The Illustrated Usk Observer and Raglan Herald

TO CORRESPONDENTS AND READERS. Our friends and correspondcrots will much oblige us, as well as avert the chances of disappointment themselves, by forwarding their advertisements, and news copy, as EARLY IN THE WE EK AS POS- SIBLE. Investing reports are often curtailed, or omitted alto- gether, in consequence of inattention to this rule. Communications, to ensure insertion, should reach the Office NOT LATER THAN THURSDAYS. Trelleck Petty Sessions held over to next week

MONMOUTHSHIRE ANTIQUARIAN ASSOCIATION. THE ANNUAL MEETING AT CHEPSTOW. The annual meeting and pic-tiic of the members of this association were held at Chepstow Castle, on Tuesday last, when there was a large attendance, and the weather, happily, was to the last degree auspicious for an out-of- door gathering. Among those present were-Mr. Oc- tavius Morgan, M.P., (president); Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Lee, (The Priory, Caerleon); Sir Gerald Codrington Mr. T. G. Clark, (Dowlais); Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Nicholl, (The Ham); Mr. and Mrs. Long; Mr. Munday; Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Mitchell, (Llanvrechva Grange) The Misses Rolls, (Hendre); Rev. J. D. and Mrs. Harding; Mr. T. Cordes; Mr. Clarke, (Malpas); Mrs. Firbanks; Rev. Canon Hawkins, Mrs. and Miss Hawkins, (Newport1*; Mrs. Augustus Morgan, (Machen Rectory) Rev. T. Prothero, Mrs. and Miss Prothero, (Malpas Court); Mr. E. J. Phillips, (Mayor of N. wport); Mr. J. Latch, (New- port) Mr. E. M. Curre, (Itton Court) Mr. T. Brown, (Hardwiek House); Rev. J. W. C. and Mrs. Lindsay, (Llanvaches); Mr. D. Harrhv and Miss FTarrhy, (New- port) Miss Lewis, (Tydee) Rev. A. M. and Mrs. Wvatt, (Raglan); Mrs. Oakley, (Lydart) Rev. J. Oukley, (Llan- isuen); Mrs. R. Oakley, (Cwmcarvan); Rev. W., Mrs., and Master Oakley, (Snakescroft); Rev. James Gwynne Rev. Rankin Hall and party, (Shirenewton); Rev. J. C. Proper, (Devauden); Rev. E. T. Williams, (Caldicot); Mr. G. Cave and party Mr. W. D. Evans, (Newport); Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Hope, (Caldicot) Captain Tyler; Rev. Mr. Stock; Rev. E. C. and Mrs. Saunders, (Magor) Rev, Mr. and Mrs. Jones, (Llanvrechva); Mr. King, (Chep- stow), &c., &c. The President having offered a few words of congratu- lation upon the numerous assembly, the Secretary, Mr. J. E. Lee, read the report, as follows:- The Committee in making their annual report have, in the first place, to congratulate the Association on the additional in- terest which is shewn in the county respecting it. The number of subscribing members is now 140, which clearly shows that the Society is appreciated. Since the last meeting at Grosmont the volume on Pencoyd and the neighbourhood has been distri- buted to the members. This publication, from its containing a photograph, has been one of the most expensive printed by the Society, so that the funds have been drawn upon rather more than usual, and in consequence the publication for this year, which may probably be on Penhow Castle, will necessarily be a small one. Annexed is the Treasurer's account. The small balance in hand, it will be seen, is all that the Society has to meet the cost of the book for this year, the expenses of the pre- sent meeting, and some repairs which are unfortunately essen- tial in the roof of the Museum, and which are in progress at the present moment; so that the Committee cannot congratulate the Society much on the state of its finances. The Museum has lately received a donation of coins from Mr. William Oakley, of Snakescrolt; the head of a Roman emperor from Mr. W. H. Nicholl, probably brought from Sicily, and a curious carving of a dog and other things, probably of Roman work, found at Caerleon, and presented by Sergeant Povall. Respecting this sculpture Mr. F. J. Mitchell will say a few words at the present meeting. The thanks of the Society have already been conveyed to the respective donors by the Secretary. The Committee ven- tare to hope that any gentleman finding antiquities on his estate, and not having a private collection, will kindly deposit them in the museum. Celts both of stone and bronze are occa- sionally found, and it would be highly desirable to form a local collection of them. The report was adopted, and the following gentlemen appointed the committee for the ensuing year: Mr. O. Morgan, M.P., (president); Mr. Iltyd Nieholl, Rev. T. Prothero, Rev. Canon Hawkins, Mr. T. G. Clark,Rev. H. P. Edwards, Mr. G. W. Nieholl, Mr. F. J. Mitchell, Mr. J. E. Lee, (secretary and treasurer). Mr. F. J. Mitchell then produced a full-sized lithogra. phic chalk copy of the bas-relief of a dog, referred to in the^r^port, and concerning which he remarked that the original, which was at present in the museum at Caerleon, bad lately been found, forming the cover of a tank, eight feet below the surface of the ground, in a garden occupied by Police-Sergt. Povall, at Caerleon; it was cut in a slab of fine sandstone, and was, he conceived, of Roman work- manship, the artistic manner in which theVork was exe- cuted, and the natural position of the animal, stamping it as a work of art of a superior character. From the prespnee of a small portion of a lion's head and paws, it was sup- posed the carving represented a dog standing against a tree, at bay, before a lion, by which it had been pursued. Diligent search had been made for the remaining portion of the lion, but without success. It was thought that the slab bad been originally a mural ornament, probably for the interior or a house, as it did not bear the appearance of being a: all weather-worn. In support of the theory that the carving was of Roman workmanship, Mr. Mitchell said the dog much resembled* one carved on a tomb in the St. John Lateran Museum, at Rome, not only in its genera! appearance, but also in the kind of collar round its neck and, further, it was well-known that the Romans made frequent use of dogs of various kinds in their sculp- ture, instances of which he related. It was generally con- sidered (the speaker continued) that the greyhound, the bull-do?