Monmouthshire Merlin

ABERGAVENNY. Our market of this day was very small, excepting in sheep, about 3000 being penned. Poultry scarce, with little attendance, and not half the quantity of fruit as at our last. Flour, 8s. 8d. the bushel; the 41b. loaf, 6d. The quotation of wheat this week is 55s. 10-Ld. and Barley, 39s. 2d., the imperial quarter.

THE VARTEG. On Thursday se'nnight, the children of the Varteg District Schools, in number over 200, had their annual treat. They assembled soon after noon, and after walk- ing in procession they returned to a field near the school- room, where they were plentifully regaled with plum- cake tea, &c., after which they had several hours of play,' racing, and other out-door games, for which the weather was propitious, while at intervals fruit was liberally distributed. There was a large party of the friends of the school present. Among whom were the Rev. F. Bluett, E. E. Tucker, Thomas and Andrew Davis, A. Stammers, J. Edmonds, and J. Sharman, Esqrs., Mrs. and Miss Bluett, the Misses and Master Williams, of Snatchwood, Mrs. Vipond, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Tucker, Miss Sharman, &c. After passing a very happy afternoon, the children sung the National Anthem, and soon after they and the visitors departed, expressing themselves gratified by the arrangements which were made by Mr. and Mrs. Twisden, the master and mistress of the school.

RE-DIVISION OF THE WELSH CIRCUITS. The following letter signed A Barrister, appears in the Times, and bears reference to the observations of Lord Powis, which where printed in the MERLIN a short time since Sir,—I have but just seen Lord Powis's letter on the proposed changes in the Welsh circuits, transferred to your columns on the 16th ult. from a Shrewsbury piper. His Lordship's object is to arouse the amour propre, or, as he will term it, the patriotism, of the Welsh gentry to a resistance equally successful with that which, it seems, they opposed to a similar contemplated reform in 1828. Why," he asks indignantly, "are Montgomery, Merio- neth, Flint, Anglesea, and Radnor to receive less consid. eration than Rutland ?" Why are Welsh prosecutors, attorneys, and witnesses to be carried from home over such an extent of country" as they will have to traverse if the assizes for Carnarvonshire and Anglesea and for Denbighshire and Flintshire be amalgamated ? Why is Wales to lose her existing rights ?" Now, surely the fact that Rutland continues, very un- necessarily, to have a separate assize can form no logical basis for an argument that these Welsh counties should each of them continue to have one also. The proper mode of reasoning would seem to be to look at the facts of each case, as disclosed in the statements made to the commissioners, and to see whether a great economy of time and expense will not be effected by the proposed changes, without any appreciable inconvenience to any- body whose convenience ought to be considered. To talk of" existing rights" in such a case seems, with deference to my Lord Powis, little better than nonsense in the garb of patriotism. First, as to the case of Carnarvonshire and Anglesea. It appears from the return furnished to the commissioners by the Clerk of Assize of the North Wales Circuit that in 11 years (from 1845 to 1856 inclusive) the total number of prisoners tried at the assizes of the former county was 185, or less than 17 per annum of the latter county 159, or about 14^ per annum while the total number of causes tried in the same period was, in Carnarvonshire, 68, or about 6 per annum in Anglesea, 16 or 1| per annum! for which business six days (for the two counties) have been taken at each assize, while the time actually occupied by the business has not averaged three days, the rest being filled up with travelling, opening commis- sion, and other formalities, and seeing the country. It is proposed, therefore, that these two counties should ba consolidated, and tbat the assizes for both should be held at Bangor, instead of at Carnarvon and Beaumaris. Bangor is distant from Carnarvon 10 miles by railway from Beaumaris seven miles by road, and ferry. Such is the extent of country over which Welsh prosecutors, attorneys, and witnesses would in this case be carried. T, „ Next as to Denbighshire and Fhntsinre. The assizes are now held at Ruthin for Denbighshire, at Mold for Flintshire, these towns being 10 miles apart, and there being a railway from Mold to Chester (12 miles). In the same 11 years 226 prisoners, or 20f per annum, were tried at the Denbighshire assizes 169, or upwards of 15 per annum, at the Flintshire assizes. At the former, in the same period, 70 causes, or six and a fraction per annum at the latter, 61 causes, or less than five per annum, have been disposed of, a week being taken for the business of the two places at each assizes, but less than four days on an average occupied by it. The com- missioners, under these circumstances, propose that the assizes for the two counties shall be held alternately at Ruthin and at Mold. I wish they had gone further, and proposed that they should be held altogether at Ruthin, which occupies the very centre of the two counties, at which there is a good court, and to which there will shortly, no doubt, be a line of railway through Denbigh. Mr. Strong, the clerk of assize, says I have known a judge be on circuit a fortnight without having been 12 hours in oourt, and half that time expended in calling over names of magistrates and waiting for the grand jurY to find bills." He adds, "I have been on the thr largest circuits in England, as marshal and barrister* I fully believe that if in England there were the sOl number of circuit towns in proportion to the business 0 there are in Wales the circuits would last all the year round." The case is substantially the same in the counties ot South Wales, of which the commissioners recommend.' consolidation. Is this a state of things which it is reasonable tO continue ? If the remedying of it shall, indeed, produO* that, "outcry on the part of the Welsh gentry" of present day which Lord Powis ia desirous of provokioft I shall have a much lower opinion of their capacity discretion than my intercourse with them has led hitherto to entertain.

