Monmouthshire Merlin

THE CALAMITOUS ACCIDENT AT THE VICTORIA THEATRE. The fatal consequences of the accident at the Victoria Theatre on Boxing-day are given in the supplement. The result of subsequent inquiry shows beyond question that, not 15, as previously stated, but 16 unfortunate persons lost their lives. On Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Payne held an inquest at St. Thomas's Hospital, on the bodies, which lay there, of William Cooper and Henry Nash, who were killed in the accident. They were both about 17 years of age, and the sons of poor parents. Among the witnesses examined were the following William Hands, the money-taker at the gallery of the Victoria Theatre, said The accident occurred about half-past four on Monday afternoon, while the earlier performance was going on. I had taken up the money I had received at the morning performance into the saloon of the gallery, when I saw the people in the gal- lery jump up. There was a cry of Fire 1" and some of the people made towards the staircase. The check- taker and I tried to stop them going out that way, and directed them to go right across the saloon and down another staircase. A gocd many of them got by us and ran down the main stairs, unfastened the door opposite my box, and then the crush took place between them and the crowd on the stairs. I did not see any fire. By a Juryman There was an escape of gas on the first landing from the ground, caused by the people as they went down jumping up and clinging to the pipe. It was not larger than a butcher's light on a Saturday night. I heard the people as they came from the gal- lery cry Fire 1" Ihe alarm was given in the boxes, and the people in the gallery took it up. The gallery staircase is about five feet six inches wide. John Croft, painter, said: I was at the Victoria Theatre on Monday afternoon. I went there about two o'clock, and sat in the dress circle, nearly in the centre. For an hour and a half or more everything went on quietly. About a quarter to four I saw smoke arise in front of the boxes, about eight or ten seats before me. I heard some persons in the boxes say, You're on fire, you're on fire," to a man whose coat was said to be on fire. I did not see the man so addressed. There was an imme- diate rush to the doors from the boxes, and I made ray escape from the house with others. The man to whom the persons near him said "You're on fire," stood up, holding his coat behind. I saw a little smoke. It was that which caused the alarm, and nothing else. Mr. Henry Young, of 50. Elli,.tt's-row. St. George's- road, treasurer of the theatre, said I was in the box lobbv, and heard a cry of" Fire which appeared to be in the boxes. The audience rose up in a mass I en- treated them to sit down, and asked the cause of their alarm. Several of those nearest to me exclaimed, There is fire; we can smell it and see the smoke." Numbers then made a rush to the principal staircase in a minute or two I convinced them there was no danger, and they returned to their seats. I had not then seen any smoke, but I smelt fire. I heard the commotion in the gallery. The cry of Fire went like an electric spark from boxes to pit, and from pit to gallery in a moment. I afterwaids examined the spot, but saw no- thing to indicate that there had been any fire. After the tumult had subsided, some p opie, of whom I made inquiries, said they saw a boy's coat on fire, io the pocket of which theie had been some fusees. No one knew who the boy was, nor whither he went. At that moment my attention was called to the disaster on the staircase, and I did not pursue the inquiry further about him. By a Juryman Every soul was out of the theatre bv five o'clock. Those who went down the main staircase from the gallery ought not to have done so. They were warned not to go that way, but the crowd were panic- stricken and could not be controlled. Joseph Holmes, a lad about 17, living at 40, Salis- bury-street, Bermondsey, a boiler maker, said I was on the top step but two of the gallery staircase, waiting for the evening performance, with William Cooper, one of the deceased, and Patrick Ilandrahan, who is also dead. We got to the theatre about four o'clock. A great many people were below me on the staircase, all waiting to be admitted. At that moment the gallery door near the money-taker's box opened from the inside, and some person who came out sa1-d, "Get out, the place is on fire!" We then all made a rush down stairs, and I was clinched" on the top of some people before me. As I called for help I saw a gaspipe on the first landing from the ground had burst. Several people were thrown down on the landing, and I among the rest. All this happened from the rush made by the people to get out. I did not notice that the gaspipe had burst till I was down. George Budd, a police-sergeant, deposed that when on duty about half-past four, outside the theatre, he saw the people who were waiting in a crowd on the stairs for the evening performance, rush backwards, saying the stairc ase was on fite. He then rushed upstairs'and | saw a great light, which was flaring out from tke as pipe on the first landing of the ground one. The° whole place was alight. In the rush he saw many of the people on the stairs who stood backwards to the ground shot down like sacks on the first landing-place, and two persons jumped over the balustrade from one flight of stairs upon the people on a lower one, in thfir eagerness to escape. He added, in answer to a juryman, that two extia constables were placed outside the theatre during the morning performance, but no extra ones inside. 0 Edward Corbet, the gas-fitter at the Theatre, described the gaspipe which burst as running across a brick wail nine feet from the floor of the last landing. He pro- duced the pipe itself, and pointed out a split in it, which several of the jury, after examining it closely, contended was an old sore. Witness differed from that opinion, and also denied that there was any explosion of gas on the occasion. He added that the light from the rupture in the gaspipe could not have been seen in the gallery, which was 80 feet above. The jury, after a few minutes' deliberation, said, through their foreman, they were all of opinion that the deceased lost their lives by accident, and that, according to the evidence, the alaun originated in the boxes of the theatre. The Coroner said he could see nothing to lead them to any other conclusion With this the inquiry ended. Mr. Carter, coroner for Surrey, opened an inquest on the remaining 14 persons killed in the accident on Thursday morning, at the Ship lavem, Lambeth. 0'

