Monmouthshire Merlin

ABERTILLERY. LECTURE.—C. R. Larkin, Esq., surgeon, of this place, delivered a very instructive lecture on the genius and poetry -of Shakspeare, in the long room, Castle Inn, on Saturday evening last. At the conclusion of the lecture, Mr. Larkin readj in a very effective stylo, some of the principal scenes from the Merchant of Venice. The lecturer was listened to with great attention by a numerous and very attentive audience. The chair was-occupied by C. F. Medhurst, Esq. This rising neighbourhood is .much indebted to Mr. Larkin for the pains hA. has taken to establish studious habits amonst our working classes. We hope that the lectures which Mr. L. has delivered here will be productive of great good, and that, ere long, there will be a library and mutual improvement society established in this locality.

ABERBEEG. PIGEON MATCH.A pigeon match took place at Aber- beeg on the 13th mst., between Henry Reed, of Blaina, and Clement Marsh, of Abersvchan, £ 3—5Qg Ttim ww present 300 or 400 people, and 3 to 1 ^TVreelyX'ed against Reed who, however, « went in," and killed his birds m .fine style, winning easily. After the shooting, the Smelf anbU1"y Ams' and Partook

BRYNMAWR. BOARD OF HEALTH-WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22. Present-H. Bailey, Esq., (in the chair), J. Jayne, Esq., Mr. D Edwards, Mr. Thomas Hope, Mr. T. Kershaw, Mr. R. Jones, Mr. W. Vaughan, and Mr.. John Evans. Previously to the minutes of the last meeting being read, Mr. Davies, postmaster, who was in attendance, said he appeared before the Board to appeal against the amount of rate charged upon him for certain cottages which he had recently purchased-it being an over-charge one of them being rated at £ 11 lis., merely to obtain a beer license, though it was only a workman's cottage. He therefore thought it a matter of justice that he should have returned, or be allowed, a portion of the rate. Mr. Jayne saul the Board of Health was based on the parish poor-rate. Mr. Bailey was of opinion thPCault lay with the over- seers of the parish, for allowing the rate of one of the cot- tages to be .-1::11 1113., for the purpose of obtaining a beer license. Mr. Davies, the clerk, said one clause of the Act allowed the Board to make a deduction in case of an over-charge but if this were now done, they would have no end to similar applications. Mr. Bailey did not deem it prudent to make an allow- ance, until the parish rate-book had first been rectified. The minutes of the last meeting were then read, one of which related to the rules of the cemetery. Mr. Edwards moved the adoption of an additional rule, for the purpose of preventing, as far as practicable, any burials on the Sabbath, without a certificate from a clergy- man or minister of one of the other denominations, statin^ that it was really necessary; because Sunday burials often promoted immorality and drunkenness. He had brought this motion forward for the public good it being in accord- ance, also, with the sentiments of all the ministers of the PlMr'. Kershaw I have been to many places, but I never saw a rule prohibiting a burial to take place on a Sunday, The minister or clergyman, however, could refuse to officiate if it be desirable. Mr. Bailey concurred in this view, and said he did not see the necessity of making any rule on the subject. Mr. Jayne If you make a rule, it must be a positive one, allowing of no exceptions. The motion was then dropped.1 Mr. Bailey wished to know if Mr. Dymond had sent any information to the Board with reference to the supply of pri- vate drainage and water pipes.. Mr. Davies, clerk, said he had received two letters from Mr. Dymond, in which he advised the Board to advertise for the same in one of the London papers, as the London firms generally contracted at a lower rate of charges than local firms. Mr. Walters, clerk of the works, said Mr. Doulton had contracted for an unlimited supply of pipes for drainage. Mr. Bailey Then he is bound to supply the Board with the quantity required therefore we have only to advertise for private water pipes, to connect with the main pipe. This was agreed to. Mr. Edwards said it was necessary to make some resolu- tion with regard to the closing of burial grounds connected with the different places of worship. Bailey thought they might leave that alone, until the cemetery was ready. Mr. John Henry then entered the room, to complain of the order made upon him to remove a staircase, going up from the street to a room belonging to him. Mr. Williams, surveyor, said he could easily take down the stairs, and connect the room with the cottage next door, which he had suggested to him. Ordered to do so. Mr. Jayne said that a numerously-signed petition had been placed in his hands by the ratepayers, to lay before the Board, praying them to take into consideration the necessity of public lights in the streets. Mr. Bailey thought the petition was not very numerously signed and he saw in it several workmen's names, which had evidently been written by other parties. But the ques- tion was, was the Board in a position to pay for maintaining the same ? as they had been called over the coals already, for having gone on rather fast. He wished the members to state their opinions on the subject. It was then unanimously agreed that the Board were not in a position to be justified in complying with the memorial; and that the price of a supply of gas for public lights, was far in advance of what was paid in other towns. Mr. Bailey requested that the accounts of Mr. Williams, the surveyor, be laid upon th%table for inspection. The Surveyor said he had not yet made up the accounts, some papers being at Crickhowell, with the clerk. Mr. Davies, the clerk, said he had sent a letter to Mr. Williams, on Tuesday, requesting him to meet him at the Board-room, at 10 o'clock, to go into the accounts. The Surveyor I never received the letter. Mr. Bailey said he could not see exactly how the accounts balanced. He wished Mr. Williams to make a debtor and creditor account for money received for pavement, &c., and to do so against the next Board meeting. Several bills were then ordered to be paid, and the meet- ing adjourned. PLAIN WORDS ON THE GASLIGHT-QUESTION' [TO THE EDITOR.] SIR.