The Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette and Merthyr Guardian

tunate in the selection of a clergyman whose conduct had been so praiseworthy, and who had given so much satisfac- tion to all classes of society. OPENING OF THE NEW CHURCH. Lord James Stuart, having, at the request of the meeting, resumed the chair on this occasion, thanks were unanimously award-d to the Very Rev. the Dean of Llandaff, and to the Rev. John Webb, for the excellent sermons preached at the opening of St. Mary's Church, with a request that they allow the sermons to be printed. Lord James Stuart, previous to putting the resolution, said, that it afforded him great satisfaction to find that the New Church, on the occasion of its opening, had been so well attended, and that the collections, under the circum- stances, had been so handsome; for a contribution of over £100, could not but be considered handsome. There was still, he should observe, a deficit of £ 250; and lie would venture to hope, that at the consecration of the sacred edifice. that sum would be liquidated. He was also glad to find so very large and respectable a congregation present—such a beginning, he would hope, augured well for future atten- dance. In seconding the first resolution, The Rev. Thomas Stacey said that the committee could not but feel the deepest gratificat ion at the proceedings and result of the opening of St. Mary's Church. The obli- gation they were under to the Very Rev. the Dean, and the Yicar of Cardiff, for their respective sermons, well described in the resolution just submitted to the meeting, as highly appropriate and eloquent; for such, indeed, were they acknowledged to be by all who had the advantage of hearing them, the committee most thankfully acknowledged. If he might presume to speak for them, he would say that they could not but allow that every thing had succeeded far beyond their most sanguine expectations; and the vast crowds of elegantly dressed persons that thronged the sacred edifice, were to them a noble and grateful sight. Without having issued a single particular invitation (except to the neighbouring clergy), for such they did not think the occa- sion demanded, they witnessed hundreds and hundreds come together from a distance, whom no other inducement led than the feeling of interest in our undertaking; and among them they were truly gratified to see the Right Hon. the Member for the Boroughs, and his famity. who, although lie is, indeed, united to us by a particular tie, yet otherwise, and always, as is universally known, rejoices in the pi osperity of the Church. There he was, come unexpectedly, unosten- tatiously, participating in the happy circumstances of the holy occasion, evincing by his presence and his contributions, the sympathy he felt with his constituents in their proceed- ings, and giving another, and, indeed, a most acceptable instance of the regard he entertains for the people of Cardiff, who at every opportunity, experience proofs of his attach- ment to them, and of benevolence and generous remembrance of their poor. He would also add his unaffected congratu- lation to hie friend Mr. Morgan, upon the promising appearance of things in the New Church; and trusted that the numbers who were within its walls last Sunday may not be affected by a mere flitting curiosity, but continue regular and constant attendants upon his able ministry. Moved by Dr. Moore, and seconded by R. Daw, Esq., That the warmest thanks of the committee be likewise tendered to the Rev. Vicar of Cardiff, for his very valuable, and peculiarly suitable, present of plate to St. Mary's Church, consisting of a silver flagon, a patin, two cups, and two plates; and that the secretaries forward to the Reverend Gentleman a copy of this resolution. Moved by C. C. Williams, Esq., seconded by A. Miller, Esq., That the best thanks of the committee are due to John Abraham, Esq., for his munificent gift to St. Mary's Church, consisting of a very handsome folio Bible, two folio Books of Common Pnyer, and two quarto Books of Offices and that the secretaries forward to that gentleman a copy of this resolution. THE FESTIVITIES AT LLANDAFF CourtT, on the occasion of the christening of the son and heir of the Rev. George Thomas, and his three young daughters, on Tuesday last, terminated with a ball and supper. The attendance of the surrounding gentry, who sympathised with the reverend gentleman on so interesting an occasion, was very numerous, upwards of seventy being present. Dancing commenced lat nine o'clock, and, stimulated by the festivities of the occa- sion, was carried on with vivacity until four o'clock in the morning. Among those present were—Lord and Lady James Stuart, Miss Stuart, Mr. Herbert Stuart, Lord Geo. Paget, Messrs. Davies and Walsh, officers of the 73rd; the High-sheriff of the county, Miss Homfray and Miss Eustatia Homfray, Mr. and Mrs. Crawshay, of Cyfarthfa Castle; Messrs. H. and R. Crawshay, Misses Crawshay, Mr. Ross Homfray, Mrs. John Williams and Miss Williams, Mr. Rowland Fothergill, Mr. Henry Bruce, Mr. E. P. Richards, Mr. T. W. Booker, Mr. Coffin, Mr. and Mrs. James Lewis, Mr. Williams, of Pwllypant Mr. Evans and Miss Evans, Rev. E. W. Richards, Mrs. Richards and Miss L. Richards, Rev. R. Prichard, Mr. and Mrs. S. Towgood, Mr. W. Towgood, T. Y. Towgood, Mr. Ji. jonner, Miss Lewis, Miss Beaumont, Rev. James Evans, ]%Irg. EyRtis and Miss Evans, Miss C. Langley, Misses Scale, Mr. pd I Needham, Mr. M. Hunt, Miss Llewelin and Sinter*, Miss Dornfor.I, Mr. V. A. Staooy, Mr. T- Mr. H. Thomas, Presylfa, Miss L. Bennett, Mrs. Bassett, Miss Bassett, Mr. W. Bassett. BOROUGH OF CARDIFF.—At an adjourned meeting of the Town Council, held at the Guildhall on Monday, the eleventh instant,—present, Henry Morgan, Esq., mayor; Charles Crofts Williams, David Evans, and Thomas Morgan, alder- men and Richard Trcdwin, William Williams, James Lewis, Morgan Lisle, William Prichard, Daniel Walter Davies, John Moore, Richard Lewis Reece, illiam Jonas Watson, Charles Yachell, William Alexander Biadley, and William Yachell, councillors the mayor in the chair. The following payments were ordered :—Town-clerk, half-year's salary, £ 25. William John, mason, slaughter-house new drain, lis. 4'd. Gas Company, market-house lights, £ 12. lis. 7d. It was ordered that the market-house and slaughter-house should be let hy public auction in January next. (See Ad.) It was also resolved that the following gentlemen be added to the Finance committee, and that such committee meet on Monday previously to each quarterly meeting for examina- tion of all bills submitted to them, viz. :-Thomas Morgan, alderman, and William Jonas Watson, Charles Vachell, Richard Tredwin, William Williams, and William Prichard, .councillors. The meeting was adjourned to Thursday the (eleventh of January next. CHRISTMAS FARE.