The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette

TAFF VALE RAILWAY. tBY OUR OWN REPORTER.1 Tne GE^'K«JML HALF-YEARLY MEETING of the Pro- TiiptnN of tli« Company was held on Weduesday last, T. e XhiUtanf, tU White Lion Hotel, Uroad-street, B istol and was numerously and influentially attended, ■f S'voidable abseiie* of Sit J. J. Guest. Bart., the chair was taken by Walter pf Llandaff Esq., who commenced the proceedings of th« day by calling upon ■'the Secretary, Mr. Morccm, to read the advertisement .by which the meeting had been convened. The Cliaii-niati then "i,l;-Geiltlemen, I bei,,eve it is r'l „„„ of form that yo«r«.».e..t <■. »t> d o .placing the seal of the company to the share list, Inch, with your leave, I will do. „ Mr. Morcom then read the following Report of the ^Directors to the General Meeting; — .f The Directors are enabled again to congratulate the pro- ]l'Ti..tùPI on the improved and improving condition of their lundeItaking. -TV,, receipts during the past half-year »™<>unt to tUs. 1 If/ being au increase of £ i,2Qi 11*. Jd., as .compared vrlth the last half-year, and of £ 6,480 18*. com- pared with the corresponding six months of 1844. ■" The profits of the p ist half-year, (after payment of the m-irkiiw expenses, the interest on bonds and capital stock, and a .diyidend equal to 5 percent, per ailnum on <5000 quarter shwes) amount to £ «,30a 2«. which with £ .„i 8s. lild uii- divided last half-vear, will give a disposable balance of '■* £ G,88S 10i. 10rf. fr.»m which jour Directors recommend a dividend to the holders of original shares, at the rate of X3 14s. 6d. per cent, per anuum QljI ttse amount of capital -standing to the credit of each aid share on the it St of December Uast, or A:2 Gs. lid. per share for the half-yen*. This will leave 3, Id. per share to be added to the capital &.I)( nritriiial shares. viz :— Aii,;>lint of each old share on the 31st ot'i )2/, jg 11 •JfiftjKinber, 1844, as per last report 1 ISuni fctfhorixed to be placed to the credit O JQ Q of t-:Wl.# old gliare half-yearl-v .Less divided now recommended. 2 6 11 0 3 1 £ 126 0 0 -.1 lit lpw,,uan(!'e of the resolution of the special general meeting, hold OR the 1st ol' th« Directors took measures OB- taining an Act of 7arliame..t to enable them to carry out the agreement made with the Marquis of Bute on the 11th of No- "vcnibi'r last. "The period for giving notice flf applications to parliament, 'fixed by the standing orders of the blouse of Commons, having •elapsed before the agreement with the Marquis of 15ute was made, and the Committee o/'that House aefusiug to stMp"ud the stanrling orders,—as in many other iijstatfc^s they had done,- J'our Directors regret to say that the liiill wa,¡; ttrown out. The formation of a Double Line of Railway as far as Naviga- tion House is in progress, one-fourth of the tlistance, (from 'Cardiil' to Llitadafr,) being nearly finished, and arrangements for the completion of the remainder. During the last Session of Parliament, the Aberdare Rail' way Company obtained an Act for joiningyour line at Navigation MWJSO, -distant from Cardiff 10 miles. When the great extent of the coal field thas opened, and the preference the Aberdare coil has obt lined ali over the Wo AC, for steam-packet purposes, are taken into consideration, — it may safely be asserted that the increase of trade, which will be thus brought on the Taff Vale Itnilway, can hardly be •overratet. The esiction of blast furnaces contemplated by Mr. Crawshay 3?ailev on his v ry extensive miner.d estate, through which the Aberdare line passes, ho:J. out the prospect of still increasing •revenue to .this coi 'pa iy- r „ Sir Jx»hn Guest. Mr. James, and Mr. R. H. Webb, retire fxgm the direction in conformity with the provisions of the Company* Act of PajHiUBent.-but are all eligible for re- etectioa." [The Statement of Accounts for the half-year ending June 30th, a full abstract of which we gave in our last number, showed a receipt of £ 24,894 10s. lid., and disbursements of £ 9,923 17s. Od., leaving a balance of 1: 14,966 2s' lid. from which was to be deducted the in- terest on the Debentures and Stock, and the Income Tax, together making £ 8,057 Os lid., leaving jE6,309 2s. balance carried to the General Revenue Account, to which was to be added £ 519 8s 10d., making the avail- able balance on the 30th Juno, E6,888 10s. 10d., as stated in the Report.] The Chairman: If any gentleman wishes the accounts to be read over, the secretary will instantly do so. The secretary having sent to every shareholder a copy of the accounts, it is, perhaps, hardly necessary to read them over. (Hear.) But if any gentleman wishes it, it shall be done. Mr. Joseph Price, of Neath Abbey, said he observed that they were forming a double line for some distance. He wished to know whether any proportion of the ex- penses attendant on the engineering and secretaryship, and a variety of other expenses which were found in the accounts were charged to the capital, or whether those expenses fell exclusively on the account current. The Chairman said the items to which Mr. Price referred were not items of any great consequence but lie (the chairman) was able to say that the whole of the secretary's salary was charged to the current expenditure. Some portion of the engineer's salary was charged to the account of the expense incurred in making the new works. Mr. Price said that according to the manner of keeping the accounts considerable effect might be produced, either on the expenditure account or on the profit-and-loss account. The chairman's reply showed that more profits were made than were figured in the accounts, as the secretary's salary and other expenses fell on the account current, whilst the engineering expenses fell on the first cost of forming the new works. He had put that general question by way of probing the matter, and to obtain information which would enable him to form a correct judgment as to the real profitable working of the concern. In looking over the accounts two questions occurred to him. He saw an item of coal tipping expenses, JE359 3s. 4d." He did not comprehend it exactly. He dared to say it was quite susceptible of explanation, and, therefore, lie would feel obliged to the chairman if he would inform him (Mr. Price) why the company did not call on the traders to bear that expense. The Chairman said the company-charged the different coal traders twopence a ton for the payment of the men so occupied tipping coal" formed an item of consider- able profit to the company. (Hear.) Mr. Price Does that appear in the accounts? Mr. Morcom said it came under the head of coal and coke traffic," which produced in the last half year £ 10,78G 8s. lid.. Mr. Price said the answer was full and satisfactory to his question. He had another question to put. It occurred to him that the company should not be losers to the amount of C323 13s. 6d. on the amount paid to Lord Bute for wharfage more than they received on that account. Mr. Morcom said the sum referred to were the charges which' the company paid on their General Merchandize Trllffie,-tharges which necessarily fell on the company: the company carried ten thousand tons of Merchandise on which they had to pay wharfage to Lord Bute. Mr Price said Mr. Morcom had given a very proper explanation. He (Mr. Price) observed that there were 76 forfoitPil sh'ire«: was there any reason why those shares should not be offered to public competition 1 The Chairman said the shares would be sold by public auction as soon as the proceedings of the general meeting were concluded. Mr. Carlisle said the company's Act of Parliament pointed out the way in which the sale should be conducted, and how the proceeds should be applied. The Chairman said that the Directors had minutely looked into the provisions of the Act of Parliament, and the meeting would find that these provisions had all been complied with. (Hear.) Mr. Overton, Merthyr Tydvil, said that Mr. Price had alluded to the expenses incurred in making the double railway the answers given to his remarks only referred to the expenses of the secretary and the engineer. Did he (Mr. Price) refer to the expenses of forming the line The Chairman Of course the expense of forming the line goes out of the new capital. Mr. Overton begged to ask one more question. On a recent occasion he had asked the question he was now about to put, when he was told it could only be put at a general meeting. Now as this was a general meeting he wished to state previous to making his enquiry that there were many of the purposes of the act which had not yet been fulfiled. He believed several things contemplated by the original act had never been carried into effect, and therefore the Directors were exceeding the powers of their act by applying the general funds of the road in making a double line, before executing all the purposes for which they had obtained the funds with which that double line was now made. There was a branch line still remained unmade—the branch from Dowlais to Merthyr; and he did not hear any proposi- tion made for commencing it. If made there would be no doubt but that it would yield an immense revenue, and would prove a valuable feeder to the main line, much increasing the per centage now realized on the original outlay. V, From some circumstance that branch had not been made; and further he did not understand that there were any intentions of making it. He wished to call the attention of the Directors to it, and also to say that they were not authorised to make a double line until they had carried out the original intentions of their Act of Parlia- ment. He wished to ask whether it was the intention of the Directors to make a branch line from Merthyr to Dowlais out of the funds in hand and if so, when it would be commenced. The Chairman said that if the honourable proprietor, who had put the question had only looked into the Act of Parliament, he would have seen that the Dowlais company had armed themselves with powers to enable them to make that line of road. With the great capital of that company, if it had suited them they would, no doubt, have made that road long since. In the present posture of the Taff Vale Company's affairs the Directors could not with safety recommend the proprietors to risk such a sum as would be required for the purpose referred to. