The Merthyr Telegraph and General Advertiser for the Iron Districts of South Wales

ABERDARE POLICE COURT. TUESDAY.—(Before H. C. Greenwood, and R. H. Rhys, Esqrs.) UNNEIGHBOURLY CONDUCT.—Richard Jsrtes, tailor, ap- plied to the Bench for advice under the following circum- stances. He stated that he was being annoyed by his neighbours. On Saturday last Thomas Ho wells and John Davies came and threatened him. He had a workshop at the back, and Howells's wife knocked nails into it.-The Bench ordered Inspector Howlett to call on the parties to inform them that if they molested Mr Jones again sum. monses would be taken out against them A BATCH OF DISORDERLIES.-John J^nes, Eli Edwards, Ihomas Samuel, Ehenezer Bowen, John Coor>pr William Richards. William Davies. John Williams Daniel Jones John Phillips, John Cox, Joseph Tantsfield, John Fulton,' John Jones, Watkin Price, Rees Williams, and Jane Francis, were all charged with drunkenness and riotous conduct, and severally fined in the usual amount and costs. STEALING TIMBER.-Thomas Jones collier. a young man 21 years of age, was charged with feloniously stealing four pieces of pitwood. and four pieces of timber. the property of the Aberdare Coal Co.. Cwmbach.— Prisoner pleaded guilty.—The Bench said that inasmuch as he had Dleaded guilty they had no alternative but to send him to prison for fourteen days. He would bave been much more heavily punished had not Mr Evans recommended him to mercy. A LOOSE CHARACTER.—Catherine Jones, huckster charged with behaving indecently in Duke-street and was ordered to be imprisoned for 21 days with hard labour. ALLEGED INFRINGEMENT OF LICENSE.—THOMO« landlord of the Railway Inn, HirwaiJ, with having his house open for the sale of beer between three and five p m.. on Sunday the 22nd May Mr TTr>«7«»ll (Messrs C. H. and F. James) appeared for the defence.- The case was adjourned for the production of a wi+noco CAT AND DOG "-Lewis and Wm. Edwards, two young- sters brothers were charged with playing a game called Cat and Dog" m a public thoroughfare The offence was admitted, and defendants were fined Is and 2s 6d costs each. OBSTRUCTION. Charles Daley was charged with Db. structing the thoroughfare at Oxford-street, Mountain Ash —P. c. Evans proved the charge and defendant was fined 5s. and costs. SIMILAR CHARGE.-Peter O'Neil was charged with ob- structinsr the footpath in Oxford Street, Mountain Ash. -P.C. Williams saw him on Saturday the 21st of May, at half-past six in the evening, sitting down in front of Mr Callawy's shop window, with his legs across the pavement. There were many others there besides the defendant; here- fused to get up, stating that he was not interfering with any one. The Bench said the pavements were not made for such a purpose, and it was a very common practice to ob- struct the thoroughfare.—Fined 2s.6d. and 5s. 3d. costs, or m default five days' imprisonment. STEALING FLOWERS FROM THE PARK.—Elizabeth Jones, a little girl ten years of age, was charged with damaging a flower, value one shilling, in the Aberdare public nark, on the 20th of May.—Mr Hollier prosecuted.-The little girl admitted the offence.-The Bench said those plants had cost a great deal of money to the parish, and they were not placed there to be broken, but this being the first offence of the kind she would only be fined Id. and 3s. 6d. costs. —Mr. Hollier applied for a summons against a lad named John Williams for a similar offence on Sunday evening.—The summons was granted. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.— William Davies and Richard Thomas were brought up charged with setting two dogs to fight.Davics was discharged and Thomas was bailed out to appear on Tuesday next. ALLEGED ASSAULT.—William Davies, Cwmdare, was charged with assaulting Ann Thomas on the 19th of May. -Mr Simons appeared for the defendant.-It appeared that the parties had a quarrel owing to some little squabble between their respective children.—The Bench said the evidence was not favourable to the complainant, and they must give the defendant the benefit of it. They advised the parties to go home and live peaceable for the future. PONTYPRIDD INTELLIGENCE. FERNDALE.—This district which stands as a spot doubly black in the colliery casualties map of this country, has up to the present time existed without the advantages of a Reading Room. Mr D. Davis who has resided in the vil. lage since the last explosion, has taken a deep interest in the well-being of his workmen. His latest effort to civilize them has taken the form of a Reading Room, which was formally opened with unusual ceremony, on Tuesday even- ing last, under the supervision of the proprietor himself. Speeches were delivered suitable to the occasion by Messrs Griffiths, Thomas. Jones, and Gordon, and the evening was spent very agreeably, the proceedings being enlivened by the vocal efforts of Messrs H. Thomas and Powell. We wish the new institution God speed. COMPLETION OF THE CHURCH,—The handsome edifice that rears its lofty spire above the town is all but completed. The steeple has been successfully slated and, notwithstand- ing the difficulty and danger of the job, it has been