—Some of the prize oxen recently ex- hibited at Sir Charles Morgan's annual show of stock, have Leen purchased and slaughtered for our market. These, with prime Welsh mutton, and fowls in n hllndance, will form the staple of Christmas fare. At this genial season it may be hoped that, in the hey-day of our merry-making, the numerous poor of the town will not be forgotten. The commissioners for disposing of the income tax appeals, sat in the Town-hall, on Tuesday. Their business, prin- cipally, consisted in hearing the appeals under Schedule I)., on profits arising from professions, trade, and offices. The number of appeals arising against the surcharge made by the surveyor of taxes and assessors upon incomes of above jLL)0 per annum, will be small, judging from the. few persons who have presented themselves. The parties interested in the proposed junction of the Canal and the Taff Yale Railway, met at the Cardiff Arms, on Monday, pursuant to the resolution passed at the last general meeting. The members of the conference sat in de- liberation a considerable time, without, we could It-am, coming to any final decision. A proposition, embracing the proposed amalgamation, was brought forwaid, it is under- stood, by Mr. Crawshay. The result will, in all probability, be submitted to a special general meeting of the railway shareholders. Cadet Henry Smyth, son of Capt. W. H. Smyth, R.N., late of Cardiff, passed his examination last week at Woolwich, and will shortly obtain a commissson in the Itoyal Artillery. Eighteen others passed their examination the same occasion, including Cadet J. Yerbury Moggridge, of GaUiSva and Cadet W. Lynch Blosse, son of the late Sir T. L. Blosse. These examinations were preparatory to their removal to the senior classes of the academy. Jn another part of our impression will be found a report of the proceedings of the Cardiff rate-payers at the Town- hall, on Firday last. In our advertising columns will also he found the statement of Mr. Griffith Lloyd, assistant- overseer, of the receipts and expenditure for the year ending the fith of October. As a document conveying the most ample and satisfactory infonnation on this subject, and calculated to disabuse the public mind of much misrepresen- tation, we beg to recommend it to the candid consideration tof the rate-payers of the town. .Charles Thos. Phillips, a police-constable in the borough, liat recently obtained the situation of superintendent of the Hundred of Devynnock, in Brecon. This is the third from this borough, whose character & capability have recommended him to a similar appointment elsewhere. To LOOK THROUGH NATUHE UP TO NATURE'S GOD," is the design of that favourite Annual Pamphlet, "THE TROVIIETIC MESSENGER, 1844," to which Mr. Richardson, of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, every year adds an Ephemeris or Celestial Atlas in it is a coloured Hiero- 0 glyphic, for 1844, and a Steel Plate drawn by Westall, called -i The Fated (,'Iiirioteei, and 108 pages of original matter .of great interest, including the Nativity of the QUEEK, WELLINGTON, PEEL, O'CONNELL, &C., &c. For twenty- four years the Prophetic Messenger has Won" Golden opinions," and the greatest care is taken to increase its scUraction by giving more original and amusing Articles. For travellers and captains, the three years, viz. for 1842, 1843, 1844, with six Plates, can be had bound together that whilst it forms a daily pleasant reference, the merits of the whole can be better seen.—Ask for THE PROPHETIC MESSENGEB, for 1844,11 with two Plates, price Half-a- Crown.-SeB Advertisement. ACCIDENT.—It is with regret we have again to caU the attention of our readers to a most serious accident that occurred between St. Melons and Rumney Bridge last week, owing to the negligence of those who have the care and management of the turnpike road between those places, by allowing heaps of broken stones to remain on the side of the road. A most respectable farmer and his wife, about half- past five o'clock in the afternoon, were returning home, they •saw a gig coming towards them with its lamps lighted. He turned his horse to allow the gig to pass a little on one side, amd had not proceeded three yards when his horse fell over heap of stoues. lie was thrown off, and broke his arm. PRESENTATION OF A SILVER MEDAL TO P.P.G.M. JOHN JENKINS, OF THE CARDIFF DISTRICT, I.O.F., M.U. ON Wednesday evening, the 13th instant, a considerable gathering" of the officers and brethren of the" Viscount Cardiff Lodge," of the above order, took place in their lodge-room, Carpenters' Arms, Hayes, Cardiff, for the pur- pose of presenting their highly-respected P.P.G.M. John Jenkins, with a very beautiful and well-executed silver medal, as a token of the respect they entertained of the valuable services he had, on all occasions, rendered that lodge. The Chairman rose, and stated the object for which they had met, and called upon P.G. Robert Nicholls, in whose possession the medal was, to transfer the same into the hands of P.G. Solomon Marks for presentation. P.G. Robert Nicholls said, that he felt great pleasure in having tho honor of doing so. P.G. Solomon Marks, in rising, observed, that it was with no small gratification to himself that he had so great an honor confided him as the presentation of the medal. He was perfectly aware, that no officer in the district, or ill the order generally, had given more valuable services, or had exerted himself more towards the advancement of Odd Fellowship than the respected individual who was about to have the medal presented him. He was always foremost in furthering the interests of the order, by all possible means, and by which conduct he had conciliated the affections of the brethren generally and, in his opinion, the present meeting went far to confirm him ill that respect. His purse had even been at their service OIl many occasions. To him they had to look, in a great measure, as one of the most indefatigable servants they possessed, in establishing a fund (of which the institution may well be proud,) which was an ornament to the order, namely-The Widow and Orphans' Fund! (Hear, hear.) He, at all times, displayed great kindncss towards both the officers and brothers of that lodge but, at the same time, he would beg to observe, that any conduct on the part of the brethren which he deemed inconsistent, he was equally ready to censure. The worthy speaker, who appeared to be much affected, concluded with a suitable eulogium on P.P.G.M. John Jenkins, aiid presented him with the silver modal, as a token of the respect they "entertained of the very valuable services which he had rendered that lodge, wishing him every prosperity, and that he might live long and die a good Odd Fellow. This was received with tremendous cheering. C.S. Mark Marks snid, that it was not for the value of the present—not for the services altogether which had been given that lodge; but it was for the honorable and distin- guished estimation in which he was held for his integrity in the discharge of the duties which had necessarily devolved upon him from time to time. It was a diadem, and it would last for ever; and he trusted that he (the worthy officer) would never disgrace the honor which had that evening been conferred on him. Disinterested motives alone in one sense, and interested in the other, drew forth this mark of their approbation for the very valuable services, and which lie could testify, had been rendered by him. It was the only lodge in the Cardiff district that had conferred so great an honor on any of its officers and for which no officer or brother can be ashamed to blush at, but it redounded to his credit. He had always shown the kindness of a father towards them, and may he ever be entitled to their respect, and that of the order, until he is called to that bourne from whence no traveller returns," C.S. Mark Marks concluded in terms of approbation of the conduct of the excellent officer, and wishing him every happiness and prosperity. (The Lodge Honors, which were given with a will.") P.P.G.M. John Jenkins, in rising to acknowledge th" compliment so justly paid him, appeared much excited. He said, that it was, certainly, with feelings of great agitation and also pleasure, that he rose on that occasion, to express to them the gratification he experienced for the unexpected honor they had done him in presenting him with such a token of their respect. When he first became a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, he begged to say, that he did not think much of it. He was not long, however, a member of that lodge, before lie was elected to fill one of its offices. He had, at all times, endeavoured to perform his duty, and lie trusted he had done so. lie felt a pleasure in affording any assistance in his power towards the propagation of Odd Fellowship, because he felt quite conscious, after the experience he had now had, that a more benevolent institu- tion was not to be found, and which was almost eveiy day exemplified. In the cases of sickness, he considered it his duty as well as pleasure to visit the brethren of his lodge. He had taken them their relief-money, and which he