The Illustrated Usk Observer and Raglan Herald

TO CORRESPONDENTS AND READERS. Pontypool County Court and Panteague Local Government Meeting to hand too late. Meeting of Roger Edwards' Charity (Usk) unavoidably held over.

USK. FLOWERING SUNDAY-—The ancient AND pretty custom of adorning- the graves of the departed with flowers, was fully observed in the various burial grounds in this town and neighbourhood on Sunday last. In the yarn of the Parish Church the flowers were generally of a very choice description, and many of the devices were tastefully wrought. USK AND PONTYPOOL HIGHWAY BOARD. The first meeting of this Biard was held at the Town Hall, Usk, «n Tuesday last, there be ng present:— G. R. Greeuhow-Relph, Esq., S. Cburchil, Esq.F. M'Donnell, Esq., and John Thompson, Esq., ex officio way-wardens. The following parochial waywardens also handed in their certificates, and took their sears as representatives of the parishes attached to their names:—-Mr. Moseley, Glaseoed Mr. Wm.Cadle, Gwehelog Mr. John Williams, Gwer- negney," Mr. Edward Price, Keineys Commander; Mr. E. Lister, Llanbaddoek; Mr. John H ivcox, Llangevjew; Mr. NV. Rowlands, Llarillowell; Mr. Ed war E;atis, Llantris- Bet.t; Mr. John Howells, Monkswood Mr. Lane. Trostrey; Mr. Wm. Price, U.,k; Mr. Thos. Watkins, Llanvair; Mr. Gwatkin, Goytrey; Mr. Wakin Herbert, Llanvihangel Pontymoile; Mr. John Morgan, Mr. Cradock Watkins, Llangwm Ueba; Mr. James Powell, Llangwm Isha; Mr. Francis Harris, Bettws Newydd; Mr. John Jones, 1,LwRoy. Mr. Thomas Watkins Was voted to the chair, pro. tern. and the first business brought before the meeting was he appointment ot a c airman of the Board. Mr. Greenhow- Relph proposed Mr. Lister, which was seconded by Mr. Wto. Price. Mr. John Morgan moved as an amendment, that Mr. Thomas Walkins be chairman of the Board, which was seconded by Mr. Watkin Herbert. Upon a Show of hands, there appeared for the amendment, 14; for the motion, 6. Mr. Watkins was therefore declared chair- man. It was unanimously resolved that the head-quarters ot the Board should be at Ulik, and that the meetings should be held on Fridays, by adjournment, it being incidentally observed that occasional meetings could he held at Punty. pool it required. It was further agreed that seven should form a quorum. The meeting then took into consideration the appoint- ment of officers, and Mr. John Morgan proposed that a clerk be appointed at a salary Mr. Lister thought that as the clerk would have a con- siderable amount of correspondence to attend to, and a number ofaccounts to keep, the sum named would not be sufficient to secure an efficient officer. Mr. Greenhow-Relph suggested that as the work would be much heavier the first year than afterwards, it would he desirable not to fix the salary for the first year he however, considered a reasonable suin, if it was deter. mined to fix the amount. Alter sume further remarks it was arranged that advertisements should be issued for a I clerk at a salary of 920 per annum. With regard to the appointment of surveyor, the Chair- man said be thought it would be advisable to appoint two Jnen-a surveyor and an assistant-surveyor, apportioning to the first a district including certain parishes he enume- rated, cosopr 6 ng 58 miles, to beralied District No. 1; and to the latter, unoi her district, comprising 59 miles, to be called Nu. 2 District. j Mr. Greenhow-Relph advocated the appointment of a good practical man to lake the entire charge of the dis- trict, which he said would prove not only the best, but ill the end the most economical plan. Such a person would require no assistant beyond appointing one of his work- men as foreman over the others when works were in pro- gress. In support of his argument the speaker instanced the Usk Turnpike Trust and the Monmouth and Usk Railway, both of which had secured the services of thoroughly efficient officers at very moderate salaries. He thought such a man might be obtained for £80 per annum. Mr. John Morgan said the district had been so ill. formed—resembling much the tail of a comet, and ex. tending from the borders of Glamorganshire in the west nearly to Gloucestersb Ire in the east—that it would be impossible for one man to properly superintend it. He therefore proposed that a surveyor be appointed ai a canary of £60 per annum, and an assistant surveyor at £55. Mr. Greenhow-Relph replied that there would be no difficulty in such a person as he had recommended visiting regularly every part of the district once a mouth, which < he thought would be as much as would be 'equired, and having time besides to devote to parts where repairs were required. lor £ 60, he added, they would get a man who was no more fit to superintend the repairs of the roads than a common workman. Mr. Lister said that in the district he had come from (Cheshire) he had known die plan recommended by Mr. Jtelp'u work well. The speaker gave his own opinion that it, would be lar preferable to have one good man than two inferior ones. Mr. Uiiveox spoke in support of Mr. Relph's views, and added hii) opinion that ttie working of the Act would be beneficial, inasmuch as it would do away with the favoritism which was displayed under the old system. Mr. Greenhow-Relph then proposed as an amendment to Air. Morgan's motion, ihat one surveyor be appointed at a salary ot £100 per annum. Upon the motion and amendment being put to the meeting, the latter was carried by a large majority, and it was ordered that advertisements be inserted in the local papers accordingly. Tbe meeting was then adjourned to Friday, the 12th of May, at two p.m.

