Monmouthshire Merlin

MONMOUTHSHIRE QUARTER SESSIONS. The Midsummer Quarter Sessions for this county com- menced at Usk on Monday, before Samuel R. Bosanquet, Esq., chairman W. A. "Wil- liams, Esq., G. R. G. Ralph, Esq., Thomas Wakeman, Esq. John Thompson, Esq.. Thomas Fothergill, Esq., Rev.C. A.Williams, W. CE. Seis, Esq., tiev. Robert Jackson, Captaiu Davies Rev. W. Evans, Francis M'Don- nell, Esq C. Crofts Williams, Esq., Fenton Hort, Esq., John James, Jan., Esq., and G. P. Hubbuck, Esq. The Clerk of the Peace, Charles Prothero, Esq., read the orders of last sessions and the Chairman, a letter from Mr. Harrison, of the Star of Gicent, soliciting THE COUNTY ADVERTISEMENTS. Mr. Relph rose to propose that the subject be referred to the Finance Committee, and he should b- prepared to show that a great saving might be made to the county in the manner of advertising. Mr. W. A. Williams object-d to the proposition of Mr. Relph, considering it was not in accordance with the rules laid down reg<rding fin 'ni-ial matters, and that notice of the motion ought to have been given. Mr. Relph accordingly gave notice that he should bring forward the subject at the next sessions, with a view to determine the best mode of advertising at the smallest outlay. JOINT COUNTIES* ASYLUM. A mortgage of the county rates to the London Life Association for the sum of JE656 13s. 4d. was executed. APPLICATION TO THE MAGISTRATES. A memorial from Tnomas Watkins, late police-con- stable under the Abergavenny Improvement Commis- sioners, was read, setting forth that he was dismissed from his appointment in consequence of the New Police Act, and that, in consequence of being exclusively engaged in police duties for fifteen years, and his age being fifty- #Svez, P.,D was unabie to ohtam any employment suited to his years and strength. The memorialist has a vrife and two children cispendoat upoa him. He prayed a grant uaJer the provisions of the Police Act. "A gtant of £ 6 was ordered. FINANCE COLCSF'TIER'S REPORT. At a meeting of the Finance Commuted, held at TJsk, 8jfH the 23rd of June—present, William A. Williams, Eso., in the chair, S. R. Bosanquet, S. Churchill, (x. H •}. Relph, Esqrs., and the Rev. William Evans—the bills sent in to the Clerk of the Peace were examined, amount- ing to J61,246 16s. 3d., and we recommend to the Court they shall be paid. We recommend a rate of one penny tii the pound for the service of the ensuing quarter. We Teeommend an account sent in to the Clerk of the Peace for some repairs done to the Castle House, be disallowed, it appearing to us that the work was not done under the aupervision of the county surveyor. On looking to the probable expenditure in respect of the police establish- ment for the ensuing quarter, we recommend that a rate of a halfpenny in the pound be levied for the purposes to which a police rate is applicable. THE COUNTY AND POLICE RATES And the other portions of the report, were adopted. PRISON REPORTS.—COUNTY GAOL. The Governor reported the carrying out of the rules and regulations. The Visiting Justices stated the condition of prison and prisoners to be satisfactory; and that William Hop- kins, one of the turnkeys, had resigned his situation on being appointed to the county constabulary, Charles Wil- liams being chosen in his stead. HOUSB OF CORRECTION, USK. The Governor's report was of the usual formal cha- racter. The report of the Visiting Justices, signed by W. A Williams, G. R. Greenhow Relph, and Thomas Pother- gjll, Esors., and the Rev. William Evans, was as follows: -11 The prison is in good condition, excepting some parts of the apparatus for warming and ventilation, in which several leakages have occurred; and as the repair of these defects previous to the October sessions is essential, we have had them examined, and the expense of repairs estimated by Messrs. C. U. Prioe and Co., of London, the original contractors for the work at the erection of the prison. The cost of repairs, including all expenses, ex- cepting brickwork, will amount to from JE60 to JE65. The brickwork will not amount to a sum exceeding .£20, making altogether the sum of JE80 to f 85. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. Mr. Graham, the Inspector, reported in his quarterly return, the number of weights and measures he had ex- amined, the fees for which amounted to f 6 12s. 6d. THE REPORT OF THE COUNTY SURVEYOR Stated that the parapet walls and coping of Aberfrood bridge is in a dilapidated state, and it was recommended that the structure should be taken down and rebuilt, the Estimated expense being £15. The repairs to Langua bridge are proceeding satisfactorily, and every advantage is taken of the fine season. A portion of the in- terior of the gaol requires repainting. The esti- mate amounted to £ 2 2s. This was ordered. The free- Stone parapets, coping, and ornaments of the Shire-hall, are in a decaying state, and they were recommended to have three coats of anti-corrosive paint. The cost was Mtimated at £ 3, and was ordered. WTEBBXDGB, CHEPSTOW. This was reported to be in repair. The learned Chair- man stated the steps which had been taken by the coun- ties of Monmouth and Gloucester to ascertain the real condition of the bridge. The surveyors engaged declared no defect whatever existed for apprehension as to its safety. Mr. Seys, who had brought forward the motion regarding the structure, expressed himself satisfied. NEWPORT BRIDGE. The Clerk of the Peace stated that the committee deemed it advisable not to proceed further with regard to the widening of the bridge until the proposal to increase the county constabulary should be settled. vsx. TOWN BRIDGE APPROACH IMPROVEMENT. The following report was read:- The committee appointed for this object reported to the Quarter Sessions of the 23rd of March last, that the probable cost of effecting the widening of the Pontypool road from the end of the bridge to the extent of 100 yards from the same, including the purchase of the garden ground and premises required, would amount td about Zlll; and the Court made an order in accordance with the eta.tute-' That the said road should be widened, improved, and made commodious to the public, and that the county surveyor should -set out and ascertain the land necessary for the same, and contract with the owners for the purchase thereof.' The county surveyor not being able to agree with some of the parties, the committee employed Mr. Thomas Morris, of Newport, to make a plan and valua- tion of the land so required, by which it appears that the purchase money will exceed the estimate of the committee by the sum of JB29, making the whole cost of the improve- ment amount to .£140, exclusive of Mr Morris's charge. "W. A. WILLIAMS. "G. R. GREENHOW RELPH." Mr. John Thomas was in attendance, and answered several questions put to him by the Bench after which it was ordered-" That the additional amount, according to Mr. Morris's valuation, be paid; and that the com- mittee be authorised to take the valuation of Mr. John Thomas's land before a jury." REQUISITION FR3M SURGEONS. The subjoined document was read:— "To the Magistrates of the County of Monmouth, in Quarter Sessions assembled. "Gentlemen,—We the undersigned, surgeons of the borough of Newport, beg to draw the attention of the Magistrates to an inquest held by Wm. -Brewer, Esq on the body of Ann Mogford, at PiUgwenlly, on the 7th of May, 1857, at which the evidence of Henry Faulkner, a chemist and druggist, was taken; and the fee of one («inea paid by the coroner to him a«s a medical witness, the said Henry Faulkner being unqualified. "WILLIAM JAMES. K. J.OOUH. "OOTAVIUS H. JENNINGS. "JAMES CHRISTIE, MJ). W. W. MOBGAN. "D. G. OWEN, M.R C.S." J. HAWKINS. „ The altowance of the item was ordered to be deterrea, until it should be ascertained whether Mr. Faulkner be qualified or not. XEMEYS SUSPENSION BRIDGE. The motion of which notice had been given by Wm. Hunter Little, Esq., that the county should purchase this bridge, and throw it open to the public, was deferred, that gentlemen being unable to attend. THE CASTLE HOTJSE MONMOUTH. Col. Clifford was to have moved that a further sum, not exceeding £ 50, be granted for the repairs of the Castle House and the Chairman stated he had received a letter from the gallant Colonel, stating his inability to be present, but that Capt. Carter, the Adjutant, would detail the repairs required. This Capt. "If1 do, neither could the builder, Mr. Thomas Watkins, who had furnished the specification, call them to n»M. lhe motion was consequently ordered to stand over, the court expressing an opinion that no money should be exprnded on the building unless sanctioned by the court or the visiting justices of the county gaols who resided in the -vicinity. An order was mads to supply the house with water from the mains of the Monmouth Gas and Water Company. THE COUNTY CONSTABULARY.