*, the terrier, and the large slow hound, were natives of and on some imitation Samian ware, which had been found in London, were represented some dogs very similar to the one in question-apparently across between a greyhound and a shepherd's dog. At the conclusion of his remarks, Mr. Mitchell observed that the name grey. h und was derived from dogs of that kind being used for iiu-uing grays," or badgers. L question was raised whether there were now any badgers in this country, but it was replied by several gen. tlemen that there weve. Mr. Lea produced drawings of some curious old fonts at the museum at Cologne, and which were examined with much interest. He also exhibited a drawing of a curious cannon irom Drusus Tower, on the Rhine. It was partly wrought and partly cast iron, with an iron clip to hold it tu the wooden stock. 'i I The party then repaired to the luncheon tent, and jus- tice having been done to the excellent viands there spread, they aeain assembled outside, and The President read a paper by Mr. Wakeman, on "Chepstow Castle and Town." He prefaced it, however, by expressing regret at Mr. Wakeman's absence, and re- markiag upon the varied store of information which that gentleman possessed in memoranda and notes, from which he had long wished they might have compiled a history of the county, which was much required. They had what were called histories; but what was wanted was a detail of ihe manors, parishes, and families, with all the alterations in the proprietors of the estates, from the earliest period to the present time. The president also alluded, with regret, to the absence of Mr. Ormerod, and then proceeded with Mr. Wakeman's paper, from which we gathered that the Castle of Chepstow was stated in the Domesday sur- vey to have been built by William Fitz-Osborne, a near relative and one of the principal advisers of William the Conqueror, who, immediately after the conquest, conferred upon him the Earldom of Hereford, in which was com- prised the whole of Gwent eastward of the Usk, which he ruled under the title of Prince of Gwent." This noble- man was killed in Flanders, four years after the battle of Hastings, so that it was probable the building erected by him formed a very inconsiderable portion of the structure as it afterwards stood, and it seemed evident that that portion occupied a very insignificant position at the western extremity of the present ruins. Yet, although it did not appear by the survey that there was a fortified position at Chepstow prior to the erection of this structure, it was highly probable that such was the case, for it seemed very unlikely that the Britons themselves or tbeir succes- sive invaders should have left unguaided a place of so much importance, it bein^ th^ only aafe passage of the river that occurred for many miles. Besides, an Ancient British camp was still to be seen on Hardwiek Rock, in the vicinity of the town, and in the part of the castle called the chapel-though perhaps erroneously so termed-seve- ral rows of Roman bricks maybe detected. The paper then went on to shew that the road from the Roman station at Gloucester into Gwent, of which distinct traces had been found at Lydney, Siroat, (no doubt a corruption of strata —the street, as the road was called), near Wirewood's Green, in the parish of Tidenham, and at other places on the right bank of the Severn, crossed the river, a short dis- tance above the castle, by means of a bridge, the founda- tions of which the writer remembered to have seen at low water; and the roadway, through what now forms part of the Piercefield estate, could be traced near "The Alcove," to the present day. This the writer considered a sufficient refutation to the opinion,expressed by some eminent anti- quarians that the ancient bridge occupied the site of the present one. In referring to a tradition, mentioned by Cose, that the Roman portion of the castle was built by Julius Caesar, Mr.Wakeman expressed his opinion that the tradition arose from the confounding of the name of the great emperor with that of Julius Frontinus, who was in command of the Roman forces in Britain, in the year 71, A.D., and conquered the Silures in 76, A.D., and whom he (Mr. W.) considered was the builder of the bridge and also of that part of the castle in which the Roman bricks were seen, and which was afterwards incorporated in the Norman building. The paper further went on to shew that on the death of William Filz-Osborne, his estates passed to his son Roger, but upon the latter being con- demned to imprisonment for life, in 1075, they were granted to William de Ou, in whose possession they were at the time of the Domesday survey, about the year 1083. In 1096 the estates were anain forfeited to the crown, when they cama into the possession of the De Clare family, and after tracing the descent to Gilbert De Clare, the grand- father of the celebrated Richard Strongbow, Mr. Wakeman took leave of the subject. The company then proceeded to an inspection of the ruins, during which the President pointed out the various points of interest. His observations were singularly in- teresting and full of information; but for the most part, if reproduced, would require to be accompanied by illustra- tive drawings. He traced the descent of the castle from William Fitz-Osborne to Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, who, in the middle of the 15th century, sold it to William Her- bert, Earl of Pembroke, from whom, by a marriage con- tract between the families, it came into the hands of the Somersets, with whom it had since remained. The Presi- dent agreed with Mr. Wakeman that before the castle was built by Fitz-Osborne, there had been some Roman works, and gave his reasons for that opinion. He also remarked that there had been various additions to the original castle, and it WHS difficult to describe it precisely; but much of the building was Norman. The proceedings were closed with votes of thanks to the President and Mr. Wakeman.