—Being a constant reader of the MERLIN, I cannot help observing the piquant and somewhat personal tone. the contest between your correspondent Omega and Mr. Ford, is assuming. I am only sorry two such well-meaning and talented gentlemen shouldtwaste their energies on each other, when the public so much need their abilities, on a nobler and a higher theme and in order to divert the attention of the combatants (whilst a hair remains of either) and the public, to the real relative question, "Light or no lights for Brynmawr V I beg leave to offer the following remarks. The population of Brynmawr is roughly estimated at 6000 souls let us suppose that these represent 1000 families. Sup- pose a charge of one penny per week was levied on each of these families for one year. This would amount to the very respectable sum of j6216 13. For this small weekly contri- bution, at least 60 or 70 lamps might be maintained through- out the year not that I think so many are required at the present time-probably 40 or 50 would be sufficient to light the town moderately well. Now, Mr. Editor, enjoying, as Newport does, the benefit of gas light, do your townsmen think the heads of those families would object or begrudge that small weekly sum, for%so great a comfort ? I think ail will agree with me, that they would not; and, were it con- venient to collect it from them, few would be found to de- mur. At both the meetings alluded to by your correspondents, it was argued, (if I may be allowed to use the expression,) by one speaker, that, because he had lived here for twenty years without public lights, therefore public lights were not wanted and that, because the rates were paid by 300 per- sons only, lights were not only not wanted, but could not be paid for! Is not this the very essence of the illogical foolishness of non-progression ? Thus, must be ignored the comforts of the remaining 5700 of the public of Brynmawr. This, Mr. Editor, is the darkness (worse than Egyptian) we have to complain of—even worse than the want of street lights. Do these 300 persons not see that the plea of poverty will not serve them, representing as they all do, the house and landed property of the place ? Do they not feel that property has its duties and responsibili- ties and that they have no right to debar their tenants and the public, from the comforts enjoyed in all othar w H- regulated towns ? Will they not believe that a little mo ney, well laid out in improving the sanitary condition o, their town, will have the effect of enhancing the value their property ? And will they forget that a large propo/ tion of the expenses of all local and general sanitary im provement, is sustained indirectly, if not directly, by the" tenants and residents of towns ? They, no doubt, do see, feel, believe, and remember all these things; and if (as I do not) I believed that the wealth, intelligence, and feelings of the public of Brynmawr were represented by either of the meetings, I should despair of the improvement of this hitherto neglected town. I do not despair, however, for I am happy to know that we have a Sanitary Board established here, composed, in the main, of gentlemen of intelligence and business capabilities, who will, no doubt, on the question of lighting, as well as on questions of equal importance, give that attention to it which the subject deserves, and cany out all the objects the legislature had in view, in establishing Boards of Health throughout the kingdom. In conclusion, I beg to add that a memorial—nuiBermisly and respectably signed—is now in progress of signature, and will be presented at the next meeting of the Board of Health, praying the Board to light the town. Apologising for occupying so much of your valuable space, I am, Sir, your obedient servant, CUIRo. Brynmawr, Feb. 11, 1854. [TO THE EDITOR.] SIR,—In conjunction with the men of Brynmawr, I have read with attention the controversy whicb is now being carried on in the MERLIN, with respect to the assumed grievance originating with the late meeting of ratepayers to consider the desirableness, &c., of lighting our streets with gas. Now, being present at the meeting in question, I must say, in justice to Mr. Ford, that he evidently was not in- clined for the chair; that he objected, when spoken of as the most fitting and competent person to fill the chair and that it was notjuntil repeatedly called upon, that he acceded to the unanimous" wish of the meeting. If the said meeting was so very unbusiness-like, Mr. Ford is not to be blamed. According to the testimony of most at the meeting, the chairman had performed his part well, in endeavouring to secure an uniform fairness and order, Mr. Ford has been a resident at Brynmawr for nearly four years, and he has always been a respectable, industrieus, and peaceable man. I cannot think he would quarrel or dis- agree with any one without a cause; nor would ho, in this instance, with Omega, but for the uncharitable attaek upon himself and fellow-townsmen. I am, Sir, your most obedient servant, A RATEPAYER. Brnymawr, 21st Feb., 1854.

BLAINA. FATAL AND DISTRESSING ACCIDENT.—A young ma.n, named David Rosser, met with his death, in the new Hen- wain Pit, under the following circumstances :—On Saturday morning, he was let down the pit on the barrel, before the night shift had finished and being a man of very indus- tnons habits, his absence was not noticed until Sunday morning, when, not making his appearance, it was surmised that there was something wrong. A party was therefore let down the shaft, when, after a search, the lifeless form of the poor fellow was discovered in the sump or well, a place of about 18 fathoms deep, made for the purpose of draining the work. The engineer in charge stated that ho is quite positive that, when letting the deceased down, he did so to the exact length of chain. The watchman also declared that he heard the usual signal of (as he supposes) All right;" but this, in reality, must have been a cry for j help, as there can be little doubt, upon deceased arriving at the bottom, in making a spring to get off, he must have precipitated himself into his watery grave. What renders the case more distressing is, that an aged mother, who is now seriously ill in bed, was dependent upon the deceased for support. The iuquest on view of the body was not held when our report left, it being necessary that the Home Secretary should be first communicated with. FATAL ACCIDENT.—An accident of a painful character occurred, 011 Friday last, to a man named Thomas George, who formerly, and for some length of time, was employed under the Monmouthshire Railway and Canal Company, but who was last engaged by the Coal Brook Vale Company as breaksman. It appears that whilst in the act of coupling some carriages on the line, near Blaina Church, two of them came into collision, frightfully smashing his thigh between the buffers. He was at once conveyed to the Lion Inn, where Mr. Innes, surgeon, of Coal Brook Vale Iron Works, was quickly in attec dance. Amputation would have been at once attempted, had not the system received so violent a shock. The poor sufferer expired on Monday, and W. Brewer, Esq., coroner, held an inquest on view of the body next day, when a verdict of accidental death" was re- turned. BLAIBTA INSTRUCTION SOCIETY.—Mr. Charles delivered two interesting lectures on burlesque, at the society's rooms, last week, to numerous and overflowing audiences. The talented leeturer was heartily applauded throughout.

