Monmouthshire Merlin

THE ANNUAL MOVEABLE COMMITTEE OF ODDFELLOWS. [SPECIALLY R F. PO R TED, ] (Continued from car Third Page.) THIRD DAY.—WEDNESDAY. The proceedings were opened this morning at nine o'clock, all the delegates being then assembled. The Grand Master, as before, was in the chair. The sub- ject taken into consideration was the following REPORT OF THE SUB COMMITTEE. r. The attention of the Directors and Trustees was, at the last A.M.C called to the immediate necessity of taking security from Messrs. Cunlilfe, Brooks and Co., Bankers, Manchester, as Treasurers of the Society, in accordance with the Friendly Societies' Act At a meeting of the Directors in August last, it was resolved, that at the next meeting, a deputation be appointed accordingly; and the result of their interview was, that at the meeting of the 3d of May inst, William Cunliffe Brooks, Esq was appointed Treasurer in th" room of Messrs. Cunliffes and Co., resigned and he has since given a bond, with a surety to the Trustees, for £2000 which bond has been produced to your Committee. Your Committee approved of this course, and recommend you to affirm the proceedings of the Directors. 1. The last A.M.C. decided that the £100 Stock in the Consuls then standing in the names of Messrs. Luff, Roe, and Bradley, should be forthwith transferred into the names of the five Trustees. In pursuance of a resolution to the effect in Novem- ber last, your Committee find that the said Consuls have been sold. Your Committee sanction this proceeding, and trust you will do the same. III. An application has been made to your Committee from the Bury District to procure the opinion of this A.M.C. as to whether on the hearing of appeals, &c., in the Hoard rooom at Manchester the Directors act correctly in closing the doors to members of the Order generally. Your Committee deem this matter not strictly within their province to consider, but have referred the delegatesr of the Bury District to the General Meeting if they think proler to bring the subject forward. IV. The Directors having called the attention of Your Committee to the Lectures, respecting the propriety of making them in con- formity wi'h the present mode of Initiation, your Committee beg to advise that this be carried into effect. Your Committee agree with the Dire If is in the construction they have put upon the 86th General Law, to the effect that the Secretary of a district is not compelled to be nominated for re- election. at the meeting held previous to the annual one, although another member be nominated for the same office, but that he may be nominated on the day of electioll. VI. It having come to the knowledge of your Committee that the Registrar of Friendly Societies has given notice to various Lodges respecting the illegal investment of Funds, and the re- aponsibility of Trustees consequent thereon; your Committee think it of great importance that all lodges should take immediate steps to invest their funds in compliance with the Act of Parlia- ment, and that in the meantime, they should, so far as they legally can, absolve their Trustees from all personal responsi- bility. VII. Your Committee concur in the rlcommendation of the Auditors that a Levy of one halfpenny per member be made to meet the current expenses of the year, and ask you to adopt the Report. VIII. The Directors having referred a question from the Rugby Dis- trict for the consideration of your Committee relative to the at- tendance of members at Anniversary Lodge Dinners, your Com- mittee are of opinion that Lodges may be guided solely by their rales as certified by the Registrar of Friendly Societies. IX. Your Committee recommend that the conduct and management of the Magazine be left in the hands of the Directors until the next A.M C. but beg. at the same time, to su^eat that anal towance be made to such persons engaged in the sale thereof. X Your Committee think it advisable that the keys of the chest, containing the deeds and other documents belonging to the So- ciety should be held by three of the Trustees, two of such Trustees being those not on the Board. XI. Your Committee approach the next subject for your considera- tion with considerable pain and reluctance, it being most unpleasant to report upon subjects affecting personally either districts or individuals holding prominent positions in the Unity, and in coming to a decision on the case of James Charles Cox' of Southampton, the late G M. of the Order-, your Committee have been actuated by a sincere desire to do justice to all parties concerned, and in fulfilling our engagements as members of the Order-to uphold its constitutional rules and principles, but at the same time to do so in a conciliatory spirit, in the hope that from this date the unpleasant feeling respecting the case which Has so evidently existed for a considerable time past may now be terminated, and mutual confidence restored between the districts and parties concerned and the Executive. A letter from Mr. Cox, addressed to the Chairmau of this Committee, has been received, protesting against the mode of his expulsion, and alleging that he has not had a fair hearing, and the Delegates from Southampon attended before us to express the feeling of their district that the report of Messrs. Roe and Daynes adopted in the Sub-Committee's report at the last A M.C was not a correct statement of facts, and also that those gentle- men did not make such an investigation into Cox's accounts and affairs as they might and ought to have done, and further to com- plain of the severity of the 27th resolution of the Directors (January reports, 1858, page 5), which imputed to the Southamp- ton district very great irregularity and gross negligence, and to which the directors in that resolution say may be attributed the opeurrences which have disgraced the district, and brought Teproach upon the Order. The delegates from the South London District also attended before its to explain the motives for and meaning of the following resolutions of their district committee, held 28th September, 1837, which were before this committee, viz:- That in the opinion of thi. Comruittee, the conduct of Messrs. Roe and Daynas, in connection with the examination ot the accounts of the Southampton District, is such as not to com- mand the confidence of the members in them as Directors of the Unity; and that consequently they ought to be called upon by the Board of Directors to resign their position as members thereof. That the next A.M.C. be requested to appoint a Committee to enquire into the manner in which Messrs. Roe and Daynes executed the duty intrusted to them by the Bord of Directors, of 1 investigating the accounts of the Southampton District,that the Unity may know how far they are, or are not, liable to the charge of concealing their knowledge of the late G.M. Cox's s defalcations. f 1, That this meeting having been informed that a circular, dated August 2 1 th has been issued by the Board of Directors ro some t districts in the Unity, the Pro. C.S. be requested to enquire (if t such i the case) why a copy has not been forwarded to the South London District." ( And also to obtain from this Committee an expression of opinion as to whether the directors had the right to demand from the a South London District the names of the mover and seconder of 1 those resolutions; it appearing that in consequence of such t resolutions coining to the kuowledue of the directors they made such dematd from the South London District, which was not acceded to. l You: Committee have given the whole of the case their most careful consideration and attention. In addition to the parties ( before named, Mussrs. Roe and Danzle, the delegates from the North London District, and also Mr. Daynes, have been examined before us, and we hava also had pro lueed and examined all J .fteC"IiH}" documents, &c., and are satisfied that a full kn .vlerige 1 has thus been obtained, and fr m which your committer have come to the following conclusions. I = ).—We are unau mou ly of opinion that the investigati n made by Messrs. Roe and Daynes at Southampton was, u ,1c. the ciicumstances, the fullest they coul,) make, and their report adopted at the last A.M.C. substantially correct—they having actually sen paid over by Cox to the Southampton Disuiet. the wli le amount then found due from hiin,and we have it in evidence th at tiiey made repeated enquiries as to whether there was any other matter or cause of complaint to investigate, and we are told in reply by the officers and trustees of the Southampton District that there was not; and the subsequently discovered defalcations were of such a cliaracier, coupled with the want ofassistance and information from the Southampton District, as fully satisfies this coiomittee that Messrs. Roe and Daynes were not guiity of either negli^euce or complicity, or as has been alleged, an attempt to conceal tie facts, and screen Cox from punishment. ?.