The Illustrated Usk Observer and Raglan Herald

jSTsrriagtB. At the Register Office, Pontypool, July 23, Mr. David Hill, shoeing-smith, to Miss Sarah Griffiths, both of Blaenavon. At All Saints' Church, Paddington, London, July 19, by the t Rev. H. P. Edwards, M.A., Rural Dean, vicar of Caerleon, < Monmouthshire, Geo. Scott, ESQ., of H.M.'s Bombay Civil Service, to tiara Elizabeth, youngest daughter of the late John Jenkins, Esq., jun., of Caerleon. 1lgeattJti. i At Dorset-place, Newport, July 23, after a long and painful illness, Edgar, youngest son of the late Wm. Gething, Esq. ] At the Brockweir Boat Inn, Monmouth, July 22, Martha, relict of the late Mr. Wm. Wilton. Much respected. At Blaenavon, July 20, Mr. Rees Daniel, contractor, aged 50 vears. At TTsfe, July 23, Helen Mary, the infant daughter of Mr. B. Greenway, reporter.

TO CORRESPONDENTS AND READERS. We insert notices of Births, Marriages, and Deaths, FREE OF CHARGE (except marriages containing the words" No Cards, which are charged 2s. 6 d. each), and should, therefore, be obliged if the friends of the persons concerned, who icish such announce- ments to appear in our columns, would forward them direct to the Office, with full address attached. By these means greater accuracy of detail can be insured than is otherwise possible. Our friends and correspondents will much oblige us, as well as avert the chances of disappointment themselves, by forwarding their advertisements, and news copy, as EARLY IN THE WEEK AS POS- SIBLE. Interesting 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 THUKSDAVS. "WANTS.—Advertisements for persons icanting Servants orservants wanting Situations, are inserted at ONE SHILLING each, if they, do not exceed THIRTY "WORDS, and are prepaid. If above that number they are charged scale price.

USK. BAPTIST CHAPEL AiraivEBSABY.—On Sunday last, the anniversary sermons in connection with the Baptist place of worship in this town were preached by Mr. T. Phillips, of Blaina. In the morning the text was taken from Ecclesiastes, 7 c., 8 v.; in the afternoon from Genesis, 22 c., 1 and 2 v.; and in the evening from 2 Cor., 5 c., 14 v. At the close of each service collections were made in aid of the fund for liquidating the debt on the chapel, and they amounted in the aggregate to a larger sum than has been collected on any previous similar occasion since the opening. PETTY SESSIONS, JULY 20, before S. CHUKCHILL, Esq., and Major STRETTON. BEERHOUSE OPFENCE.—Henry Jenkins, of the Philan- thropic Inn, Usk, was charged on the information of Supt. Llewellyn with keeping his house open for the sale of beer after 11 o'clock on the 10th of July. Defendant pleaded guilty, but stated that be bad had permission from Mr. Relph to keep his house open on the night in question—for the purpose of holding a supper amongst some friends who were about leaving for Australia. Major Stretton told defendant that neither Mr. Belph nor anyone else could give him permission that would justify his breaking the law. Defendant was convicted in the mitigated penalty of 6d., with costs. ANOTHER CASE.—Isaac James, of the Greyhound Inn, Usk, was also charged on the information of Superinten- dent Llewellyn with, and pleaded guilty to, having his house open between three and five o'clock on the afternoon of Sunday, the 15th of July. He was fined 7s. 6d. in- cluding costs. ADJOUKNED.—Summonses against Edward Jenkins, and Lewis Morgan, for encroachments on the highways, in the parish ot Llangeview, were adjourned to the next sitting to enable the magistrates to view the locus in quo. GAS BATE.—A rate of this description for the parish of Usk, at 4d. in the dB, was allowed.