DESTRUCTIVE FluE AND Loss OF THREE LIVES.- On Thursday morning, between the hours of one and two o clock, a destructive fire broke out in London passage, a veiy narrow thoroughfare, leading from Wbitecross-street to Golden lane, St. Luxe's, which terminated with the loss of three lives. Tho premises were in the occupation of Mr. Charles Wrench, cane-dres>er, are situated in a densely-crowrled neighbourhood of poor persons, who at the time of the outbreak were soundly steepin". The scene that presented itself was heartrending, and women rushing from their houses undressed, with their children in their arms. On coming down stairs Mr. rench found the back room in one mass of flame, through which be rushed into t e court, leaving the door open tbe «iud carried the flames up the staircase, and rendered the escape of the other inmates impossible. Ag. o l supply of water having been procured vast streams were t: rown into the premises, but the fire was not subdued un' ill the house was entirely gutted. As soon as the tire was suffi- ciently abated, Engineers Baylis and Robbins went in search of the missing persons, when they foun Mrs Elizabeth Wrench, sitting on a box in the front room with her arm partly out of the window, and her child Eliza Wrench, aged seven mouths, on her arm. Tiie eldest boy, Charles Wrench, age-luiue years, was found in the first-floor back rOOin, up in the comer, burnt to a cinder. The e iuse of the fire is unknown. CHRISTMAS RLVEL.—The Christmas revel at Aston Hall drew together a numerous and festive company on Monday evening, the whole of the tickets for tint occa- sion being disposed of before noon on Monday. The venerable and pictuesque building bad been gaily, taste- fully, and appropriately decorated with an abundance of mistletoe, holly, and ivy, together with groups of sculp- ture, by Mr. Hollins, ami portraits of Ben Jouson, and of Sir Lister and Lady Holte, and other embellishments. The amusements were preceded by a prologue, written by Mr. J. A. Langlord, aud spoken by Mr. Roe. The sin 'in- of the National Anthem and a number of carols was°fol° lowed by the processiou and installation of the Lord of Misrule, and the carrying in of the Yule Log," Her- nck s well-known song to which the assembly joined iu singing. The proceedings of the evening, which every one present seemed heartily to enjoy, were further euli- veneil by singing, dancing, a charade, and processions with the wassail bowl and boar's head.—MidLmrt Counties Herald. MAJOR Sill. JIAUKY HAVELOCK.—Among the various exploits which have contened honour on the British character during the present insurrection in IuJia, there are few more extraordinary than that which has been recently performed by Major Havelock, the son of the illustrious General whom the nation delights to honour. He accompanied the force under General Douglas to Jugdespore. After some minor skirmishes, six columns converged to shut the enemy in, but they contrived to break through and make their escape, scarcely filing a shot. Their number was computed at 4,500 horse and foot, all old Sepoys and mutineers. On the 18th of October it appeared certain that they were making for the Soane, and it was equally that they were able to get into Beharand to reach Gya the havock committed by them would be fearful. Brigadier Douglas entrusted 200 cavalry to Major Havelock to follow them and check their movements. He started without tents, baggage, followers, or regular sup; lies, and in the course of six days pursued the enemy 200 milts, and with the aid of Colonel Turner's column, had three skirmishes with them, in which upwards of 500 were slaughtered, and the whole body of rebels driven into the Kyrnoie Hills, and the district brought completely into our possession. The chief, Ummcr Singh, escaped capture only through the exhausted state of the horses, of whom more than sixty perished through this tremendous exertion. There are few examples in our military history in India of such I a inarch, under such circumstances, or of such complete succe«»,—TYwej,

HOSPITALITY IN COMMERCIAL CIRCLES.—At this sea- Bon of the year a commercial firm is occasionally found which sets an example of hospitality to business men in every part of the country. Some appropriate offjriu" is tendered to the individuals in its employ, or a graceful compliment paid to the gentlemen with whom it is con- nected in trade, and thus perfect good feeling is preserve! on all sides. Few houses are more liberal in this respect than that of Messrs. G It. Tattersall & Sons, of buty, London. Thenrm isextensively engaged intbehosi:ry trade, and is accustomed every year to invite all parties who have business with it-from" buyers" to warehouse- men—to a plentiful and substantial luncheon. We were a witness the o'her day to this pleasing gathering, and no- thing could exceed theenjovment manifested by the many gentlemen who assisted" at it. A desperate razzi t': was made on the provisions spread out and an abundant reserve could alone have enabled the host to endure the shock. As it was, fresh reinforcements were constantly brought out, and the firm decidedly cuue off the victors from the struggle. Mr. George Tattersall received every one with a honest and genial welcome and in all parts of the room good wishes were expressed for his prosperity. The event, was altogether a very gratifying one to all con- cerned-certainly to the 150 gentlemen who took an active part in it. MYSTERIOUS DEATH —An inquiry, which terminated on Wednesday, has been made by Mr. G. Dyson, coroner, of Hudder-field, into the cause of the death of an old man, named AVillium Hall, a smull cloth manufacturer, residing at Golcar, who was found lying dead on the hearthru" before the fireplace in his own house, on the evening of tho 21st ult. It was the custom of the deceased to attend the cloth-market at Huddersfield, and it was in consequence ( f his being missed there on the day just named that inquiries were made, which resulted-in the discovery of his body under circums'ances of considerable suspicion About five months ago Hall's wife had died, and since then he had lived alone. Shortly after that event