County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Advertiser Abergavenny and Raglan Herald Usk and Pontypool Messenger and Chepstow Argus

TO CORRESPONDENTS AND READERS. RAGLAN.—A PAINED OtlSER.TBR-Under consideration. 0ur friends and correspondents will much oblige us, as well as avert the chances of disappointment themselves, by forwarding their advertisements, and news copy, as EARLY IN THE WKEK AS POS- SIBLE. Interesting reports are often curtailed, or omitted alto- gether, in eonsequenceof inattention to this rule. Communications to ensure insertion, should reach the Office NOT LATER THAN THURSDAYS.

iii iii THE resignation of three members of the Govern- ment on the question what is to be the nature of the Ministerial Reform Bill has caused another delay in the production of the measure, but it is, more than anything that has yet transpired since the meeting of Parliament, an earnest that the subject will be approached in a man- ner calculated to lead to a satisfactory settle- ment. It has been no secret that the Cabinet was greatly divided against itself; the very character of the plan proposed at the meeting of Parliament made the fact sufficiently patent. Vague resolutions, brought forward in a man- ner which showed that even their proposer was reluctantly fulfilling a pre-arranged task, could only be accounted for on the supposition that their framers were not of one mind on the ques- tion while the outline of a Reform Bill, which took the place of those resolutions, bore so much of the nature of a compromise, that it fell flatly in the House, and it was felt at once by the Ministry on whose behalf it was proposed, that they could not hope to maintain their ground on such a scheme. In this state of the case, as we have now learnt, the majority determined to take up more decided ground, to recur," as they themselves express it, to their original policy," and to bring in no half-and-half measure, but one which in their view should be likely to settle the question both satisfactorily and permanently. The nature of this scheme was not directly revealed, when the less pro- gressive members of the Cabinet felt bound to retire on its adoption, and hence the Ministerial crisis we have just witnessed. The retiring Ministers are, no doubt, among the ablest members of their party, and were fully capable of rendering good service to the country in the offices they respectively filled. General Peel, the late Secretary for War, is well known as t good debater, an upright and plainspoken geitleman, and a shrewd administrator of public aftirs. The Earl of Carnarvon, late Secretary fo the Colonies, has won for himself a reputa- tbn in the House of Lords, and is known to be fgood man of business, while his colleagues peak of his administrative abilities with the lighest respect. Lord Cranborne, too, better inown to the public as Lord Robert Cecil, is a man whose talents will fit him to take part in the affairs of Government; and three such men tvould undoubtedly form an important section in any Ministry. We can, therefore, well un- derstand Lord Derby's reluctance to part with their co-operation. But if ever the maxim, Measures, not men," was peculiarly applica- ble, it is undoubtedly so at the present moment, when party considerations and party feeling have been waived in no small degree for the purpose of securing a settlement of the one great question of the day. No matter how dis- tinguished and how respected the men who may stop the way, they must give place to others more ready to unite in fulfilling the demands of the time and in this spirit Lord Derby has at length parted with colleagues whom he valued so highly, as to risk, for a time, his own reputation and his ministerial success in securing their continued aid. As to what will be the exact nature of the measure produced on the 18th, we are not pre- pared to say, yet by inference we are enabled to obtain some insight into its chief provisions. Lord Carnarvon stated in the House of Lords that he was prepared to support a Reform Bill which would have made household suffrage the basis of the franchise in all the larger boroughs, and have established a X6 rating franchise in the smaller. Obviously, the projected measure of the Earl of Derby's Government is intended to go beyond this in the scope of enfranchise- ment and the natural conclusion, which is confirmed by other inferences and by general report, is that nothing short of household suf- frage in boroughs will be ^proposed by the Ministry to Parliament. The country may not have been prepared to see such an advanced step taken by a Conservative Government; but their desire apparently is, not to settle the Reform question for a few years only, and to have it revive then with all the attendant evils in the obstruction of public business, of which we have seen so much of late, but to place it as far as possible on a permanent basis. It is felt that, sooner or later, that basis must be house- hold suffrage, and that the wisest course is, so far as the boroughs are concerned, to make that the stand-point at once. Lord Brougham, in his