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PROGRESS OF ST. DAVID'sTowER,- We are gratified to be able to state that the architect, J. Norton, Esq., visited and inspected the works at the above tower on Wednesday last. He expressed himself in high terms of approval at the excellent manner in which Mr. Bucknall, the contractor, had executed the work, notwithstanding the very numerous annoying delays he has been subjected to. The entire material is on the ground, and should the weather prove favourable, the contract will be com- pleted within the specified time. THE LATE HEAVY RAIN$.—Since the last flooding of the Wern field a precautionary step has been taken by Mr. Glass, the manager of the estate, to prevent a recurrence of the disaster, the upper outlet of the culvert having been closed in, so as entirely to prevent any tampering with the discharge from that part. The improvement has proved to be highly advantageous, the field remaining thoroughly drained notwithstanding the late heavy rains. "SOLD!We have frequently adverted to the practice adopted by the hucksters of this town in forestalling the market, by meeting the farmers and others bringing various articles for sale on Wednes- days and Saturdays, purchasing the same, and then demanding a price of the buyers in the market, governed generally by the appearance of the would- be purchaser. On Saturday the usual lot of pouncers" waited at the outer gates of the Vale of Neath Station, strict orders having been given for the exclusion of such traders from the Great Western premises. A respectable young person, evidently a farmer's daughter, arrived by the 9.53 a.m. train, and was making her way to the market, when the hucksters in waiting outside the gate so terrified the poor girl that she sought refuge in the station. After the lapse of some time the porters suggested that she should go to the market in the 'bus. This was accordingly acted upon, the hucksters remaining in ignorance of her departure. The outside party at length growing weary of waiting, sent in a spy, who returned with the annoying information that they had for once been sold." The exclusiveness of the dealing is a constant source of complaint among housekeepers, but we believe the remedy is in their own hands if they only had the courage to exercise it. DEATH BY HANGING. — INQUEST ON THE BODY.— An inquest was held at Altwyn, on Monday last, before Howel Cuthbertson, Esq., coroner for the district, on the body of David Jones, whose body was found under the circumstances detailed in the evidence given below.—Mary Williams deposed I live at Glyn-David, and the deceased was my uncle I saw him about dinner time on Friday that was the last time I saw him alive he told me that he was going up towards the incline; he said his bowels were out of order; he asked my sister to go with him I saw the rope produced in his pocket at the time he spoke to me, but I do not know where he had it from; he said nothing about it, and I never heard him say he would destroy himself he lodged with my mother.—The next witness called was Wm. Williams, he deposed I live at Glyn-David, Ynisymond; the deceased was my brother-in-law, and has lived with us five months this time; I have never heard him talk of destroying himself I did not see deceased on Friday he did not come home on Friday night or Saturday; I went to look for him on Sunday morning, in consequence of his being missing; I went through the wood to look for him I did not expect to find him hanging to a tree one end of the rope was tied to a branch of a tree, and the other end was round his neck he was' dead then, and his body was cold he bad another rope in his pocket; one foot was about two inches from the ground and the other about an inch and a-half; William Morgan opened the rope and took him down I don't know where he got the rope from I don't know Vi hether he was right in his mind or not; the doctors had a doubt about it; Dr. Griffiths told me about twelve months ago, after he had examined him, that he was not right in his mind, and that smoking vas bad for him, and for me not to cross him.- Rees Rees deposed I live at Ynisymond; the deceased was a brother-in-law of mine I did not see him on Friday I went to look for him with the last witness on Sunday morning; in Graig Old Wood I saw him hanging to a branch of a tree; I I saw William Morgan take him down it was about eight o'clock when we found him I had not been looking more than five minutes when I saw him I never heard him say he would destroy himself; I cannot say he was quite the thing, but he was quick enough for his own part; I don't know of anything being on his mind which would cause him to hang himself I could see no footmarks under the tree where deceased was, in consequence of the quantity of leaves there I have no doubt whatever that the deceased committed the act himself.—No other evi- dence being offered the jury returned a verdict of Suicide by hanging, while in a state of temporary insanity." THE FORTHCOMING GRAND CONCERT.—The grand full-dress concert on behalf of the widow and children of the guard Probert, whose death we referred to in our last impression, promises to be one of the most successful efforts of the day. The list of patrons includes the names of the following gentle. men :—L. L. Dillwyn, Esq., M.P., E. M. Richards, Esq., M.P., Rev. D. H. Griffith, J.P., G. Llewellyn, Esq., J.P., G. B. Brock, Esq., J.P., W. Gilbertson, Esq., J.P., Joshua Williams, Esq,, James Kelley, Esq., his Worship the Mayor, and the Corporation of Neatb, his Worship the Mayor of Swansea, Howel Gwyn, Esq., M.P., Rev. J. Griffiths, Rev. J. Mat- thews, J. H. Rowland, Esq., J.P., J. C. Fowler, Esq. (stipendiary magistrate), J. T. D. Llewelyn, Esq.. J.P., Evan Evans, Esq., and John Weaver, Esq. The performers are ladies and gentlemen of high musical proficiency, namely, Miss Francis, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Hughes, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Williams, Mr. Thelwall, Mr. Middleton, Mr. Frost (harp) of Cardiff, Mrs. Frost (piano) of Cardiff, Mr. J. W. Robinson (accompanist) of Neath, and the Cyfarthfa Band, whose services have in the kindest manner been volunteered by W. T. Crawsbay, Esq. Special trains and other facilities are offered by the railway authorities, and judging from the already extensive sale of tickets the talented per- formers will meet with an encouraging amount of support, equal to their praiseworthy and attractive exertions. A full report of the concert will appear in our edition of the 25th instant. ANSWERS TO THE TEN QUERIES. -Through the courtesy of several correspondents we are