The Principality

ATROCIOUS ASSAULT AND DARING HIGHWAY ROBBERY. On Wednesday morning, shortly after daybreak, a daring high- way robbery, accompanied with the most violent assault, took place in a field at Pont Cana. This place, which is well-known to contain, during the celebration of Llandaff fair, the most degraded and dis- sipated of the visitors to that fete, has a number of booths erected in the lane leading to a public-house called the Half-way house." In these booths assemble characters of all sorts and kinds, and on the morning we have alluded to, which is generally the wind-up to the fair, such was the case. A person by the name of John Rees, a labourer of Llandaff, was also amongst the rest, but a stranger to the gang we have just alluded to. Fancying from his respectable appearance he possessed money, they took the opportunity of watching him and upon his leaving for the purpose of returning home, several fellows followed him to the stile leading into an ad- joining field, where they commenced cruelly beating him; they then allowed him to pass on into the field, but having got but a short distance thev commenced a second attack—threw him down, kicked him several times violently in the head, and rifled his ,pockets. lie was conveyed home in a very lamentable condition by a person who was with him at the time, but who with others dared not interfere, under the dread of being similarly treated by a re- served force of the ruffians, who remained a short distance in the batk-grbuhd. The dress and appearance Qf, some of the black- uards were given to the police by two or three bystanders, and on the same morning three fellows Were taken into custody and charged 'with the robbery. They are but mere lads, and bcazidg itrong re- semblance to the Jack Sheppard and Dick Turpiu schooL They stated their names to be Daniel Ryan, aged 18, John Collins, 19, -and John Thomas, 13 years. They were taken -before the Llandaff magistrates at once, but owing to the impossibility of the prosecutor to attend, he being suffering from the brutal treatment he had re- ceived, the matter was adjourned till the following (yesterday) morning, when it was heard at the Cardiff gaol, before the Rev. G; Thomas, of Llandaff Court. The evidence, which was brief, was as follows John Rees deposed; I was at Llandaff fair on Tuesday, and went to Pont Canna to one of the booths about twelve o'clock at night. I remained there until about three o'clock the next morning, when I left to go home to Llandaff. I was followed to the stile by some persons, who knocked me down when I got into the field. I had about 2s. when I went to the booth, but do not know whether I spent it all or not; I was so tipsy that I only recollect being ill- treated and losing a handkerchief. I cannot recognise either of the prisoners, nor do not know whether I saw them in the booth. I also lost my hat. William Francis, examined I am a labourer residing at Cardiff. L I was at Pont Canna on Wednesday morning about four o'clock. I saw prosecutor in a booth, and heard him call fur a pi .t of beer When it was brought to the table the prisoners and others took it up, but he succeeded in getting it away from them. said, Pay for another jug." The prosecutor said he would not. He then left the booth, and they followed him to the stile, where Collins knocked off his hat. When Rees had got one leg over the ,stile, l'bomas held the other leg, and Ryan commenced beating him dreadfully in the face, holding him at the same time by the hair of the head. He bled vei-y much. They then left him, and after-he was over the stile, the little prisoner [Thomas] said, Come on you — let us get something out of him." Rees had got about 40 yards from the stile, when Collins put his leg before the prosecutor and threw him down on his face. They then turned him on his back, and Collius and Thomas beat and kicked him very severely, whilst Ryan Was engaged taking the money out of Rees'a pocket and the handkerchief from "his neck. When Ryan got off the prosecutor I saw him show money to the others. I was about a yard from the affray whilst it was taking place, but was afraid to say anything, as there were six or seven sitting on the stile ready to- pitch into me if I did. Before they left, Thomas said," Lets give the -1>- another kick," and he kicked him on the head. The prisoners then left. I went with Rees to Llaindaff, who was in a Shocking state; his face was entirely covered with blooel, I in- formed the police-constable of what I had seen. David Evans examined: I am a painter anel glazier., residing at Cardiff. T was at Pout Canna assisting Miss Roberts, who had a booth there. About half-past four, on Wednesday morning I saw a gang of fellowsin the field ill-treating the