CRUMLIN. THE GREAT RAILWAY VIADUCT.—This important un- dertaking does not yet exhibit much progress, though, in reality, the preparations are in a forward state; so that when the erection is commenced, it will be proceeded with energetically, and with great rapidity. A few months hence we may expect to witness a large influx of scientific and curious visitors into our beautiful valley, to view the progress of the gigantic viaduct—a stupendous work, which will form, as it were, an aeriel roadway, from summit to summit of the towering heights which enclose the romantic vale. VEGETABLE OIL GAB.—W\J have heard that a new light, derived from vegetable oil, now used with success at the other works of Mr. Kennard, instead of coal gas, will shortly be introduced into the viaduct works at this place. The light is said to be more brilliant than that of gas, though not cheaper.

CARDIFF. COUNTY COURT.—FRIDAY. (Before T. FALCONER, Esq., Judge.) IMPORTANT CASE AGAINST THE SOUTH WALES RAILWAY COMPANY. LIMIT OF LIABILITY AS CARRIERS. Mr. Simons, of Merthyr, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Tripp for the defendants. Mr. Simons, in opening the case, said that the action had been brought by the plaintiff, Mr. Robert Jones, draper, of Merthyr, to recover the sum of £9 14s., being the value of a piece of cloth abstracted from a bale of goods, while in the care of the defendants. the learned gentleman briefly explained the nature of the evidence to be adduced by him, in support of the plaintiff's case, and concluded by expressing his regret that the defendants, as a public company, should have thrown every impediment in the way of inquiry with regard to the loss of the piece of cloth in question, which there could be no doubt had been felo- niously abstracted while in the company's charge, instead of affording to the plaintiff all the means in their power to unravel the mystery, and to fix the proper person with the liability. Mr. Robert Jones, the plaintiff, was then called, and stated that the value of the piece of cloth abstracted was, in Merthyr, £9 14s. He purchased the bale of goods in London, in September last. Witness was from home at the time the goods came from Paddington by the Great Western and South Wales railways to Cardiff, and on to Merthyr by the Taff Vale railway. On examining the bale he found that a piece of cloth was missing, when he wrote to the defendants, and had a great deal of correspondence with their agents upon the subject; but they would give no in- formation all they said was, We are not liable." Cross-examined The charge note produced shows the charges of the Taff Vale Company, and the sums paid on to the South Wales Company. I have often received similar charge-notes of the South Wales Company. There was a tear or rent in the cloth which covered the goods. I tried with a piece of goods similar to that missing, and found the hole just large enough to allow the piece to go through. Re-examined: The missing piece could not have got out by accident. John Baxter, in the service of Messrs. Brett, of London, said he packed the goods for the plaintiff, on the 24th of September last. There were 32 pieces in the hale, which was addressed, "Mr. Robt. Jones, Merthyr—South Wales Railway to Cardiff." It was impossible that such a piece of goods as that missing could have got out by accident. [The witness here explained that the goods were packed with the assistance of an hydraulic press, which rendered the package so tight, that no portion could be abstracted without considerable trouble.] Witness delivered the bale to the railway company's agent. Thomas Arden, carman, proved receiving the package from the last witness, and delivering it to the company's office, at the Bull and Mouth, London, and received a re- ceipt for it. George Thomas, in the employ of the Taff Vale Railway Company, proved that he received the truss in question, and observed the rent in the cover. It was entered in the company's receiving-book as a bale of goods, with the wrapper torn. Cross-examined It is customary to weigh goods, when there is any suspicion that any have been lost. The cover, or wrapper, was quite tight, and from its outward appear- ance, witness believed that nothing was missing from the inside, and therefore did not weigh it. The weight signed for in the Taff Vale Company's book is the same weight mentioned in the South Wales Company's book. Roger Edmunds, assistant to plaintiff, proved receiving the package at Merthyr; and seeing the rent in the cover, he put his hand in" and found that something had been taken out. [This witness explained that, after the piece of goods had been taken out, the elasticity of the package would cause the bale to appear to an ordinary observer as if nothing had been displaced. Mr. Tripp then addressed the Court for the defendants, and said that, with regard to the observations of Mr. Simons, as to the company's conduct in this matter, he (Mr. Tripp) utterly denied that any discourtesy had been shown, or that any desire had been felt by the defendants to withhold from the plaintiff such information as he was entitled to. In proof of the company's general anxiety to do their duty towards the public on all occasions, he might mention the fact that, in every instance in which the com- pany had contested a claim in that court, they had suc- ceeded in showing to his Honour, not upon any technical ground, but upon the bare merits of the case, that they were justified in resisting the claim sought to be enforced, and had obtained verdicts in their favour. It was, there- fore, unfair for any professional gentleman to make the assertions that his friend had with regard to the defendants. The learned gentleman then proceeded to contend that ths plaintiff in this case had mistaken the party liable. He would show that the package was delivered to the Taff Vale Railway Company in the same condition as received by the defendants, and that the loss, which doubtless had taken place, must have happened while the package was in the charge of that company. John Henry Cullen, in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, at Paddington, received the truss of goods in question. It was his duty to examine all goods received and he examined this package, and noticed there was a rent in the wrapper, about four inches long. It was a triangular rent. There was nothing abstracted from the bale then. He did not weigh it. Cross-examined [the cover was here shown to witness] The rent is greater now than it was at that time. Robert Lewis, clerk to the South Wales Railway Com- pany at Cardiff, said he saw the package on its delivery to the Taff Vale Company, when the rent, he thought, was not so large as now. The haulier to Mr. Bland, who received the package from the South Wales Company, and delivered it to the Taff Vale Company, proved that he delivered it in the same state as he received it. This was the case. Mr. Simons then addressed the Court in reply, and re- iterated his assertion that the defendants had thrown every obstacle in the way of plaintiff's eliciting the facts of the case, to enable him to fix the right party. He would, how- ever, submit that the facts deposed to by the plaintiff's witnesses abundantly proved that the piece of goods had been feloniously abstracted, and whether that took place while in the South Wales Railway Company's charge, or in that of the Taff Vale Company, he should contend, made