The Illustrated Usk Observer and Raglan Herald

appointments, Monday, Sept. 28.GloucesterFair (and following day). Warden's Fete at Raglan Castle. Sale of Growing Crops, &c„ at Iilwynycrun farm, Tregare, by Messrs. Graham & Co. Tuesday, 29.Trelleck Special and Petty Sessions (revising jury lists). Sale at the "Woodlands, near Pontypool, by Mr. Phillpot (and following day). Nomination of Portreeve for the Borough of Usk, at the Vestry Room. Wednesday, 30 Newcastle Petty and Special Sessions (re- vising jury lists). Abergavenny Special and Petty Sessions (re- vising jury lists-transferrin g licenses- highway purposes). Thursday, Oct. 1.Chepstow Petty and Special Sessions (appeals against poor rates). Sale of Farming Stock, &c., atPentwynfarm, Gwehelog, by Mr. H. Vennor. Saturday, 3 Tenders for Supplying Usk Prison to be sent in. 8th Mon. Rifle Volunteers. Friday, Oct. 2,Cornpany drill in uniform, at 6.45 p.m.-Com- mittee Meeting after drill, in the Heading Room. For Drills, &c., see General Orders at Head-Quarters.

Btrlfjs. At Pontnewynydd, Sept. 17, the wife of Mr.W. D. Walters, of the Eastern Valleys Brewery, of a daughter. At Monmouth, Sept. 11, the wife of Sergeant Ward, Mon- mouthshire Constabulary, of a son. At Blaina, Sept. 11, the wife of F. Levick, jun., Esq., of a son. At Usk, Sept. 20, the wife of Mr. James Backhouse, wheel- wright, of a son. At Coldbrook farm, near Abergavenny, Sept. 12, the wife of C. S. Wheeley, Esq., of a son. ferriages. ) l At St. George's, Hanover square, London, Sept. 10, by the Rev. 0; W. Forester, Lord Londesborough, to Lady Edith u Somerset, youngest daughter of the late Duke of Beaufort. At Trelleck Church, Sept. 3, by the Rev. C. A. F. Kuper, Mr. James Bowen, of New Zealand, to Mrs. Winslow, Beacon cot- tage, Trelleck. At Usk Church, September 23, by the Rev. W. H. Wrenford, (by license,) Mr. Wm. Kynch, Inspector, Monmouthshire Constabulary, to Mary Ann, only daughter of Mrs. Francis, TJsk. At Usk Church, September 24, by the Rev. S. C. Baker, vicar, (by license,) Mr. Wm. Davies, Warrage Farm, Raglan, toMiss Margaret Williams, of the Green Court, Gwehelog. At Garnarew Cross, near Monmouth. Sept. 22, after a pro- tracted illness, Mr. James Randell, formerly of Cardiff, aged 25 years. At Chepstow, Sept. 12, Susan, daughter of the late Mr. A. Phillips, corn-factor, aged 45 years. At Beachley, Old Passage, near Chepstow, Sept. 19, Mrs. Williams, in her 87th year. At the residence of her grand-mother, Llandenny, Sept. 22, of scarlet fever, Elizabeth, daughter of Martha Jonee, aged 4 years. At Hill Grove, Pontypool, September 23, Fanny, the youngest daughter of E. B. Edwards, Esq. At Bryngwyn, September 17, after a long illness, Benjamin Nicholas Price, Esq., aged 52 years. At Raglan, September 23, Catherine, daughter of Mr. James Palmer, aged 5 years. At the North Parade, Monmouth, Sept. 18, Mrs. Allender, relict of the late Mr. Solomon Allender, grocer, &c. At Agincourt Square, Monmouth, Sept. 22, to the unutter- able sorrow of his parents, Thomas, son of Mr. Farror, the proprietor of the" Monmouthshire Beacon," aged 2 years.

TO CORRESPONDENTS AND READERS. TEA MEETING AT SEBASTOPOL.—Our correspondent will observe that he has been fore-stalled, a report of the above gathering having previously reached us. Additional PONTYPOOL and BLAENAVON Intelligence will be found in a First Edition of to-day's issue, which may be obtained of the a'gents in these localities.

DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE. NEW DEPUTy-LIRUTENANTS.-His Grace the Duke of Beaufort, H. C. Bird, Esq., G. R. Greenhow-Relph, Esq., and Clias. H. Williams, Esq., have been gazetted deputy-lieutenants foi this county. The marriage between Miss Metaxa, only daughter of the Count and Countess B. Metaxa, of Corinthian House, Cheltenham, and the only son of Mr. C. Bailey, is arranged to take place on Wednesday next, 30th inst. We under- stand that the ceremony will be performed at St. Luke's, Cheltenham, and the wedding breakfast (which will be supplied by Mr. Gunton, confectioner, High Street) will take place at the residence of the parents of the bride. The grand dinner party to be given by the Count and Countess on Tuesday the 29th, will take place at the Queen's Hotel, instead of the Count's private residence, as stated in the invitations, and we have no doubt the worthy Host of" The Q leen's will if possibte snrpaes himself on this occasion to give satisfaction to his illustrious guests, and sustain the well-known fame ot his establishment.— COMMUNICATED. USK. TOWN HALL, SATURDAY, before S. CHURCHILL, and F. M'DONNELL, Esqrs. ASSAULT UPON A FEMALB.—Henry Dowell, of the Three Salmons hotel, was brought up under a warrant, having been apprehended this morning by Superintendent Llewellyn, charged with having assaulted Sarah Webber on the previous day. The complainant deposed that she lived as domestic servant with Mr. Llewellyn, superin- tendent of police. On the 18th inst. defendant came into her master's bouse about half-past 7 o'clock in the morning, exposed his person, and took hold of her foot; he then put his arm around her neck and tried to kiss her, but she prevented him. She took up the poker to defend herself, and ran to the street door; she then saw defendant's cook, and beckoned to her, and she (the cook) took him away. In answer to the bench, witness said defendant had on the same clothes as at present; and that about a month ago he behaved himself in a similar way towards her. She had never joked with defendant. Cross-examined (by defendant) I did not call to the ostler's wife the first time because she was not up. I threatened to call Mr. Llewellyn. I was dressed w hen you came in; my boots were not on, but in my hand. You took hold of my foot. I did not tell the cook what you had done. I threatened to strike you with the poker. You did not say you would call Mr. Llewellyn. When Mr. Llewellyn came down, I told him what you had done. I com- plained to Mr. Llewellyn. Yesterday, when I met you in the Graig-yn-alt wood, I did not laugh at you. On being called on for his defence, defendant alleged that his trowsers were torn, and that in endeavouring to button them up, he accidentally exposed his person, and that it was a perfect accident. After deliberating for some time, the bench sentenced the defendant to 21 days' hard labour in the house of correction, and at the expiration of that term to enter into his own recognisances of jB50 to keep the peace for 6 months, and pay the expenses, or in default thereof, to be further imprisoned for § months. RAGLAN. LAST FBTB AT THB CABTLE.-It will be seen by adver- tisement, that the last fete for the season, will take place in the castle, on Monday next. To those of our readers who have on former occasions experienced the unceasing kind- ness and attention which Mr. Cuxson, the warden, in- variably bestows on his visitors, it will, we are sure, be a sufficient inducement to give their attendance, to be made aware that the present fete is for the benefit of that gentleman and to those who have not made themselves acquainted with the enjoyment to be found within these noble walls on occasions of the kind, we would say the sooner they do so the better, and we would strongly recommend all who can enjoy a few hours recreation not to lose this, the last opportunity the season will afford of mingling with kindred spirits in the merrie dance and other pastimes, under the shadow of the time-honored ruin. Arrangements have been entered into with the Rail- way Company for conveying; visitors home by special trains, after allowing them time to witness the illumination of th castle, than which a grmder. display cannot be conceived.0 PANTEG. SEBASTOPO'L SCHOOLS.—The opening of the above beautiful schools, lately erected in the parish of Panteg, was celebrated on Monday evening last, by a public tea- party. The school-room was tastefully decorated with evergreens, flowers, and flags, and the weather being fine, there was a very large attendance of visitors, as well as of the inhabitants. Amongst the company we observed Mrs. Hanbury Leigh, of Pontypool Park, and the Misses Leigh Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Williams, Maesderwen; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Essex; Mrs. Hor wood; Mr. and Mrs. Wood; and others from Pontypool and the neighbourhood. After tea," the company was entertained with music and speaking alternately, for the remainder of the evening. The music consisted of Weldon's anthem, "O! praise God in His holiness," and several psalms and hymns, concluding with God save the Queen." The meeting was addressed suc- cessively by the Rev, Dr. James, rector of the parish the Rev. R. IN". Kane, curate of Trevethin; the Rev. J.Jones, of Bfaenafon the Rev. W. Phillips, of Risca; Mr.Dovey, of the Pontypool Town School and'Mr. Rodgers, master of the Pontymoile