prosecutor, but was afraid to go farther than the stile, as there were so many ruffians present. I saw the three prisoners, and two more not in custody, chase him into the field. I could distinctly see the prosecutor thrown down, and the prisoner Thomas kick him on the head, and another pick his pockets. One of the men not in custody, whom I know if I see again, had a piece of paper in his hand. 1 heard him say, I thought the had a £ 5 note." I do not hesitate to swear most positively that the prisoners where among the principal of the gang. During the chief portion of the investigation the prisoner Collins continued to make the most discordant howls and noises, which was supposed to have been intended for crying, but although he worked very hard to make such an impressioB, Jet he could not produce one tear. They were all committed for trial. POLICE. -TnuRsDAY, MAY 23.-[.Before his worship the Mayor, APAI C, C Williams, Esq.) John Bryant, Timothy Bryant, Pat Bryant, Mary Bryant, Sudy Bryant> William Barrett, Ellen Barrett, and Margaret Barrett,-and a hos £ of othersi were summoned for committing an assault on Ellen Sullivan. It appeared that one of the Barretts wished to be married to a female of the Bryant family, and it had been arranged that the wedding should take place at the ltoman Catholic chapel, on Wliit-Monday—that being considered a lucfey -day by the Irish. Another faction, which we will .title the Malionoys, be- came determined that the Br yarits and the Barretts should not be connected- at least in marriage. The wedding, however, by the aid Of policemen, who prevented any disturbers tf!om entering the took i,late aiF intended but in the evening a "row" ensued, in "hid1 the prisoners were not slightly concerned. The row occurred in Mary Ann-stfeet. John Bryant was fined 10s.; Timot hy Bryant, £ 1 Mary Bryant, 5s., each including costs The rest were discharged- Thomas Wil!i"tns, before Known as Tom Quack," was charged with assaulting Ann Gould, an unfortunate, at Pont Canna, on Whifc*Monday. The complainant stated that he was returning from the fair with a "flett- II em nn" (?) when the defendant came up," and without the provoca- tion," offered to fight him. The "geiitlemaii," who was abrnic-d,imnie- diately ran away, and ou Gould remonstrating with Williams for depriving her of the society ot L-er lie struck her a severe blow in the eye, which ably testified to the treatment she had received. Fined;Clandeo,ts. THE TIUDKGAR AMIS AGAIN 1—Michael O'hagan, the landlord, was charged with assaulting Michael Donovan—a person who, it will be recol- lected, wae-coimected as a Tvitiie>ss with the late disturbance at the above house. Mr. Biid appeared fi r the defendant. The complainant stated that he was a member to a club held at the Tredegar Arms, and on a previous tvcning- called at that house- for the purpose of paying his ^subscription to prevent himself being ikied. He was ordered to leave the house by the landlord{ which iiot being complied with lie was seized by the collar and forced out. A policeman was called, and ordered to turn the complainant out, as he was charged by the landlord with being an informer, to the pecu. niary inconvenience of Mr. O'Hagan. Accordingly he did so, and thereby lost the privilege he was entitled to as a member of the society. The ma- gistrates considered it necessary to fflark this case; although anxious to protect landlords, yet, they could not allow them to exceed the power the law gave them. They fined O'Hagan 5s. and costs. William Joneg wa's charged with assaulting Jane Richards, the landlady of the Ship and Dolphin public-house, in Churbh-street, on Wednesday night. Fined 58: and costs. Michael CocAlva for leaving his wife and family thargeable to the union was committed for seven days. William W illiams, better known as Billy Boy," wa< charged with figlti .ing in Newtowni on Tuesday evening last. Fined 5s. and costs. Several persons, who had previously received notice from the Street Coni." missioners to place necessary conveniences to their houses, were brought before the magistrates this morning for not complying with the order. They each were ordered to pay the expenses incurred, and likewise to provide what was necessary within fourteen days. Ann Llewellyn was charged with stealing from the person of Thomas Gray, in the employ of Mr. Bland, of Sully, the sum of B2 7s. 6d. and a canvass purse, while in a house of ill-fame, in Whitmore-lam. As the prosecutor did not appear, the prisoner was remanded for a week, and an order given to compel the appearance of Gray.