no difference. At common law, the defendants being the first receivers of the goods, would be liable, as carriers, for any loss occasioned in the course of their transit, al- though that might happen after the defendants had parted with them to another carrier, to he forwarded on. But the defendants endeavoured to guard against their common- law liability, by issuing a printed notice on the back of their charge-note, which stated that they would not hold themselves responsible for any loss, damage, or detention, which might happen to any goods beyond the limits of their railway; but the term "loss" could not be held to compre- hend a larceny of goods, and therefore their common-law liability was not affected in this case, in which, beyond doubt, a larceny had been committed. His Honour, in giving judgment, went over the leading points in the evidence, and observed that the evidence of George Thomas left it clear that the Taff Vale Railway Company were the parties liable, and not the present de- fendants. That witness, who was the servant of the Taff Vale Company, swore that, to all appearance, the package, when he received it from the defendants, was perfect, with the exception of the torn cover; that so satisfied was he of this, that he did not think it necessary to weigh the goods, to see that they corresponded with the weight set down in the defendants' charge-note. This same weight was en- tered in the Taff Vale Railway Company's charge-note; and, from the evidence, he must come to the conclusion that the package was, with the exception of the torn cover, perfect when delivered out of the custody of the defendants into the care of the Taff Vale Company. The only ques- tion therefore, was, whether the defendants had restricted their common-law liability by the notice indorsed on their, charge-note; and of this there could be no doubt. The case of "Fowles v. the Great Western Railway Company," raised "the very same -point. In that case, the goods da- maged were sent from Bristol to Paddington, addressed to some one at Brompton. On the arrival of the goods safely at Paddington, they were delivered to a person appointed and paid by the Railway Company to collect and deliver goods beyond the limits of their railway; and while in that person's care, the goods were damaged. An action was brought against the railway company for the damage but the company set up, by way of defence, their notice of restricted liability, and which notice was, singularly, in the very same words as the notice of the South Wales Rail- way Company. In that case, the Court of Exchequer held that the contract with the defendants ceased upon the ar- rival of the goods at Paddington, and the defendants were not liable for the subsequent damage so in the case, then, under consideration, he must hold that the contract with the plaintiff ceased upon the arrival of the bale of goods at Cardiff, and that the remedy for any subsequent loss, was against the Taff Vale Railway Company, and not the pre- sent defendants. The notice restricted their common-law liability as carriers, to the limits of their railway, and be- yond those limits they were not liable for any kind of loss. —Judgment for defendants. Mr. Tripp said, after the opinion of his Honour, the Taff Vale Railway Company would pay the amount of damage. -———— TAFF VALE RAILWAY.. The half-yearly meeting of the shareholders in this pros- perous undertaking, was held on Friday last, at the White Lion Hotel, Broad-street, Bristol; Walter Coffin, Esq., M.P., Chairman of the Board of Directors, in the chair. There was a large attendance. The Secretary having read the notice convening the meeting, and the seal of the company having been affixed to the list of registered shareholders, he proceeded to read the following report: — Pursuant to the Act of Incorporation, the directors of the Taff Vale Railway Company have the pleasure of meet- ing the shareholders. The balance of accounts allows your directors to declare a dividend at the rate of seven and a half per cent. per annum on the stock of the company, for the half-year, payable on the 7th day of March next, with a dividend in the same proportion on the preference stock No. 1, and on the amount called up on the £10 shares. The accounts for the half-year exhibit a higher rate than usual for the working charges—a difference which is attributed not only to an increase of wages, but also to the very greatly augmented price of all articles of consumption. The junction between the South Wales and Taff Vale Railways has nearly approached completion, and will soon be ready for the approval of the Government Inspector. The contracts for the extension of the Rhondda branches I are at the present time unfortunately suspended, by the failure of the contractors. Arrangements will be made with other parties, as soon as practicable, for their completion, and it is hoped that the Rhondda Fawr branch will be finished in the ensuing summer. With reference to the communications made in former reports, as to the promotion <>f a Waggon Company, your directors have to report that such a company has been formed and registered, and that they have entered into an agreement for a lease with the directors of the Waggon Company, for waggon stock, and have also made other ne- cessary arrangements with them. By these means, your directors will be enabled to afford the freighters an extended accommodation for their traffic upon the railway. The Chairman then observed, that in asking the share- holders to adopt the report just read, it was with great pleasure he had to inform them that the prospects of the company remained in a flourishing condition, and that the revenue remained undiminished; and when they remem- bered the high price of everything connected with the money market and all other matters, they must consider that they were fortunate in being able to declare such a di- vidend, especially when the working expenses had increased £ 5000 during the half-year. He considered that the Taff Vale Railway Company were in a better position than any •other railway in the kingdom. In declaring the dividend of 72 per cent., the directors had not forgotten to provide for any contingencies that might arise, for they always felt that the safest course to adopt was always to have a strong balance to meet any contingencies; and after all, the di- rectors thought they had acted with wisdom in increasing, • • rather than decreasing the dividend. They had nothing whatever to do with other companies the business of the directors was with the Taff Vale Railway Company alone, and in endeavouring to place that company in a prosperous condition, so that they may be in a better position to meet any charges which may occur; and he considered they were now better able to do that than any other company. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Hutcliins would wish to make one or two observa- tions with respect to Ike affairs of the company and he, for one, objected to the increase of dividends, and thought it infinitely better not to increase the dividend to per cent., but let it remain at 7¡ as before, for he could not help thinking, that if they kept up their dividends in the way they were doing, they were doing all they could to court opposition. He would rather that, instead of increas- ing the dividend, the benefit should be given to the freighters, by reducing the charges. He was not himself a freighter on the line. Another thing, Mr. Talbot, the chairman of the South Wales Railway, had said that in less than two years they would have a broad guage line up the valley of the Taff; and they must remember Mr. Talbot was not a man to make empty threats, for he had spent £250,000, by means of which the-South Wales Railway had been carried on to Haverfordwest. Looking at all these matters, he could not help thinking the best way to act was to reduce the tolls, and not go on keeping up their dividends. An- other matter of which he complained was, that they were not entitled to do by their Act of Parliament, for they had engines employed in dragging about coal from one dock to another, for the benefit of the freighters, and this was work which ought to be done by the freighters themselves, therefore, he thought, they ought not to divide more than 71 per cent. under all the circumstances. The Chairman replied that with regard to the allusion of Mr. Hutchins of doing work for other people, that was a question which now occupied the attention of the directors. With respect to the increase of the dividend, he knew that there was a general opinion among the shareholders that with the great increase of trade, there should also be an increase of dividend, and the freighters must uniierstand that the shareholders were not to give up all for which they had so long and so strenuously contended in the House of Commons (hear, hear). It was very easy for Mr. Talbot to make calculations, but they must remember that the rate of charges on long and short lines would bear no comparison whatever. And as to the threat of a broad guage, what chance, he should like to know, would a broad guage have with the Taff Vale Company, with their capital all raised. The proprietors would not quail before any threat of the kind (hear, hear.) Mr. Carlisle and Mr. Powell supported the proposed dividend. and ultimately Mr. Hutchins expressed himself satisfied at the arguments of the latter, though a slight tiff took place between him and the former, in consequence of an allusIOll to his proprietorship in the Aberdare Company. Some observation was also made by Mr. Hutchins as to Messrs. Hunt and Co., but ultimately the declaration of the dividend of 71 per cent. was carried, and on the motion of Mr. Car- lisle, a vote of thanks was tendered to the Chairman and Directors, and the meeting broke up. INFANT SCHOOL.—The annual meeting of the friend and subscribers of the above school, was held on Tuesday last, when a large company (among which were a great many ladies) assembled at the school-room, to witness the examination of the children in the various branches of in- struction practised at the establishment. The Dean of Llandaff presided. The Rev. Mr. Wrenford, secretary, read the report of the past year, which was satisfactory. The usual resolutions having been disposed of, the children commenced singing some of their school melodies, and sub- sequently answered with much correctness several questions on Scripture history, arithmetic, &c., put to them by the master of the school, Mr. Osborne. It was truly pleasing to see the juveniles marching and counter-marching at the word of command given by their indefatigable instructor, who, with Mrs. Osborne, richly deserves the praise be- stowed on them by the committee, for the success which has attended their efforts in maintaining the present efficiency of the management of the Cardiff Infant Schools. BUTE DocK. The large space of ground in front of Roth- say-terrace has been closed in, with a handsome iron rail- ing and the inclosure has been planted with a variety of evergreens, and flowers; and ornamental walks, are tastefully laid out, under the superintendence of Mr. Jackson, head- gardener to the Marchioness of Bute, at whose sole expense these improvements have been made. It is intended to place a magnificent fountain in the centre of the inclosure, which, when completed, will have a very pleasing effect. NEW COMMERCIAL NEWS ROOM. A meeting of gentle- men was held at the new Town Hall, on Tuesday evening last, for the purpose of establishing a Commercial News Room at Cardiff. The Mayor (John Batchelor, Esq.,) pre- sided, and we understand that a set of rules will shortly be drawn up by a provisional committee, and submitted to the Town Council, who will be memorialised to allow a spare room in the new Hall for the above purpose. It is pro- posed to conduct the new room similarly to that at New- port. QUARTER SESSIONS.—There were upwards of 69 pri- soners for trial at these sessions, held at the new Town Hall, on Tuesday and Wednesday last. THE REV. D. NOEL AND THE WELSH LANGUAGE. On Wednesday last, the Rev. D. Noel delivered an ad- mirable lecture on "Wales and the Welsh," in the new Town Hall, Cardiff, to an immense audience, among whom were many of the principal inhabitants of the town. The lecturer was warmly cheered throughout, and when near the close, Mr. Noel spoke as follows:— I have now detained you more than an hour, which I think is quite long enough, although I have not said much respecting the present inhabitants of Wales, and their lan- guage. Of the people, you may in a measure judge for yourselves, for they live among you but of the language, few of you, perhaps, can do so. It is often said that the Welsh people are an oppressed people but I will not say this as long as we live in a free country, and as long as the Welsh enjoy the same privileges as tne English do. But it will be said that they are obliged to hear ministers who do not understand, and who, therefore, cannot preach their language. But this, I think, is, in a measure, their own fault, owing to their obstinate endeavour to perpetuate the Welsh language, which, no doubt, is one of the finest lan- guages in the world. Now, do not misunderstand me I am a Welshman myself, and am proud to be one; and have been born and bred among them. I have been born and bred among them—I labour among them—I preach to them — and I pray for them. But the question is—Who is the patriotic Welshman; whether he who crams the minds of the Welsh rustic with a promiscuous store of Welsh period- ical reading, or he who gives hîl\1 a helping hand to learn the English language, and introduces to his secluded vil- lage the simplest rudiments of English manners, and Eng- lish literature ? I say decidedly the latter; for we live in a most regenerating age, when everything is either new or restored. t> Yea, everything except Welsh literature, which has dwindled away from the sublime effusions of our an- cient bards, to the godless rhapsodies of sectarism. The other day, some one was endeavouring to show the superiority of the Welsh people, by telling us that Welsh servants are in great request in London. If this proves anything, it proves the inferiority of the Welsh people. Haley did not value the religion of Uncle Tom, because he well knew that an educated mind would struggle for free- dom. The less educated, the better the slave; and thus, as long as the Welsh people cling to the Welsh language, and remain uneducated, they will continue to be the pliable serfs, not only of Londoners, but of the world. Let every young man, therefore, who may be here this evening, and who may not have had the advantage of an English educa- tion—let him, I say, take courage, and, like the Yankee, go a-head.' But, ere he can do so, he must learn the Eng- lish language, and study English literature."