schools. During the proceedings, Dr. James announced that Mrs. Hanbury Leigh bad kindly promised to present a harmonium to the school, and that Miss Fanny Leigh had consented to become lady-patroness, as her sister already was ot the schools at Pontymoile and these two young ladies have volunteered .to give the children of the two schools a treat, the first week in October. During the proceedings it transpired that there still remained a debt of zEl20 on account of the schools at Sebastopol, and that the sum realized by the tea-party would be expended in the purchase of books and apparatus for the immediate use of the schools. At the close, a voice from the crowd called for three cheers for Dr. James, for his exertions in the parish, and after these, with an additional one for Mrs. James, had been vociferously given, the company separated, highly delighted with the proceed- ings of the evening. MONMOUTH. CLUB FESTIVAL.—A lodge ofthe order of Philanthropists celebrated its first anniversary, one day this week, at Manson's Cross inn, near this town. At eleven o'clock in the morning the members marched in procession, headed by the Militia band, and attended Divine service, after which they paraded the streets, wearing the badges of the order, and their neat and respectable appearance was much admired. The dinner, an indispensable accompani- ment at meetings of this kind, was served in the lodge room at the above inn, and the evening was most pleasantly spent. The lodge comprises about thirty members, and l since its formation has progressed satisfactorily. CHURCH IMPROVEMENT.—The splendid organ of St. Mary's church has recently undergone a thorough cleansing, and several important improvements have been effected by Mr. James Goddard, organ builder, of Newport. BLAENAVON. FORESTRY.-On Monday last, court Jacob's Wish," No. 3890 of the A.O.F., celebrated its anniversary at the Market Tavern. The brethren, about 120 in number, formed in procession at noon, and headed by a number of horsemen attired in the regalia peculiar to this fraternity, they marched through the town to the music of the Brecon Militia brass band from Tredegar. They attended Divine service at the English Baptist chapel, where the Rev. J. Rees officiated. After returning to their club room, and partaking of an excellent dinner provided by the host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Richards, the chair was taken by Mr. John Lewis, furnace manager, the vice-chair being occupied by Mr. Fowler, draper. The usual routine of toasts, &c., was given, and each duly honored. A number of toasts, of a local character were also given, including The Directors and Manager of the Iron Works," which was received with enthusiasm. The addresses on Forestry that were given during the evening, were of a very in. teresting character, and the proceedings terminated satis- factorily, ABERGAVENNY. DISTRESSING CARRIAGE ACCIDENT.—On the night of Saturday last, about half-past eleven o'clock, the lifeless body of a man, who was afterwards recognised as John Baker, a post-boy from the Angel Hotel, Abergavenny, was found by a gamekeeper in the employ of John Maund, Esq., of Duffryn Mawr, lying on the road on Llanelly common, underneath an over-turned vehicle (a gig, we believe). The circumstances connected with the melan- choly affair appear to be these: About nine o'clock on the evening of the day named, the deceased was engaged to drive Mr. Maund home from Abergavenny, which he did, and had left the Duffryn on his return journey about an hour previously to his lifeless body being found as described at a spot not far distant from the house he had left, Of course nothing positive can be known as to how the dis- tressing event happened, but the generally received sup. position is that the deceased, whilst driving along, was seized with a fit, to which, it appears, he was subject, although he had not had one for some years, and whether be died in his seat, or after being precipitated to the ground does not appear very clear-probably the former, as no marks of a struggle were perceptible on the ground, -but it would seem that the horse, left to itself, made too sharp a turn at a corner which occurs at the spot, striking the wheel against the bank, and overturning the vehicle on the top of the unfortunate man. The opinion that the poor fellow died before the accident, is still further borne out by the fact of the reins being firmly grasped in his hand-the grip of death,—and by the horse remaining perfectly still and unhurt; no greater damage being done to the vehicle than the breaking of a lamp. The body was, as quickly as possible, extricated and conveyed to the Beaufort Arms Inn, Gilwern, about a hundred yards dis- tant, where an inquiry into the circumstances was opened on Tuesday, before J. Cox Davies, Esquire, coroner for Breconshire, and a respectable jury the latter of whom, after the facts had been deposed to in evidence, returned a verdict of Accidental Death." The deceased was much esteemed by those with whom he was connected, as a quiet, inoffensive and sober man, in token of which his remains were followed to the grave by a number of his fellow-ser- vants and other friends, on Wednesday last, the expenses of the funeral, which was of the most respectable character, being generously borne by Mr. Maund. Deceased was quite a young man, and leaveo a wife and one child. FIRE AT WBBBTCWM FARM.