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS EXCURSION TO PONTYPRIDD; It has been the custom of the teachers and friends of Sunday, schools in this town, for some years past, to treat the children to an excursion to some place or other on Whit-Monday. Their abject, and a Very praiseworthy one too, is to afford the youthi who attend the' various Sunday schools, the means of rationa amusement, without the attendant evils of those of Llandaff fair' This year they fixed on Pontypridd. The day was everything that could be desired. About ten o'clock the various schools met at their respective places of worship after which they formed themselves into a procession in St. Mary-street, and proceeded in regular order towards the station of the Taff Vale Railway. The following were the schools that attended Bethany [English Baptist]; Wesleyan 5 Tabernacle [Welsh Baptist] Zion [Calvimstic Methodist] Ebenezer [Welsh Independent] Trinity [English Independent]. They were attended by their- ministers, superintendents, and teachers. Several fri nds also, joined the company, amounting altogether to about one thousand. A little after twelve, they started in a special train, provided' at an extremely cheap rate by the company, who are always; ready to meet the wishes of the public. They were joined at Llandaff and Taff's Well station by other schools, who were welcomed with. the singing of appropriate anthems. While passing the mansion of Francis Crawshay, Esq., at Treforest, they were welcomed by the discharge of a round of cannon from that gentleman's fort. Mr. Crawshay attended in person, and took an active part in the performance. His salute was returned by hearty cheers from the carriages. The same compliment was paid them on their return, and was as warmly acknowledged. When the train reached Pontypridd, the rchools again formed themselves into a procession, and proceeded through the town— which seemed to have been brushed Up for the occasion; for never did we, see it look so clean and lively before-over that extraordinary work of art, the bridge which crosses the Taff; and up the mountain. They then dispersed over the mountain, and each school formed itself into a group, in order to partake of refreshment, for which the youngsters seemed quite prepáred" Buns and cake were plentifully distributed, and readily ele^ voured. They afterwards rambled over the mountain, which commanded a most delightful and picturesque scene-ry. i The Rocking Stone-that ancient andnobJerelic of the deciti of our flJrefatherswas an object of great attraction, on and around which, in times of yore, many a priest performed his sacred rites,and many a poet sang. It had been rumoured that the Rev. James James (Iago Emlyn), who is a bard of no mean order, and who is fully competent to the task, would deliver a lecture on the stone, explanatory of its origin and design | a large number gathered around it to hear of wonders ot ihe past. The following is a sun.mary of his address: I find that a report is gone abroad that I was to deliver a-lecture on this stone whereon I stand, which is Called in Welsh ?>tacn chwyf -i.e., rocking-stolie; and that several persons have come here to day on purpose to hear it. I certainly had intended to say a few words to the children of the different Sabbath schools upon this ancient relic, and other kindred ones in a general way, just for the instruction anel benefit of the young folks now before me, but nothing further. I am therefore afraid fliat those kind friends who have accompanied me here on this occasion will be disappointed, because no antiquarian knows the use which this particular kind of stone was intended for, nor have I been able to find any explanation of the subject in Welsh history, not even in the learned works of the author of the "Celtic Researches." We know something of the uses of the ci-omlechait, meini hiriott, maengylchoedd, maenres cistfeini, maen cetti, and cairns; but this kind rnaen chwyf is iii- volved in the obscurity of ages, so that any attempt to speak upoij it must be made by inferences from analogy. One thing is ceitainf, that this specie^ of stone is a part of the system of Druidism or Bardism, which were both connected. Now the first thing to'as- certain is to which part it belongs, the former or the latter. From the name of this spot, namely, Swyn-gylch Ceridwen, it would'apt pear that it must have belonged to Barelism, because this mystie goddess Ceridwen was thet)eres of ancient Britain in the DruidJc system, and was the ruler of Bardism. We may therefore suppose it probabl# that the Bards held their gorsedd&X the maen chwyf, tha|; is, an ordinatiofi of Bards. This seems likely from the name, i.ei, the magic circle of Ceres, the presiding divinity; and the rite of ordination is still performed within a ring formed of pebbles. I remember this very well, when I was ordained a bard myself, many yeats ago, when I was obliged to enter the