enabled to reply to the ten queries given under the head of "wanted" in our last impression. We do not, how- ever, guarantee their correctness:—(1) Mr. May's new Drill-hall will not be erected until there is suffi- cient gas from the New Gas Pompany to light it properly; (2) the Masonic-hall Assembly Rooms will be proceeded with as soon as the "strike" among the masons is over; (3) the Farmer's Protection Society" is passing through its state of hybernation for the winter; (4) the cost of painting the Town- hall railings can only be ascertained by addressing a letter to the Board of Guardians; (5) the Gnoll collieries are in the Union-road, the London-road, and at the printer's (6) Mr. Bartlett does not require the main sewer he has a cesspool and cottage drainage, his own private property, and because an excellent drain already exists, made by Mr. Bartlett at his own cost, to save the parish X200, the cost of a sewer in front of the buildings; (7) the poor rate and highway rate are collected together because the ratepayers shall not know how much they have to pay, individually, for the so-called "sewers improvement" and the state of the "im- provement" as it at present exists (8) the value of the coal depands more upon the buyers than the sellers, if they knew how to prove that 971bs. do not make lcwt. (9) application for the author's name should be made to the publisher, not to our columns we understand the "Novello" was a clerical error (10) the depth of the mud in the clean streets may be ascertained from the following notice, which appeared on Thursday in a contemporary :—The State of Neath Streets.-Great complaints are made respecting the Neath streets, owing to the general neglect in scraping the accumulated mud from their surface. In many of the thoroughfares persons crossing the streets must be half over their boots in mud to gain the opposite ide. The work that should be done every day is left for a larger supply, to be cleared and scraped away at intervals. There are in the town one or two places which are termed crossings. It would be a good thing if some paved crossings became more general. Highway rates are heavy, and, it is said, equal to all purposes of .cleansing and better inspection. RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION.—A requisition, ad- dressed to the Mayor, T. Andrew, Esq,, has been issued by the promoters of the above association, calling upon him to convene a public meeting for the purpose of forming a Ratepayers' Protection Association. Copies of the requisition lie for signa- ture at various places in the town, and we shall duly report the progress of the movement. SERIOUS ACCIDENT THROUGH AN ENGINE-DRIVER'S CARELESSNESS.—On Monday last a serious accident occurred to a little boy seven years of age, named Isaiah Thomas. It appears that a small locomotive is employed on the Neath Abbey Coal Company's tramway, leading to the Bryncoch pit, and that the boy was returning from school along the line at the time the engine was approaching. He stood by the side of the rails until the driver was near enough to attempt to lay hold of his hand, with the view of pulling him up on to the engine for a ride. Unfor- tunately the hold he secured of the child's hand was only aufficient to pull him under the trams, instead of on to the engine-plate, and consequently the first tram, weighing upwards of two tons, passed over his left leg, crushing it in a frightful manner. Dr. Ryding was instantly sent for, and in a few minutes from the time of the accident was on the spot, and the injured limb was at once amputated by him. The poor little fellow is as well as the very serious nature of the accident will allow him to be, and it is to be hoped that under the treatment of the medical gentleman named his recovery will be speedy and complete. ORBER OF SERVICES AT ST. DAVID'S CHURCH.- Third Sunday in Advent, December 13.—Morning: Voluntary, "With verdure clad;" Venite ai.d Gloria, No. 1; Te Deum, No. 7a; Jubilate, No. 15a; Kyrie, No. 1 (Benson); Hymn3 196, 4; Voluntary, Fugato in D (Novello). Evening: Voluntary (Mendelssohn); Cantate, No. 5a Nunc Dimittis, No. 13 Hymns 6, 104 (Sandgate), 193; concluding Voluntary (Dr. Vaughan). GAS INSPECTORS' MEETING.—The monthly meet- ing of the Neath gas inspectors was held at the Town Hall on Monday last, when the following gentlemen were present: The Rev. John Griffiths, rector (chairman), Messrs. P. Davies, and P. Charles. Mr. P. Davies drew the attention of the inspectors to the inconvenience attending the collecting of the gas rates. He thought the convenience of the ratepayers would be better studied if the payments were made due in the summer instead of in the winter. j6200 out of the 2400 rate had been collected, the balance being due from the poorer class of ratepayers, who felt more difficulty in meeting a rate when work was scarce, as it generally was in the winter.—The Chair- man coincided with Mr. Davies's views, and thought the subject one which should engage their attention. RATEPAYERS' DEPUTATION,—A deputation, con- sisting of Messrs. J. Pollard, R. Alford, J. W. Sims, G. Spackman, O. Jones, T. Owen, R. Cam- bourne, and J. Jones, attended the Gas Inspectors' Meeting on behalf of the ratepayers, with the view of taking the sense of the officials in reference to the want of public lamps in Windsor street and other thoroughfares of the town.—The Clerk, at the request of Mr. P. Davies, referred to the minutes of previous meetings during the past five years, to prove Windsor-street was considered as a private thoroughfare, and consequently that the inspectors had no power to erect lamps there. The fact was plainly shown, however, that orders had been given to the old company to erect public lamps, but as they refused to do so the inspectors had no compul- sory power in the matter, as the company was a private one.—The deputation laid before the in- spectors the grievance of the whole neighbourhood, suffering the inconvenience of having no light, although pay, high gas rates for a number of years.—The Chairman at length said he would move that an application be made to the directors of the old company, requesting them to supply gas to Windsor-street at their earliest convenience.