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Trials of Prisoners.
Trials of Prisoners. A HAltDRNED CRIMINAL. Francis Shaw, 45, labourer, wa-< charged with maliciously setting fire to a s:ack of hay, the property of Edward Knight, at Caerwent, on the 18th August. Shaw pleaded guilty.—Mr Morton Brown, who prosecuted, said prisoner had set fire to the rick of clover hay because he was tired of his life. The hay was of the value of L130. There was no malice against the prosecutor. The Commissioner read a sensational list of con- victions against the prisoner who had several times and at several places been convicted of arson and malicious damage, and served several terms of imprisonment and pen-il servitude, and sentenced him to five years' penal servitude. Prisoner, who was smiling throughout the pro. ceedings. on being removed from the dock said he could do it like a man, and he hoped the Com- missioner would be laid a corpse in his grave before his five years were up. A SERIOUS CHARGB. ANOTHER SENTENCE OF FIVE YEARS PENAL SERVITUDE. James Price, 26, collier, was charged with a criminal offence with regard to Annie Louisa Poidau, aged 12 years 9 monhs, at Abertillery, between the 11th July and the 9th August last; there was a second iudictmeut for indecent assault. Pi ice pleaded not guilty, and was un- defended. Mr M. r ton Brown prosecuted. The Utile girl was a sis er of prisoner's wife, and the offence %Vka committed during the wife's absence. Prisoner, sworn, denied the allegations, and The mother, re-called, admitted that the girl had been untruthful and had been troublesome since her father died. A loug written statement by prisoner was read. Tha Commissioner summed up at length, and Price being found guilty was senteuced to five 11 Z, jrcars' penal servitude.
The Llancayo Case.
The Llancayo Case. William Charles Williams, 32. wheelwright, was charged with an attempted criminal assault upon Maud Mary Buffery, a girl between the age of 13 and 16 years of age, at Gwehelog, on the 28th September.
The Tredegar Tragedy.
The Tredegar Tragedy. Jeremiah Cullaghan, 42, labourer, was charged with the wi'ful ,murder of Hannah Shea, at Tredegar, on the 4th October. [This case will be tried to-morrow, Saturday],
! MONMOUTH.
MONMOUTH. POLICE COURT, SATURDAY. Before G. CO-SSENS, Esq., aud G. P. TIPPINS, Esq, EAllLY MORNING GARDEN ROBBERY.—Two youths, Alfred Watkins and Tom Ward, of Wyebridge-laue, were charged in custody with stealing growing vegetables early that, morning. It appeared that P.S, Jones and P.C. Tilley were on Wye bridge at 12.45 a m., when their attention was attracted to the suspicious movements of two youths Crossing the river in a boitl. P.C Tilly went round by Wyebridge-lane to meet them a? they landed. When he got in sight of them he heard something drop and Ward ran away. Knowing Watkins, the constable let him pass, and followed Ward, but failed to overtake him. How ever, Ward had taken a course along the river bank which was in view of P.S. Jones on the bridge, and the officer ran round and met him as he emerged from a side pa-sage. He was arrested and taken to the Police Station. P.C. Tilley then resumed his investigation, and discovered a bag containing a quantity of vegetables near the boat the youths bad used. Watkins was after- wards arrested at his father's house. On being charged, both prisoners practically admitted stealing the vegetables, and on examining some allotment gardens near the river and the saw mills, places were found where the vegetables—celery and ctbbages belonging to Messrs C Morgan, Thos. Smith, and U. K. Lawrence -had been taken from, the damage being estimated in the latter's case at 2 6d.~Prisoners at the hearing attempted to set up the defence that they had found" the bag, but the Bench said that after their admissions to the police they were evidently tell- ing untru'hs, and making the case worse.—Out of regard to their parents the Bench refrained from sending prisouers to gaol, but fined them 5s each, and the expenses and damages, a total of 12s 7d each, COUNTY COURT, SATURDAY. Before llis Honour Judge OWBN. ARREARS OF RENT.—Captain Hemy Fortune Powell sued Thomas Vidmore and Joseph Yearsly, labourers, occupying cottages at Osbaston, for £4 10s each, arrears of rent, And to give up possession.—Mr Deakin appeared for the plaintiff. The two cottages formerly belonged to the Duke of Beaufort; and had been purchased at the Duke's sale, by the plaintiff. Notices to quit had been served. The defendant Yearsley said he had never paid any rent. His Honour examined a copy of the notice, and ruled that it was bad. While the holdings were separate tenancies, the notice was a joint one. Mr Deakin said the notices actually served on the defendants were separate, although in the copy both names were mentioned.His Honour: Then this is not a copy.—Mr Deakin We want possession more than the rent.—Judg- ment for X4 10 each, by 5s a month. HORSE WARRANTY.—William Rosser, Bridge Inn, Norton, sued Thomas Morris, Broad Oak, for S,5 9s 10d loss and damage in connection with a pony purchased from defendant. Mr H. Williams appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Wallace for the defendant.-It appeared that plaintiff attended Monmouth May Fair, and purchased a three-year- old pony from defendant for £16. a verbal warranty being given that the animal was quiet in harness. On taking it home and submitting it to a trial, the animal jibbed, backed into a wall, and br. ke the harness and shaft of the trap. He gave defendant due notice of his intention to sell the pony, but for several reasons it was not sold till August, when defendant b Jught it back for 14: Defendant, however, had accepted an invitation to try the pony himself, when it acted in a similar manner, and, according to witnesses, defendant severely kicked it. Considerable evidence was called on b)th sides, and in the end judgment was given for £4 10s.