sacred enclosure barei- foated, and I must say that I have been rather rude to-day its treading the holy ground of Ceridwen with my boots on (laughter). In the year 1819 the late celebrated folo JtIorganwg held a gorsedd at, Caermarthen, at the close of the eisteddfod, Dr. Burgess, Bishop of St. David's, was anxious to witness the ceremony, and Was about to enter the mystic ring, when the venerable Arch-Bard of Glamorgan, standing barefooted in the centre", with naked sword in hand, commanded his lordship not to step within the boundary unless he took off his shoes, because it was holy ground (laughter); The learned prelate had consecrated many a spot for Christian worship, but on that occasion the Bardic rose superior to the pre- latic power (cheers and laughter). The superstition of our fore- fathers contains many traditional references to the deluge, and it & a very singular faet that there are more Druidic remains to be found in islands than on the vast continents of Asia. This is evident enough in England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland the reason of which probably was that the sight of the sea might re," mind the people of the deliverance of man from the flood. The more we investigate this interesting fact, the clearer it appears, for the smaller islands appear to have been particularly sacred, as though they embodied the essence of the whole system; thus the Orkneys, and Shetlands, and Bardsen, are full )f the ruins of Druidism and: Anglesea, an island belonging to Wales, contains more Druielic stones than any othef county, and besides it was herfe that the Pontifcx Maximus, or Arch-Druid, resided. Perhaps no order of men ever enjoyed such extensive power and in"- fluence as the Druids ,and Bards. The veneration in which their theology was held is matter of surprise, for it continued to be highly esteemed and extensively professed in Britain for several ages after the introduction of the Gospel, and became blended in some degree with the formulas of Christianity itself, some vestiges of which remain even to this day. It is a fact in history that the Gospel was preached in Britain in the first century; about the middle of it Caractacus was sent a prisoner to Rome he was the son of Branfendigaid; both are said to have been converted at Rome through the instrumentality of Paul, then a prisoner; This is confirmed by the mention that is made of Claudia, the daughter of Caractacus, in' the second Epistle to Timothy, who was married' to Pudens, a Item an nobleman, whose name occurs i ii, the sawo verse with that of his illustrious partner. On the return of Brak and his family to Britain they were the means of establishing Cliris;- tianity in their native land. In the fourth century Eleutheriusj the Bishop of Rome, sent two missionaries to this country, of the names of Phaganus and Duoanus, in the reign of Lucius, or Lie, ap Coel, who founded the diocese of Llandaff, probably the- oldest Christian church in Wales. There are two churches in this sec dedicated to Phaganus and Diloanus, namely, St. Ffagan and Mer- thyr Dyfan. In the 5th century Dubricus, or Dyfrig, was made Bishop of Llandaff, so that by this time the Gospel must have made considerable progress; but notwithstanding this, and though began in the first age, Druidism was still in high repute and flourishing, for in the 6th century Taliesin and Aneurin lived, who were both. Druids and Bards, as their celebrated works still extant abundantly testify to which I may add, as a proof of the vast power and in- fluence of the ancient superstition, that there is a church not fat from this spot actually dedicated to a Mythological character—I mean Llanfabon, for Mahon was not a Christian saint like the other saints to whom so many of our churches are dedicated. I remeny- ber a few years ago paying a visit to this church for the purpose |f seeing the tomb of a Welsh Bare! with whom I was acquainted. At the head of the grave stands a Druidic pillar in the form of an obelisk, on which is eegraved, Yma gorwedd Gtwitym Morganwg Here then we have a Christian church -bearing, the name of a Pag .in character, and whose churchyard contains a monument whereon Is engrive(I an epitaph which evidently involves a Druidic senti- ment, the doctrine of the Metempsychosis. But what is still more extraordinary—so much so indeed as to be- scarcely credible^—is nevertheless true, as appears from historical records that cannot be doubted—the worship of Ceridwen, within whose circle I now stand, was celebrateel in conjunction with that of the moon in some; of our native fastnesses so late as the 12tli Century. This morning, on the subject of my anticipated address, I had a little friendl), altercation with a respected: friend of mine, who spoke