USK. THE WOOLHOPE NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.—We are informed that the members of the above club, of which E. Y. Steele, Esq., of Abergavenny, is the president, will visit this town on Monday next, to hold their fourth and last meeting of the season. The party is expected to arrive by the 10.10 a.m. train, and after making a circuit of the neighbourhood and inspecting various objects of interest to be brought under notice, the members will dine together at the Three Salmons Hotel, and return by the train leav- at 4.30 p.m. We are assured that any of our townsfolk who may feel interested in the varied pursuits of the club will be quite welcome to join the party. CRICKET MATCH.—A game at cricket Was contested on the Usk ground on Tuesday last, between eleven players brought by the Magor Club and eleven members of the Usk Club. In consequence of the Magor side bringing players from neighbouring towns, contrary to the condi- tions upon which the match had been arranged, the game was played under protest; nevertheless, the Usk side made a creditable stand, considering the disadvantage they laboured under, of contending against a "team" compris- ing players from the towns of Newport and Chepstow, whilst their own "team" had been selected with a view of making an even game against country players. At. the conclusion of the game the players adjourned to the Three Salmons Hotel, where, with sharpened appetites, they par. tuok of an excellent dinner. We append the score MAGOB. Ut Innings. 2nd Innings. Chas. Ivins, not out 7 b. Clark 16 Powell, c. Williams, b. Clark 2 l.b.w., b. Frank Jennings 4 W. J. Williams, run out 2 c. Fk. Jennings, b. Clark. 0 E. J. Scarlet, c. Williams, b. c. Stephensj b. Farr Jen- Farr Jennings 21 nings 8 A. Hillier, b. Farr Jennings. 0 b. Frank Jennings 0 W. Rosser, b. Farr Jennings 1 c. Thomas, b. Fk. Jennings 4 G. Williams, b. Fk. Jennings 1 b. Frank Jennings 6 J. Williams, b. Fk. Jennings 0 c. Williams, b. Fk. Jen- nings 0 Gould, c. Williams, b. Clark 5 c. and b. Clark 18 J. O. Corner, run out 0 not out 0 Thos. Hillier, st. Clark 3 c. Thomas, b. Fk. Jennings 0 Leg byes 3 Wides 2 45 58 USK. lit-Innings. 2nd Innings. Stephens, l.b.w., b. Powell. 2 o. G. Williams, b. Powell. 0 H. Thomas, run out. 1 c. G. Williams, b. Powell. 8 Fk. Jennings, l.b.w., b.Powell 5 run out 2 A. Cuthbertson, b. Powell. 2 b.Powell. 0 W. Kynch, b. Powell 2 b.Powell 11 W. H. Clark, b. Powell 3 b. Scarlett 15 Jos. Williams, b. Scarlett 1 c. A. Hillier, b. Powell 0 Bateman, b. Scarlett 2 b. Scarlett 4 Far Jennings, b. Searlett 0 b. Powell 0 Elmhirst, run out 0 b. Rosser 12 Reece, not out 3 not out o Byes, 1; wides, 1 2 Leg byes, 1; wides, 4. 5 23 57 FOUND DEAD.-On Monday, an inquest was held at the Castle Inn, before E. D. Batt, Esq., and a respectable jury, to enquire into the circumstances connected with the death of Richard Jenkins, who bad been found dead by the side of a hay-riek in a field, at Gwehelog, on the morn- ing 01 Saturday, the 19 tb. The body, which had previously been viewed by the jury and buried under the coroner's instructions, was identified by Superintendent Llewellin, after which the following evidence was taken:—Alexander Shepard, surgeon, deposed that, at the request of the police, he had made a careful examination of the body, the result being that he came to the conclusion that the man had died in a fit, probably of apoplexy, and there were no external marks of violence. Thomas George, farmer, Gwehelog, stated that on Thursday, the 17th inst., as he was proceeding from Usk to Gwehelog with his cart he met the deceased, near the New Barn Wood, coming in the direction of Usk; he appeared very weak and dejected; witness spoke to him but received no answer; on return- ing to Usk, in the course of ah hour or two afterwards, witness noticed the gate of a field near Common Trip partly open; he went to shut the gate and than' saw Jenkins lying by the side of a hay-rick, about fifteen yards distant; he went up to him and spoke to him, but receiving no answer he came away; on passing through Usk witness mentioned the circumstance to Mr. Joseph Evans, asking him if he met a policeman to teH him of it; witness took no further notice of the matter-AlBtjJj. oa,jSaturdaj,,ti^pr ,.x>T .,• £ '■ i" 1 7am Jijc ,-JI: ing, when proceeding with his cart to Pontypool market, he thought he would go to see whether old Dick was there" still, and on going to the rick he found deceased exactly in the same spot as where he had previously seen him, quite dead on reaching Usk he gave information to the police. Superintendent Llewellin deposed that from the information given by the last witness he proceeded to II the spot indicated, and there found the body in a distorted posture, the arms being hugged tightly across the breast, and the hands firmly grasping particles of hay and grass; witness carefully examined the body and the spot, but saw nothing to lead him to suppose that deceased had come by his death by unfair means; he searched the clothes but found nothing but a pear and an onion; he then had the body conveyed to the Castle Inn, and sent for the sur- geon. The coroner, in commenting upon the evidence, pointed out to the jury that there was nothing to shew but that deceased had died from natural causes, and then pro- ceeded to animadvert in strong terms upon the conduct of the witness George in not communicating with the police immediately upon his first finding the man under the rick, observing that had he done so the public would have had the satisfaction of knowing, although the life of the man might not have been spared, that every means would have been taken to that end. The jury expressed their lull concurrence in the remarks made by the coroner, by whose direction they returned a verdict of "Found dead." PETTY SESSIONS, AUGUST 18, before G. R. GREEN- HOW-RELPH and S. CHURCHILL, Esquires. MASTERS AND SERVANTS.