MON MOUTH. THE NEW COKW EXCHAH&B—It will be seen by advertisement that the opening ot this edifice will be cele- brated by a grand ball, to be held on Tuesday next. The influential names which appear on the list of r-tewards sufficiently indicate the warm interest with which the unaeriaking is regarded, and it any further guarantee it required thut the event will prove worthy of the occasion, it win I)e found in the lact that the catering and arrange- ments generally are intrusted to Mr. John Thomas, ot the White Swan lintel. ACCIDENT.—On Wednesday last, as Mrs. Charles, wife of the landlord of the Oi.u Nag's lielid Inn, Dixton, was engaged in bfewing, and was attempting to take the lid oil the furaace, her cioi hes were drawn into the flue and caught lira She ran out into the road, where she was met, anil the flames wen extinguished, but not be lore she had sustained some serious injuries to both her arms. CRiCxm.—The members of the "Peep O' Day Boys" Cricket Club held their opening uieetiagtortitc season, on JtVidt*J Wet, Jú the friouceettyrshirs House, By geacrtil consent, the retiring officers and committee were re-elected, and M vote of thanks accorded to them for the interest they had taken in the welfare of the club. Several new members were ballotted for. and the secretary gave an encouraging account of the flourishing state of the funds, expressing a hope that the ensuing season would prove more successful than the last. The captain then informed the meeting that play would commence on Good Friday, at 2 p.ra., weather permitting. LOST.—Thomas Spivey, toll-collector, on Monday last, was unfortunate enough to lose a quantity of gold and silver, amounting to nearly £6, in Monnow St,reet. tie iriquiries gave information to the police who, after making inquiries, traced the finding of the property to a little bar named Godfrey, about nine years of age, who said he picked up a paper packet in the street, and found it to contain six bright pieces of coin like new halfpence, and upon being shown some gold and silver mixed, he selected a gold piece as resembling that which he picked up. Upon beinu- questioned, the chiid said he took the coins to a shop, which he pointed out, and was given 6J. in coppers for them; but the person to whorn he said he had given them denied rt-ceiring anything more than a sixpenny piece with a hole in it from the child. No further clue to the money has yet been discovered. B.) ROUGH POLICE COURT, MONDAY, before the MAYOR. THE WOMEN,—Hannah Pritchard, of the Kymin, a married woman, ell Irged Mary Jones, also a married woman, with using violent and threatening language, which sae alleged placed her in bodily fear. His worship, after hearing the statements of both sides, which were very contradictory, considered that each was in fault, and therefore ordered thelu It,) be bound over to keep the peace for 12 months, and to pay the costs between them.

CAERLEON. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, before the Rev. W. POWELL and J "IlN JAMES, Egq. ALL ABuUT A GAL."—Owen Powell, Thomas Powell, and William Powell (brothers) were charged with assault- ing Riciard VVetiley, at Llantarnam. Complainant stated that he was returning from a tea party with a young womtw, when Tuomas Powell, came up to him and said, What do you want with that gal," to which be replied, "'Tis no odds of yours;" Thomas then struck him, the other two pushed him down, and the former beat him on the ground; they then ran away. Cross-examined: I did not strike Thomas Powell first, nor offer to fight him. Several witnesses were examined, who proved that Thomas Poweil struck the complainant, but neither of them saw the other defendants t;uch him. Tnoraas Powell was fined 20s. including costs, the other two defendants being discharged. ASSAULT.—John Jones, Luke Johns, and Richard Johns were charged with assaulting Joseph Davies, ou toe 20tn M nch, at Cwmbran. Complainant stated that he was at work in I he forge, when a lad named LewilS came and ■sked him for money that he owed him, and upon his refusing to pay him, John Jones came and offered to ficrht and struck him; Luke and Richard Johns also Ctime LIp. and having pulled him down, they all kicked him in the side, and knocked several of his teeth out; witness got up and went to wash himself, and Jones after- wards struck him again; the treatment he received inca- p icita.i eel him 'or work until the 1st of April. Cross- examined: I did not strike Lewis, nor offer to ficiit the h"SI man in the forge. Complainant, had no witnesses but several were examined tor the defence, and among thftn William Lea is (the lad referred to), who stated: 1 went to D ivies and asked him tor sixpence he owed me; he said If I did uot go away he would make me; he then struck me down twice, and offered to fight the best man there; Jones then cattle and took the matter up and they fought; I only saw one blow pass between each man; Richard Johns did not go near them, he stood by me on the tram road all the time; Luke Johns went to them while they were fighting, and pushed them from the fire fur fear they would burn. The bench decided that the case vva| not made out against Richard Johns, but fined the 20s. pach. ,-tv* WIFE DESEP.TIO N. -Daniel Brown was charged with leaving his wife chargeable to the Newport Union. Mr. H. Waters appeared in support of the charge, and stated that this was the aecond time for defendant to appear before the bench on this charge. Defendant said his reason for not living with his wife was that he had dis- covered she had a husband living in Ireland. The bench told defendant that he must prove his allegation, and in the meanwhile allow his wife 2s. per week.