rather trio freely of the Bardic orderi and drew, as I thought, some unwar- rantable inferences he adduced the names of a few old Bards nciv defunct, who held Druidic opinions, and then he classiiiel all tjte Bards with them; this is about as logical as if one were to infer from seeing one man living at Newbridge drunk, that all the inha- bitalltsare drunkards (hear, and cheers). I baye met with some few well-meaning persons, who seemed alarmed at the study of Druidisra and Bardism, as though it had a tendency to revive the ancient superstition. Such a fearis perfectly groundless (hear). -=- Any Pagan, system needs only to be known in order to-convince any one; of its folly, and it is well known that no professional edu- cation is complete without the knowledge of that classical lore Whose essence is Paganism itself. So far, therefore, as this from leading us back to the superstition of our forefathers, that it has a contrary tendency (hear). Thus we find Paul quoting the Grecian poets as he was preaching the Gospel to the Athenians. As to Bardism, it is in Perfect harmony with all the truths of Christianity, as it is poetically conside-ed, for the most ancient and best compositions in the world are written in verse—the sublimest parts "of the, Old Testament are poetical, such as thebooks of Job, Isaiah, and the Psalms. Sir William Jones, one of the most celebrated linguists that ever lived, having mastered the chief of the Oriental arid European languages, and studied their respective literature, says that the poetry of the Bible is superior to that of any other kind and this is no wonder when we consider that the sacred Vates had quaffed from the pure fountain of inspiration itself- "fast by the otacle of God." Though the Druidic system was heathen, in connexion with Bardism it was the means of preserving our language in all its native purity as it is at this day. The disci-r pies of the Druids were required to pass through a curruculum of twenty years, and to commit many thousands of lines to memory which were orally handed down from age to age this, together with many strict laws and regulations belouging to the system, was the means under Providence of the conservation of our beau- tiful language. So entirely has this been done that the poetry of Taliesin, and th6 Gododin of Aneurin, though composed 1,300 years ago, may be understood as well as the vernacular of the pre- sent day (hear, hear). Let us thank God for our precious privi- leges,1 and for preserving the Welsh language, in which the Gospel has been, anel continues to be, so successfully preached; though English manners considerably obtain in the more populous dis- tricts and towns, yet there are extensive regions in Wales where the language will continue to be spoken as long as the mountains stand and the river Taff below us continues to flow in its mean- dering course between the romantic hills, beneath the umbrageous 0 in trees (cheers), The world is progressing in every respect. When we look at the ruins of our castles-once the strongholds of despot- ism, whose feudal lords lived by rapine and war-how thankful we should be for peace and civil and religious liberty (hear, hear). As these strongholds of tyranny have been destroyed for ever, so superstition and heathenism shall be brought into perpetual deso- lation, and Christianity flourish on their very ruins. Although Druidism as a religious system has no loliger an existence; and whilst we have reason to rejoice at the change, there is no reason why we should not study it in connexion with the history of our country, which cannot indeed be properly done without, We should iove our country, for cas na charo y wlad a'i maco" (hear, hear, and cheers). Even from the rubbish of barbarism some good may be gleaned, and as the old vicar has said or sung, li Cijmmer berl o enau llyffan." Let us receive truth wherever found, and whilst we are basking in the superior lustre of divine truth, we may blend the feebler ray of the light of nature with that of Reve- lation-both emanating from the same source-and we may walk as the children of light when observing the Bardic motto, Yn toy neb haul a llygad goleuni" In the face of the sun and the eye of light" (loud cheers). The Rev. Charles Tucker then proposed a vote of thanks to Ir; James for his excellent and entertaining address, which was warmly responded to. Addresses were also delivered in Welsh: on another part of the mountain, by the Rev. David Jones, Rev, Win. Lewis, Mr. Owen, and others. Between five and six o'clock the company wended their way towards the station, and returned to Cardiff, highly delighted with the proceedings of the day. There was not the slightest accident or anything to mur the pleasures of the excursion.