TOWN HALL, NEWPORT.—SATURDAY. [Before the Rev. Thomas Pope, Sir George Walker, Bart., Godfrey Morgan and John Lewis, Esqrs.] RISCA. — George Powell, landlord of the Cross Keys, Risca, was charged with keeping his house open after hours' on the night of the 21st of Sept. Defendant's wife said the rent of the house was due on the 1st inst., and having but little cash to meet it, her friends advised her to get up a supper; she did so, and a large number attended, but they conducted themselves in an orderly manner.—The Bench said that they were disposed to view the matter leniently, inasmuch as it was the first offence.—Fined 5s. and costs. MACHEN.— Richard Thomas was charged with assault- ing Benjamin Price, on Saturday, the 26th ult., at the Tredegar Arms, Machen. Mr. Price said that Thomas called him very opprobrious names and among other charges imputed dishonesty to him he afterwards got up and struck him.—Defendant, on the other hand, said that Price was most aggravating, but did not deny having struck him open-handed."—The Clerk: How many times have you been here before ?"—Defendant: Only twice or three times. But surely you are not going to punish me the second time for offences committed some seven or eight years ago. When I was in the army I never was punished but once for the same offence. Fined 10s., and 10s. 6d. costs. DRIVING WITHOUT REINS.—George Griffiths pleaded guilty to driving his horses and waggon at a rattling" pace through Maindee last week. To pay expenses.—J as. Williams pleaded guilty to having committed the like offence on Saturday last, and was ordered to pay the expenses. CHRISTCHUKCK.—Patrick Copeley was charged with having on the 27th Sept., stolen a quantity of apples from the garden of Mr. Boiling, in the parish of Christ- church.—Prosecutor said, that in consequence of having lost fruit from his garden on several occasions, he went out on Sunday morning, about nine or ten o'clock, to endeavour to discover the culprit. He then saw defend- ant in the garden, picking up apples, and putting them into his smock. Defendant then went into his own gar- den, which adjoins that of complainant, and took up a basket, and carried it home. He could not say whether or not the basket contained apples.-To defendant:—I did not see you rise potatoes in your own garden. I was not above 30 yards from you when you were picking up the apples. I did not say that I was in the town at the time you picked up the apples.-To Mr. Pope: I was about 30 yards from the defendant at the time.—A young woman here came forward, and said she watched defendant during the whole period, and all he did was digging potatoes. The Magistrates, however, did not think it necessary to swear this witness, Mr. Pope saying to complainant, Do you think a man would go into your garden in the middle of the day, in an exposed place, to steal your apples ? The man would not be such a fool." The case, after being characterised as most trivial, was dismissed.—Mr. Pope here ordered that no summons should in future be issued in his division, either by Mr. Davis, Mr. Kessick, or any other gentleman, without his (Mr. Pope's) sanction; adding, that if that course bad been adopted in the present instance, the case just heard would not have been brought before them. MMHAEMTONEVEDW.—John Morgan, of Michaelstone Vedw, was charged on the complaint of P.C. Price, with having on Sunday, the 20th September last, suffered beer to be consumed on his premises during the hours of divine service. Defendant said that he was at Machen on that day, his wife having been buried there recently, and as is customary, he attended divine service at the place she was interred. Thomas Phillips, grocer, of Newport, here came forward, and stated that he was one of the parties the policeman saw in tlie house on the occasion referred to, and with the consent of the Bench he would state the facts of the case. He was then sworn, and stated, that on Sunday, the 20th ult., he accompanied a widow and four children to Michaelstone church, they arrived at 28 minutes past 10 o'clock; he invited his friend and the children to take refreshments at defendant'shouse previous to entering the church they did so-no other person was in the house except their own party from Newport. -Case dismissed. MAGOR.—Samuel Burrows was charged with assaulting Thomas James, on Tuesday, the 29th ult., at the Wheat- sheaf, in the parish of Magor. Complainant stated that James, without any provocation, struck him a blow on the face, and afterwards caught hold of him by the hair of the head, and dragged him around the room. Defend- ant said that in consequence of complainant driving the froth off his beer in his f-ce, be merely pushed him áway-he did not strike him, or pull him around the room. Wm. Attawall was then called in support of the charge, and stated that he did not see defendant strike James, but deposed to witnessing him diag complainant across the room by the hair of the head. In answer to Mr. Pope, complainant said that he had never been before the magistrates on a charge of sheep stealing.—Fined 10s. and 10s. 6d. costs. MAGOR.—Kezia Price was charged with assaulting alittle boy, named Tout, in the parish of Magor. The lad said that on Tuesday, the 29th of Sept., he went, accompanied by a young woman, named Mary Ann Harry, to fetch water from the reen on passing Mrs. Price's house, she came out, and went up to Mary Ann Harry, and said, What hare you to say about me ?" To which question Mary Ann replied, "Nothing at all." She then went up to complainant, and struck him in the breast, knocking him down, at the same time telling her boy to reach the pike, and when the pike was given to her, she held it to complainant's breast, saying, You young —— I'd stab you as soon ae look at you." Mary Ann Harry was then called, and gave similar evidence. During the examina- tion it was elicited that the boy had provoked the complainant to commit the assault by stating that she had a pike in her possession belonging to Mr. Duckham and the magistrates said they were of opinion that she sent— not for the purpose of injuring complainant-but to free herself from the imputation of having a stolen one in her possession.—Ordered to pay 2s. 6d. for the assault, and 10s. costs. CHRISTCHTJRCII.—Sarah Dance wascharged with break- ing a hedge, the property of Thomas Powell, Esq., on the 26th ult., in the parish of Christchurch.-To pay 6s. 6d. costs. RoiBiBFRY. John Brickley (a lad, 13 years of age) was charged by Wm. Lawrence, with having robbed him of a canvas bag, containing £3 Is. in gold and silver.- Prosecutor deposed that on Monday last he was at Tredegar-park, on the occasion of the wedding festivi- ties; he had enjoyed himself rather freely, and he fell asleep in the park; on awaking, he proceeded towards Newport, it being about seven or eight o'clock in the evening; having agreed to buy a pig of a cottager near Ebbw Bridge, he called for the purpose of binding the bargain," and on putting his hand in his pocket, he found he had no money. He had in his possession before he fell asleep, a canvas bag containing f,3 Is.; as soon as he discovered his loss he returned to Bassalleg, and reported his loss to P.C. Phillips, who produced a purse, which he identified as the one he had lost.