CHEPSTOW. BRITISH VALOUR.—Last Wednesday, the public were gratified by a fine demonstration of loyal bravery, on the part of an old veteran, who has sesn some sixty-three win- ters, and had long since returned to country quarters, bein<* a pensioner in this neighbourhood, valorously embarking on board the packet, to proceed to Bristol, for the purpose of offering his services on board one of her Majesty's ships, to fight the murderers of the Sinope carnage." • DISGRACEFUL CHARGE.—On Wednesday, the magistrates were engaged in hearing a charge against an aged man, the father of a family in respectable circumstances, of having committed a felonious offence on a poor witless "irl. The prisoner has been committed to take his trial for the dis- graceful offence.

DOWLAIS. An inquest was held at Dowlais, on Tuesday last, by the Coroner, George Overton, Esq., upon the body of a man named John Jones, who, whilst ascending in the bucket up the Rhes Las Pit, on Saturday evening last, suddenly fell out, and was precipitated to the bottom, instantaneous death being the consequence. A verdict of Died by the Visita- tion of God was returned. A gloom pervades the district from Tredegar to Merthyr, in conseqnence of the alarming illness of Alderman Thomp- son. The great works in which he was interested have been at all times carried on with enterprising energy. It is to be feared that the event of his demise would cause changes in the different departments of his vast manufactories, perhaps not ultimately beneficial to the interests of the neighbour- hood, or the partners of the worthy Alderman. In travelling from Birmingham yosterday, I heard it as- serted by a member of the Society of Friends, that Joseph Sturge and his compatriots were on their way to Siberia, and that none of them were likely to see Merrie England again if such should prove to be the case, and I have no rea- son to doubt ltf I would recommend Messrs. Pease and Co., have no more business transactions with tne Great Czar,—A correspondent. A ridiculous report obtained circulation in Merthyr last week, respecting the late ball at the Bush Inn, to the effect that its promoters wei-e adverse to the tradesmen of the locality joining in its festivities—this is utterly fallacions. A tew evil-disposed persons who rendered themselves ob- noxious to the committee, by their general conduct, were, it is said, intentionally excluded from the list of invitations— hence the malice. The Moustache Movement" is making rapid strides in onr dIstnct; this is the less to be wondered at now that the Cochin China" mania has so entirely subsided. A facetious old lady whom I met, en bon point, in the Taff V ale train, last week, firmly remarked, That she should not be surprised to see the next movement to be, a "Teat rage for men to wear outside their other garments theO old- fashioned siays of the last century."—A correspondent. Mr. Daniel Davis, auctioneer, the Dowlais Robins," has a Cochin China fowl in his possession, weighing 121bs., f which occasionally lays two eggs per diem. She laid an egg, c last week, with three perfect yolks ia it. ) t

PONTYPOOL. POXTYPOOL POLICE COURT.—SATURDAY. Before J. Thompson, Esq., and the Rev. David Jones WM. James was charged with leaving, without notice. the employ of Grawshay Bailey and others, ironmasters. The accused pleaded guilty. Sentenced to ten days' im- prisonment, with hard labour. M. A. Williams was summoned by Margaret Hopkins for the sum of 19s. 6d., alleged to be due for washing and ironing. Case dismissed for want of jurisdiction. Attor- nev for defendant, Mr. Greenwav. Elizabeth Alsop was charged with having beaten and ill- treated a little boy, named William Thomas, about four years of age. Theie was also another charge against the defendant for assaulting the mother of the child. Wit- nesses were called who proved the two charges, and also. the violent conduct and obscene language used by the de- fendant. Fined 5s. and 12s. 6d. costs. Attorney for complainant Mr. Greenway. Ann Hipkiss appeared to prefer a charge of assault against Mary Griffiths, who lodged with complainant. It appeared that the complainant had said something to the husband of Mary Griffiths, which had caused him to beat his wife, the marks of which were still visible—and that complainant had called the defendant a Nanny goat," which so provoked her, that she attempted to strike the complainant with her open hand-but no blow passed. Case dismissed. Attorney for the defendant, Mr. Green- way. Edward Edwards against the Churchwardens and Over- seers of the Poor of the parish of Llanover Upper. This was an appeal against the poor rate—the appellant claiming to be rated at a higher sum than that at which he was assessed. The case had been twice adjourned for the attendance of the overseers, and the production of the last rate. The overseers had on each occasion neglected to attend. The Bench animadverted upon their conduct^ and ordered them to pay the appellant's costs. With res- pect to altering the rate, the magistrates thought that as there was to be a meeting on Thursday next, for the pur- pose of considering the propiiety of making a re-assess- ment of the whole parish, the matter had better stand over for another week. Attorney for the appellant, Mr. Green- way. David Bowen was charged with being drunk and disor- fees ALSED with a caution and paying statioa-hous* Richard Cairns was charged with being drunk and disor- derly.-—lo pay 8s. 6d. Edward Jenkins was charged with neglecting to obey an order in bastardy, upon which order there was Sl Gd due. The complainant Elizabeth Williams proved the charge'. The defendant was ordered to pay the amount due and 63' 6d. costs. He paid £1, and was allowed a fortnight to pay the remainder. ° James Ellick, landlord of the White Hart beerhouse, at Blaenavon, was charged by P.S. Merewether, with keeping his house open for the sale of beer, between the hours of three and five o'clock in the afternoon of Sunday, the 12th instant.—The defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined 20s. and 14s. costs. Susannah Hurley was charged with assaulting Mary Ann Jones. Covicted in 40s. and costs, or one month's impri- soment. George Gulleymore, of Blaenavon, was brought up in custody of P.S. Merewether, charged with being a deserter from the 1st Royals. The defendant pleaded guilty, and was committed to Usk prison until sent for by the military authorities. TUESDAY. Edward Bevan and William Roberts were charged with committing an assault on John Griffiths, on Saturday night last.—The defendants were fined £5 each, or three months' imprisonment. Thomas Jones was charged with stealing a shovel, the property of W illiam Warren.—The case being clearly brought home to the prisoner, he was fully committed to take his trial.