I TREDEGAR.
I TREDEGAR. I POLICE COURT, TUESDAY. SUNDAY DRINKING.—Thomas Samuel, landlord of the Mountain Air Alehouse, Nantybwch, Tredegar, was summoned for keeping his licensed premises open during prohibited hours on Sunday, November 2nd, and also f,)r selling intoxicants during prohibited hours on the same date.—The Bench imposad a fine of XIO aiid zC3 7s 61 costg, and the Chairman said they had seriously con- sidered whether the liceuce should not be endorsed.
IUSK.
I USK. I PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY. Before R. RICKARDS, Esq. (in the chair), W. H. PARTRIDGE, Esq., and S. A. HILEY, E-^q. U D.O.-The Clerk (Mr E. Waddington) read the official intimation of the election of Mr S. A. Hiley to the Chairmanship of the Usk Urban District Council, and Mr Hdey attending he took the oath and his seat on the Bench, the Chairman welcoming him. THE EARLY BIRD.—John Dixon, labourer, Usk, appeared on remand, charged with stealing 451b of apples, value 3d 9d, the property of Walter Probert, The Cwm, Llangibby.—Defendant pleaded guilty,-P. C. Bullock stated that at 4 o'clock on the morning of Sunday last he met defendant on Usk Bridge, and noticed that the bottom of his coat was bulky. He stopped defendant, and asked him what he had got there, and he replied, Only a few apples." Where did you get them?" queried witness. "My sister, living near the Preaooed, gave them to me," he responded. It's rather early in the morning to fetch them" commented witness. Oh," he answered, it's all right." But witness took him into the Police-station. Defendant then said 11 I may as well tell you the truth. I took them out of the orchard at the Cwm Farm, Llangibby." Defendant was then detained. Witness produced the apples-a hamper, of ordinary iizs; full.-The magistrates were, apparently surprised at the quantity, and the Chairman asked bow defendant carried them in his coat. -P.C. Bullock said there was a hole in defendant's coat pocket, and the apples were stowed away between the lining and the cloth of the reefer coat.—Walter Probert, in reply to Supt. James, said he had never given defendant permission to take away apples by night. He had previously given him permission to take some when he had asked for them in the day time, but he had had no such permission on this occasion. He had similar apples to those produced in hi-I orchard. In reply to successive qu.Gations from I the chair, witness said na was defendant's uncle, and he did not wish to press the charge, but he Wanted snch proceedings stopped.—The Chairman cautioned defendant, and said he would be fined lOa and costs, but it subsequently appearing that the costs amounted to 19s, defendant was ordered to pay a total of lis, the remainder of the costs being remitted, and defendant informed that he was being very leniently dealt with. TItASFBR.-The temporary transfer of the Cardiff Arms, Usk, was granted to Mr Nicholas William Sweetman, of Cardiff, from Mr William Russell, there being no objection.
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IThe Coal Trade.