ABERGAVENNY. THE HIGHWAY BOA.RD.-On Tuesday a meeting of the waywardens was held at tne Police Hall, and Mr. Thomas Watkins, chairman of the Board, presided. There was a large attendance of waywardens, including Lord Llanover and the Rev. J. Farquhar (ex officio). Mr. James H. Farquhar, solicitor of this town, was elected clerk, the Board being unanimous in the selection. Air. I" rquhar suitably thanked the Board tor electing him, and orders having been given him to advertise for II district surveyor and an assistant surveyor, the meeting broke up. A HOUSE BURNT DOWN.—On Friday night a fire broke out on the premises of Mr. John Cowley, general dealer, Flannel Street. Two children who were in bed at the time were rescued by being thrown from the bedroom window and caught in the street below. The servant in the house nt the time, had a narrow escape from being burnt to d -at h; upon the flames reaching the room she was in, she mad,. her escape by (ueans of a ladder from the top window, Tne lire originated by the brother of tile occupier igniting a musiin dress, by placing a caudle too near to it. The premises are insured, together with the stock-in-trade, j The huu-e was completely gutted, but through tne energy t of the police and the fire brigade, the flames were confined to the premises in which they broke out. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, before the Hon. W. P. K IDNEY, the Rev. J. JTAUQUHAR, Captain WKESLEI, and Titos. DAVIES, Esq. DRUNK AND HIOTOUS.—John Jones, laborer, Clytha, charged wi^hthis otfeuce, was ordered to pay the expenses.— John Parry, collier, Govilon, for a similar offence was fined 10s. and eosts. POACHING.—Arthur Warren and Elijah Watkins, la- borers, Govilon, were charged wlLh having, on the 9Cil instant, illegally had itgtff hook in their posses-ion. Mr. Farquhar appeared for the defendants. James Davies, river keeper, proved the charge, and the defendants were fined in the miti- gated penalty of 20s. each, and costs. 1'HB REV. MR. EAGLES AND THE HIGHWAYS AGAIN!—John Price a id John Farr, .surveyors, wore ch,lr>{e,1 by the tie j. Guas. Eagles, 'with the eon-repair of the Bwlch Trcivyn and Oidcastle highways. Mr. Farquhar appeared for defendants. Me. Eagies' stated that the roads had been repaired since he tooii out the summons, and they were in a better state now than they had been for some sixteen years past. The defendants were ordered to pay the costs onlv. ASSAULTS.—Francis Cole, laborer, was charged with assault- ing Jane Watkins, aa ajjed female. Defendant cohseuted io pay the costs, a id the ease was dismissed. John Ilodge and Sarah James, for whom Mr. Farquhar ap- peared, weie charged witu assaulting Julia Barry, and they were fined Gd. each and costi. THE POPULAR READINGS. The tenth and last of tbe fifth series of these readings took place at the Volunteer's Hall, on the 7t inst., when as usual there was a large attendance. Tne Rev. Canon Williams acted as chairman. Mr. Griffiths, the c leorated Welsh harpist, was a great attraction. I he report wnich we beio-» will fully describe the succ as of the read- ings. The following is tne proara tifne: Reading. TheTalking Fire-irons" (pt. second).Power.Rev. Bury Capel. Song. Excelsior." "Miss Baker. Reading A Tale of Christmas Eve." .Rev. Henry Peake. S do—Harp .Mr. Griffiths. Reading The Peris' Trminph.jt/oorf ..Mr. E. Y. Steele. Beading. "The Cripple's Victory.Clark. Ruv. O.F. Pigott. Song My childhood's Home Mis< B.tkw. Reading "Mr. Fingie's Elopement." ..Dickens.Dr. S. H. Steei. Solo—iiarp Mr. ÜrniiLu8. Annual Report Mr. George Feake. The Report ran as follows: — Ladies and Gentlemen,—According to custom, now so well established that it would seem strange to break it through, your committee present to you their Report of the fifth annual series of the Abergavenny Popular Readings which closes to-night. We have to sav little that will not prove indeed a repetition of what vou have heard on former occasions; we have to refer to the sameetf ,ns-.o congratulate ourselves and yun Oil the same success. Even if we take occasion to recapitulate the principle, which we laid down at the commencement of our undertam igs and by which we have been guided without swerving even to the present day, we trust you wilt excuse us for the reasons. popul,ir or Penny Readings which, as far as the West of Bag- land is concerned, were commenced in this town, have now become, after our example, so general throughout the neigh- houring counties as to prove that the idea originated Uy two gentlemen 0: Ipswich had in it so essential all elemeutof popularity—supplied so exactly a want of a largoo class of the community, thit it deserves to be characterised as an inspira- tion of geniu Hut this idea, however fecund, requires careful management .h-it it way beai, season after season, an abundant erop of good aud who.esome fruit. Our aim from the fiist has been a h, 4a one. We have-desired to provide all evening of rational and hearty entertainment for all who chose to pay a penny for h j nut there is not one ot the committee who would associate his name with all undertaking not calculated to pro- mote a good moral tone of thought and teuling; and though- Popular Readings, as we aauounced from the first, could uot succced if the serious and didactic tone were exclusively ¡¡dopted, nnd that though an element of harmless fan and amusement was essential, yet we believe that not from one of our numerous coadjutors has anything really objectionable been hlmrd from this platform, and although we all enjoy a little buffoonery now and then, as the seasoning'of a more- nutritious diet, we have striven always to present you a banquet of solid thoughts and refined and noble ideas, both in prose and poetry, with enough but not too much of the piquant sauce of fun. The ladies who have so kindly