—Mr. P. Davies seconded the proposition, and after the usual formalities the deputation withdrew. The adjourned meeting again assembled at the Albert Inn, to hear the result of the deputation's visit to the inspectors. -So far matters appear to be satisfactory, though it is very doubtful whether the old company will accept the recommendation of the inspectors, and lay a] new main through Windsor-street, when they have neg- lected to do so up to the present time especially also as the new company are only waiting to obtain a proper title to the shares of the old company, pre- vious to paying the purchase money and taking pos- session. A subscription list is now open, for the purpose of raising a fund from which to defray the cost of legal proceedings, should any take place, against those who intend to dispute the payment of any future gas-rate. Mr. Alford, who presided at the meeting, was appointed treasurer. POPULAR READINGS.—On Thursday the fourth entertainment of the present season took place at the Town Hall, when a marked feature of the programme was a concertina duet by Mr. Lury and Mr. Wig- more, and an instrumental selection by piano, violin, cornet, and violoncello,—a change felt to be for the better, when contrasted with the noisy, though in every respect excellent efforts of the brass band of 15th Glamorganshire rifle volunteers. We append the programme:- Overture—"Figaro" (Mozart) .Piano, Violin, Cornet, and Violoncello. Reading1—" Helping a lame dog over a stile" Mr. Lury. Song Mr. Thelwall. Readingfrom Shakespeare.Rev. D. W. Jones. Song—"Farewell, Joe" Mr. H. Williams. Concertina duet Mr. Lury and Mr. Wigmore. Reading from Mr. Midshipman Easy "Mr. H. P. Charles. Duet—"Flow, gentle Deva," .Mr. Thelwall and Mr. H. Williams. Reading from Campbell's Poems .Mr. Rowland. Song-"Broken down"Mr. H. Williams. Reading-" Lubrication at the hairdresser's .Mr. P. H. Rowland. Quadrilje—" Tommy Dodd "Piano, Violin, Cornet, and Violoncello. u "(lod save the Queen." The attendance was good, and the performers fully merited the hearty applause accorded them. THE RE-DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE.—The commit- tee met at the union workhouse, on Tuesday last, to re-consider the report presented by them to the Board at their last meeting, the particulars of which have already appeared in our columns. The pro- posed re-distribution of the officers' districts was abandoned, and other more important suggestions brought forward for the approval of the Board on Tuesday next. A full report of the same will appear in our columns next week. MARKET ITEMS.- Wednesday's market, although overstocked with nearly every kind of saleable pro- duce, was unusually brisk, and prices had a slight tendency upwards, Christmas figures being fixed upon all seasonable articles. An abundant supply of English and foreign fruit was offered at the fol- lowing prices :—Apples, 4s. to 5s. per pot; 9d. to Is. 6d. per 100; oranges, 2s. 6d. to 4s. per 100; lemons, 6s. per 100 grapes, Is. per lb.; dried fruit at shop prices vegetables were plentiful, but dear, onions especially, being 18s per cwt. Dairy produce was abundant; eggs, Is. 6d. to Is. 9d. per dozen poultry averaged geese, 9d. per lb.; turkeys, 6d.; fowls, 3s. per couple; ducks, 5s.; butter, Is. 4d. per lb. best fresh Is. 2d. per lb. best tub. Meat gene- rally in striking contrast to the coming Christmas display, varying in price from 4d. per lb, on the "foreign side of the market to 9d. per lb. on the "home" side. The cattle market was fairly stocked a few good store cattle realised high figures cows with calves were slow in demand, and prices firm pigs of good breed averaged 10s. per score of 201bs.; a few pens of mountain ewes (Cardigan breed) were offered at 10s. per head. Prices generally remained firm, and dealers were cautious. THE LATE ATMOSPHERIC PHENOMENA. The neighbourhood of Neath and Briton Ferry was visited by a severe rain storm on Sunday night last, accompanied by wind, sleet, lightning of a dull violet hue, and continuous thunder, though, judging from the sound, at a very great distance. The gale which continued during a great part of the night did very considerable damage in the outskirts of the town, especially to sheds and other buildings facing the south west. The storm suddenly broke away, and the calm which followed was of the same oppressive kind as preceded the late earthquake. The pheno- mena appears to have been quite local, as no reports have reached the town of a like nature from the surrounding districts. SERIOUS ACCIDENT FROM A BEEECH-LOADER.—We regret to learn that Dr. Ryding was telegraphed for on Wednesday night, in order to attend to Pendarvis Vivian, Esq., Taibach, who had received the contents of a breech-loader in his face through improperly fastening the loading spring. We are sorry to report that the injuries are of a most dangerous nature, and the results are likely to be serious. SUDDEN DEATH.—On Thursday week Mr. Morgan Jones, a respectable inhabitant of Defynock, sud- denly fell down and expired at the Vale of Neath Station. An inquest was held on the body at the Railway Inn on Friday, when the following evidence -was taken before the Coroner, H. Cuthbertson, Esq. :—John Davies deposed I live at Mountain Ash; Morgan Jones was my father-in-law; he was 77 years of age; I saw him yesterday morning about six o'clock, before I went to work he was in my house in bed he was going away yesterday to Defynock I did not see him afterwards; the deceased did not complain at all of being ill; he had been with me three weeks; he was a labouring man. —The next witness called was William Jones, who deposed: I am ticket-collector at the Vale of Neath Station I first saw deceased yesterday, when he came in by the 11.48 train from Mountain Ash I took his ticket, and the next time I saw him was about three o'clock he was then sitting down in the booking-office; I afterwards saw deceased about a quarter-past three, when he came to me on his way to the platform I asked him for his ticket, and where he was going to; he answered, I am going by the Brecon train;" he then attempted to get his ticket from his pocket, and while doing so fell sud- denly into my arms, and did not say a word; he made a kind of groan three times, and the doctor who came up said he was dead; the deceased appeared quite sober I could not say that he had taken any beer.—John Russell, M.D., then deposed: I am a surgeon practising at Neath I was called about half-past three o'clock yesterday afternoon to see deceased, who I found on the bridge at the Neath Railway, crossing the line; he was lying on his back quite dead; I opened his waistcoat, and examined him; there was nothing to indicate any peculiar symptoms to cause death, but from the suddenness of the attack I am inclined to think it was disease of the heart that caused death there was no appearance of an apoplectic seizure under that death would not ensue so quickly, but disease of the heart would carry off a person instantly.— The Coroner briefly summed up, and the jury returned a verdict of "Died by the visitation of God." THE ABERDULAIS CONCERT AT THE TOWN-HALL.