I The Coal Trade. A meeting of the committee of the coalown^rs' association appointed to negotiate with the work- men's representatives in reference t ) a system of wage regulation on the termination of the sliding- scale agreement was held at Cardiff on Wednesday. The secretary was instructed to write to Mr Tom Richards [secretary to the men's representatives] suggesting that the joint meeting fixed for Saturday iaei-t should ba postponed until Wednesday next. The meeting of the coalowners' association convened for Saturday has also been postponed. A meeting of the B )ard of Conciliation for the coal trade of the federated districts was held at the Westminster Palace Hotel on Wednesday. Mr Pickard moved for a 10 per cent, advance in wages, and Mr Hewlett, moved for a 5 per cent. reduction. The board could not agree on either proposal, and both were referred to Lord Jaines of Hereford.
Advertising
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IIndian Frontier Ffghiing.…
Indian Frontier Ffghiing. Simla, Friday. The latest despatches from the front show that four columns are now in touch, and are moving I forward without opposition. Fn the fight at Gumati stronghold the In zn last survivor of the garrison shot Captain White just before he fell himself.
I Temperance Reformer Ejected.
I Temperance Reformer Ejected. New York, Friday. Miss Carrie Nation, the temper- ance reformer, visited horse show yesterday, and rebuked fashionable visitors for drinking and extrava- č) gance. She was ejected by the police.
I - The King's Visitor.
I The King's Visitor. The King and King Carlos are 17% p again shooting in Windsor Great 3 Park to-day. To-night the Vaude- ville Theatre Company from London give a performance of "Quality Street."
I Tunnel Collapse at Lourtwater.
I Tunnel Collapse at Lourtwater. The official report on the tunnel collapse at Loud water, Bucks, whereby six lives were lost, says it was due to unforeseen circumstances but recommends each section of working should be treated as requiring special precautions.
I'General Botha. 1 I
General Botha. 1 General Botha is no better, he passed another restless night. passed another restless night.
" Stocks. - - v-('; - " bit:,
Stocks. v-('; bit:, Stocks, quiet, steady. I
IFootball. -
Football. Some of Saturday's results; played on the ground of the firstnamed Cardiff v Gloucester.—Home team won by 1 goal (penalty) I try to nil. Swansea v Llanelly.—Home team won by 2 goals (1 penalty) 3 tries to I try. Bristol v Newport.—Visitors won by 4 tries to a dropped goal.. Pontypool v Cardiff Mackintosh.—Home team won by 1 goal 1 try to 1 try. Orumlin "A" v Pontypool Reserves.-Home team won by 1 goal 2 tries to nil. Abergaveuny v Blaiua.—Home team won by 4 tries to I goal. Abertillery Crusaders v Victoria.—Home team won by 2 goals to nil. Newport II. v Bristol II.—Home team won by 3 tries to 1 try.
USK 7. LL AN HI LLET H. I
USK 7. LL AN HI LLET H. I This encounter took place at Llanhilleth on Saturday last, in ideal football weather, and before a fair number of spectators. The homesters won the toss, and Usk kicked off with the wind in their faces. The reply was taken by F. Watkins, who put in a good sprint to his, opponents' 25, where his pass was mulled. Usk improved their position, by a smart kick by Williams. The homesters relieved with a dribble, but F. Davies and A. J. Thomas retaliated. Llanhilleth again relieved with a good kick to touch by their custodian. A free awarded to Usk for off-side play did not gain any ground. Pratt had a good chance to break through but mulled. E. Waters got hold and went away with a good run, but passed to A. J. Thomas, who was tackled from behind, within an ace of scoring. A minor was conceded. Usk pressed again after the kick out, but aided by a combined dribbln the homesters worked to half-way. Thence they went off again to Usk's line where Phil Lewis forced his way over. The point was not improved upon. The visitors kicked out and their opponents returned to half-way From a scrum the homesters' half got right through the defence, but Weare tackled him from behind. Madley relieved with a punt to touch. Llanhilleth pressed again through a dribble, and once more the homesters half broke away, but Poulsom bowled him over when near the line. A minor resulted from a scramble over the line. Usk dropped out, and a good return put the visitors on the defensive again. From a long kick over the U k line, a race for the leather ended in Weare getting there first and touching down. Half-time was then called. Score:— } Llanhilleth 1 try Usk nil. Llanhilleth re-started, and A. J. Thomas dribbled well to half-way. A free to the homesters took play to Usk's 25. A dribble by D. Prothero forced play back to half-way. F. Davies improved