—James Irvin, landlord of the Tredegar Arms, said that he re- membered the prisoner at his house on Monday having been informed that the boy had asked for change of a sovereign, he had him called down stairs, and asked him where be got the money from. He replied that he had been saving up; after some further conversation, he changed the sovereign for him he drank three glasses of gin-and-water; he then called for five more glasses for the company, which was retused; hearing afterwards that a man bad carried away the boy, he sent the police- man after him, as he was afraid the boy would be robbed. -P.C. Phillips said he was directed by the last witness to go after the boy, which be did, and brought him back to the Tredegar Arms he then searched him, and found a canvas bag on his person, containing X2 10s.; prose- cutor afterwards came in, and informed him that he bad been robbed he showed him the canvas bag found on the prisoner, which he identified as the one which con- tained the money he bad lost; he took the prisoner into custody, and lodged him at his (the constable's house) in Bassalleg; at about three o'clock the next morning, he awoke, and asked where he was he was told where he was, and the charge against him; he said he had not done anything of the kind, and accounted for the pos- session of the money by saying that he had saved it shilling by shilling, but on being told that he would be taken before the magistrates, he said he had taken the money from prosecutor with the intention of taking it to his wife.-It was subsequently ascertained that the man who carried prisoner away from the Tredegar Arms, is named Taylor, bears a bad character, and has absconded. ded. —The prisoner pleaded guilty, and the magistrates in passing sentence said that were it not for their conviction that he bad been tempted by Taylor, the sentence would be a much more severe one-the sentence was, that he be imprisoned for 21 days, with hard labour. A VERY DISREPCTABLE CASE. After the business before the county magistrates was disposed of on Saturday last, Mr. Alderman Evans was sent for to hear a charge of robbery brought against John Hopkins, recently a police constable in the Newport force, and Mary Ann Hopkins, his wife. The case was heard to suit the convenience of detective officer Scott, of Liverpool, who apprehended the prisoners at that port. Mr. J. Cathcart appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Champ for the defence. Charles John Squires, butcher and beerhouse keeper, Pillgwenlly, was examined by Mr. Cathcart. He gave his evidence throughout in a hesitating and confused manner, and fai'ed to substantiate the charge. He said the female prisoner had been living as servant with him for some yearp, part of the time as his wife. On Friday morning, the 2otb of September, she delivered him a message requesting him to go and look at some pigs at Malpas. He went, and found the whole affair was a hoax. He returned home at a quarter-past two o'clock, and found that she had gone, taking with her £42, a tea- pot, a sheet, quilt, box, two spoons, and other articles. He went to seek her at Cwmbran, to John Morgan's house. The latter is a brother of Hopkins. He asked for her there, but was told she had not been seen. As he was going away he heard his little child cry out, and forced his way upstairs. Hopkins stood at the top, with his fists doubled, and threatened to knock wit- ness' head off if be went up higher. Witness told him he bad come for his property, but Hopkins denied it was there. He persisted in going up, however, and in a room he saw his goods, but did not see the female. He then left, taking his child away with him. Cross-examined by Mr. Champ: The child is four years old, and the female prisoner is the mother. I never promised her marriage. She often wanted me to do so, but I never did. I do not know whether she is called my wife in the neighbourhood. I have not paid her wages as a servant lately. I cannot tell without referring to the books how much I was in the habit of paying her. I engaged her in London, and have been living with her as my wife ever since. I cannot say that I have paid her regular wages since she came to NeTport. I gave her money when she asked me for it. Mary Mahoney, servant to prosecutor, deposed to pri- soner's carrying off the goods, and said she was always called Mrs. Squires. John Scott, detective officer, Liverpool, said he appre- hended the prisoner in Duke-street, in that town. He told Hopkins that he was charged with robbery, and he said, "I did not take the money." I found a watch on him and three halfpence in coppers. The woman said, If I took the money my husband has nothing to do with it." I searched her and found £ 13 and three or four shillings. She said, That's all I have left." She attempted to destroy some papers, but I seized her hand, and after a good deal of struggling, I succeeded in ob- taining a letter.—[Put in and read. The following is a copy:— Cwmbran, Sept. 25,1867. My dear Mary Ann, I have Been fully Expecting you up to Cwmbran yesterday Every Train. I should be most happy if you could Inform me when you will be able to Come if you cannot come cholly would you be kind enough to send me the means of going on Direct to Liverpool as I shall be there weighting you. I remain yours most affectly, "J. HOPKINS." It was stated that as soon as the female prisoner ab- conded from Squires, Hopkins married her.]—Hopkins applied to Superintendent Greig, of Liverpool, for a situ- ation in the force. He was approved, and would, perhaps, have been appointed. This concluded the evidence, and Mr. Cathcart applied for an adjournment. Mr. Cathcart resisted the applica- tion, and ultimately the case was proceeded with by Mr. Champ addressing the Bench in a speech of some length on behalf of his client. He contended that the female prisoner had been badly used by prosecutor from the first. She was always considered his wife, and had a right to the goods. Mr. Evans, after a few minutes' deliberation, said the case was a very dirty one, but he could not bring himself to commit the parties. The evidence did not warrant him in doing so, and he therefore dismissed both pri- soners. After the conclusion of the case, we understand, Mr. Squires earnestly pleased Mary Ann Hopkins to return to his home, but she resolutely refused to do so. He was compelled to pay all the costs attending the case, amount ing to 96 Is. 4d., chiefly incurred by the detective officer bringing the parties from Liverpool. MONDAY. [Before the Mayor, Charles Lyne, Esq.] Ann Lewis was charged with being drunk and disor- derly. She had been before the magistrates thirteen or fourteen times before.-Committed to prison for one month. A SCENB.- William Harris and Richard Burke were charged with being disorderly and throwing stones, about half-past twelve o'clock on Thursday night, in Wed- lake's-court, Baneswell.—P.C. 17 said he was on duty and saw Burke knock a respectable man down, and Harris throw stones at a woman.-Superintendent Hux- table stated that Burke was a returned convict.-In the course of this case Mr. Owen said: I think I've got a witness.—Mr. Huxtable Ob, yes, anybody will come here for you. Pick them out.—Mr. Owen appealed ener- getically to the Mayor against this insinuation, and de- manded protection from the Bench.—The Mayor said the remark ought not to have been made.—Mr. Owen con- tinued to declaim against Mr. Huxtable's observation, and said he would not be insulted by a man who wore the town olothes. He forgot his position when he made himself a partisan to the prosecution of a poor wretch like his client.—The prisoners were fined 2s. 6d. and costs, and the Mayor, with regard to Mr. Huxtable's remark, said he regretted it had been made, as it-Was totally un- called for.—Mr. Owen thanked the Mayor for his cour- tesy, and the scene terminated.-After the parties had left the court, Mr. Owen returned with the master of Barke, who stated that he was a good and steady work- man. Charles Williams was charged with using filthy and obscene language in Commercial -street.—Fined 10s. and costs. Asanath Jenkins fined costs for keeping her house open during improper hours.-Herbert Reed was charged with the same offence.-Fined the costs.