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Overton thought it but right that it should be known that the Dowlais Company had such powers, and could exercise them if they thought fit to do so. He thought the Taff Vale Railway Company ought to form that branch, and not permit the Dowlais Company to do so. It was a branch of great importance, connecting a town of 10,000 inhabitants with the main line, and there- fore the Directors should not refrain from entering upon the formation of the line, merely from respect or favour to any company whatever. When the main line was original spoken of, the branch to Dowlais was made the ground of expectation for considerable advantages. It was said that by it the inhabitants of Dowlais would be very considerably advantaged that it would put them in a position for purchasing their various ar, ides of con- sumption, at a much cheaper l^te l.iat^ they could with- out it. The convenience which it wouid to farmers was also spoken of: it was said that by ine^uj of that branch they could have limestone, &c, carried down at a trifling rate,—in fact it made a most important and leading figure in the biU, and now it was not heard of. He thought it was a duty they owed to Dowlais, a town whose population amounted to 10,()lJl>, t'l form the branch as originally contemplated; and toay should n)t from any feeling of partiality, fear, favour. or affection to auy individual or company neglect the interests of the pro- prietors at large. The Chairman said the delay in making the Dowlais branch did not arise from any wish on the part of the Di- rectors to favour the Dowlais Company but, on due consideration, from a desire to promote the interests of the Taff Vale Railway Company alone (cheers). What he had said was, that the Dowlais Company, bad armed their,selves with powers to form the line and that, under the preseat circumstances of the Railway Company, the Directors did u<,t think it advisable to do so out of their capital. (Hear.) Mr. Overton Then I am to itflef that you do not in- tend making it 1 The Chairman said that whenever ,the interests Iff the Company required it, it should be made. It was quite un- necessary that the directors should make a disclaimer of that kind. He thought Mr Overton should be satisfied with the answer which had been given. As soon as the Directors would 8"d.that it would be for ttye iuttrpst o,f the proprietors to waketbe line referred tOJ they (the Direc- tors) woo;ld certainly reaowmend the proprietors to do 8,?. (Cheers.) At present the Directors did not thiuk the time was come for sodomy. (Hear.) Mr. Price said he had not ventured to oiter any obser- vation* on the subject mooted by Mr. Overtoil, The meeting were then considering the Directors report, and until that was disposed oF, other matters should not he introduced. However, he could easily imagine that there Was cyite enough to engage the engineer attention at present Ju hand. They should finish one thing before 'hev enraged I,IPC¡Q another. (Hear.) Mr. 0,vertou said ihe Directors were applying the funds of the company iu making s double hue ot ro.id before thev had executed all the povvd? °* their act. They wers"acting unjustly towards a tpW" ot ten thour sandi Qha'l,Hte..nt.! Mr. Price «ajd that after the report had been disposed of, it would then be in order to bring that ol", H!l-V ofher matter fotward, and 6peak on the rpspllH'011' 1 ieSu'arly moved and seconded. The Chairman Has any other gentleman a question to ask concerning or arising outof th? report (A pause.] I shall now put a series of resolutions whie.i have been prepared; and the first is-" Thaf the report, of the Oi. rectori now read be received and adopted, and, with the statement of accounts, be printed and circulated amongst the proprietors." Mr. Harlev was not aware that one penny was set apart for the renewal of the engines. Hewisiec iat Sir John Guest had filled the chair, simply because, at the last half-yearly meeting, he (Sir John) had concurred iu tl\e view taken by him (Mr. Harley)* name j, la a certain portion of their receipts should be se pa or the purpose of renewing the engines whenever cncum- stances required it he done. They now ia P set apart £ 1000 for that objeci, ?nd he begge I P that it should be done. (Laughter.} Not a single penny »• y«,¥d been set apart. 11 any seeoi.d his proposition he should feel obUfee" • spoken to any one on the subject. [A j afraid that he without a seconder. ( fore the public. Then- engines weie e*ei) "a> a worse and worse; ihe^- must t?e renewed at some time, and provision for that purpose ought to be made. Some- thing should be done, and done at this meeting.. The Chairman Of course the Directors are entirely in the hands of the meeting on this subject, if any person seconds this resolution until that is done, I .must con- clude that the meeting agree with the views the Direc- tors have taken on the subject. (Cheers.) The first proposition was then carried-Mr. Harley's hand being the only one held up against it. The Chairman The second proposition is—" That a dividend at the rate of £3 14s. 6d. per cent. per annum be declared to the holders of the original shares, upon the amount of capital standing to the credit of each old share on the 31st of December, 1844; or E2 6s. lid. per share for the half-year ending June 30th last: and that such dividend be payable on the 5th day of Septem- ber next to the proprietors of original shares whose names appear in the register of the company at the closing of the transfer books on the 13th of August instant." This proposition was unanimously affirmed amidst cheers and laughter. In moving the next proposition, Mr. Price said that a resolution relative to the election of Directors had been put into his hands, and which he had great pleasure in moving. It was—"That Sir John Guest, Christopher James, Esq., and R. H. Webb, Esq., be re-elected Di- rectors of this company." He had more acquaintance with two of these gentlemen than the third. With re- gard to these two-Sir John Guest and Mr. James-he could say that, in the present state of the concern, they (the proprietors) could not spare them at all. (Cheers.) The first was a very large trader on the line; and he (Mr. Price) had often expressed an opinion to the effect that it was for the proprietors' interests to have traders assisting in the management of their affairs, especially when they were also large holders of shares. (Cheers.) Mr. Carlisle seconded the proposition with very great pleasure, from his knowledge of the gentlemen named. He had served with them for seven years, and was, on that account, in a position to form an opinion upon the matter. When they found gentlemen who were large shareholders also traders upon the line, the proprietors might be certain that measures calculated to promote their interests as traders would also promote their inte- rests as shareliolders. Look at the result of the manage- ment pursued within the last two years. The traffic was gradually increasing from point to point, and the divi- dend now declared exceeded that paid at the last half- yearly meeting (cheers) and which dividend arose out of an average traffic of only £ 958 weekly on the half-year. What might they not look forward to when they were told that for the last two weeks the traffic had realised JE1200 a week. (Cheers.) Mr. Price knew well enough the difference between £958 and £ 1200 (laughter); and so, if out of a weekly average of JE958 they could pay the expenses of working the line and declare a dividend, the surplus above that weekly average would be all additional profit. (Cheers.) The time was fast approaching when they would realise what had first been held out to them -five per cent. on their outlay (hear) and the dividend they were now making was not far from it, being 