—Robert Hooper, was chnrged by his master, Walter Blower, of the New Barn Farm, Gwehelog, with misconduct as a servant in husbandry, and was ordered to pay 5s. 6d. costs in a week. Walter Blower then appeared to answer a summons, at the in- stance of his hte servant, James Waters, for non-payment of 5s. 3d., alleged to be due for wages, and was ordered to pay the amount, with 9s. costs.——John Owen was charged by William Blower with leaving his service before the ex- piration of the period of his hiring, "Whieh appeared to be rather a loose one, and the parties were ordered to pay 7s. 6d. costs between them. POORS' RATE.—A poors' rate for Llangeview, at 81d. in the A:, was allowed. JURY LISTS.—The 29th of September next was ap- pointed for the revision of the jury lists.

RAGLAN. CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.—A meeting in connec- tion with the above society took place at the National School-room, on Friday, the 18th inst., and was very numerously attended. The chair was occupied by S. R. Bosanquet, Esq., who was supported by a large body of the clergy and gentry of the surrounding neighbourhood. The proceedings were commenced with praise and prayer, after which the chairman stated the objects of the meeting, and gave an address upon the difficulties and trials of mis- sionary life, comparing the comforts of home with the labors, hardships, risks, and dangers of the missionary abroad, shewing that in missionary enterprize was to be found the best examples of perseverance and faith, also of God's providence to His creatures in His guidance and protection of those who were engaged in the work, and in the great blessings with which He crowned their labors. The worthy chairman concluded by urgingcontinued exer- tion in the good cause, saying that there was a great want of missionaries, there being at the present moment seven hundred millions of people who still had to be taught christianity, and which had mainly to be done by Eng- land,—who, with her wealth, commerce, intelligence, and Christianity, had been the pivot upwn which the whole world had turned—therefore, it was the great, duty of her people to promote the christian missions. The Rev. A. M. Wyatt, vicar of Raglan and a secretary 0f the Missionary Society, followed, in a very lucid and impressive speech, stating his experience for the past thirteen years, during which time he had been associated with the missionary work in the locality of Raglan, and from which small branch, during the period named, no less a sum than £ 600 had been sent, to the parent society. Referring to the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge and the Church Missionary Society, he Slid they were two sisters of mercy, and he hoped to be able to work them together successfully. He next gave an animated review of mission- ary progress from the days of Peter and Paul corning from Palestine, tó the labours of the celebrated Livingstone, of our own time and country. Speaking of himself, Mr. Wyatt said he had but just entered upon his missionary work, in the capacity of vicar of Raglan, and he hoped to do much for both thesocieties he had mentioned, by means of monthly contributions frum his flock, qaarterly meet- ings, etc., and he should further entourage the poor and the pupils in the schools, to participate in the good work. "Go ye unto all the world and prcuol. thQ to o^ory creature," was the special, duty of the minister, but it was also the duty of the people, one and all, to assist to bring about that great and gWious result. The rev. gentleman concluded by reciting some verses on the Value of little things," observing that upon such great issues often de- pended. The Rev. John Lloyd, the deputation, having been introduced by the chairman, spoke upon the vastness of the missionary undertaking, dwelling more particularly upon that in North America amongst the Red Indians. After giving a particular and interesting account of the natives of those parts, in their wild and savage state, in. terspersed with amusing anecdotes, the speaker con- cluded with an earnest appeal to those present to do all they could to bring the Red Indian and heathens generally to a knowledge of the true God. The Venerable Archdea- con Crawley next spoke in terms of high commendation of the suggestions of the Rev. A. M. Wyatt with regard to monthly collections aiit-I quarterly meetings, saying that it would be a continuous stream of missionary life, and much good must flow therefrom. The doxology having been sung and the Venerable Archdeacon having pronoun- ced the benediction, the meeting terminated, with a liberal collection.