his home was broken in'o and robbed of about JE20, but the thieves were never discovered. Hall's son, who is a weaver and a married man, lived next door to him, but they were not on friendly terms, and had not spoken to each other for nearly two months. When the old man was missed, some persons went to his house, and finding all the doors and windows fastened an entrance was effected by one of the upper casaments, and tbe de- ceased was found stretched before the fireplace quite dead, and with marks on his neck, indicating- strangu- lation. Mr. Roberts, surgeon, who ttade a post meriem examination of the body by direction of the coroner, expressed his opinion that the deceased had died from the effects of strangulation produced by a thin cord, anil gave lengthened reasons for that opinion. The jury. after some deliberation, returned the following verdict: That the deceased, William Hall, was found dead in his house on the 21st of December, with marks of strangula- tion sufficient to cause death but how or in what manner these marks were produced there is not evidence to prove." THE TALE OF A SAD DOG.-A somewhat curious ex- ample of intelligence in a dog is stated to have occurred a few days ago at Toulouse. Some mischievous body fas- tened a tin kettle to its tail, and the poor animal in'great terror ran off, closely pursued by thrm. In spite of his terror, tae dog, it was noticed, looked in a peculiar way a' the housfs he passed, as if seeking for shelter in ore of 'hem, and at lost seeing one in which was the oflice of the commissi^ of police, he rushed into it, entered tbe office and quictty laid down, as if certain of obtaining protection, If the 11 cal newspapers are to be believed, the reason why the cog selected -he office of the commissary in preference to any othlr "IlS that his mistress, an old and somewhat eccentric lady, having a few days before been pei-s,-cu,ed by the same boys, went to the commissary, and sought and obtained his protection. 'I he dog, who was with her at the time, remembered, the local journals remark, the effect produced, and iu his turn took advantage of it,

BRISTOL MARKET ROOM. THTRSBAY. —The supply of En::ii-h wheat was short, and so d if anything, rather better than last week. Malting barley fully as dear, grinding the turn easier. Oa'.s maintain their va ue, but with a slow sale. Besns very firm. Peas neglected. WHEAT—Vhite 5s Od to 5s 6d per bush. Red 4s g, j to 58 3d White, new 5s Od to 5s 61 Red, new 4s 6.1 to 5s-3d „ FoRErGN- "White 5s Od to 0a Od „ BAIILLY-Alalting 3?s Od to 42s Od per qr. Grinding 27s Od to 30s Od Distilling 26, (I l '0 2Us O,l OATS—Whito Feed 22s 0d to 23a Od „ Black „ 22s Od to 23s Od „ Irish White 23s od to 25s 6d 11 Black 20s 6d to 21s 6d BEANS—English 5s 0d to 6s 0d per bush. New 5s 6d to 6s Od „ PEAS—Boiling 5Ss Od to 60s Od per qr. Pigs 4os J to 50s 0.1 „ FLOUR RHN^LISLI best seeo'i.ls 3)? to 31s 0.1 P3R sack

BRISTOL EYE HOSPITAL, LOWER MAUDLIN STREET. Founded A.D. 1810 Admission Days—Tv.:sday, Thursday, and Saturday, from Half-past Eleven to One. Xumber of Patients attending this Week 86 Fresh Cases 20 ——' Sura-eon—Dr. BARTLIOY. THE TEEDEGAll HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Monday Jan. 3rd at Ebbw Bridge -ednc'sday „ 5th at H iss lileT Gartll FiiJay ,r7{b Tredegar Ilousa At liau-past eleven o'clock THE MO X >i O UIHS HIR E HO UND 8 W ILL MEET OX Saturuay, Jan. 1st at Beech Hill, Usk Monday Cross Huchan Toll Bar ihurs iay Gth at Graig Finger Post At half-past ten o'clock. RAIL\/Ai TitAFFIC RETUiiXS. MONMOUTHSHIRE RAILWAY AND C A MA L. Week ending December 25tb, 1:333 £ 1920 16 5 Corresponding week, 1857 £ 2096 1 9 NEWPORT, ABERGAVENNY, AND HEREFORD. Week ending December 26th, 1853 £ 1375 14 8 Corresponding week, 1857 £ 1<'72 13 10 SOUTH WALES. Week ending December 26th, 1S53 £ 6118 3 6 Corresponding Week, 1S57 £ 6267 11 0

U S.'t £ T''S' CARRIAGES, AM) DEATHS. liic a S i mari,a-r, birtas, or deaths, will in futu-e be sender*)' authenticated by the name and address of the r> ™ IStrlTis. On the 22nd uH., at Clifton Woo I Home, Mis. Herbert of a Recently at Gwenffawd, Lhmover, the wife of Mr. S. F. rLirris, elsh flannel manufacturer, of a daughter. jTiarnagrs. On the 25th ult., at Swansea, by the Rev. E. B. SnnirA vicar, Mr. J. W. lliches, of the M. R. and (j. q0\ New- port, to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr. J. Widdoirsoa late of Llanarth. On the 27th ult., at Siloi Chapel, Llanelly, by the Rev; David Rees, the Rev. Thomas Davies, minister of the above chapel, to Elizabeth, daughter of Captain John Brabyn, of Llandly. 'f Orattis. On the 28th ult at Dock-sir. ct, Newport, Mr. George K-ight (formerly of Leominster,) of consumption, aged 28 years. Deceased was greatly esteemed for his unassuming demeano .rand sympathised with in his two years' gradual decline by a large number of frien ";s. Ch the 2Sh ult., at Newport, tunr^e Montagu, aged 4 years, and Edmund Henry, aged 6 jears, the beloved children of Mr. Octavius H. J e1) iu s, surgeon. On the 2<th ult., accidentally drowned at Newport Doclc, -Jens Peter Johaflsea, native of Sweden, a^ed 24 years. D On the 27th ult at Sau:h Market-str. et, Newport, Tho,iia., son of Air. a,,3,1 three years. the t th ult at Canal-side, Newport, Mary, daugh- ter ol Capt nil M-.yler of tue Cardigan Arms, a<»ed 7 vears ()u the 27th ult., at Portland-street, Pilbwenllv, John, ;n:a't son of Mr. Williams. On the 27 h ult., at High-street, Pillgwenlly, Mrs. Headfort. aged 43 yearrs. On the 26th ult., at Maiket street, Joseph, infant son of Mr*Parker. trunkmaker. On the 20th ult., at Mellon_-street, Newport, Mr. Thos. Miles, aged 68 years. On the 24th ult., at Mellon-square, John, infant son of Mr. Richards, ru: s ,n. On the 23rd ult, at Canal Para, le, Erumanue], infant son of Mr. Si)asli. 0.1 the 22nd ult., at Bal hvyn s'reet, Pilgwenllv. Cccelia daughter of Mr. Rowlands, aged 2 years. Oil the 22nd nIt, at Mellon street, Newport, Alfred, infant son of Mr. Bright. On the 22nd ult., at Newpoit, Mr. Thomas Quelch, aged 27 years. On the 24th at Windsoi-terrace, Baneswell, Alfred, son of Mr. Dawes, aL'ed 2 ears. On the 24th u)t at Courtybella-slreet, Pillgwenlly, TIJOIIIRIS, son of Mr. Allen, 5 years. On the 24th alt at South Market-street, Newport, Mr "V\ iliiam Eager, aged 33 y' ars. On the 28,h ult., at Ebenezer Terrace, Mrs. Hennessey, aged 56 ye.irs. On the 20th ult., at George street, Newport, Catherine, infant daughter of Mr. Burns silk mercer. Ou the 28th ult., at Maindee, Mrs. Ann Wood, aged 50 years On 26th nit., at Malpas, Ann, daughter of Mr. Edwards, ng-ed 6 years. On the 26th ult., at Malpas, Matilda, daughter of Mr. Henry Jones, shipwright, aged 10 jears. Ou_the 26th u.t, at Cwmbran, Mr. William Harris, aged 77 years. On the 25th ult. at Rogerstoue, Thomas, infant son of Mr. Harris. On the 22nd ult., at Bedw.8, Mr. Thomas Jones, aged 8, years. 