TREDEGAR- PETTY SESSIONS, CASTLE INN.—FEB. 20. (Before George Homfray, Esq.) DISGUSTING CHARGE AGAINST AN AGED MAN. Rees J ames, aged 51, a. married man, and the father of seven children, working as an ostler in the employ of Mr. John Armstrong, master-miner, under the Tredegar com- pany, was charged with feloniously assaulting two little girls, named Ann Rees, ten years old, and Mary Jones under ten years of age, in a loft above the stable of his master, in the Coach Row, Tredegar, on Saturday, the 28th of Januai-y. The prisoner was defended by the clerk of Mr. Horace Shepard, in the absence of that gentleman From the statement of the little girls,'it appeared that they were playing M the stableyard, in the evening in question; that prisoner took up both under his arms, and carried them into the chaff-room that he there told them what he intended doing that they cried, when he drew a knife, and threatened to run it through them that he then committed the offences with which he was charged and promised them money that they afterwards complained to their mothers of suffering from a burning pain; and that thereupon an inquiry took place, which led to the appre- hension of the prisoner. Mr. Halley, surgeon, gave evidence of finding the parts of the children inflamed and diseased. The act of rape had not been committed. James J arrett deposed as follows :—I am a policeman at Tredegar Iron Works. Yesterday evening (Sunday, the 19th), I had information that the prisoner, Rees James, had been abusing five little girls at Coach Row, and that three of them were then ill, from the abuse they had received. One of the children was just over ten years of age, and all the others under ten years. I apprehended the prisoner at his stable door. I told him the charge against him, and he said, "I know nothing at all about them. I never touched them. They have been coming to the stable to annoy me. I threw a bucket of water towards them, to send them away." Last night, about eleven o'clock, I took the prisoner's supper to him, in the lock-up and, while searching him, he voluntarily said, What I am afraid of is, Mrs. Sloper's examination of the girls and he further said, Don't you be very bad against me it will be a sove- reign in your pocket to-morrow night." He also told me to-day, since he has seen his attorney, You will surely have the sovereign to-night." I made him no answer either time. Since I have apprehended the prisoner, and in con- sequence of hearing about a knife from the children's rela- tions, I searched him for one, and asked him if he had A knife. He said he had not one about him, but there were two in the stable. The knife I produce I found in the stable. The mothers of the children now stated what had been told them by the girls, and the condition in which the poor children were. The case occupied seven hours in hearing. The prisoner reserved his defence, and was committed to take his trial at the Monmouth assizes.

MEETING OF THE RUSSIAN AND ALLIED SHIPS Constantinople letters say That the British and French TTF'Z 'I PR-ENT-CRU1ZMS IN the Black Sea, met on the VA, BASAIAN steamer division, under the command were rpa'iiv f °w ?°th Parties to quarter^ and combat >but the Russians, after passing very close to the former, and the Retribution were soon out of sight.

Births, Marriages, and Deaths. BIRTHS. AT DUMFRIES PLACE, NEWPORT, THE WIFE OF MR WM YT<>™ CONTRACTOR, &C OF A DAUGHTER. 1 On the 20TH instant, at Commercial-road, NEWPORT THE wife of Mr. J. M LLADLEY, of a daughter. ON the 20th instant, the wlÍe of Mr. Wm. potter draner of Pontypool, of a son. MARRIAGES. On thr 3rd instant, Mr. John Harris, nailor, to Susan eldest daughter of Mr. Moses Gregory, of Abertillery. On the 19th instant, at the parish church, Swansea, by the Rev. E. G. Williams, Mr. David Morgan, accountant, Aber- dare, to Miss Fanny Laura Meredith, of William-street Swansea. On the 19th instant, by license, a*, the parish church, Aber- dare, by the Rev. David Griffitijs, curate, Mr. Thomas Howeils to Miss Margaret Hughes, both of the above parish. On the 23rd ins'ant, at St Mary's church, Cardfff, by the Rev. Leigh Morgan, vicar, Mr. Morgan Charles Lewis, ship- wright, to Miss Mary Lloyd. DEATHS. On the 20th instant, at Kensington-place. Newnort at tbp residence of F. J. Hal], Esq., Emily Martha relict of th« lot Captain Ethelred Hawkins, whom she only survivprl ei-r weeks. blx On the 5th [instant, at No. 5, Monntjoy-street, Newport' Henry Tutton, infant son of Mr. Frederick Woodcock On the 17th instant, at Newport, Mrs. Mary Owens. On the 19 h instant, at PiUgwenlly, Mr. Wm. Henrv Pomery, aged 19 years. ON Tuesday morning last, of quinsy, in his sixth year, Row- land, son of Captain Rowlands, of Hill-street, in this'town. The engaging manners of the child had rendered him a great favourite; the last words of the poor little sufferer were- h Good bye, I must leave you in a hurry." Recently, at Caerleon, MRS Ann Gibby, late of the Hanbury Arms Inn, aged 67 years, much respected by all who knew her On the 23rd instant, at Caerleon, Mary, the affectionate wife of Mr. Rogers, innkeeper. On the 8th instant, at Caerleon, aged 80 years, Mrs. Eliza- beth Lewis. On the 22nd instant, at Risca aged 35 years, Ann the be- loved wife of Mr Thomas Duffiela, timber merchant. At Castletown, Mr. EDWARD Baker, aged 22years On the 14th instant, William, son of Mr. Charles Edward*. BUSH INN, ABEI TILLERY, AGED TWO YEARS. ON THE 17TH INSTANT, JOSEPH ARUFFO, INFANT SON OF JOSENH HINTON, ESQ., BLAINA IRON VV ORKS QM ON THE 23RD INSTANT, AT CARDIN, MR JAMES LOCK, PORK BUT- CHER, AGED 78 YEARS. On the 14th instant, at^ Pans, in the 44th year of her ace after a long illness and intense suffering, the wife of Captain Willis Johnson, K.N., of Hanmngton House, Wilts. At Abergavenny after a lingering illness, and perfectly resigned to the will of the