41 per cent. (Cheers.) When the Aberdare Railway should be opened, and the line through the Rhondda Valley be completed—those, taken together, would produce a greatly increased income, and they (the proprietors) would be able to advise their very excellent Directors to reduce the charges on the line generally. (Hear.) lie for one begged to thank the Directors for what they had done, and to hope that the time would arrive when they (the proprietors) would be in a position to thank them in some other way. (Hear, hear.) The Chairman said Sir John Guest was at present in Scotland, otherwise he would have attended the meeting. As it was, the distance was too great to travel, especially when no business of very great importance was to be brought forward. Mr. Hutchins, Dowlais, said he full) agreed in the views taken by Mr. Carlisle with reference to the in- creasing prospects of the company. If called upon, he would not now sell his shares in the line at even E200 per share, unless he were certain he should buy other shares at a lower price. (Cheers.) He would not sell them because he considered them to be such a good invest- ment. He thought they were all fully justified in look- ing forward to times of even much greater prosperity. (Hear.) A branch was projected from Merthyr to Bre- con, where it would join the Welsh Midland Railway. He believed coal now sold in Brecon at 16 shillings a ton: when that branch would be opened, it would open the Taff Valley, and enable proprietors of coal therein to supply Brecon with coal at a much lower rate than 16 shillings a ton, and, at the same time, secure handsome profits to themselves. That branch was really worth the attention of the Taff Vale Railway Company, as by its establishment, it would render the Taff Vale shares of much greater value than they now were. He considered the Taff Vale Railway one of the most favourable spe- culations in the kingdom. (Hear, hear.) The proposition moved by Mr. Price was then form- ally put by the Chairman, and unanimously resolved. Mr. Webb returned thanks for the appointment; and engaged to pursue the same course as he had hitherto pursued with such benefit, he trusted, to the shareholders at large. He would not exchange hisTaff Vale shares, for an equal number in the Great Western Railway. (Cheers.) He stated that four years ago since which time they (the proprietors of the Taff Vale Railway) had exercised a great deal of patience and perseverance, and had also taken a little water gruel as well. (Laughter.) They were now as prosperous as any railway could be. (Hear.) With regard to Mr. Harley's proposition that something should be laid by for the renewal of engines, he (Mr. Webb) believed that the weekly receipts would be more than sufficient to pay 5 per cent. on the whole of the property,taking old shares at E 12r); as well as to leave sufficient to form a depreciation ftind for the renewal of the engines when required, Mr. Christopher James briefly returned thanks, stating that he had always endeavoured to do his duty as a Di. rector, and would continue to do so. (Cheets.) The Chairman: All the propositions having been dis- posed of, I think that now nothing remains but to put up the forfeited shares. Mr. Price then rose and said that he well recollected that at the different public meeting; held at Cardiff the subject of proceeding up the Rhondda valley was often mentioned and advocated. Reference had also often been made to the Aberdare Valley and to Dowlais, since which period facilities for proceeding up the Aberdare Valley had been obtained by procuring an Act of Parliament— the line to be connected with the Taff Vale Railway. Mr. Price then proceeded pointing out the advantages which would attend the opeping of the Ijne throqgh the Aberdare Valley, and concluded by asking whether the time had not arrived for the Directors.to turn their atten- tion to the Rhondda Valley. He merely threw it out as a suggestion before the meeting for their consideration. The Directors might be able to give him reasons why the time had not coma fqr opening the line up the Rhondda Valley. He (Mr. Price) was rather ipclitled to think the time for doing it had arrived -for the Directors' attention to be drawn to the subject, with the view of taking such measures as would place them in a position for forming a line up that valley. As far as the information he was in possession of went, the proprietors of land in that valley were not prepared to go on with any under) akins: of the kind; but even if they were, their object would hardly counteract or he carried out in CPposiÙon to the wishes of the Taff Vale Railway Company, of whose line tije Hhqndda Valley one was to be a b auch. After proceeding for joirie time urging the necessity which existed for entering immediately upon the forma- tion of this branch, Mr. Price sat dqwq, an I was then informal by The Chairman, that arrangements hail been made with the latided proprietors of the Rhondda Valley fot. the formation of a line through it III connection witl) the Taff Vale Railway, and \yhiclj branch line was to be a public one, and would very shortly be carried into execu- tion by the Taff Vale Railway Company. (Loud cheers,) Mr. Price was extremely glad to hear of it. ne thought the formation of that branch would bp attended with the most beneficial consequences to the main litje, Mr. Overton said he wished again to draw the attention: of the chairman and the meeting, to the necessity Which existed for forming a branch line to Dowlais. Af Price had very ably pointed out the advantages which would accrue from the formation of a branch up the Rhondda Valley he (Mr. Overton) could safely state. that all the argument made use of by Mr. Price, for the put pose of showing that the formation of the H.holl- dda branch was fyoth expedient and necessary, would tell with double vigour, as far as the Dowlais branch was, concerned. It' was true the Dowlais branch was a very short one, but they should consider that it would open a very extensive district. Mr. Hutchins had told them that a line was in contemplation to join the proposed Welsh Midland Railway with Merthyr. It was now yery questipnable which course the p ojeetors of that branch woulij adopt—whether by Upwlais or Merthyr. A great deal vyould depend on the a.rr mgements of the Taff Vale Railway Company. Therefpr^, lie(\lr. Overton) now called their attention to the absolute necessity for making the branch to Dowlais, not n.fr.-iy with the visw of securing a communication between Dowlais al1.1 Mer- thyr, but between Tredegar, Rumuey, and several of the neighbouring places, and Merthyr. If the Tati. Vaie Railway Company omitted to make it for any lengthened period, some of the companies in Motimouuislnre would be throwiug up their branches to rredegar and other places and the important trade o' these places, which might h ive been secured for the Taif Vale Railway, it the branch to t)owlais had only been made in tim •> would be for ever lost. The Rumney Company were anxious to go to Dowlais, and would hdv- formed a line to that place if the branch from thence to Merthyr were formed. He (Mr. Overton) would therefore propose that is the opinion of this meeting, that it is highly desirable that a branch line from Merthyr to !)o\yiais be made." Mr, Christopher James said that if'he road from Brc. con to Merthyr were made, the road from Merthyr to Dowlais would not be required, as the Brec III line would come through the CHyn, (Hefir,) That did away with the necessity which it was said exited fH making the branch to Dowlais. (Hear ) Mr. Hutchins said that he had recently acted as chair- man of a meeting which had been couveued for the pur- pose of taking into consider;);ion inat.er-; connected with the formation of the line t'. m B.econ'-o "I ertliyr and he was now in a position to s'ate that his last instructions were that it had been decided to take the line up the val. ley- of the Glyn. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Overtoil believed it had not yet been fiually de- cided. Mr. Webb said that Mr. Hutchins left London only thismorntng, and theteforewas in possession of the latesL intelligence on tire Eubject, The business of the meeting having been cooclqded, Mr* Price rose to move a vote of thanks to the Di- rectors, for their diligence aad attention to the interests çt the Company during the hut half-year. (Cheers.) This motion was seconded by Mr. Carlisle, and unani- mously carried. The Chairman in returning thanks said he could safely state on the part of the Directors that it afforded them great satisfaction in having this testimonial of the share- holders' approbation. The Directors could not but re- member the adverse circumstances, under which they had struggled for so many years, and it was particularly gratifying to find that they could now meet the proprietors with more satisfaction than they ever did before. The sale of the forfeited shares was then proceeded with by Mr. William Harwood, Junr., Auctioneer. They sold very freely at £ 14(}, and several for £ 141 per share.