9 On the 28th ult, at Pontheer, Miss Priscilia Richards, 23 yean. On the 27th ult., at Redwie., Ann, the beloved wife of Air. falters, farmer, aged 48 yea is au the 24th ult., at Mache»- 1r. Thomas Hart, aged ù) On The 24th ult at Cwmbran, Elizabeth, infant daugh- ter of Mr. Thomas. 6 On the 24th lilt" at Pontymaison, Louisa, daughter of Mr. Harris, farmer, aged 6 years. On the 23rd ult., at Llanvair, Andrew son of Mr. Davies, aged 5 years. On the 27ih ult., at Bushey-heath, Herts, the Ven. John Williams, Archdeacon of Cardigan, and late Rector of the Edinburgh Academy. On the 21st ult., Harriet, the wife of Mr. Evan Phillips, tailor, St. John-stree", Abergavenny, aged 3-5 yea's. On the 15th ult., at Princess-strect, Abergavenny, Mr. John Vaughan, maltster, aged 66 years. On the 12 b ult., suddenly at Frogmore-street, Aberga- venny, Mary, relict of Mr. David W illiam, formerly skinner, of that place, aged 70 years. On the 18tb ult., at Princess-btreet, Abergavenny, Mar- garet, wife of Mr. William Lewis, aged 50years On the 21st ult., at Llanarth, much respected, Mr. Wm. Lewis, aged 91 years. He bad been in the employ of the late John Jones, Esq., and family, Llanarth Coart, for 60 years.

DOCK-STEEET, CHAPEL.—A lecture specially addressed to young women and young men, on Human character and human influence," will be delivered on Sunday evening next, by the Rev. A. McAuslauo On Monday evening last, the Rev, T. Z:) Brookes Wreuford, of Trinity Church, Pillgwenlly., was presented with a chaste silver card basket by the mem- bers ot his Bible Class, with the following address Rev. and Dear Sir,—To-morrow being the anniver- sary of your birthday, we, the members of your Bible Class bavo much pleasure in begging your acceptance of a sniad token of our love ami esteem for you. We wish you many very happy returns of the day we also thank you for the affectionate interest which you take in our Bible Class, and we ti ust the seed which you endeavour to instil into our hearts may bring loith abaudautly to the glory of God and that God, in His infinite mercy, may pot»r the greatest blessings, both spiritual and temporal, on yourself, Airs. Wreuferd, and family, are the sincere wishes and prayers of your Bible Class." Mr. Wrenfonl has only been a few months in Pillgwenlly, but during that short perioll he has gained the affection of all classes of his parishioners.—Communicated. BURIAL BOARD.—The monthly meeting was held on Wednesday. The Vicar of St. Woolos, the Rev. Edward Hawkins, M A., presided and there were present in addition-Aldermen Homfray, Mullock, and Latch; Mr. James Brown Mr. Llewellyn and Mr. L B. Moore and Mr. J. F. Mullock, clerk. The minutes <jf the last meeting ha-ving been read, a conversation arose upon some remarks which fell from AIderm n Latch. as to the arrangement of tne trees planted in the cemetery. The clerk said all that was intended was not yet completed. A letter was read from the Chief Rabbi, Dr Adler, with regard to the g ound in the cemetery asked for by the Jews, and from which it appeared that a wall was abso- lutely necessary to enclose it, as well as a separate entrance from tbe highway. The request, it was said, had been acceded to at North Shields and Southampton. The number of Jews iu this district is 85, viz. -43 children and 42 adults. Alderman Latch said at Southampton tbe Cemetery belonged to a private company, which rendered the matter a totally different one. For himself he had no objection to a line of demarcati n, but to an enclosure he decidedly objected. Mr. Moore suggested an underground wall. The clerk said that would be insufficient. Alder- man Homfray and other gentlemen were favour. He to allow wig the Jews an allotment, but could no' consent to an innovation which would lead to demands from other sects, especially after the Board had declined to accede to wishes somewhat similar expressed heretofore by other denomi- nation- Mr. Isaacs, one of the Jewish persuasion, was here introduced. In answer to the Board he said, there must be an enclosing wall about six feet high. A long discussion ensued, but the ssnse of the me ting was against permitting such an enclosure as that alluded to by Mr. Tsaacs, wffo was v-Iami to apply to Sir Charles M -gau for a piece of ground immediately outside the cemetery, the Board promising to second his application. No utber business of any importance was transacted. THE QUARTER SESSIONS for this county com- mence on Monday next, subjoined being the minutes of the busness to be transacted oil that day :-To administer the oaths to magistrates and others qualifying fur offic^ To read the minutes of the last session, and consider matters connected therewith. To receive a comraunin- "TfiTt Ab TSeCr,eta'7 of. St'te, stating that he had Certified to the Lords Commissioners of tbe Treasury that the police of the county had been maintained in a state of H n r l nnA"nn wLole y":u'' in tlie of the 16th section of the Act 19 and 20 Vic., cap. 69 -To receive the annual leport. of the committee of visitors of the Joint Counties Asylum and to appoint the committee of visitors for the asylum for the ensuing year. -To receive the report of the police committee, and consider an alteration recom- mended by tiie committee in tbe site of the police station at Blackwood.—To receive the report of the chief constable of the conntYo-To appoint a committee to fix the period for holding the Easter Sessions.—To receive the reports of the visiting justices and governors cf the county prisons. -To receive the report of the finance committee, and order payment of bills audited by them.—To Cx a day for audit- ing the expenses of criminal prosecutions at these sessions. To order county aud police rates.—To receive the report of the c unity surveyor. To receive the report of the in- spector of weights aud me.sjres.—To receive the report of thtl chrk of the peaee and treasurer, as to the return of schedules and payment of tines.