felt proud in doing. He had also felt a pleasure, although a painful one, in attending the remains of those brethren who had been called from this transitory world, to their last resting place; and he would now take the opportunity of urging on all the brethren, who could make it convenient, to attend, if possible, on those occasions, and pay the last tribute of respect to departed brethren. (Hear.) Odd Fellowship was never intended that its members should meet together for the pur- pose of drinking and smoking. No! but it was for the express purpose of affording mutual assistance towards each other and ameliorating the condition of those brethren who might, unfortunately, be afflicted or ilistiessed. lIe stated, that he should hold the medal, with which he had that evening, :been presented, in his remembrance as the most precious he had ever received, as long as he had breath to draw. He again thanked them for the unexpected honor they had done him; and begged to propose health and pros- perity to the officers and brothers of the" Viscount Cardiff Lodge." Received with great applause. P.G. Solomon Marks, after a few remarks, proposed a vote of thanks to P.G. Robert Nicholls, for the very valuable services he had given the Viscount Cardiff Lodge." (Prolonged cheers.) P.G. Robert Nicholls observed, that it was with some pleasure, but great excitement that he rose on that occasion to acknowledge the compliment so kindly and unexpectedly paid him. He knew not how to finf1 words sufficiently ample to compensate for the honor they had done him. He could only assure them, that as an officer and brother of that lodge, he had, upon all occasions, had the interest of the order at heart, and hoped that his future conduct, in that lodge would prove such as to secure to him the high opinion they, apparently, seemed to entertain of him. He sincerely hoped that the conduct of the officers and brothers of that lodge would be such as to elicit a similar mark of respect as the one the worthy officer had that night shown him. It was a mark of respect that was well calculated to create a spirit of emulation in all connected with that lodge; and one which, he believed, would shine in the annals of fame. When the subject of a medal was first thought of, the brethren, he was proud to say, came forward with alacrity, in order to accomplish it; but although it did not amount to anything very considerable, Rtiu he doubted not but that it would be worn, and considered by the wearer as though it were a diamond of equal size and value. He begged to say, that Brotlici- Thomas of that lodge had been very active in co-operating with him in fcttiugit up. He would not take up their time any longer, "but would again reiterate his thanks, and propose Long life and prosperity to P.P.G.M. John Jenkins." (Lodge Honors.) P.P.G.M. John Jenkins briefly but eloquently returned thanks, and felt extremely obliged to them for the honor they had again done him. P.G. John Llewellyn said, that he felt highly pleased and much gratified with the token of respect paid the worthy P.P.G.M. John Jenkins and which he cordially approved of—and trusted that the matter would not ell(i there, hut that the district would present him with a gold medal, which lie merited. (Hoar, hear) P.G. Robert Nicholls proposed a vote of thanks to P.G. Solomon Marks, for the very indefatigable services he had afforded that lodge, and for the great interest he had always manifested towards the promotion of the order generally. Received with great enthusiasm. r.G. Solom'on Marks said, that he did not expect so great an lioiioi- paid him but for which he returned them his most grateful and sincere thanks. He begged to assure them that anything which lie could do to further the interests of the order, lie was ever ready and willing to do s,) for, he be- lieved, a better and more beiien-oleiit institution tliaii that of the Odd Fellows there did not exist under the canopy of hea, en; anct-liope(I that they night continue long to prosper I) under its extensive braiicties. (Hear, hear.) P.G. Robert Nicholls begged to propose a vote of thanks to the visiting officers and brothers for their attendance on the, occasion. (Unanimously responded to.) P.G. Philip David rose, and in a very eloquent and forcible speech, acknowledged the compliment paid him and the visiting officers and brethren, and said, that he hoped that the token of respect which they had that night presented their esteemed P.P.G.M. John Jenkins, would be the means, of which he had no doubt, of stimulating the officers and brethren of the lodge in which they were then in, to emulation. (lJ car, hear.) The lodge-room was densely crowded, every available position being occupied by the confraternity, whom, we doubt not, felt particularly anxious to be present at the im- portant hour of presentation, but probably more particularly to do honor, by their presence, to the man and the officer, for whom the proceedings of the evening was a sufficient I proof of the high estimation in which the worthy individual in held amongst the brethren of the Cardiff District. Shortly after the termination of the proceedings, which were gone through in a very satisfactory manner, the brethren left the lodge-room highly gratified with what had taken place. Out). members of the order were admitted on the occasion. GLAMORGANSHIRE EPIPHANY SESSIONS, 1844.—Orders of the (I;iy.-I. To consider any communication from either of Her Majesty's Secretaries of State, or War, the houses of Parliament, or the Lord Lieutenant of the county. 2. The keepers of the prisons to make their quarterly reports, and a certificate how far the rules have been complied with, 8,14, 21.—3. The visiting justices of the House ofcoriection at Swansea, to report on any arrangement made for obtain- ing immediate possession of the ground required for the im- provenient and enlargement of such prison. 4. Iwo oi more justices to be appointed visitors fpr each prison. S. 16. 5. The chaplain's journal to be laid before the court, and signed by the chairman. S. 30. (5. The surgeon's journal to be laid before the court, and signed by the chairman, S. 33. 7. The quarterly accounts of expenditure to be pro- duced, signed by the' visiting justices of each prison, to be signed by the chairman, tI. To examine and pass all such bills and demands on the county as shall be laid before the court, in conformity with the rules of court. 9. To order a county rate for the ensuing quarter. 10. Transcripts of the rules of friendly societies transmitted to the clerk of the peace, to be laid before the court for confirmation. 11. At twelve at noon, to audit the accounts relating to the police force, to take into consideration the provisions of 2 & 3 Yict. c. 93. and 3 & 4 Yict. c. 88., and to order a police rate. 12. To order a rate for the payment of salaries and expenses under this act. 13. To receive the report of the committee on the proposed new bridge instead of Wyrfa bridge. 14. To consider the report of the committee on the new valua- tion for the purposes of a county rate. Notices for next Sessions.—That the chairman of the Quarter Sessions be ex officio a member of all committees. To appoint a police committee. To increase the salary of the county surveyor. To increase the salary of the matron of the House of Cor- rection at Swansea. GLAMORGANSHIRE POLICE FORCE.-To the credit of the County Constabulary it must be said that but very few felons can possibly escape out of their hands. On Tuesday last, as Mr. Superintendent Lewis was proceeding on his way from Newbridge to Lantrissent Petty Sessions, he happened to espy a lady of the basket, strutting in full haste across the fields to a farm-house, who upon her return to the road he immediately took into custody as the person who escaped from Worcester gaol about six months ago, then being under sentence of transportation for life. It need only be said that this unfortunate female has since been given up to the gaoler of Worcester prison.