CAERLEON. PETTY SESSIONS. The petty sessions for this division were held on Toes- lay last, before the Rev. W. Powell and the Rev. C. A. Williams. Several appeals against the income-tax were heard, but the following was the only magisterial case disposed of. Margaret Anthony v. Mr. CharlesHomfray.—The com- plainant summoned defendant to show cause why he should not support an illegitimate child, of which it was alleged he was the father. Mr. Owen for Anthony, and Mr. R. J. Cathcart for Mr. C. Homfray.—Mr. Owen opened his case, briefly alluding to the circumstances of the affiir as afterwards brought forward in the evidence of his client. He said the defendant had taken advan- tage of his position to tamper with the poor girl's affec- tions, and although he was in a position to maintain the child, refused to contribute anything towards its support. Mr. Owtn then went over the leading features of the evidence, and said th -t he bad no doubt that the ordinary course would be adopted for the defence-that of endea- vouring to make the girl worse than she was. The Bench must remember, however, that bad men make bad girls, and it was owing to circumstances like those hb should bring forward that our streets were paved with unfortunate creatures. The defendant must not be ex- cused from the consequences of his act because he was a gentleman-there must be no distinction between rich and poor. Those red-coated gentlemen thought they might act in this sort of manner with impunity. His client was the daughter of respectable parents, who had worked hard to bring her up respectably, and she was now only 19 years of age. The defendant wrote to her asking her to meet him, and it was owing to his blandish- ments that the child was born. He asked for a f.ir hearing of the case, and called the complainant. [We are sompelled to omit the evidence, which is of too indecent a nature for publication. The speeches of the respective solcitors will indicate the circumstances of the ease.] Mr. R. J. Cathcart then addressed the Bench in a forcible speech on behalf of his client. He characterised the whole case as a bolstered up and lame one. The evidence of the complainant herself was the only thing to adjudicate upon, and that was of such a character as to be totally worthless. He desired particular attention to the fact, that from the time the girl stated she felt the first indication of her condition, till the period the present summons was issued, the complainant had not made a single application to Mr. Homfray on the subject. It was acknowledged in evidence that she met him repeatedly, but never even opened her lips to him on the subject. Now was it probable that if she were the virtuous girl his friend had attempted to show, she would have remained silent on a point which so intimately concerned her ? The fair inference was, that she did not know the father, and this was the case be should submit to the Bench. He would prove that she had had frequent correspondence with other men. The trinkets on which Mr. Owen bad laid such great stress, and appeared to value so highly—and which indeed were perhaps valu- able to him, in a pecuniary point of view, as being his only chance of getting his fee-(laughter)-those trinkets the defendant had stated he. never gave her. Mr. Cathcart directed the attention of the Bench to the ar- ticles, one of them being a watch-key, and a locket for hair, but no hair in it. He asked whether it was likely a gentleman would choose those things to present to a female ? He proceeded to investigate the evidence, and said be regretted that Mr. Owen had taken so much pains to make it appear as though his client (Mr. Homfray) had done something very shameful. Mr. Homfray had a?11 a officer, and they all knew that miiitia officers were not so particular as, perhaps, his friend Mr. Owen. (Laughter.) He should prove that she had not been deceived by Mr. Homfray, but Mr. Homfray by her. Was it likely Mr. Homfray, holding the respect- able station he did, would appear before that Court, if he were not quite certain the child was not his ? The complainant was a common prostitute upon the town, and he would show that it was a physical impossibility for her to prove who was the father. He should call Dr. James, of Newport, to prove that he had attended her some time ago, and also Sergeant Wiihams and an unfortunate woman, both of whom would depose to the character of the complainant. Mr. Catheart con- eluded his remarks by calling witnesses in support ol his statements. The court was then cleared, and after a short consu tion, the Magistrates said they had gone carefully through the evidence, and had come to the conclusion that sum- cient evidence had not been produced to warrant an order. The summons was therefore dismissed. During the hearing of the case, the room in which the Court is held was much crowded, and the affair evideatty created considerable interest in the neighbourhood.