ABERGAVENNY. SUDDEN DEATH.—About two o'clock on Wednesday, Richard Day, aged 63, died suddenly at the lodgings of his brother, William Day, accountant, Abergavenny. Deceased was taken suddenly ill at the time named, and died almost instantaneously. Deceased was said to have been suffering from disease of the heart. FATAL ACCIDENT.—ON Friday last, at Grosmont, an accident of a tatal character occurred to Thomas Curtis, huckster, Abergavenny. It appears that while deceased was blocking the wheel of a cart he was driving, the horse moved, whereby he was knocked down, and the wheel passed over his bowels, causing internal injuries, from the effects of which he died on the following Monday. De. ceased was 51 years of age, and has left a wife and several children. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, before the Hon. W. P. RODNEY, and the Rev. J. FARQUHAR. .A SSA ULT.-Ann Thomas was charged by Mary Coch- rane with having assaulted her. Complainant deposed that on Saturday night defendant called her ill names and threatened to Ji"o¡jke her with a stone. A witness corrobo- rated complainant's assertion, adding that defendant also throw water over complainant. The defendant admitted having thrown water, but said in extenuation that she had been provoked by the complainant. Ordered to pay the expenses. CHAKGE or EMBEZZLEMENT.— Charles Daniels, but- cher, Abergavenn/, was enlarged with embezzling the Sum of £ 25 5s., the property of Theophilus Jones, cattle dealer. Mr. Sayce appear?d to prosecute, and Mr. J. H. Farquhar appeared on behalf of the accused. Mrs. Jones deposed: I am the wife of Theophilus Jones, and now live in Princess-street, Abergavenny; my husband has been ill in bed for the last two months; he has been an invalid for some years; I havn a son named Theophilus, and he buys and sells for me; I manage the affairs of the business; prisoner is my son-in-law, and up to Thursday last was living with me, together with his wife and two children; I maintained thera all, and in consideration of which pri- soner assisted in buying and selling cattle at markets and fairs; by trade, prisoner is a butcher, and he occasionally bought and sold for lue and my husband; in the course of such business he received money, which it was his duty to hand over to me or my sou immediately; previously to last Thursday be had always properly accounted for money; on that day £ 25 5s. was due to me from Mr. William Lewis, for sheep sold to him by my son.and the prisoner; about dinner time on Thursday, in the presence of the pri- soner, I told my son to go and receive the above-mentioned amount from Mr. Lewis; prisoner heard what J said, and both of them soon afterwards left my house; Daniel did not sleep at my house that night, as usual; In consequence of what my son told me I had some suspicion, and went to look for Daniel, whom I saw on Friday in the street; when I asked him for the money he had received from Lewis, he said he intended to stick to it; there was I never an agreem3nt about wages with prisoner. By Mr. Farquhar: I had a sale at Christmas time, but did not sell any of prisoner's goods; there was never a partnership between my son and tbe prisoner. Theophilus Jones (son IJ" I. of prosecutor) gave corroborative evidence, and Wm. Lewis deposed to having pI id prisoner the sum named, after which the latter was committed to take his trial at the ensuing Quarter Sessions. ASSAULT,—James Hoskins, of Llanfoist, was charged with having assaulted Ann Griffiths. Defendant was or- dered to pay the costs, the bench remarking that there was no doubt he had pushed the woman. DRUNKENNESS.—Samuel Maddy, Blaenavon, charged with this offence, was ordered to pay the costs. LICENSES.—This being the annual licensing day, Mr- Cooper, Belle V ue Inn, applied, through Mr. Baker, Rohcl. tor, for a license to sell spirits and wines. Mr. Baker said that his client. had laid out £800 upon the premises sought to be licensed, while he had a memorial in bis favor signed by the Town Commissioners and other lead- ing inhabitants of the town. Mr. J. H. Farquhar opposed the application, which, however, was granted. Mr. Sayce. on behalf of Mi-. Stanley, of the Plough Inn, Lion-street, solicited the bench to transfer the license to a newjv i erected house in the same street, occupied by Stanley, in lieu of the Plough. Mr. J. H. Farquhar opposed the ap- plication, and the transfer was refused, but, on the applica- tion of Mr: Sayee, the license for the Plough Inn was renewed. THE TOWN IMPROVEMENT COMMISSIONERS. A meeting of this body was held at the Town Hall, on Thursday, the 11th inst. Present: E. Y. Steele, Esq., (in the chair), and Messrs. Isaacs, Walford, Meredith, Baber, and Hoskins. Mr. Walford signed the necessary declaration upon his recent appointment as Commissioner. The minutes of the last meeting having been read, The Chairman asked if the road in Mill street had been widened. The Clerk: The quantity has been measured, but we have not ascertained the whole quantity of land Mr. Cooper is possessed of. The Chairman suggested that the land should be mea- sured by Mr. James, surveyor. Agreed to. The Clerk then read the following:- REPORT OF THE GAS COMMITTEE. We, your Gas Committee, have the pleasure of presenting to you our Second Annual Statement of the Gas Accounts; we believe that the Statement will show that our operations have been conducted with success. The chief improvement effected in the works during the past year has been the enlargement of the coal store; this has been done to stock a supply of coal in a sheltered situation, because coal when exposed to the weather deteriorates in its gas-making qualities, and when damp, the moisture acts prejudicially on the retorts. Other advantages will also accrue from this alteration. The Gas supplied has been of excellent quality: the illuminating power averaging about standard sperm candles. The actual quantity of Gas registered by the Station Meter for the year is 6,550,000 cubic feet. Of this, 3,860,000 cubic feet were supplied to private con- sumers, being an increase of 319,700 feet over the previous year 1,570,000 cubic feet is the estimated quantity supplied to the public limps 40,000 cubic feet to the Manager's house and the Committee's offices the remainder, 1,080,000 cubic