letter to Mr. Gladstone, has informed the world that household suffrage was the original intention of the framers of the Reform Bill of 1832, and that they only refrained from the pro- posal in consequence of the difficulties which already surrounded the measure upon its other provisions. It is believed that, if this be the resolution of the present Cabinet, they will also propose some check, either -by plurality of votmg- or otherwise, against the preponderance which would be given to the lower class of y°^ers but what this check may be cannot be judged at present with any certainty, for the have some days yet before them in which to prepare tbeir "bill, and they will oubtless avail them Selves of every oppor- tunity to give it the; fullest consideration in all its details before "bringing it to Parliament.

COUNTY INTELLIGENCE. USK. ENTERTAINMENT.—The Working Man's Temper- ance Club, under the presidency of Mr. Bromfield, gave an entertainment at the Town Hall on Tuesday evening last, to which the inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood were invited by tickets free of charge. This club was organized by Mr. Bromfield rather more than twelve months since-who rented a large room and fitted it up for the accommodation of the working men of Usk. The room has been well supplied with newspapers and books, and it is satis- factory to state, that the attendance of the working men throughout the year has been very good. Readings were given by the members weekly, a taste has been cultivated for improving each other, and habits of carefulness and thrift have been encouraged by Mr. Bromfield in the establishment, by inducing its members to put into a fund any sum they may be enabled to spare at the end of the week from their wages. Mr. Bromfield at intervals deposited the sums thus saved in the Savings' Bank, and in Decem- ber last, at the close of the year, the money, amount- ing to upwards of .£100, was withdrawn, with the interest, and divided among the depositors-Mr. Bromfield having generously borne nearly the whole of the expense of the institution him- self. The members having thus spent a most pleasant year, were desirous of letting the public know how they had employed themselves during that period, and resolved upon giving a free enter- tainment on the night above mentioned. Long before the hour announced for the opening of the doors, crowds were anxiously waiting to gain admit- tance, and as soon as they were opened, the hall in a very few minutes was so crammed that standing room could not be found for more, and the doors were accordingly closed. It is estimated that upwards of 700 persons were present in the Hall, many of whom no doubt went out of curiosity, or from a wish to countenance the movement rather than expecting to derive benefit or entertainment from the readings, singing, and recitations; but however that may be, it was very evident that all present were very much pleased, entertained, and gratified, by the orderly manner in which they conducted themselves, and the attention they bestowed upon every part of the entertainment. In fact, although crammed so closely together, there was not throughout the whole even- ing the least interruption by talking or annoyance of any kind. It must be candidly admitted, that although throughout the series of penny readings the audiences have been most orderly, yet for good be- haviour and attentiveness this evening's entertain- ment surpassed them all. The readings were so well selected, and the sentiments conveyed in them so pathetic and sterling, that on several occasions many of the audience were almost moved to tears. Pre- paratory to the readings, the chairman rose and gave an outline of the formation of the society, and a detail of the proceedings of the past year; in the course of which he said The Working Man's Club was formed to promote temporal enjoyment and evening occupation for the working men of Usk. It was thought by many persons that one reason why public houses were frequented was the want of a place that working men could have to themselves, to enjoy each other's company socially and pleasantly, without expense or temptation. Many working men live in lodgings, and go to the public house in the evening because there is no other place to go to. It appeared natural, if a room could be procured, well lighted and warmed, where working men could meet each other, they would be glad to come to it. After many attempts to find a suitable room, we at length procured one and opened the club. Prophets said it would not answer-the working men would turn up their noses at such a place. I and some few others did not think so, and those who predicted the failure shewed they did not know the working man. The results have shown that we were justified in our expectations, for, after a year's experiment, I had the pleasure of meeting at Christmas 70 members, among whom I divided the sum of £ 112. This year we have 88 members, and if the payments continue at the present rate we are safe to have next Christmas' £ 250, so that we are entitled to say, as far as we have gone, we have