com- pleted effectively, reflecting great credit upon the tiler—a local man, by-the-bye, named Williams. The architect speaks in high terms of the manner in which the slating has been carried out. The only thing now remaining to render the building complete, in accordance with tbe archi- tect's plans, is the statue of the tutelar saint, Saint Cathe- rine, for whose reception a niche has been prepared over the tower entrance. The appearance of the building is a very fine and attractive one, and it forms astriking feature and an elegant ornament to the town. What is next re- quired is a peal of bells but before this wish can be con- summated the balance has yet to be cleared off, and this balance forms a serious sum of money. The committee will, no doubt, thankfully receive, and gratefully acknow- ledge, any contribution towards the carrying out of so laudable an object. We believe an effort will be made before the summer is over to reduce the amount standing to the Committee's debit, but this effort to supplement the liberality of generous donors to wipe out the sum yet reo w" maining to be paid before the building is clear, it is to be hoped will not dry up any available resounes possessed by the lovers and upholders of the Establishment.

THE RECREATION GROUND. IMPORTANT MEETING. At a preliminary meeting held a few weeks ago in Pontypridd, and duly reported in this paper, for the pur- pose of taking action to utilize the recreation ground, it was resolved that a deputation should call upon the valuer under the award to confer with him as to the precise powers possessed by the churchwardens and overseers, in whom the ground was vested and further to make some inquiries with reference to the interpretation of certain clauses contained in the deed, allocating the land for public purposes. Judging from the extremely meagre character of the auditory, in which the tradesmen are conspicuous by their absence, and the singularly small element of the working classes present, it would seem that the scheme, so desirable in itself, and so eminently a working man's ques- tion, is regarded with an amount of stolid apathy painful to witness. It is to be hoped that when the committee who have been appointed commence their labours, they will receive such a large amount of practical co-operation, in the shape of pecuniary assistance, that the reproach at present attaching to the townspeople of having' a piece of land at their disposal without recognising the obligation incumbent upon them to make the best use of it, will be promptly removed. Mr C. Bassett was voted to the chair. He invited atten- tion to the object for which the meeting was summoned, and called upon Messrs Penn and Price to give an account of their interview with Mr David, the valuer referred to. Mr Penn said that Mr David was quite clear as to the powers of the churchwardens and overseers over the land in question. They were the sole custodians of the common, and had absolute power over it, just as if they were the freeholders. They had power to fence it, but this must be done by public subscription. In those parts where the lord of the manor and other landowners ad- joined, they could be compelled to erect a suitable fence to enclose the land. After this, the fence could be kept in repair by a grant from the parochial rates. Mr Price stated the trustees had a remedy against the landowners for compensation for damage done to the ground. He then read the clause under the award. There were no doubts as to the rights over the land possessed bv the trustees, and that Lord Bute and other landlords could be compelled to pay compensation for quarrying. Be thought that the trustees should assert their rights, although nine years had elapsed, and that they should call upon the lords of the manor for compensation. He did not recommend making a formal demand, but that his lordship should be asked for a subscription under the cir- cumstances, as damages bad been already caused. In the case of quarries so exposed as to be attended with risk to life, it was the duty of the lord of the manor to fence, but he thought he could not be compelled to do so. If, however, any animal strayed on to the ground, damages could be obtained. Mr Price proceeded to say that the trustees could fence when and where they pleased, provided the road was not barred up. From the nature of the boundaries, which he pointed out on the plan, ery little fencing would be required. There was a strip which Lord Bute could be called upon to fence, and practically only two sides would require fencing at the expense of the public. Before any claim could be made upon the rates, funds must be subscribed to erect the fences necessary. In reference to a road which passes through the recreation ground, Mr Price said that the trustees had power to absorb this road, and substitute for it a road on the boun- dary of the land, thus having a kind of ring fence and a compact plot of ground. He very much regretted that in so essentially a. working-man's question so very few working men were present. They could not expect the resident gentry and influential tradesmen in the town to put their hands in their pockets