-On the morning of Tues- day last, about eleven o'clock, intelligence reached this town that a fire was raging in the rick-yard of the above farm, in the occupation of Mr. William Watkins, situated in the parish of Llanvetherine. Mr.Watkins himself, who was attending the market here, was the ilrst to be commu- nicated with, and he immediately started homeward, singularly enough, without communicating with the fire- brigade. Upon reaching the spot, however, he fonnd that the efforts of those endeavouring to subdue the flames were of so little avail, that he despatched a messenger back to town for the brigade, the members of which were quickly brought together by the ringing of the fire-bell. On their arrival at the Scene, it was found that two ricks of hay were enveloped in flames, and that other ricks of grain, &c., from their close proximity, were in imminent danger. A difficulty was at first experienced in getting a supply of water, that obtained from a pond close at hand being so dirty that that it would not run through the hose. This was, however, overcome by forming lines to another more distant pond, and handing buckets along. After the engine had been in play some time, it was found that it was making but little impression, the fire having gained so firm a hold that little hope was entertained of saving much, if any, of the hay alreadv ignited, and, in fact, one of the ricks (part of an old one) was left an easy prey to the devouring element—the anxious consideration being to stay its further spread. The expedient of cutting out the fire was, therefore, resorted to and gallantly carried out. During this process the greatest care was necessary in the removal of the burning matter, to prevent it com- municating with the other ricks, and, thanks to the judg- ment and discretion of those engaged in the work, it was safely accomplished, for by five o'clock in the afternoon the brigade was enabled to retire, leaving the place in security, and about four or five tons of the rick to which their atten- tion had been chiefly turned unscathed. We learn from an eye-witness that the conduct of the brigade, which was under the direction of Supt. Freeman, and included his officers Sergeant Edghill and P.C. Paske, was commend. able in the highest degree—indeed, that nothing could excel the promptitude and energy with which the com- mands of the director were carried out by the men, the judiciousness of which commands will find proof in the result, when it is considered that the fire had been raging between three and four hours when the brigade arrived. It is only a pity that their services were not obtained earlier, whereby the loss would have been greatly diminished. As it is, the damage is said to amount to about t60 or £70, whieh is not covered by insurance, Mr. Watkins having about two years since allowed his policy to run out. The conflagration was caused by gross care. lessness; a m,an named Watkins, who was engaged in thatching, lighted a fire near one of the ricks for the pur- pose of cooking some meat, and either some sparks from it, or a-piece of burning paper with which he had been lighting his pipe, was wafted by the wind to the rick. OLDCASTLE.—Tenders having been invited for the restoration cf the church of this parish, the following is the list of estimates sent in:—Mr. Morgan, Hereford, £ 508; Mr. Rees, Kendercburch, £474; Mr. Restal, Bisley, £472 15s.; Mr. Lee. Hereford, £470 14s.; Mr. Hoskins, Abergavenny, £400 2s,; Mr. Prosser, Abergavenny, £400; Mr. Prichard, Cwmyoy, 1;410 6s.; Mr. Lewis, Raglan, £3,iO. The last named tender was accepted. Mr. J. P. Seddon is the architect. MARKET.-Tuesday's market was of rather a limited character, being influenced no doubt to a considerable extent by the approaching fair. The vegetable and fruit departments were, however, pretty full. The only notice- able alteration in prices were the following: Potatoes, 68. to 7s. 6d. apples, 10s. to 12s. pears, 6s. to 9s.; and turnips, 2s. 6d. per sack. Wheat was quoted at 14s. lOd. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, before the Hon. W. P. RODNEY, and the Rev. JAMES FARQUHAR, STEALING TOOLS.—Daniel Dilbert and Dan Dilbert (father, and son) were charged with having, on the 17th of September, stolen a saw, a chisel, a plane, a gimlet, and a pair of pincers, the property of Edward Morris. Mr. Sayce appeared for the prisoners. Prosecutor deposed that he was a baker and grocer, residing in Neville-street, and was owner of a void house, No. 2, Frogmoie-street, in this town. On W ednesday last he saw the tools named in a cupboard in that house. Upon going there on Friday, he missed the tools from where he had seen them, and gave information to the sergeant of police. He had re- cently let the house to a Miss Michael, who, witness understood, had employed the elder prisoner on the premises. On the same day as he missed the tools, witness went with the sergeant to the house where the prisoners lived, and on going into the garden, he first found the saw buried in the ground, and afterwards the plane concealed amongst a heap of stones. The other tools the elder pri- soner very kindly" brought to his house on Saturday night, at the same time saying that he would give himself up; that he had only borrowed them, and that he intended bringing them back again. Ann Wyke deposed that she employed the elder prisoner on Wednesday and Thursday, to cut down a tree in Monk-street, and carry the wood to the house referred to in