the position with a smart kick to touch. Footwork on the part of the homesters' forwards reversed the order of things, and Usk had to defend for all they are worth. One of the Llanhilleth men got over but was thrown in touch in goal. The visitors dropped out, and D. Prothero got in a good kick down the field, but Williams just failedto field. From a line out one of the Lianhilleth forwards broke away, but Weare accounted for him when he bad a clear field. Usk obtained a free, which found touch at half-way. From a huge kick a minor was conceded to the visitors. Llanhilleth kicked out and A. Williams replied with a smart kick to his opponents 25. Pratt obtained a mark, and a free charge was allowed. A. Williams landed a splendid goal from near the touch line at half-way. Usk pressed again, and in a rush Dai Prothero got over. A. Williams converted with a srood kick. Time was then sounded. Score Usk 2 goals (I from a mark). 1 Llanhilleth try. The following represented Usk .-—Back, C. Poulsom f-backs, A. Williams, B. Jennings, A. p Weare, F. Pratt; -1-backs, Dai Prothero (captain), 2 F. M. Davies; forwards, A. J. Thomas, R. Theophilus, F. Morgan, J. Madley, A. Lewis, E. Waters, A. Jones, and F. Watkins. The game was a fast one, and very keenly contested. The first half saw the Usk forwards getting the ball out very regularly, but the threequarters could not get away, owing to the deadly tackling of their opponents. Prothero and Davies did well at half, and the latter took his passes very cleanly, and saved his side a great deal by his useful kicks. The threequarters were about evenly matched. Weare tackled well, and his speed saved a certain try in the firsb half. Williams' goal from a mark was a beauty, being kicked from near the touch line halfway. Poulsom tackled well on a couple of occasions, but should try to judge the flight of the ball better.
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,...Frontier Fighting.I
Frontier Fighting. I WAZARI STRONGHOLD CAPTURED. I The Secretary of State for India has received the following telegram from the Viceroy, dated 19th November, 1902 :— Punitive operations Darwesh Khels, General Egerton arrived at Shirwa on the 18th, without opposition, taking a few prisoners of war. Spinwan occupied 17th, with slight opposition. Two hundred and fifty prisoners, 3,500 head of cattle, and a few arms captured. The Gumati outlaws showed strong opposition. The following casualties :—Lieut.- Colonel Tonnochy, 3rd Sikh Infantry, wounded (severely), one native gunner killed, one wounded. [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] I SIMLA, Wednesday. The Gumati outlaws, against whom Colonel Tounochy's solumn of the Waziri expedition is operating, are making des- perate stands. Colonel Tonnochy has been severely wounded, while a gunner has been killed and auother wounded. General Egerton arrived at Shirwa yesterday morning, without opposition. The headman and several villagers were taken prisoners. The cavalry made some further captures. Firing was heard to the left, which is covered by the Kuram Militia. Colonel H. McRae, commanding the first column, signalled from Spin wan on the 17th inst., that he had made 250 prisoners and had captured a large number of cattle and a few arms. He had met with slight resis- tance and had surprised the villagers. He added that he had formed an entrenched camp at Spinwan. Later. The column under Colonel Tonnochy found a strong tower at Gumati, which was held by six outlaws headed by a certain Sailgi, who refused to surrender. The guns made little impression until the evening. Colonel Tonnochy wasvery-severely wounded during the operations, and Major Beresford, 3rd* Sikhs, assumed command. The tower was stormed in the evening, and all the defenders were killed. Besides Colonel Tonnochy wounded, the column lost Captain G. E. White, 3rd Sikhs, killed, while disl:liyin- great gallantry at the head of the storming party, and the following were wounded :—Captain C. H, Davies, 3rd Sikhs, flesh wound in the arm Captain C E. D. Davidson- Ilotisto n. 5th Punjab Infantry Lieut. G. Airy, 3rd Sikh?, and eight natives. The fort was destroyed, and the column prcceeded to Zarwam, PESHAWAR, Wednesday. Colonel Tonnochy, 3rd Sikhs, commander of the fourth column of the expedition against the Kabul-khel Waziris, who was wounded in the attack on the tower at Gumati, has died.
IDisastrous Incendiarism.,7
Disastrous Incendiarism. An unknown incendiary was the cause of the An unknown incendiary was the cause of total destruction of farm buildings at Furneaux, Pelham, Herts., on Wednesday. The place was> fired in two places, and 62 head of swine, 15D' turkoya, ion fowls, four horses, and two head of" cattle were burnti The damage is extensive.