—REPORT OF THE POLICE COMMITTEE. it At a meeting of the Police Committee, held on the 23rd of June—present; Samuel Richard Bosanquet, Esquire, in the chair; William Addams Williams, George Cave, George Relph Greenhow Relph, Esquires, and the Rev. Thomas Pope-The Clerk of the Peace brought with him the diaries and charge sheets, and also the account books of the Superintendent Constables late in the employment of the County, the latter of which he reported as balanced up to the day on which the services of their offices ended. He also brought with him the collars, truncheons, lan- thorns, and belts used by the late Force, and was desired to band them over to the Chief Constable. The Chief Con- ttttHe of the County attended the Committee, and passed "his accounts up to the 23rd inst. The Chjef Constable laid before the Committee certain accounts for the clothing, arms, and accoutrements of the New Force, which we recommend shall be paid. The Committee recommend that the Gloucestershire scale for extra expenses per day and night be, adopted aLd further, that where practicable, the County rolice shall serve summonses and warrants, the payment to be credited by Clerks of Petty Sessions to the rolice Rate. We recommend to the Court the con- lidentionofthe subject of the Superannuation Fund, and are of opinion that it would be convenient that instructions should be issued to the County Police to take prisoners on their apprehension before the ne rest or most convenient Petty Sessions or Magistrate. We recommend that until some other arrangement can be made, the Chief Constable be permitted. except during the sessions, to occupy the room at present used by him in ihe Town Hall, at Usk and that he be permitted to supply to the Constables in each of the Petty Sessional Divisions of the County a copy of Archibald and Snowdon's assistant. We think it desir able the Chief Constable shall suspend his return to the Crown Inspector until after the Quarter Sessions. SAMUEL BOBANQUET, Chairman." CHIEF CONSTABLE'S REPORT. The following document from Major Herbert was next read To Her Majesty's Justices for the County of Mon. mouth, in Quarter Sessions assembled, Gentlemen,—I have the honour to inform you that the number of the County Constabulary Force, with the excep ion of two sergeants, is now completed that the majority of the men have proceeded to their respective destinations The detail of the strength and distribution since my appointment will be seen by the monthly returns, duly forwarded to the Clerk of the Peace, and the distri- bution on the 28th instant, by the annexed returns. 0 wing to the number of constabularies recently formed, and to the high rate of wages in this county, I have experienced very great difficulty in finding men with the requisite qualifications, as laid down by Sir George Grey. The men who now compose the force, with few ex- ceptions, were, on joining, totally ignorant of even the ru- diments of police duties, and I therefore considered it necessary, before sending them to their stations, to instruct them as far as time would permit. For this purpose, I compiled a few simple rules and regulations, which I now beg to submit for your consideration. In many cases I have not as yet ventured to separate the men, as I consider that the isolation of men not thoroughly conversant with police duties, would be pre- judicial to the service. 11 At the request of the Police Committee, I have post- poned until after Quarter Sessions, sending the statement rela'inj? to the County Constabulary, required by the Government Inspector; and I apprehend that, if this re- I turn be made out according to the present establishment, the iVce will be considered by him insufficient in super- vision and number. "I beg to direct your attention to the Constabularies of bs adjoining counties of Gloucester and Glamorgan, as compared with that of this county. The proportions to nonnlation and average are as follow :— c &- n_ IN STRENGTH. Sergt. or Const. Population. Acres. Gloucester 1 to 1,330 3,309 Glamorgan 1 OJ 1,707 6,058 Monmouth 1 OJ 2,518 7,687 IN SUPERVISION. Superintendents. Population. Acres. Gloucester 1 to 29,265 72,815 Glamorgan 1 > 39 695 140,860 Monmouth 1 57,918 176,773 I have, also, most respectfully to inform you, that I consider the total absence of county lock-ups and stations to be a most serious evil, prejudicial to the working of any system Of police, unjust to the prisoner, and expensive to the county. I would, therefore, suggest that measures be taken to establish stations with lock-ups attached, at the following places, viz. :—Usk, Chepstow, Abergavenny, Tredegar and Blackwood, or Newbridge. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, CI Your most obedient servant, EDMUND HERBERT, Chief Constable." The Chairman observed that it was for the court to determine what course should be pursued with reference to the report just laid before them, whether they would at once go into the subject or defer it until the next ses- sions. If postponed, they would certainly gain another quarter's experience, but during a portion of that time the force must be more or less inefficient. The opinion of the Chief Constable, too, being that the force was inefficient, he would, when more men should be granted him, have to allocate them differently, occasioning to all much in- convenience, and to the c mstables expense and trouble in removing to other parts of the county, and finding