succeeded. The objects of the club are many. First, the promotion of temperance. It is required of every member to do his utmost to be temperate. We are no teetotalers-we leave that to others. I am not a teetotaler myself, but I have nothing to say against teetotalism. We adopt, how- ever, the good old scriptural rule of temperance, and it is right that I should say we have never had occa- sion to expel a member for intemperance. At our Christmas meeting I was glad to say that I had not seen a single instance of it among the members, or a single impropriety in the club-room. At the present time when working men are much talked of I am glad to say this, for where will you find 60 working men met together, of whom the same can be said. Secondly: Our second object is the promotion of economy and prudence among working men. Pay- ments are made of from 3d. to 55., more or less to suit convenience. Money may thus be put by for a rainy day. I have heard many say that this has pro- duced in them habits of economy and forethought. There are also payments on the death of a member. The members are encouraged to place their money in the savings' bank. On the night of my paying JS112 to the men, five of them that evening paid the money into the Post-office Savings' Bank, and that week five more. These men then began to be capitalists. Thirdly A third object is to promote intellectual and mental improvement. There are books and papers, and weekly readings and lectures. You would all be pleased to see the simple and rational way in which some read, and the clever way in which others do it. Fourthly: Sociability. Dr. Johnson said of a friend of his, when he wished to sum up all his good qualities in one word, that he was a very clubbable man. The word speaks a good deal: a club is a place where a man shews what he is made of in respect to his friendly and social qualities, and affords a valuable text of a man's character. Many of the members have told me that they have, through the club, made acquaintance with men whom they much liked and whom they knew nothing of before. During the twelve months I have never seen a quarrel in the 100 evenings I have spent at the club, or ever heard a word which I could not have repeated in my drawing room. I mention this to the honor of the working men. It is said that gentility is a good deal made up by the tailor and the scissors real quality, however, is quite another thing. I respect aristocracy, especially of birth and intellect, but I respect nature's aristocracy, of which we have many examples in the Working Man's Club. We are not dependent on patronage, but we highly value the good esteem of our fellow townsman, and on that ground I thank you for your attendance this night. Now, a word as to the cause of this entertain- ment Our club consists of male articles, and we are obliged to limit our admissions to that sex, for if ladies were admitted, with their appendages which so well become them, we, poor unprotected males, should be driven out for want of room. As ladies therefore could not get in to our readings and lec- tures, they began to be inquisitive (ladies never are so of course)-inqui-sitive about what we could be doing. Some of them said "conjuring," others making Freemasons." We told them only read- ing and hearing music." The women said we don't believe you." Some young men then pro- posed" Let's give them a saniple," and that's the cause of this entertainment. It is purely a work- ing man's entertainment, as you see by the pro- gramme. Out of twelve who take part in it ten are purely working men. We have no foreign im- portations. We don't pretend to astonish you by stars or comets. We give you simple fare, and home-spun articles of good manufacture. As for good humored criticism we shall be glad of it, and with these observations we proceed with the business of the evening. The worthy chairman then called on Mr. Head to give the first reading. Mr. Read, a working man, appeared before the audience, and read in the north country dialect, in which he succeeded most creditably. The subject he had chosen was an Extract from the Subaltern," by the Rev. Mr. Gleig. It was an affecting account of a young wife following her husband to the war, and her despair on finding she, in accordance with the rules of the army, would be separated from him and left behind. It resulted in her death, and the manly fortitude displayed by the husband, and his heroic conduct in the battle, where he lost his life, were touchingly related. Mr. Tom Creese then sang Topsy's Song," from Uncle Tom's Cabin, very nicely, and he was followed by Mr. Marshall Lucas, who very creditably read a passage from Dunleath," by the Hon. Mrs. Norton. Mr. Greatwood then came forward, and, after a few preliminary remarks, sang Tramp, tramp, tramp," a martial song of the late American war. Mr. Lysond Williams, junior, was next called upon for a recitation. The manner in which he presented himself to the audience clearly showed he was no novice in theatrical displays. The piece chosen was Harris the Slave's Address to Mr. Wilson," from Uncle Tom's Cabin. The