[No title]
ON the occasion of the opening meet of the- Monmouthshire Hunt at Llainuth, Captain: Sandeman came t> grief at a barbed wirslence, the horse'¡; legs getting entangled. Fortunately,. the captain escaped injury. LOUD LLANOATTOCK has offered a first prize of three guineas and a second prize of two guineas to- the working man or woman (uot florists) who shall, at the flower show held by the Browning Settle- ment next f-ummer be adjudged to h¡\ve the best- (or next best) kept garden in the Piirliatuentary- division of Walworth. -=-=::a":1.7""
To-Day [Friday.]
To-Day [Friday.] Mr Justice Phillimore having been recalled to London, Mr John Forbes, K.C., aa Special Com- missioner, opened the Autumn Assizes for the County of Monmouth at the Shire Hall ill the Couury Town on Friday. The Commissioi.er arrived from Gloucester by the 11.11 train, and the Court did not commence until 11.30. I- .I On the Bench with the Special Commissioner, were the High Sheriff (Mr E. Windsor Richards), the Deputy Mayor of Monmouth (Alderman J. H. Ho wee), and the Sheriff's Chaplain (Rev C. T. Salus- bury, Treduunock). The following were s-wom on the Grand Jur3, Col Sir A. Mackworth, Bart., S. C. Bosanquet, E::q.. F. J. Mitchell, Eq, Captain R. P. Rees, R. W. Kennard, Esq., C'douel J. A. Bradney, C. E. W. Earle Marah, Keq,, Wm. Llewellin, Esq E. P. Miirtin Esq., J. D. Jamea, lq., G. G. GritBn, Esq., J. T. Price, Esq., J. T. E. Piothero, Esq., Colonel Waiwyn, Colonel C. T. WAllim, Win. Reg. Herbert, Esq., Wm. EvaLs, Esq., Robert Rickards, Esq., Capt. H. E. Walters, W. E. Heard, Eq., Alfred Williams. Esq., Harold A. Williams, Eq., and Dr. T. G. Prosser. THE CHARGE. In his charge to the Grand Jury, Mr Commissioner Forbes expressed regret at the delav, caused by the pressure of business at Gloucester. He congratulated them upon the amount of work to c- me before them, there being oiily four prisoners Lr trial, but he could Lot Cwugratul^e them upon the character of the cases to come before them. He then referred in some detail to each case, giving special attention to the Tredegar tragedy. As to the case committed from Usk, the learned Commissioner said it was not so serious a the ca-e from Abertillery, The girl successfully resisted the man. who would not let her go until she promised to meet him again, but no defence of consent could be set up under such circumstances. The jury would find no difficulty iu the cases before tht in.
. [STOP PRESS.]
[STOP PRESS.] Monmouth, 5 p.m. Mr Morton Brown prosecuted; Mr Amphlett, K.C., and Mr Corner defended. The prosecutrix said she was fifteen in January last. On the date named, she left Llancayo for her home at Clytha. Subsequently she left home with her father and mother, who saw her to the Brooks, leaving a couple of miles to get back to Llancayo. At Trostrey Court she met a man in a trap driving furiously. He halloed as he passed. She went to Pant-y-collin, and the trap overtook her and stopped at the oak tree. She saw prisoner standing at the back of the trap on the dark side. He came to IDaot her, put his hands on her head, and threw her to the ground. He got on his knees. put his hands on her chest, and tried to keep her down he also tried to raise her clothes. She struggled and screamed, and got on her feet. He got his foot between her lega and threw her down again. She screamed, and he said he was Jack from Llangibby," and threatened to shoot her if she screamed again, She got on her face on the ground, and he had his hand over her mouth narly stifling. her. Four men then' came up. Previous to this he asked her to meet him there next day, and she promised to do anything if he would let her go. Thomas, the blacksmith, picked 'her up. Prisoner had previously got into his trap and driven off towards Usk. Her coat was torn. her umbrella broken, and her clothes generally dirty. It was a dark night. The p: isoner was the man who assaulted her she saw his face, and recognised iis voice. He smelt of spirits. Cross, examined by Mr Ampblett: Did you ever auggest in your examination before the magistrates any indecency was used by prisoner Witness: No sir, I did not. Counsel proceeded to read over a portion of the evidence given by the witness befora the Justices, and cross-examined as to times and places, and with regard to identification. Re-examined she said she was not questioned as to the indecency at the Petty