to subscribe to carry out a scheme for the benefit of the class which showed itself so apathetic I and indifferent to its interests. In answer to the Chairman, it was stated that the High- way Board could not be compelled to fence in their roads. The Chairman deprecated any relaxation of their efforts to carry out so desirable a measure, because so few were present. As an earnest of the interest he took in the matter, he would contribute five guineas if twenty-nine subscribers of five guineas each could be found. The announcement was received with loud cheering. In reply to a question whether the land could be vested in a public body, Mr Price thought that in the event of a Board of Health being established here, steps could be taken to transfer the custody of the land frem the overseers and churchwardens to the Local Board. After a lengthened discussion as to the modus operandi for testing the feeling of the town with reference to the ground, Mr Price thought they ought to commence the test among themselves that night. He would give five guineas. Mr A. Chivers followed with a similar promise of five guineas. Mr T. Crockett took up the gage the chairman had thrown down, and gave his name for five guineas. These several amounts were received with considerable cheering. Of course, each amount was conditional on 30 names being given of five guineas each. Several others gave their names for less sums, a list of which will shortly be published. Mr M'Lucas thought that in order to ascertain the strength of the interests taken by the townspeople in their recreation ground, that a committee should be formed to canvass for subscriptions, and that they report the result of their efforts at a meeting of the residents to be subsequently called. This, moved as a proposition, was seconded by Mr Price, and carried. The nomination of the following gentlemen as a com- mittee was then agreed to :-The Chairman, Messrs Penn, Price, Chivers, Maddicks, M'Lucas, Morris, H. Hughes, and W. John, with power to add. Mr M'Lucas was then unanimously appointed honorary secretary. A vote of thanks to the deputation for their exertions, and to the chairman, closed the proceedings, the practical result of which will be known in a few weeks.

TREDEGAR POLICE COURT. FRIDAY.—(Before Rev. E. Leigh, and J. G. James, Esq.) ASSAULT.—Edward Turner, colliery proprietor, at Fleur de lis, summoned Thomas Cooksey for assaulting him.-It appeared defendant was recently employed as coal agent by Mr Turner, but from some cause his services were no longer required a furnished house had been provided by com- plainant. and defendant demurred to giving up the furni- ture, and a distress warrant was procured, and it was on going to execute the said warrant that the row occurred, The bailiff declined to levy, unless Mr Turner went with him, and P.S. James was also enlisted as a body guard. Mr Cooksey pitched in right and left, and was assisted by Mrs Cooksey, who armed herself with a bright poker during the skirmish, a splendid meerschaum pipe belonging to complainant was reduced to ashes defendant was taken to the station, and liberated on bail; he was now fined 5s and expenses, or 14 days' at Usk. STEALING MONEY FROM THE PERSON.—Wm. Worn and George Edmunds were charged with stealing 5s 6ct from the person of John Cann, at Ynysddu, on the 23rd ult.- Prosecutor and Edmunds had bten indulging in a glass or two at the Full Moon, and on coming out they met Worn, who was asked by prosecutor to have a share of what was in his pocket, and the trio squatted at tbe Tredegar Arms subsequently Cann was upset, and his pockets were rifled by Edmunds the prisoner Worn stopped Cann's mouth up with his hand, and so prevented him shouting when they had secured the money bag they mr.de off. and Cann at once gave information to P.S. James, who soon secured Edmunds.-The Sergeant afterwards apprehended Worn in Newport.-The Bench sent both prisoners for trial at Usk Quarter Sessions. Sundry assault, and other cases, were disposed of the court rose at 2.20. 1 and B L A I N A. GRAND CONCERT.-We do not pretend to assert that Blaina is itself again." but anv casml 1 had invested a florin and talien R seat in the School- well Tli 6°UI? w as only right and proper to end eu. ine committee organized a grand amateur concert, which came off at the British Schoolroom on Thursday, unaer the distinguished patronage of Mr F. Levick, and a large party of gentlemen connected with the works. The r?om was tastefully decorated with evergreens, and was filled by a brilliant assembly of the elite of the neighbour- hood—we wish we could add that the light was brilliant— but there it is unfair to grumble. The numerous-lamps shone as brightly as the oil would allow thenWgpaj^, the Composites seemed quite composed — at tbe Tfeme time, with all due deference to the aforesaid lumirrtejes, they ought to be supplanted by gas. The vocalists Were Miss Sowerby, Misses E. A. Morgan, and L. Morgan, Mias Job. Miss Rosser, Messrs N. Merriman, L. N. Williams, D. Gunter, W. Williams, D. Jones, T. H. Williams and a select choir. Harpist, Mr L. C. Williams (Pencerdd y De); selo pianiste, Miss L. Morgan; accompanyist, Mr