llAGLAN. THB WARDENS' FETB.—The second fete of this kind for the season took place within the walls of the romantic ruing of Raglan Castle on Monday last. The company numbered from 1,400 to 1,600, and we may safely say it was one of the most respectable and comfortable gatherings that has taken place within the Castle this year. The new archery ground was thickly studded with dancers to the strains of the Monmouthshire Militia Band, whilst some hundreds of spectators were seated on the boundary of the ground. Dancing was kept up on the green sward until ten, when the party adjourned to the commodious tent, which became literally crammed, and where the enjoyment was continued an hour or so longer. During the afternoon the Earl and Countess of Minto inspected the ruins. SEEIOUS ACCIDENT.—As an omnibus from Abergavenny was passing through this village on the evening of Monday last, laden with visitors to the Warden's fete, the spokes of one of the wheels flew out, and the axletree coming to the ground, most of the outside passengers were thrown to the ground. We regret to learn that one of the party sustained a broken leg, another a dislocation of the shoulder, and a third a fracture of the ribs. It is said the vehicle was discovered to be in a cranky condition soon after leaving Abergavenny. If this were so the injured persons would seem to have good grounds for claiming compensation. AHOTHBE ACCIDENT.—At the Warden's fete, at the Costie, on Monday last, Mr. James Graham, auctioneer, of Monmouth, had the misfortune to break one or two of the small bones of his leg, by a fall, whilst taking part in some of the rustic sports. He is, however, wo are glad to hear, now progressing as favourably as can be expected.

NEWPORT. TRIENNIAL VISITATION OF THE BISHOP OF LANDAPP. -The Bight Rev. the Lord Bishop of the diocese held his Triennial Visitation at St. Woollos Church, Newport, on Monday last. Prayers were read by the Rev. F. Bedwell, curate. Among the clergy present we observed the following:—Bevds. Chancellor Williams, Bassalleg; W. Williams, rector of Bedwas; K. E". Morgan, perpetual curate of Bedwellty: J. O. Jones, curate Bof Bedwelity, the rector of St. Brides; H. P. Edwards, vicar of Caerleon; E. Turberville Williams, vicar of Caldicot; T. Pope, vicar of Christ church; M. Steele vicar of Caerwent; the Rector of Itton; F. B. Leonard, rector of Kemevs Inferior; E. A. Williams, rector of Llangibbv; T. William?, rector of Llangstone; E. Griffiths, rector of Llaninarfin W. Powell, perpetual curate of Llanvrechva; C. M. Edwards/curate of Cwmbran; W. J. C. Lindsay, rector of Llanvaches; J. Hughes, rector of Llanhilleth; E. John, curate of Llan. hilltth; C. Cooke, rector of Llanvihangel Boggiett, D. Davies, perpetual curate of Llanvihangel Llautarnam; J. E. Jones, perpetual curate of Llanthewy Vach J.P.Clark, Llanvair Kilgeddin; J. Morgan, perpetual curate of Pontnewyndd; W. Davies, Codbrook; perpetual curate of St. James's, Pontypool; W. H. Wrenford, Llanllowell; Chancellor Morgan, rector of Machen E. J. Davies, curate of Machen J. Newman, perpetual curate of Maindee; W. E. Cole, curate of Malpas; S. Evans,'vicar of MarsLtield; W. Jenkins, rector of Michaelstone-vedw; H. J. Evans, curate of Mynyddislwyn; E. J. Clark, curate of Crumlin; T. Lewis Williams, vicar ot Matherne; A. C. Saunders, vicar of Magor: Bees J ones, perpetual curate of Penmaen; J. T. Wrenford, incumbpnt of St. Paul's, Newport; J. Wadsworth, curate of St. Paul's, Newport; S. Fox, incurn. bent of Trinity, Newport; F. Davis, curate ot Trinity, Newport; E F.Lewis, rector ol i ortskewett; W. Phillips, curate of Risca j C. R. Hall, rector of Shirenewton J C. Llewellin, perpetual curate ot 'irevetbin; F:, Bedwell, T. LL Lister, and J. M.Davies, curates of St. Woollos, New- port: J. Beynon, vicar of Wbitson; E. Leigh, perpetual curate of Tredegar; L. T. Bowlands, curate ot lredegar; W HuglieF, curate of Ebbw Vale; W. Evans perpetual curate of Ruvmnev; the Rector of Wolvesnewton, &c His Lordship's charge occupied more than two ana-a-halt hours in delivery. He drew special attention to Howell s School at Llandaff, and said he wished it to be known that day scholars (Ihe number being at present limited to 2o) were now admitted, the terms being 30s. for girls under 12, and 40s. per quarter above that age. He stated that he had no intention of continuing the Divinity School at Abergavenny, which he considered was unnecessary, every facility for students being ubtainable at St. David's College. where tunny scholarships were now founded, and the degrees of B.A. and B.D. granted. He then dwelt at some length on the semi-infidelity which is so prevalent, and also upon the ritualistic controversy. With respect to the latter question, he counselled the exercise of moderation and forbearance by both parties, and said nothing but a definitive sentence by the highest, authority could deter- mine what the law really was upon the points in dispute, and the results ot such a decision might possibly be more trying to the Cnuica thar, her present perplexity.

