Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

THREATENED STHIKK A MONO THE COLLIERS. We art; sorry to hear that this district is likely to be again visited with those bitter- nesses and miseries which are inseparable from a great strike. The colliers are now moving against the system under which they have long fretted, that of compelling them to raise 24 cwt. as a ton, instead of the legitimate quantity. They are about to demand that a ton piecework shall mean a ton proper of 20 éwt. and no more, and that the day men" (those who work by the week) shall not be re- quired to work more than eight hours a day. Meetihgs are being held in the pits, and yes- terday (Thursday) delegates were sent to Pontypridd to confer on the subject. There is a rumour that the soldiery are to bo sent up from Newport to awe down the swelling spirit of discontent; but to that we do not attach the slightest belief, a3 matters have not arrived at such a state as to call for so extreme and irritating a measure. We should be sorry to hasten on the rup- ture between masters and men and strongly advise the latter to pause and reflect a to whether there are not other means of obtain- ing, with a little more time, their objects, iu- stead of in vol Ting their families in the hor- rors of protracted starvation by plunging into another of those struggles from out of which the masters generally come victorious. But we claim for colliers, or any other body of men, perfect right to discuss their grievances and to endeavour to gain the assistance of the Legislature, without any galling hints of the presence of the military. It is undeniable that those who hourly risk their lives to pro- cure our comforts are subjected to many in- justices, and that they have reason to complain of the tardy measures taken by Parliament and of shameful evasions of the Acts that do get passed for their benefit. It is time that more earnest, more searching inquiry was made as respects their grounds of heartburning; aad it is to that means of help that their efforts should be directed. Let their cry for fair play be strong and persistent in the ears of the na- tion, and it must win sympathy, and sympa- thy will lead to redress. Strikes are like edged tools, nasty things to meddle with.

OUR LOCAL BOARD ELECTIONS. We are not to have a contested election of our Local Board this year. The opportunity (If getting in the men of their choiee has been given to those who complained that such an opportunity was never within their reach, and the grumblers have apparently confessed that the best men were in office and deserved to continue to hold it. The threatened rush for nomination papers ended in smoke the town has been spared the expense of an election; there has been no excitement, except perhaps a slight quiver on the part of one or two out- 1 going lioardsmen who fancied that there might be some combinaiion against them; and an easy task lies before Mr Roderick. Six of the retiring members will resume their seats Mr Jenkins, we regret to find, follows the exam- ple of Mr Conway and retires, and in them the town loses two representatives eminently qua- lified for the posts they vacate and whose con- scientious discharge of duties entitles them to the thanks of the community; and two new members wiU now bo placed in the responsi- bilities of office for the next three years. It must be gratifying to the re-elected members to find that their actions have been satisfactory and are appreciated; and that any little growl- ing that may have been heard against the Board had no substantial cause or meaning, but was rather an assertion of the English- man's privilege to grumble. The man who could please everybody was never yet created, and never will be; and the Board, bearing that in mind, will, we hope, continue an car- nest course of usefulness, carefully avoiding the extremes of reckless expenditure on the one hand and a ridiculous, penny-wise pound- foolish, false economy on the other.

BARON PIGOTT ON PUBLIC-HOUSES AND SUNDAY SCHOOLS. [The following extract is from the Judge's Charge to the Grand Jury at the recent Mon- mouth Assizes :]— Now, there are two cases, 4 and 8 in the calendar, which are for manslaughter. And 1D your county, as in others through which we pass, it is unfortunately the case that these offences are almost always referrable to the vice of drunkenness. In both these eases you find it said We were both drunk," They were both drunk," and then they fight for nothing or fight for pleasure. And then comes some injury or loss of life to one of the poor men while in a state of drunkenness; and then, next morning, when in a state of sobriety, the other man is as sorry as any member of society who takes no part in the affair. Now, this is referrable to the unhappy vice of drunkenness, which so much prevails in our country and I tracy will, having now full weight, get a firm control over all the public-houses and beer- houses. When you had no control over the beerhouses, the condition of things was this, that if you were severe with public-houses, for supplying too much drink, the people could go and get drink at the beerhouse, where you had not the same control. Now tbat you have control over the whole, it wants nothing but firmness to keep that control and enforce it, and not to call for too much evidence to prove that a house is not well conducted. As I said before, I say again, and it has been said to me, not the the control. Now that the magis- if you only note what houses turn out drunken people habitually, you need not go into what causes it. It is evident that people are allowed to drink to excess—that they are supplied with drink longer than they should have it; and all that is under the control of the person who well manages his house—who will not allow such conduct to take place. Those who pre- vent it, prevent manslaughter, crime, and vice of fdl descriptions those who encourage it Contribute to manslaughter, vice, and crime of all descriptions; and, therefore, what I say to gentlemen in your position—gentlemen who have the control—is this: keep the control; not using it to prevent men going to a public- house to get beer, or remaining a proper time to get beer; but using that control as far as possible to prevent publicans supplying drink: to persons until they are in a condition that they do not know whether they are committing murder or what. The crime of drunkenness may, I think, by this means be, to a great ex- tent, restrained. Of course, however, you know as well as I do that something more than that remains to be done if we really want to further the welfare of our fellowmen and the honour of God and our country. I believe, if you ask me what, in my judgment and knowledge, is the best mode of doing some- thing to assist toward that great end, I would say, encourage the efficiency of Sunday schools throughout the length and breadth of the land. I have thought of the subject much and I be- lieve there is no v.-ay in which every man may do greater good, in his sphere of life, than by pneouraging the teaching of the young in early life, not only how to read and write, but a knowledge of God and of their Saviour, in the Sunday school. It has many a-peas of good about it. Eirst, there is the habit of discipline enforced; secondly, these schools assemble at a period of the week when, above all times, it is desirable that we should encourage people to be in a suitable place for them and there can be no better place on a Sunday morning than a Sunday school, for that is the stepping stone to the Church or Chapel into which they cer- tainly go from the Sunday school; and from both—from Church or Chapel—they would go with minds educated, and instructed in those blessed truths which alone can lead men well through this life, and land them safely in the f which js to come. t