feet, repre- sents leakage and waste, being nearly 16J per cent of the quantity made. 838 tons of Coal liave been carbonized: the average yield of Gas per ton being 7,776 cubic feet, or about 590 feet less than the average yield of the preceding year. It is, how- ever, necessary to state that the Coal has been obtained from various sources, and this fact, taken in connection with the want of proper storage room, accounts for the diminished yield during the past year. Goals of various qualities have been submitted to us for "trial; amongst others, a sample of Abercarne Coal, supplied by the Ebbw Vale Company, (Limited), which yields a much larger quantity of Gas of excellent quality than the Coal hitherto, used. We have thought fit to accept the Ebbw Vale Company's tender for the supply of this Coal for the ensuing twelve months-their offer being considered the most favour- able of those that were made to us—we, however, beg to express our thanks to the South Wales Coal Company and their Agent Mr. Bevan, for their courtesy and readiness to assist us when it seemed probable that a difficulty would occur in procuring a supply of coal. The Public Lamps have been maintained in a cleanly and efficient state: the supply of Gas has been on the most liberal scale. We regret that the cost of maintaining the Lamps should be so considerable-the damage done wilfully is the cause of the greater portion of this expense. The public accommodation afforded by the six additional Lamps which vou have erected, will, it is hoped, be duly appreciated. We "are fully satisfied with the way in which the Manager, Mr. Evans, continues to carry on the manufacture we wish it to be known that an experienced Gas-fitter is constantly employed by us, and is always at hand to repair damages to fittings or to execute orders. You will observe that the Depreciation Fund is untouch- ed all repairs having been charged to Revenue. We recommend that the Balance of Profit be invested in propor ocouritico fur ad- dition to the Reserved pund.Writers engaged in promoting the interests of Gas Companies have repeatedly alleged that the management of the Gas Supply by local authorities generally leads to unsatisfactory results, but we are confident that the Statement now laid before you, together with that of the pre- vious year, will afford proof, that in this instance, the allega- tion does not apply. To insure the continuance of a prosperous state of affairs, it is however, desirable to impress upon the Gas Ormeumers the absolute necessity of complying with the regu- lations laid down for the management of the business, espe- cially with that which provides for the prompt payment of the Gas Rents and we trust that it will be borne in mind, that the manufacture was undertaken by the Commissioners, and is carried on, solely for the benefit of the Consumers, whose interest it is to assist you in obtaining a supply of good Gas at moderate rates Mr. Meredith said he thought that the accounts of the gas committee were very clear and satisfactory, and be was glad to see that such a balance of profit had been made. They had made £358. Mr. Walford asked if they supplied the Consumers at a less rate than before. Mr. Isaacs replied in the affirmative, averring that the cost was Is. per thousand feet less. Mr. Meredith moved the adoption of the report, which was agreed to nem. con. Mr. Rutherford (clerk), then read a report from the Water and Street Committee, which document stated, inter alia, that Mr. Freeman, the Superintendent of Police, had applied to have an additional stand-pipe kept at tbe Police-station, for use in case of fire. The committee ac- ceeded to the application, provided that the plumber had free access to such stand-pipe. Mr. Freeman had also applied for a key of the valves of the street pillars. The com- mittee, however, thought that the risk of allowing these keys to be in the hands of any but a skilled workman too great, and as one set of keys was kept by the plumber at his residence, and in any event such key would not be used by any person other than the plumber, it was thought there was no necessity for supplying additional keys. Mr. Charles Davies applied to have mains laid and water sup- plied to certain houses on the Monmouth road. Several of these houses were situate without the limits of the town, and it was ordered that a reply be made to the effect that if an annual amount of water-rate equivalent to 10 per cent, per annum on the outlay was guaranteed for three years by those whose houses are situated without the limits of the town, the supply of water would be afforded, the committee thinking that it would be imprudent at the present moment to undertake the supply. Mr. Davies also applied to know whether the commissioners were dis- posed to assist in repairing the footpath at the back of his premises. The committee directed a reply to be made to this, stating that they expected to have from Mr. Davies a specification and estimate of the cost of what he pro- posed to do with regard to this path. When those plans were received the committee would consider the matter. The Chairman said he thought that Mr. Cotterell should be requested to visit the places where there was a probable waste of water occurring, the waste of late having been very great; and he thought it desirable, if it coftld be done, to supply those who were asking for water. He saw by the report that Mr. Davies was to have sent in some plans respecting the footpath near his house. Mr. Rutherford: That has not been done. Mr. Isdacs, adverting to a refusal of the committee to supply Mr. Freeman with a key of the valves of the street pillars, said he did not differ from the recommendation, but he merely wished to udd that, supposing the plumber should be absent from the town or was not to be found, in that case w here would be the keys? Mr. Hoskins: At the plumber's lodgings. Mr. Meredith: What does Mr. Freeman waut with these pillars, because they were erected to supply the water carts. Mr. Hoskins: Because there is no valve there, and they would have to be drawn from in case of fire in the neigh- bourhood. After some conversation, Mr. Isaacs moved the adoption of the Street and Water Committee's report, suggesting that the matter of the ad- ditional keys to the valves for the