fresh lodgings. Perhaps the court would like to give autho- rity to confer with Major Herbert upon the subject, and empower them to grant an additional number of consta. bles or would wish to have a detailed report from the Major himself, when he had become acquainted with the nature of crime and other particulars, at an adjourned sessions to be held for that purpose, and then determine with regard to it. In answer to questions from the Chairman, Major Herbert said that probably at the end of two or three weeks he should be in a position to give the infor- mation required. If he decided upon the allocation of the force as at present constituted, when an addition should be made, the men would suffer great inconve- nience in providing themselves with places of abode, while he should have to make a re-arrangement of the whole county. At present his calculations were based a great deal upon what had been done in other counties. Upon the final distribution of the force, he should not be able to decide for perhaps twelve months. For instance, four constables were at Blaina, but it was not intended that they should be stationed there permanently. It was impossible to place a policeman, who had never been in any other force, at once by himself. He bad scarcely any experience, and had been unsuccessful in getting men from other services, the Monmouthshire constabu- lary being one of the last established, and the rate of wages being so high. The Gloucestershire and Glamor- ganshire forces bad been established fourteen years, and they showed him what a constabulary ought to be. From conversations with the Government Inspector, he knew the opinion that gentleman entertained of the constabu- lary of this county, and that unless it were placed on a better footing, the Government allowance of one-fourth of the expense would be withheld. The Chairman said the recommendation of the Police Committee was, that Major Herbert should not fill up the returns required by the Government until after the ses- sions, as, were it done under the present regime, the al- lowance would certainly not be granted. The deity might give the Chief Constable an opportunity of making a return of such a nature that it would be regarded fa vourably by the Government. The returns showed several items now extremely disproportionate compared with other counties. If the police committee met in a fort- night, and it were determined to increase the force, the returns might be filled up and give satisfaction; whereas, on the other hand, if done at present, the fourth of the expense would be disallowed by Government, conse- quently, there might be a saving in increasing the force, if, by so doing, the Government quota should be secured. Mr. C. C. Williams, after expressing an opinion, asto the inadequacy of the present force, suggested that in the monthly return of the Chief Constable, the number of men at each station and the class of men should be specified. In many parts of the county, policemen's visits were like those of angels, and it was desirable that the magistrates should know, not only where the men were to be found, but whether they consisted of sergeants, or first or second class constables. He hoped that would be done by the next sessions. The Chairman remarked that before Mr. C. C. Wil- liams entered the court, Major Herbert had stated his reasons for placing three or four policemen together, namely, to assist and instruct each other in the perform- ance of their duties, and such a regulation not being per- manent, the magistrates would probably be led astray by such a return as that indicated by Mr. Williams. Should it be determined in the course of a fortnight to increase the police force, and to what extent, before next sessions probably the suggestion might be carried into effect. Mr. C. C. Williams: Well, let it be known now in what neighbourhoods we can find the police. The Chairman: That might be incorrect a fortnight hence. However, the present business before the Court is, what shall be done with regard to the report. Mr. W. A. Williams had very great doubts whether the Court ought to take up a question of so much im- portance without proper notice having been given. It was understood by the large number of magistrates who assembled at the last sessions for the purpose of decid Ujj the number of men, the cost, &c., that no alteration should be made without due intimation; and it seemed to him that the usual course of business was being departed from, in entering upon the business in the absence of so many members, who were present upon the occasion referred to. He would not give any opinion as to whether the force was sufficient or not. All he said was, that he did not think they were in a position to dis- cuss the subject. The Chief