Sessions, as Mr Corner said he wished to spare her. Edwin James followed with evidence as to seeing the prisoner's horse and trap in Usk on the night in question. The mau in the trap was subsequently seen talking to Shepardson at the Couigar, and the trap passed witness again oa the Abergavenlfy-road. Subsequently he heard screaming, à!1rl, joined by others, he went up the Llanoavo Road, and saw the game horse acd trap unattended there. A man got up on the near side and drove off towards Usk, although Smith had hold of the horse. The trap turned into the Chaio Bridge Road. Cross-examined: The trap was coming down the Black Bear-road. It was too dark to tell who was in the trap. Witness had known the prisoner for two or three years, and although he was only a couple of yards away he could not identify. Witness was not prepared to swear that it was Williams. The light was on the off-side, Benjamin James corroborated his brother's evidence. He saw prisoner in his trap with another man in Bridge-street, and again saw prisoner a'oue in the trap a, the Conigar gate talking to Shepardson. The trap passed him at Long Bridge. The pony was a red roan, and he knew it before Williams had it. Subsequently he heard the trap coming back, and apparently stopping at the bottom of Pantycollin hill. Screaming followed, and witness and others went tip the road, finding prisoner's trap and a man getting into it, Smith held the pony's head but 0 the man beat it with the reins so that Smith released it, and the pony and trap went off. Maud Buffrey was found on the ground beyond. Her hair was down, her clothes dirty;, she was crying and seemed in a fainting condition. She made a complaint. John Smith stated that he met the trap on the Black Bear-road, Prisoner was in it whooping and yelling. Witness subsequently met the Jameses and bad a tilk with them, and then he heard the trap returning. The sound ceased. Screaming followed. Witness and others went up the road, and he caught hold of the pony. There a man got np on the dark side and whipped the animal with the reins. Wit- ness said Hold, you're on the wrong way for home." The man never spoke. Witness knew the pony was Williams's; it was the same that had passed him before they found the girl in a fainting condition. Afterwards P.C. Pettitt came up. Cross-examined Witness said he knew Wuttams when going up, because he replied to his greeting in a foul way. Arthur Thomas, blacksmith, Llancayo, stated that on the Sunday in question, while in his house, he heard screams coming from the direction of Pantycollin. He assisted to pick up the girl, who was hysterical. P.C. Pettitt came up, and they went to the Black Bear Inn, where they saw the prisoner, who was the worse for liquor, and had fresh dirt on the knees of his trousers. Stephen Shepardson stated that he visited the Black Bear on the day in qnestion. Williams drove him home. They went into the Royal, where they each had a whisky. Prisoner was in drink. Witness held the reins and guided the pony round the corners, and put him on the straight road for home. Dr D. F. Boulton said he examined the girl at Mr Marfell's farm. There were two bruises on the ristht leg-one on the side of the knee, and the other on the hip. Her underclothing was wet. The witness was not cross-examined. Rut,h Buffrey, the mother, said her daughter was fifteen last January. Counsel put in a birth certificate P.S. Sheddick spoke to seeing prisoner when coming down the road in company with P.C. Pettitt who turned his lamp on to Williams. There were damp dirt stains on Williams's knees. He saw signs of a struggle about 300 yards from Thomas's houoe, and there were also marks of toes on the soil, and also of a knee. Witness got a spade and cut out the impression of the knee, which had been carefully preserved in a tin, and was now handed to the Judge and jury for inspeotiou. Upon being charged accused said" I am innocent; I don't remember; I know no more about it than that wall." I Mr Amphlett: Where have you been keeping this interesting piece of mud ? Witness It has been kept in an open box in the cell yard. Jh Amphlett: It lo"ks as though a cat has been sitting on it. [Laughter]. Winess IL was not my cat. [Laughter]. Mr Amphlett Why did not you cut out the toe marks? Witness: It would be rather a difficult matter to do so. Prisoner was liberated on the same bail. [The Court then rose.]