Destructive Fire in Bute-street. One of those fires, as destructive, we regret to say, in its consequence, as it threatened, at one period, to be alarm- ing to a densely-populated neighbourhood, broke out on Thursday night, about half-past 10 o'clock, on the premises of Messrs. Brown and Son, ship-chandlers and general dealers. The family had retired to rest at their usual early hour, and all appeared in perfect safety. Two women who were passing the premises, first perceived smoke, and gave the alarm to t\Vo sailors, who had directly come up. These, upon a further examination of the premises, ascertained, beyond doubt, that a fire was raging within, and instantly routed up the inmate?. The family of Mr. Brown, perceiving the danger, got out of the premises as quickly as possible. Considerable delay took place before the shutters, which were fastened on the inside, could be got down. When taken off, the entire of the basement story was found to be in flames. These, from the nature of the combustible materials on the premises, spread with rapidity, and in a few minutes, the entire of the house was wrapt in one sheet of flame. They quickly spread to an adjoining house belonging to Mr. Brown, which was also destroyed. A fire-bell gave the alarm, and one of the borougn engines was on the spot with all possible expedition. Although a copious supply of water was at hand, yet from some mis- as to the manner the engine should be worked, it did not become available for a considerable time. It was then vigorously plied by crowds of persons, who were rather emulous in their contentions res meeting the di- rection of the pipes, &e., and thus not a little retarded the working of the engine. The flames at this period had got to It fcarfnllwight, antI illuminerl the atmophcre for a con- siderable distance round. About half-past twelve a second engine had arrived, and commenced playing apparently with little effect, as the fire had gained an ascendancy, which, considering the nature of the articles which supplied it, baffled all attempts to get it under. All hopes of saving the premises of Mr. Brown were abandoned, the engines, there- fore.commenced playing on the adjacent houses. One of them, an office belonging to Mr. Coffin, was partially de- stroyed. The whole of the stock, furniture, and books were completely destroyed. A troop of the 4th Dragoons were speedily on the spot, and were soon followed by a detach- ment of the 73rd foot, and effectively co-operated with the public, who, under the active superintendence of Mr. Stockdale, rendered all the assistance in their power to suppress the flames. Mr. Brown is understood to be partially insured in the Norwich Fire Office. The premises of Mr. Brown are extensive, the warehouse and dwelling- house adjoining which are entirely destroyed. MERTHYR. STATISTICS OF MERTHYR Happily, says the Times re- porter, getting rid of the subject of turnpikes, it may not be wholly interesting to your readers to describe the features of this seat of vast mineral wealth and creative industry. The town itself is a miserably, ill-built, dirty place but the popu- lation seem too busy to mind what their streets or houses are. It i-i built oil the face of bleak and abrupt hills, and the enormous mining operations and iion wcrks here carried on have heaped up around it grey and smoking mounds of ashes and dross. It is a-place where no one would live for. choice, except to make money, and in the brisk periods of the iron trade that was made in abundance. Now, however, the trade is as much depressed as it well can De from over- production. Still the Nvoi-k-peol)lc get tolerable w,,is(es, and are all employed. On the prosperity of this place depends in a great measure the agricultural prosperity of South Wales. There are four sets of ironworks here, belonging to different firms pf iron masters; connected with each of which are mines from which the ore is obtained, and collieries which supply the coal for smelting it. The heads of these firms are —Sir John Guest, Mr. Crawshay, Mr. Hill, and Alderman Thompson. At Sir John Guest's works there are 18 blast furnaces; at Mr. Crawshay's, 11 at Mr. Hill's, G; and at Alderman Thompson's, (i. It requires to work each of these furnaces, in coal mining, obtaining the ore, and manufacturing the iron, about 300 men. At Sir John Guest's, the most extensive of these works, over part of which I was politely shown, upwards of 5000 workpeople are employed in mining and at the 18 blast furnaces. Each of these furnaces (Sir John Guest's) consumes GO tons of coal in the night and day, or amongst them about 1,100 tons of coal per day. The day before I was there 1,028 tons of coal were consumed, and on Saturday 1,402 tons were consumed. The coal costs in getting 3s. 6d. to 3s. lOd. the ton. At these works, which are the largest in the world, about 1,100 tons of iron are manufactured each week. The firm ships annually about 60,000 tons of manufactured iron from the port of Cardiff. The present value of a ton of iron is about JE4. The wages paid by this firm at present amount to about £3,500 per week, or £ 14,000 per month. Formerly, when wages were higher, and the trade filoie brisk, the tinn has paid as much as £ 25,000 per month in wages. The wages the men get are now at the following rates :—Colliers about 15s. a week miners, 14s. firemen, 20s. on the average day labourers, 2s. a day carpenters, 2s. Od. smiths, 2s. lOd. fitters, 3s. 4d. This brief outline will give you some idea of the vast extent of these works. The firm has just completed a contract with the Russian Government to supply 30,000 tons of railway bars for the railway line now making between Moscow and St. Petersburgh. At this extensive firm the truck system is unknown, though this is far from being generally the case here. SUDDEN DEATH.—An awful instance of the uncertainty of human life occurred at Pcnydarran House, about one o'clock on Sunday last. Mary the wife of Philip Lewis, collier, having attended chapel in the morning, while in the act of preparing dinner, fell down and expired immediately. Mr. Williams, surgeon, was called in, and did everything that medical skill suggested, by bleeding, &c., but without success. An inquest was held upon the body, at the Red Gate, on Monday, before Mr. Thomas, deputy coroner, and a respectable jury, when a verdict of Died of Apoplexy was returned. STREETS, FILTH, AND DISEASE—We beg most partic- ularly to draw public attention to the dirty state of several streets in this town, especially Plymouth-street, which leads from the Railway station to the Britannia public-house. It has been represented to us that this street is filthy in the extreme, and requires the immediate attention of all those who value public health. Our worthy stipendiary magis- trate, chief constable, and superintendent of police, ought to go through the various streets of the town to see whether our complaints, and frequently those of many others, are well- founded or not. Is it any wonder that the scarlet-fever and other complaints are so prevalent and fatal among us ? Why do not the owners of houses provide accomodations for their tenants, instead of allowing them to throw their filth in the public streets, to the detriment of their own health and that of their neighbours 1 Were we unfortunately visited again with some pestilential scourge the authorities would be aroused. Why not rather prevent such calamity by due regard to draining, cleanliness, and ventilation 1 DRrN KENNESS.