—Mr. Samuel Homfray to move that Ne port Bridge be widened at the expense of the county, and also tint, permission be giveu to widen aud raise the approaches to the biidge on the town side at the coat of the undertakers of the work. Prisoners for trial, 18.—Appeals, none. FATAL SniPwnEC&.—Last week a vessel struck on the shoe at the Cove of St. Loy, Cornwall and was completely destroyed. The captain', mate, and a sailor were diowned, and two only of the men were saved. The narrative of these men, Joseph Symons and Charles Walmsly, will best tell the melancholy story of the weeck. They Paid We left Newport at about 2 o'clock in the afternoon of Tuesday, the 14th of Decem- her, 1858, ia the biig uitine Isabella, of Plymouth, of 120 tons register, and l87 tons of coalou board, for Plymouth. We were seamen on board the crew consisted of the m: ster, Robert Wright, nged 31, the mate, John Wil- liams aged 64, both of Plymouth one seaman Robert Smitb, of "uuderland. aged 24, and ourselves the vessel was about 13 years old, and belonged to Mr. Friend, Mr. Ansen, and others, of Plymouth. \Vø were off St. Ivea on Wednesday night, but were driven back by a southerly gale, as far off as Ilfraeombe. About .8.30 p.m., on Fri- day, tbe 17th, we rounded tbe Land's End, under reefed topsail, &c with a heavy sea on, tha wiii,l blowing strong at S.S.W. aud 11 p.m we took in the jib-boom off on the port tack, tne Lizard lights in sight at 1 a.m. of the 18th, wo split the square-foresail and topmast stay- sail and, having secured them, we stowed the topsail, and abont 2 o'clock we were hove to on the port tack, under the double-reefed mainsail. We then pumped the ship out, and at 4 o'clock the watch (the captain, Symons, and Srni'li) went belo'v at 5 o'clock a light wag seen on the starboard beam, the ship heading W.S.W., and im- mediately afterwards the land under the lee bow. All bauds were roused up at once, and we set the jib and top- SMI., and split, mainstay sail, aud tried to stay her, but she reiused turee times following, and there was no loom to wear. e then got the boat out, but stove her iu gtt- tingher over the side; we put four oars into her, and all hands got in, tlig ctiptain last, and then left the vessel, but, finding the boat failing fast, we pulletl back to the vessel, and Smith went on board for a bucket, but could not find one. Then the captain went on board and threw in a bucket and jumped in himself. The sea then took tho boat and carried her round under the ship's bows and stove her. We both succeeded in getting back to the ship but the sea swamped the boat, which disappeared at about 20 yards' distance, and both captain and mate were drowned about 10 minutfs a er le s up struck, at which time Smith and ourselves were all Smith went aft to look for a hatch to float asho.e on, but was quickly washed overboard and drownei. » oseph Symons, got on the bowsprit, and, being unable to swim dropped from tbe jib-boom end on the topo! a ^ave, and was carried on the rocks while I, Charles a uis y, stripped myself naked and got into the fore-rigging, am on the masts falling, swain for the shore, aud were uotn picked up and kindly taken care of by some people, who, bearing us shouting before the ship struck, h«p come down ° reuder us assistance. They took us to their housos and Applied U8 with food and raiment, and despatched an ex- who* l° ^enzauce f°r Mr. Richard Pearce, Lloyd's agent, The hew i?°n on sP°t> and gave all needful directions, into rnn quite disappeared, and the ship is broken cant'iin re a thousand pieces. The bodies of the ant* were washed in on Sunday The police have found a silver spoon, sup- R°/S,etH °» den«een stolei!« It's marked on tbe handle, rj t u'lo will ?Pears to have been some time in vjse, Mr- Huxtable ^nll gweany information on the 8ubject DISASTERS AT SEA.-The Lochibo, which sailed from this port about three weeks since, with 1300 tons of coal for Rio Janeiro, met with very heavy weather about 400 miles beyond Cape Clear. She was considerably da- maged, so much so that it was necessary to put back and she is now in Newport undergoing repair. The Bruno, of Bremen, with coals for St. Thomas, out eight days, came back oil Sunday morning, having sprung a ItMk and been otherwise injured in the recent gales. She is now in the dock discharging. INQUEST.—An inquest was held on Thursday before Air. \Y. H. Brewer, deputy coroner, upon the body of Peter Jansen, carpenter on board a Danish ship. The deceased, all evening or two before, walked into the dock at one of the slips, and three quarters of an hour elapsed before his corpse could be recovered. Verdict, Accidental death LIBERALITY.—Through the kind thoughtful- ness of Mr. 11. F. Woollett, the inmates of the alms- houses Wlre provided with the means of enjoyment on Christmas-day, each being supplied with six pounds of prime beef, an ample quantity of vegetables, and one shilling in money. PEOPLE'S CONCERTS.—The arrangements for a series of these concerts, which we alluded to a short time since as being in contemplation, have so progressed as to allow the honorary secretaries to make a public announce- ment of them. The regulations are set forth in an adver- tisement in another column. We trust the experiment will be attended with success. The annual dinner of the Newport and South Wales Caledonian Society will be held at the King's Head Hotel, on Friday, the 14th instant. Mr. John John Anderson, of Manchester, will take the chair, aud I dinner will be placed on the table at five. We are glad to announce that a dinner will take place this month, in Newport, in commemoration of the Burns' centenary. On so interesting au occasion, we trust a large company will assemble. The gentlemen to whom application for particulars must be made are Mr. Patterson and Mr. T. Wilson. ANNUAL SUPPER--The annual game supper or wayzegoose," as it is technically termed—held I by the compositors of the MEKLTN, took phce on Tuesday hist. A plentiful supply of game, &.c.—kin ))y forwarded by various gentlemen—was placed on the table, and subse- quently a number of toasts were proposed, including the healths of those who had contributed to the supper. The wines, supplied by a gentleman, were of first-rate vint ijie, and the whole proceedings were most satisfactory. Mr. Powell occupied the chair. NEWPORT DISTRICT OF ODD FELLOWS, 1LU.