IPONTYPOOL
I PONTYPOOL J POLICE COURT. SATURDAY. Before W. P. JAMES, .Esq. (in the chair), F, FOWLER, Esq., W. L. PRATT, Esq., and P. JONKS, Esq, A So'. MAINTENANCE.—Alexauder Harvey was summoned for arrears amounting to £ 2 12s, towards the maintenance of his sou, who is charge- able to the authorities.—Superintendent Janes said defendant would never pay, unless compelled, and gave all the trouble he could. Even now he did not appear, but sent a letter, offering to pay 103 a week from next Saturday. On this under- standing the case was adjourned, a month's imprisonment to follow in default of payment. ALLEGED ASPIAULTS. -Elizabeth Clarey sum- moned Sarah O'Coonell for assault and threats, and there was a cross summons also. The ca"e wai of the usuel order, and both parties were bound over and mulcted in costs, 7s 6d each.- Alice Whiting for assaulting Ruth Phillips at Poutnewynydd on Nov. 2nd, was fined 103 or I seven days' ,-Thomas Bibey was summoned for assaulting William Murphy at P .ntypool, on the 2nd inst. As one of the complainant's family had died that morning the case was adjourned for a fortnight. THREATS,—Joseph Williams was summoned for uttering threats towards John Thomas on the 30th October. Complainant stated that while return- ing from Pontypool-road Station on that date, at about 8.30 p.m., he met defendant who threatened to drown him in the canal, or kill him with some- thing he carried in his pocket. He stood in fear of him. Mr Everett, who defended, said the case arose out of complainant attempting to pay his addresses to his client's mother, a widow, keeping the United Friends Inn, Pontnewydd. The s;,Il objected to Thomas visiting the house. On the day named, Thomas and his mother had been to Abergavenny together. He met them coming back in the evening. He called out, Now I have caught you. Stand back and let. me see that man." Upon this Thomas flourished his umbrella in a threatening attitude, and dared him to advance. As no witnesses were produced for either side, defendant's solicitor said his client was entitled, under the circumstances, to as much consideration as complainant. Defendant then went into the box and gave an outline of the case. He denied using the threats imputed to him- After hearing both sides the Bench bound defendant over, and made him pay the coats, 7s 6d.
I Shocking Cruelly of a Mother.
I Shocking Cruelly of a Mother. I At the Central Criminal Court on Thursday, Annie Elizabeth Peuruddocke, wife of a justice of the peace for Wil s and Somerset, surrendered to her bail on charges of cruelty to and neglect of h -r child, Letitia Constauce, aged seven. It v, as alleged that she had repeatedly thrashed the chil i, had given her insufficient food, had exposed her to the weather, and inflicted other cruellies. The case was adjourned.
The Life of the Soldier. I
The Life of the Soldier. I There was an interesting meeting at Aldershot in connection with the Church of England Soldiers' Institute, and Lieutenant General Sir John French, who lately succeeded to the command of the military district, took the opportunity to offer some remarks upon the remarkable change which has taken place during the last thirty years in the life of the soldier. In detailing the various improvements, he testified to the beneficent influence of the Church of England Soldiers' Institutes. Thirty years ago, said Sir John French, the canteen was the only place where a soldier could enjoy social entertainment, and find comfort and recreation. Then came the Institutes, which are open to all men wear- ing the King's uniform. Some of them began in a small way, but in nearly all the garrison towns there are now commodious buildings in which non-commissioned officers and meu, CAN READ OR AMUSE THEMSELVES i with games. No doubt it is largely owing to the facilities this afforded, that so many soldiers have become students. We read somewhere a true story of a gunner in one of the batteries, who, in the old days, devoted all his time to reading, and refused promotion because the extra duties would take him from his books. There were not many soldiers of that stamp twenty or thirty years ago, but now that certificates of education are required for promotion, a great many soldiers are students and to them the Institutes are an invaluable boon. There are generally classes which may be attended, but one is particularly struck by the number of men who are reading useful books by themselves in the quiet rooms of the institutes. Some utilitarians, Sir John tells us, have beea asking whether these institutions make a soldier a better fighter. It may be answered that fighting is not everything, even to the soldier, but it is evident that anything which increases a el man's intelligence makes him a better fighter, especially in these days when war is more scientific than ever it was before. The thing goes without saying, says Sir John French, and so it does. Nearly every man that enlists hopes for promotion, and although there are such people as born soldiers, yet as a rule a man who is without education is not qualified to command others, and his promotion is pretty sure to be resented I BY MEN WHO ARE HIS EQUALS. I These institutes have not only been useful to men at home, but have rendered valuable service to troops in South Africa. Sir John French spoke of one which he opened at Middleburg some months before the end of the war, and he was able to testify that it proved to be of the utmost service to a great number of men. Enough has been said to justify the existence ef the Institutes, which merit a generous measure of that support for which the General appealed. They are doing the work which Sir John described as of vast importance, and they have helped many deserving soldiers to reach the standard to which the speaker referred, of a sound mind in a sound body.