-A, human being, in the garb of a woman, was raised from one of the filthy gutters in this town on Monday evening, and was carried by the police to the lock- up house, until she can be recognised, and be capable of taking care of herself. The new police-station is under cover. INQUEST.—An inquest was held at the Sun Inn, Dowlais, on Tuesday, the 12th instant, before Mr. Thomas, deputy coroner, on the body of Wm. Humphrey, miner, who was killed by a mass of rubbish falling on him, while at work in one of the Dowlais levels, on the 9th inst. Verdict -11 A cci- dental death." On Thursday evening, two Carmartheushiie butter car- riers, were drinking together at the Bush Inn, Dowlais, named Jones and Davies. Jones, taking advantage ofDavies becoming intoxicated, managed to abstract from his pocket a purse containing £ 13, the proceeds of the sale of his butter. They soon after left the Bush together Davies had not proceeded far when he missed his money; thinking he may have left it at the Bush or some of the shops he had been selling at, he returned, accompanied by Jones, who pretended to assist him in searching for it. Suspicion, however, falling on him, he was taken into custody by Police Serjeant Wrenii, and on searching his cart, the purse with nearly all the money was found in a bag of oats. The following day he was taken before Sir J. J. Guest, Bart., at Dowlais, who committed him for trial at the next Glamorgan Quarter Sessions. The bell of Merthyr church has been ringing a mournful peal from the 13th to the 20th instant, in consequence of the lamented death of Mrs. Richards, the lady of E. L. Richards, Esq., barrister, of Aberaman House, Aberdare, and of Brewery House, Merthyr. F MERTHYR POLICE,—THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14. [Before T. W. Hill, Esq., and the Rev. C. Maybery.] John Herring, miner, of Dowlais, was summoned by Margaret Kirkhouse, for removing his goods in order to evade payment of rent, on the night of the 3rd instant. Ordered to pay rent due, 18s. D'lvid Davies, collier, of Merthyr, was charged by John George, also collier, of the same place, and Mary, his wife, with assaulting them on the llth instant. Allowed to settle the matter out of court. John Morgan, was summoned by Thomas Davies, both of Rhymney. The former, who is a steward of a certain benefit society, refused to pay the latter some sick allowance, which he claimed as a member, according to the rules of the society. Thomas Jones, was charged by David Lewis, roller, both of Penydarran, with assaulting him on the 8th inst. As it appeared a trivial one, the case was dismissed, and the costs divided between them. r TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19. ltletore T. \Y. hlilf, cfsquire.J David Edtcards, haulier, was fined 10s. and costs, for assaulting David Fisher, butcher, on the 18th instant-both of Merthyr. SWANSEA POLICE. A special meeting of the watch and ward committee was held at the Town-hall, Swansea, on Monday last, Starling Benson, Esq., mayor, in the chair, to investigate a charire preferred against the inspector of police, for refusing, on tho night of Wednesday, the 13th instant, to take bail in the case of one Charles Thomas, a seaman, who was taken up for drunkenness and disorderly conduct; also, for uncourte- ously ordering out of the station-house Mr. John Morgan Jones, perfumer, &c., Wind-street, whilst appealing there, ready and willing with any amount of bail for the said Chas. Thomas. From the evidence adduced in support of the charge, it appeared that on the Wednesday night in question, between ten and eleven o'clock, Mr. Jones was attracted by the cries of a man evidently in distress, in the direction of the Market-square. On coming up he found the seaman in the custody of. Lodwick, P.O. The man was crying bitterly, and said to the officer, Let me go; I am not drunk." Seeing the sailor cry so, he (Mr. Jones) intuitively felt an interest in his behalf, and followed both, the policeman and the prisoner to the station-house. After inquiring the nature of the charge, he respectfully offered bail for the man's appearance, and said he would also see the man on board safely. In reply he was accosted in strong language by the inspector, who said, If you will not go out of the station-house, I will lock you up in one minute." Al r. Jones then went outside, and asked if there were any ob- jections to treat with him there. Mr. Jones was again told by the inspector, Go home, and mind your own business." Another respectable witness corroborated the foregoing. This being the whole of the evidence in support of the charge, the committee heard the policeman on the part of the defence, from whose statement it was clear the man had been drinking, and was unruly in the street. An animated discussion then took place between the members of the committee as to whether the inspector was empowered, under any circumstances of the kind, to refuse bail. On reference to the act of parliament it was found that the inspector was legally possessed with discretionary power to refuse suiety or not in such cases. Several of the committee, though admitting the legality of the proceeding, animadverted in strong terms, in the course of their remarks, oil the harshness amI indiscreet manner such unexception- able sureties were refused. The inspector, in reply, alleged that in one instance, some time ago, when bail was accepted, the party bailed had not been long absent from the station-house before he was again brought up the same night, having been found in the canal. After some further discussion the following resolution was unanimously agreed to That it is the opinion of this meeting the inspector did not exceed his duty in the case of Charles Thomas." The case, which was considered to involve a great principle, excited no ordinary attention in the town. SWANSEA TURNPIKE TRUST. —In our last we announced that the tolls of the above trust had been knocked down," by public auction, to a Mr. Richards, for the sum of £ 3,235. Since then, however, we are informed that they have again been let to Mr. Thomas Bullin, the present lessee, by private contract, at a sum considerably lower, it is said, than the above.