pathos displayed by the slave on having his wife wrested from him was rendered in a masterly style. A set of familiar airs was next played by Messrs. M. Lucas, Nicholas, and Creese with very good effect; and a reading, "Buried Alive," from Dickens' Household Words, by Mr. Edwin Brown, given very characteristically and with good taste and judg- ment, concluded the first part. After an interval of a few minutes, Mr. Abraham Rogers commenced the second part by reading the Murder oi Nancy," from Oliver Twist, in which he portrayed the agon- izing supplication of the female and the reckless daring and brutality of the murderer, followed by the perturbation arising from a guilty conscience, very appropriately. Mr. Frank Jennings next gave a long recitation from memory, entitled "Horatius," from The Lays of Ancient Rome, with energy and feeling. The principal fault was the rapid manner in which the recitation was given had the speaker been less excited and hurried in the delivery, it would have been one of the best of the evening but, notwith- standing, it Was by no means devoid of merit, and a little practice and tuition will make him a good reader. The piece was supplemented by a short poem—" The Drunkard's wife "—which he read very pathetically and touched the feelings of his hearers. Mr. Creese and his three sons, on three flutes and a clarionet, then performed a sacred piece of music with skill and effect, which was followed by a poem, "Macauley's Spanish Armada," by Mr. Wrenford. Mr. Greatwood a second time appeared before the audienceand sang a comic song, "The Organ Grinder," with much humour, which gained for him immense applause. Mr. Tom Creese then gave a very humo- rous reading entItled" The census enumerator," in which he was very happy, and created considerable laughter, Mr. Lysond Williams following with a re- citation, William Tell's address to his native mountains," and portrayed the feelings of the patriot with much fervency. He afterwards read a humor- ous scrap from the New York Herald—" Engaging a servant "—which excited the risibility of his hearers. The entertainment was brought to a close by the National Anthem, led by Mr. T. Creese, assisted by his brother, and Mr. George Smith, each of whom did his part capitally. After a vote of thanks had been accorded to the chairman, the meeting broke up, all seeming much pleased with the evening's entertain- ment. HIGHWAY BOABD.—A meeting of this Board was held on Monday last. There were present, Mr. Watkins, chairman, and a large number of members. A letter was read from Mr. Byrde applying for an order for the purpose of legally closing an old lane leading from Bwrgwm to Pen-y-star, and it was resolved that Mr. Williams, the surveyor, apply at the next petty sessions at Pontypool, for two magis- trates of the district to view the road and give their decision as to whether the road is necessary for the public or not. A long discussion ensued respecting the conduct of Mr. Morgan, the waywarden of the parish of Goytrey, who had written to the treasurer of the Board stopping the cashing of any checks for the Board. Mr. Morgan contended that his conduct was justifiable, while the Chairman argued that it was against the regulations of the Board for a member to write to any officer of the Board for such a purpose. Mr. Watkins said Mr. Morgan had acted against his own opinion, for when the matter was before the Board why did he not then raise an objection ? Mr. Morgan imputed a gross abuse of the public trust to the Board, and thought it high time something should be done, as Goytrey was nearly zC400 in debt, and they were making calls upon that poor parish for the maintenance of roads used mostly by the adjoining parishes. Some high words ran between Mr. Morgan and Mr. Price, and ultimately the Chairman proposed that a resolution be entered on the minutes that the conduct of Mr. Morgan in writing to one of the officers of the Board is censur- able in the highest degree." This was seconded by Mr Price Mr Williams moved an amendment to the above, namely-" That the conduct of Mr. Morgan was justifiable." On this being seconded and put to the Board, only three were in favour of the amendment, and the remainder against it. Mr. Williams said the conduct of Mr. Morgan had been approved of by the greater portion of the inhabitants of the parish of Goytrey. The next business was the question of the appeal. The notice of appeal was read. After some consideration it was resolved, That the chairman be authorized to employ soli- citors and council to defend the Board in the matter in the usual manner." Mr. Morgan proposed an amendment-" That the opinion of council be first taken as to the liability of Goytrey." This was also negatived, only three voting in its favour. Mr. Williams then spoke at some length with respect to the effects of the operation of the Highway Act of 1864 in the parish of Goytrey. He said the inhabi- tants felt greatly aggrieved by it, and wished to know if the Board would memorialize the magistrates assembled at the ensuing Quarter Sessions to release this district from the new Highway