helped us have, we need not say, been fully penetrated with this our leading idea. Music is seldom heard of a more noble class, or more finely rendered, than that which we have so thoroughly enjoyed—so thankfuUyappreciated—this season. It has beetf the best reward and the highest proof of that high tone in our undertaking on which we dwell, that ladies so refined and accomplished have not hesitated to take part with us. Had our aim been lower we may be sure that we should have pleaded for their help in vain. It is by means such as these that the Abergavenny Popular Readings have been conducted to the ciose of a fifth season, much more prolonged and quite as successful as any of the previous ones. We do not boast, but that success we refer to is the proof that our plan has been a good one. We will not detain you here to-night by referring to details, but Popular Readings are now so general, and in some instances are conducted in a manner diverging so widely from ours, that we propose shortly to discuss the subject a little more at large in one of the pllhlro journals. Now we close with our usual public expression of thanks to all who have in various ways borne a helping hand with us in our work. To M.-s. Richards and others who have kindly lent chairs, and to Mr. James Bigglestone, junior, Mr. W. E. N. Brow le, Afr. Dudley Watkins, Mr. Jas. Lodge, Mr. George Peake, and Sergeant Green, who have helped at the doors by taking tickets or otherwise. The following is the mode in which we propose to appropriate the funds at our disposal:—Dispensary, 5 guineas; Volunteers, 3 guineas; Reading Association, 3 guineas; Clothing, 1 guinea, and Coal Club, 1 guinea. You will doubt- less feel an interest in hearing the number of people who have attended the readings during the past season. Calculating the number present this evening at 400, as nearly as possible 4,000 have attended—1,000 in excess of last year. The receipts amounted to £35 of which, after deducting ail expenses and 13 guineas for donations, there will be a small balance in hand. TOWN IMPROVEMENT COMMISSIONERS. A meeting of ihis body was held at the Town Hall, on the 6tlt inst., as briefly mentione in our last. There were present-Mr. E. Y. Steele (chairman), Mr. 1. Isaacs, Mr. Jos. Meredith, Mr. Baoer, Mr. Philip Morgan, Mr. Brown, and Mr. Hoskins. ELECTION OF A COMMISSIONER. The Chairman said he was sorry Mr. Lewis (iron- monger) had retired from the Board, tie had known Mr. Lewis lor a 4reat many years, and bad great respect for iiitri. However, as he had retired, it was necessary for them to supply his place, and he would suggest that Mr. Creswell (ironmonger), should be elected to it. Mr. Cres- well was willing to undertake the duties, and he was sure they would find him an active, efficient, and industrious member ot the Board, and the only difficulty he would labour under would be want ot time to devote to the busi- ness; however, he had stated his willingness to make a sacrifice for the public goud, and he (the chairman) would propose that he be appointed in the place of Mr Lewis, who had resigned. Mr. Isaacs seconded the proposition, and it was carried. THE NEW WATER WORKS. With reference to these works the tollowing report was read: Pontypool. March 25th, 1865. I To the Abergavenny Improvement Commissioners. GKHTLUMKN,—I nave the honour to inform you that I have completed the extension of y mr Water Works at Llwynddu, from the original tank to the brook, and in addition, I have constructed a reservoir capable of holding about 65,000 gallons of water. This, I must explain, is an extra, and was not calcu. lated in my report bearing upon the approximate cost of cpn- nccting the brook with the tank. At the time that report was drawn up, I did tiol think it would be necessary to construct a reservoir at the present time; but from the discussions that took plaoe upon that report, I found there was a probability of a supply of water being required (at uo distant day) for the Asylum, for the purpose of extinguishing! fire, should such a contingency arise. Looking at that fact, I then considered it absolutely necessary- to make some provision for the storage of water in addition to the supply running in the brook. I was still further'urged to take this course in consequence of your having acquired the right to a certain portion of land under your Act, which had you not availad yourselves of at once, your powers would have lapsed; and naA it afterwards been found necessary to construct a reservoir for the purpose of im- pounding water, you might have had considerable difficulty in acquiring land for th it purpose. And further, by constructintj a reservoir I gained about 7ft. of land, and so increased the discharging power of the main without increasing the idze of the main pipes. This, I considered very important. I there- fore thought that I was studying your best interests by con- structing a reservoir at once, and thereby placing YOll in a position to supply the Asylum, or any other customer that might offer. The additional supply ptaced at your disposal (without reckoning upon the contents of your reservoir) is about 3,100,000 gallons per diem at the present time, and I should s iy, judging from my Knowledge oi tne orooK, ii, would produce something like half that quantity during a dry summer. So that with your little stock in the reservoir to fall back upon, I consider you are now fully prepared, so far as an ample supply of water can make you so, to meet any contiu-t geucy that may arise from tire. The rubble work of the weir is all laid with the best Aberthaw lituo, Great attention was also paid to the puddling. The werl is built with brick and cement, backed with a strong rubble wall on three sides, and covered over witl.1 a three-eighth inch boiler-plate door, hinged to a framing of angle