PONTYPRIDD. TESTIMONIAL OF RESPECT TO W. W. PAUL, ESQ. On Monday the workmen of the Ynysngharad Works met at the Maen Chwyf,, to present their employer with a testimonial of their respect and esteem for him during the time he has been manager of the works, Wm. Price, Esq., the surgeon of the works, on behalf of the workmen presented the testimonial, a beautiful gold watch, with the following words :— Mr. Paul, Sir.-I rise on behalf of the Ynysngharad workmen, who have deputed me their representative, to address you at the Maen," where by their invitation you appear this day face to face, and in the face of day, to receive from them this public manifestation of their respect and admiration, on the occasion of presenting you with a material testimonial of what they feel they owe you for your humtine conduct towards them, while they served you under your masterly direction of these works jfor the last ten years; and as the representative of their instructions, I feel great pleasure in pro- posing that you will be pleased to receive from the hands of Edward Evans, one of the present Ynysngharad workmen, this gold watch, as a token inscribed with the high opinion they enter- tain of your genius and abilities as a niaster, and your real nobility as a man. Be assured, sir, that no power upon earth could have called forth this voluntary expression of the: love and attachment of the Cymmerian race to a Sais, or to anybody else. but the reverence they feel in their hearts for your real worth as a master an(i as a man. You have had sufficient experience amongst the Cymry to be convinced that the character of the aborigines is the same now as it has ever been sung by the primitive bards :— "Cymry un gyffret, Eu lhu, a' eu lheehet." "Cymry un fuchedh, Anrhydedh, Rhinwedh, Trindod, Trugaredh." • In English thus,— Cymry move in one, Their and their lightning." Cymry is one intelligent government, The houour, the nature, The thrice-born, the three gods of peacc." May you, sir, continue to live in health and happiness in the Vale of Taff, to reap the oollefitöf the character you have established in the good opinion of your late workmen, to bless them, and to be blessed by them in your respective capacities of master and work- men, till the wheels of this watch shall be worn out in counting time,, is the sincere wish of the Ynysngharad workmen. Mr. Paul, in suitable terms, acknowledged the compliment paid him. The following is the inscription on the watch This watch was presented to Mr. W. W. Paul, May 20th, 185.0, on the Maen,in the parish of Eglwysilan, in the county of Glamorgan, by the Ynysngharad workmen, as a testimonial of their respect and admiration of his masterly direction of these works, and his un- wearied zeal for their employers' interests, and also for his firm yet courteous demeanour towards themselves, for a perLd often years, ending March 1st, 1850." The following stanzas were then recited by Mr. Moses Cule :— Arwyddawl wir barch a rexMir—heddyw I'r gorhaedelawl feistir Ei rhiniau myg, goronir O ein blaengar y maen, mir. Llywawdwr a, gwr rhagorol -ni fa Ef, agweitliiwr celfol; Ei glod i'r oes ddyfoelol Yn lion a eldwg hon o'i ol." After this recitation, the meeting was addressed by Mr. Evan James,, of Pontypridd, in Welsh, as to the freedom here displayed in the Welsh character from narrow-mindedness and prejudice in thus presenting Mr. Paul, who was a Sais," or Englishman, with such a testimonial, and a time when their earnings were small. Mr. Lewis James then gave an address, partly in Welsh and partly in English, replete with good sense and good feeling. The workmen, with their wives and children, were amply sup- plied with a repast of that fluid which cheers but not inebriates."

BRIDGEND. WESLEYAN CHAFET,.—The anniversary rn connexion with the above place of worship was held on Sunday last, when sermons were preached by the Rev. Mr. Trethewey, of Cornwall. SERIOUS ACCIDENT.-On Monday evening last, as Mr. Thomas Morgan, butcher, was returning from Southerndown in a spring cart, he was thrown out so violently as to' be insensible for some time. Several labourers in an adjoining field seeing the accident, hastened to his assistance and placed him in a cart, offering to drive him .home, but he would notlallow them, stating that he was able to do so himself. He had not proceeded far before he was thrown out again, and when brought home, and medical assist- ance called, it was found that two ribs were broken, besides being very badly braised. He is at present in a fair way of recovery. It is to be hoped that this will be a caution to persons driving fast when in a state of liquor. DR&T-H By BUIINING.-Oll Sunday morning last, between the hours of ten and eleven o'clock, a girl, the daughter of Lewis Richards, potter, near this town, was so badly burnt as to cause her death the day after. It appears that the mother was gone to chapel, leaving the girl and her father at home the father had not left the house many, minutes to go into an adjoining field, when he heard a piercing scream from the house. He imme- diately jumped over the hedge, and beheld his daughter in flames, rolling herself in a quantity of mud,with the view of extinguish- ing the fire. Medical aid was immediately called in, but of no avail; the sufferer soon gave symptoms of death. ON Saturday evening last, Mr. John Thomas, fmm Merthyr, gave an evening concert of sacred music, at theTown-hall. The attendance was far from being namerous. He also gave another concert on Monday evening last, which was no better attended. The singing on these evenings was far from what we expected—better having been heard at the Notter chaptl. It ap- pears that Mr. Thomas has singers with him that never appeared before in public, and it is to hoped .they will not appear again until they have practised a little more.—[We are surprised to see such an erroneous account of this concert in our contemporary the Herald.ED.]