— The Aberdulais choir, assisted by a few professional amateurs," gave their "grand concert" at the Town-half on Thursday last. We are at all times willing and anxious to give a proper mead of praise to musical talent, especially when f-espectably given to a respectable audience, but the high musical train- ing of the Aberdulais choir is so well known to our readers in this neighbourhood, that the concert of Thursday last is open to more severe criticism than it otherwise would have been. We, however, charit- ably refrain from making any comment, either on the performers, the performances, or the audience, further than to say that the whole affair was a pros- titution of the word grand," both on the platform and off the boards. THE BOROUGH POLICE FORCE. — We understand that Sergeant Hopkins has tendered his resignation to the Head-constable of the borough police force, and that the resignation has been accepted by the Watch Committee. The sergeant, who is greatly respected by the inhabitants and ratepayers, is about to enter into business at one of the principal Inns of the town-the King's Head, opposite the Town- hall. THE RICHARD COBDEN." Another clipper brigantine, the "Richard Cobden," has just arrived at the wharf of Messrs. Kenway and Rees, her owners, from Georgetown, Prince Edward's Island, where she was launched in October last. She was built under special contract for the Neath river, has a square stern, and her dimensions are length 83 feet 70-tenths breadth, 22 feet 30-tenths depth of hold, 9 feet 55-tenths registered tonnage, 120.71 tons. She made the passage home in 24 days against a strong head-wind nearly through the whole trip. She will be specially engaged in the cqrn trade for the owners, being sister ship to the "John Bright." Her cabin accommodation is very superior, and the rooms are being painted and decorated by Mr. Geo. Ball, of this town, whose talent as a decorator and gilder was most conspicuously displayed in the model house lately exhibited at the Swansea bazaar. The captain, who was sent out specially for the purpose of bringing the vessel home, and who is held in high esteem by the owners, reports that he passed a quantity of wreck in the channel, and especially one vessel, with masts and sails standing, all sunk. The little craft only drew 8 feet 4 inches of water with upwards of 8000 bushels of oats on board. She is able to carry 200 tons of coal, and stands A 1 at Lloyds. NEW WORKS AT BRITON FERRY.—Our readers will be gratified to learn that a new branch of manufacture is about to be opened at Briton Ferry. We refer to the proposed Galvanised Ironworks." The preliminary steps for commencing this very important branch of work are nearly complete, and there is every probability of operations commencing before the close of the present year. NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING.OU Saturday last, during the passage of the ferry boat across the river at BritonFerry, a surge of the water threw a lad who was sitting in the bow of the boat clean overboard. A young man, named Raymond, who has on several occasions distinguished himself by rescuing persons from drowning, happened to wit- ness the occurrence from the stern of the boat, and, instantly making a grasp at the sinking lad, provi. dentially succeeded in catching him by the hair of his head. The usual means were taken to restore the boy, and prevent any ill effects from the shock, and we are glad to be able to say that he has quite recovered from his dangerous immersion. MR. FREEH'S ENTERTAINMENT.—We regret to learn that Mr. Freer and his talented family did not meet with the support he anticipated at the two per- formances given at the British Schoolrooms. The wonderful vocal powers of Master Freer, a child only seven years of age, ought to have alone secured a good "house;" but the "patronage spasm" was not in the ascendant, and consequently the enter- tainment shared the fate of Dickens's dog-it was neglected to death." THE COUNTY ROADS At the annual letting of the tolls of the several turnpike roads within the County Roads Board District, Mr. Percy bid the sum of Y.1,500 for the Neath, Margam, and Ystaly- fera and Aberavon gates. The court in which the Jetting took place was crowded with persons from all parts of the country, and the gates were divided into eight lots. Mr. Percy also obtained four other lettings, amounting to £ 2,655. BANKRUPTS.—Jonah Merchant, of Melyncrythan, has been adjudged a bankrupt; also Robert Lewis, of Tynycaia, publican, &c. Robert Williams, black- smith, of Briton Ferry, will pass his last examina- tion at the Town Hall, Neath, on the 7th of January. A NARROW EsCAPE.-On Wednesday morning a gentleman connected with the Glamorganshire Bank, happening to be late for the train to Swansea, thoughtlessly attempted to enter the carriage as the train moved from the platform. The carriage approached the bridge before he succeeded in obtaining an entrance, and to save himself from being crushed to death he jumped off, falling most providentially out of the reach of further danger. The narrow escape from a frightful death ought to act as a warning to all who travel by train, and especially to those who already know the sad cala- mities which attend the neglect of ordinary pre- caution on a railway.
MAGISTRATES' CLERK'S OFFICE,…
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MAGISTRATES' CLERK'S OFFICE, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, before J. H. ROWLAND, Esq. ASSAULT.-Evenia Davies was brought up on a warrant, issued at the instance of Margaret Harris for an assault and battery, alleged to have been committed at Skewen. It appears that Mrs. Harris went after the rent due by the defendant's parents, and the assault alleged then took place.—The case was remanded to petty sessions. BOROUGH POLICE COURT, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9, before the MAYOR. OFFENCE AGAINST THE MARKET BYE-LAWS.— Thomas McGormick was charged with having violated the 9th section of the Neath Market Bye-Laws.— Superintendent Phillips deposed I am inspector of the Neath New Market; I saw the defendant in the market this morning he had bundles of paper rolled up, and was crying them up at the top of his voice a large crowd of people was round him, and the thoroughfare was obstructed I spoke to defendant, and requested him to desist; he laughed at me, and refused to give up crying, and demanded my authority he said he had paid his toll, and should do as he thought proper; he defied me, and I took bim into custody I produce the bye-law.