Constable had made a report as to what was the rule in other counties-not the result of his own experience in this, though he would, no doubt, be able to do so at some future time. In his (Mr. Williams's) opinion, the more beneficial course of proceeding would be to obtain the Chief Constable's opinion at th<3 end of the year, or to confer with him before that time, so as to be then prepared to make any alteration deemed advisa- ble, and which could then be carried out in a manner more satisfactory to themselves and the county generally. Practically speaking, it was a matter of finance. He knew their friends in Glamorganshire acted in a princely way; but in this county it was considered desirable to watch the expenditure, and to weigh the expense be- fore adopting anything brought forward. It seemed to him that, whether they went on paying at the present rate, or whether they should endeavour to secure the allowance from Government, it would be preferable to decide the matter when they had better data to act upon. The Chairman inquired whether Mr. Williams would name any time f Mr. W. A. Williams The chief constable has stated one year. Besides, when the force was formed, nothing peculiar existed calling for it, neither is there at the present time. The Chairman thought it would be highly important and interesting to have the experience of a year. Mr. C. C. Williams: Mr. Williams has stated that there is nothing in the county requiring the increase of the police. I can only say that in Glamorganshire there are at present seyeral striker and hundreds of men aro '.r prowling about. Perhaps the same state of things may extend to thia county. I should only hope that, if we are to have an efficient force, as little delay will take place as possible; and that, as I apprehend there must be an adjourned sessions before the assizes, the subject will t ,en be settled. The Chairman said it was not necessary that there should be another sessions previous to the assizes, neither would there be unless otherwise ordered by the Court. Certainly not for the trial of prisoners. Mr. Fenton Hort, as far as he understood the question, considered the principal matter in view was economy. The Chief Constable did not think the force sufficient to meet the requirements of the county, and deference to his opinions ought to be shown. He also believed that, if the force remained as now established, no assistance would be obtained from Government; but that if they increased it by about one-fourth, the grant would be secured. It appeared to him (Mr. Hort) that, in that case, the county would not pecuniarily be in a worse posi- tion than at present, as the sum given by the Govern- ment would, he presumed, be sufficient to render the force efficient in the opinion of the Government Inspector. Mr. Relph, without giving any opinion as to the desi- rableness of increasing the force, contended that the rules of the Court, and a decision which had been come to, pre- cluded the subject being taken into consideration, either as regarded an increase to the police force or as a matter of expenditure. Major Herbert: Supposing the increase were to take place to-morrow, I should not be able to carry it out for several months. Perhaps some of the magistrates do not know the difficulty I have in obtaining proper policemen. At the present time they are not policemen they are merely recruits. It requires some time to initiate them into their duties, and render them efficient. In raising the force for this county, I have had more difficulty than has been the case in almost any other, for the reasons I have already stated. Mr. Hubbuck said it appeared to him very inconsist- ent, within so short a time after the decision regarding the formation of the force, and without having first allowed an opportunity for testing its efficiency, to de- mand an increase, especially, too, as the Chief Constable did not report the number of men he found to be ne- cessary. With regard to strikes, he (Mr. Hubbuck) was not afraid of them, for men, unless needlessly irritated, would seldom or never break the peace, and moral force and suasion generally prevailed with them. If the mas- ters could not succeed with the men, policemen certainly would be unable to do so. To talk of the physical mea- sures of a constabulary in the face of a turn out of 4,000 men, who could arm themselves with dangerous weapons, was perfectly absurd to trust in such cases to a police force was quite ludicrous. Besides, they bad at present the police paid by the iron masters as before the establishment of the county constabulary, though, of course, he v-vas unable to say whether they would be retained. At present, in the mineral districts, they had double the number of police compared with what were stationed