C. C. Caird conductor, Mr G. Levick. The first part opened with Hark the lark," by the choir, which was followed by The Wish (Lablache) beautifully rendered by Miss E. A. Morgan. The glees, "Here in cool grot," and "Y gwanwyn," were the next pieces, and both gained well- merited applause. Miss L. Morgan played Thalberg's Home sweet home," with a brilliancy and finish seldom foood ia an amateur performer, The arpeggio passages were marvellously smooth, and the runs sparkling and distinct. Bishop's Where art thou. beam of light? was capitally sung by the choir, and Ye banks and braes," harp solo, by Pencerdd v De, was unanimously encored. Miss Sowerby then made her debut as a vocalist in The lover and the bird," by Guglielmo, and the warb- ling of the fair songstress so enraptured the audience that a most vociferous encore compelled Miss Sowerby to repeat a part of the song. "Comrades in arms." by male voices, was much applauded, and the last in part first. Robinson Crusoe," Mr T. H. Williams, drew a deafening encore, which wa;; responded to by My old wife and I." A short interval took place, and the second part opened with Dr Hiles's part song, "The May," followed by "By Celia's Arbour *• II baccio," by Miss L. Morgan, was re-demanded, and a similar compliment was awarded Pencerdd y D e's Llwyn On." Miss Sowerby again delighted the auditory with Clochette," by Molloy, and as an encore song she gave Bishop s Should he upbraid The choir gave j Mendelssohn's "The victor's return." which narrowly escaped the fate of the three pieces. "The flower gatherers." by the Misses Morgan, was recalled, and Smart's "The greenwood," was substituted. Glee," Summer longings," Dr Hiles, by the choir, concluded the list. and God save the Queen" brought the interesting business to a close at eleven o'clock. The singing of the choir was unexception- able, and reflects highly to the credit of all concerned, cially to Mr George Levick, who appears to revel in music of a high class. The appcarance of Miss Sowerby was such as ta establish her as a favourite at once. The same may be said of the Misses Morgan all the others are well known on our local platforms, and they severally acquitted them- selves with every credit.

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. ADDRESSED TO THE EDITOB. The Editor is not responsible for the opinion of his Corresponden ts MUSICAL AND EDUCATIONAL EISTEDDFOD. SIR,—111 allowing me a short space in your valuable columns, I can assure you that you grant it to one who took a great interest in the success of the above Eisteddfod, although he took no part in its proceedings, for reasons A-hich this letter has been most pointedly written. 1 am sure that the inhabitants of this town and neighbourhood feel very grateful and indebted to the gentlemen who so kindly volunteered and sacrificed their valuable time to the forma- tion of the Eisteddfod, and I sincerely trust that they have been fully repaid for their labour in the great success that attended the meetings throughout. The object that I have in writing this letter is this :-As far as my humble ideas could surmise, I saw nothing in the late Musical and Edu- cational Eisteddfod but a contest between various schools. The idea and principle that an Eisteddfod should have, in my opinion, is this that its competitors should be to a great degree limited to those who have left the compulsory tuition of masters and mistressses. If, amidst the numerous competitions on the programme of the late Eisteddfod, there had been a few in the shape of essays, &c., epen to that class of young men that are on the veigeof manhood, it would have given to the Eisteddfod a higher importance it would also have shown the use of the schooling ana teaching that had been imparted to them in their boyhood u days. I can assure the kind promoters uf the late Eistedd- fod that a great number of young men have greatly felt the ( omission referred to in the programme, for they haa firiiy f anticipated — when the first rumour came out of the Eistedd- fod—that they should have had an opportunity of putting to the test their young ideas, and likewise have had a knowledge of how far their labour was meritorious. In concluding I sincerely trust that if we shall have a similar Eisteddfod again, the Committee will endeavour to meet the desire of many, besides Yours, &c., J. S. Twyn, Mist May, 1870. THE SWANSEA UNION FRIENDLY SOCIETY. SIR, -Having heard that certain persons have been about Merthyr and neighbourhood, stating that the Swan- sea Royal and South Wales Union Friendly Society, which has its chief offices in Castle Chambers, Castle- square, Swansea, and branch offices in Pontypridd, and all through the hills, does not pay its claims, permit me to give a few facts on the matter 1st, that I have enrolled from January 3rd, 1870, 258 members. 2nd, that I have paid the following claims-in the sick department, £ '145 17s. 2d. death department, £72 3s. 6d. endowment department, £ 98 13s medical department, £10 H.'s. and, lastly, I state what all other agents can—that ail claims are promptly and honourably met by this society. Pontypridd, June 1st, 1870. D. 0. THOMAS.