—We are unanimously of opinion that the Southampton District had a perfect right to take the course the) did in c msing Cox to he criminally convicted before the Magistrates, and there- by under the 206th General Law virtually expeUed without a light of appeal, instead of proceeding against him under the law., of the Oruer, and that under the circu.nstanccs Cox has no groucdi of complaint as to the course pursued agahst him. At the sam time your Committee beg to express an opinion that aa a general rule districts and lodges would do well to abide by the Laws of the Order in every case where it is practicable to do so, and not resort to the Law CUrt8, except under very special circumstances, which authorise a departure from the ordinary course of proceeding. 3. We are unanimously of opinion that, although it is apparent there have been irregularities in the modes of keeping the ac- counts and minutes, and managing the funds and affairs of the Southampton District and Lodges still that the language used in the 27th Resolution of last January Quarter:y Reports was, if not unnecessarily severe and in part unmerited, at least harsh and uriconciliatory-it being our opinion that some allowance should have been made for the naturally irritated state of feeling in the Southampton District, and that nothing should, if possible, have been done or said calculated to widen the breach between thjm and the Executive and we cannot but express a hope that the present resolutions may be the means of creating a better atate ûf feeling between them. 4. We ara unanimously of opinion that the resolutions of the South London District above referred to were totally uncalled for and highly improper, as setting an example of interference with the funrtions of the Executive on the part of a district not inte- ine lun.u ns o allowed to pass unnoticed, nugnt be rested in the question, that t allow inJubordj;f Uoa towards "he°K^eciitive utterly at variance with the constitution *ndprinciple! .f "he Order, and calculated to do us .enous in- jury. Your Committee, however, have made some allowance for the South London District, as it appears that a Cox's case bad been issued by the Board and se „ „ tricts but, from circumstances satisfactorily explai « 'fll Ratcliffe to this Committee, a copy had not reached London District, thereby causing those officers and mem e that District who were acquainted with the case to feel suspicion and alarm. s. We are unanimously of opipion that no good object would have been attained by divulging to the Executive the names of the mover and seeonder of the South London Resolutions, and wfcich information, we think, was properly refused by that Div trict, and we approve of the terms in which that refusal was con- veyed and we further are of opinion that the Directors had no right to make such a demand (except for purely Unity purposes, and not arising in this case), the District generally being respon- sible to the Executive for all acts and resolutions of its commit- tees and officers. n.n .n1", 'PAr\4!:1o. +\"0.4.0 In conclusion, your wish that this painful business may now be considered as finally concluded, and be no more debated in the Unity, and that a more kir.diy and proper feeling suitable to the fraternal principles of the Order may exist between all parties for the future. XII. Your Committee are of opinion that the Trustees, with the sanction of the Directors, should take measures for the most ad- vantageous sale of such portions of the premises in Grosvenor- %treet, Manchester, as are not necessary for the purposes of the Society. XIII. Your Committee are unanimously of opinion that the officers and Directors of the Society are entitled to your tnanks for their »ervice» during the past year. XIV. That the thanks of this Committee are hereby given to the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary for their attention to the business of this meeting. On the proposition of Mr. Aitken, the report was received. The Rev. T. Price, as chairman of the committee, lead the report, clause by clause. Clauses one and two were unanimously adopted, but on clause three a discussion arose. Mr. Kenyon (Oldham) inquired whether, if the propo-' sition were carried into effect, it would deter the dele- gates of hia district from bringing forward another proposition. # Mr. Daynes explained the'mode in which the directors bad previously transacted their business, The members ) of the order were not excluded during the hearing of appeals, but only when the directors were considering the decision to which they should arrive. He thought the mode hitherto pursued was the only satisfactory one of conducting the business. Mr. Austin (Bury) intimated that he had heard of an application for admittance into the Board room during the hearing of appeals, and it was refused. Hence the delegates from his district wished the matter brought before the A.M.C. They had, however, the assurance of Mr. Daynes, and the chairman, that such was not the case, and with that he was satisfied. After some further discussion, it was resolved, on the joint motions of Mr. Austin and Mr. Daynes, that any member who wished to be present during appeals should be permitted to do so. With reference to clause 4, the Chairman stated that a letter had been received from a foreign district to the effect that the old lecture for the white degree, which was still in use in some of the lodges, was different to the present mode of initiation. The directors, of course, had no power to alter any of the rules without the sanc- tion of the A.M.C., and therefore wished the subject brought forward. A general desire was expressed that the lecture should be altered in conformity with the mode of initiation, and Mr. Aitken moved that this be carried into effect. It was intimated that a proposition would ultimately be brought forward to abolish the lectures altogether. Mr. Daynes reminded the meeting that the expense of a new lecture would be something like £200, wheieas by leaving the matter to the next A.M.C. to report upon, they would be throwing the whole matter over for ano- ther year, giving the directors the opportunity of report- ing thereon. Mr. Aitken withdrew his amendment. Mr. Roe stated that the expense in the alteration of the lecture would only be about E3 or JE4. Mr. Holmes moved that if the directors thought proper the alterations should be carried into effect at once. This was adopted. Claase 5 was adopted without discussion. With reference to clause 6, the Rev. T. Allen cau- tioned the delegates against incautious investments of club money. He had recently heard of a case in which 67 members had been robbed, in consequence of the affairs of a lodge not having been properly arranged, and the funds invested according to Act of Parliament. Mr. Powell (Morriston) asked whether the recent Act of Parliament had or had not a retrospective tendency. Supposing fraud had been committed upon any lodge before the Act came into operation, but had not been discovered until it had come into operation, could the lodge proceed for the recovery of the funds ? Mr. Roe, in accordance with a request from the chair- man, explained the course to be pursued in relation to the accumulating funds of the various lodges. Mr. Tidd Pratt had issued a circular showing that their money was at present not invested according to Act of Parlia- ment. He laid down the rule that if any trustees had invested the moneys of a lodge, although instructed by the lodge itself so to do, not in accordance with the Act of Parliament, then the Trustees themselves were per- sonally liable. Mr. Roe contended that the Friendly Society's Act had a retrospective effect It required very great care and attention in order to be properly and legally carried out. In conclusion, Mr. Roe warned the members of the society against being led astray in the deposit of their money by concerns which promised a return of X5 or 16 per cent. per annum, and advised them to be governed by the law in the matter. (Cheers.) Mr. Jennings (Hereford) referred to a case in which a town-clerk expressed an opinion that the law relating to friendly societies was so intricate as to render it impossible for him to draw up any form which would compel a co-trustee to sign any document for the with- drawal of funds invested in a security in the names of the trustees of the lodge. The Chairman then intimated that Mr. Tidd Pratt had the power to deprive a co-trustee of his authority. Mr. Glass recommended the Order to obtain the best legal advice possible in order to frame their laws for the investment of their funds in accordance with the Act of Parliament. In the course of the discussion, several delegates ex- pressed an opinion that the Act of Palliament gave power to prosecute an officer for fraud committed previ- ous to the registration of the society. Addenda were moved by Mr. Adams, recommend- ing the Order to obtain the best legal advice. Carried. On clause 7 Mr. Pratt moved that the levy proposed be refused, on the ground that the sum of £1,348 18s. 3d. now in the hands of the treasurer, was sufficient to meet all the expenses. He thought the levy of a td. was quite unnecessary. It was suggested that nothing would be saved by de- ferring the levy, and ultimately Mr. Pratt withdrew his opposition to it. The auditor's report was then read seriatim, clause