DYFFRYN LLYNVI AND PORTH-CAWL RAILWAY COMPANY. A special general meeting of the shareholders of this company, was held at Pyle Inn, on Friday last, the 15th of December instant. Sir Digby Mackworth, Bart,, in the chair. There were present Sir Robert Price, Bart., the Right Honourable John Nicholl, M.P the Rev. Robert Knight. Rev. Charles Rumsey Knight, Rev. J. Montgomery Traherne, John Bowring, Esq., Rawlinson, Esq., j William Jones, Esq., J. H. Allen, Esq., Moses Moses, Esq., &c., &c. A meeting of the committee was held early in the fore- noon and at twelve o'clock the business of the public meeting commenced. THE ELECTION OF A TREASURER. This was the first question for the consideration of the meeting, and occupied the attention of the meeting for some time. It was ultimately referred to the superintending com- mittee who were recommended to sclcct Mr. Towgood, of Cardiff, banker. THE PROPOSED APPLICATION TO PARLIAMENT. At the request of the chairman, the clerk read the adver- tisement, which stated the application to parliament to be for power to alter and amend the toll levying clauses under the existing ac ts, and for further facilitating and ex- tending communcations on the said railway." Sir Robert Price, in introducing this question, said, that he hardly new what course to take. At a committee meeting lately held it was determined that a special general meeting should be convened for the purpose of appointing a treasurer and it was thought expedient to take that op- portunity for discussing the question, whether it was or was not advisable to go to parliment for power to alter and amend the toll levying clauses. It might be in the recollection of those gentlemen present at the meeting of the committee that he (Sir Robert) was not over anxious for this discussion to take place. He had given rather a different opinion. But finding the unanimous voice of the committee against him, he had, of course, given way, and it was determined without opposition to bring the question forward for discus- sion at the special general meeting which should be convened for the appointment of treasurer, These being the senti- ments of the committee, of course it was not in his power as chairman of that committee to dissent. Again, if those opinions should prevail at the general meeting, namely that it Would be an advisable policy to adopt, for the benefit of the company, to go to the expense of obtaining an act of parliament, it would be well to proceed immediately, as pro- bably they might be enabled to have the act passed this year. It was true that they could not have the act this year, unless it was by special favour but yet he believed if the meeting were unanimous, or nearly so, and if they went to parlia- ment merely for the purpose of enabling them to lower the tolls, the act might be passed this year. He had signed his name to the requisition principally with the view of giving an opportunity to shareholders to meet and discuss the question, as it was one of very considerable moment—not hastily to be decided; and if it met with any considerable disapprobation from the different proprietors 'of shares, not to be proceeded with. It was not a question they ought to try to carry out with a small majority; they ought to be unanimous before they proceeded with it. It was only on the grounds that it would be for the benefit of the railway that this policy could be proposed, or probably adopted. He (Sir Robert) had certainly a strong feeling, that that clause in their act of parliament which enacted that no lowering of tolls could take place before eight per cent. had been paid to the proprietors was a most unfortunate clause, and had acted most prejudicially against the interest of the company, as it would not allow the tolls to be lowered when their affairs most required it —when they were strug- gling with difficulties, and endeavouring to compete with neighbouring ports. It would be of no service to lower the tolls when they had surmounted those difficulties, and were going on prosperously but, now, when they experienced so much opposition in the coal trade, a reduction in the rate of tolls would be productive of the most important advantages. With the present rate they could not continue the coal trade for any lengthened period, as those engaged in it had lost money by carrying it on under the present disavantageous circumstances but if the company, by lowering the tolls, would encourage those coal proprietors whose works were situated at a great distance from the port to begin the trade again, he thought the interests of the company, and of the individuals engaged in the trade, would be benefitted. Cer- tainly, the interests of the company would be advanced as a reduction of the tolls on coal would lead to a very consider- able increase in the quantity brought down the line—the present high rate of tonnage having the effect of a complete prohibition. Iron stood on a dillerent footing. The question of tolls as it effected the sale of iron was compara- tively unimportant, at least as compared with that of coal. The coal trade depended entirely upon the decision the meeting might arrive at. It was a question of pence—a few pence making the difference of profit at loss. If it were not the case-if this explanation were not given—it might appear they were asking for and thinking of trifles but competition in the coal trade was so great that it was scarcely possible to carry it on. They had to contend against Cardiff, Newport, and Llanelly, ports which possessed a great many advantages, so that it was hardly possible for exporters of coal at Porth Cawl to compete with them. Cardiff and Newport were doing their very utmost to mon- opolise the whole trade, and to beat down all attempts made by other ports to compete against them, so that it was strict- ly necessary that the tolls should be reduced, in order to enable the exporters of coal at Porth Cawl to carry on the trade. But beneficial as he conceived a reduction of tolls would be, both to the railway as well as to the proprietors of collieries high upon the line, he was far from wishing to urge it upon the meeting. He conceived it ought not to be done unless it received the sanction of nearly the whole of the proprietors, or at least of a large majority. He only wished to place themselves in such a position, that if the proprietors should arrive at the conclusion that it would be for their advantage to consent to a reduction of the tolls, they might be enabled to act in that way which was best calculated to promote the interests of the proprietors generally. With that view he would move that it was expe- dient some stepts should be taken for obtaining powers to lower the present rate of tonnage. Mr. Bowring seconded the proposition. Sir Robert Price wished to add, that he was most unex- pectedly called upon to address the meeting, as he was not the originator of the requisition. He was) ather in hopes that Dr. Bowling's brother would have attended, and would have given them much greater information on the subject than he was able to give. Dr. Nicholl said they had no right to enter upon a question of expediency it was purely and simply a question of justice. They had not yet paid one per cent. to the shareholders. He was not prepared to say whether it was expedient to make application to parliament or othewise, but would suggest the propriety of letting the question re- main open, without further discussion, till their next annual and general meeting. Sir Robert Price had not the slightest wish in the world to press his motion at this meeting. The Key. Robert Knight thought the question should be left open for discussion at the next annual and general meeting. Dr. Nicholl asked Sir Robert Price to withdraw his motion-to leave the question open for discussion at the annual meeting, and thereby dispose of it at this meeting with good feeling. Sir Robert Price was most anxious to pieserve to the good temper of the meeting, and had no objection to adjourn the discussion. Qn A desultory conversation then ensued upon the ""ujci-i. oi aujournmenr. air itooert .rrice s motion was ultimately withdrawn, and the meeting separated. The question stands for discussion at the next annual and general meeting of the shareholders, to be holden at Pyle Inn, in June next. BRIDGEND.