BLAENAVON. FATAL ACCIDENT.—A collier named William Hoskins, met with his death on Tuesday last, at the Garn Pits. It appears that deceased was in the act cf drawing down a portion of one of the upper soams of coal, when a stone fell upon his head, dislocating his neck, and causing instant death.

CHEPSTOW. POLICE COURT. JULY 20TH, before W. W. MANNING and HENRY CLAY, Juur., Esqrs. Alfred Pomphrey and John George Williams were brought up under a warrant, charged with assaulting Mr. Leonard Prnbert, landlord of the Railway Tavern, on the 19th inst. It appeared the prisoners bad been drinking in complainant's house, and wanted more beer, when, upon the latter telling them that he must close the house, they both commenced beating him, ami eventually threw him down and kicked him. Defendants were fined 40s. and costs each.

ABEEGAVENNY. TOWN COMMISSIONERS. On Thursday, the 19th instant, a meeting of this body was held in the Lower Town Hall, when there were present: E. Y. Steele, Esq., (chairman), and Messrs. J. Brown, Jos. Meredith, W. Baber, P. Morgan, I. Isaacs, and Hiley Morgan. THE PAYMENT OF THE SEWERAGE CONTRACTORS. The minutes of the former meeting having been read, The Chairman referred to the subject of the pay- ment for the sewerage works. He said he thought the Commissioners all understood perfectly well how it was that the payment had been delayed, namely, in consequence of the contract not having been signed by the contractors. At the last meeting it had been directed to pay the amount due as soon as the contractors should sign the contract; but since then Mr. Price had written from London to say he had arranged with the contractors all the points in dispute, and that there could therefore be no objec- tion on their part to pay the money. The cheques had accordingly been handed over. Mr. Meredith: Before the contract has actually been signed ? The Chairman said they had all felt it was rather hard on the contractors not to pay them for the work done until the contract had been signed, but as their solicitor had advised this course they had taken it. However, he had received a letter from Mr. Price, However, he had received a letter from Mr. Price, stating that they had agreed on all points in dispute I and therefore they need not longer delay the payment of the cheques. Mr. Rutherford said the deeds had not been en- grossed, and therefore the contract could not be signed. The Chairman remarked that the delay appeared to arise in the office of their own solicitor. Mr. Isaacs was glad the question had been mooted, as an impression appeared to prevail among some people that the contractors had refused to sign the contract on important points, and the present con- versation shewed clearly that such an impression was groundless. The Chairman observed that the original difficulty arose from a misunderstanding between the two solicitors as to the wording of a certain clause in the Act. This occasioned a delay, and in the meantime a great deal of the work had been done-much more than had been paid for. Mr. Morgan was of opinion that the contract AcnUd have been signed before the .vrk i^ Mr. laaavs there was. no need for any apprehension, as there was no question mi would be satisfactorily settled. The Chairman There is no demand for money at present. Mr. Meredith replied that there would be shortly, and he thought before more money was paid the contract ought to be signed. Mr. Isaacs: I think before the next payment is required all will be properly arranged. The Clerk said Mr. Price had stated that the delay had been caused by the contractor's solicitor, and not by him. THE SUHETliS FOR Mil. ELLIS. The Board agreed to accept the offer made by the sureties to pay E [00 in cash on Tuesday, the 24th instant, and £ 100 in the next six months. A street and water rate of Is. 6d. in the pounlo. having been signet', after some unimportant conver- sation, the meeting separated. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, before the Reo;, J- E AKCJUHAK (chairman), C. BAILEY, junior, J. C. HILL, and F. C. H. WILLIAMS, Esqrs. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A GAFF-HOOK.— William Morgan, a lad of about 18 years or age, appeared to answer a summons at the instance of James Martin, river- keeper, for being unlawfully in possession ot a gaff-hook. Complainant deposed that he was a keeper in the employ- ment of Major Gwynne; on Monday, the 16th instaot, as he was coming down the river, near the Mardy, in the parish of Llanwenartb, he saw defendant searching tho bushes; he did not know him then, but after watching him from behind a hedge for about twenty minutes he went up to him and exclaimed, Ah! young man, I have caught, you;" he (complainant) then asked defendant for the "gaff, and he denied having one; he then told defendant to get up off his knees and he (complainant) would see if this were correct or" not; defendant get up and acknowledged having the gaff, and he then handed it over to the keeper; it was the same as now produced; complainant said to him-"You are the person who caught the three salmon the other day?" to which defendant_ answered," Yes," and said be had given one to Mr. Price, of the Manly; defendant offered witness his watch and chain not to say anything of what had occurred, which the latter refused, In answer to Mr. Baker, who appeared for defendant, complainant stated that he believed defendant was the son of Mr. Morgan, of the Lower House, Llanwenartb; he had, when witness saw him, a halter in his hand, but he (witness) could not tell whether he had been taking his father's horses to the field; neither did he know how near Mr. Morgan's land was to the spot »here he first saw defendant; he acquainted Major G wynne with what had happened soon after. Mr. Baker briefly addressed the Bench, stating that the lad had a short, time before foubd the gaff-hook, and was not, aware that it was penal to retain possession ot it. The Bench cautioned defendant, an.1 fined him 20s. and costs. -r< n ASSAULT.—Jane Lewis was charged by Margaret li arreli with an assault. Complainant stated that she defen- dant had apartments in the same aouse; that defendant, on Mondav week, pinched her "cry severely and. ripped her dress. "Elizabeth Grey corroborated this statement, and said defendant was rather in driioi at the time. Jane Ingram, tor defendant, contradicted the statements of the two former witnesses; butstl,id defendant uad only just pushed complainant to get. her up stairs. Defendant was bound over to keep the peace for one month, herself in £10 arid one surety in £ o. STEALING WEARINCr APPAEEL.— Julia Phillips was brought up in custody, charged with stealing certain articles of wearing apparel from Jemima Morgan. Com- plainant, a Welsh woman, who was esxmined through au interpreter, said she Was a widow living at Govilon; defendant went t■> lodge with her ,Ii out, three weeks ago, and left on Saturday week, and after she bad gone she (complainant) missed a bonnet, shawl, pi-ttieuat, &c.; the things produced were her's; complainant was not aware that defendant intended to leave hrr. P.C. James proved to finding the missing articles in defendant's possession, and to apprehending her at Gihvcrr:. Tile prisoner was committed to gaol for three calendar months' with hard labour.