BLAINA. INQUEST.—W. Brewer, Esq., coroner, held an inquest on Tuesday last, at the Castle Inn, Blaina, on the body of John Davies, a puddle-bar roller at the Blaina Forge. Deceased went to his work on the previous evening in a state of intoxication, and about seven o'clock, while at work at the rolls, the tongs slipped, and he fell on his head under the spindle of the rolls, which drew him through, severely mangling his head and injuring his body, causing almost instant death. The jury returned a verdict of Accidentally killed, by falling under the boxes of the rolls at Blaina Forge." PETTY SESSIONS.—FRIDAY. [Before F. Levick, C. Bailey, and T. Brown, Esqs.] ASSAULT ON A FEMALE.- William Carthew was charged with an assault on Margaret Williams, at Garn- vach. Defendant did not appear, but his wife came for- ward and said she had prevailed upon the complainant not to press the charge, and requested the Bench to allow them to settle out of court. Granted, by defendant paying 5s. 6d. expenses. AssAULT AT MYNYDDISLWYN.—James April charged John Daniel with an assault at the Dyffryn Chemical Works, on the 23rd ult., and according to Mr. Owen's speech (who appeared for the complainant) at the open- ing of the case, it was a very serious affair but it after- warda turned out not to be so serious as represented by Mr. Owen. It appeared from the first witness, a Mr. William Lewis, that he had been appointed manager of the above works in May last, after which engagement, he took charge, received all letters, and acted in every res- pect as the manager, but in consequence of something he was taken into custody about the middle of last month, by the Tredegar Works police, who had been sent down by Mr. Davies, (who is one of the owners) for that pur- pose, was taken to Tredegar, and discharged on his own recognizance to appear at the Rock Petty Sessions on the 23rd ult., when he was again discharged. The same evening he returned to the works, and set the complainant and some other men on to work, when he was again ejected by the same police, and the men that had been replaced by him was ordered by defendant, who was of Mr. Davies's party, to stand away from a fire which Daniels was ordered to put out, and on complainant refusing to move, defendant took hold of him and moved him off, which was the assault complained of.—James Apri! said he had been employed in the above works for a couple of years. When Mr. Lewis was taken into custody the works were stopped, but on Mr. Lewis's return on the evening of the 23d ultimo, himself and David Rees were replaced at their work by him. Shortly after they began work, the defendant came there, and asked them to stand on one side for him to put the fire out, which they had just been lighting, and which they refused to do, when the defendant caught hold of him to force him out of the way.—On being cross-examined by Mr. Cathcart, of Newport, who appeared for defendant, he said the defendant had not injured him at all, and all he did was try to remove him from against the fire door for him to put it out.—A person named Thomas Morgan was called to prove the assault, but said there was no violence used by defendant, and all the defendant wanted was to get to the fire to put it out.—Mr. Catbcart ad- dressed the Bench for defendant, and contended that Mr- Lewis nor complainant had no business there,and defend. ant used no more force thin was necessary to carry out his master's instructions.—The Beach thought so too,and dismissed the case with costs. Lewis Shea was charged by Michael Lambert with assaulting him at Coalbrook Vale. Complainant said they were both rather the worse for liquor at the time the assault was committed that he was knocked down by Shea and very severely kicked, breaking some of his ribs, and otherwise injuring him. Fined 20s. including costs, or 14 days in the house of correction. FELONY. — Mary Veator, a ticket-of-leave, was charged with stealing several articles of wearing apparel from the house of Elizabeth Griffiths, at Tredegar, the property of the said Mrs. Griffiths and her daughter, Mary Davies. The prisoner had been lodging at Griffiths' house, and when she left the clothes were missed, and pawn-tickets, showing they had been pledged at Mr. Cohen's, found on the premises, which had been left behind by the prisoner. The tickets were given to P.C. Prichard, who received the articles produced from Mr. Cohen, pawnbroker, who said they were pawned by prisoner, who who was well known to him. She was apprehended at Sirhowy, and committed to take her trial at the Usk quarter sessions.

INDIAN RELIEF FUND. A meeting called by the Vicar was held in the Town- hall on Thursday. The attendance was not very numer- ous, but included several of the leading men of the town. The vicar (the Rev. W. Powell) presided. Mr. W. Steel proposed the first resolution :— That this meeting feels that the barbarous massacres and the inhuman cruelties which have been perpetrated on our fellow-subjects and fellow-Christians in India during the present mutiny there call for a public expression of intense horror at snch unparalleled atrocities, and of deep- felt sorrow nnd symphathy for the cruel fate of those who have been the victims ot them." Mr. J. Price, in seconding the resolution, said the atrocities which had been committed by the Indian mutineers were so direful in their results, so diabolical in their nature, as almost to induce the belief that Hell itself had burst open its bonds, and sent forth its fiends to revel in evil and for a season to pollute and convert God's fair earth into a Pandemonium. While desirous to see stern, inflexible justice assert its claims, he would say, let no wanton cruelty, no indiscriminate vengeance sully our arms let us remember in the hour of triumph -if God in His mercy should ever permit that hour to arrive—that vengeance belonged not to us. Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, and I will repay." (Hear.) The Rev. T. Williams, in moving the next resolution, expressed himself pleased that the newspapers had given up repeating the calumnies against tKe missionaries in India, which had at first been adopted as the probable cause of the insurrection. He was inclined rather to find that cause in our disobadience to the Scriptural command to preach the Gospel throughout the world and while he did not advocate a recourse to force to spread the pure principles of the Christian religion, he hoped that *e should in future be more mindful of our positive duty as a nation. Mr. E. Y. Steel seconded the resolution, which was agreed to. A committee for collecting subscriptions was appointed, and a subscription list was opened in the room. The Vicar, in acknowledging the vote of thanks for his con- duct in the chair, remarked with great energy that he had not heard any direct allusion to that infernal fiend, Nena Sahib, a limb of the devil, who he trusted would soon be brought to his dire account in this world how it would fare with him in the next God only knew. The monster seemed to have forgotten, or never to have learnt, the old English proverb, that those who are born to be hanged will never be drowned;" and it seemed he had escaped drowning that he might verify the truth of the proverb, and die the death to which he was destined. (Hear, hear.) TO WN-H ALL — W EDN ESD AY [Before the Hon. W. P. Rodney and the Rev. G. Gabb.] CHARGE OF ASSAULT AND ROBBERY.