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

THE HARMONIC SOCIETY.-On Friday last the members of the above society held their usual meeting at St. David's Church, instead of at the usual practice room. The change was made in order that the able services of Mr. George Hughes, sub-organist of Worcester Cathedral, might be available for the rehearsal of the choruses from the Messiah, in practice by the members of the society. The change was highly appreciated and enjoyed by the members on the occasion. We understand that the upper class for practice will be entirely distinct from the society, although open to any members who may wish to join, while the elementary class for the members only will meet one hour before the usual practice on Fridays. The arrangement is not only desirable, but highly popular with those immediately concerned. THE LATE N. E. VAUGHAN, ESQ., OF RHEOLA.— An elegant and elaborately painted memorial window has recently been placed in the chancel of Cadoxton parish church, by the widow of the late N, E. Vaughan, Esq. It occupies the eastern end of the building, and consists of three lights, the centre one illustrating St. Luke, chap, xxiv, verse 51, And it came to pass while he blessed them he was parted from them and carried up into heaven." Figures of five of the apostles are on either side of the principal figure-our Lord in the act of ascending, the Virgin Mary being at, the back of the group on the left side. The compartment on the right of the centre illustrates St. Matthew, chap. xxviii, verses 1 to 3, In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other MarJs to see the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared. And behold there was a great earthquake, for the angel of the Lord deucended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His coun- tenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow." The compartment on the right of the centre has a group of figures illustrating St. John, chap, xix, verse 17, "And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is cabled 'n the Hebrew Golgotha." The upper part of the window, as well as the tracery," is filled with a beautifully decorated blue design, relieved with passion flowers, two angels in a devotional attitude relieving the right and jeft points. The lower part of the work is also bordered with a similar design, the memorial band at the base having the fcllowing inscription :—"To the honour of God and memory of Nash Vaughan Edward Vaughan, Esq., of Rheola. Died 8th September, 1868, aged 57. This window is erected by his affectionate widow, Anna Maria Louisa." The execution of the design and completion of the work were entrusted to the firm of O'Connor of London, and, whether regarded as a work of art, or as a modification of the usually severe type of such productions, it is in the highest degree creditable to the artists. The intense agony depicted on our Lord's features as he bears his cross, contrasted with the countenances of the other characters which form the group, and the marvellously life-like expression in the figures of the apostles witnessing the ascension, together with the minute delineation exhibited in the "lightning countenance" of the angel, and the admirably conceived portraiture of "the Marys," place the memorial beyond the ordeal of any criti- cism otherwise than favorable. The artistic portion of the work will well repay the trouble of a visit to the spot sacred to the memory of one so deeply regretted as the gentleman whose decease it records. THE VALE OF NEATH BREWERY.—We propose to give in a future edition a full description of the above establishment, under the title of A day at the Vale of Neath Brewery." The information will be highly interesting to our readers generally, especially as the plant is the largest and most extensive in the Principality, if not in the provinces excepting Burton-on-Trent. CHURCH DECORATIONS.—The decorations usually displayed in the churches of this neighbourhood at Christmas are this season indicative of greater taste and more advanced opinions, as to the distinction to be drawn between them and trashy show and hastiness of design, than have been exhibited here for several years past. Cadoxton Church is very beautifully decorated the front of the gallery has a bordered white ground, on which are the words, "Arise, shine, for thy light is come." The letters are formed of leaves, and the panels are marked by large stars formed of the red holly berry. ThJ chancel arch has two decorated bands, the lower one being formed of white and green, with the words, Peace on earth good will towards men," while the upper one is of scarlet cloth, with the words, Glory to God in the highest," the windows being edged with evergreens, snd the pillars very taste- fully wreathed with light festoons of holly, ivy, and laurustinus. The font at the west entrance is very beautifully embellished with dyed moss and camelias, a cross formed of the latter flowers floating on the water round the outside of the font a scarlet cloth band runs, white letters edged with box leaves form- ing the sentence, "A well of living water;" the steps are bound with ivy, and the pillar is wreathed with the same. The whole of the decorations were carried out under the direction of Miss Hanmer Griffith, assisted by the following ladies and gentle- men, viz. :—The