Almighty, John, second son of the late Mr. Thomas Herbert, of the London Apprentice Inn, and grandson of the late Robert Williams Esq., oC Triley, aged 22 years. On the L/th instant, Elizabeth, the wife of Mr GENROP' Gi lbs, tailor, Chicken street, Abergavenny, aSed 4-' On the 21st instant, after a few days'illness, Mr John Watkins, haulier, Lion-street, Abergavenny, agpd43 years On the 11'.11 instint, in St. Mary.street, Monmouth Mr' James Addis, gardener, in the 66th year of his AGE On the day of the fune.al of this old and generally respected inhabitant of the town a great many shops were partialis closed and the bells of M. Mary's Church sent forth their mournful peals. On the 17'H i.istant, at Brynmawr, Mrs. Rachel Beavan aged 32 years, who has LEFT a family of four young children' to mourn the loss 01 a kind and affectionate mother. De- 3e«sed had been a member at Rehoboth Welsh Inde- pendent ( hapel or upwards of fifteen years, and was be- oved by all who knew her. Ou the 14th instant, at 17, College-green, Bristol, aged !2, Elizabeth Ann, wife ot William Prichard. Esq., and laughter of the late Bartholomew Smith, Esq., of TIMS* )ury, near Bath.

corporation refund the company the £42, on completion of the drain, to the satisfaction of the surveyor, all the public drains in that locality being allowed to empty into it. The plan of the new road from High-st., near Masters' corner, to Market-street, provided for by the 10th section of the company's act of 1852, was laid before the meeting, by which it appeared that at a point near Masters', the road Would only be made 19 feet 10 inches wide, instead of 22 feet, as required by the act, but that the company were prepared, by pulling down some buildings, to ease the curve in the road, it was considered that the Local Board of Health ought not to insist on the works being carried out to the very letter of the act. Resolved, to report to the next meeting of the Council, and recommend the confirmation of the above arrange- ments." Mr. Rennie said, had he been present at the meeting, he would not have consented to give £100, nor 100 pence, to the company, for doing that which ought to be done without asking the Board for a farthing, since so large and influential a company ought to act in a more spirited manner, especially in a matter affecting their own interests. Tho Mayor said the company were most deficient in liber- ality, nor could they see, in regard to their public works, an inch beyond their noses. (Laughter.) Had he been present at the special meeting, be should certainly have voted against the proposed agreement. Mr. Batchelor vindicated the course adopted by the spe- 'cial meeting though he said the present meeting had to decide if the agreement should be confirmed or not. Mr. Jenkins expressed himself, on the part of the com- pany, as indebted to Mr. Batchelor for his observations and wished, before the proposed agreement was condemned by those gentlemen who had "not seen the plans, nor made themselves acquainted with the nature of the transactions, that the question should be fairly entered upon and re- viewed. The Mayor said the company should not have been in such a hurry—they should certainly be able to see before them for a fortnight or a month, instead of requesting Council meetings to be called, just when they pleased. Mr. Lyne considered that as the matter was urgent, the Town Clerk had done right in calling a specia and eany meeting. The Town Clerk said he had consulted with some mem- bers of the Board, previously to summoning the Council. The Surveyor then reported the nature of his interview with Mr. Hawkshaw, as to his cost for plans for drainage, &c., which would be 5 per cent. on the general charge for the whole work. Mr. Batchelor, Mr. Llewellin, and others, 'advocated the engaging of Mr. Hawkshaw and a discussion following, as to whether the works should be carried om on Mr. Hawk- shaw's plans, at the contemplated cost. The Mayor said that engineers were not always able to carry out their works as they desired or proposed, being often interfered with, as was the case between the Canal Company and their engineers. Mr, Jenkins said it appeared to him that Mr. Brown, whenever the Canal Company was alluded to, seemed to be possessed of a mono-mania against that body. (Laughter.) After a protracted discussion, it was resolved to enter into an arrangement with Mr. Hawkshaw. The Board decided on not raising money for the Public works, at present, excepting such amounts as might be ob- tained at their bankers, for immediate purposes. A letter from Mr. William Graham, on the subject of tha drainage, &c., of that part of tneborough which was in the parish of Christchurch, was read, and shortly dis- cussed, but the subject was not furthei entertained. Mr. Townsend complained of night soil being placed openly on a field near the town on the Chepstow road and Mr. Lewis condemned the practice of the scavengers under the Tredegar Wharf Company, placing filth of all kinds on the open spaces in Ruperra-etreet—both which matters called for immediate attention from the Surveyor and the Board gave directions which, though not likely to effect at •once the removal of the nuisances, will prevent a repetition of such disgusting annoyances, so very dangerous to health. Mr. Lewis brought forward the subject of compelling the owners of houses to bring drains from their premises into .the main sewer now being constructed on Stow-hill. He hoped the Board would not enforce any costly materials for such drains, though it was essential that the work should be done. Many gentlemen of the Board were in favour of glazed six inch pipes. The matter was ultimately; left in the hands of the sur- veyor. The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Cornelius Evans, the late collector, had settled and paid in the whole of his rate account. The meeting then separated.