there formerly. fler hoped the money of the county would never be wasted upon the hypothesis of doing any good in the mineral districts and objected to the increase of the police force, fearing no outbreaks amongst workmen, and seeing that the ideas of the Chief Constable upon the subject were not laid Jbefore them in a definite shape. Mr. Hubbuck then proposed that the matter be referred to the Police Committee for their consideration. Major Herbert thought the observations of Mr. Hub- buck with regard to strikes quite correct. With a view to those combinations, the force had not been formed, but for the detection and prevention of crime. The strike was between master and man. The master alone could stop it. Three or four policemen would be of no avail. A policeman was useless in that respect, but he was not useless in preventing crime, violence, and drunkenness, and in detecting thieves. In a fortnight, probably, he should be able to state his opinion as to the number of police required, which his personal experience would not enable him to do at present. Mr. Hubbuck contended that in the mineral districts crime was not so prevalent as to require a larger number of constables, being lower than in many parts of the county, and that more police than before were not re- quired there. The same number were paid by the county as by the iron masters. He could not conceive why others should be appointed; and therefore it was that he wished the committee to consider everything connected with the recommendation before the Court were called upon to sanction it. Some further discussion having taken place, The Chairman remarked that the general impression appeared to be in favour of the subject being placed in the hands of the police committee, by whom a report should be presented at the next Sessions. Mr. C. C. Williams said, if a postponement until the next sessions took place, twelve months would, in all probability, elapse before the force was placed on a pro- per footing. In the meantime, he trusted the county would not be left to the care of anybody.—Mr. Williams then gave in the following notice :— The Chief Constable having stated that, judging from analogy with other counties, he is convinced the police force is inefficient in strength and supervision, I give notice that at the next Quarter Sessions, I will move that an addition be made to the force." APPLICATION FROM THE CHAPLAIN OF THE HOUSE OF CORRECTION. The Chairman, after the reading of the prison reports, brought before the Court a request of the Rev. Stephen Crtttley Baker, that he may be permitted to hold the living of Monkswood, together with the chaplaincy of the House of Correction, and read a letter from the Rev. Gentleman, stating that he had received an offer of the incumbency from his Grace the Duke of Beaufort, and which he had accepted conditionally that the Court would allow him to hold it. The Chairman explained that the Act of Parliament allowed a chaplain of a gaol to hold a cure of souls, provided that the daily average number of prisoners for three years previous to his ap- pointment did not amount to one hundred. In the year before the Rev. Mr. Baker was chosen to the office, the daily average attendance was 95, and the average of three years 90. Consequently he was not precluded by law from accepting the living. There was a rule of Court against it, but they were competent to suspend or rescind that. Mr. C. C. Williams: Do the visiting magistrates re- commend it ? The Chairman had no knowledge of that. The question was how might the matter be accomplished. They might either make an exception in the case at present, or they might object to any order without notice. Should the matter be delayed six months, the appointment would lapse to the Bishop. The chairman, alluding to other portions of the letter of Mr. Baker, stated that the Bishop would require but one service a day; that he agreed with the Rev. Gentleman that, by holding a liv- ing, he would be afforded an agreeable and beneficial relaxation from the arduous and trying duties of the prison that Mr. Baker had proved himself efficient in many respects, and was, therefore, entitled to every con- sideration from the Court. Mr. C. C. Williams moved that the rule be suspended, in order to allow the Rev. Mr. Baker to accept the office, on condition that the Bishop would only require one ser- vice a day. Mr. Fenton Hort, in such a case, thought the best course would be to refer the letter to the visiting magis- trates, authorising them to give the permission required, shoulclahey think proper to do so. Mr. C. C. Williams: The Visiting Magistrates are all present. Mr. Hort continued: He could not conceive a case which more called for indulgence, nor anything more laborious and fatiguing to mind