THE IRON, COAL, AND TIN PLATE TRADES OF SOUTH WALES. The improvement which has set in in the iron trade is very clearly shown in the activity which prevails throughout the district, and the prospects for the future are decidedly encouraging. Inquiries are increasing from all quarters as the season advances, and little doubt is now left but that the most sanguine expectations entertained at the beginning of the year will be fully realised, and a large trade will be done before the season has closed. The orders on offer at present in the markets are mostly for large quantities of railway iron, and makers find scarcely any difficulty in securing a fair proportion of the contracts. Consequent upon the increased inquiries from Russia, the United States, the Colonies, India, and several of thto con- tinental markets, the ironmasters find it necessary to stipu- late in many instances long terms for their delivery, and their position is one of greater independence than they have enjoyed for some time past. In proportion to the pressure of contracts, of course, reasonably higher prices must be paid, and it is pretty generally believed that before long quotations for rails will be still further advanced. Should the price of rails get up to k8 or 1:9 per ton, as is the opinion of some, the difference between that and the value of styel rails will be rendered relatively less than at present, and the demand for the latter material will, in all probability, be improved by the circumstance. Merchants and makers are, no doubt, pleased to find that, for a time. at least, their apprehensions in regard to the attempts made in America to increase the duties on finished materials imported have been removed, the proposed new Tariff Bill having been shelved, and it seems very likely that no inter- ference will be again made during this year, if at all. In no way, up to the present, have the efforts of the protec- tionists injured the trade between this country and the States Lut rather they seem to have pushed forward transactions, and advices continue to indicate a furtaer accession of business on transatlantic account. The auspi- cious nature of the season has much facilitated the effecting of the large clearances which have latterly been made from the local ports. Some movements are still to be witnessed in tLe home demand, chiefly for rails. Bars are slightly better in request, the competition of other districts being keenly felt. There is little or no change in the inquiry for other qualities. The downward tendency of the tin market, if it should continue, will give considerable relief to the tin-plate trade, and manufacturers look forward with confidence to a reduction in the price of block tin, consequent upon the restricted make throughout the kingdom. In the steam-coal trade a large amount of vitality continues to be evinced. Orders are coming in freely from the continental markets, the northern ports, and the mail packet stations, and, where shippers are able to secure an adequate supply of tonnage, the collieries are kept in almost full work. Suitable tonnage is scarce at some of the ports, but, with the present remarkably fine weather, this difficulty is not likely to continue. Complaints are less numerous of irregular working on the part of the men, and it is evident that the great majority of them are beginning to appreciate the advantages of advanced wages and regular employment. The house-coal trade remains in nearly the same state as previously reported. The exports of coal and iron for the present year, as shown in the returns just published by order of the House of Commons, demonstrate that the staple trades of this district are in a condition of unusual activity. Last month we had the pleasure to notice the large inureasf in the total exports, and we have again the gratification of stating that the returns for April exceed the quantities for the previous months, and also for the corresponding period of last vear. The total exports of coal for April amounted to 1,025.187 tons, being 39,884 tons in excess of tbe exports for March and_ 47,249 more than April 1869. For the four months ending April this year, the total exports were 3,391,299 tons, being about a quarter of a million tons more than in the same period of last year. France was by far the largest consumer, one-fourth of tbe above quantity having been shipped to that couMtry. Iron The exports of railroad iron for April were 96,876 tons, as against 85.147 tons in April, 18G9, and 58,904 in April, 1868. The four months ending April this year show that since 18GS the exports have nearly doubled, being as follow :-1870, 306.927 tons 1869, 233,353 tons 1868. 178,931 tons. The United States took 37,016 tonb of the quantity shipped in April, Russia, 20,619 tons, and British India, 15,986 tons. The quantity sent to Russia is less than last year, but the experts to the other countries named are much larger than last year, both for tbe month and also for tbe four months. Es .eciallv is this the case with British India, the quantities exported being for four months ending April, 1870, 73,681 tons of the value of f 608,149 for the corresponding period' of 1869, 18,405 tons, of the value of £H;¡j,211 for correspon- ding period of 1868, 35,069 tons, of the value of £ 363 476 Exports ot pig and puddled iron show a slight increasf' being for April, this year, 85,545 tons 1869 70 331 tons and for! 868^ 58,691 tons The returns for oW- kinds of iron show that no material increase has taken place. The total exports of iron will be seen from the following com- parative statement of quantities and value ° Month Four months of April. Value. ending April. Value. Tons. Tons. 18,0 258 580 £ 1.893,655 809,937 £ 6.134,113 1869 240,879 £1.731,341 709,714 £ 5.327.127 1868 185,456 £1,337,101 554,579 £4,261,135 An exceptional increase has taken place in the export of t-legraphic wire and apparatus. In April, 1868, the re- turned value of exports under this head was £6,100. and in April, 1869, only £ 5,721, but this year the exports for the single month are valued at £ 434,188. For the four months of the present year they amount to £ 579,620.