by clause. A conversation ensued with reference to items of Y,4 5s. 4d. expended by the building committee, and of certain sums for gas fittings. Both matters were satisfactorily explained to the meeting. The auditor's report was then carried. Upon clause No. 8 of the sub-committee s report, a lengthened discussion ensued, it being moved by Mr. Holmes as an amendment, that the secretary be in- structed to communicate with Mr. Tidd Pratt for re- fusing to sanction the 71st General Law, whilst sanc- tioning other laws. The question in dispute was as to the introduction of the word shall" instead of expected to" attend the annual dinners of the lodge, or pay the price of the ticket of such dinner. It was also stated that Mr. Tidd Pratt could not sanction any laws without the authority of the Secretary of State, and therefore Mr. Pratt was not the blameable party. Mr. Holmes's amendment was put and lost by an overwhelm- ing majority. It was resolved to defer the consideration of clauses 9 and 10. With reference to clause 11, referring to the case of Mr. Cox, and to the conduct of Messrs. Daynes and Roe in relation thereto, Mr. Aitkin moved that para- graphs 1 to 7 be agreed to. This being resolved, Mr. Price moved the adoption of paragraph marked 1 A very long di-cussion ensued on this topic. Mr. Greenway complained of the conduct of Messrs. Daynes and Roe, and accused them of complicity with Mr. Cox. or at least of neglect. He moved that a vote of censure be passed upon them. The matter had given great dissatisfaction in the Southampton district. Both Mr. Daynes and Mr. Roe defended themselves from the aspersions cast upon them, the former in an able and forcible speech, and the result was that Mr. Greenway's amendment was supported only by three or four, every owtier hand in the room being held up for the original motion. Mr. Greenway wished to reply, but he was not permitted to do so in consequence of a resolu- tirn previously passed. The whole matter was some hours under consideration, and was very fully entered into. By their decision the meeting fully exonerated Messrs. Roe and Daynes from all blame. The day's business then closed. FOURTH DAY.—THURSDAY. The delegates met this morning at nine o'clock, the arrangements being in every respect the same as before. The first business was the election of Grand Master. William Alexander, D.G.M., was appointed without opposition. The election of D.G.M. next occupied the assembly. Mr. Gale intimated his desire of retiring from the candi- dateship, and only four gentlemen remained, out of a list of twelve nominated, who sought the office and obtained votes—Messrs. Buck (Prov. C.S., Birmingham district), Aitken (P. Prov. G.M., of Ashton-under-Lyne district), Hickton (P. Prov. G.M. of the Stockport district), and Richmond (Manchester). The numbers at first were— For Mr. Hickton 40, Mr. Aitken 36, Buck 35, and Mr. Richmond 8. The Grand Master said that Mr. Rich- mond would resign, and the delegates would again vote for the remaining three. The result was-For Mr. Hickton 43, Mr. Buck 40, Mr. Aitken 36. Mr. Aitken consequently retired, and the two first-named gentlemen were again voted for. The numbers finally were-For Mr. Hickton 61, for Mr. Buck 60. Mr. Hickton is con- sequently the D.C.M. for the ensuing year. For the C.S. of the Order, Mr. Rothwell, P. Prov. C.S. of the Bolton district, and the present C.S.,Mr. Ratcliffe, were nominated. The votes were-For Mr. Ratcliffe 105, Mr. Rothwell 7. The salary to be the same as last year. On the motion of Mr. Ginn, it was resolved that the C.S. should provide a fresh bond. The election of Directors followed. The Chairman announced that Mr. Allen and Mr. Pratt would not stand, leaving twenty-two in nomination. The votes were announced as follows :-Aitken 77, Janyard 40, Buck 102, Burgess 28, Curtis 44, Daynes 108 Gale 65, Ginn 38, Haworth 30, Jones 20, Morton 6 Naylor 18, Nield 12, Price 84, ;Richmond 43, Roe 101, Schofield (Bradford) 90, Schofield (Bacup) 23, Street 80, Waldron 7, Walsh 24, Woodcock 55. The nine highest were elected—Messrs. Curtis and Richmond being called in in the event of a vacancy. The expenses of directors and other officers were granted at the same rate as formerly. THE NEXT A. M. C. The place for holding the next A. M. C. of the Order was then discussed. Mr. Curtis proposed, and Mr. Price (Aberdare) seconded. Brighton for the next sitting. Leicester, Hereford, Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton, Chel- tenham, Burnley, Gloucester, and Oldham were also proposed by different delegates. The beauties of the various towns and surrounding districts, the conve- niences for holding the meeting, and the good which would result from holding the A. M. C., were expatiated upon at length by the various proposers and seconders of the resolutions. The matter was brought to the vote, when the following was the result:—Burnley 2, Here- ford 8, Oldham 2, Shrewsbury 19, Cheltenham 10, Glou- cester'1, Leicester 26, Brighton 32, Wolverhampton 19 Successive votes were then taken, the places lowest or the list being withdrawn, the contest ultimately beinf between Leicester and Brighton. The final numberi were-Leicester 73, Brighton 40, The Brighton dele f gate said he was much obliged to the free and indepefi- r dent electors who had voted for his proposition. Messrs. Gadd and Crispin were proposed as auditors, according to the 47th general law. The Grand Master then said a new district would have to be selected. A number of districts were proposed among others Newport, by Mr. Thomas, of Abergavenny. Bristol, Merthyr, and Cowbridge were also nominated. For Newport there were 4 votes, Cowbridge 3, Merthyr 16, and Bristol 12. Upon the last votes being taken, the two highest in the list were found to be Wellington (53), Bochdale (40). It being now two o'clock, a proposition was "made to adjourn for a short time, but the motion was negatived. The section marked 2 in the sub-committee's report, relating to the "Cox "robbery and the Southampton district, was then taken into consideration. Mr. Green- way defended himself from the charge of making an ac- cusation against Messrs. Roe and Daynes from motives of private malice after which the clause was agreed to, Mr. Greenway first expressing an opinion that the Order was bound to proceed against a defaulter, in accord- ance with the powers given in the Friendly Society's Act. On section 3, Mr. Buck moved that it be expunged, contending that the resolutions passed at the meeting were neither harsh nor unconciliatory as alleged. He further contended that there had been mismanagement on the part of the Southampton district, they having treated the directory with something like contempt in not replying to a summons sent them by the C.S. of the Order. Mr. Buck ultimately withdrew his amendment. The Grand Master said that although he had been insulted by the Southampton district, he was not at all thin skinned, and he was perfectly willing to let the matter drop. He denied emphatically the charges made against the directors. After a short conversation, the section passed unal- tered. Section 4 was next read. It gave rise to another long and conflicting discussion concerning the South London district in connection with Mr. Cox's case. Many reso- lutions and amendments were passed, and the subjeet was regarded as most tedious by many of the members present. The Rev. T. Allen, in the course of the after- noon, endeavoured to remove the causes of disunion, but it was shown that he was out of order in nioving a resolution. The seetions were ultimately all carried, but not till a good deal of feeling had been excited. The Rev. Mr. Allen expressed an opinion that the less of what had transpired in relation to the matter i which appeared in the public papers, the better. It was < not creditable to the Order. ( Mr. Glass and Mr. Price proposed and seconded the adoption of clause 5. During Mr. Glass's observations, he was interrupted by Mr. Aitken, on an alleged point j of order. Mr. Glass protested against this course, and stated that when so much valuable time had been wasted, c it was rather hard to refuse to allow a delegate to carry t out the wishes of his district. e One or two sections were deferred for further conside- J ration. s The meeting adjourned at half-past four. FIFTH DAY.—FRIDAY. The business for transaction at the A. M. C. was still very far from concluded at the* time we went to press. There were several clauses of the sub-committee's report still to be discussed, with reference to the sale of the buildings in Manchester, &c. 173 propositions for the alterations of laws were entered for discussion, not one of which was brought forward up to Friday morning. A variety of other subjects were also to be introduced. Some of the delegates expressed an opinion that all the business could not be concluded by Saturday, the period at first anticipated but, no doubt, a great effort will be made to accomplish this. The delegates met on Thursday evening to receive the Lecture," L. L. Dillwyn, Esq., M.P., Mr. Oakshot, Mr. Richards, and other gentlemen of Swansea, have been enrolled in the Order.