- The District Meeting was held on Monday last, at the Tredegar Arms, Cofu, Host, John Walter. President, Mr. Samuel Harlow Vice, Mr. John Kenvin Mr. David Pr. sscr, sec. The following wi-re tbe deleg tes present Temple < f Peace Augustus Witts King Ar hur, Edward Morgan; Trefdith Castle, John Juhns; Merlin, Thomas Dagger; tfor Had. James Samuel James Rock of Hope, Henry Edmunds; Morning ^tar, John llees Prince of Wales, Thomas Barnes; Western Valley, John Burfield Price Castell-y-bwch, David Jones Star of Freedom, Alfred Hoptou Pillgwenlly, Jesse D Lvies. Raglan Castle was not represented. The business of the meeting was well carried out by the different delegates, and all were gratified with the prosperity of the district. The number of members returned were 1,418, being an increase in the year of 162. The amount of funeral money paid durin^ tbe preceding year was £ 197 10.->. The sum paid to widows and orphans amounted to £ 90. Mr. David Francis was returned as P.G.M Mr. John Dixon as P.D.G.M., and Mr. D.vid Prosser, as C.S. for the ensuing year. A yole of thanks was awarded to the retiring officers for so ably conducting the business of the district during the past twelve mouths. The catering of the host was exceedingly creditaMe. Several visiting officers and brothers joined the delegates at the dinner table. After the addre>se« of tIJe newly-appointed officers, the meeting broke up. FitEhMAS)NRY.—The ceremony -of the in- stallation of Brotlur William Pick ford, as W.M. of the Silurian Lodge, took place on Monday, at the Westgate Hotel The imposing forms were gone through by P31 Edward Wells, assisted ty P.M. Nicholas, P.M. West, P.M. Gould, and P M. Ilyndman and a banquet was subsequently served by host Brother HaJlen. The new W.M. p esided, and contributed much to the comfort and joyousness of the evening. The senior warden, Brother Joseph E. Davies, occupied the vice-chair. In the course of the proceedings, a i eautiful Past Master's gold jewel was presented to the late P.M. Brother Lyne, by the W.M., on behalf of the lodge, for his v^ry faithful services during his year of office just expired, and the unremitting atten- tion he has paid to the intel" sts of the craft. Brother Lyne, upon whom the testimonial came by surprise, ex- pressed his acknowledgments in at once eloqueut and affecting language. The following is the list of officers for the current year —W. Pickford, W.M. C. Lyne, P.M. Joseph E. Davies, S. \V. Thomas Beynoa, J. W. Wvnd- t^asUrGr; William Williams, secretary H. Steel, S.D.; J. Q. Hux-able, J.D ( £ VV. Jones, T. G. Hardee, stewards; Gr. Pfeiffer, • H L. Williams, J. G.; William Macfee, tyler.

MOMOUTH. (Continned trom our third page.") Tho usual market falling this year on Christinas-day, the customary show of meat was held on Friday, the 24th ult., and the butchers' shops werefided with the most splendid specimens of stock we have ever had the pleasure of beholding. The show of meat altogether was of the most first-rate description, and to say which was the best display would be quite invidious, for all was good in qualit.y, and as regards quantity, there was more than would possibly supply the wants of all. In fact, a bettor or finer display of mert than was exhibited on this occa- sion we have rarely, if ever, had the gratification of wit- nessing. Instead of that great amount of fat which we have often observed, the stock exhibited thiB year appeared rather different, the fat and lean being more proportionate. The whole of tho shops were very prettily decorated with holly, laurels, &c., &c. but those of Messrs. W. Watkins, We'jb, Whitley, and W. Cowles deserve especial commendation, so tastefully were they set off, and the manner of dressing -elicited general admiration. We observed in the shop of Mr. Cowles one excellent heifer, of uucoomoaly good quality, three-years- old, bred and fed by Mr. Pritchard, of Pergoed 4 very fine wethers, aud 2 excellent porkers, bred and fed by Mr John Hughe-=, of the Priory Mill I fine porker, and 4 exceedingly choice wethers, and 3 Welsh ditto, fed by Mr. G. King. The Messrs. Dowding bad a very superior three-years-old heifer 1 four-years-old capital heifer, bred and ft-d by Mr. Pritchard, of Pergoed 4 wethers, fed by Mr. Hughes, of the Priory Mill 2 very beautiful and deli- cate porkers, fed by "\1r. J. A. Hall two superior porkers, fed by Mr. W Dowding; aud one ditto, fed by Mr. liiehards, of Mitcheltroy. Mr. W. Humphreys had likewise a lino show of beef, mut.ton, and pork, of such quality that it would be difficult for the most dainty epicure to find fault with. In the poultry department there some rare specimens of turkeys, fgeese, and fowls; while the grocers were not slow in exhibiting their share of the good things for the festive season—their goods being very tastefully displayed, and their windows very gracefully ornamented with holly, laurels, &c. SKA-SOXABLE GIFTs.-On the 24th ult., the poor of the parish of Rockfield were liberally supplied with In( at and other necessaries, through the bounty of the Rev. E. Everett and bis lady. On Christmas-day the girls and boys belonging to the school, were also presented with comfortable clothing, consisting of substantial cloaks and bonnets, neatly trimmed, for tbe girls; and good flannel frocks, caps, and neckties for the bovs, constituting very acceptable and seasonable gifts for this period of the year. GUN A CCrDENT.-On Monday last an accident occurred to a young man of the nallle of Prosser, which resulted, fortunately, in only incapacitating him from following his employment for a time. It appears the unlucky youth, who is assistant for Nlr. Evans, grocer, was in the act of firing off the gnn, when it exploded at the breech, severely injuring two of his fingers. AWFUL DEATH.—A little boy, son of Mr. Bateman, mason, died on Thursday morning last, owing to in- juries sustained by the ignition of his clothes. From what v. e can learn, it appears that the child, who was lying in be.i suffering from measles on Tuesday last, was unavoidably left alone for a short time, while his mother went out to fetch some water. During her ab- sence, ho vever, tbe poor little fellow must have got out of bed, and by some means set fire to bis clothes. Every attention was at once paid to the little sufferer by the medical gentlemen who attended him, but he gradually sunk and expired on Thursday last.