Act. He handed in a memorial for presentment at the Sessions, in which was embodied the assertion, that the roads were in better condition before they fell into the hands of the Board, and that they incurred greater expense to the parish. The Chairman elicited from the surveyor that some of the roads were in a better state and some not. The Chairman suggested that the matter be postponed till the next meeting for further consideration, mentioning that the Act was only neVi, and scarcely had time to be proved. Adjourned accordingly. The Board did not separate till after five o'clock. A COLD BATR.On Monday last as Mr. Pearce was walking down the path by the side of the river, he was met by a cow of somewhat vicious propensities. The cow, it seems, had been driven up the Abergavenny road as far as the turnpike gate, when it suddenly turned and leaped over the stile leading to the Conygar Path. The man who was driving the animal seeing Mr. Pearce in the way, halloed to him, and Mr. Pearce took the river side of the path, in order to allow the cow to pass, but un- fortunately the cow, with a spring, immersed him in aqua pura. No serions injury, however, was sus- tained. PETTY SESSIONS, FRiDAT, MARCH 1.—Before Major STRETTON and S. CHURCHILL, Esq. CRUELTY TO A BULL.—Andrew Westbury and John Pritchard, two young men, were charged with over- driving and cruelly beating a bull, in the parish of Gwe- helog, on the 12th ult. Mr. Roberts appeared for the defendants. The first witness called was Blandford Lucas, who stated: I believe it was on a Friday about three weeks ago I was coming from Gwehelog wood and overtook the de- fendants with a bull a ring was in the bull's nose, to which was attached a stick, and Westbury was pulling him by the nose, while the other man was behind beating him; I told Pritchard I would not dress the bull for jB2, and that he would spoil the side of the beast; I told him if he struck him under the belly it would not hurt him I asked them where thpy going and they snid to Usk; I told them the beast would never get there and that it wanted water; the bull was in such a state that it was not worth Id. a lb.; he could not travel any further, but after- wards they went about 300 yards and struck him again; Westbury was trying to coax the beast on. Cross-exa- mined: They said they had given him water back yonder; this was about a quarter of a mile from Taylor's Hall; told them to hit him under the belly; the beast would feel it but it would not hurt the beef; new stones have been laid down on the road from Taylor's Hall to Usk, Supt. Llewellin deposed: On the night of the 12th ult., about half-past 8 or 9, the defendants came to the police-station; Westbury informed me that a bull had failed in the New Barn Wood, and wanted to know what to do with it; I asked him in what state it was, and he said it was overdone and they could not get it any farther; I allowed the bull to remain there that night, provided that they would re- main and watch it for fear of travellers and danger; on the following day I saw the bull in the process of being dressed in Mr. John Herbert the butcher's shop; I then examined the carcase and found it in a terribly bad state; very much bruised over the back, loins, and rump, the right side being a great deal more bruised than the left; prisoners were at that time present; 1 then sent informa- tion to Mr. Price; on the 15th I took possessien of the meat that was then hanging in Mr. Herbert's slaughter. house, and allowed it to bo cut up in my presence, and in the presence of Mr. John Herbert, butcher, and Mr. Parker, farmer; from my own knowledge and by their advice I seized 134lbs. of beef as totally unfit for human food the rest I allowed to be taken to Pontypool, having sent a notice to the inspector there, in case the rest of the meat might become putrid; there were distinct marks on the rump of the beast having been beaten. Mr. Roberts thought this evidence should not be taken against the de- fendants, as Mr. Llewellin could not have the same know- ledge of beasts in that state which a veterinary surgeon would have. Mr. Llewellin was speaking scientifically of signs he saw under the skin, but if any evidence to that effect were required, it should be given by a person under- standing such signs. It was of material difference to his clients that this evidence should be very particular. Major Stretton overruled, Saying that the superintendent was justified in stating what he himself saw. Cross-examined: I am not aware that any one went up to assist them; the bull was to be delivered to Mr. Price, at the Cross Keys, Usk; I did not see Mr. Morgan or Mr. Lewis in Usk the night before; I did not see the bull brought away; I believe it was brought down in Messrs. Jones and Powell's cart; I was not told that the bull was driven by Mor- gan's man several hundred yards before killed, or that it fell twice; the stones in that place are very thick; I was told in my official capacity that the bull had been killed by Morgan. Mr. John Herbert, butcher, of Usk, said: On the evening of Tuesday about three weeks ago I saw a