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CURRENT TOPICS.
CURRENT TOPICS. SOLDIERS' BILLETS. The licensed victuallers of several towns.-in Hampshire are agitating for the removal of a grievance which has been felt in other parts of the country. It is that of the conditions under which they are required to billet soldiers. Of course when a regiment is on the march, it must be billeted somewhere, unless there are barracks near, or the weather is fine enough to admit of the use of tents. But the complaint is that the War Office do not pay anything like a reasonable sum for the food and lodging of their military guests. The result is that the innkeepers must either send the men away with a mere apology for a breakfast, or else supp'y the deficiency out of their own pockets. THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, The next two or three years will be art anxious time for the Council of the Royal- Agricultural Society, who, with a depleted exchequer have to provide for the exhibitions on the permanent showground without the assist- ance which has hitherto beeu available in local' contributions. In these circumstances, the Council have decided to double the entry fees- to exhibitors of live stock, and to raise the charges in respect of machinery implements. It is useless to complain of this policy without being able to tell the Council what else they might have done, but although the revised scale can scarcely be described as excessive, yet it is to be feared that it may have a deterrent effect upon exhibitors. At the same time, it is to be hoped that exhibitors will consider the, difficulties which confront the Society at the beginning of a new undertaking, and, at any rate on the occasion of the first show enter their exhibits on the same scale as before. The- Council appear to be in the position of having only a choice of evils, and one can sympathise with their desire not to inaugurate the perma- nent shows with debt. If the first exhibition is. a financial success, they will probably consider that it is safe to restore the old scale of entry feet- for the second year. NATIVE RACES IN IKDIA. W 9 hear a great deal from time to time of the poverty of the native races of British India, but unfortunately there is so much controversy with- regard to questions affecting India, that we are sometimes doubtful whether the optimists or the pessimists are to be believed. Sir H Colton who has been chief Commissioner of Assam, and ought to be able to speak authoritatively, has. offered his testimony during the past few days, and we find that he is very distinctly on the- side of those who say that the condition of the native population is generally one of extreme- poverty. The great want of the country is. manufactures which would prevent so large a number of peop'e being dependent upon agriculture, and diminish the suffering occasioned: by the famine. There appear to be several questions which require attention, and with. some of them Lord Curzon is attempting to deal, but when we learn that the average yearly income of the population is only £ 2 per head, it is evident that remedies are required which it is beyond the power of one nun to supply. The- whole subject is one which calls very evidently for the consideration of the Government. AMERICAN LOCOMOTIVES. We hear a good deal of Germany and the- United States being in advauce of Britain with respect to manufactures, but it happens very frequently thut au explanation is forthcoming in the fact that the goods supplied by our rivals are, not of the same quality as those manufactured in. Britain. Among other things we have been told that the United States were in a better- position than our own engineers to supply the wants of India, with regard to locomotives, but. in this connection quotations may be made from an official report to the general manager of the Assam Railway Company in refereuce to four American locomotives which had been at work less than four years. The fire boxes were worm, out, and the manager in his report, an extract from which has appeared in THE TIMES, says :— "I may say that I think the makers should pay all, or part, cost of the repairs, as the failure- of these fire crown plates after such short mileage, can be due only to carelessness in the- desigti." Quite possibly the price paid for the locofnotives was less than they would have cost in Britain, but it is to be hoped that in future the Indian Government when they require to order- locomotives will look at all sides of the question.
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More Small-Pox Cases In Ilowlais.
More Small-Pox Cases In Ilowlais. On Wednesday three more cases of small-pox" were conveyed from Dowlais to Pant Hospital. They are only mild cases. There are one or two- suspected cases, A difficulty the medical men haTe- to contend with is that people try to hide the sick- ness when they themselves suspeot it is small-poxr and do not call in a doctor. Iu one case a woman is said to have been ill of the disease for a weelc. before the Medical Officer was apprised of her con- dition.
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