Misses Bevan, the Misses Sutton, Messrs. B. and Charlie Sutton, Messrs. Thomas (Court Herbert), Mrs. Price Jones, Mrs. Redwood, the Misses Sims, the Misses Thomas (Cadoxton Cottage), Messrs. Guerriew, the Misses Wadge, Master Collett, Miss Reed (Rheola), the Misses Reynolds, Mr. Wadge, and Mr. Roe. The parish church, St. Thomas's, has a profusion of evergreen devices, the principal being, strange to say, at the foot of the gallery staircase. The front of the gallery bears the folioviiag, on a white ground, Gogoniant yn Goruch a fiddow," very nicely done in laurel leaves. A cross is placed over the com- munion table, and other devices are placed between the aisle arches. Llantwit is exceedingly well decorated, great pains having been taken to keep up the usual, fancy devices and other embellishments, for which this little church has alwas s b< en noted. Skewen Church has lost none of the excellence of former years. The judicious use of evergreens and appropriate mottoes reflect the highest credit on those who assisted in their arrangement. A midnight service was held in Welsh at this church on New Year's eve, and it was very largely attended. The Bev. E. Thomas presented a liberal New Year's gift of tea and sugar to all the poor widows, 43 in number, and donations of money to the other poor members ot his congregation, at the same time. SCHOOL PRIZE COMPETITION.—An admirably con- ducted and novel competition took place on Thursday last at the Congregational Sunday School, Wind-street, when the attendance tf parents friends proved tteat the intentions of toe promoter of the scheme, the Rev. D. Jones- were most favourably appreciated. The proceeding c i; menced shortly after 7 p.m., Mr. H. Collins having kindly accepted the difficult task of aojudic .tioa. The first competition took place between candidates under eight years of age, for the best recitation of a poem, not less than twenty lines. There were nine competitors. Ellen Gorvin and H. Gorvin tied W. James stood first among the boys. Tbe second com- petition took place between candidates under twelve years of age, and the results were—Girls 1st Alice Swash; 2nd, Martha Swash. Boys 1st, Charles Gorvin; 2nd, Edwin Gorvin. The th'rd competition was between candidates under eighteen years of age, and the results were—Girls 1st, Susan Swash; 2nd, E. J. Swash. Boys: 1st, Henry Williams 2nd, Thomas Jenkins. The read- ing competition was tested very severely, but with great impartiality, and the results were—Under eighteen years of age 1st, Thomas Jenkins; 2nd, Henry Williams, Under twelve yea» s of age 1st, Edwin Gorvin; 2nd, Martha Swash. Under eighteen years of age 1st, E. J. Swash 2nd, S. Swash. The letter competition was next brought forward there were eighteen competitors, and the stipulations were that each candidate should write a letter, addressed to their respective parents, but handed to the adjudicator for his decision. Com- position, spelling, and penmanship being considered in the award. After a very keen contest the 1st prize was awarded to Susan Swash, and the second to Edwin Gorvin A few words of encouragment were then kindly given to the children who had been unsuccessful, and, at the same time, a book as a reward for their efforts, a smaller book being presented subsequently to every scholar who had not taken part iu the competition. A vote of thanks to Mr. Collins for his efficient services terminated the interesting proceedings. "PENCERDD AMERICA."—Mr. J. Parry, of the Royal Academy of Music, London, who perhaps is better known by his bardic name "Pencerdd America," is announced to sing with Mr. W. Phillips ("Gwyiim Cynon"), Mrs. Edwards ("Dyrtur-y- Graig"), and the Llansamlet Glee Party, at the corcert to be given by the Skewer: Glee Society next Thursday, at the Town-ball. The talented services of Mr. J. W. Robinson have also been secured as pianist. The programme issued is a most attractive one, and we have no doubt that the entertainment will mejst with that hearty support which not only the array of talent should command, but which the object deserves, because the proceeds are to be applied to the erection of an appropriate memento of the late Mr. David Walters, of Neath Abbey, who was for many years leader of the congregational singing at the Calvinislic Methodist Chapels of Neath and Skewen. We understand that during the interval between the parts, the Rev. J. Matthews, of Zoar, will deliver an address illustrating several pleasing incidents in the life of Mr. Walters, who was universally respected and esteemed. A report of the concert will appear in our edition of the 22nd instant, and, should the address be within anything like reasonable limits, we shall publish it at the same time. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING.—An adjourned quar- terly meeting of the Council was held at the Town- ball on Monday, when the following gentlemen were present :—Thomas Andrews, Esq., Mayor Alder- man J H. Rowland Councillors Sankey Gardner, Pendrill Charles, Howel Cuthbertson, N. B. Allen," Edwin Jones, H. H. Curtis, Richard Bartlett, Henry Lake, Rowland Thomas, Edward Boone, vnd Mr. Alfred Curtis, Town Clerk.—The minutes of the previous meetings having been read, were confirmed en the motion of Mr. Howel Cuthbertson, seconded by Mr. Edwin Jones.