—John Parry, Richard Turner, Wm. Morgan, and Thomas Morgan, miners and labourers, residents of the neighbourhood of Govilon, were charged by John Havard, with assaulting and beating him on the night of the 26th ult., and taking from his person a pocket-handkerchief and amemorandum book.—Mr. Cornelius Lloyd appeared for the defendants -The prosecutor having been sworn, stated that on the night in question he left Abergavenny in company of a "butty," William Huszey, about eleven o'clock, and while proceeding towards their homes (Garndyrris), they made a stand in a field on the Penworlad farm, about a mile from Abergavenny, for the purpose of lighting their pipes and while doing so, four men came up, when one of them struck Huszey on the hat with his hand. Huszey called out, Holloa, Bill, is that you Huszey said something to them and then ran away. They then turned upon him. He did not know the men, but the butty did. They also made him pull of his er coat and boots, and go down on his knees to ask their pardon and forgiveness, and told him that if he would give them half-a-crown they would let him go. He told them he had not got a farthing; and when they found that to be correct, they told him to start about his busi- ness, and, following, kept beating him with his coat for a long way along the road. At length they gave him the coat back, and left him, but the handkerchief and book were gone.-William Huszey corroborated the former part of the evidence of Havard but, in addition to which, stated that when he received the blow on the hat he turned round, and, by the light of the match, saw Wm. Morgan's face, when he exclaimed, Holloa, Bill, is that you?"—Sergeant Lipscomb informed the Bench that the prisoner Parry had been in several scrapes of this description before, and that he had become the terror of the neighbourhood. The Bench having consulted, expressed it as their opinion that the case should be taken as one of a common assault, emanating from a drunken spree.-Parry, William Morgan, and Turner, were fined 10s. each and costs-making a total of L3 18s., or 26s. each. CHARGE OF ROBBERY.—Edward Collins, a resident miner, at Merthyr, was charged by Mr. Walter Prosser, farmer, residing at Trercw, in Herefordshire, with the following robbery :-The prosecutor having been sworn, stated that on the 25th ult., the fair day, he came to Abergavenny, and after transacting his business he left the town to return home by the 4.30 p.m. train. Being a little before hand he, with a friend, turned into the Cantref, beerhouse, which is a little distance on the Abergavenny-road, going towards the station, and called for a glass of beer each. Having partook of this, he was about leaving the house, and when at the out- side, he noticed several men standing. All of a sudden a woman rolled against him, as if by accident, and then went on down the road for Abergavenny. Witness immediately put his hand to his waistcoat pocket, and found that his purse, containing seven X5 notes and a half sovereign, were gone. Witness instantly suspect- ing the woman, ran after her, calling on persons in ad- vance to stop her, but the men who were at the door followed witness, pushing him about, saying that the woman had nothing to do with the robbery.-Henry Wainscott stated I am an inspector on the line of rail- way. On the evening in question, I was proceeding from Abergavenny to the station about four o'clock, when I saw a woman running in the direction to meet me, and followed by men, who appeared to be jostling one man to prevent him going on. I suspected that a robbery had been committed, and, for a short time, kept my eye on the woman, who went over a gate on the road side, and was making for the river Usk. I ran after her, and saw that she was trying to conceal something under her clothes. I overtook her, and laid hold of her, but she declared that she knew nothing about it. By this time a number of persons had congregated, several of whom began to take the woman's part.—William Evans, a lad in the employ of Mr. Lodge, currier, Flannel-street, deposed to seeing the woman run away, followed by several men.-Committed to take his trial at the quarter sessions, at Usk.

MONMOUTH. THE RAILWAY.—The new line just finished to this town is now regularly worked, two trains a day arriving from Newport, Pontypool, Abergavenny, and Hereford. It is said that the line will be formally opened with some degree of demonstration very soon. MONWUTH CATTLE SHOW.—This is to come off on the 14th inst., and promises to be a very grand affair. The entries ot animals are very numerous. PARISH MBBTINO.—On the 2nd inst., a very nume- rously attended vestry meeting was held at St. Mary's Church, the object of which, according to the notice, was to pass the accounts of the churchwardens, Mr. D. Roberts and Mr. W. H. Price, and also to make a new church rate. Nothing however was done, but the meet- ing adjourned till that day week, in order that the churchwardens might produce an intelligible and satis- factory statement of accounts. THE INDIAN MEETING.—Last Monday, at the Borough Court, a numerously attended meeting, having been con- vened by a requisition to the Mayor, was held, in order to form a subscription fund for the relief of the sufferers in India. The Mayor having taken the chair, and in a brief speech stated the object of the meeting, called upon the Rev. E. F. Amey, who proposed the first resolution, which was to the effect that a subscription be entered into for the distressed men, women, and children in the East Indian territories.—G. George, Esq seconded the resolution, depicting in a very graphic manner the horri- fying scenes now enacted in India, and the heart-rending distress of the British subjects that were there.—The Rev. Mr. Abbott wished to know in what way the money was to be applied because the money collected to the patriotic fund during the last war with Russia had in a great measure been devoted to proselyte children to the protestant faith, against the wish of their parents, and was thus productive of great misery and other evils. If this fund was to be devoted to similar purposes, he should feel it his duty to withhold his subscription and withdraw from the meeting.—The Mayor could not say in what manner the money was to be applied.—He could only say that as the sums collected here were to be forwarded to the Lord Mayor of London, he had every confidence in him that the money would not be misapplied.