bull down by the side of the road beyond the New Barn Wood; he was much distressed and exhausted, and I thought he would have died; the two men who were with it are the defendants here to-day; they told me they were going to the Cross Keys to meet a butcher; I thought the bull would die and advised them to get a bucket of water to cool him; they said he did not want water, and that he had been down two hour& before I saw him; St. Maughan's is about five miles beyond Monmouth; they said the bull came very well to Raglan, but he got savage afterwards about half a hour after this I saw the men with Mr. Lewis, of Usk, and Mr. Morgan's man trying to get the bull up; they had a dog with tham; I advised them to get some cows from the adjoining meadow to en- tice him; the following day Richard Lewis came to me and asked me to allow him to dress the bull in my slaugh- ter-house he told me they had killed the bull and had him in a cart; the carcase hung in my slaughter-house until Friday, when it was cut up; it was in a very bruised and damaged state, the back and loins being much in- jured; I saw marks and strokes along the rump evidently caused by blows with a stick. [By Major Stretton—There is no doubt whatever as to the blows being caused by a stick.] The meat seized and brought to me was certainly unfit tor human food. Cross-examined. The bull must have been dragged into the cart; the bull's throat was cut, and meat won't bruise when it is bled; the beast never strug- gled to get up, and was .lying in the slope of the road; there was nothing unreasonable in driving the bull from St. Maughan's to the New Barn Wood from seven till three o'clock. Mr. John Parker, farmer, was called to speak of the state of the bull, but not knowing the date on which he saw the animal, his evidence was to no effect. This being the case for the prosecution, Mr. Roberts ably addressed the Bench for the defence. He said the case ought to be dismissed for want of proof, the only evidence against the defendants being that of Blandford Lucas, who saw the bull walking by the New Barn Wood, but be'never stated t.b-a. tbo a:u. ""O'V-"O the* an1rn-\ _b. WDip or a stick, and to convict the men under the 12th and I3th Vie.. cap. 92, there must be some distinct proof that the animal had been over-driven by those men. He main- tained that scientific evidence should have been given on the part of the prosecution to prove what those marks on the bull resulted from, The bull had been dragged several hundred yards from the place where the defendants left him, and had then been killed by Mr. Morgan, who ought to have been in the defendant's place. There had been no evidence to show that the bull had been cruelly ill-treated all the way from St. Maughan's and by Raglan until it reached the New Barn Wood, where it tailed. The defen- dants, who were two ignorant young men, not knowing what to do, went down to the police-station to ask a con- stable's advice,which would be the last place theywuuld have gone to had they been guilty of the offence. He again sub- mitted to the Bench that the evidence was insufficient to convict the men, and left the case in their worship's hands. Mr. Roberts then called Mr. John Price, farmer, of St. Maughan's, who stated that the two defendants had been in his employ for some time; Pritchard had the care of all his animals, and he gave them good characters, being trust-worthy servants. The bull was a very savage one and some time back injured witness's wife. He always sent two if not three men to attend to the bull. Major Stretton. addressing the defendants, said they had been very ably defended, but he, as well as his brother magis- trate, was of opinion that they bad been guilty of gross cruelty to the bull. The good character their master had given them stood in their favour. There was certainly a slight doubt respecting the beating of the bull, and the defendants would have the benefit of it. The man who beat the bull would be fined twice as much as the other. Pritchard was fined 10s. and costs, and Westbury 5s. and coats. The court was crowded during the hearing. NON-PAYMENT OF GAS RATES.—The collector had taken out summonses against 14 or 15 parties tor the non- payment of uas rates. Adjourned tor a fortnight, and if not paid within that time, further proceedings to be taken. GOYTREY ROAD CASE.—NONPAYMENT OF PARISH ARREARS.—-Mr. Blount made application for a warrant of distress against the overseer of the parish of Goytroy for arrears of monies to be paid upon a precept under the 35th section o!' the act of 1864. The overseer attended and wished the case adjourned, as his legal adviser was engaged in London. Some remarks passed between the wavwardens and Mr. Blount as'to their power of appeal, and that they bad given notice of appeal at Quarter Sessions. Mr. Blount explained that that was another matter, and there was no power of appeal against a pre- cept. It seems that there was an informality in a former precept by too large a sum being asked for, and that the present precept was a renewed proceeding. The case was adjourned for a fortnight. LLANARTH. 