CARDIFF POLICE COURT.—MONDAY. [Before Henry Morgan, and Walter Coffin, Esqrs. and the Rev. James Evans.] William Thomas, a boatman, was charged with being on the premises of Wrn. Catieugh, in the Hayes, between one and two o'clock on Sunday morning last, with intent to commit a felony.—Francis Catleugh said that at the above hour, he was aroused by the barking of a dog in the yard, and having got up, found the prisoner concealed in a shed on the premises he pretended to be drunk. He must have crossed the canal, and got over a wall to get to the place where he was found. Prisoner had nevr been employed by witness. There were a quantity of tools, iron. brass, and steel, on the premises and in the yard. The prisoner asked witness to let him go, but witness de- tained him until a policeman came up and took him into custody. Prisoner made no defence, and was committed to the House of Correction for fourteen days. SHORGUNR WHISKEY—Arthur Fortune, master of the II Eolus", of Waterford, was charged with smuggling three )ars, each containing two gallons of whiskey, and thereby, with having rendered himself liable to a penalty of one hundre) pounds.—Thomas Rees said, he was a custom house officer, and searched defendant's vessel— asked what spirits he had on board, and was told two gallons. On proceeding further to search the vessel, he went to the sail room, when defendant threw off some sails under which were two other jars, each containing two gallons of whiskey. This evidence was corroborated by James Rees, another custom house officer, who assisted in the search-The defendant having sailed, could not ap- pear in person to answer the charge, but his broker, we understood, appeared for him and admitted that the spirits were on board at the time mentioned, but denied any concealment, and produced a Permit, obtained in Waterford. The permit stated it was for six gallons of whiskey in three two-nations jars, such as had been seized by the officers. Case dismissed. STEALING FUOM THE PERSON.—Urifth Ediodvus and George Griffiths were charged with robbing Priscilla Bowden, of a bundle, containing various articles of wearing apparel, &c. Edwards was discharged but Griffiths was committed to take his trial at the ensuing Quarter Sessions to be holden at Swansea

MERTHYR AND NEIGHBOURHOOD. THE LATE COLLIERY EXPLOSIOS AT ABERDARE.—A correspondent, writing from Blaina, gives the following illustration of the recklessness of the colliers: —" A fort- night ago a person with whom I conversed, and who had inspected the mine. then reported it to he in an ex- cellent state of ventilation better, from the account of the colliers, than it had been for some time past. A portion of the explosive matter which had accumulated in a dome at the top of the level, and which had been formed by a fall from the roof, was recklessly ignited at that time by some of the colliers, with a view of showing the effect to a s'ranger; the whole party were thrown violently to the ground, but no other damage was then done. To accomplish this mad experiment two pickaxes were tied together, having a candle attached to the top of the uppermost, which were held up by a man standing on another man's shoulder, to reach the gas. It is to be hoped that a similar freak has not been the cause of the late catastrophe." MEETING OF APPEAL.—We understand that a meeting of appeal Is to be held at the Angel Inn, Merthyr, on Tuesday the 2oth inst. DOWLAIS. Our intelligent readers will rejoice to learn that a circulating library, consisting of upwards of 200 volumes, with 120 members, was opened at this populous place lately. The terms of subsciiption to the members are as low as is. 6d. per quarter. Sir John Guest, we are in- formed, very kindly gives a house, firing, &c., and pro- mises, in order to encourage the men to acquire useful knowledge, to give, himself, the amount of their subscrip- tions put together. This must certainly prove a great boon to the inhabitants of that improving and populous neigh- bourhood. We hear that nothing of the kind has been established in the other works. FATAL ACCIDENT.—THREE LIVES LOST.—We regret to state, that as three men were employed on Tuesday morning in digging the foundation for new houses by the Penydarran road, opposite the blast furnaces, the earth fell on them, and they were killed on the spot. In the afternoon of the same day, an inquest was held on view of the bodies, before Wm. Davies. Esq., coroner, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. MERTHYR POLICE COPRT, Monday J8th.-[Before T. W. Hill, Esq.] Edward Thomas of Dowlais was charged by Jason Williams, of the same place with as- saulting him on Tuesday, the 12th inst. Fined 5s. and expenses. William Atkins, was charged by Mary Thomas, both of Dowlais, with an assault. It appeared that Atkins went to Mrs. Thomas's house, asked her a question which she answered, and without any provoca- tion at all knocked her twice, and kicked her also in a severe manner. Complainant said she was the mother of 12 children. A certificate from Mr. White, surgeon, of Dowlais Works was read, stating that there were severe bruises in different parts of her body. Fined f5, and in default of immediate payment to be committed to Cardiff House of Correction for two months. John Trehame, was charged by Thomas Smith with nonpayment of wages. Case dismissed. DRUNKENNESS.—Edward Vauyhan, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Dowlais last evening. He had been in the lock-up- house for some time, but because he had conducted him- self improperly on the sabbath day he was fined 5s,- VIOLENT ASSAULT. David Jones, was charged by John Richards with violently assaulting him on the 16th inst. It appeared in evidence that the defendant kicked the complainant in a most brutal manner, and when the police arrived, Richards was insensible. Fined JG5, and in default of immediate payment to be committed to Cardiff House of Correction for 2 months. DRUNK- ENNESS.—John Pujrh, labourer, was charged with being drunk on the 13th inst Having been confined for 12 hours, he was discharged. DISCOVERY OF HUMAN BONES.—Not a little excite- ment prevailed here last week, in consequence of the discovery of human bones by some workmen, who were digging the foundation for some new houses, opposite the Penydarran blast furnaces, close by the Abergavenny road, From what we learnt of one of the medical gen- tlemen, who e$at)}inod them, they were the bones of an adult person, but it was not known whether male or female. Hundreds have visited the place, and as may be expected, the rumours are various. It will be gratifying to the admirers of native talent in Cambria, to hear that Mr James Davis, son of the late landlord of the Bell Iuo, at Merthyr Tydfil, has recently been appointed sole director of an extensive Irnn Establish- ment, at Evreaux, in France. Mr. Davis had, for sometime, been engaged as principal engineer to au Iron Company not far from the scene ol hi, present engagement, and so well had he ingratiated himself into the good feelings ot the workmen, as well as having obtained the good-will oi proprietary that, upon his le-ivinjT, he was sent for by a deputation and presented with a splendid and massive silver goblet and spoon, b- aring the following inscription, engraved in the Lqir|ish aoij pl(.nch languages:—Pre- sented to Mr- J"in<'s Davis, engineer, by tlie workmen einp'oyed at the Eaqplet pstabiishuient, as a token o respect and esteem towards him."