and body than to be con. tinually dealing with the hardened inmates of a gaol. The proposed change could not but prove an agreeable re- laxation, and render the Rev. Gentleman more fitted to carry out his peculiarly arduous duties. His object in making the suggestion to refer the subject to the visiting magistrates as a body, was because he thought they ought to have an opportunity to consult upon it. If they wore in favour of the chaplain being allowed to accept the office he did not see that the Court could made any demur. The Chairman: No doubt they have had ample oppor- tunities of considering the subject. Mr. Hort, in answer to the Chairman, said he would second Mr. C. C. Williams's proposition. The motion having been put by the Chairman, was car- ried nem. con. Mr. Hubbuck remarked that he could not conceive upon what grounds any opposition to the motion could be based, and was proceeding with some further observations, when The Chairman said no opposition had been made, and that the proposition had been carried. Mr. Relph stated that he bad not heard the question put, and, with the consent of the Chairman, addressed the Court. The question before them might assume a very simple shape. Ostensibly, it was, would the:magis- trates allow the chaplain to take parish duties; but he apprehended that it resolved itself into—Does the Court think the salary of the chaplain sufficient for the services rendered ? They bad beard all that the Chairman had advanced about the refreshing influence upon the mind of the chaplain consequent upon intercourse with his parishioners, and his better adaptation to the discharge of his prison duties. He (Mr. Relph) agreed with the Chairman, that the prison duties were very trying, irksome, and disheartening, and that every out-door duty the chaplain could take acted as a refresher to the mind. Still, it was not necessary to rescind or suspend a rule of that Court to obtain the requisite mental and bodily re- freshment by accepting the living of Monkswood. They knew—they saw at least in the public papers-that the chaplain was here at one meeting and there at another, that opportunities of relaxation were afforded him in abundance;-indeed, to so great an extent that in his (Mr. Belph's) mind it had sometimes been a question whether the visiting magistrates ought not to express an opinion upon it. It really had been a matter for serious consideration whether that flying from One meeting to another was beneficial or not,—whether it was not likeb to tend to an unsatisfactory reaction on the mind. If in addition to all this, he were now appointed to the vicar- age of Monkswood, would he be able to do both the Court and the parishioners justice ? It had certainly been said that the Bishop would dispense with one service a day; but ought the Court to connive at depriving the inhabi- tants of one service, if they were anxious for it ? The magistrates were asked to lend their assistance in putting an incumbent over those people who would be unable to afford them that religious and spiritual comfort they doubtless desired. Another thing which had been pointed out to them was that the Bishop might have to appoint a clergyman, instead of the Duke of Beaufort, if much delay took place. Surely, no great evil could result from that. The real gist of the question, however, was a pecuniary consideration. When the rule was made pre- venting the chaplain holding another appointment, an adequate salary was fixed upon that account, namely, £ 200 per annum. Had it proved adequate ? Five years ago, when the office was vacant, many gentlemen ap- plied for it who would have given every satisfaction in the same manner as the present chaplain. Mr. Baker came to the magistrates. He knew the amount of salary,— he was aware of the tendency of the population to in- crease,- he was cognizant of what would be required of him, and might anticipate the additional claims his family might have upon him yet he exerted himself to obtain the appointment. The present proposition was tanta- mount to saying the salary was inadequate, and was cal- culated to fix upon them throughout the county a charge of partiality by acting in such manner, merely to put the chaplain in possession of an addition of JE69 a year to his stipend. With regard to the law allowing him to take a living, he (Mr. Relph) was surprised that the chairman had put it so strongly. The average number of prisoners was, at the time of the appointment, certainly a few un- der one hundred but in the two succeeding years, it was more than 100, and at the present time such was the case. Was not that rather shuffling with the Act of Par- liament ? As men of business, and as having a due re- gard for the county, he did not think the motion could be entertained in such