-Defen- dant: There were plenty of people crying there, as well as myself.—Ordered to pay costs. Before THOMAS ANDREWS, Esq., and W. J. PLAYER, Esq. FRAUDULENTLY REMOVING GOODS.- Charles Lovell was charged by Henry Lake with the above offence. —Complainant deposed I am the owner of some houses in Rosser-street, Neath defendant was the tenant of one of those houses, at 16s. per month of four weeks; on the 27th of November last f,2 17s. 6d. rent was due to me; on that day I became aware that defendant had removed his goods from the house that removal was not with my permission or knowledge I believe all that was in the house was removed; I had seen the goods in the house three or four days before I saw some chairs, some tables, a chest of drawers, and some small things, such as are usually found in such cottages; I have spoken to defendant; he came to me, and I charged him with removing the goods to another house; he admitted that he had done so to a house in Union- street, and said he would pay the rent as soon as he could; in my judgment the goods removed would be at least of the value due to me he had not said anything to me about removing before he did so.- Cross-examined I am not certain whether you are living at the Club-houses or at the Quarry; you told me you were living in Union-row; the upper part of the row is commonly called the club houses."—By the Bench I was not aware that he was going to leave the house I knew he intended to remove, upon a guarantee being given by his employer for payment of the rent; no notice to quit had been given or received by me from the defendant or his wife she spoke to me some time before the removal, and I told her at her peril not to remove until an arrangement was made to pay the rent.—The defen- dant said he told the landlord he would pay the rent. —The Bench made an order for double value of the goods, or distress, or one month's imprisonment with hard labour in the house of correction the execution of the order to be suspended for five days, to allow the defendant to pay or give security for the amount of rent due and costs, which complainant agreed to accept. ADJOURNED CASE.—The case of Jenkin Francis, relieving officer, v. Thomas Rees, adjourned from November 23rd, was withdrawn, the defendant being allowed, by consent, to pay 16s., in respect of relief and costs. ASSAULT.-Mary Flynn was charged by Eliza Williams with an assault. Defendant did not appear, and service of summons having been proved the case was heard in her absence.—Complainant deposed that she never spoke to the defendant, and yet when coming past Mr. Williams', the tailor's, she up with her fist and knocked her (complainant) down, struck her in the back, and bruised her face with stones she attributed the attack to spite, because she had given evidence against the defendant at the October sessions.—Fined 5s. and costs, or 14 days' hard labour, in the house of correction. DRUNK AND RIOTOUS. Jenkin Hughes was charged with being drunk and riotous in Wind- street.—P.C. Keirle proved the case, and defendant said be had been drinking all day, mostly in Mr. Tyler's, and he only wanted to drink up his last pint in the house, and a man then up with his fist and struck him, and that was how the row happened.— Fined 15s., including costs, or ten days' imprison- ment. A DESERTER PROM THE NAVY.- William Evans was charged on suspicion of being a deserter from the Royal Navy.—No evidence being offered he was discharged. DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS.-Before G. LEWELLYN, Esq. (chairman), and RICHARD HALL, Esq. Cnoss SUMMONSEs.-Elias Leach, of Glyn Neath, was summoned by John Jones, of Pontwalby, assis- tant colliery agent, for assaulting him at Glyn Neath on Saturday night last.—Mr. Scale appeared for the complainant, and Mr. Leonard Middleton for the defendant.—The evidence, which was very volu- minous, went to show that complainant was at the Half-way House at Glyn Neath on Satur- day, and that he saw the defendant there the defendant wanted to fight the complainant, but the latter refused to do so, upon which defendant collared him; shortly after this they left the public- house, and another challenge was given, and again refused, upon which defendant was alleged to have struck and kicked the complainant in a most savage manner.-After the witnesses for the defence had been heard, the defendant was fined Is. and costs, The parties now changed places, and a recapitulation of the evidence took place, the advocates also appearing for the parties as in the last case. This charge was dismissed. The charge against William Joseph, arising out of the same case, was adjourned for a month, the defendant to have notice of the next hearing. PIGS AND PIGSTYES AT YSTALYFERA. Elizabeth Evans and Evan Walters were summoned by the district surveyor and nuisance inspector for keeping pigs and allowing a filthy nuisance to exist in the neighbourhood of several dwelling-houses. Mr. A. B. Campion deposed to the filthy state of defen- dants' piggeries, and an order was made in each case for the abatement of the nuisance within 14 days, defendants to pay the costs of the proceedings. PETTY SESSIONS ACCOMPANIMENT. The County Petty Sessions would hardly be complete without an affiliation case.-David Bowen, collier, of Skewen. was summoned to appear at the instance of Margaret Thomas to show cause why he should not contribute to the support of her illegitimate child.—Defendant did not appear, but his landlady admitted the pater- nity for him, and the usual order was made. BEERHOUSE OFFENCE.—David Evans was charged by Superintendent Matthews with keeping his house open for the sale of beer during illegal hours.— Defendant pleaded guilty, but said he had sickness in the house at the time, and did not know the hour. —He was fined 40s., or 21 days' imprisonment. THE RIVAL LANDLADIEs.-Mary Davies, of the "Port Wallarow beerhouse, in Briton Ferry, was summoned by Jennet Harris, landlady of the "Dock Tavern," for kicking up a Wallaroo at the Dock I" through which she claimed sureties of the peace against the said Mary Davies.-The case was one of mutual recrimination, and the Bench dismissed the summons.
THE HIGHWAY BOARD.