ANOTHER SUDDEN DEATH, •. Last week we reported a case of sudden death near Kemeys Suspension Bridge. We have now to notice a second occurrence of a similarly solemn nature, not far from the bridge, but on the other side of the river Usk, —the present case being in Llanvair Kilged- din, that of last week in Kemeys. At an in- quest held on Tuesday, before E. D. Batt, Esq., coroner, at the house of Isaac Attwell, who keeps a little shop and market garden at the side of the road near High Mead, evidence was given to show that Catherine Attwell, his wife, had been suddenly seized with paralysis of the left side, about half-past nine on the previous (Monday) morning, and had died at noon. She had taken breakfast with her hus- band, apparently in good health and spirits. He then went to his work. She afterwards sent for her neighbour, Mary Osborn, who helped her upstairs; and Mr Boulton, surgeon, of Usk, was sent for, but death took place be- fore his arrival. She had been under Mr Boulton's treatment some months ago, and was thought to be lately in better health, but Mr Boulton considered her to be in a debilitated state, though he had no reason to expect a sudden death. The verdict, of course, was that sudden death ensued from natural causes. Deceased leaves four young children.

SAD ACCIDENT AT PENPERGWM STATION, NEAR ABERGAVENNY. Mr Harris, the station-master at Pontypool- road station, met with a sad accident on Tues- day morning last, by which his foot was taken off. Mr Harris had taken advantage of an ear- ly train to accompany some friends off as far as Penpergwm station, about three miles this side of Abergavenny, intending to get back in time for the first up passenger train from Newport. A goods train being due at Penper- gwni shortly after he arrived there, Mr Harris attempted to get on the tender of the engine, and thereby slipped his footing, and the engine ran over the lower portion of his leg. We re- gret to say that the accident has not merely deprived him of a limb, but has greatly endan- gered his life. Mr Harris has for some time been in the service of the Great Western Com- pany, and his general ectivity and business tact rendered him admirably suited for the posi- tion he held at the Pontypool station. For a time at least the company will be deprived of the services of a valuable station-master. Amputation of the injured limb, just below the knee, was performed by Messrs Lawrence and Thomas and we are sure that all who knew Mr Harris will join in hoping that he may speedily recover.

THE EMIGR.ATS, The following vessels, sonie of which probably bore emigrants front this district, have ar*■ out Arr out. Etna Aug. 11 Citv of Boston 17 Nabraska 16 Pennsylvania 11 Malta 16 Moravian 9 Hibernian 16

A ROW ON THE CROSS. To the Editor of the Pontypool Free Press. There's afine piece of work on the Cross The Board must be quite at a loss What STEPS to pursue, And whatever they do Seems to make the Cros? people more cross.