—We have great pleasure in informing our sporting friends, that Mr. Entwisle has kindly promised that his hounds shall meet on Ogmore Down, on Monday the 1st day of January next, between ten and eleven o'clock, for the benefit of Mr. William Evans, the landlord of the Dunraven Arms Inn, Southerndown's, house-warming dinner, which is to take place on the above-mentioned day. BRIDGEND TURNPIKE TRUST. At a meeting of the above trust, held at Bridgend, on the 11 4th ult., several petitions were presented, some of which had been agreed to at public meetings, complaining of the number of gates, chains, and bars within the trust, and con- taining charges of extortion, alleged to have made by sacral of the lessees' collectors. The right honourable gentleman who occupied the chair at that meeting, together with the other trustees, being of opinion that the various subjects brought under their notice could not be satisfacto- rily disposed of at one of the ordinary meetings of the trust, referred the petitions to a committee, consisting of the Right Hon. John Nicholl, the Rev. R. Knight, M. P. Traherne, Richard Franklen, William Lewis, Robert Lindsay, M. P. Smith, and illiam Llewellyn, Esqrs., who wi-re to meet as often as necessary, and make all inquiries and investigations into, and report upon, the various allegations contained in the several petitions, and upon the funds, expenditure, and management of the trust. For that purpose the committee were empowered to examine witnesses, documents, &c., and collect all necessary information. The result of that investigation has terminated in a report, from which the following is extracted:— Your committee now proceed to report the course and the results of their inquiry. They have as(-ei-Ltiiie(i--Ist. The length of each turnpike-road in the district. 2d. The toll-gates, bars, and chains, and the tolls payable upon each road. 3rd. The debts due on the credit of the tolls. 4th The revenue of the trust since 1833 inclusive. 5th. The expenditure of the trust since 1840 inclusive, beyond which they were of opinion it would not answer any useful purpose to cany back their inquiries on this head. Gth. They con- sidered the management of the trust generally. 7th. They investigated the allegations and complaints contained in the several documents referred to them. Lastly. They endea- voured to ascertain what would probably be the state of the fund, and the prospects of the trust, at the end of the year 1843. And in the course and at the close of their report, they have submitted recommendations and observations on various points, more particularly as to the conduct of the business of the trust, the accounts, the maintenance or re- moval of gates, bars, chains, and posts, and the granting or withholding exemptions from, or reduction of, toll." Under the first of the above divisions, the committee have taken considerable pains in getting up a series of tables, exhibiting the number of roads in the trust, the length of each road, the parishes through which it passes, the number of gates, the dates of their erection, and the other gates in the district cleared by them. The following is important, as affording most decided proof that the lessees of tolls have, in some cases, exacted tolls without the authority or permission of the trustees, thereby giving just cause for complaint:- On this line there are several pairs of posts, at which it appears that tolls have been occasionally collected. Your committee have been unable to asccrtaiu the times when, or the authority under which these posts generally were put up. There are no toll-boards or chains, at any house or hut for collecting toll at any of them. The following is a list of them, with their history, as far as the committee could discover." Then follows the enumeration of five pairs of posts, at the first of which tolls had been collected for a month; which when the fact coming to the knowledge of the trustees, they insisted that no further tolls should be col- lected." At the second and third, tolls still are occasionally collected. At the next, tolls have never been collected and at the last named posts, tolls are collected and the com- mittee add—" we know not by what authority they were put up." In addition to these there are two pair of posts named as having formerly existed, one of which has been removed, "having been put up without authority and for the other there has been substituted a gate, which the com- mittee recommend should be forthwith removed. The following note is added "Your committee do not find that the posts have been included in any of the leases granted from time to time since 1833, in many of which the actual gates dismissed are enumerated." Under the third head the committee give a statement of the debts due, how and when contracted, as far as they have been enabled to collect information:— The monies borrowed from time to time on the credit of the tolls are £ 9,713 10s. The whole is still due, and re- payment thereof with interest, at the rate of five pounds per cent. per annum, is secured to the creditors bv mortgages of the tolls. Your committee have been unable to ascertain with precision at what times, or for what particular purposes, the several sums were borrowed." Under the fourth and fifth heads the committee enter into full details relating to the revenues of the trust, which almost exclusively arise from tolls, and which are the highest leviable under the local act. ° The committee, under the sixth head of Management of the trusts," state the expense, &c., incurred upon each road, with observations upon the state of all the roads in the district. With regard to the mail-road, the report says— On the different parts of this line the cost of repairs varies considerably, principally owing to the different dis- tances from which the materials are hauled. The road from Brocastle to Bridgcnd, though much improved within the last three years, is still unsound, and considerable expense is incurred in the repairs, the stone (mountain limestone) being hauled from lands near Longland Farm, between Corntown and Brocastle, The road in the town of Bridgend had been invariably repaired with lias limestone, which was to be had close to the lime, and at a very trifling expense; but as that material is very soft and clayey, it has been found better, and, in the eud, more economical, to procure mountain limestone from Ewciny Down and the neighbourhood, not- withstanding that the expense of haulage is heavy, and the quantity of material required is very large, in consequence of the great traffic." The report then treats of the serious charges of exaction made against several of the lessee's collectors. The committee next come to the consideration of the peti- tion from Coychurch, Lanilid, and the adjoining parishes, and in support of which Messrs. Evan Bevan and Thomas Jenkins attended before the committee. It appears that some of the statements made in this petition were exag- gerated, and admitted by Messrs. Bevan and Jenkins to be so yet, it cannot be denied, but that there existed some causes for complaint, especially respecting the posts" at which tolls had been collected without any authority, and which the committee recommended should be immediately removed. The committee declined acceding to the prayer of the petition in recommending the removal of the CON church gate, for reasons fully given in the report, but which we have no space to quote. The last subject taken into consideration under this head of the report is, a letter addressed to the trustees, by C. R. M. Talbot, Esq., M.P., in which it is asserted That the state of the road in the Bridgend district is very much worse than it is in any other district." And that, The heavy debt incurred by the trustees, in turning the main line through the town of Bridgend, without thereby having shortened the line for the public, but with a view to the improvement of the town, has, no doubt, mainly contri- buted to the difficulties and necessities of the trust. The committee recommend the abolition of all gates bars, chains, and posts, except the following Aberavon gate, Taibach gate, Pyle side-bar in Pyle vil- lage, Pyle bar above the railway, Red-hill gate and chain, Newcastle bar, Bridgend gate (double), Oldcastle gate, Coy- church gate (double), Penprisk gate (double), Skibbor-y- Groes gate, Newcastle Bridge gate, Aberkenfig gate, Newcastle Old gate (double), and Cefn Cribbwr gate." The last subject referred to in this document is the prayer of the memorialists, that lime used for manure, and lime- coal, should be exempted from the payment of toll. The committee decline acceding to the request of the petitioners by recommending these exemptions and urge as reasons— their illegality—their injustice. 11 Whi, arc we, agricultural trustees," says the report, to continue the tax on other interests, and relieve our own, when the legislature has not said that there is a reason for such inequality." And, thirdly, their inexpediency, owing to the state of the finances.