COURT OF EXCHEQUER.-MAY 22. [Sittings in Banco, before the Lord Chief Baron, Mr. Baron MARTIN, Mr. Baron BRAMWELI., and Mr. Baron WATSON.] PRICE V. PRICE. J'here were no motions brought before the court. The peremptory paper having been called on, the first case taken was Price v. Price, which had been-previously argued, and the court had ordered that it should be again argued by one counsel on each side. Mr. Mellish, for the plaintiff, now showed cause against the rule. The action was one of ejectment, tried some time ago before Mr. Justice Crowder, at Brecon the plaintiff being heir-at-law of a person who died possessed of the property (an estate in Breconsbire), of which the defendant was in possession as the devisee under a will. The question to be tried was, whether that will had not been revoked by the testator, and the facts were these -In a conversation with the testator, his son bad remonstrated with him re- specting his dispo3al of the property, the result of uhi< h was that he said he would alter his will, and he went and fetched his will, and in the presence of his son and other parties tore off the seal. He was asked why he did not entirely destroy it, and replied that what he had done was sufficient to revoke it, and that he wanted the docu- ment for the purpose of making a new one. A fortnight afterwards he died without having made a new will. The jury found that the testator intended to revoke the will, and the question reserved for the court was whether the act done was a sufficient revocation. Mr. Mellish contended that the words of the statute of wills which required that there should be a U burning, cancelling, tearing or obliterating," by the testator him- self, had been complied with in this case,, and that his intention being proved, he had done all that was neces- sary. If it was relied upon by the other side that there should be a material obliteration of the document, then there was a material word partly torn off at the back of the seal, but he held that that was not necessary when the animo cancellandi was clear. Mr. Grove supported the rule. The arguments on both sides occupied the court the whole day.—Judgment was deferred. At the sitting of the Court on Monday, the Lord Chief Baron delivered judgment. He said This was an action of ejectment brought by the heir-at- law against the devisee, under a will. The case 1 was heard before Mr. Justice Crowder, at the last j summer assizes for Brecon, when the verdict was found for the plaintiff, but a rule was subsequently obtained to enter a verdict for the defendant, on, the ground that the act done by the testator to revoke his will was not suffi- cient within the act. The question turned on the 20th ( section of the 1st Victoria, cap. 2$, which was now to receive for the first. time for this purpose a judicial con- struction. At the trial it was found that it was the in- tention of the testator to revoke his will, which was written on one sheet of paper containing four pages. On three of the pages the testator set his hand, and on the fourth he set his hand and seal. The attestation stated that the instrument had been "-signed, sealed, and delivered." The testator, intending to revoke it, tore off the seal, tearing off with it a similar portion of the second leaf, containing the letters "ral," the last syllable of the word funeral." The question for the Court was, did this amount to revocation within the meaning of the section ? The words of the section were, by tearing or otherwise destroying." It had been contended that the tearing off of the seal was not such an act as showed the inten- tion of the testator to revoke the will, as the seal was not an essential part of the will. Prior to the passing of the new statute, a will found with the seal torn off was can- celled. At that time any time any tearing done with the intention of revoking a will was held to be sufficient for the purpose, but the Court was now asked to put a construction upon the words in the section of the new statute, tearing or otherwise destroying." It W £ » admitted that actual destruction was not necessary y it was therefore a question of degree, and it would not be discreet in the Court to lay down any general rule aPP l" cable to cases not subjected to argument. They would therefore confine themselves to the case before them as argued at the bar and in their opinion, as this was pub- lished as a sealed instrument, it ceased when the seal was torn off to be the instrument which the testator professed to publish, and, to use the words of Mr. Justice Coleridge, it was destroyed in its entirety." The Court was of opinion that the act of tearing in this case was sufficient, and the tearing thereby revoked the will, therefore the rule to enter the rule for the defendant must be discharged.—Judgment accordingly.

THE TU RF. The Court Journal has very good reason to believe that it is not her Majesty's intention to honour Ascot races this year with her presence, and that the Court will not visit Windsor Castle, as heretofore, a week preceding the race. A match has been made for 500 sovs., h. ft., with Toxophilite, 8st. 71b., to be run over the T.M.M. course at Newmarket, in the First Spring Meeting next year. Sir Joseph Hawley, it is said, wins E50,000 by Beads- man's victory, and another large winner is a Mr. S — who is reported to have netted £ 16,000. YACHTING. It is expected that the forthcoming season will be a very great one. The following yachts, with many others, are either afloat or fitting out :-Cossack, 48 tons, cutter, Mr. S. R. Graves. Ruby Queen, 80 tons, schooner, Mr. P. C. Lovett. Sapphire, 70 tons, schooner, Right Hon. T. Milner Gibson, M.P. Fairy Queen, 70 tons, schooner, Mr. George Bishop, jun. Nettle, 57 tons, cutter, Mr. F. Clarkson. Enchantress, 213 tons, schooner, Sir Thomas Whichcote, Bart. Violet, 10 tons, cutter, Mr. John R. Kirby. Commonwealth, 70 tons, schooner, Mr. E. T. Gourley. Pearl, 24 tons, cutter, Hon. Arthur Annesley. Minion, 40 tons, cutter, Mr. J. E. Cox. Sappho, 10* tons, schooner, Mr, G. f. Naylor.