BBYNMAWR. Continued from our third page.) EISTFDDFOD.—On Monday last, the Cymrodorion Dirwestol" held their first Eisteddfod at Rehoboth Chiipcl, under the presidency of the Rev. Wm. Jenkins. The chapel, which is calculated to hold about fifteen hundred people, was crowded to excess, and a great number were unable to obtain admission, as it was feared that the gallery would be endangered if the officials had not closed the doors by the direction of the Chairman. The first prize for singing was carried away by Mr. Rees Williams, of Blaina, (mixed choir.) The proceeds will be devoted to the purpose of holding an Eisteddfod next year on a much larger scale. UTTEEING COUNTERFEIT COIN.— Joseph Dallymore was brought up on Tuesday last before G. P. Beavan, Esq., M.D., on the charge of having given a bad shilling to a young man named Roger Marks. It appeared that prisoner and Marks were put companions, and that tbe former had no bad intention when he gave it. The case was dismissed.

Dji Œlrrtrit icfwntpjr. Reported Specially for the Merlin, 2his being now the oi.hj paper in the district ichich avails itself of Telegraphic Communication. LOXDC-X CORX MARKET.—FRIDAY. Fair business in F.nglish wheat, at Monday's rafes. Foreign held firmly, net much cfilling. Flour brings full value. Prime barley sells readily, but common dull. Oats in fair demand at full terms. Malt unchanged in value. Few buvers of beans and peas. Weather—East: fuggy.

SALE OF COKN BY WEIGHT.-Tbe Liver;,ool Albion s.a'es that, the new weight, equal to lOflbs. avoirdupois, to be called the ;< cenui," will be adopted exclusively for ail trarsac ions in the Liverpool Corn Market on and after the 1st of February next, all other eights, except for minor portions ot the Ceu:a\" a, d the measures of every kind whatever, being from th-it date excluded At Hull likewise, it has been reived to adopt the cental," not only for all grain, l fand met!, out fcr seeds also and Wakefield and Lee Is are exneeted to concur in the movement. Mr Johu Murray, the publisher, whobo:ds the copyright of the works of Lord Byron, is ab, ut to publish a complete people's edition. The first part -> ill be out towards the end of January next, and will contain Childe Harold," complete, with notes biographical a: d critic.), aud choice steel engravings. The miners employed by Messrs. CVilincwoo 1 and Chad- wick, of Little borough, at the Oatehouie Colliery have returned to work, having obtain* I a second advance, amounting to b. 2 1. per score. The first advauce they L'ot was 81. per score, making the total incr.eseof wages la. 10J. per score. ° Coughs colds, asthma, shortness of breath, s itting of blooi and all affections of the chest and lutirs, effectuate cured by Lanibert's Ast imatic Balsant. Perso s wtio are subject to or suf. ferin- from bronchia r any of the abovo complaints, s.ioulc? im- mediately take a few dos s of this extraoriiinarv medicine, vhi 'l s a certain and elticacious remedy. It frequently cures p SO is whom the faculty proao nc? incurable, and there is noith;r medicine known that is so certain and effectual. Extr'-c- of I letter from Mr. Stephen iiennett, High-s re t Kensington — 'T > Mr Lambert. 2', Jermyu sueet, Hayutrket. London.— have been afflicted nearly six years with a-th'^a. and ^pitti iir 0 blood, and great difficulty of breathing; after e\p»n '.in- Upw~ rd of fifty po .nits in medicine, without obtaining any reUf. 1 m induced to try Lambert's Asthmatic Balsam, and bv its use, nd artention to the prescribed regimen. aLd totally abstaining f om spirits and malt liquor, 1 am effectually cured. Feeling grateful for the same, I publish this statement in hopes that others so af- flicted may have recourse to your invaluable meuicine and thereby erive great benefit." Soid in bot'.Lsa: 13.1., 2s. 3d. and 4s. 6d. and by all druggists ai, I b oi^ihers. 2403

CARDIFF. (Continued from the third page.) RODBERy.-On Friday, a carpet-bag was stolen from a vehicle in Church-street. POCKET PICKING. —In the market before Christmas there were, as usual, several cases of pocket-picking. Mary Thomas, of Trefortst, lost £ 3 10s. in gold, and 8s. in silver, in a purse, while in a shop in Trinity- street. SHOPLIFTING—O.i Monday, a large basket was stolen from the door of Miss Thomas, in St. Mary-street.—On Saturday, a black over-coat was stolen from the shop of Mr. S. Hall, High-street. POULTKY STEALING.-Threo geese were stolen on Wednesday night from tho premMeg of Mr. Thomas Morgan, Canton.