—Machinery Under this head the improvement in the trade of the coun- try is also plainly visible. The value of steam engines ex- ported for the month of Aprii is set down at £ 168.389. For April, 1869, the amount was £ 115,014 and for April 1868, £ 140,676. The exports for the four months ending April show the same relative proportions. Of other sorts of ma- chinery the value of the exports for the month of April was £ 314,492 April, 1869, £ 255,794 April, 1868," £ 2<i7.941. For tbe four months ending April the value was as follows 1870, £ 957.670 1869, £ 848,934; 1868, £ 725,960. -.r-

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PONTYPRIDD PETTY SESSIONS. WEDNESDAY. ASSAULT ON A RIVAL OVERMAN. — William Davies, manager of the Coedcae Colliery, was summoned by John Edwards, overman of the Havod Colliery, for commiting an assault upon him on the 18th inst. Mr Price prosecuted, and Mr Plew", defended. After opening the case, the facts of which are stated below, Mr Price examined the prose- cutor, who said be was an overman at the Llwyncelyn Col- liery has been for twelve months was at the Hafod Sta- tion with three children on Wednesday evening last had one child in his arms saw defendant there he came by train as soon as defendant and others came outside the gate of the station a fight ensued the row was stopped by a constable defendant said to the men fighting they had better stop, as John Tregolwyn (complainant) was enjoying the fight of the Coedcae men he (complainant) repudiated any such enjoyment; defendant then wanted to fight him and be refused; was struck by defendant, when his child was in his arms; some men came up and took hold of bim. De- fendant then told the people around him to stay out of the way to see the manager of the Ccedcae pit fight for once." Did not strike him then more than once afterwards met him and asked him again to fight,—Cross-examined Defendant was not in the crowd when the fighting was going on never said to him you bad better go home as you always enjoy a fight" The defendant's attorney pro- ceeded to examine complainant as to his antecedents in connection with the late Coedcae strike, and other matters so far as this Court is concerned which elicited nothing. Lewis Morgan, who prevented from strikingjhiin again, is a tradesman and a respectable man. Re-examined: Mr Morgan supplies goods to the Coedcae Colliery it is by notes the blow caused his face to swell. Richard Thomas is a collier, living at Ynysyhafod; remember Wednesday last,, was coming by last train from Pontypridd to Hafod got out at the latter place; came with defendant from Merthyr, where each had been to a funeral; a number of Coedcae workmen had been at the funeral; it was the funeral of a fireman at the Hafod Colliery when he got out he saw a number of the Coedcae men naked fighting most of them had been at the funeral saw defendant there with his little boy in his arms defendant was leaning on the rails looking at the nght when the police came the the fighting was at once stopped defendant came out from the platform at the station and asked the men how the fight arose, saying to them that complainant was en- joying the fight and making sport of them complainant said No lam not, sure;" defendant replied in coarse terms, after exchanging compliments in the same tone de- fendant struck complainant on the side of his face the child was then in his arms people then interfered com- plainant said nothing, but told defendant that that blow would cost him money defendant then asked the men to stand on one side and see the "manager of the Coedcae Colliery fighting complainant then went home defen- dant afterwards met complainant and challenged him to fight, offering to beat the d- out of him saw a little swelling on complainant's face afterwards defendant was neither drunk nor sober. —The cross-examination of this witness elicited nothing to weaken the evidence in chief witness (Richard Thomas) works under complainant.—Mr Plews, for the defence, said that from his instructions a flat contradiction would be given to the evidence of complain- ant. The facts of the case showed that a more frivolous case was never brought before the Bench. He called Thomas Suben who said be was at the station on the even- ing of the funeral; defendant remained at the station whilst the others went out at the gate defendant came out to suppress a disturbance, and seeing complainant said he hadlno business to be there making game of his men and inciting them to fight; complainant thereupon called de- fendant some opprobious names defendant then put his hand on complainant's breast and told him to go home and leave the men to him at a meeting subsequently, as given above, complainant challenged defendant to fight defen- dant told him to go home, as he would have nothing to do with him did not see a blow struck by defendant.