street pillars should be re-considered. Mr. Baber: With regard to the foot-path named in the report, I think the matter should be laid before our solici- tor. I think Mr. Davies is encroaching upon the loot- path. Whether he has a right of purchase I don't know. Mr. Walford: I agree with you that it is a matter that ought to be submitted to a solicitor. A protracted discussion upon this question ensued, and at length the Street and Water Committee's report was adopted, the Chairman remarking that the committee II would take care, by resorting to legal advice, if necessary, to guard the interests of the town with reference to this footway, and seo if it could not be made convenient to the public, and safe. The Chairman remarked that on the 7th of September four members would go out by rotation. They were—Mr. Brown, Mr. Watford, Mr. Bowles, and himself. Mr. Rutherford read the following communication:- Abergavenny Union, Augns; 4th, 1865. SIR,—On the other side, I beg to send you u coin of a resolu- tion of the Board of Guardians, which I will thank yfitt to lay before the Abergavenny Improvement Commissioners, and I have to request the Commissioners to take the necessary steps in the matter mentioned in the resolution. I am, sir, your obedient servant, To Mr. Rutherford. W. F. BATT. The Resolution :—Mr. Hansby, the medical officer of the Abergavenny District, having reported to the Board that there are now a great number of cases of small-pox in the town of Abergavenny, and that in his opinion the prevalence of the disease is attributable to the deficiency in the sanitary condi- tion of the town-Resolved that the Clerk be directed to write to the Abergavenny Improvement Commissioners, with a copy of this resolution, and requesting them to take the necessary steps towards the improvement of the drainage and general sanitary state of the town. Some discussion upon this resolution ensued, and, at length, The Chairman said: I think we bad better leave this matter until the new Board is elected. We must, however, give some answer to the resolution of the guardians. Now, in the first place, we hear that the extension of small- pox is by the guardians traced to bad drainage. Small- pox has not only been raging in this town but all over the country in Herefordshire and other adjacent counties. Now, as far as my experience goes, it has subsided to a great extent, but there are cases of it no doubt now. Still it is a inatu-ir of great importance, but I must say, in my opinion, the existence of small-pox in the town is not due to a deuciency of drainage. Yet you are all perfectly well aware that it is necessary to improve the drainage. I was always in favor of a proper and systematic drainage for the town. I am, therefore, not arguing against such a step. I am anxious that it should be carried out, but it is not desirable to place a greater weight upon any back than that back should fairly bear. But though it would be un- fair to attribute the existence of small-pox to want of drainage, the drainage being deficient, it conduces to the breathing of a contaminated atmosphere. Therefore it is very important to the community that the drainage should be made as good as possible, and by so doing we shall bo conferring a benefit upon the public. I am, however, afraid that that benefit the public does not appreciate so much as we do, because they don't see and feel, and there- fore do not believe in, it to the extent as those who have looked to the matter more. Many of the inhabitants of the town are enlightened members of society who do think it a matter of great importance, and are ready to contri- bute in money towards the drainage, but the ratepayers generally are not anxious to spend money on the drainage of the town. That is the difficulty we labour under. If all were as convinced as we, and some of the more enlight- ened inhabitants, are of the great benefit-of the great good-of good drainage, then it might end in a great im- provement. Still it is no less our duty to carry out the step. If we did not, we should be neglecting our duty and passing it on to our descendants. And, therefore, I am an advocate-and a strong one-for an early adoption of a proper sewerage. Whether your opinion coincides, and whether the smaller ratepayers agree to it or not, or whether you are empowered to do it, are questions foryou. But I have now before me a statement, and, as a medical man. I say I do not think that small-pox is attributable to the drainage. Other diseases may be brought about by it, but small-pox is contagious—spreading itself where there are a great number of people, who, however, are protected by vaccination, or having had small-pox previously un. protected by vaccination they take it, and as a matter of course, though living in perfect establishments for health, it is possible for them to take it. Now, we must give ati answer to this resolution, and it rests with the Board what that answer shall be. It is quite obvious that, even if I were mistaken in my views with regard to small-pox, and that it was essential to complete the drainage of the town to get rid of that horrible pestilence, and even if we had not to go to Parliament for increased powers-we could not do it at once. Then you are well aware that cholera is approaching this country, and that it. is considered to be promoted by bad water, bad dwellings, bad drainage, and all that sort of thing. Contaminated water is one of the most fruitful sources of cholera, and we have provided for this town the purest possible supply. If we could, before the advent uf cholera, oarry out tho sc.<.>rogc, it would be a most beneficial thing. But we cannot do it in time. Then comes the question whether, if we did open our streets, and thus expose the sewerage to the air at the very time cholera is raging in this country, whether it would Dot be wrong to do so. If anything could be done to iffl" prove the state of the dwellings of the poorer classes, and the drains, and disinfectives used, then I think we should be doing all the good, under the circumstances, we are cap- able,of doing. The Chairman's view of the matter was adopted, the Board determining to infortd the guardians that the mat- ter of drainage was under their consideration. ■cuter some rouoiue ousmess iue meeting u„kc up.