wonderful that some earnest, fastidious persons should abstain altogether from offering the c' 0 compliments of the season, from a reasonable fear of falling into the use of empty phrases, and seem to adopt the resolution of him in Cymbeline—■ "To sliame the guise of the world, I will begin The fashion less without and more within." 1, But, dismissing even the thought of wandering in the labyrinth of empty phrases, we come at once to the vast and open plain of observation -throw back some of the barriers that separate us from the past—turn a last look on the year that we have travelled through—see what was its history—what its bright, what its blotted, pages—then, endeavouring to gaze 0 r, through the chinks of the opening year, observe calmly, sedately, confidently, and endeavour to read the future by the often severe, but still over instructive lessons of the past! EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY-EIGIIT opened "vith congratulations pouring in on every side o the English Mother and the English Queen, 'n her sending forth her first-boin, the che- nshed daughter of the purest home in the ."crid, to ado-n and grace a foreign Court, and to be herself the mother of a future race of kings. That the union then formed might ^e happy, was the prayer welling from every loyal heart and that these prayers might be heard before the Throne above, is still the fervent aspiration of all, the more especially as rumours have reached listening and attentive ears, that the English Rose has not bloomed or flourished <:> so well on a foreign as on its own soil, and that tile "cold shade'' of German Court etiquette h's often sent an icy chilliness to that young heart that was buoyant with life, joy, and hope in the glades of Hoyal Windsor, or in 1he less stately homes of Her own—h«r native land." May we trust that such rumours have been f ;{ge or at least exaggerated, and that Prussia's future Queen may find all the happiness, all the affection, all the homage due to her high Lileage-her pure mind—the child and model of the best of women, and the first of Queens. Dark and dreary was the palsied march of commerce during the early months of the year that has gone to swell as a unit, the ocean of years that have rolled over the race of man. Enterprise paused—speculation there was none. All was gloom—all dread-all fear to hold the ground which great talent, great success, and years of honourable integrity had won. Houses toppled, as ships torn from their moorings— credit seemed adrift, and the question on every side was, when this state of things would end. It did end, and there were more than streaks of light in the commercial firmament, and the storm was passed, and calmness and conndence came upon us. We suffered much in our own district, but the great firms breasted the wi ids that struck against them they were left un- scathed, and, we trust, but slight.ly harmed, to re-commence in the opening spring those gigantic operations which have made the great staple trades of Monmouthshire and Glamor- ganshire second to none in the empire. The war in India went steadily and gloriously on through the entire of 1858. Lord CLYD like every general wlio lias commanded an army, when he was not the monarch of that army, like a NAPOLEON and a FREDERICK, has been subjected to great censure for his im- passive course of warfare, as WELLINGTON himself was blamed for standing with pointed arms behind the lines of Torres Vedras, when, in the words of his uncritical and unmilitary assailants, he should have left that great fortress of nature, and taken Soult and Junot in front and flank. Lord CLYDE is no FABIUS, although his tactics have been called Fabian—he has known the due ti ne to prepare—the just moment to attack. He left no formidable enemy in the field, and he is now striking terror into the very recesses of the heart of Oude. He is bringing a country as large as Europe under the sway of the Crown, and peace and protection are offered, when rebellion pauses and surrenders its strongholds. The Roman laws and- institutions followed the con- quering arms of her legions, and blotted out the o ;j footprints and repaired the ravages that war had made. Such is Lord CLYDE'S course—a course that in the year opening upon us has made its midway career, and will lead to the com. plete pacification of India. The Queen's name is a tower of strength, and that name has been '=' wafted across the sea and the desert, to increase the treasures of the east. The sceptre ot Majesty now rules instead of the pen of the Merchant Prince or Soldier, and Hindostan rejoices to be ruled and governed by its Empress, V lCTORIA herself The happiest results must flow from this change of Govern- ment, and the Empress Sovereign will, by the wisdom of her sway, be soon blessed through the length and breadth of that mighty land, the brightest gem in the British Crown, which Kussia covets but will never get, and which ALEXANDER THE GREAT himself endeavoured in vain to conquer and to win. At home, we have had Mr. BRIGHT, the self- taught orator and politician, awakening a spirit which was thought to be dead amongst ns-thc spirit of REFORM But it was not dead, it only slept, and has risen refined, like a giant, from his slumbers. 1 hey knew not England and the English who said that the country had lost its passions—that its pulse bad been felt, and that the body politic was unfit for any g, ea^ or na_ tional undertaking. Mr. BRIGHT had only to touch the cord to make its pulsations be heard and felt throughout the land. His schemes may be too vast, his plans crude, and not accu- rately enough d,fined-he may have laboured unwisely and injudiciously to array class against class, and man against man—but, after all, he is a wonderful being, and would seem, like the first PITT, like O' CONN ELL, like PEEL, to have a mission to fulfil, a destiny to run. He is the precursor, speaking from the platform—the pre- cU:ø<>r of a large measure of Reform which peit er Whig nop Tory dare now refuse, a»d 1. which we tru.-t will form the keystone'of that arch over which the car of the constitution may roll safely and majestically along. So much for the past year. For the future there is much to be done, great things to be hoped for. Reform gained, our criminal code revised and reduced, like the glorious one of NAPOLEON, to a system into which subtleties cannot enter, nor chicanery find a resting place—the army eman- cipated from the sway of red-tape, our coasts put on a war-footing of defence, and a Chan- nel fleet sufficient to sweep and bear down and annihilate all hostile fleets before it, and be, anlll 1 a ea. while it swims or rests upon its shadow, the great standing menace cf Cherbourg. Italy we trust to see freed of her chains—the Germans sent home without much blood being shed, to their beer, their homes, and their Vatherland, and King BOJIBA carted for wholesome exercise in some treadmill erected within sight of Sicily, but on that soil that he has so long cursed and desolated by his rule. We would further proceed and speak of France, Russia, Hungary, and even of ungalvanisecf' Poland but our space admonishes us to conclude, but not before again wishing our readers a happy new year, trusting that in their sphere, at least, there may be realised many of the blessings they deserve. And looking beyond .hem to the wider horizon of the social world generally, we pray that t'.e new year may bring influences with it to accelerate the growth of the NATIONS, and prepare them for a free and happy destiny.