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THE HIGHWAY BOARD. The usual monthly meeting of the Neath Highway Board was held on Wednesday, when the following gentlemen were present:-Gri t Lewellyn, Esq. (chairman), T. H. Rowland, Esq., F. J. Gibbins, Esq., R. Parsons, Esq., Messrs. P. Davies, D. Smith, Thos. Rees, D. Maddock, Richard Evans, W. Thresher, D. Bevan, and W. Jenkins. The previous minutes having been read and con- firmed, the following orders and notices were passed by the Board:— NEATH HIGHER.—Mr. W. Davies referred to the destruction of the road through haulage, and the subject having been discussed it was directed to stand over, no order being made. NEATH.—Mr. Randall's letter of the 1st December, 1868, on the subject of the cartway along the Rope- walk, was read. The letter stated that the road would be given up to the Highway Board. The Surveyor's report was next read, a copy of which is subjoined District Surveyor's Report to the Neath Highway Board. Gentlemen,—I have the honour to report that the late heavy rains have delayed the execution of the different struc- ture works. LANTWIT. The Kimla Road, Ivy Tower, and other roads, are being repaired. The stone walls of the bridge at Efailfach have been raised. The fence walls of the canal bridge at Aber- dulais are much out of repair, and dangerous. MICHAELSTONE LOWER. The main road between Pontrydyfen and Cwmavon, and also the road to Craig-y-tewgood, have been repaired. ItA VORDYPOltTH. I beg to state that a substantial foot bridge has been erected and fixed across the Ffrwdwylt stream, near to the Chapel of Ease at Taibach. In consequence of the wooden foot bridge near the Tyn-y-frame having been interfered with, and also being old, the same is very much out of repair. BROMBILL AND MARGAM. The Chapel of Ease road and the Star road have been repaired. Piling and wattling is required near to the colliery at a point where the water-course is wearing away the parish road. BLAEKHONDDAJT. In accordance with instructions I have prepared plan of proposed new bridge at Bryncaus, in lieu of the old bridge lately destroyed. In consequence of the very serious inter- ruption and stoppage of the traffic on the Bryncaus road, in consequence of the before-mentioned bridge being destroyed, I have erected a temporary bridge, constructed with rough balks and wooden fencing. The large stone culvert is now being constructed at Pennys Cynnor. The road at this part will be raised and improved. I beg to submit a letter received from the agent to Lord Dynevor. CAEGABWEN. I beg to state the contractor, Mark James, has completed the contract in constructing large culvert, repairing fence, and other walls at Khiewfawr the whole has been carried out in accordance with the plan and specification in an exceedingly satisfactory manner, and makes a great improve- ment to the road at that part. NEATH. I beg to state that, as there appears a difference of opinion as to what really are parish roads, I think it would be advis- able if the matter were ventilated either by a committee or a vestry. The Kimla road has been repaired. The stone pillars and ornamental gates for the Corporation field are being proceeded with very satisfactorily, and will be fixed very shortly. I beg to state that the funds necessary for the ensuing month will be four weeks' labour in the different parishes, as per list, at £ 25— £ 100. ALTBED B. CAMPION, District Surveyor. December 2, 1868. After the reading of the report the Board made the following orders in reference to each parish LANTWIT.-That the parapets of the walls be put up, and that notice be given to the Canal Company respecting the state of the bridge. HAVORDYPORTH.-That the bridge be put in com- plete repair at once. BROMBILL AND MARGAM.—That the Surveyor be authorised to take steps for the preservation of the road. LANGONYD HIGHER.-That in consequence of the dangerous state of the road, unless the crossing be repaired and gates erected within fourteen days from the date of notice, the rails of the Llynvi Vale Rail- way be taken up and removed. KENFIG.-That the walls of the bridge be repaired, and also the bridge between Kenfig and Pyle. NEATH HIGHER AND NEATH MIDDLE.-No order made on the Surveyor's report. BLAENHONDDAN.—That the subject discussed, viz., the propriety of erecting a new bridge, stand over till the spring months. No order was made in refer- ence to the culvert, but the surveyor was directed to take steps for the erection of a fence where the road was at all dangerous, posts and wire to the curve, the latter part to be of stone walling. NEATIR. -That the Clerk do take down the evidence neaessary to ascertain whether certain roads are actually parish roads, and to report thereon. That the Surveyor do report whether any parish has overspent any large sum, with the view of making a special call. That summonses be issued on Monday for the following Friday (this day) against the principal parishes. This being the whole of the business before the Board, the formal adjournment took place to the first Wednesday in the New Year.
GLAMORGANSHIRE WINTER ASSIZES.
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GLAMORGANSHIRE WINTER ASSIZES. TUESDAY.—Before Baron BRAMWELL. His Lordship, in charging the Grand Jury, made the following reference to the Efailfach murder, which will be fresh in the recollectioa of our readers: The only question before them would be whether they were to find a true bill for murder or for manslaughter. There was no doubt that the prisoner killed the woman with whose murder he was charged. The weapon used was a hook, such as would be used for trimming hedges. According to his own state- ment he accompanied the blow with this remark, You shall never hit me again." The two things taken together might show that he used likely means of death. If a man wilfully meant to kill another it was murder, and so also if a man did not mean to kill another, but used likely means to kill him, he was guilty of murder. The evidence which they would have before them would show that the prisoner appeared to have had a criminal relation with this woman. He charged himself with the commission of this crime, and made some statements which he (the learned judge) would mention. It appeared that the woman had a shawl pledged in some shop where she owed money, and she asked this man to redeem it for her. When he had given her the shawl she said, Now, you old devil, I won't wash for you or do for you any more." He took the shawl away from her, she struck him, and then he gave her a fatal blow. If the matter rested there, it would come within the meaning of manslaughter, but if the man killed, with a desire to kill, it would be murder. But a man could not make evidence for himself, but his statement would be properly laid before them. They were not bound to believe it to be true, though in this case they probably would believe it to be true. The most extraordinary thing in the case was, that he appeared to have wounded or struck the woman before-not dangerously, however-but after he had given himself up he requested the constable, who was taking him to prison, to take him to a