PONTNEWYDD. SUDDEN DEATH.—VERDICT OF MANSLAt/GH- TElt AGAINST A HUSBAND. An inquiry took place on Wednesday morning last, be- fore W. H. Brewer, Esq., deputy coroner, touching the death of Mary Gardener, who fell suddenly dead on the Canal side, at Pontnewydd, on Saturday morning last. Deceased was the wife of Ezra Gardener, a shoemaker, living in the village. Circumstances having transpired which gave rise to a suspicion that deceased had come by her death in consequence of violent treatment which she was alleged to have received at the hands of her husband, more than ordinary interest was excited in the neighbour- hood with reference to the case. The Deputy Coroner visited Pontnewydd on Tuesday, when the jury (foreman, Mr. Richard Clark, of the Cwmbran Shop) were sworn, and viewed the body. The inquiry was then adjourned to the next morning, when the following evidence was taken Caroline Gardener, a girl fourteen years of age, and a daughter of the deceased, deposed that on Saturday last she was at home with her father and mother. Her mother was sewing up the heel part of a boot, and her father told her it was all on one side deceased said it was not, and upon this, further contradictions followed. During the altercation, her father threw the boot leather, with the last in it, at her mother, and it struck her in the forehead. Her mother then went into the kitchen, saying, Oh, my poor head." She afterwards went to the front door and in about 20 minutes she came in and eat her dinner. Wit- ness did not know whether her father swore, or what lan- guage he used during the quarrel. She had many times known them to "have words." Her mother was not a strong woman. She had often heard her complain of pain in her head. Deceased went out between seven and eight o'clock the same evening—taking a little boy with her she went as far as the Lock on the canal, and shortly after she had gone, witness heard that she had fallen down dead. She went to the spot, and her mother was lying on the ground, her head being supported by some neighbours who had gone to the spot—they said she was dead. She never saw her again alive after she left the house. Sarah Jones, wife of George Jones, of Pontnewydd, said that deceased came to her house on Saturday, soon after one o'clock, and told her that her (deceased's) husband had flung a last at her she showed the place on her forehead where the last bad struck her the part was swollen, and she said she was suffering great pain from it she said she thought she would not be able to continue with her hus- band, because he abused her and, being a weak woman, his conduct agitated her and made her very nervous she said she would write to her son in the north of England, to take her to live with him she also stated that her hus- band had not been in the habit of beating her until lately but latterly he bad done so. Witness lived next door to them some time ago, but never heard them quarrel. De- ceased complained of pain in the back part of the head and down her back. In speaking of her husband, she called him that old villain of mine." Martha Kelly, wife of Jeremiah Kelly, of Cwmbran, and eldest daughter of the deceased, s iid she had sent her little boy on Saturday to spend the day with de- ceased (his grandmother). In the evening, about 8 o'clock, deceased brought him as far as the lock on his way home, and from there she sent a little girl to witness to say th >t she was waiting for her to fe!ch the little boy. Deceased did not like to cross the lock, especially when she felt unwell. On being sent for, witness went at once to the lock to fetch the child. Deceased said she had brought the child, and remarked that he had provoked his grandfather by his mischief during the day. In the even- ing, when witness' husband came home from his work, he told witness that he had called at her father's house on his way home, and seen their little boy-and that the child told him that his grandmother had had a blow on the head and on learniDg that her husband had not seen deceased, but that she was in bed, witness felt very anxious to go and see what was the matter she, however, altered her mind, and afterwards told her husband that he should go to fetch the child down. Before he could go, fL little girl came with the message from the look, to fetch e c I Witness went immediately, and on reaching^ le spo asked her mother what had happened a» 8ul «' your father asked me to put a < counter' in the boot and I did so, and had given it to him he complained that it was not put upright-not straight-she said it was; he then put the boot ou the last and flung it at her, saying, -1 now see if it is upright.' She said she was leaning forward at the time, and it strnck her on the forehead she called her husband a wicked villain, and said he did it in his passion. Deceased showed her a swelling on her fore- head from the blow she saw no blood or wound she seemed in great trouble about it, and witness endeavoured to soothe her. She asked her mother to go to her house; she said no, it is getting late, and it is wet." Witness thought deceased did not look as well as usual. Witness having taken the child from her, and being about to cross the lock, deceased said "Martha, take care how you cross the lock." Witness then loft deceased standing on the canal side. Soon after she had reached home, Mrs. Green came and said there was some one in a fit at the lock. Witness went to the spot immediately, and there she saw her mother lying on her back quite dead. This was about ten minutes after she had left her standing at the lock. For many years her mother had complained of pain in her head, and palpitation of the heart. She often said she should not live long. W itnoM hsd been inwrlod abawt five years, the greater part of which time she had lived with or near to her mother her father and mother were not much given to quai-reiling—they quarrelled occasionally about the children-she had never seen her father strike deceased. Witness had heard from her motheu that during the last few months her father had been rash and unkind towards her, principally ou account of differences about the children deceased had tls ) expressed pain at hearing her husband swear lately moie than he formely did. John S. Cousins, Esq., surgeon, Cwmbran, deposed to having made a post mortefti examination of deceased on. Tuesday last. He said: I first examined the hotly externally I observed a contusion on the forehead, and also a contusion on the external part of the left eye, with a slight abrasion of the skin. I observed no other maiks of violence externally. I then opened the head, and care- fully examined the contusion on the forehead, underneath the skin the skin in this spot was considerably congested. Opened the skull, but found no marks of violence inter- nally to correspond with the external contusion. On re- moving the dura malcr-from the brain, I discovered a con- siderable amount of coagulated blood over the entire sur- face of the brain-the vessels of which were highly con- gested. I think there was more coagulated blood at the posterior, than at the anterior part of the brain. I also discovered adhesions between the dum mattr and the skull, and also between the surfaces of the arachnoid membrane, which adhesions I consider to have been caused by sub-acute inflammation of that membrane. This in- flammation I consider to have-existed a considerable time previous to her death. The coagulated blood found on the surface of the brain must have been caused by the rupture of several small vessels. 1 examined the chest, and found tubercles in the upper and back part-of the left lung—the greater portion of the left 4ung w»yery friable: the right lung was healthy. 1.r Lvitv heart, and found it healthy. I then examined the cavity of the abdomen—the liver was- diseased. 1 he stomach and intestines were in a healthy state. I found nothing in the chest or abdomen to account for death. irom the excitable tempsrament of tho deceased, and the previous condition of the brain, described, I consider the blow she received may have caused her death, by producing the extravasation of blood resulting from the rupture of the small vessels on the surface of the brain. Mary Morgan, wife of Henry Morgan, said she was walking acsoss the Lock of the canal which had been re- ferred to-she saw a woman standing on the opposite sitle she saw her fall, and went to her immediately, and told her son (who was with her) to pick her up. He found it was Mrs. Gardener. Sent her son for deceased's daughter, and then took up deceased from the grouni-she felt her pulse, but it ceased to be perceptible in about a minute- she died in witness's arms. Saw soma blood on her forehead. This being the whole; of the evidence,, the Coroner re- marked to the jury that the case was now in their hands j the whole of the evidence had been laid. before them, and they would of course be guided principally, in their endea- dour to arrive at a conclusion as to the cause of death, by the evidence of the medical gentleman. It seemed to be quite clear that deceased had received a blow from her husband and this blow, according to Mr. Consins'a evidence was sufficient to produce the effects from which death resulted. If thoy found that death was occasioned by that blow. then it would be their duty to return a verdict of manslaughter against the husband if, on the other hand, they considered that that blow had not caused her death, they would then say deceased had died from natural causes.. The jury, after a few minutes consultation,, said they were of opinion that death was caused by the blow which deceased had received, and they therefore returned a verdict of MANSLAUGHTER against her husband, Ezra Gardener. Gardener, who watched the proceedings with some interest, but exhibited no emotion, was then placed in oustody under the Coroner's warrant.