MERTHYR. Tow 'N-HALL.-The*,idjourtied n-icetirg took place at-fhe vestry- room, on the 16th inst., when Mr. Frank James, the honorary secretary, read the following repi>rt" The committee beg leave to report that they have canvassed Merthyr and Dowlais for sub- scriptions. The amount now promised is £ 1,320 Is., in addition to Sir John Guest's £1,000, and tliry propose writing immediately to the non-resident gentlemen connected with the town. The eommittee have to: report that they called at Cyfarthfa castle with the intention of seeing Mr. Crawshay, and they regret to state that he declined to see them, but sent to say that he felt so much aggrieved at the conduct of the trade of r, with reference to the sanitary measures, without consulting the principal rate- payers, that they must build the town-hall for themselves, and do without him. With reference to the site referred to, the committee beg leave to state that they have no further information to give re- specting any sites but the one on Mr. Thomas's land, at the back of the new church, as to which they are glad to be able to say that a good road is about to be made to it, and Mr. Thomas has liberally offered to let on lease for 999 years, any quantity of ground at 3d. per yard per annum." A desultory conversation then ensued between the members when it was finally resolved to adjourn the meeting till June 6th, when it is expected that answers will be received from most of the owners of property who are non- residents of the place. We are happy to know the committee are indefatigable in their exertions, and we believe that the answerd from many of the large owners of property will be favourable. ERECTION OF A WORKHOUSE.-This question, which has long- been in abeyance before the board of guardians has at length bee.f settled. It haa been resolved to build one of considerable size, and we see there are several men employed in cutting the founda- tion. It will be erected on Mr. Thomas's, of the Court, property, behind the new church, and we imagine that it will ultimately prove highly beneficial, especially with regard to the infirm poor, and the great number of pauper children who are now lett unpro- vided for and uneducated. THE Rev. J. O. Hill delivered a lecture on Tuesday evening at the High-street chapel, on the Interpretation of Propliee-y." Thers.was a tolerably good attendance, and the reverend gentle- man t^ept through many of the prophecies of the Old and New Testament, and which he conceived to have been fulfilled, or were at present in the course of fulfilment. His language was able ami illustrative; but we should like to hear him upon some more directly practical subjects. LARGE TRAIN To LLANDAFF FAIR.-The number of passen.geit who went by the morning train from Merthyr was very great, alii it was wonderful to imagine, when the last train came up at eleven o'clock at night, whence they came from. We are happy to know that, though many of them, in consequence of Bacchus plenus, were hardly capable of talking care of themselves, yet, that not the slightest accident happened at any of the stations between this town and. Llalidaff. THEATRE.—This place of amusement is not so well patronised as theatre-goers could wish. Many causes may be assigned the low wages of the working classes, we are of opinion, is tLe principal drawback. The play of Hamlet was acted on Friday night, under the patronage of a gentleman of high standing in ti: e town. The attendance was very respectable and large, and the actors exerted themselves to give salisfuction Mr. Walelron, jun., played the character of Hamlet with considerable discriminutiou and talent. Some scenes particularly good, such as the one with Ophelia, where he bids her get to a nunnery the scene of ti.e players, and his interview with his mother. We certainly are .f opinion that this gentleman has but to study deeply, and per- severe, and he will in time, for he appears very young, reach a high standard in his profession. Mrs. Rogers was very excellent in some portions of Ophelia, and Mr. Groves had only to l.} transferred to some. court with a couple of thousands a-year ft r. carrying his white stick, and we opine few noble marquises would do the Lord Chamberlain with more courtesy, good manners, and appropriate ceremonies. FATAL ACCIDENT.—-An inquest was held on the 18th inst., before J. Morgan, Esq.j deputy coroner, on the body of Wm'. Richards, miner, at Plymouth Works. From the evidence it appeared he was at work in one of the Clynmil pits, when a fall of stone came upon him, which resulted in his death. Verdict, Accidental Death." He has letl a wife and two or three children.