Frogmore-street. The son came to assist his father on the Thursday night. Cross- examined-The young man was not employed by me. Sergeant Edghill deposed to accompanying the prosecutor to the house occupied by the prisoner, in Mill-street, and to being present when the things were fouqd. He went in search of the elder prisoner, and watched his house that day and night, but could not find him. He found the younger prisoner at the Hardwick farm, who voluntarily said he was in company with his father at the house, whereupon witness took him into custody. Every search was made for the elder prisoner, but without avail, until he gave himself up at the police station, on Saturday night, when he repeated the statement he had made to Mr. Morris, and added that his son knew nothing of the matter. Mr. Sayce submitted that the elder prisoner admitted the charge, but that there was nothing against the young man. The younger prisoner was acquitted of the charge. Several testimonials as to the good character of the elder prisoner were put in. and Mr. Morris said he did not wish to press the charge. The Chairman in addressing the prisoner, said his defence of having borrowed the tools was nonsense, for if such had been the case, he would not have buried them, and he must be convicted of the charge, but in consideration of the good testimonials he bad, and the recommendation of Mr. Morris, the punishment would be a light one. The bench did.not think he was a bad character; in fact, his countenance dispelled such a thought—a man with such a face as his could not be a bad character. He was sen- tenced to 21 days' hard labor. ROBBING A BED-FELLOW.—John Price was charged with stealing three half-sovereigns, the money of James Rachel. The prosecutor deposed that he was at the Tump Tavern, Llanthewy Rytherch, on Monday last, and re- mained there the night. The prisoner came in about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and they stayed drinking together. Witness paid for some beerin the presence of prisoner, taking the money out of a bag in which he had four half-sovereigns and some silver. He emptied the money out in his hand. He :and prisoner ultimately went to bed together at the house, he having counted his money when be paid for the last beer they had. He put his trousers, which contained the bag, and his coat, on the ground by the side of the bed. Prisoner got up about six o'clock on the following morning, telling prosecutor that he was going to work. Witness could not say whether the door of the room was fastened or not. He remained in bed some time after prisoner had gone, and on getting up, noticed a deficiency" in the bag, and that it was tied up differently to the way he tied it. Upon counting the money he missed three half-sove- reigns. He then called the landlord, and afterwards went to the prisoner in the garden, near to the house, where he was working, and charged him with the theft. Prisoner said it was a bad job, but he knew nothing of it. In answer to questions put by the prisoner, witness said it might have been four or five o'clock in the afternoon when he last saw his money, and that he did not miss it in the morning until after he had been down stairs some time. Francis Williams, landlord of the Tump Tavern, proved to the parties being at the house as stated, and that they were left by themselves in the kitchen from about half-past seven to half-past ten o'clock, when they went to bed together. The bed they slept in was the only spare one there was, and there was no one sleeping in the house but his own family, except prosecutor and prisoner. P.C. Hopkins proved to apprehending the prisoner yesterday, about two p.m., in the garden belonging to the Tump Tavern, when in answer to the charge he said-" Aye, I suppose I am; it's a bad job I know nothing about it." The only money found on him was two farthings. Margaret Wil- liams said she lived at the Tump Tavern. She saw the parties in the house, and heard the prosecutor counting his money, and saying something about four half-sovereigns. There was another man in the kitchen with them, named Yorath. The prisoner was committed for trial at the ensuing sessions. PONTYPOOL. THE HANBURY COEPS.—The annual prize meeting in connection with this corps, took place on Tuesday, at the Cwmlickey butts. The weather proved very unpropitious, and consequently the contest was not witnessed by many spectators. Indeed, so unfavorable was the weather that it was thought at the commencement of the shooting, that the competition would extend over more than one day, but it did not do so, having been completed about four o'clock. This, however, may fairly be attributed to the excellent management of Capt. -Commandant Steele, who had matured all the arrangements with considerable perspicuity. The shooting commenced about 8 o'cloek, with the FIRST SERIKS.—Open to rank and file only. Five rounds at 150 yards. First prize, jEl 10s.; 2nd, Ll 3rd, 10s.; 4th, 5s. Entry, 6d.—1st, Private House; 2nd, Private Henry Davis; 3rd, Private R. Corns; 4th, Private W. Sumner. SECOND SKKIES.—Open to rank and file only. Five rounds at 400 yards. First prize, jEl 10s.; 2nd, El 3rd, 10s.; 4th, 5s. Entry, 6d.—1st, Private C. Fowler; 2nd, Private T. Hutchin- son; 3rd, Private G. Tovey; 4th, Private F. Probyn. THIRD SERIES.—Aggregate highest scores in 1st and 2nd series. First prize, £ 1 10s.; 2nd, £ 1; 3rd, 10s.; 4th, 5s. No entry. —1st, Private House; 2nd, Private F. Probyn; 3rd, Private C. Fowler 4th, Private J. Evans. FOURTH SERIES.