a pair of stockings, and a knife, the property of James Powell, labourer, of Llanfoist. —Prosecutor met the prisoner in the King David public-house, and afterwards hft in her company. They both were met by P.C. Guinea, at 2 o'clock the next morning, and the prosecutor was then accusing her of the robbery.—The prisoner elected to be tried by the Bench, and was sentenced to one month's im- prisonment with hard labour. ANOTHER ROBBERY.—Jane Eylcs was charged with having, on the 22nd ult., stolen one feather bed, one feather pillow, two blankets, three sheets, and three pillow cases, the whole valued at X4, the property of Eleanor Pitman, Abergavenny.—The prisoner lodged at prosecutor's house, and was removed therefrom on the 22nd by an order from the parish the things were then missed Serjeant Edghill said the goods had not been recovered, and asked for a remand to insti. tute a search.-Prisoner was therefore remanded for a week.

of rates uncollected, and it would be for the committee to decide as to whether those who had not paid them should be excused or not. With regard to the rate made in February last, they had the collector before them, and it appeared that only about e6160 cut of XI,100 had been collected. This, it was stated, was in consequence of the illness of his (the collector') wife. Mr. Walton thought one rate ought to be collected before another Avas made. When it was not it pro- duced confusion.