CAERLEON. MARRIAGE REJOICINGS -Any stranger passing on Thursday sennight through this usually quiet town could not fail to come to the conclusion that something ex- traordinary was taking place,—tor banners fiyiDg, houses decorated with wreaths of flowers aud evergreens, and arches of the same crossing the roads, with cannons firing, are indications rarely to met with here, These demonstra- tions had been s'otup in honour of the marriage of George Scott, Esq., to Miss Clara E. Jenkins, of Caerleon, having been drawn forth by the respect and good feeling of the inhabitants towards the fair bride, who has resided in this town from her birtb. and also her family for some genera- tions. To the poor, aged, and infirm, on many occasions has her charity and kindness been shewn in a marked degree; she has also been for several years a firm supporter of the Sunday schools. The rejoicings on this occasion were not confined to outward show, hut through the kind- ness of the bride's family nearly every poor person of the town received a liberal supply of beef to commemorate the event. The children of the school were also treated with tea, plum-cake, and other necessaries, whilst about fifty of the principal tradesmen and other inhabitants were in- vited to dinners provided at the Whit" Hart and Hanbury Arms. At the latter repasts—after due justice had been done to the viands, which it is needless to say were got up by eacb host in a very superior style, and the cloth removed —the health of the Bride and Bridegroom was drunk amidst uproarious cheering, and many and ferveni wishes for their future prosperity were heartily expressed. During the evening the majority of the inhabitants wended their way to the Gold Croft," where stnirl men and women, young lads and lasses, indulged in various games and amusements until darkness set in. SERIOUS AND FATAL ACCIDENT AT PONTHEER TIN WORKS. On Friday, the 20th instant, an accident of a serious and fatal nature occurred at these works. It seems it has been the custom for many years to pile the iron used in the works against the outside of the building. On Friday last a very large quantity was so placed against the out- side of the shearing-house weight of the pile being probably from 60 to 100 tons. For some time, al- though how long does not appear, the wall hud been con- sidered unsafe, by reason of the great weight of iron con- tinually placed against it, but the manager's attention does not seem to have been drawn to the circumstance until the day of the accident, when a crack that had up- peared in the wall was shown to him. About five o'clock on Friday afternoon the wall fell in, and two men who were working inside were buried in the debris. They were after awhile extricated, and Thomas Jones, shearer, was taken out dead, having died while the men were getting the rubbish off him. The wall struck him on the lower portion of his back, knocking him against his shears until he rebounded from it, and became buried under the falling mass. The second man, William Lewis, who was working close to Jones, was struck down by a corner of the wall, and injured about the legs and hips, but not so severely but that he was able to give evidence at the inquest on Monday when the jury visited him for that purpose, he being still not able to leave his house. The inquest, as already stated, was held on Monday last at the Star Inn, before W. H. Brewer, Esq., and a respectable jury, Francis Moggridge, Esq., of the Caerleon Works, being foreman, at which the following evidence was adduced:— John M. Jones deposed: I am a tin-plate worker at Pontheer Works; I was at my work last week, and Thos. Jones, the deceased, told me that he was afraid the wall would fall, as the mortar was falling all along, and that it was on account of the weight of iron against it that the wall was giving way; be said he had told Mr. Francis, the manager, not to let the men put more iron against the wall, as it was giving way, but, notwithstanding, they con- tinued to put the iron, and every bar that was put caused the mortar to fall, and he was afraid to work there; where I was working—ten or twelve yards off-I was not afraid to work; but if I had to work where Joies did I should have been afraid; I have been working there three or four years it has always been the custom since I remember to place the iron against that wall; the conversation I had with Jones was about half an hour before the accident happened; I bad heard several of the men talking of the danger of the wall, and that it would be sure to fall; it was only on that day I heard the men talk of, the wall; the men put iron against the wall that day. Henrv Jones deposed: I am a tin-plate worker fit Pontheer; I went to work about two p.m. on Friday, the 20th instant; in about half an hour alter I went to work a man named James Morgan, who was standing by, told me it was not safe to work near the wall; I worked about at work there; he to) me it, n safe !owoil tlefe; that was about half-past three o clock; I was at work t'>1ere when the wall fell, and it enrae down suddenly, without any notice; I think there were about 60 or 100 tons of iron hearing against the wall when it fell; each bar averages 1 cwt,; the deceased