-The Rev. J. F. Beddy proposed the next resolution, which was condemnatory of the conduct of the Sepoys in India. The rev. gentleman dwelt largely on the great good done by missionaries in India.-W. A. Williams, Esq.. in a neat speech, seconded the resolution.-Rev. W. P. Lendon proposed the next resolution, that subscriptions be received at the two banks in the town, and that the Mayor be treasurer. A vote of thanks to the Mayor having been accorded, the meeting separated. Large subscriptions were then and there made. CONCERTS.—Miss Bessie M. Waugh's annual concerts (morning and evening), took place on Thursday se'nnight, when her supporters gathered round her in strong force, the audiences numbering about 250, comprising all the principal families in the town and neighbourhood. The programme was weil varied and very attractive. The artistes engaged were Miss Cole, (whose pleasing style of singing has secured for her an extensive metropolitan reputation, which is gradually extending through the Principality), Miss Clowes, of Newport, and Mr. Carpenter, of Hereford. The morning concert com- menced with Bishop's glee, Blow, gentle gales," which was exceedingly well rendered by the vocalists named, and highly appreciated by the audience. Miss Waugh experienced a very hearty welcome in coming forward to play Mendelssohn's lovely concerto in G minor, her version of which was highly commendable, and elicited the most rapturous applause, not generally accorded at morning performances. Miss Cole was very successful in the beautiful scene—" Softly sighs," as also in the ballad Madoline," which evidently made a great impression, and was loudly encored. Mendelssohn's duets Oh, wert thou in the cau!d blast," and I would that my love," were beautifully sung by Miss Cole and Miss Clowes.The latter possesses a fine contralto voice, and did the parts allotted to her in a highly satis- factory manner. Mr. Carpenter pleased much in the patriotic song, "England, England I glorious name as also in the song-" A Bandit's life is the life for me." The morning conceit concluded with a Grand Fantasia by Wallace, "La Crucovienne," performed by Miss Waugh, with an accuracy and brilliancy which quite as- tonished &nd delighted the company. The performance had the great advantage of a splendid-toned grand piano- forte, by Kirkman and Son, selected expressly for these concerts. At the evening concert, the attendance was unusually large, and all the performances first-rate. Miss Cole, the more she sung the more she was appre- ciated. Miss Waugh played some very intricate pieces with wonderful perfection, and Miss Clowes and Mr. Carpenter were several times encored. All present wished a repetition of such excellent music,"and highly commend Mr. Waugh for his excellent arrangements on this occasion as well as on past times. MATRIMONIAL FELICITY.-At the Borough police court, on Tuesday last, Elizabeth Baynham summoned her husband for an assault, alleged to have been com- mitted on the 24th of September. Baynham said he had been at work in the Forest of Dean, and when he returned home, and while he was walking up one of the streets in Monmouth, he saw his wife in company with another roan, towards whom she seemed to be very fond. He did not, however, take any notice of them, and went home shortly afterwards, when to his surprise and indignation he saw the partner of his life," par- taking of a cup of tea with the same person he had just before seen her with in the street, and her mother. His wife asked him to have some tea with them, but he refused, and pushed her from him. A person of the name of Grimes, who was present, said he saw no blows struck. The Bench thought they had better set- tle the matter, but to this the complainant with much volubility of speech protested against, asking for an allowance of 3s. a week from her husband towards the support of herself and child. The Bench recommended the defendant to adopt this course. The case was dismissed, the plaintiff being ordered to pay the ex- penses, amounting to 5s. MONMOUTH MARKET.—There was a very fair atten- dance of buyers and sellers at this day's market. Eggs 16 for a shilling; butter Is. 4d. per lb.; fowls 3s. 6d, per couple ducks 4s. to 5s. per ditto geese lOd. per lb.; apples 5s. per sack; pears 5s. ditto potatoes 12s. per sack flour 8s. 8d. per bushel. THE RACE HORSE "VAN EYCK.This horse, which was so severely injured by burning, through the box," in which the animal had been placed, having been set on fire, for the purpose of its destruction, died on Tuesday last, October 6th. The circumstances con- nected with this inhuman act have been reported in our paper, and doubtless is well-known to our readers. Mr. Lewis, the veterinary surgeon, of Monmouth, has been unremitting in his attendance on the poor animal, but all his efforts to save its life proved unavailing.

CARDIFF BURIAL BOARD. A special meeting of the Board, convened by tJI. Mayor, was held on Saturday last; present, the Mayor, Aldermen C. C. Williams, D. Lewis, C. Vachell, and f. Morgan Councillors, C. David, W. Alexander, J. Pride, C. E. Bernard, R. W. Williams, E. Thomas, G. Watsofb W. B. Watkins, J. Elliott, L. Reece, Montagu Grovet, and Dr. Edwards. The notice for convening the meeting was then read. Mr. Alderman C. C. Williams commented in sevelt terms on the manner in which the meeting had boOO convened. The Mayor had not been present at the meet* ing, at which the resolution had been agreed to by a iolr jority of 8 to 6, and which he now wished to rescind-" the object of which he had himself previously agreed to and supported. He stated that in all his experience.bo had never known such a course taken, and remarked tl1.i the day fixed upon was especially inconvenient for manto of the members who, as well as himself had to attend a. < the meeting of the Board of Guardians. Mr. W. B. Watkins defended the course taken by the 1 Mayor, which he contended was perfectly legal and pr0/1 per. He then referred to the conclusion arrived at tW'ji last meeting. The committee had taken great trouble >ttli the matter; they had written letters to several lau I owners. Mr. Alderman Williams: I deny the existence of committee. | Mr. Watkins resumed: The committee had taken great deal of trouble they had consecutively examine^ several sites; tbey had held personal with several landowners, and bad expended a great de of time and labour and careful investigation. It wa< } strong feeling of the manner in which the committee bid been treated that had drawn from him rather strong e*J| g pressions. It had been said that the word Humbug > had been used by him, and he must confess that it VI- p so. But he merely used it in the sense of expressing aØ I opinion that the committee hae been treated in a hulll" bugging manner, by the way in which those efforts b* i been contravened. They had all but one object in vie"; ) he had no personal or party purpose to serve; but WhO j could be more insulting than to move a resolution with' out waiting for the