—The Town Clerk read a letter he bad received from Mr. Scbenk, C.E of Swansea, accepting the appointment of inspector over the works for the widening of the Neath river bridge, and also asking for copies of plans and speciifcations. — Mr. Gardner thought that they might safely entrust Mr. Schenk with the original plans.—Some desultory conversation ensued, and it was moved by Mr. H. H. Curtis, and seconded by Mr. Boone, that copies of the plans, specifications, and contract be made for the use of the Council, which was carried unanimously.- The Town Clerk called attention to a little matter of finance that bad stood over from the former meeting in consequence of tho absence of Messrs. Alien and Lake, who were to have gone through that part of the repairs of the Town-hall which had formed a matter of dispute.—Mr. Allen said that before going over the meeting, Mr. J. C Rees had acknowledged there was an error in the carrying out of the work, and that both Mr. Morris and Mr. Rees were right as regards quantities.—In the absence of papers of accounts, the matter of payment of the balance stood postponed till next meeting.—Mr. Lake called attention to some existing nuisances arising from certain water-closeti.-It was observed that they should be connected with the public sewer; but it was thought the Council had nothing to do with the matter. It was a case for the decision of the magistrates.—There was no business of importance before the meeting, which was again adjourned for a month. 11 TEA PARTY AT CRYNANT.-The juv-,niles attending the Crynant Schools were most kindly and liberally invited to a festivity on New Year's Day, at the school-rooms. An abundance of all the good things of the season was prepared for the little guests through the liberality of the Rev. D. Hanmer Griffith, Mrs. Llewelyn (Ynisygerwn), Mrs. Price (Ulantwreb), and Mrs. H. H. Curtis (Llwyn-Griffith Farm). Miss Paddison, Mrs. Hughes, and Mrs. Corker, the respected mistress of the schools, were untiring in their attention to the wants of the young people, wh iter tea, made themselves merry until "brealáng up" time. The kind treat was most fully appreciated by the children, and will doubtless be long remembered by them. "FILTERS AND BRASS COCKS. "-Last week, in our notice under this heading, the word weeks" should have been" days." It is but right to state that after the obstruction was reported at the police station, the carcase was removed from the stream as soon as possible, by the proper authorities. The place ought, however, to be fenced off, as sheep have been seen in danger ar. the same spot, and have been rescued through the efforts of passers-by. THE CHURCH BUILDING SOCIETY.-Ti)e rector of Neath intimated on Sunday last that collections would be made at Sc. David's, on behalf of the above society, at the morning and evening services on the ensuing Sunday. He alluded to the fact that two grants had been made to the building fund of St. David's by this society, viz., J6300 at first, and, on a second application from the building committee, another £100 was voted. We need scarcely remind our readers in this neighbourhood, and more especially those who attend the new church, that their appreciation of the comfort and convenience thus afforded them, can easily be shown by liberally responding to the appeal, which will be made on the occasions referred to. BREACH OF PROMsE.The excellent render- ing of "Bardell v. Pickwick," which took place at the Town-hall, under the auspices of the Neath Mechanics' Institute, when Mr. Honeysett was in the ascendant, will be in the recollection of many of our readers. We are informed that the trial is again to take place, and that a "real living ex-lawyer" will take the judge's chair. The representation is in the hands of the best and most talented amateurs of the town. A DANGEROUS SPOT.—A spot between the toll- bar and the Episcopal Chapel bids fair to rival the garotter's haunt in Blackfriar's-roao, and we there- fore think in but prudent to advise those whose business leads them in that direction after dark to go either armed, or prepared for an attack of some kind from the roughs, who select the spot on account of its intense darkness and seclusion. We have reported, at different times, two cases of highway robbery with violence which occurred at this place, and a few days sinct, another attack was made on collier going to the Skewen. On New Year's Eve two gentlemen were walking quietly on the road, when they were accosted by some fellows, who abused them frightfully, striking them to the ground, and only decamping when footsteps were heard approaching. Information has been given to the police, and we trust some of the dangerous and cowardly scoundrels will be caught before matters aosume a more serious aspect. ORDER OF SERVICES AT ST. DAVID'S CHURCH. First Sunday after Epiphany, January 10.- Morning Voluntary (Max Keller) Venite and In y Gloria (Novello) Te Deum. (Mercer) 14, 15 Jubi- late (Winter); Kyrie, No. 5; Hymns, 31, 11- Voluntary, Et resurrexit," Haydn in G. Even- ing Voluntary, Selection, M.S. Gloria (Bennett); Cantate (Lingard) Nunc Dimittis (Novello); Hymns, 29 (Bishopsthorpe), 98, 190 concluding Voluntary, Quoniam," (Mozart). THE BAND OF THE 17TH GLAMORGANSHIRE RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.