RISCA. On Whit-Tuesday the annual fair was held, and the day proved very favourable for it pigs and other animals were in good demand, and realised high prices. Several clubs met on Monday last, and as usual, at- tended places of worship and dined together. SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.—On Sunday last, the anniversary of the English Wesleyan Sunday School was held. The children recited several appropriate pieces in a very pleasing and creditable manner and sermons were preached by the Rev. J. Harding, of Newport. At the close of each service, a collection was made in behalf of the school. The collections were as good as usual, notwithstanding the depressed state of trade for some months past. On Tuesday the e £ formed a procession, being neatly and re8Pec. ya*d tired, and accompanied by their teachers, took a delightful walk, calling at the houses of seve^ return wisheis and subscribers to the school, un them, to the chapel, a comfoitable tea was provi spent jn and the remaining portion of the evem g an agreeable and profitable manner.

hist Wednesday at Tyr A meeting of tho strike at Craig Rhymney. Phyl, to deliberate «P fly from Rhymney, attended the About 500 persons^ iniwith a ron.can. A circle m from which some of the Committee addressed rSff two resolutions were passed 1st, tc the effect that the stand-out should be maintained, ant 2nd that no person Aoul4 be molested for accepting wori ttiowerpripM.

TUESDAY'S MARKET.—The stock was more numeroaa I ABERGAVENNY. than for many weeks past, but on account of Monmouth fair falling on the same day, there were but few purchasers present Fat beasts from 5;d. to 6J. per lb.; sheep in their wool, 7jd., and shorn, 6id. per lb. The quotation of wheat this week is 55s 5 £ d. the imperial quarter. 0 POLICE COURT.- WEDNESDA Y. [Before the Hon; W. P. RODNEY, and the Rev. J. PARQUHAR.] CHARGE OF ILLEGAL FISHING Charles Thomas, a young man, resident in this town, was charged with the above offence, by a man of the name of James Black. The offence was said to have been committed on the 5th and 6th inst., at one o'clock in the morning, on the property of Mrs. Elizabeth Gilbert, in the parish of Llancillo. The complainant having stated his case; the defendant said, that he was authorised by Mr. Cornelius Lloyd, solicitor, to go there and take some fish, if he could, for him. Mr. J. G. Price, solicitor, who attended in support of the prosecution, denied this statement, remarking that he had seen Mr. Lloyd that morning, who denied all knowledge of the transaction. He (Mr. Price) did not wish to press the present charge, but he wished persons to under- stand that they should not trespass on other people's land, which of late had become very prevalent. The magistrates, after a little consideration, fined the defendant in the mitigated penalty of 10s. and costs, amounting in the whole to £ 1 16s., and in default, in the first case, 14 d&yW, and in the second, two days' imprisonment. Allowed six weeks to pay, by two instalments, the one in a fortnight, and the other in a month afterwards. MAGISTRATES' CLERK'S OFFICE. [Before the Rev. G. GABB, and W. WILLIAMS, Esq.] William Pritchard, labourer, who was ordered some months ago to pay 2s. 6d. per week towards the mainte. nance of the illegitimate child of Margaret Jones, and who had absconded, was again brought up after 15 weeks' absence, and informed that unless he paid for the 15 weeks and expenses, he should go to prison for three months. The amount was paid. THE NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH. [TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERLIN AND SILIURrAN-1 SIR,-In your report of the laying of the fiist stone of this building, an error of two letters only in the type, completely deranged the meaning of one passage. You would oblige the committee by correcting it in your next number. Mr. Baker Gabb is represented as giving an ancient Hall for the benefit of the Church: it should have been an ancient Bell. The greatest benefactors to the new church are Mrs. Andrus, the widow of Mr. Simon Andrus, and Mr. William Jones, (now residing at Pyle), both natives of this tonn. Mr. Jones contributes the money for building the chancel or sanctuary, which will be costly, as an appropriate offering to the Almighty, and a perpetual memorial of his generosity and Christian zeal I am, Sir, your obedient servant, ONE OF THE COMMITTEE. Abergavenny, May 26th, 1858.

BETMMAWR. WHITSUN FAIR.—This fair was held on Monday last, but in consequence of the day turning out very wet, the show of stock and the attendance of pleasure seekers were but scanty. Pigs were in brisk demand and sold at very fair prices.

On Wednesday the Chancellor of the Exchequer was entertain.ed at a public dinner at Slough. The Hon. gentleman made a long speech on the political ques-' tions of the day, and was heard throughout with eix- thusiastic applause.