iron, the d,)or being securely fastened against trespassers interfering in any way with the valve placed below, thereby enabling you to keep your main constantly charged and ready to be turned into the tank by merely opeu- ing a sluice valve placed in the main, convenient to your pre- sent supply tank. ihe distance from the weir to the tank is upwards of 180 yards, and the fall between those two points is 21ft., or ueany l.jin. per yard. With this fall your main is capable of discharging 120,000 gallons per hour into the tank. The sluice valves are all 01 the uest description, double-faced with 4 best gun-metal faces-two on the body of the sluice, and two on the valve—and guti-Laet.ii screw and nut stuffing boxes lushed with Drass. Such a cock is not likely to fail you in the hour of need. I could have saved you SOiUlJ money under this head, by using cocks of an inferior description( bu. I think you will agree with me that it would have been very unwise to have done so, seeing that there-Wouid have been a risk of their fail- ing you when wanted. at the cost of the work you have full particulars in your office. I think there is nothing else that requires to be brought under your notice in this report, as several of you have seen the work; and are fully conversant with all the details connected there witn. Before closing, I may be allowed to remark that tuere is an air of completeness and security about the woiks now that they never possessed before. I have much pleasure in stating that the workmen employed on the various part,- of the work completed their respective parte to my entire satisfaction. 1 nave the honor to be, &o., ANDREW HAIR, Engineer for the Work. The report was unam uously adopted, vlr. Hair tnariked for the interest lie had taken in the works, and the Clerk directed to write to him for his bill. REPORT OF THE STREET AND WATER COMMITTEE. Yoar committee recommend that the old water reservoir and laud attached thereto, at Pjnypound, be offered for sale by auction, and that the reserved price of the same, including the materials of the reservoir, be fixed at the sum of .£50. Your committee think that some steps ought to be taken to dispose of the remaining portion of the spare ground near the Catile Market, and they suggest that it be offered io Dr. Steele, at the rate already fixed by the Board, and if declined by the Doctor, the matter to remain for further consideration. Application was made to the committee LO lay water mams 011 tne Mou- mouth road as far as the Luriti ike. Some circumstances brought to Lile notice of the committee wduced Lhe.11 to deter the COil- sideration of this matter for a short tlUle. The water meter at the workhouse having registered but small quantities during tile last two quarters, the same was ordered to be tested if possible. One of the portable stand being out of repair, the committee ordered a new stand pipe to be procured, and the old one to be sent to the makers for repairs. Complaint was made that the excavators employed in faying gas service-pipes do not open and replace the ground properly that they do not take suilicientcare to place tne surface stones 011 Ulle side while excavating and replace them afterwards. The attention of the gas cotnm>ttee is requesteci to this matter. Tue report, after some discussion, was adopted, and after some routine business had beea transacted, the meeting bruke up.

PONTYPOOL. THB POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS.—The excellent rend- ing and musical entertainments wuicn nave oeen given at mteivals during the winter season in tue British School Room, are about to be discontinued; indeed, what was intended for the last was given on Friday evening, but it was proposed and carried by the meeting tuat one more should take place for tue benefit of tue Pontypool Choral Class, which seemed to bo a very laudable resolution. on the evening named Mr. Ebenezer Davies was called upon to preside, and very judiciously conducted tue proceedings, which were opened oy tho Cnoral Class singing tho glee S -e our Oars," &c., in a commendable manner. Mr. J. Bevan, a youth, next gave a reading—" How to save one's Bacon "—with tolerable effect, but he was unfortunately allowed to give another "aetection" which proved to be aa encroachment on the time that could be devoted to the entertainment. Why do Summer Rjses fade was very nicely sung by Mr. Wm. Edmunds; Mr. T. B. Smitu's "Mocking Bird" was also sweetly rendered, and both met witn an encore. A rpcitution-" Tue Suicide"—was given with considerable dramatic power by Mr. Fulford, of Newport, and was followed by a du t on tue plttno-" ill ta ite I)aii)itti -by Mr. W. H. Huskins and Mr. John Williams, (Pontypool,) which was well received. Macaulay's "Horatius" was forcib,y and properly read by the Rev. J. W. Lance, of Newport, and Mr. T. B. Smith's rea iing was well given, and was of a very useful and practiced tendency. The song "I love the Merry Sunshine," by Mr. S. -Evaus; the duet, "Sunshine and -u Shadow," by Miss Richardson and Mr. W. Edmunds, and f the other pieces contained in tbe programme, were j received with acclamation. Miss Richardson played the accompaniments with her accustomed taste and ability, At the conclusion of the programme the Chairman called upon Mr. Conway to make a few remarks, when that j gentleman observed that he could only inform the meeting this was the last entertainment that would be given this season, and he thought alt who had taken part in them deserved great praise for the services they had rendered, and Mr. T. B. Smith stood the most prominent in this respect, as he had been the life and soul of these enter- tainments. They must not, however, forget to thank those ladies and gentlemen who had come some distance to promote the success of the gatherings, and they ought to be particularly