—On New Year's Eve the excellent band of the 17th Glamorganshire Rifle Volunteers, Captain Evans' company, performed a selection of popular music at the residence of their commanding officer, and also at other places in the town, con- cluding a wsll selected programme in front of the Town-hall. The number of listeners was somewhat extraordinary, considering the hour. THE UNION NEW YEAR'S TREAT.—On Wednesday last the whole of the inmates of the Union Work- house were kindly treated to a New Year's treat of tea, cake, and the usual additions, by the Mayor, Thomas Andrew Esq. A largo Christmas tree, laden with really valuable presents, toys, and useful articles, was also prepared by Miss Gard, the respected schoolmistress through the kind liberality of Mrs. Boone and other ladies, a great number of whom were present during the evening. The fes- tivities were prolonged beyond the usual restrictive hours, and the inmates were addressed by Mr. Boone after the tea was over. BOAT ACCIDENT AT BRITON FERRY.—On Tuesday evening last one of the men working under the Harbour Commissioners at Briton Ferry, named Thomas Hughes, took a fellow workman across the river in the Commissioners' boat. On returning he did not pay sufficient atten ion to the progress of his craft, and consequently a steam tug bore down upon him, and one of the paddles struck the small boat, cutting the gunwale down to the depth of eight inches, and tearing part of the side completely off. The providential escape of the occupant of the boat is more singular than the accident itself. LIBERALITY.—A contemporary, under this head, says:—" A correspondent writes It is with great pleasure that I bear testimony to the liberality and munificence of the honourable member for Brecon, Howel Gwyn, Esq., who has, upon an application just made to him, subscribed very handsomely towards the restoration of Loughor Church, in the county of Glamorgan, although he does not possess one particle of property in that parish. If all gentlemen possessed his warm and enlarged heart, we should not on)y have our dilapidated churches restored, but also school- rooms built where they are wanted. The writer of this paragraph has had the honour of being ac- quainted with the honourable member for the last twenty years and upwards, and during that time Mr. Gwyn has always been forward to subscribe to every charitable institution. He has to the knowledge of the writer given innumerable sites for building churches and schoolrooms, and not only that, he has aided considerably in building the same. He is one of those few who believe that property has been given to him as a sacred trust, to be given back by him to the Almighty, when occasion requires. He has such a sense of honour that it is not known of him ever to have backed out of a promise, although occasions may have arisen whereby he could justly have dispensed with his former promises. He cannot succumb to a dishonourable act. A more useful member of society can never be. As a member of the House of Commons there is not among that august assembly a gentleman possessing a higher sense of honour than he, nor, I am certain, a more consistent and one possessing juster views of things." HIGHWAY BOARD.—Our report of the above meet- ing is unavoidably held over until next week, when the surveyor's report and other matters will be given in extenso. THREATENED STRIKE AMONG THE CARPENTERS.— A meeting, convened by notice bills, was held on Monday by the carpenters of the neighbourhood, in consequence of a peculiar dispute as to the right of one of the principal masters of the place to lower the rate of labour wages to 4s. per day. It appears that the attempt was made by one builder, and in consequence one of his workmen left him. After being out of employment for a fortnight, supported by the Society, he accepted work at 4s. per day under another master, who thereupon stated to the first employer that he could obtain men at the figure named. This gave rise to a notice, stating that the wages would be reduced to 4s. generally, and to resist this the meeting was called. The man who accepted work was fined by the society 21 for breaking the rules, and the society further pledged themselves to support the men if they stood out against the pro- posed reduction. BOROUGH POLICE PROMOTION.-P.C. Phelps was promoted to the vacancy caused through the resig- nation of Serjeant Hopkins, by the Watch Committee, on Monday last. His recommendations were exceed- ingly high, and a general opinion prevails that the "right man is in the right place." Richard Cash- more, ex-excise officer, has been appointed to the second-class vacancy in the force. THE LIYING SKELETON. That extraordinary curiosity "the living skeleton" has been again exhibited in the market place, by Mr. Chipperfield, during the past week. Description fails to convey a correct idea of this singular being. He appears also to have become less in stature than when he was last in Neath. The greatest novelty is, however, his strength, few ordinary men being able to resist the force with which he wrenches a stick or any other substance from them. His wrist is the thick- ness of a shilling, and his waist very little larger than a quart measure, the other parts of his frame being perfectly fleshless. MARKET ITEMS.—The Wednesday's market was remarkable for the badness of trade. Complaints were more brisk than business, the "supplies" showing a kind of double reaction after the Christmas market. The cattle market was also very poorly stocked, and but little business was transacted throughout the day. SUDDEN DEATH AND INQUEST.