BLAENAVON. LOYAL ORDER OF ALFREDS.—On Monday last the "Rose of Snaron" lodge of the above order partook of their annual dinner at the Royal Exchange Inn. The re- past provided for the occasion reflected great credit on the catering abilities of the host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Shaddick. There were several visiting brothers pre- sent at the meeting, which was held after dinner, and able addresses were delivered upon the merits of the lodge and of the order in general. The meeting was exceedingly well conducted. UNITED FRIENDs.-The members of the United Friend Benefit Society celebrated their anniversary on Monday last, at the Queen Inn. After a pleasant perambulation of the town, they sat down to an excellent dinner provided by the host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Jones. On the re- moval of the cloth, Mr. R. Jones was voted to the chair, and Mr. J. Maybrey to the vice-chair. The usual routine toasts were given and ably responded to by Messrs. J. Maybrey, T. Price, T. Brown, and others, and several good songs were sung. The celebrated Ebbw Vale brass band was in attendance, and played with its usual ability. From a statement made by the secretary, we learn that the lodge has existed about 16 years, and is worth A:500, whilst the number of members (good) on the books at present is about 90, ANNUAL TREAT.—A numerous party met at the Oak Inn on Tuesday evening last, and partook of a substantial supper, after which a very convivial evening was spent. This is an annual treat given by Mr. J. G. Williams to parties growing potatoes upon his ground. CRICKET.—A pleasant game was played on Saturday last between the Blaenavon and Clydach clubs, at Pant-y- Bailey, Clydach, which resulted in favour of Blaenavon. The Clydach players were rather unfortunate in not being able to have some of their best men present, and this ip. a great measure contributed towards the success of their opponents. J. Jayne, Esq., with his usual liberality, pro- vided an excellent repast tor the players. The scores stood as follows at the close of the game: Biaenaroa, 1st in- nings, 36; 2nd innings, 36: Clydachs 1st iaaiega, 21; Sad innings, 17.

PONTYPOOL. CRICKET.—A cricket match was played 03 Monday last, between the Pontypool and Crumlin Clubs,, ca tb" ground of the latter, at Newbridge, when the PoaSypscl side cama off victorious by the first innings, there not being suffieisnt tima to play the game out. Subjoined is tbeooora:- PONTYPOOL. 1 st. Innings. 2ud Innings* R. Byrde, b. 11. Jones 1 b. Austin E. Cr. Edwards, b. It. Jones 16 c. Woodcock J- H. James, b. Austin. 27 b. R. Jones. 11 A. Goolden, b. Austin 1 b. Jones » FProbyn,b. R. Jones 7 st. James, b. Jones D. Jenkins, not out 1 run out Brown, c. Williams, B. Jones. 4 St. James H. Davies, b. Austin 2 b. Austin A. Edwards, run out 0 not out » W. Cuthbertson, b. Austin. 0 b. R. Jones. 0 J. Bevan (subtitute), c. Wood- „ couk, b. Jones 0 b. B.. Jones i$ Byes, 4; 1. byes, 1; wides 4. 9 Byes, 1; no balls, 2 68 £ CRUMLIN. Austin, b. E. Edwards. 6 D. Jones, c. R. Byrde 7 W. Williams, b. H. Davies 0 W. James, hit wicket 11. R. Jones, b. H. Davies 0 J. Leonard, b. H. Davies 2 H. Woodcock, I.b.w 0 R. Digby, b. H. Davies 0 G. Rees, b. H. Davies 0 L. Banfield,l.b.w. 1 John"Davies, not out 2 Byes, 9; wides, 1 18 39 Printed and Published by the Proprietor, WILH*M HBfK* CLARK, at his Offices, Bridge Street, Usk, in M Cow* Monmouth, August 26, 1865.