grateful to their young townsman, Mr. W. H. Haskins, for his efforts in the same direction. It had been suggested b v the Chairman that one more enter- tainment should be given tor the benefit of the Choral Class, but this was for the consideration of the meeting whether it should be so or nut. He would merely observe that the money that had been derived from these enter- tainments had been expended in cleaning the room and other incidental expenses atten ling them. (Cheers.) It having been formally proposed that another meeting should be held for the benefit of the Cnoir, it was carried unanimously. The Rev. J. W. Lauce very much approved of these public readings, and thought them likely to be productive of much good. He knew that a great deal of trouble and expense were involved in carrying them into effect, but in the bendits tbat would result from them great credit would be done to our townspeople. He was nappy to meet them on this occasion, and hoped it, would not be tho last opportunity he should have of doing so. (Loud cheering.) VOLUNTEER'S FUNERAL-The interment of the late Mr. Joseph Merchant, of the Sun Inn, Trosnant, who died on the 31st ult., in the 53rd year of his age, took place on Friday last, and as deceased was a member of the 2nd Mon. Rifle Volunteer Corps, his remains were attended to their last resting place by his comrades, and interred with military honors. The deceased being generally respected throughout the district in which he resided, and belonging also to the Ancient Order of Foresters, the solemn cortege was considerably augmented in numbers by his brethren of the order, and other of the inhabitants who h id come to pay a last mark of respect to I his memory by following his remains to the grave. The funeral procession having been formed, started from rrusnant to Llanvihangel Pontymoila church in the following order: — _n. Firing Party. Band of the 2nd Monmouthshire Volunteers playing the Dead March in Saul. James Essex, Esq. (surgeon), The Rev. W. D. Horwood, W. H. Lloyd, Esq., Arthur Edwards, Esq., Mr. J. F. Williams, Mr.jWoolley. W Under Bearers. to Under Bearers. Pof Pall Bearers. g Pall Bearers. o Mourners Mr. E. Merchant, Mr. S. Merchant, Mr. Brewer, Mr. Seard, Mr. Wallace, Mr. Wyatt. Riflemen. Foresters. Members of the Hanbury or 5th Mon. Corps of Volun- taers also joined the procession, and the cotfiu was carried by members of the corps to which deceased belonged, whilst the pall bearers consisted of Foresters. The Rev. C. Cook conducted the funeral service, and at the termina- tion of the solemn proceedings the volunteers returned, and having marched through the town were dismissed. TOWN HALL, SATURDAY, before G. R GREENHOW- RELPH an t JOHN THOMPSON, Esquires. AFFILIATION Will-iam Ham, Pontnewynvdd, was charged by Ellen Griffiths for the support of her illegiti- mate child. Complaiuant said that defendant had given her money to buy some necessary articles for the child. Sarah Vincent deposed to hearing defendant say to com- plainant, "You swear the child and I'll own it." An order of 2s. 6d. a week, with 15s. 6d. costs, was made on defendant, who did not appear. JUVBVILB THIEVES.—John Williams. 13, ai^ffymmon Saunders, 10, were charged with Vaving st.den a^^tch, the property of Thomas Wathen. Mr. Greenway appeared* forthe prisoner Willi tins. It. seemed that the prisoners, who reside at Talywain, were at Pontypool fair. on Monday, when they saw prosecutor druuk and asleep in a public house and took his watch from him. Saunders subsequently gave the watch up to Williams' mother, trcUiug 1. 1: 1. 1.1. — r- —* •*» .I.l:¡. they had pledged the guard, and that her son was spending the money in drink. Williams' father ultimately handed the watch to Superintendent Macintosh. It further tran- spired that the prisoner Williams was apprehended at lVIrs, Bloom's pawnshop, as he was endeavouring to pledge the guard, between eight and nine o'clock on the night of the robbery. Tile watch and guard having been identified, Superintendent Macintosh produced a number of trinkets found in the possession of Williams, which it was sup- posed he had pilfered from stalls in the fair. Williams was committed to gaol for two months, the Chairman intimating tnat he would have had a longer term had it not been for the temptation offered by the prosecutor, and Saunders was let off with a penalty of 10s. including costs, it being assumed that, he was acting under the in- fluence of his elder companion. ANOTHER JUVENILE OFFENDER.—A little girl named Emily Richards was charged yvith stealing a purse con- taining El Is. 9 I., the property of Elizabeth Hallen. Mr. Alexander Edwards appeared for the prisoner. From the evidence it appeared that prosecutrix, white at the Cvvm- braue Railway Station, missed her purse, but she did not know wuether she had placed it in her pocket or on the the seat beside her after paying for her ticket, and suspecting the prisoner sfeie gave her in charge of P.C. Burroughs, who on searching her found the purse and its couteuts in her possession. Evidence having been given in favour of prisoner, who seemed to be the daughter of respectable parents, the bench said that she did not appear to have had any felonious intention, and the crime she had been guilty of was tint of telling a lie in saying that she had not seen the purse, when at the same time she had it in her pocket. Sue was reprimanded and dis- charged. ONE AS BAD AS THE OTHER—Thomas Hoskins ap- peared at the instance of M iry Ann Harris on a charge of assault. Mr, W. H. Lloyd appeared lor defendant. These parties reside in the neighbourhood of Blaenavou, and it would seem tuat on the nig it of Saturday last a squabble arose between them, during which, complainant alleged that defendant struck her, an he said that she first threw water upon him. Alter hearing several wit. nesses, the bench expressed its opinion tnat the pa'ties were equally to blame, a id ordered them to be bouud over to keep tile peace an I pay 83 6d. each costs. A CAUTION TO THB POLICE.