- An inquest was held on Monday last, before Howel Cuthbertson, Esq., coroner, on the body of William Roberts, whoso death took place under the circumstances detailed in the following evidence :-John Davies deposed I live at Melincrythan, and am a shoe- maker knew the deceased; I have known him for a year and a half, since he has been lodging with me he was a blacksmith, and a single man I saw him on Sunday last, at a quarter past two o'clock in the afternoon he was then sitting down on a chair in a corner in my house at that time I went to chapel and left him there he refused to eat any dinner on that day, saying he was not well; he had been drinking heavy on Saturday night, and had been out yesterday morning he came home on Saturday night about half-past ten o'clock he was not sober then he had been drinking considerably he went to bed in about an hour after he came in he did not complain of being unwell on Saturday night; he got up about nine o'clock on Sunday morning, and had a cup of coffee, but nothing else; he went out after he had bad it he was out about ten minutes or a quarter of an hour be did not complain of being unwell when he came back; the deceased, generally speaking, was a steady man, but when he commenced he drank rather heavily I don't know if he had been drinking on the previous days one John Roberts lodges in the house; he took nothing on Sunday but this cup of coffee; no one else took coffee on Sunday besides himself my wife made the coffee for him all in the house had breakfast before the deceased came down he was a quiet man there was no quarrel that I know of on Saturday nie,ht; John Roberts was no relation of the deceased we had tea for breakfast; the deceased 1 said, in reply to my wife, that he wished to have coffee he generally had coffee, but sometimes tea I never heard him complain of anything since he has been with me after I left the house I did not see him alive again I left John Rober.ts in the house and my two children; I went home from chapel a little after four o'clock, and found deceased dead on the ground.—The next witness called was John Jones, who deposed: I live at Melincrythan, and am a "behinder" in the Tin-works; I knew the deceased; I saw him yesterday afternoon about five minutes to four o'clock, when I went into the house of the last witness; I went to see the last witness the first thing I saw was deceased in a sitting posture on the ground, leaning against the wall; I thought he was sleeping I asked John Davies' little girl what the deceased was doiDg there, and she told me he had been sleeping there all the evening she told me that he had fallen down from off the chair about five minutes before I called him by name several times, but he did not make any answer I shook his arm, but he did not speak; when the last witness came in he sent for Mr. Moore, and when he came he said deceased was dead Mr. Moore bled him, and he said he thought he died from an affection of the heart.—John Roberts then deposed I live at Melin- crythan with John Davies, and I was in the house when he left yesterday afternoon the deceased was there also; I went out about three o'clock, and left the deceased sitting down with his head resting upon the table I did not speak to him nor he to me after John Davies went out; he never spoke all day I did not see him on Saturday night; I left two little girls and a boy in when I went out, and I thought he was asleep; he was snoring; I have seen him sleep in the same manner before, when he had been drinking.—No medical evidence was considered necessary, and the jury returned a verdict of "Death from natural causes." BIBLE CHRISTIAN CHAPEL, MELINCRYTHAN.—A bazaar, with the attraction of a Christmas tree, was held in the School-room of the above chapel on Thursday, December 31st, in aid of liquidating the debt on the building. At half-past two o'clock, according to announcement, the door was opened to admit persons to the first bazaar ever held at Melincrythan. A large concourse of people assembled, who manifested their satisfaction with the splendid decoration of the school-room, the tasteful manner in which the stalls were laid out, and the Christmas tree decorated. The selling of the numerous useful and ornamental articles was I performed by the Misses Collis, Ackland, Lancey, and Allen, and Mrs. Griffin, and the sale was brisk as well as spirited. At five o'clock tea was provided in the chapel, of which about 150 partook. The amount realised by this effort was upwards of Y,20, and the committee wish to return their sincere thanks to those who so liberaïly responded to their solicitations on behalf of the cause, and so generously supplied the articles for the occasion entirely free of cost. A SPLIT.The Christmas wait", who plsyed at various places in the town during the early part of the season, have come to grief over the amount of the subscriptions received, one of the party having- collected the money and appropriated it to his own use. Some very discreditable disagreements have taken place in consequence, and party No. 2 have endeavoured to supplement the dishonest transac- tion by a second subscription list. It does not, how- ever seem to meet with much support.