told me that he had told Mr. Francis about it, and that Mr. Francis had said he would get iron put inside to support the wall. William Lewis deposed: I am a tin-plate worker at Pontheer; I was at work on Friday last; I was working about two or three yards from Thomas Jones; 1 was at tea, on the work, about four or five in the evening, and Thomas Jones said, "there is a big lump of mortar come down;" I said, "it is better to-go from here now in time;" be did not say anything in reply but kept at work, looking back often at the wall; in about ten minutes after "down it en me like a crack of thunder—all at once;" it knocked me down; I could hear Thomas Jones holloa out. but I could see nothing of him; I told Thomas Jones two or three davs before that the wall was too dangerous for us to be there; he said, perhaps it won't come down directly; I told Mr. Francis a few weeks ago that the wall was dangerous; he said a he didn't believe it would come down-" I thought there was too much iron against the wall outside—I told Mr. Francis so; I should think there was about 50 tons of iron anainst the wall: they were put- ting iron against the wall the day it fell; Thomas Jones told me that be bad complained to Mr. Francis about it two or three days before the accident. Edward Francis deposed I am manager of the Pontheer Tia Works; I have been manager for the past eleven i Tears; on the moraing of the accident, I was at my duties at the Works; end about twelve o'clock the deceased called my attention to the wall; he said that. there was some mortar falling, and that it would be well to put a prop up after he had finished; I told him it should be attended to: about half-p«st four in the evening the wall came down; William Lewis told me on the evening before on that morning that be saw the mortar falling, but he did not say anything before, neither did anyone else; saw on tho morning of the accident a crack in the wa an< pointed it out to Thomas Jones; he said it had always been there; there was about 25 or SO Mm of iron against the wall; I have tbe whole and sole control of the Works. After a long consultation the jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," appending to their verdict, the following:—"And the jury consider hut a certain amount of neglect, was shown by the manager, Edward Francis, in not taking precautionary measures to guard against any accident- after his attention had been cruvvn to the unsafe condition of the wall that, fell." At the close of the inquest the jury made a collection for the widow aud family ot the deceased. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, before the Rev. J WILLIAM POWELL, and JOHN JAMES, and F. J. MITCHELL, Epqrs. NEGLECTING WORK.— George was charged by Messrs. R. Roper and Co., of Cwmbran, with neglecting his work. Mr. Morgan (one of the managers of the works) attended to prostcute, and stated that in consequence 01 the neglect, of prisoner, the "blast" was off the two fur- naces for upwards of two hours, and he therefore desired to press the case so that an example might be set to the res; of the workmen. The prisoner was committed to Usk gaol for 21 days. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.—William Cannon, hrael Lewis, and John Williams, were, charged with being drunk and disorderly at Cwmbran. Defendants sdl pleaded guilty, and were fined 5s. each. CAUTION TO TEAMSTERS.—Henry Jenkins, of Caerleon, was charged with riding on his timber carriage without J reins, in the parish of Llanvrechva. P.C. Howes proved the charge. Delendant's father appeared for him, and ■pleaded guilty, stating that it was the first time he had been summoned 'luring a period of forty years ho had b> en driving. The defendant was fined 10s. including costs. DESERTING SERVICE.— John Jones was charged by Charles Williams, of Tredunnock, wi ll leaving his s.-rjice us a farm servant before the time f"r which he had hired himsplf had expired. Complainant, si.tied that he engage defendant as a servant, from tbe 1sr, of May last, for tbf term of twelve months, and that he lc!t or. the 3w ° having previously offered a notice to bim, whic 1 jlinfi8nt to accept, as be had been engaged for a y<-ai. wat tec now stated that bis reason for leaving J serve bii more wages. He was ordered to go 'c time, and to pay 10s, costs. WAGES CASE.- William Evans, farmer, Tredunnoel- i ivas charged by James Cooke with refusing to pay him bis ivages, amounting to £ 2 2s. 4d. Complainant stated he mgaged to serve defendant, for a year at an annua) wage if £ 13 15s.; he wanted to leave, and gave notice; after the notice was up his master persuaded him to stay on for a short time; he agreed to stay on, but on the next day his master ordered him off, and refused to pay him his wages. Defendant said that complainant's corduct was disgraceful in the extreme; that he had threatened to smash his son's head, and he was afraid to keep him in the house, and that was the reason' he ordered him to go. The Bench told defendant he should have obtained a summons against L'omplainant if he was afraid of him, but that having ordered him away put an end to his agreement, and he must therefore pay the wages claimed, and complainant would have to pay the costs.