report of the committee ? If he B make use of an expression considered offensive, he did n°' r mean to apply it personally, and he begged to apologia* for that or any strong expression that might ha*' L escaped him. Looking over the list of members of tbfl Board he felt convinced that eighteen of the twenty- {oQf •: were of a diametrically opposite opinion. lty Mr. David: How can that be? Mr. Watkins rcf sumed: At the last meeting a resolution had be^lj moved after Mr. Batchelor and Dr. Edwards, and oth& F members had retired. §i Mr. David: They were not present at the Box meeting. £ Mr. Watkins: They were at the meeting of tbl Board of Health, which was substantially the same bodf L —-the opportunity was taken just as they had their backs. He felt this course as offensive to himse^fi as well as detrimental to the public, for the public il%" terest was entirely thrown over-board; he, thereto |j went, with five other members, to the Mayor—that w a number sufficient to oblige him to call a M although they did not present a written requisition, b" 1 had courteously acceded to their request. In doing SØr • he had merely pursued the path of duty in calling tb'- meeting, knowing that of the members of the Board, large majority were of a contrary opinion. He con" oluded by moving that the resolution come to at the la*f # meeting for the purchase of land be rescinded, and tW" the matter be referred back to the oommittee. Mr. Alderman Williams begged to be allowed to ,e. >1 Mr. Watkins right as to the committee. They had li a report to the effect, that they had selected a piece I ground and their report had been adopted, and tb* f ground purchased. The committee had no furtb^ I existence. With the treatment Mr. Watkins said P had received, the .Board had nothing to do, if £ thought it right to go out of the way to recommend | 6ite. If any member thought proper to go to a B 6ite. If any member thought proper to go to a farmot and sty it would be contrary to bis interest to do this ot »j that—the Board had nothing to do with all this. Th' H committee had made a report and then to endeavour to rr a ject a deliberate resolution of the Board, was wrong principle. With regard to the word "humbug," he not taken any notice of it, as it was apparent that wbeP it was uttered by Mr. Watkins, he had lost his temper. Mr. David said that neither Dr. Edwards norgf, Batchelor were present at last meeting. Mr. Alderman C. Vachell said that it was with greJ., pain that he had heard the observations of Mr. Williavaoi with regard to the conduct of the Mayor in convening that meeting. He had had the honour of acting witt. the Mayor frequently, and could bear testimony to hif- impartiality on all occasions. There never was a mall more ready to do his duty. He had been called upon b1 five members, and having been absent on the former oC casion, it was natural that he should be desirous to if present now, and therefore fixed the meeting to suit hi* convenience. He had only been acting cautiously, With regard to a question involving an expenditure Of from £ 7,000 to £ 10,000, he felt that it was important that they should come to a settlement as speedily a< possible. He knew that Saturday was not an usual dafr but he also knew that this was a question of unusual importance, and that if they waited until the neitt meeting, the attendance might be very short. g" thought that the Mayor could not do less than call tbl meeting when asked by five members. Mr. Watkins: It was obligatory on him to do so. Mr. Alderman Williams The Mayor said there wert onlv two gentlemen who had called upon him. The Mayor Two gentlemen, Mr. Watkins and Mr* Alexander, called upon me. Mr. Bernard said that the requisition with the names should be produced. Mr. Alderman Vachell said it had been gratifying W witness the spirit of unanimity which had hitherto pre' vailed in their councils, and he hoped it would continue. They had a right, if they thought proper, to sacrifioo their own money, but had they a right to throw away the ratepayers' money ? Mr. Pride Ia there anything before the meeting ? The Mayor: Mr. Williams's motion is before the meeting. Mr. Alexander said that he was a member of the j committee, but was not aware of any report ever having been made. < Mr. W. B. Watkins said that he had not signed any report. report. Mr. Bernard said that he recollected a report recolD" mending a site four months ago. If the committee were not in harmony, the Board could not help that. Mr. Alderman Williams then read from the book the following minute, dated Tuesday, 16th December* 1856 Members present: S. D. Jenkins, mayor, k* Crofts Williams, alderman, J. Batchelor, D. Jotham, W* Alexander, J. Elliott, E. Thomas, C. W. David, an» W. B. Watkins.—Tho Committee appointed at the la3» meeting of the Board reported that they had and agreed with Mr. Corbctt, on behalf of the Trustees the Marquis of Bute, for the purchase of 40 acres o1 land, part of the Maindy farm, in the parish of Llandatff at the price of £ 300 per acre, and £ 600 in addition, o» account of the expense of the removal of the farm build' ings on the premises of the trustees to another site. O dered that the committee heard are hereby empowered with the assistance and under the advice of tbe ToW Olerk to proceed to carry out the purchase." s Mr. W. B. Watkins contended that there was nothing in that minute to show that its power had been with' drawn from the Committee. It was merely a verba* communication from the Committee of the progress they had made. They were in possession of their full powers until they had made a written report. Mr. Alderman Williams then read the following minute of the loth May, 1857 Members present: S. Jenkins, mayor, C. C. Williame, C. Vachell, T. Morgan> aldermen; C. W. David, W. Vachell, J. Pride, E. Tho- mas, W. B. Watkins, D. Jotham, J. ONen, W. T. Ed- wards, C. E. Bernard, J. Batchelor, G. Watson, and J. Elliott. In consequence of a notice received from Mr, Richard Llewellin Reece, not to have any portion of the proposed burial ground within one hundred yards of hi* house and premises—Ordered that the Committee be powered to enter into a contract with Mr. Corbett, for the purchase of thirty acres of land so allotted that no portion of the same be within one hundred yards of the premises in question." Mr. W. B. Watkins said that this minute showed tbot his argument was correct, for it proved that the Coin' mittee was still empowered, and there was aothing j, prevent them selecting a more eligible site if they con find it. When they came to a resolution first of all, j was merely upon a report of tbe progress raade, Ti ce £ tiinly was the impression at that' time, ti at there but one site to be had it was supposeu that Mr. O>rb* was not disposed to recommend the sale ol acy other v' lion of the Bute estate, and the owners >f other c sites did not appear inclined to let '.he £ o*rd hav* „ But when circumstances had arises :hat present > I* t