CABRBHILLY.—1 he WQrkhouie at Caerphilly was sold by public auction hy Mr. \Vatkins, auctio i.-er, at Cier- philly on the 14th instant. It was purchased hy Mr. Evan Evaos, of that place, for £ 11;"i. It appeared, from the description 01 the property, that'it is held under lease for five hundred years at the yearly rent of £ I loa. BITIDGEND PUTTY SESSIONS, Saturday l'ith August. 1845.—[before Ilichard FrankSen and William Llewellyn, Esqrs., and the Revds. Robert KnIght and Henry Lynch Ulosse.J—Thomas Jones, Mortjan Divi'l, Daniel l.loyd, Owen Jenkins, David James, and John Jones, miners were charged by John Yorwatii, agent for Messrs. Malins and Co with alr>.etitir,g themselves from their service. (It appeared that the defendants, together with a numb of other workmen under Messrs. Malins, had been very uneasy of late, and had combined together to "strike" and leave their work. Messrs. Malms in consequence procured warrants for arresting a great number of men, ol W'IOITJ only six had as yet been taken.)—The first ca e Called oq \yaij that of Thomas Jones. John Yorwath Hid; f I am agent under Malins & Co., and am over- over the miners and colliers at Coed-y-garth. I have er*iployed the defendant to work for Messrs. Malins as .< m'ner. I employed him in the beginning of this mouth. I hired him for a month. I told him that he could no! leave without giving or taking a month's notice. The de- ieuilaut worked under the contact as a miner until tlii l-'h of August. The month began within a day or two o' the :iOlh of July. On the 12th of August, the defendant and others came out of their level, allll refused lO work. About seyeu or eight o'clock ia. the morning I met him and a great many others, and I asked him why he <ii.. not go to his wotk: he s:ud he wanted to see some of the other boys. He has not worked since. He did not give tne any notice. He had been in ,\Idins & Co.'s em- ploy for ten or twelve months beh .c :,e i ith of August. under the sa ne agreement as to ii'.k, It is the custom of the Workmen to give or take a month's notice.—Th>- witness Was cross-examine! by Mr. Jenkins, who ap- peared for the defendants, at g'"eat length, by which it appeared that the defendant WilS to be paid by the to., jpid by the yard that a fresh mouth was begun about tin 3U.h a uly,-—ihsre was a p-'}"-d»y ab.-»ut tlie same time; that the men were to be paid 1110111111)- certain sum beiuji left iij hand. There were seven weeks' wages due to Thomas Jones, on the 30th of July last. Could not swea; that there Were not 9 weeks and 3 days' w.ige; then due t, him.— Mr. Jenkins contended tha: the mast.rs mustprove that they had fuldlled their contract before the workmen could be punished for breacii of it that ti1C custonl at Coed-y-garth Was to pay four weeks' wages when five wen- due, and five when six were due. Joseph Williams, (for the defence.) siijj he had oeen working for Malins & < o. for two years. The custom had been for the last twelve ir.QKth? tQ NY 1'°41' weeks when five were due, but some- times they received only four weeks when seven were due and sometimes When eight vyere due, and on one occasio when nine were due. The defendant was convicted and ( ordered to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for one calendar iponth. The other cases came on in succession, and each of the defendants were convicted and ordered to he imprisoned and kept to hard labour for one calendar month.—The convictions were held over upon the de- fendants promising to return to their work on Monday- morning, which, we learn, they did. Cases of assault were summarily disposed of. \1A ESTEG.—On Saturday last, the 17th instant, the Female Lodge of Ivorites, met in their Lodge-room at the Angel Inn, to the number of 80, and, preceded by the Aberavon band, perambulated Maestegand Bowring- ton, the band playing in excellent style several beautiful airs and marches. At two o'clock they sat down to a very Lroo 1 ami substantial dinner, and as the character of the hostess is too well-known to need onr praise, we will only state that it was set before the members in first-rate style, to which proper justice was done; the room was decorated in a very handsome manner, and the Ivoritesses (if we may be allowed to coin a name) parted in good time and fellowship. MAF.STEG.—I am certain you will join me in congratu- lating the inhabitants of this place on the approach to moral education and culture, on a more enlarged scale than could have been anticipated in a place like this, where people are congregated from all parts of our sea- girt-isle, and of all denominations.—Correspondent. On Sunday last, the Old Baptist Chapel, Maesteg, was opened under license from the Bishop of the Diocese, by the Rev. Mr. Jones, a minister of the Established Church, who read the service in a most impressive style, and afterwards delivered his sermon in such a manner, as to be received with the most marked attention, by a very IIUmel"OU3 auditory,-so numerous, that many could not gain entrance to the chapel. The singers of the neigh- bourhood united upon the occasion, and acquitted themselves in a most creditable manner. BOWRINGTON SCHOOLS.—On Wednesday and Thursday last, the proprietors of the Llynvi Iron Works, and some small portion of their families inspected the schools, the state of which elicited the most marked approbation from Dr. Bowring, his son, his brother, Mr. and Mrs. Mitcalfe, Mr. S. W. Mitcalfe, and Mr. Macgregor. The children, to the number, we believe, of 160, on Saturday evening, were regaled with excellent tea and plum-cake. The cleanly and healthy appearance of the children, merited the approbation bestowed upon them. They sang several hymns, &c., &c., and consider- ing the school had been only opened three weeks, acquit- ted themselves very well; and to the admiration of all the ladies and gentlemen present, who, unanimously gave great praise to the master and mistress. Mrs. Mitcalfe with that benevolence which ever marks her conduct, gave very handsome materials for frocks to about a dozen of the children, promising to reward the others as soon as dilisrent application and improvement had made them worthy. One of the master's children delivered an address, written for the occasion by his father, which procured him some presents; and for the author, the approval of Dr. Bowring, &c., Ac. ABERAVON*.—An inquest was held before A. Cuth. bertson, Esq., coroner, at the Globe Inn, Aberavon, on the 19th August instant, on view of the body of a man whose name was unknown. It appeared, from the evi- dence adduced, that the deceased was picked up at Port Talbot break-water on Monday evening last, and that he was clothed with a canvass trousers and an oilcase jacket. His "south-wester" (cap) was in his hand. His body measured about 5 feet 9 inches. The hair was black, and he seemed to be about 40 years of age. BRITON FERRY.—MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE On Tuesday evening, Aug. 19th, a very fine lad, the only son of Capt. Lowther, of Briton Ferry, met with his death in the following manner —He and a young man of the name of Turner got into an old boat on the back water at Briton Ferry, close under Capt. Lowther's house; and after sculling about for some time, they turned the boat to shore. While his companion rested after throw- ing the water out of the boat, young Lowther, who held the oar and stood up on the stern sculling, lost his ba- lance by some means, and was precipitated head foremost into the water. His little sister saw him from the shore fall. but could render him no assistance. After a few ineffectual struggles, he sank to rise no more. His com- panion had turned his head another way, and the first intimation he had of the event was from the screams of the lad struggling in vain^Jp reach the boat, which was drifting rapidly with the high tide. A great number of persons soon assembled, and did all in their power to recover the body, but it Was late at night before it was found. The sad catastrophe has cast a gloom over the whole neighbourhood, where every member of the family is much esteemed, and where the deceased was univer- sally liked. His quick parts and amiable disposition endeared him to all his acquaintance, NEATH.—Henry John Grant, Esq., of the Gnoll, Mrs. Grant, and Miss Vansittart are on a visit to the Marquis and Marchioness of Bute, at Mount Stuart, Isle of Bute. —Mr. and Mrs. Henry Thomas and family, are also mak- ing a tour in Scotland.—Mr. and Mrs. Edwards Vaughan, of Rheola, are in Inverness-shire, where Mr. E. V. has taken a moor, and no doubt the red game are falling as usual before his unerring gun. The poor people of the neighbourhood of Neath are apprehensive that the produce of acorns this season will fall very short of the quantity necessary for fattening their pigs for Christmas. It is calculated that it would cost them 30s. in barley for each plump pig, if dis- appointed of their acorn crop, which the laws of the Abbey kindly allow them to gather. On Tuesday evening last, an inquest was held at the King's Head, Neath, before Alexander Cuthbertson, Esq., and a highly respectable jury, on the body of Thomas Owen. From the evidence adduced, it appeared that the deceased was engaged at Briton Ferry, on the 16th instant, in felling a tree, which accidentally fell upon him, inflicting a large wound on the head, from which a portion of the brains oozed he, however, lived until Monday night, although during the whole time in a collapsed state, The above facts having been proved, the jury, without hesitation, found a verdict of Acci- dental Death." The deceased, we are sorry to add, has left a widow totally unprovided for, and who was, on the morning of the day on which the inquest \yas held, deli- vered of a posthumous child. We must not omit to state that the jury, on the motion of Mr. J. E. Howell, sad- dler, unanimously agreed that their fees should be handed over to the poor widow, which was accordingly done by P.C. Wm. Rees. The worthy coroner was not behind hand in alleviating the distresses of the bereaved woman, having left a handsome donation with her. NEATH PETTY SESSIONS.—-These sessions were held,ss usual, at the Town.hall, on Friday last, before Howe! Gwyn, Esq., and Griffith Llewellyn, Esq. — David Tho- mas, of the parish of Aberavon. farmer, was charged by John Thomas, his servant, with refusing to pay him his wages. Complainant admitted that he had, without due notice, abandoned the service of his employer, alleging as an excuse that he was noVprovided with sufficient food. This allegation was, however, rebutted by the testimony of a credible witness, and consequently the magistrates, in the due discharge; of their duties, dismissed the case. ■ Thomas Griffiths, of Aberavon, was convicted in the penalty of twenty shillings, including costs, for having assaulted Philip Ackland, of the same place. Paid. George Deer, David Harry, and Hannah Jardine were charged by the overseer of Coedfrank with having refused to pay the amounts respectively due by them as poor's- rates. The parties having been duly summoned, the case was heard in th -ir absence, and an order for payment issued. Mrs. Sibberiny, who manages a factory in this town, was charged by the sub-inspector of factories with having neglected to keep a register of the ages of children employed by her, and with not having properly regulated the time at which children were kept at work, ill accord- ance with the act of Parliament naving reference to the regulations of factories. She was convicted in the penalty of £2 and costs. SWANSKA BOAT RACKS.—These races took place on Thursday week in S vansea bay. The Cambrian says- "the first sailing match came oJf in uur bay yesterday, ill which the COMBATANTS were ten Swansea and four Neath pilot-boats." &c. SWANSEA SAVINGS BANK.—Saturday, Aug. 16th. 1845 —Deposits received, £42:3 Us. fid. repaid, £ -J47 15s.5ct.. notices to withdraw, £ 1U3 las. 3d. Manager, Mi- Martin Bevan.