—William Broad was ch irged wn h having stoln a quantity of coal, tne property of Thomas Jones, Llankilleth. P.C. Garrett deposed to having seen tIe prisoner ou Sunday night, at a quarter to twelve o'clock, go towards church Where coal was deposited aud take a lump away. In answer to the Chairman wituess said that having suspected prisoner he watched him, but. kept out of his view. The Chairman intimated that he ought to have shewn himself, as it was his duty to prevent crime as well as t ) detect it. Prisoner was committed to gaol for seven days, with hard labor, and tne policeman was enjoined to remetubar what the Chairman hid told him. VIOLENT ASSAULT. —Morgan Harris and Wm. Morgan were cuarged wiui uaviug assaulted Rees Lewi" and Jouo James. Mr. Green way appeared for cOlllplaillants a011 Mr. Evans tor defendants. This case occupied a length of time in its investigation, but the main facts of it are J simply as follows: —Complainants were drinking at the Crown lun, Uarudilfaitn, on Monday, the 3rd inst., where they were joined by the defendants, whom they treated to some run, as one of them sai l he ha,1 no money; a quar- rel ultimately arose amongst the ptlrtv-as complainants alleged, because they would not pay for m ire rum, and, as defendants staled, because tiley would rwt become con- verted to cue religious persuasion of the former-and on leaving the nouse defendants severely beat complainants. Tho occupier (Ii the premises was censured fur having supplied ru n to people uaui taey did not appear to know what tney were doing, and defendants were convicted in the penalty of 40s. each, including costs. THRUATS.—Philip Lewis .v,\S cuarged wifh having used threats towards Joseph Go idenough. Mr. W. H, Lloyd appeared ior defendant. The defendant, it seems, resides at Giascoed, and having quarrelled with and separated from his wite, he blamed complainant for having caused Ins connubial infelicity, and in so doing made use ot the threats alleged. From several questions proposed by Mr, Lloyd it woulfl appear that complainant had, at the request of the parties, transacted business between them. Defendant was ordered to enter iuto aur< lies of tne peace and pay Us. costs. MORS I'HREATU.—John Morgan pleaded guilty to having threatened tleury Jones. It appeared that defen- dant had said to Complainant that if he had been at Blaenavon when he was he would have caused kira to have bad a good" biding." He was ordered to enter into his own recognizances to keep the peace and pay 8s. tid. costs. ASSAULT AND TRESPASS.—John Murphy and wife were charged with having assaulted John Warren and wife, and also committed a trespass on their property, at Blaenavon, on the 26th ult. Defendants were ordered to pay i3. for the damage of goods and 18s. fine and costs. RAILWAY TRESPASS.—Margaret Parry, Abersychan, was charged with trespassing on the M"nmuuth3hire Baii- way. Superintendent Hill and Mr. Day proved the case against defendant, and it appeared that the last named gentleman, who caught her on the line, had cautioned her previously. She was warned by the bench that if brought up again on a similar charge she would be severely dealt with, and ordered to pay 7s. 6d. costs. WAGES CASES.—Robert Mountford, Blaenavon,wassurn- moned at the instance of John Skinner for the non-pay- meut of wages. Defendant said he objected to pay CiJrD- plainant because he had left his employment without giving notice. He was ordered to pay 15s. wages and 7s. costs, and told by the bench that be could summon complainant for leaving his work under the circumstance? he had done. Walter Rogers appeared to answer a similar charge at the instance of John Harrington, Pontypool. Complainant demanded 9101. Defendant was ordered to pay him 5s. 91. and th" court 6s. costs. FIGHTING.—Richard Voyce and Matthew Dixon, Goy- trey, charged on the information of parish constable Prosser with fighting, on the 4th instant, were convicted in the penaltv of 10s. each. Joseph Dugman and Thomas Morris were fined 7s. 6d. each for a similar offence. CHURCH RATES.—An order was made on Elizabeth Evans, Goytrey, tor the payment of a church rate of small amount. CHILD DESERTION.—A female who gave the name of Mary Johnson was charged with having left an infant at the Police Station, Pontypool. It appeared that tho mother of the child had asked defendant to hold it, in a lodging house, whilst she made some tea, and having gone out failed to return to take possession of it. Acting on the advice of other people, defendant took the child to the station, where she behaved somewhat violently as her story was not exactly believed. Farther inquiries having been made, it was found that defendant's statement was substantially correct. She was ultimately liberated, and as the mother of the cuild is known, she will be looked after. PUBLIC HOUSE OFFENCEs.