—Open to all ranks. Five rounds at 200 yards. First prize, ti 10s. 2nd, £1; 3rd, 10s.; 4th, 5s. Entry 6d. —1st, Color-Sergeant Fowler; 2nd, Private House; 3rd, Pri- vate W. Davis (grocer) 4th, Private Hutchinson. FIFTH SERIES.—Open to all ranks. Five rounds at 500 yards. First prize, JEl 10s.; 2nd, jEl; 3rd, 10s.; 4th, 5s. Entry 6d. —1st, Lieut. Williams; 2nd, Private Hutehinson; 3rd, Color- Sergeant Fowler; 4th, Private W. Davis (gardener). SIXTH SERIES.—Aggregate highest score in Nos. 4 and 5. First prize, El 10,. 2nd, £1 j 3rd, 10s.; 4th, 5s. No entry. -Ist, Color-Sergeant Fowler; 2nd, Lieut. Williams; 3rd, Private Hutchinson; 4th, Private House. SEVENTH SERIES.—Open to rank and file only. First prize, a handsome Silver Watch, presented last year by Mr. Golding, and won by Lieut. Williams, who now again offered it for competition; 2nd, 10s.; 3rd, 5s.; 4th, 5s. Awarded, to the four highest scores made by rank and file in 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th series, added together for a general aggregate. Entry 6d. (in addition to the entries for the above named series).—1st, Private Hutchinson; 2nd, Private House; 3rd, Private Henry Davis; 4th, Private W. Sumner. EIGHTH SERIES.—Open to all ranks. Seven rounds at 400 yards. First prize, a Steward's Rifle Telescope, presented by Color-Sergeant Fowler 2nd, a handsome Pencil Case; pre- sented by Mr. Evans, watchmaker; 3rd, 10s.; 4th, 5s.—1st, Priv ate Probyn; 2nd, Private C. Fowler; 3rd, Private W. Davis (grocer); 4th, Private House. NINTH SERIES.—An all-comers Sweepstakes, open to volunteers and the public. Entrance, 5s. Seven rounds at 500 yards. (Uniform not required.) First prize, half the entrance money; 2nd, one-fourth; 3rd and 4th, the remainder, equally dividecl.-18t, Color-Sergeant Fowler j 2nd, Corporal Joshua; 3rd, Private House 4th, Lieutenant Williams. A pool target was open throughout the day, the entries being 2s.6d each competitor. The amount thus collected, was divided between Lieutenant Williams and Corporal Joshua. We must not omit to add that Lieut. Hair did not com- pete for any of the prizes. INDICATIONS OF IMPROVEMENT IN TBABH.—Tho Pontnewynydd forge, which has been closed for a long time, is, we are informed upon reliable authority, about to be re-opened by Messrs. Mayers and Co., of Millwsll, a well-known London firm. Many erroneous reports res-I pecting the resumption of work at the above forge have of late appeared in contemporary journals, and our statement might therefore be looked upon with some degree of doubt, but we have the best evidence before as of the truth of our assertions; and our readers have indeed some tangible ground for believing that the dark cloud which has so long enveloped the commercial enterprise of this district is dispersing with encouraging rapidity, and that Pontypool and its neighbourhood will not be long before it will assume its wonted activity. Another fact tending to substantiate bis belief, is that the tin works at Pontnewydd, which have been purchased by Mr. Ben. Conway,will very shortly be ready to resume work. By the by, we might add that there is an ON DIT, current to the effect that the locomotive department is to be removed from Hereford to Pontypool road. If such be the case, it will be the means of raising our town to a higher standard of importance, and if circumstances should favor the branch of industry upon which so many hundreds in this coal producing neighbourhood are engaged in, we may look forward to the future state of Pontypool with no small degree of pleasure and gratification. THE LATB MR. DAVIS.—On Monday, a meeting was held at Trevethin Church for the purpose of deciding upon the character and position of the monument or tablet about to be erected to the memory of the above named gentleman. Several designs were inspected and it was finally resolved to accept the one handed in by Mr. Thomas, of Newport, the chancel being the place decided upon for its reception. The tablet consists chiefly of Caen stone, the interior being of white marble, upon which the inscription is intended to be inscribed. It is of an orna- mental but chaste character, and is likely to be generally admired. The wording of the inscription is not yet decided upon, but it will be this day (Friday), when a meeting for that purpose is to be held. CHUBCH PASTORAL AID SOCIETy.-Sermons on behalf of this society were preached at Trevethin church, and the Town School room, on Sunday, and on the following Tuesday a public meeting was held at the last mentioned place, in furtherance of the same object,—A A. Williams, Esq., presiding. Prayer having been offered up by the Rev. R. N. Kane, he addressed the meeting. He remarked that during the past year, the collections in this town had been dBll less than the previous year. This, in a great measure, he attributed to the depression of trade and the withdrawal of the influence of the late Mr. Davies. He spoke of the benefits arising from the operations of such societies, and concluded by expressing a hope that next year the funds would be in a more flourishing condition, and that the word "Progress" would be inscribed on the Society's report. The Rev. W. D. Horwood spoke of the evidences that bad been given of the practical utility of such societies as the present, and was followed by the Rev. Mr. Tatlock (the deputation), who addressed the