NEWPORT.—We understand the 75th regiment is under onlers to embark per steam vessel for conveyance to Cork. Lieutenant Colonel Halifax is commanding. NEWPORT POLICE, MO>OAY.—Patrick Glyn was con- victed in the penalty of five shillings and costs for drunkenness.——.James Miles WQS ordered to enter into s-ireties to keep the peace towards his father. THURSDAY.—Daniel Williams was convicted in the pe- nalt". of the shillings äÙcl costs for drunkenness. Several men were committed to prison as rogues and vagabonds, having been detected attempting to pick pockets on the race-course. No other cases of the slightest- public interest were heard. THE SCHOOLMASTHSR ABROAQ- — Vh following epistle was sent the other day to a clergyman not one hundred miles from Pontypoal :—Rev. sir,—Please to Publish tlli", bands. William Morgan and Jane Rowland both in this parish is to beJo'i'd in wedlock any person that is got ibjectton for tll1s two to go together speak 11010 or hould his tongue fo>-e<>er. Ju!y 19th, 18-45." ABERGAVENNY, — Mr. Saunders of Cross-street, in this t-iwn, has addressed it letter to some of the pnblic papers •vhercin he brings forward a preposition for ihe establish- ment of mi Hon cultural Society—a project in which he its met with much and general encouragement. "In the event," he says, of the nobility and gentry of the counties of Monmnuth. and Brecon, and Hereford, upon solicitation, becoming the patrons of it, it is proposed to call it' The Abergavenny and Crickhowell Floriculiural Society,' and its object will be to promote floriculture and horticulture amongst amateurs, gardeners, and cot- tagers, and by way of starting it to have a dahlia show in Abergavenny in September." It is proposed to have three flower shows annually, to be held in Abergavenny and Crickhowell alternately iu the months of May, JuIÝ. a-ul September, an), if deemed more advisable to request his Grace the Duke of Beaufort to grant permission to have the July meeting ill Ragland Castle. ABiiKGAVKNNV.—NAKROW liscAPE.—On Wednesday evening week, as Lloyd Powell, Esq., of this town, and lis lady, were returning home Oil the Moumouth-road in a phaeton, drawn by a very lit^h spirited-horse, the animal ■rook, fright at some object and dashed along at a terrific speed i;y some means, near (Johl brook lodge, one of the waeels became disengaged from the Vehicle, and Mr. and \Ira. Powell were thrown out. fortunately without receiv- iug any serious injury. The horse proceeded a* far as Mill-street turupike-yate, near the town, which it leaped, with the vehicle, behind it, As migl;t have been expgijted, the shafts became fixed in the gite, and the further pro. gress of the animal WM thus Arrested, An excursion to Ilfracombe in the Swift steamer was nade by about 40 of the inhabitants of Newpoit on Tuesday. The day was extiemely wet and unfavourable i t1 f-verv r^snoct COMMITMENTS TO USK PRISON, August 18th. — Thomas Brit to n and George Purnell, by Edward H. Phillips, Esq., and David Jones, clerk, charged with assaulting & beating Evan Hughes, in the parish of Trevethin. To be impri- soned 21 days in default of paying 42s. fine and costs. 19th. John Brown, George Thomson, Charles Wake, John Green, and James Sc/trman, by William Hollis, Esq. charged with refusing to break stones, being the tasl, allotted for them to do. Fourteen days' hard labour. Daniel Jones, by John Probert and David Jones, clerks, convicted of being a rogue and vagabond, in the parish of Trevethin, and sentenced to fourteen days'hard labour. Jacob Morgan, by F. McDonnell, Esq., John Irving, & Wm. Kvans, clerks, charged with having on the night of the 13th of August, at the parish of Llanbaddock, unlaw- fully, maliciously, and feloniously set fire to a certain stack of hay, the property of James George, farmer and innkeeper, of the town of Usk Maria Callar/han, by Edward Dowling and Thomas Hawkins, Esqrs., charged with obtaining, by false pretences, of one Edward Davis, in the borough of Newport, six yards of black Cobourg cloth, value 12s., and one yard of brown holland, of the value of 8d., the property of Edward Morgan, with in- tent to cheat him of the same. Ann Jones alias Maria Davies, by the same magistrates, charged with obtaining, by false pretences, of one Ann Jenkins, in the borough of Newport, one straw bonnet of the value of 4s. 6d., the property of John Jenkins, with intent to cheat and de- fraud him of the same. Also charged with obtaining, by false pretences, of one Isaac Matthews, one pair of shoes, with intent to cheat & defraud him of the same.-20th. George Stanley, by John King, Esq., charged with steal- ing, in the parish of Caldicott, nine geese, the property of John Harry and George Jones.- Nicholas \lifls,' by James Coles, clerk, convicted of stealing vegetables, at the borough of Newport, and sentenced to three calendar months' imprisonment with hard labour.-John Samuel and John Morgan, by David Jones, clerk, charged with having, on the 17th day of August, at the parish of Tre- vethin, violently assaulted, with intent, &c., one Mary Jones. CHEPSTOW. -FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Saturday morning the people on board the new ship, John Dalton, were en- gaged discharging a cargo of coals from the sloop Whim, when David Fletcher^ a smart youth about fifteen years old, who was working at the winch, hoisting the basket out of the sloop's hold, was observed to be too weak for the task assigned him; another person was sent to supply his place, and he was ordered by the boatswain to return to the ship, throwing a rope to enable him to climb up: both vessels were afloat at the time—the boy preferred climbing up the sloop's rigging about six feet, and then getting on the bens-strake of the ship; he was just able to lay hold of the edge of the gunnel with his fingers, and in this dangerous path he was proceeding towards the fore-chains of the ship, when he fell flat on the sloop's deck, a distance of about twelve feet. When raised up his eyes were closed, and he never spoke; he was speedily conveyed ashore, and carried to his parents' house in St. Mary's-street, but as soon as he was laid on the bed he ceased to breathe. NEWPORT RACES. These races took place on Wednesday and Thursday last, under the stewardship of Samuel Homfray, Esq., Bedwelty House Edward Jones, Esq., Llanarth Court; and W. S. Cartwright, Esq., Newport. The first day proved very favourable as regards the weather, which drew together a considerable" sprinkling" of the principal families of the surrounding neighbour- hood to witness the sports. The ground over which the races were ran was in a very disagreeable condition, especially for the jockeys, the tides having for three or four days previous to the races completely inundated it, so that those gentlemen of the "jockey club" who happened to be placed in the rear" were completely bespattered with mud. Very few horses were entered-many untoward circumstances contribut- ing to render these races scarcely deserving of even the slightest notice, FIRST DAY-WBDNESDAY. The first race, the Newport Stakes," of 5 sovs. each, with 25 sovs. added from the fund; heats, about V miles and a distance, did not fill. The next race on the list was the Llanarth Hurdle Race," of 5 sovs. each, with not less than 15 sovs. added. Heats, about two miles and a distance. Mr. T. A. Ball's b. b. Derision, five years, lOst. 51b.1 1 Mr. Bradley's b. g. The Duke, h.b., aged, list. 101b. 2 dra. Mr. Dyke's