-There were about a dozen beer retiilers summoned for having offended against their licenses by selling beer during prohibited hours. The majority of the defendants were convicted in penalties of 10,. and 20s. each. There was one charge of selling beer without a license, in which the defendant (Michael Griffiths, of tile Race) was fined 20s., including costs. Many other cases were allowed to be settled, and others were adjourned. THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD. An adj uirned meeting of this Board was held in the Town Hall, on Friday last, when there were present: Messrs. E. B. Edwards, (chairman,) Wm. Conway,, W. G. Gilding, R. Greenway, Walter Edwards, A. Bevan, Dr. Williams, James Bladon, Henry Holloway, J. F. Williams, aud James Esses. The meeting had been adjourned principally for the purpose of receiving and confirming the new rate, which had been duly published. From a conversation that ensued on the subject, it would seem that the rate at Is. 6d. in the £ would yield £ô9ô; and the general ex- penditure and what had been ordered 'or paving and other improvements would amount to £6,n, so that a small balance would remain for ziuy incidental expenses that micht arise. It was proposed by Mr. Greenwiy, seconded by Dr. Williams, and carried unanimously, that the new rate be confirmed. A communication having been received from the Home Secretary, enclosing a copy of an order made by the H )use of Commons,—"for a return of all ciisl ric s under the Public Health Act of 1818, and the Local Govern ncnt Act of 1858, of the expeuses incurred for water supply, works oi sewerage, street improvements, and other sani- tary works, respectively, completed or in progress, with the dates of the commencement -and completion of such works, on the security of the rates; and in cases where the districts of Local Boards correspond with districts for —i-u upa made to the Registrar Ge ieral, the average amount or rat.e ot'mortality per iUJUot the popu- lation" during the ten years prior to the completion of such works, and the years (as the case may be) subse- quently to such completion, respectively, arranged alpha- bet ically,"—the Clerk was ordered to fill up tae form as required. It was resolved to accept the offer of Mr, J. F. WiniaDsforthe completion of the pavemo.it from Mr. Greeriway's premises to the Police Station, according to plan and specification. The sum of 92 10s. for rent of stable, due on the 1st instant, was ordered to be paid, and the urinal in the vicinity of tue Forge Hammer was reported as completed.

PENPERGWM. FA.TA.L ACCIDENT ON THE RAILWAY.—On Tuesday, the 4t,h instant, a plate-layer, working on the railway near this place, named Thomas Motley, received such injuries, by being run over, as resulted in his death. It seems the unfortunate manias leaving tiie line ofraits he was at work upon to allow a train to pass, not observing the approach, on t'le other line, of a pilot engine, wlrcb, coining up, knocked him down and ran over his body. The poor fellow was picked up in a frightfully mangled state and carried to the station, and Dr. Smythe, of Aber- iravennv. was immediat dy seat for, bat before his arrival the suff-rer expired. An inquiry into the circumstances was held on tiitb 6th, before E. D. Butt, Esq., coroner, when, it having been shewn that the occurrence was purely accidental, the jurv returned a verdict to that eff vt, the coroner, in the course of his observations, remarking that no bla ne could possibly be attached to the company or any of i 3 officials. Tha deceased, who was a sober steady man and had been employed on the line from the time of its being opened, leaves a wife and three children,

CORRESPONDENCE, USK ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS. To the Editor of the "USK OBSEHVEU." SIB,—When the Usk Elementary Schools were estab- lished it was sought to create mure than a mere prejudice against them because they were not National Schools, nor British aud Foreign. It is satisfactory to find that the Committee of the Privy Council of Her Majesty on gllLl- cation have, only a few weeks since, of their own accord, acted, in the case of the parish of Cilycwm, exact ly as the Managers of tne Elementary Schools at U ,,1£ acted about two years since. The following is the letter sent to the Vicar of Cilycwm. T, F. [Copy.] Education Department, Privy Council Office, Downing Street, Loudon, S. W.. 21st Marcn, 1865. Rev. Sir,-I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th instant, and its enclosure. My Lords have now given their attentive consideration to the two schemes which are proposed for supplying the ptirish of Cilycwm wir.h a suilaole school. The one party proposes a Church of E igland School, (whose TiustDaed -hill include a conscience olause,) the other party proposes a British School. The population to be served by the school is intimated by the former at 563, aud by the latter at 573. It may therefore be put in round numbers at (>00, and consequently it requires, according to their Lord- ordinary I;,dcal,ui,¡n, school accommodation for about 100 children. It is clear also that one school is all that is required, and all probtbly that ould be adequately supported. The promoters of the Church School divide the 565 iuto 313 Churchmen, and 252 Dissenters of various uenominatiolls; the promoters of the British School claim that of the 5ï3 tliera an1 384 Dissenters and only 189 Churchmen. The difference in these estimates are probably to be referred to the fact that some of the people never go to any place of wo ship at all, while many sometimes go to Church and so nerine, to Oiupel. My Lords are of opinion that, looking to the largo proportion of Dissenters, they would not be justified in rrnkhg a grant of public money towards establishing a Church School; and that, considering the large proportion of Churchmen, they cannot make a grant towards establisning a British 8ch,»ol. I'hey are of opinion that the proper school tor tiie pari h of Cdycwm, iy one which shall be constituted in accordance with the enclosed skeleton draft, and they trust that all parties in the parish will unite in promoting such a school. Ou receiving an assurance thit ibis wili be the case, aw Lords will furuisu the person who may i)e selected to act as' correspondent with full instructions for completing the details of the case, I have the honour to tie, Rev. Sir, Your obedient servant, The Rev. John Walters, R. R. W. Cilycwm, Llandovery. 1- Printed and Published by the Proprietor, WILLIAM CLAtut, at his Offices, Bridjie Street, Usk, in the- CoMlty Off Monmouth, April 15, 1365.