—Cross- examined Will swear that a blow was not struck com- plainant was smiling and laughing at the men fighting do not know whether Richard Thomas was present or not; when that witness states that defendant struck complain- ant it is untrue there was no man present at the second meeting.—Lewis Morgan, shopkeeper at Hafod, said he was at the funeral on the day in question got out of the train and saw defendant, who stopped a few minutes on the plat- form the crowd went outside the station a fight ensued John Edwards (complainant) was in the crowd he bad a child in his arms was close to complainant when defen- dant came up he was inciting the men to fight heard defendant say He ought to be ashamed of himself to stand enjoying himself at seeing his men fighting com- plainant called defend at a scamp and liar, and employed other terms defendant then gave complainant a push and told him he ought to go from there went with defendant away from the station saw complainant by a, gully or passage; he challenged defendant to fight. Cross-ex- amined Will swear that complainant was inciting the men to fight; do not remember what the words or expres- sions were did not hear that defendant challenged com- plainant defendant was not drunk he was excited at seeing the men fighting; will not swear that when defen- dantpushed complainantbis hand was not clenched. — By the Bench Do not remember defendant saying anything to complainant when the latter challenged him to fight.— George Warlow was at the station on Wednesday last; saw defendant coming from the train a quarrel ensued outside the station gates this was before defendant came up complainant was there laughing and sneering at the men fighting defendant came up and pushed complainant with his open band, telling him to go home as he could manage his men himself complainant's wife took her hus- band away at the next meeting complainant offered to fight defendant; William Robbins told him t" !,(, home and not be foolish he took him away; defending never said a word in reply; will swear that defendant never struck complainant.—In cross-examination this witness corroborated tbe evidence of tbe otber witnesses for tbe defence the evidence of Richard Thomas relative to a blow being given is untrue. This completed the case.— The Bench considered the case proved, and fined defendant 10s. and costs. CHARGE OF INDECENT ASSAULT.—William Morgan, a singular looking man, was charged with indecently assault- ing a girl named Grace B. Williams, on the 10th instant. — Mr J. E. Price, defended.—This case was adjourned from last court, Defen(hnt pleaded not guilty. The prosecu- trix on being exan.; ,d said She went for a, basket of coal, and saw defendant. who said. You crow wonderful," then he caucht her round the waist and threw her down: he then put his hand und<r her clothes be told her to keep quiet, and he would do her no harm she called Margaret Rees, and when she came he loosed her. and ran under thu wagons to quot," (hide) she said she would tell her parents, and he told her not to do so. -Cross-examined: She is in the habit of fetching coal from near a screen after the men leave he attempted to assault her in a small shed, where the men dine this is not many yards from hojses defen- dant is a married man when she was told that the police- man was at hand, she did not report the matter to him she did not think of telling the policeman when Margaret Rees was with her she ran away from defendant Marga- ret Rees saw defendant with her in the shed she is over 16 years of age defendant was at work at the time, and left his work to come to her she told her mother when she went home.—Margaret Rees, a young girl 12 years if age, was next called, she said She lived at Pentre went for a load of coal; heard a cry. and found defendant with com- plainant in a shed he told her to go away or else be would make her; she went away and called for a policeman did not see any disarrangement of complainant's dress when she heard complainant call out, she was about five or six yards from the sh^d.—Elizabeth Williams, a married woman living at Ystrad. was next called, but did not give any salient evidence. — Mary Williams, mother of complain- ant. lives at Pentre said She remembered her daughter coming to her on the night of the 10th instant she told her William Morgan had thrown her down on her hack, and had put his hand under her clothes she shrieked and made a noise, and he told her he would not harm her she was much agitated, and her clothes were covered with coal and dust; witness, her husband, and daughter, went to the defendant's house, and asked him why he had insulted her daughter he said he had not done her any harm.-By the Bench He did not deny the charge made against bim. Cross-examined The shed was about 200 yards from the nearest house it is exposed; defendant never accused her daughter to her or her hnsband of having stolen coal defendant had complained to the manager that complainant had taken the coal.—Mr. Price urged that the case was a trumped up one. and urged that the probabilities were entirely at variance with the theory of an assaulthaving been committed.—The case having assumed the form of a. common assault, could be disposed of at the present sessions -Ann Richards, wife of George Richards, collier, Heolfaeh. was called for the defence, and said She re- membererllnst Saturday week going with defendant's wife to complainant's house she went at the request of defen- dant saw the comphin:mt. -Com plainant"s father. mother, and aunt were present she spoke to the aunt in Welsh who interpreted to the complainant she said she had come with defendant's wife to effect a settlement, as defendant had received a summons was told that a settlement would be come to if defendant would go to the manager and with- draw the charge of stealing coal made by him against com- plainant have known defendant nine years has always borne a good character he is a quiet well-behaved man j know where coal is collected, and no permission is given to any one to take coal; some have been prosecuted for stealing coal no money was offered or required to settle.