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH: LONDON CORN MARKET —FRIDAY. Fair sale for English wheat, at Monday's rates., Not „ much offering. Several transactions in foreign at fUll prices. jjloilr tirm. Scarcely any change in valne. of. > barley, but business limited.^Oats steady with firm trade supply good. Demand for beans and peas moderate. Fair business in malt, value unaltered: LIVERPOOL CORN M.AB.KET.-FRIDA y The market opened rather dull to-day, and the attend- ance of buyers not numerous The transactions are small. WAKEFIELD CORJT MARKET.—FRIDAY. Good supply of wheat; not a very limited demand, but last week's prices are maintained. No change in other artioles.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. [Nfl nctioea,of marriages, birthor or deaths, will in future be in- serted, unless authenticated By th name and addresj of the sender. I C trills. On the 21st inst., at laca Villa, Maindee, the wife of the late Stephen Campbell, Esq., of a son. At Bedminster, Bristol, the wife of Captain Howe, of the screw steamer Avon, of'a son. On. the 22d inst, at the Royal Oak Inn, Maoghen, the f wife of Mr. W. Watkins, of a daughter. At Cefn I'a, near Usk, the wife of Michael Parker Smith, Esq., of a son. Oa) the 24th inxt-, the wife of Mr. George Nurse, assorter, of the Pontymister Iron Yy 0rks, of a sou. On the 19th inst., at Viaforia-siieet, Aberga-venny, the wife of Mr. Thomas Phillips, bootmaker, of a daughter. fttdtrtagrs. On the 24th inst., at Trevethin Church, by the Rev; J. Hooper, Mr. William Robins, to Miss Ann Griffiths, both of Trevetbin. Also Mr. Benjamin Davies, to Miss Ann Moi-gan, both of Trevethin. On the loth inst., at St. Mary's Church, Cheltenham, t Mr. Alfred Doward, of Alvoston] to Mrs. Mary Grin dell, of Day House, Tideuham, daughter of Mr. Joseph Rymer, of the same place. On the 20th inst., at-St. James's Church, Dover, the Rev. Calvert R. Jones, of Heathfield, Glamorganshire, to. Portia Jane, only daughter of Edward J. Smith, Esq., of the Bengal Civil Service, and of No.3, Waterloo- crescent, Dover. At St. Mary's Chnreh, West Cowes, by the Rev. J. B. Atkinson, Ebenezer Davies, Esq., Swansea, to Eliza Jane f Caroline, eldest daughter of P. F. Bluett, Esq., of Gran- f tham House, West Cowes, Isle of Wight, and late of • Holcombe-court, Devon. On the 9th inst., at Malpas Chareh, Mr. Edward Williams, Mastor Archer, to Mary iane, the only daugh- ter of the late Captain Pierson, both of Sow Hill, Ponty- pool* On the 22nd. inst., at Lanhilleth Church, Mr. Job- Harding, mine contractor, to Jane, third daughter, of the late Mr. Adam Jjarnes, of the Toivn Forge, both of Sow Hill, Ponty pool. On the 26th inst., at Llanelly Church, Mr. D Evans, { draper, to Miss Charlotte Bishop, of the Griffin Inn, Brynmawr. On the 25th inst.. at the English. Baptist Chapel, Aber- sychan, by the Rev. S. Price, Mr. William JMpea, to y Miss Jane Boulter. v f ?3eatf)fr. i On the 2oth inst., at No. 8, Stow Hill.Newport,Henry, t infant son. of Mr. John Griffiths, builder. On the 22nd inst., at Newport, Mr. Edward Harrison, ^O n ^t hJ 24 th inst., at St. Mary-street, Banes well, Mr. 'TftiS 2 fiSio Upper, Mr. Thomas Row- ^Oa the 23d Hewport, Mr. James Warren, aged 85 t ^eon the 26th inst., at Lower Cross-street, Mr. William illiams, aged 64 yea.rs. On the 21st inst k at Dock-parade. Pillgwenlly, John J Brooks, infant son of Captain Sergeant. I On the 22nd inst., at Ruperra-street, Newport, Lewis Henry, infant soil of Mr. Powell. ) On the 24th inst., at Baneswell, Joseph, son of Mr. Gwyer, aged a years and 7 months. On the 2Gth inst., at Pillgwenlly, Selina, daughter of Mr. Griffiths, aged 15 years and 6 months. t On the 22nd inst., at Landevaud, Augustus, son of Mr. Morgan, aged 12 years. On the 24th inst., at Machen. Ann, daughter of toe ? late Mr. Matthews, aged 13 years. c On the 24th inst., at Aberoarn, Edmund, intant son of Mr. Jones.. i „ f On the 25th inst., at St. Brides, Ann, daughter of Mr.. F O^thelSd1 inst^at ihe of her brother, 18, Trinity-street, Cardiff. a|ed,27 year»* o On the 26th inst., the lalbot Inn, Tredegar, after a short but severe illness, Mr. Edmund V\ illiams, aged 48 years, much respected- On the 23rd inst, at Bassa leg, Mr. James Irwin, land- I lord of the Tredegar Arms, aged 49 years. Deceased was much respected by a large circle of friends. At Kensington, after a few days' illness, Mrs. Dowling, I relict of the late \V. Dowling, Esq., Over Wallop, Hants* On the 22nd inst., at his residence, 31, Old Market- street, Bristol, of consumption, Mr. Jame3 Henry Johns, stationer, &c., in the 26th year of his age. On the 19Lh inst., at the Field, Stroud, aged 40, Susan Author, second daughter of William B. Cartwright, Esq. Xewport and Cardiff, Saturday, May 29, 1858. Priuted for the Proprietor, EDWARD DOWLIXG, of Mount- Pleasant, Hill-street, in the Borough of Newport, by WILLIAM CHRISTOPHERS, of No 7, Commercial-street, in the said Borough aud published at the MEBLIS General Printing Office, No. 15, Commerei-ii street, Newport and at No. 31, St. Mary's. street, Cardiff, 1

CARDIFF. THE GREAT AGRICDLTURAL EXHIBITION -The frame work of several gigantic arches spanning the prinoipal streets, give token of the near approach of the great meeting of the Bath and West of England Society, and agricultural implements and steam engines are poured in by every goods train. 0 CARDIFF CATTLB MARKET AND TOWN COUNCIL MEETING.—At a meeting of the Council held on Friday, it was ordered that measures should be taken for opening a cattle market, in the field behind the Town Hall, on Monday, the 14th June. The resolution was carried by 16 votes to 4. THE EISTEDDFOD.—The committee intend that the pro- ceedings shall be carried on as much as possible in the Englsh language-, and that several English songs, glees, duets, &o., shall be sung at each meeting, in order to ac- commodate strangers who are act conversant in the ancient British tongue. We are given to understand that the committee and their friends will meet Dr. Nicholl Came at the Town-hall, on Monday next, at one o'clock, whence they will proceed to open the Eisteddfod, and award the prizes under the able direction of the Rev. Dr. James, Panteg Rectory. A great nmniber of patriotic gentlemen are expected from town- and country to join in the proces- sion, which will be headed by an efficient band. Dr. Nicholl Came will appear at the Eisteddfod in his LL.D 's robes, and will deliver an address on £ isteddfodaa and B»r<1istB in general THE PENSIONERS of the Cardiff district have assembled for their usual period of half-y-earlv drill, under Captain Wylie. On Monday they fired a. fea-de-joie, in honour of the nittal day of her Majesty. LEICESTERSHIRE AUTHORS.—On the 3rd instant,, a lecture was delivered by Mr. T. M. Potter, before the Leicester Literary Society, on "Leicestershire Authors —Past and Present." Among, his notices of living writers of poetry, he made the following mention of a lady whose lines have occasionally graced our Poet's Corner":—"Mrs. Edward Thomas, of Rolleston, is, I believe, the only Leicestershire author since the days of Beaumont, that lias attempted' a drama. Iler I Mer- chant's Daughter of Toulon. was received in London with a degree of enthusiasm rarely surpassed. It has been extolled by all the critica. One says that it has the ring of the old dramatists;' another terms it a miracle a third describes it as full both of comic and tragic poiver,' and a perfect success.' I believe I am correct in saying that another drama will soon appear from this talented lady's pen. With those Orient pearls at random strung,' which occasionally grace the eolumns of our local papers, you are well acquainted." I^IANDAFF FAIR.