place where he might see a child and kiss it, because, he said, it had twice saved him from killing this woman. That was a very remarkable thing. If they should be of opinion that this man had some homicidal inclination against this woman, and they attributed this blow to an evil disposition towards her, then they ought to find a bill of murder. They might probably consider he was not so sound in his mind as he ought to be. It appeared he received some injury to his head some time ago. But they need not trouble themselves about that, which was a matter for the petty jury to consider. It was quite clear he knew he was doing wrong, and because a man was unsound in his mind he was not to have immunity for what he did. He was only entitled to that when the insanity was such that he did not know what he was doing, or when he was under some delusion, which, if well founded, might justify what he did. It was clear that was not the case with this man. It seemed to him (the judge) that if they believed his statement that the woman struck him first, they ought to find a true bill, not for murder, but for manslaughter, unless they also believed he had conceived some desire to kill this woman for some reason or another, that he had formerly wounded her, and had been likely to kill her, and that he had been tempted to do what he did on this occasion, not by her striking him, but by the mis- chievous disposition he had towards her. His Lordship referred briefly to several other cases in the calendar, and the grand jury were then dismissed to their duties. The following Neath cases were tried at these Assizes TRIALS OF PRISONERS, OBTAINING BEER UNDER FALSE PRETENCES AT NEaTH. James Hernaman, 27, labourer, and Martin Nolan, 36, labourer, were charged on an indictment with having obtained three gallons of beer under false pretences at Neath, on the 18th August. Mr. Allen, instructed by Mr. J. Corbett, solicitor, appeared for the prosecution. Elizabeth Banbury, wife of the prosecutor, Abraham Banbury, beerhouse keeper at Neath, said the prisoners came to her house on the 18th day of of August; they handed her a piece of paper in the form of an order, and she supplied them with four quarts of beer; they drank the beer together, and then went away; the note represented to have been written by Mr. Pippin, for whom the prisoners said they had been working. Abraham Banbury said he was landlord of the Fitters' Arms, Neath, the prisoners came to his house on the 18th August, and Nolan gave Mrs. Banbury a note, which purported to be written and signed by Mr. Pippin, for whom the prisoners said they worked; the prisoners had previously obtained eight quarts of beer by the same means he went to Mr. Pippin, and ascertained that he had not given the prisoners any order for beer. Samuel Pippin, foreman of a gang on the Great Western Railway, said he had never given the pri- soners any authority to get beer in his name; he had not written or signed any order for that purpose; he did not know the handwriting on the notes pro- duced the prisoner Nolan had been in witness's employ. The prisoners admitted that they had obtained the Deer, but they intended to pay for it. They resorted to the means in question because they wanted beer, and had no money to get it. Hernaman was unable to read or write. He was sentenced to one month's imprisonment, and Nolan was sentenced to three months' imprisonment. THE EFAILFACH MURDER. Robert Webster, 49, labourer, was indicted for feloniously, wilfully, and of malice aforethought, killing and murdering one Mary Morris, at Michael- stane-super-Avon, a village near Neath, on the 3rd October. The prisoner was also indicted on the coroner's inquisition. Mr. Coleridge appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Bowen defended. The prisoner is a man of very respectable appear- ance. During the examination of the witnesses he seemed to be at times rather anxious and concerned, and at other times he appeared to take no interest whatever in the proceedings. Mr. Coleridge, in his opening address, gave the facts of the case to the jury, and then proceeded to call witnesses. We have already presented our readers with the full particulars of this sad affair, and we now therefore merely give a summary of the facts. It appears that on the night of the 3rd October the prisoner and his son, with Mary Morris and her husband, were drinking together at the Colliers' Arms, Michaelstone. Prisoner and Mary Morris left the house together, and were followed by Morris and prisoner's son. On the same evening prisoner and Mrs. Morris went into the shop of Mrs. Jenkins, and redeemed a shawl, which had been pledged for 14s. 6d., and prisoner told Mrs. Jenkins to put the 14s. 6d. on her books against him. They then left. Shortly after eleven o'clock William Jenkins, the husband of the Mrs. Jenkins before alluded to, and who is also a parish constable, was awoke by pri- soner, who said, "I have killed the poor woman." Jenkins replied, No, no, don't say that;" and pri- soner answered, "Indeed I have." Jenkins then called the prisoner in, and afterwards went up with him to the Colliers' Arms. Here prisoner said he had killed "poor Mary," and told them where the dead body was. The landlord and several others then went to the place, and found the body near William Jenkins's house, with the feet to the east and the head to the west. The woman was quite dead, and there were spots of blood on the ground. She bad been stabbed in the jaw, and the bone on the left side had been laid open and broken. There was also a zig.zag wound on the neck, as if an attempt had been made to saw the neck with some sharp instrument. The wounds would not of them- selves, according to the medical testimony, have caused death; and death resulted, it was stated, from suffocation produced by strangulation. Jan- kins and prisoner afterwards went to the police station. There the prisoner said to George Grif- fiths, the policeman stationed at Pontrhyden, Ob, Griffiths, Griffiths, I have done it at last." Witness said, What have you done ? Prisoner replied, I have murdered poor little Polly, and she's lying dead in the road. I have one favour to ask you. I want to see a child who saved her life nine months ago. She happened on two occasions to come to the place where we were in the field walking and saved me from murdering her." He also said, I lifted her head from the ground and kissed her before she died." They then went to the place where the woman was found, and prisoner showed witness the places where he had placed the hook and the shawl, but they were not there then, as they had been removed by James Howells, son of the