—William Thomas, timber merchant, Ystrad. spoke in high terms of defendant's character as a steady sober man defendant had bought timber of him.— Thf1 Bench found defendant guilty of a common assault, and fined him 40s, or 14 days. RHYMNEY INTELLIGENCE. GOVERNMENT AMENDMENTS IN THE EDUCATION BILL.— A public meeting was held at Jerusalem Baptist Chapel, Rhymney, last Tuesday evening. May 31st, to consider the amendments proposed hy the Government in the Education Bill. The Rev. Moses Wright, the minister of the chapel, occupied the chair. The Rev. Mr Davies. Baptist Minister, moved the first resolution That this meeting feels grateful to the Government for the concessions favourable to the liberty of conscience, it has made by proposing- that the school board shall be elected by ballot This resolution being seconded, was adopted. The Rev. E. Davies moved the second resolution — That this meeting is of opinion that the proposed time-table conscience clause will not afford an adequate protection to the consciences of parents whose religion may differ from that of the school, board." Mr Davies said that Dissenters had waited for the pro- mised amendments of the Government The amendments have been given, and while the Government has made a valuable concession in proposing that school boards shall be elected by ballot, the conscience clause is left in a very unsatisfactory state. The proposed clause would compel many dissenting parents either to sacrifice their consciences or their livelihoods, a position of trial into which no Libe- ral Government should lead conscientious and hard working dependent families No system of unsectarian religious instruction can be satisfactory to men of all creeds and yet contain that amount of positive religious truth which may be of any utility as religious instruction. The fairest and most efficient method, and the one most likely to satisfy all parties, would be a system in which the State should care for the secular branches of education, and let the various sects and the parents of children give the religious instruction as fully and unlimitedly as they may think proper. The age is approaching this issue with rapiditv. The resolution was adopted. A vote of thanks was passed to the chairman, and the meeting separated. iii TREDEGAR INTELLIGENCE. INQUESTS.—Mr Brewer, with a jury with the regular foreman, opened nn inquiry on Thursday, 26th May, at the Greyhound Hotel, touching the death of a child, six years of age, named Mary Norton, residing at Coach Row, who died rather suddenly on the 24th. After going into some evidence, it was considered advisable to adjourn the pro- ceedings. to allow a post mortem examination to be made. Mr T. G. Anthony, surgeon, made a post mortem examina- tion the same evening, and on Friday, jury having heard the medical evidence, recorded a verdict of "Death from natural causes. "-The second inquest was on the body of Elizabeth Williams, aged seven days, and in this instance a similar verdict was returned.—The third inquest was held on Monday, and was on the body of William James, a collier, who was killed in No. 8 pit. by a fall on Saturday. This inquirv was adjourned till Saturday, in order that Mr Lionel Brough, H. M. Inspector of mines might be communicated with. The evidence of William Griffiths, a haulier, went to show that the ground had been squeezing for some time at the part where the fall took place, and as the trams went faster on account of the descent, the oscillation caused them to strike the timber, which gave way, when the top fell in, burying deceased who was siding in a mine tram. The baulier had warned him of the danger, but his warning was un- heeded, and when the body was extricated life was extinct. FHNERAL SERMON.—At St. George's Church, on Sunday last a sermon was preached by the Rev E. Leigh, in memory of the late Mr J. Brock, house agent, whose death and funeral we recorded a few weeks back. The text was taken from Ecclesiastes xii., i. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was, and the spirit to God, who gave it." upon which a most touching discourse was made. In allud- ing to the deceased, Mr Leigh said,—You al knew him as a near neighbour, and you all loved him That he died repentant, I firmly believe. My fellow-assistant in this church visited him during his illness, and by his own re- quest administered the Holy Communion, and I may offer this consolation to his bereaved widow, who is here to-day to mourn her irreparable loss, that he made his peace with his God and died happy." Many tears were shed during the delivery of the sermon. The choir sang No. 191, Hymns Ancient and Modern, and the effect was very marked in the lines, Yes, with streaming eyes would say. Lord we love him, let him stay." At the conclusion of the service, the organist played Handel's Dead March," from Saul, with considerable taste. CLUB WALKING.—A club from the Bush Inn turned out on Monday in full regalia, headed by a capital band, and paraded the town previous to sitting down to a fine spread of the good things this mundane state permits mortals to enjoy.