—The festivities of this great annual gathering were marred on- Monday last, by one of the heaviest downpourings of rain ever remembered. The morning opened with heavy showers, the intervals gradually becoming shorter, until at length it settled ,nto one continuous pelting of heavy sh-cwenng rain. 1'he cattle on show were numerous, but the general character of the stock was not superior, and the demand was slow. The bidders were reluctant to submit to a reduction in price, and therefore a comparatively small imount of business was. done. There were some very good cart horses shown, but those for the saddle were but indifferent, with few exceptions the demamd in this department wes also far from brisk, and but few changed hands. Notwithstanding the discouraging state of the weather, several hundreds of persons. visited the plear sure (?) fair in the evening, and the omnibuses ^om Cardiff were crowded at every trip. The outdoor imusements of every kind had of course to be nban-, loned. Tuesday proved beautifully bright and ne, md some thousands of pleasure seekers lmdemnihed. .hemselves for the disappointments of the previous day by visiting the Ancient City, thus compensating in wme degree, the wandering tribes of showmen, cheap Johns, &c., from the slack business of Monday, but as x whole, the fair cannot be called a good one. The number of visitors from the iron works was much smaller than usual, and we are happy to say, that although there were many of the light fingered gentsy in attendance, their business was also bad. BRISTOL BANKRUPTCY COURT, TUESDAY.— Mr. Commissioner West.)-Be Charles Williams, Cardiff, shipsmith.-The last examination of this bankrupt was adjourned, the balance sheet not having been filed. CALVINISTIC METHODIST: SUNDAY SCHOOLS, WHIT- RIONDAY.—On Monday last, three most interesting meet" ings in connection with the Sabbath School, were held in Zion Chapel, Trinity-street, Cardiff. The following schools met on the occasion :—Zion, Bethania, Loudon Square, Canton, Whitchurch, Taff's Well, Pentyrch, Bethel, St. Fagans, and Dinas Powys. Each school was examined upon a portion of scripture, and the examination on the whole proved very satisfactory. Besides these examinations, a general .examination of all the schools took place in the afternoon, on the history of the Bible, and in the evening, in general knowledge of the Scriptures. The examinations were very interest- ing, and many children distinguished themselves. The examiners were the Revds. David Phillips, Thomas Levi, Ystradgynlais; Watkin Mon- clawd; W. John, Treforest; and A. *ariet'y, each mouthshire. In erder to introduce a V* tion and an school had to sing before its ^the close of each anthem was sung by all the sct{°°ysas exceedingly good meeting. The singing a very superior style, but the Be^wboirs also sung with much Canton and Whitchur committec> Jo}m phjllip taste. At.t, delivered an interesting address, upon Jheq» History of Wales," before the Sunday school was established. CARDIFF POLICE,—MONDAY. [Before C. C. WILLIAMS, Esq., mayor, R. 0. JONES, Esq., police magistrate, W. D. BUSHELL, Esq and J, BRUCE PRYCE, Esq.] John Riley, charged with entering the shop of Moses Samuel, and attempting to steal some watches, was com- mitted for trial. Thomas Stamwell, charged with assaulting and kick- ing P.C. William Price (8), was fined £ 3 and costs, or a month's imprisonment. Patsey Reardon, charged with assaulting P.C. Trimble (29), was fined JE3 and costs, or a month's imprison- ment. Thomas Silty, pawnbroker, was charged with refusing to deliver up a coat pledged by Charles Wilson. Ordered to deliver up the coat, or pay the value. TUESDAY. N_ [Before R, 0. JONES, Eiq., police magistrate, ana EDWARDS.] POCKET PICKING.—Thomas Kellywas charged wi stealing £ 48 10it., the property of William Uppington, The prosecutor having soli some cattle at Llandalft s had in his possession £ 48 10s. in gold and silver 1 Monday night. Had his money at eight o'clock* 3 Riley's public-hous.>, in Bule-stred, Cardiff. ne £ tho prisoner at Mrs. Macarty' ab>ut, eleven o'clock! went from there with another man to the Blue AooJ| where they had some gin he then returned to Macarty's, and lodged there for the night. He was very drunk, and required assistance to get to bed, J was very positive that he felt his purse safe while in' house, but before he got into bed he said that been robbed. Prisoner was one of those assisting upstairs. -Timothy Donovan, who was in the time, said that prisoner came down stairs 810 eleven o'clock, and sitting down by the side of wito said, II There's £50 or £60, and sixpence besidet There were no other remarks made, but the pros 0. eP went out for the police, saying that he had been r — Prosecutor's son said that he went to bed about eil o'clock, and was called up to assist with three olhert, getting his father to bed. When they had gat hila the floor of the room, he asked him if his money was! right. His father put his hand in his pocket, and 8* that he had been robbed. After his father went for Jill police, prisoner said he had 150, showed a sixpence, laughed he then went ont for a time, and on his ret^ was taken into custody by the policeman.—Mrs. Mac# gave evidence that was not very material.—The prison* told Inspector Gifford that be had not been out of Macarty's at all; afterwards prisoner said that he wisM^ he had never been there. Oa searching him, he founi sixpence, and a purse that was Dot the prosecutor;t Committed for trial.. ILLEGALLY rAWNING.—trance* Rogers was charge } with unlawfully pawning a sheet and blanket, the ptl: perty of John Hare.—She was fined zaa., including cost or seven days' imprisonment. VIOLENT ASSAULT.—John Pride, een., John PridA jun., and John Thomas, were charged with violently, if saulting and wounding Charles Dexter, on Saturdw nIght last.-Mr. Owen appeared for the defence.-lb H. J. Paine, surgeon, said that between twelve and 0#| o clock on Saturday night he was called in to see a taM named Charles Daxter, in a house at Hfll's-terrae^i, found him perfectly insensible, with his eyes closed, eff dently from the effect of blows; directed applicatioto and in two hours after was again called to him, in coB* sequence of his having thrown up blood; he theD' ma signs of great pain in the region of the stomach, andJ hm since complained much of pain in that part; considers him in great danger on Sunday, and could not say th* he was out of danger now; both his eyes were closed, and he believed he had sustained some severe iÐ ternal injury.—Caroline Dexter said that on Saturday night she and her husband were at their lodgings; hf was out of temper, and she left the room and went 0 Mrs. Evans in the kitchen they went together to tltf room of a Mrs. Cormick her husband called her doWW but she did not go, and at Mrs. Evans's request ha up into the room immediately after, Mrs. Evans cftnrf in, followed by John Thomas and John Pride, the younger the latter said, Herers the b-, let us ha"" him out." Mr. Evans put his hand up to atop him, but Pride shoved him down on the bed; Pride then caught hold of her husband, and threw him down to the bottom of the stairs; Pride and John Thomas followed him she also ran down, and saw the elder Pride eome out with a poker in his hand she called out "Murder! don't kill him!" Young Pride had hold of her husband's head, beating him; John Thomas was kicking him; she saw Pride, the e!der, strike him once or twice over the shoul* der with a poker; attempting to prevent him she got d blow on her hand from the poker [showed' the mark] V. Pride held the door, but at last let her go out he then.. put the lamp out; she got the outer door- open by un- bolting it, and screa-ned "Murder!" several persons came to her help John Thomas ran out past her in the passage. On cross-examination, witness saiif she bad. heard that her husband had been attempting, to cut his throat that day, but did not believe it; she had a quarrel; with her busbamd, but did not strike him; did push her once.Johll Morgan and other witnesses gave evi- dence as to the violent conduct of the defendants towards Dexter.—As the magistrates considered it necessary that the injured man should attend, the defendants were-re- manded until Friday.