landlord of the Collier's Arms. About three weeks before the murder Griffiths met the prisoner in the Millwright's Arms, and had some conversation with him. Prisoner told him he should commit murder on some one, and he (Griffiths) should have the job of bring- ing him to the station. Prisoner did not, however, say whom he intended to murder. On the night of the murder prisoner went to the shop of an ironmonger in Neatb, named Hopkin Jones, and bought a furze hook, and found fault with it, saying something to the effect that the hook would not cut a head off. Prisoner's own account of the affair to Superintendent Matthews, after he was in his cell, was as follows:— I bought the hook at Neatb, and when I came back I went to Mrs. Morris', and had some tea. She had a shawl in pledge, and she asked me to take it out for her. We went down together to Jenkins' house, and took the shawl out. The account was put down against me, and the shawl was given to Mrs. Morris. My son was with me, and we all then went to the Colliers' Arms, and had a glass of beer each. I asked the landlord to draw another glass of beer for Mrs. Morris, which was done, and after- wards I handed her another glass of beer. There was a club in the next room, and I went in, and Mrs. Morris went home, When I was going home we met again. Just above Jenkins' house she said, You old devil, now I have my shawl I shan't wash for you any more," and she struck me. We had been living together for nearly twn years. Her husband knew me well, and never interfered except when we quarrelled. When she struck me I said, "You shan't strike me again," and then I struck her. I saw she was dead, and I went at once to Jenkins' and gave myself up." Mr. Coleridge again addressed the jury. He said the evidence brought out a great deal more motive than he anticipated. What the prisoner said to the policeman about the little boy, and what he told the policeman a few weeks before the occurrence at the public-house, showed that he had fully determined to kill this unhappy woman. He appeared to have been deeply contrite after the crime bad been committed, but it was frequently the case that after a man had committed a dreadful crime he was very repentant. The question for the jury to consider was only whether they should find the prisoner guilty of murder or of manslaughter, and he thought the evi- dence all pointed to the former. Mr. Bowen then addressed the jury on behalf of the prisoner. He remarked that the whole of the evidence against the prisoner was what he himself had said, from time to time, to the different persons who had been brought into the witness box. The story told by the prisoner was a consistent one. They must not believe one part and disbelieve another; they must take the whole. There seemed to be no doubt that the prisoner killed this woman in a sudden fit of passion, under circumstances of con. siderable annoyance, and no doubt he was guilty of the crime ot manslaughter. The cause of death, the surgeon had stated, was strangulation. It seemed to have been an instantaneous act; he seized the woman by the throat with the left hand, while he struck her with the right. The learned Judge here interrupted Mr. Bowen, and directed Mr. Ryding to be re-called, and, in reply to questions, witness said the pressure on the throat must have been continued for some length of time the bone in the neck might have been broken by a sudden grip, but there must have been a prolonged hold upon the neck to have caused death. The learned counsel continued his speech. He said there was no doubt that up to a very short time before the woman's death she and the prisoner and her husband were on the best of terms, as was proved by the evidence of the different witnesses. It was attempted to be shown by the prosecution that the prisoner, when he bought the hook, intended it for the purpose for which it was unfortunately used. But the witness who had stated that the prisoner had said, when he bought the hook, that it would not cut a head off, might very well have mistaken the word" hedge" for" head." As to there being a prolonged struggle, the evidence showed nothing of the kind. The ground was not disturbed, the woman's dress was not torn, and in fact there was not the least tittle of evidence of a long scuffle. The surrounding circumstances all pointed to the con- clusion that the account given by the prisoner was a correct one-that the woman struck him, and he struck her with the billhook, which had not even been taken out of the paper. Probably he was not even aware that he had his hand upon the woman's throat, which appeared to have been the cause of death. It was a sudden outburst of passion, and when he saw what he had done he was horror-struck, and at once gave himself up. He hoped the jury would consider that, and they would discharge their duty by returning a verdict of manslaughter. His Lordship then summed up the evidence to the jury. He described at some length the difference between murder and manslaughter. It wall not likely that the prisoner bought the hook with the intention of murdering the woman, as in that case he would not have been so friendly towards her as he had been afterwards, or be would probably have sought an earlier opportunity of carrying out his intention, and he would have taken the paper off the hook. His Lordship brought before the jury the chief points of the evidence as they told for or against the prisoner, and went on to say that if the jury believed the prisoner intended to kill the woman, or that he used likely means to kill her, they must find him guilty of murder. He was not guilty of murder if he used likely means to kill her, if he did so in heat of blood caused by a blow which he had received. If they found either of those things in his favour they must return a verdict of man. slaughter, for there was no doubt the prisoner had killed the woman, and the only question was whether their verdict should be one of murder or manslaughter. The jury then retired, and after an absence of seven minutes they found the prisoner guilty of man- slaughter. The learned Judge, addressing the prisoner, said I think the jury were right in finding you guilty of manslaughter, and giveiug you the benefit of the doubt; but it is as near murder as could well be, and I must pass upon you, therefore, a very severe sentence. I sentence you to 20 years* penal servitude. The prisoner was then removed. Printed and published for the Proprietors by WILLIAM HENRY CLARK, at the Brecon County yvmey" Office, Church-street, in the chapelry of Bt. Mary, and borough of Brecon,—SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 186p.