VARTEG HILL. WORKMEN'S OUTING.-On Saturday last, the workmen smployed by Messrs. J. Vipond and Co. Limited at the Varteg Hill Works, were treated by their employers to a jaunt to R,\glan Castle. Starting early in the morning they reached Raglan on or before eleven o'clock, and accompanied by their wives and sweethearts they passed a pleasant day rarabliug about the pJace-visiting the Castle, &c. About 900 or 1000 persons thus enjoyed a day's recreation, exchanging tho laborious toil of the mine, the coal pit, and the workshop, for a stroll into the country. The railway arrangements were perfect, and the excur- sionists returned home soon after eight o'clock. At Raglan, J. T. Edmonds, Esq., the managing director of the Com- pany, was indefatigable in looking after the comfort of the men; and suitable and interesting uddresses were delivered by Handel Cossharo, Esq., of Bristol (Chairman of tne Company), Mr. Knapp, of Newport, and J. T. Edmonds, Esq. An address expressive of the pleasure felt by the workmen and their families was presented by the men to Messrs. Cossham and Edmonds, and suitably acknow- ledged.

ABERSYCHAN. BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.—Tbe annual meeting of the Abersychan Branch of this Society, was held on Friday last, at the School-room. Henry Lewis, Esq., presided, and addresses on behalf of the Society were delivered by the Rev. J. Jones (Blaenavon), Mr. Davenport, D. Jones, and J. Pritchard. The Rev. S. Price, secretary, read a report, and alluded to the loss the branch had sustained through the departure from this district of several ladies, who had zealously collected for the Society in former years, also to the loss of the late J. Vipond, Esq., of Cwmavon, a true friend to the cause, who bad left a donation ef £100 to the Parent Society. The officers were re-elected, and the customary vote of thanks to the chair- man closed the proceedings. CLUB ANNIVERSARIES.—On Saturday last, the members of the Hibernian 11 True United Brothers" Lodge, meeting at the New Inn, held their annual "feast." Headed by the Newport Factory Band, and with several elegant ban- ners, the members, numbering about 150, marched in procession to Pontypool, and attended Divine service at the Catholic Chapel, where an effective address was delivered by Father Torregiani. They then returned to their club-room, and partook of an exceedingly well-cooked dinner, for which Rost Wintle received the thanks of the members. After dinner Trustee Thomas Duggan was voted to the chair, and Brother D. Mc'Carthv to the vice. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given, and a pleasant evening was spent. The club is in a prosperous condition.——On Monday the annual "feast" of the "United Friends" Society, meeting at the Union Inn, was held. The members, headed by the Abersychan Brass Band, and with suitable banners and flags displayed, walked through the illnge, and visited Host Jones, of the Hanbury Arms, Garndiffaith, by whom they were hospitably received. After a capital dinner, provided by Host and Hostess Drown. Brother J. Crawcour, occupied the chair, and Brother J. E I ans the vice, and with toast and song a merry evening was spent. This club has, until latterly, been in a declining state, but during the last year it btt) greatly increased in numbers and pecuniary strength,

SKENFRITH. FATAL ACCIDENT.— Last week we recorded a very painful and fatal accident that befol a poor woman, while assisting Mr. Davies, of the Hill Farm, Skenfrith, in working a horse threshing machine, and this week we have to report another accident which has since happened in the saine locality, and by which another life has been sacrificed. On Friday last, at a quarry near Hilstou Park, a poor man named George Pritchard was struck by a tall of ftone, and so seriously injured that he expired iu a few hours. This is another in the category of acci- dents that ""Rht .hnvfl hfien .nrfi,VGRta'W# those precautionary measures that common sense should dictate. It was elicited trom Powell, the foreman, at the inquesr, which wus held on Saturday, before E. D. Batt, Esq.that neither .himself nor the deceased had, on the morning of the occurrence, looked to see if anything was wrong. It is sad to think that men thus employed should be so thoughtless, and hold their own lives so cheap as to estimate it worth less than a day's Jabour-for six hours' labour in •'ridding," as it is termed, would un- questionably in this cuse, have removed sufficient of the upper strata to have prevented the catastrophe. It appears, howevor, that the employers will not pay tor "ridding," and the men themselves say—why should they rid wlieu others may, perhaps, benefit by the removal of the lower strata—hence the many accidents. The jury returned a verdict of" Accidental death." "'III.