bl. g. Mystic, aged, list. 3 2 Mr. May's b f. Lop Ear, h.b. four years, 9st. 71b drawn. Then followed the Pontypool Park Stakes," of 5 sovs. each, with 20 sovs. added from the fund. Heats, two miles and a distance. Mr. T. A. Ball's b. c. Rein Deer, three years, 8st. 1 I Mr. Bradley's b. g. The Dake, h.b., aged, 9st. 71b. 2 9 Mr. May's b. f. Lop Ear, h.b., three years, 7st. 111b. dist. The day's sport concluded with the ''Farmers' Stakes,' of 5 sovs. each, with not less than 10 sovs. added from the fund. Heats, two miles and a distance. This race was well-contested, and proved decidedly the best of the day. Mr. Henry Smytbies' b. g. Ware Wheat, aged, lOst. 121b. 1 1 Mr. Cartwright's g. g. Young Tyrant, six years, 11st. 71b. 2 2 Mr. Jones names b. m. Signora, five years, lOst. 101b. 3 dist. Mr. George's b. g. Small Hopes, aged, lOst. 4 dist. SECOND DAY—THURSDAY. The first race, the Ruperra Stakes," of a sovs. each, with 20 sovs. added from the fund, Heats, about two miles and a distance. Mr. T. A. Ball's b, c. Rein Deer, three years, 7st. 101b 1 1 Mr. Bradley's b. g. The Duke. aged, 9st. 111b dis. Mr. May's b. f. Lop Ear, 4 years, 7st. 41b. dis. The "Uantarnam Hurdle Race," of 5 sovs each, with not less than 20 sovs. added. Heats, about two miles and a distance. Mr. Bradley's b. g. The Duke, aged, 12st. 01b. 1 1 Mr. May's b. f. Lop Ear, four years, 9st. 61b 2dra. Mr. T. A. Ball's b. g. Derision, five years, 106t. 121b. dis. The Hack Stakes," of 2 sovs. each, with not less than 10 sovs. added from the fund. Heats, two miles and a distance. Mr. C. Schwzto's b. g. Singer, aged, lOst. Olb. 1 1 Qr. Kendall's i. g- m. Forget-me-not, six years, 9st. 21b.. 2 2 Mr. Cartwright's g. g. Young Tyrant, six years, 9st. 71b. 3 3 Dr. Sidey names, bl. g. The Moor, five years. 9st. Olb. dis. The day's sport was positively most miserable—much worse, if possible, than even the wretched affair of Wednes- day; in short, such a specimen of horse racing" never was witnessed, and we hope, for the credit of this part of the kingdom, never -vy-ill be again. An accident took place in the course of the day, which might have been attended with fatal consequences, A boy, in running across the course, was knocked down by a horse which a man named Dally was riding. The boy sustained a fracture of the leg; and Dally was thrown violently, and had his shoulder dislocated. The race ball this evening, at the Town-hall, wa9 well attended. Dancing commenced at ten o'clock,

BIRTHS. August 20, in this town, the wife of Mr. Edwin J, Smith. wharf agent, of a daughter. August 13, at Nottingham House, Kent, the lady of the Rev Paul Ashmore, Redor of l'orthkerrv-Cwm-Barrv, in this county, of a daughter. August 18, at Cowbridge, the wife of ,Yo II. Wood, Esq., surgeon, of to son. August 9, at Midsomer Norton, Somersetshire, the lady of the Rev Charles Otway Mayne, of a son. August 17, at the Hendre, Monmouthshire, the lady of JolIn Rolls, Esq., of a daughter. August 10, at King's Square. Bridgwater, the lady of John Farquhar, Esq., of a daughter, August 16, at Curzon-street, Mavfair, the lIou. Mrs. H. Tufnell, of 1\ daughter. August 16. at Great Stanhope-street, May fair, the Bon. Mrs. Edgell, of twills-a son and a daughter. MARRIAGES. August 19, at Bedford-street Chapel, Stroud, by the Rev. W. Wheeler, William T, Edwards, Esq., M.B. of Cardiff, to Mary Elizabeth, only daughter of John Paine, Esq., of CorbeU House, Stroud. August 14, at the Baptist Chapel, by Superintendent Regis- trar's License, Mr. Hichard MeU-heli, of Cardift', p!OvisiQI1 factor, to Miss Emma Hickman, of East-gate-street, of Gloucester. August 17, at St. Mary's Church, Bryanston-square, by tlte Hon. and Rev. Annesley Gore, John Borne, Esq., son of the late Edward Horne, Esq., and nephew of Sir William Home, to Jane Frances Elizabeth, youngest daughter 01' the latc Viee- Admiral the lIon. Sir Charles and Lad). Paget. Angnst 7, at 81. Mary Abbots, Kensington, by the Rev. G. M. K. Ellerton, M.A., th" Rev. James Deaiusx^, or St. Mary's. Brecon, and late curate of 81. Mary's. !\lor<mouth, t,) Elila.bNh Mary, youngest daughter of the late John Ellerton, Esq., llf th • lion: East India Company's Bengal Civil Service, ami grand- daughter of the late Sir George Moust Keitte, Bart. August 1G, at Merthyr Dovau, by the Rev. Jookin Da vies Curate, Mr. Thomas ¡\IQrg.lJ1, of Ton-.on, of t,) Miss lladwl Richards, of lIi;;hlile, Merthn Dovan. August II:i, at Sf. :\1ich:w1's Chmch, Worcester, hy the Rov. H. Weston, Mr. Joseph Yincent Dawning, second son of Mr. William Downing, of Falmouth, io Susanna, third daughter of the late Mr. John Pigeon Cottvill, or Worcester. DE.THS, August 21, Martha Elizabeth, the beloved wife Edward Evans, Esq., Duke-street, ill this town, aged 55 yoars, August ifi, at Neath, Hannah, ùaughter öf Mr. Philip Hoop- kins, master mariner, aged-1 years, from scarlet rover, Thi" is the second death in the children (If this family since the 1 Jta instant. August 16, at her residence, in Barton-street, Gloucester, in her 90th year. Frances, relict of the RfW. John Harding, M.A., of Hocktield, in the county of Monmouth. August 13, at his residence, Eltham, Kent. Benjamin Wooù. E^q., M.P., for Southwark, and bIolher of th„> late 8il'Ma.rk. Wood, Bart. August II. at De.Qryiv Margaret, third daughter of the late- Mr, William Adam", of Penyadarc, near Llanvihan»el Crueor- nev, MunrujUlhaliir.v August 10, aged 14 months, Clara Jenkins, daughter of the- late Mr. William Vaughan Jenkins, Ashley Phc", Bri4',J. August 14, after a short illness, at Cymmer, near l)in:w», much regretted by a large circle ot friends, Mr. Ja;nos A matt, landlord of the Rhonclda Inn. and formerly- of Lanharran, iI,J. this count\ &.g't'd 5,1; jcais. August 16, at Cheltenham, whither she had repairel for the- benefit of her health, Mrs. Lliiabclli Phillips relid of the late James Phillips, Esq., Hay. HiYCuasliire. August 12, at Cowbridge. uged 71, Miss Ebncmd -s, sister to Major Edmoudes, ol Cw y,riagC. Her kind fooling and .•ha- ritable disposition endeared her to all who knew her thmu-h life. August la, at Neath, Philip, SOil of Mr. Philip Hopkiœ -firn-c, aged two years. This is the third dea-th since '-th instant, from scarlet fevor. at Neath, :\Ir. Thomas Morgan, tiler. whilst sitting 11\ his chair, in his own house, aged 9ù years, lIe w", a fila. thtt enjoyed the very hest health Ulltil within a weeks of his death, and his illtdlects were quite unimpaired to the last. August 21, aged three years anI cight months, M irgaret, daughter of Mr. John Uwen, ship-broker, Irl this tOWlI, August 13, at Newport, Mary Jones, Stow-hill, agell ¡:) years. August 14, at Newpor1, Mary Ann, wife Qf Charles Oliver, aged J1 years. August 13, at Newport, Thomas Brian, Eb&oezcr Terra-a» aged 20. August 17, at Newport, aged six months, John, son of Mf- Stephcn Iggulden, of the Carpenter's Arms., in. t!1.o.t ta«m