an irregular manner. He was fear- ful of the expense that would fall upon the county. They had no guarantee that Mr. Baker would remain with them. He might get a better living, and his successor would expect a salary equal to the remuneration enjoyed by Mr. Baker, both from the living of Monkswood and the House of Correction. In consenting to the application they would be making a permanent charge upon the county, for though it might not come at once, come it assuredly would. He would adopt a similar plan to that of his friend, Mr. C. C. Williams, at the last Quarter Sessions, and move the previous question. If that were carried, any one who wished to bring the matter forward at the next Quarter Sessions might do so, and it might then be thoroughly discussed. Before sitting down, he felt bound to say that from the statements made in that Court and elsewhere, the impression seemed to prevail that the offer of the living was made voluntarily by the Duke of Beaufort. He (Mr. Relph) thought it ought to be known that the chaplain made application for it, and in the face of the rule precluding him from holding such an appointment. The Duke of Beaufort was put in a false position as some would be inclined to vote for allowing the living to be accepted, believing it to be an appreciation by the Duke of services rendered by Mr. Baker. The Rev. William Evans seconded the motion, believ- ing that the duties of chaplain and minister of a parish could not possibly be performed by the same individual in an efficient manner. In reply to a Magistrate, the Chairman said the mat- ter had been formally brought before the visiting justices, by whom no opinion had been expressed upon it. Mr. Relph: One of them did not express any opinion because his colleague was not present. Mr. W. A. Williams did not look upon the question in a pecuniary light, and felt very much disposed, if there were a fair way of doing it, to allow Mr. Baker to hold the living. Whether any satisfactory method could be pointed out was another consideration, and whether the duties at Monkswood would be properly discharged was no question of his. The only thing he had to look to was whether the chaplain would be able to discharge with efficiency his labours connected with the House of Correction. He had seen a letter from the Bishop upon the subject, and he agreed with the sentiment expressed in it, that the appointment would be calculated to re- fresh the mind and invigorate the system. He disagreed with the observations of Mr. Relph with respect to the attendance of the chaplain at meetings. He (Mr. Wil- liams) had seen him at his own house, and had been present at meetings with him. The result upon his (Mr. Williams's) mind was to regard, not only as a refreshment but as of great utility, the occasional absence from prison and engagement in other works. With rererence to the notice which it was said ought to have been given, an intimation that the subject was to be brought forward had been inserted in the paper sent round to the magistrates, but whether that would be considered sufficient by all, he could not pretend to say. The proposition for the Court to consider was whether, supposing they were satisfied with the reasons for giving permission to the chaplain to hold the living, they were in a position to suspend the rule. His own opinion was that there was no objection to the suspension of the rule, and that, if the required permission should be accorded, the duties of the prison would not be neglected in con- sequence. He thought the Court might without any risk lay aside the regulation pro hac vice. The only effectual objection to it could be made by the Secretary of State, and his (Mr. Williams's) opinion was that he would, under the circumstances, be by no means inclined to do so. The Chairman then put the previous question, which was negatived, four voting in its favour. The motion, permitting the acceptance of the living by the Rev. S. C. Baker, was subsequently carried with four dissentients, the following beivg the order of the Court:— That Rule 131 of the regulations for the government of the House of Correction at Usk, be suspended specially to enable the Rev. S. C. Baker to hold the living of Monkswood, together with the chaplaincy of the House of Correction, the average number of prisoners for the last three years, and also for the three years preceding his ap- pointment as chaplain having been under 100 per annum, and within the rule prescribed by the Act 2 and 3 Vic., c. 56, sec. 16. And that the Secretary of State be re- quested to sanction a suspension of the rule in this instance." The Court proceeded to pass some accounts, and ad- journed between three and four o'clock. journed between three and four o'clock. ( Continued in our sixth page.)