meeting at some length. He adverted to the efficiency of the lay agents employed by the Society, observing that it had employed such agents for the past 28 years. He observed that the funds of the Society bad considerably fallen off during the past year-the decrease being something like £ 4000. He ascribed this circumstance to the fact that a very large amount of money had been devoted to the Lancashire Distress Fund, which had been an all-absorbing topic throughout the country. The falling-off had not, however, been in the general subscriptions, but in legacies, &c., which was, so far, gratifying. He remarked that the Lancashire people treated the exponents of a good cause with considerable warmth, to which he could bear personal testimony, he having been a curate in Lancashire. Having narrated several anecdotes illustrative of the good effected by such societies as the one under consideration, he con- cluded by making an earnest appeal for the support of the Society's labors. The doxology was then sung, and the meeting separated. The collection amounted to upwards of £6. EXPLOSION.—On Thursday, an explosion of some dross occurred at the Town forge. It seems that it had been prematurely upset from the "tapping coadb," by a man named Henry Courtney, on to the wet ground, the conse- quence being that it exploded, and painfully injured three men besides himself, he being so seriously ipjured that it is not expected he will recover. CAERLEON. THB MANSLAUGHTER CASE.The four prisoners, Jas. Powlson, James O'Brien, Jeremiah Mrfdden, and Henry Barry, whose case was fully reported in our last, were brought before the Eev. W. Powell, John James, Esq., find C. Nicholson, Esq., justices of the peace, on Friday the 18th, when the same evidence as that given at the inquest, was taken, and the bench committed the prisoners for trial at the next Monmouth assizes, on the Charge of feloniously killing and slaying Edmond Francis. The other man concerned in the outrage, Michael O'Brien, is supposed to have escaped to Ireland, and has not yet been taken. THB FAIR on Monday last, was better supplied with live stock, pigs excepted, than for many years past; pur- chasers, however, were scarce, and consequently little business was effected; horned cattle and sheep maintained good prices, but horses and pigs figured very low. PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY, before the Rev. WM:, POWELL, and JOHN JAMES, and C. NICHOLSON, Esqrs. TRESPASS.—Henry Holt, was charged with having com- mitted a trespass by breaking in a door in the dwelling house of Thomas Pattimore. Complainant keeps the Mill Tavern at Cwmbran, the defendant was in there drinking on the 15th inst., when he quarrelled with and assaulted George Walters, which resulted in his being put out of the house. He then threw stones against the door and broke it in. Fined 92 10a., including expenses. SURETIES OF THE PEACE.—Sarah Phillips, a very res- pectably dressed woman, applied to have her husband, Thomas Phillips, put under sureties of the peace. The wife stated that they lived at Cwmbran, and had been. married twelve years; that for the laat three years her husband had taken to drink a great deal, and when in a drunken state he had beaten her, thrown knives at her, broken the household goods, and threatened her with bodily harm. The husband did not deny getting drunk, but said he had never struck his wife. The magistrates ordered him to find two sureties of £10 each, to bind himself in j620 to keep the peace for 6 months, and to pay 14s. 6d. costs.

CORRESPONDENCE. RAGLAN TEA MEETING.—CHARACTER OF CONTROVERSY. To the Editor of the UaK OBSERVER. SIR,—As a lover of Christian truth, and one sensitive to any deviation from right principle and consistent policy on the part of those who are its assumed advocates, I feel impelled to request the opportunity of a few comments upon ,the controversy which recently appeared in your journal, and likewise in a contemporary, on the subject of a tea party at Raglan. It is not my purpose either to affirm or deny the truth of the paragraph which occasioned the correspondence referred to, but to arraign the repudiable character of those letters, signed W. P. W. C. P. &c., &c., as coming from men avowing themselves to be the advocates and de- fenders of evangelical truth. I must say that a more undignified and deplorable exhibition, both from a religious and intellectual point of view, I never before noticed in your columns, written as those letters were in a spirit of vindictiveness and voracious malignity; therefore utterly at variance with christian virtues, and calculated only to induce scoffers to point to their professions with just contempt. That'the paragraph was written at least in a tone re- spectful, with candour, must be conceded, tar why was it that so much of the proceedings was commended P and if the criticisms contained therein were just and called for, then common sense must commend the writer too, for his boldness and honesty in discharging what he might have conceived to be a duty. Many might have made a similar complaint in private, Without having the temerity to do so in public. There is nothing more contemptible than the pitiful sycophant, who would either sacrifice or hold in abeyance a truth, for fear of disturbing the equa- nimity of others, when its avowal becomes a duty. But the paragraph is alleged to be false. Well, if so, why was it not rebutted with facts, and