NEWPORT. On Friday, the 15th instant, as the bark Lord S.a-idon was being towed by a steam-tug up Newport river, through the negligence of the pilot or captain her anchor was not dropped in time, and she ran against the bridge. By the eolation the buttress and coping-stone were damaged, the expei.se of repairing which is estimated at 5. NE^ PORT POLICE.—DECEMBER 18. [Before the Mayor, Thomas Hawkins, Thomas Kugiits, William Brewer, and Thomas Prothero, EsorsJ Informations laid by the Inspeetor^f Police. George Duckham, inn-keeper, for allowing billiards to be played in his house.Fined 10s. and 9s. 6d. costs. The same George Duckham, for assaulting Edward Wm. M'K •-■una.—Dismissed. Thomas Lewis, for being disorderly in the streets.—I ixied Is. and 5s. 6d. costs. Susan Carter, beer-house-keeper, for keeping her I.cui-c open for the sale of beer after the proper hours. — Fine 1 10s. and costs. Henry Williams, beer-house-keeper, for the same oliVaee. -Fined ]Os. and costs. Hubert Waters, beer-house-keeper, for the same offence. —Fined ]0s. and costs. James Bond, beer-house-keeper, for the same offence. Fined lOs, and costs. The same James Bond, for allowing thieves and '.rosu- tutes to assemble in his house.—Fined 40s. and costs. Cornelius Halt, beer-house-keeper, for allowing drunk and disorderly company in his house.—Adjourned. David Morgan, beer-house-keeper, for keeping his house open for the sale of beer after proper hours—Fined 10s. and costs. William tewis, beer-house-keeper, for the same offence. —Fined 10s. and costs. Sarah Hawkes, beer-house-keeper, for the same offence. — Fined 2s.Gd. and costs. The same Sarah Hawkes, for allowing spirits to be con- snmed in her house. Fined 1:5 and costs.

iitrtfjs, ittarriagrg, atttt Qcatfjs. BIRTH. Lately, in this town, the wife of Mr. Joseph Norman, architect, of a son. MARRIAGES. Oil Tuesday, the 19th of December, at the parish church of Reynolstone, Gower, by the Rev. John Davies, Edward Wood, Esq., of Cwm, near Carmarthen, to Mary Catherine, eldest daughter of John Nicholas Lucas, of Stouthall, Esq. On the ISth of December, at Neath church, by the Rev. H. H. Knight, by licence. Mr. Thomas Thom'as, to Miss Louisa Wrentmore, both of Neath. On the 19th of December, at Neath church, by the Rev. D. Jeffreys, Mr. Henry Evans, to Miss Mary Morgans. both of Neath. DEATHS. On Saturday night, the Uth instant, at his resitWct?, Alfred Cottage, Whitchurch, in this county, at an advanced age, Mr. John Price, formerly and for many years a con- fidential agent under the Melingriffith Company. The deceased was remarkable for an uniform mild and "kind dis- position, which endeared him to a large circle of friends. Mr. Price was in the enjoyment of general health up to the day of his decease, his death may therefore be considered sudden. On the 9th of December, at Newport, Monmout, Mr John Rowe, builder, aged 64. On the lith of December, aged 70, Mr. Henry Lawrence, Pillgwenlly, Monmouthshire. On the 7th of December, of the Scarlet Fever, a-ed 4 years and 9 months, Mary, daughter of Mr. Wm. Bowen" chandler and grocer, Merthyr and on the 14th December" of 'e^cr> aged 1 year and 8 months, Catherine, the youngest", daughter of the above, to the inexpressible grief of their* parents. On the 15th of December, of Scarlet Fever, aged 3 years- and 11 months, John, son of Mr. Davies, cabinet-maker Merthyr. On the 17th of December, at Coedycymmer, Merthyr. aged 78, Wrm. Lewis, for 40 years puddler at the Cvfarthfe Iron Works. On the 18th, at the same place, aged fiO, David Davies formerly a sailor, but for the last 20 years a hard working and steady miner, at Cyfarthfa works. On the" 18th of December, at Brecon House, Dowlais, after a short illness, aged 36 years, the Rev. Daniel Davies f he was a kind neighbour, and his loss will be severely felt. by the poor. 1?]°!\ t!lc„,17,h of December, in her 77th year, Mrs, Elizabeth Meager, relict of the late Mr. Wm. Meager, s^ip builder, of Swansea. -o <- On the 10th of December, at Hastings, aged 29, Th-as Eaton., Esq., of the Middle Temple, barrister-at-law, eldest; son. oi the late Robert Eaton, Esq., of Brynymor, near Swansea.