CORRESPONDENCE. [Under this head our columns are open to all who do not violate the rules of propriety, and who send us their names, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith. It must be dis- tinctly understood that we do not hold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by correspondents U. 0,]

"After dinner sit awhile, After supper walk a mile "—IF YOU CAN.

To the Editor of the "USK OBSKRVJBK." SIR,—Perhaps you will kindly permit me to give vent to my miseiy in your columns. Presuming you will acquiesce, I commence my "yarn." Envy is certainly not a very creditable characteristic, but I must plead guilty to possessing such an one; and really I don't know how we-the Tittlebat Tit- mouse's of nOTelistF, and Swells of Punch, at least those who re- side in Usk—can be entirely free from such a passion. Here I am—stuck behind the counter AM. day. vVeU,Xfot course, don't gruuible at that,—although most people have a walk two or three times a day to their meals, while we merely" right about," take two or three rapid strides, and make the most of our allotted tinw-quite regardless of the old couplet given above. But I do grumble being kept there when nearly every young tellow is taking a stroll in the countrv-going fishing, catching a nice trout or so (for our Governor, of course! is that any bait, I wonder ?)—having a game of quoits, or cricket—(usedtobo a rare game of mine, that)—or, chief of all, huutiug up some of the lovely butterflies, who now and then transiently illuminate, the darkness of "our establishment," especially those who keep tumbling in just as we ought to tumble out. Now, there's a young fellow going down street-I can't help envying him not I. He looks so jolly happy and comfortable-doing his" sublime tobacco i" therp, he is off with another now, who has a fishing rod slung across his shoulder-I can't stand it, so I look in the opposite direction, and "heave a bitter sigh." Now, Sir, one thin"-—and I should be the happiest feliow alive: that is, if my empfoycr was to close his shop a little earlier-say a few hours. Surely, in a little place like tins, it could be managed. If unanimity prevail among the tradesmen on this question no loss can possibly occur; and it there should lie one or two who would "decline," I have no doubt the inhabitants would "de- cline" dealing with them. After this-as 1 understand the ques- tion has not hitherto been mooted—I sincerely hope that some of the tradesmen themselves will promptly consider it, and confer such happiness on their assistants as they have little idea of-Dr surely they would have done so sooner. Hoping I have not proved too tedious, I remain, Sir, yours obediently, Usk, July 26th, 1866. AN ASSISTANT [Our correspondent is wrong in stating that the » letter has not hitherto been "mooted." Itha^be^ more than once through our columns—as wei K,.tter of a weekly halt-holiday; but, from t e Mcr de.istanding than now exists amongst he the resuU Qf (he town, nothing has yet been■ dealing with the sub- "mooting.' Ihe only to wait upon the em- jsct would be to lonn u. depu^itio ployeM. U. 0.] ,H„ "USK OBSEiivna."

To the CJ't07' ihie to supply Usk with the purest SIR —Will it ever be P^ jf. dottedwith wells and cess-puols. water At present, th Uemau wi10 visited AVeyiuouth was ihe Times states x die(i at llls owu house at Epping a few seized with cramp., th-ti tJj0 lojiowiiip; fortnight, the wife days afterwara. njolller> two daughter?, the son, doctor, mother, tatnc. of th0 Kame taniily, were attacked by the oho 1 or a" and only three su. rived. The medical officer of the X iivv Council stated that nil drinking water of the house came fr Jin il wtl', i.1?: !'e » ^uliery, and into that well theie was an habitual diamage from the water closet. But there was no proot that the doctor or two servants ever drank this water. ^ater was the cooking performed! It is to he hoped there will be a steady determination to abolish pig-styes, and all domestic nuisances here. T. lr. Printed mid Published, for the Proprietor, by JAMKS TRIENIAL CI.A.KK, at his Offices, BriiUje Usk, in the County •/ Monmouth, July 28, 18G6.