AQUATIC EXCURSION .-On Monday last, the long- expected and much-talked-of pleasure excursion of the members of ourMechanics' Institute and their friends took place. At about six o'clock in the morning the Lady Char- lotte steamer started at full speed from the entrance to the Bute Docks, having on board at least one hundred and forty person—all of whom were deeply intent on spend- ing a happy day—a day of unalloyed gratification. The weather was not altogether favourable; threatening clouds obscured the sky, from which, just previous to the moment of embarkation, a smart shower fell. The wind blew stiffly from the south-west, and was, consequently, adverse to the progress of the vessel down channel; but notwithstanding which, we made the entrance to IIfra- combe harbour at half-past ten, and at eleven o'clock were all safely landed by means of a commodious boat. With regard to the voyage down channel we have to say a few words. In the first place, when we went on board we were most agreeably surprised to see about twelve or fifteen young men with musical instruments, and who were handsomely dressed in green uniforms, caps, and feathers. Pleased with their appearance, we inquired who they were, and were informed that they formed "THE TBKFOREST BRASS BAND; that they had most kindly consented to accompany the party, and had refused to accept, or even to hear of any remuneration for theirser- vices." At starting they struck up "Rule Britannia," and seldom, or indeell we may say never, have we heard that fpirit-stirring national air played better. At intervals throughout the voyage they enlivened us with various airs—many being those of our ancient Cymry -and con- tributed very materially in keeping our spirits from being utterly cast down; for those of our readers who have never formed part of a pleasure party must learn that many persons on board were most woefully sea-sick, and at the moment of the paroxysm several would have es- teemed it a lasting obligation to be thrown into the depths of the ocean while others seemed, by their coun- tenances, to be exceedingly uncomfortable. A happy few, totally regardless of the sufferings of their compa- nions, were as merry as larks, and drank their bottled porter with the utmost degree of complacency imaginable, coolly observing that sea-«ickness would do us all good." Having arrived at Ilfracombe, the party separated in various directions in search of amusement, whilst those who were very ill on board proceeded in search of anti- dotes to sea-sickness, which were to be used on the retuin-voyage. Having seen all that was to be seen at Ilfracombe, we, in company with several others, went to "Williams' Packet Hotel, and soon forgot the perils of the sea" whilst discussing the comforts of a good dinner. "IVe can safely recommend this establishment to any of our friends who may visit that neighbourhood. The band played in front of the leading inns of the town, and excited general admiration. In fact, we were assured that it was the most efficient band ever seen in that place. At tire o'clock, all having got on board, we were once again on the water-homeward bound. The moment of parting was really one of much excitement ashore as well as on board. The various eminences surrounding the snouth of the harbour were crowded with the inhabitants <of all ranks, who, with smiling countenances and the waving of handkerchiefs, wished us a merry voyage m few young men had placed a small cannon near the pier-head, which they firell twice or thrice: the hand struck up "The girl I left behind me:" the company on board gave three hearty cheers-and in this manner we left Ilfracombe on our return, all full of spirits and gay with hope. Soon after we had attained the distance of a mile or two from Ilfracombe, the deck was cleared for oÔancing, which was kept up with great spirit until the shades of evening rendered it expedient to seek amuse- ment in some other pursuit. Whitlock Nicholl, Esq., president of the institute, the secretaries, and several others, assembled in the cabin and transacted a little bu- siness. Mr. Nicholl read a letter from Mr. Lunell, in which that gentleman, in the most handsome terms, ex- pressed the regret which he and his fellow-directors of :the Bristol Steam Navigation Company felt at the dis- appointment recently experienced by the members of the Mechanics' Institute, and wished the party fine weather *nd a happy voyage. A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to Mr, I.unell and the other directors, and their healths were drank in a bumper. Captain Jeffery next engaged the attention of the persons assembled and cer- ttainly we must state that it was utterly impossible for any one to be more attentive to the comforts and the safety of those on board than he was: throughout the day he was at his pogt-watchful, kind, and attentive and, therefore, well deserved the hearty vote of thanks which was un- animously passed to him. Votes of thanks were also passed by acclamation to the president, the secretaries- 311'. Lowder and Mr. Clinton—and to Mr. John, the :agent of the packet. At eleven o'clock we were happy ito find ourselves at the entrance to the Bute Docks but, :as the tide had completely receded, the party were obliged ito land in boats aIL operation which took up considera- ible time, and was attended with very great unpleasant- mess however, at length all got safe ashore, and, led by She cheering strains of the Treforest Baud, which, to the Bast, maintained its efficiency, good humour, and willing- mess to oblige unimpaired, we all reached Cardiff in teafety, and had leisure to reflect upon the varied scenes wf the day, in many of which we, in common with others. were unwillingly obliged to take part. And so ended our excursion. The day's gross receipts amounted to 1:20. GLAMORGANSHIRE MIDSUMMER SESSIONS, 184O.— Ordered that the deputy chairman of the quarter sessions hft ex office a member of all committees. A minute of the <chapia!u of the county gaol on the propriety of fixing Wevaux de frieze round the yards of such prison was •rdVrred to the Visiting Justices. The committee on the •erection of aiuna-ttc asyiuta was continued to the next ses- sions. The clerk of peace was ordered to contract for the ,erect inn of a-justice rollffil at Merthyr. The attention of the C(I't having been called to the frequent explosions •of fire damp, attended with the 101\8 of litf., at the Erskyne :and Eaglesiiush coliieries, near Neath, Resolved,—" That ithe Secretary of State be requested to cause inquiry to be miade into the cause thereof, and the mode of working in tike said collieries." The finance committee reported the tMective sta'e of weights and measures belonging to the <.Mttv. Holes proposed by the Secretary of State for /r'tgetc'ance at the county prisons, when prisoners were under ■rcu'ence of death, were referred to the visiting justices of «!„EH NOTICES FOR NEXT SESSIONS. hat completers of weights and measures be procured for t ie •several dut'iets of the county. That the chairman of the ileLions be rested to communicate with the directors of the South Wade* Railway, "n ,l»e appointment of police •constables dun^e formation thereof, to be placed under •the control of the M constable, of the county. County ntAe, £ U- 13s. police rate, £ 681 los. dd.; btipen- •diarr ratf, £ 087 5s. ON Friday last, the sotenin spectacle of a soldier s ffuneral" was witnessed in this town. The deceased, a native of this neighbourhood, was one of the First lloyal .Dragoons, was named William Davies, and was aged 24 "Years. He came to Cardiff on sick leave on the 7th of June last, and died on the 12th of August. His remains nvere interred at Sully; but the military did not attend tfurther than the outskirts of the town. The Royal (Glamorgan Band, we are iutarrned, voluntarily offered ttheir services, which were thankfully accepted. Great vnedit is certainly due to the officers of die detachment of Elbe. Enniskillen Dragoons for the liberal manner in which tliuej' caused the proceedings to be conducted.