'PENNY READINGS.—Friday the 1st inst. was the last of a short but brilliant series of penny reading: at Llanarth. The committee had provided a long programme for their last evening, too long in fact, lor it was found necessary to leave out some of. the readings. Miss Price opened the entertainment by playing an overture in a very finished manner. The readings were generally light and humorous. That by the Rev. Mr. Corfield was not only so, and as a matter of course very amusing, but was full of sound sense and of a good moral tendency. The recitation and also the song by Mr. Francis was exceedingly funny, and kept the audience in a roar of laughter. Miss Holmes' playing was as usual extremely good, and was highly applauded. The songs generally were rendered with good taste. Those by Messrs. J. and W. Steed and C. Tedman, and the duet by Mrs. Roberts and Mr. James Corbett seemed to us to be particularly worthy of praise. Before singing the National Anthem, Mr. T. Edwards, one of the secre- taries, in a very neat speech, tendered a vote of thanks to the Rev. William Price, for the very able manner in which he had filled the office of chairman. He also expressed his thanks, together with the thanks of the other secretary, Mr. Wm. Steed, to those ladies and gentlenssn who had so kindly given their services as reader. &c., at fhgse entertainments. The Rev. William Price gracefully acknowledged the compliment which had just been paid him, but said that the success of the entertainments was entirely I owing to the indetatigable exertions of the two secr.e- taries Messrs. T, Edwards and W, He said, that when it was proposed to hold, penny reading# at Llanarth, he did not feel that they would be sue. cessful, and had therefore looked codly upon the notion. However, at the request of these two gen tlemen, he had consented to give the use of the schoolroom, and he must say that he had been as- tounded at the success, and that even the most san- guine expectations of the secretaries had been ex- ceeded. He then also expressed his thanks to those persons who had given their assistance in the readings, and especially mentioned Miss Holmes, who through- out had not only readily but willingly given her most efficient help. He then called upon Mr. W. Steed to state the financial condition of the readings, and it then appeared, after paying all expenses, there was a balance of between 92 and £ 3, which Mr. Steed said they purposed to give to the Abergavenny dispensary, as being the local charity which they thought effected most good in the neighbourhood. He then referred to the complimentary manner in which the Rev. Mr. Price had spoken of his and Mr. Edwards' exertions on behalf of the readings, and said that they were both quite willing to do the same work another sea- son. The proceedings terminated by singing the National Anthem. Overture—Piano— Miss Price Reading—" Short cuts" .Rev. Mr. Corfield Glee-" God bless the Prince of "Wales" Llanarth Choir Recitation—"The Oxford scholar" Mr. Francis Song—"She's coining with the Spring" Mr. W. Powell Reading—"Mrs. Brown at a review" Mr..John Steed Piano forte solo-From "Der Freischutz" Miss Holmes Reading-" How Host my whiskers" Mr. Marfell Song-" The British lion" Mr.C. Tedman Reading—"PoorPritehard" .Mr. Hall Vocal duet-" Two barks met on the neep mid sea" Mrs. Roberts and Mr. J. Corbett. Song—"Good bye sweetheart, good bye"Mr. J. Steed Reading—"The broken heart" Mr. James Moroni Song—"O wouldn't you like to be me" Mr. Francis Song-" The quiet little man" Mr. Steed Finale "God save the Queen." The accompaniments were played by Miss Holmes, with the exception of God bless the Prince of Wales, which was played by Miss Mary Price. NEWPORT. TOWN COUNCIL.—The usual fortnightly meeting af this body was held on Tuesday, the Mayor (Mr. W. Graham) presiding. There was a numerous attend- ance of members. Some correspondence was read by the Town Clerk with reference to a suggestion made at a previous meeting, that an application should be made to the authorities in London for the appoint- ment of officials at Newport, as had been done at Cardiff, whose duty would be to keep a strict surveil- lance over the crimps," by whom so large a num- ber of sailors are enticed to desert their ships. The Town Clerk then stated that Mr. Cullum, her Ma- jesty's collector of customs at this port, had pointed out the difference between the number of men shipped here and at Cardiff, there being a large excess in the number at the latter place, and said he should feel compelled to oppose the application. After a conversation, the feeling of the board being that at least one officer should be appointed, Messrs. G. W. Jones, T. Beynon, and N. Hewertson were ap. pointed a committee to inquire into and report upon the subject. The Chief Superintendent applied for the yearly supply of police clothing, and advertise- ments for tenders were ordered to be issued. The Mayor declared that there was an aldermanic va- cancy, caused by the disqualification of Mr. J. N. Knapp, whose valuable and efficient public services he eulogised in the highest terms, and