SWANISEA. TESTIMONIAL TO THE REV. E. JACOB, OF Sw ANSEA.-A mer t- itig was held at Ebenezer Welsh Congregational chapel, on Mon- day evening, April 29, for the purpose of presenting a testiii-ionial to the Ret. E. Jacob, the minister of the place, as a token of the esteem and affection entertained towards him by the congress tion, dnd of their appreciation of the ze il and energy manifest., el by him in connexion with the interests of the place. After a few introductory observations by Mr. Thomas Jones, one of tlte deacon" ofthe church, on the duties of churches to aid the ministry in its labours, the testimonial was presented by Mr. E Griffiths, who made a few appropriate observations upon the occasion. It con- sisted of twenty-seven nicely-bound copies of some of our standard works in theology and general literature, comprising Lardner's Credibility of the Gospels," in ten N-ol- Chalmers' Scripture Readings," in five vols.; Steward on the Revelation Isaac Taylor's works," in four vols.; Carlisle's Hero and Hero Wor ship;" Davidson's Introduction to the New Testament," in tw<r vols;; "Neamur's Church History," in two vols.; the works of Shakspere, in one vol.; together with a handsomely-bound Family Bible. Mr. Jacob, in receiving the testimonial, expressed his gratitude to his friends for the manner iti which they had ex- pressed their appreciation of his humble efforts in connexion with, the cause at that place. He then alluded to the time he first cam among them—eight years since—when he was a comparative stranger to them after adverting to his labour in connexion witlr Ebenezer, and to some difficulties which had been experienced in the course of his ministry, he remarked that he had received nothing but the kindest aid and assistance from them as a eongff gation. Had time admitted, it was his intention to have offered some retnarks on the subject of general literature, more particu- larly in reference to the history of the books comprised in the testimonial, With which they had so kindly presented him, th« circumstances under which they were written, &c. Afteralluding to the labours of the early Nonconformists at Swansea, he men- tioned a remarkable incident in the life of the Rev. Peter Wil liams, who was curate of St. Mary's church for a short time. At the close of Mr. Jacob's address, the meeting terminated.

NEWPORT. WHIT-MONDAY.—This was quite a gala day. in this town and both the inhabitants and the weather conspired to put on their gayest holiday attire, and processions, tea-parties, and soiries innumerable, delightfully filled up the time; whilst the clear bright sunshine and warm temperature seemed to infuse new spirits to the gay assemblage. The Ancient Order of Foresters, in their coats of Lincoln green," with their bug-lesr and their other emblems of 11 woodcraft," went in procession through the town, to the no small wonder and admiration of the inhabitants, and th" well dusting of their gorgeous liveries, and they afterwards adjourned to mine host" and finished the day in theusua l manner. The Odd Women's club also went in procession, raising not a little the curiosity of the uninitiated; Tho children belonging to the Newport Sunday School Unio i walked to the New Market, forming a very imposing scene and, after singing a hymn and listening to a short address by the Rev. Owen Owen, the Independent minister at Mill- street chapel, they returned to their respective chapels and partook of the tea and cake kindly provided for them. Th children of the National School also met and, after tho usual addresses, partook of tea and cake at the Nation sl School-rooms. The splendid band of the 77th Regimen t, bv the kindness of the officers, was in attendance, and played during tea time. The day was wound up bv a splendid e-, hibitioir of fireworks by Mr. Gingell, of Bristol, Wn!C;l' attracted numbers of people. The shops in town were i closed during this day, according to public announcement,, [ with the exception of a few, who persisted in denying their young men the privilege so kindly accorded by the majority of the respectable inhabitants. ACCIDENT TO THE TREDEGAR MAIL.—Williams, the coachman, who it will be recollected, met with a severe accident, whilst crossing the rails at the Tredegar works, is, we are glad to hear, slowly recovering, under the able management of Dr. Stadc of this town. 0 STOW FAIR, THURSDAY.—From the auspicious appear- ance of the weather, we have reason to believe that the fair this year will be very well attended..The usual collection of roundabouts, conjuring, booths, gingerbread stalls, and tents of every variety and character, including the enormou* tent of Ginnett's circus, are already making their appearance, and from the determination towards enjoyment visible i I the countenances of the throng beginning to move towards Stow Hill, we fully anticipate no lessening of the ancient re- putation of Stow fair. The horse fair held at the new ¡ market also bids fair to be well attended.