replied to with decorum and in a spirit exemplary of the christian virtues? Had the writers no reliance on the potency of such weapons? Evidently ao Although the REAL author, as is well known, is a minister of the gospel of twenty years' standing, yet by this simple test his inconsistency as a professor is at once laid bare. The writers (W. P. & Co.) prefar dealing with the subject at issue upon the method AD CAPTANDUM VUEQUS—playing the game of detraction— thus "Sceptic," "Son of St. Crispin," "Knight of the Lapstone," Ghastly, sepulchral-like looking visage," Bare-bone broth," and such like other low, vulvar epithets and inelegant phraseology were, by the self assumed representatives of evangelical truth, brought into requisition against the alleged sceptical writer" of the offending paragraph. Then a series of apparently gratui- tous assumptions about his heresy were next entered upon, which, even if true, were altogether out of place, and intended only to foster prejudice in the minds of the illi- terate. When professed christians are heard to prate about the Love of God." &c., and at the same time to thus belie and degrade their profession, well may the sceptic ask—Where is now the new heart "—the chris- tian's love "—or the boasted potency of his principles?" True christians, by the force of nobler and purer impulse, always take far higher ground of advocacy and defence than this: such is only the little muddy track of the poor dwarfy and benighted sectary. But again, for another most glaring inconsistency on the part of the real author (D. L.) of those famous letters, signed W. P. W. C. P. &c. Being himself ashamed to acknowledge them, he has affixed a signature noto- riously not his own, but that of a man better known in his locality for his pugnacious and gambling propensities than for his devotion to evangelicalism--one who has been frequently made to write saintly on the subject of, or what would be more correctly speaking, to burlesque, the chris- tian profession—a man who, whilst he is put to upbraid the so-called sceptic for not attending the Sunday school and prayer meeting, is himself more frequently at the gambling table, on the skittle ground, or in a braw], than at a. place of worship That such a man should have been selected to represent evangelical truth is but the very height of absurdity, and well calculated to bring her cause into disrepute. Such waywardness on the part of a christian minister is reprehensible in the extreme, and should be deprecated by everyone. Intellectually, the performance of W.P. W.C.P. &c., is also most unsuccessful, imbecile, supercilious, and ridiculous, possessing neither tact, relevancy, coherence, nor constructiveness, but only ill-nature, petulance, rant, cant, and tattle, and a string of silly, childish creations and vague assumptions, worthy only of the antiquated dame of L-y, of whom it is proverbial that she has a singular monomania for throwing milk and water upon unoccupied benches—altogether, a sorry effort for a man set up to vindicate evangelical truths against scepticism, and utterly below comment. Should it be asked why do I thus flagellate the van- quished-as vanquished those emipirics "W. P." & Co. undoubtedly are,-add when belonging to my own camp, in answer—I would that truth should be triumphant and that such persons as W. P. W. C. P. &c.—i.e,, D.L. &c.—should confine themselves to some sphere of action where their services may be useful, instead of employing themselves in thus bringing upon the christian profession odium and ridicule. Further, it is not my province to animadvert upon the letters of John Hall, he not having assumed the religious profession, i.e., the sickly sentiment which the other writers do; although there is no doubt but what a little more forbearance and a little less of the indignant would have been better on his part. He also appears, by the prodigal use he has made of his ammuni- tion, to have both over estimated the importance of the dispute and the STATUS of his assailants, which do not evince a disciplined judgment. In conclusion, I must express my deepest regret that so many of our prominent religious men do rather aim to beat down discussion than to encourage it. Many there are who, when speaking of a religious subject, put on all the airs of ini'allability, and seem to fancy that they possess a sort of immunity from all criticism—whatever they do or say must, as a matter of course, be commended- obedience and submission are the Alpha and Omega of their prosy essays. If those invested with the high func- tions of the christian ministry were to encourage a little more FREE THINKING, in its true sense-exhibit a more practical belief tllenaselves-make a better acquaintance with the moral wants of their flock-devote themselves to their mission as a duty rather than as a ceremonial and a commercial affair-a more vigorous, intelligent and effec- tive advocacy would be induced, and they would thereby give a more practical, hence a more effectual answer to soepticism than by adopting the principle of intimidatiou and detraction. Yours, &c., J. MC.INNIS. Newport, Sept. 23rd, 1863. [We have been obliged, in accordance with our rule, to eliminate one or two personal allusions in the above of a defamatory character.—ED.U-O.] Printed and Published by the Proprietor, WILLIAM HENRY CLARK, at his Offices, Bridge Street, Usk, in the County 91 Monmouth, September 26, 1863.—SECOHP EBISIPN.