for whose future prosperity he expressed ardent wishes. The remarks of his Worship were received with applause. Mr. James Brown was elected alderman in the place of Mr. Knapp, and briefly returned thanks for the honour conferred upon him. Mr. L. A. Homfray was elected a harbour commissioner in the place of Mr. Knapp, on the proposition of Mr. Harry, se- conded by Mr. T. Lewis. Mr. Homfray returned thanks. He had a large interest in the welfare of the town, and they might depend upon it that he should do his best for its welfare. The Mayor then pro- ceeded to point out the powers sought for by the Sirhowy Railway Extension Bill, and stated that as lUO COHipomy —a 1 t j? 1 O"* tlemen, all the bill sought would be carefully carried out. He hoped no opposition would be shown it because the extension would go over the level cross- ing in Thomas-street, which must now be put down as permanent, but he hoped that the evils arising from it would be averted by the opening up at some future time of a new underground route. Mr. Brown pointed out that a pledge had been given by the promoters of the bill to allow a junction to be formed with the Marshes property. Some time since the board adopted the Public Health Act, 1866, and under its provisions framed regulations for the better supervision of sub-let houses. One of these regula- tions was to the effect that a capacity of 400 cubic feet must be allowed for each sleeping room for every lodger or occupier." The medical officer, Dr. Davies, who had consented to that regulation in deference to Dr. Buchanan, the Government inspector, now re- ported that with the existing class of houses it was utterly impossible to carry out that regulation, and suggested that the minimum amount of air should be reduced to 3JO feet. After a discussion it was re- solved to apply to the Home-office for such a modifi- cation of the regulation affecting houses now in ex- istence, but provided that in dwellings hereafter erected the minimum should be 400 feet, The Mayor laid before the Council a proposal to contribute 20 guineas to the Industrial Home for Fallen Women. Alderman Lewis moved, and Mr. Hewertson secon- ded, that a donation of ten guineas be given. Mr. Brown and others opposed the proposal, which was withdrawn, his Worship remarking that he agreed with Mr. Brown in condemning the principle of contributing out of the Corporation purse for public charities, but he hoped as that objection had been made now it would be borne in mind when money was asked for the dispensary and other charities. Alderman Lewis was elected presiding alderman" for the East Ward, and the meeting broke up. COUNTY POLICE, SATURDAY, before THUS. GRATREX, and THOMAS POWELL, Esqrs. VIOLATION OF THE CATTLE PLAGUE ORDERS.-Wn?. Price was charged with committing the above offence by removing cattle on the high road after sunset, and WM fined 2J. 6d. apd costs. BEUGING. LETTER. iitegh Thomas, charged with attempting to obtain money by means of a begging letter, wus sentenced to fourteen days'imprisonment. DRUNKENNESS.—Francis James, Zachariah Jennet, and Henry BrooJcman were charged with being drunk and disorderly in the public road, at llisca, on Sunday last, at midnight. Sergeant Hale said that tbe defendants were fighting and causing a great disturbance on the road. Fined 10s. each and costs. V AGRA.NCY.- William Williams was charged with beg. ging at Risca, and was sent to prison for seven days. AssAULT. Iohaiiiiah Ilazell, who appeared with nn infant in her arms, was charged with assaulting Charlotte Crockett. The parties are neighbours, and live at Cner. leon. The complainant said that the defendant came into her house and caught hold of her by the hair, kicked her, and hammered her head against the wall until she was senseless. Defendant, in answer to the charge, said that she had not touched the complainant; she simply went to complainant's house and asked her to pay her for waiting on her during her confinement, upon which she (complainant) began to abuse bar. The Bench ordered the defendant to pay a fine of 2s. 6d. and costs, and to be bound over to keep the peace for six months. BOROUGH POLICE, MONDAY, before the MAYOB and and Mr. W. EVANS. STEALING COAL.—Lewis Jenkins, of Friar's-liekls, was charged with stealing coal, the property of Messrs. Vipoud and Co. On Friday evening prisoner was seen coming out of the prosecutors' yard with a lump of coal under- neath his arm, weighing about 40lbs. He was told to put it back, and he did so, but he took up another lump shortly afterwards and walked off with it. The prisoner, who has been repeatedly convicted, was committed for trial. INFRINGEMENT OF CATTLE PLAGUE OKDERS.—Edwin Day and Edward Poole, charged wit.h removing tour calves without a license, wero (jtjed £ 2, including costs. The defendants had brought them with a (ot qf ptbeV calves over from Bristol, but the license for the four calves, although properly filled up, was not signed. DRUNK.—Ellen Lelalini/, purged *YHH being drunk was fined 5s, LEAVING EMPLOYMENT.—William Holmes, an appren. two to Mr. W. Thomas, plasterer, charged with absenting