The Chinese colour with mineral powder much of the tea sent to England this enables them to pass off the worthless brown leaves as fine tea, to the great loss and disappointment of the consumer: Horniman's Tea being se- lectcd from the choice spring gathering, and without the usual" facing" powder, is strong and delicious. Sold only in packets. Local Agents advertised in our columns. BREAKFAST.—A SUCCESSFUL EXPERIMENT.— The Civil Service Gazette has the following in- teresting remarks :—l> There are very few sini- pie articles of food which can boast so many valuable and important dietary properties as cocoa. While acting on the nerves as a gentle stimulant, it provides the body with some of the purest elements of nutrition, and at the same time corrects and invigorates the action of the digestive organs. These beneficial effects depend in a great measure upon the manner of its preparation, but of late years snch close at- tention has been given to the growth and treat- merit of cocoa, that there is 110 difficulty in se- curing it with every useful quality fully dove- loped. The singular success which Mr Epps attained by his homoeopathic preparation of cocoa has never been surpasserl by any experi- mentalist. Far and wine the reputation of Epps's Cocoa has spread by the simple force of its own extraordinary merits. Medical men of all shades of opinion have agreed in recom- mending it as the safest and most bendicial article of diet for persons of weak constitutions. This superiority of a particular of prepa- ration over all others is a remarkable proof of the great results to be obtained from little causes. By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the properties of well-selected cocoa. Mr Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a deli- cately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a constitution may be gradually built up until strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are floating around us ready to attack wherever there is a weak point. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping our- selves well fortified with pure blood and a pro- perly nourished frame." LUXURIANT AND BEAUTIFUL HAIR.—Mrs. 8. Allen's "World's Ilair .Restorer or Dressing" never fails to quickly restore Gray or Faded Hair to its youthful colour and beauty, and with the first application a beau- tiful gloss and delightful fragrance i ginm to the Hair. Jt stops Hair from falling ofF. It prevents baldness. It promotes luxuriant growth. It causes the Hair to grow thick and strong. Jt removes ^11 dandruff. It contains | neither oil nor dye In lnrge hottks-Pricc Six Shillings. Sold by all Chemists ard Perfumers. For Children's Hair, Mrs Allen's "Zvlobalsamum" far ex- j ceeds any pomade or hair oil, and is a delightful Ilair Dressing it is a distinct and separate preparation from the Restorer, and its use not required without it. Depot, 266, High Hcdbora, London. ADVICE TO MOTHERS. — Are you broken of your rest by a sick child, suffering with the pain of cutting teeth ? Go at once to a chemist, and get a bottle of MRS- WINSLOW'S SOOTHIXG Snwp. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately; it is perfectly harmless j it produces natural quiet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes "as bright as a hut- ton." It has been long in use in America, and is high- ly recommended by medical men it is very pleasant to take; it soothes the child it softens the gums, allays all pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and is the best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes. Be sure and ask for MRS WIXSLOW'S SOOTHING SYRUP. NO mother should be without it.—Sold by all medicine dealers at Is 1 d per Bottle. London Depot, 205, High Holborn. PROTECTION PROM FIRE.— Bryant and May give thp follow- in* a a typ;, of what is constantly occurring- through tbe in- cautious use of ordinary Lucifers, and would point ont the perfect security afforded by their Patent Special Safety Matches, which ignite only on the box-for if left carelessly about within the reach of children, they are perfectly h.-irm- less.-as it is only possible to litfht them on the prepared surface of the box — Frightful death from tirc.- La"t even- in an inquiry was held at the London Hospital b" Mr John Humphreys, the Middlesex coroner, respecting the death of "Wiliiam Poley, a?pd seven years, w>n> lust his life under the following shocking eircumst.m :es Thomas Poley, 11 White How, said that on Tuesday mot •"ill? he heard a noise in the room where deceased and his brother Alfred wprp, He went to see what was the matter, an3 he found their bed in flames and deceased's clothes on tire. He was burning fearfully, and he screamed out, Oh, it was Alfred rnnde me do tt. he told me to li At the It appeared that deceased had got some lucifers and set fire to the bed and himself. 1tnE" had much difficulty in extinguishing the flame". and was himself severely burnt. Air Appleyard, house surgeon, said that the skin and were burnt, off deceased's stomach and limbs. He dreadfully charred, and recovery wug of course hope- lrss>. A verdict of .Veidenfal Death was returned. 3loriii"ir i, Sth April. ISfio. <

CRICKET. On Thursday the 12th inst. the return match was played between the Newport and Pontymoil clubs, on the home ground. Owing to some disappointments, Newport were obliged to play with nine men only, though their opponents lent them two fielders throughout both innings. Pontymoil (of course) won the toss and (of course) went in. Messrs Williams and G. Davies played steadily against some very straight bowling from Underwood (the Newport professional) and Himdey, whose pace was something unusual Mr Martin Edwards made a fine drive for six, sending the bail into the hedge but the only* one who readied double figures was Mr Gurney, whose 10 were well got. The innings closed for 66. It was thought that Newport would have no difficulty in exceeding this number, as they had several very good bats in their team but so effective was the bowling of Messrs Gurney and H. James (the former of whom clean bowled three good wickets) that 18 runs only were got Underwood alone made a respectable stand in his score was a fine drive for four. After lunch (well supplied by the landlord of the Crown), Pontymoil again went in, but no stand was made until a wicket had fallen then Messrs Gurney and Williams quickly put some runs together, the former es- pecially hittiug hard, and again landing himself in double figures. Three wickets fell rapidly, when Mr G. Davies joined his fellow townsman, and gave each of the Newport bowlers a taste of his quality by hitting them to square leg for 4 an:i 5 rtffipeclively. He made 14 iu all. well got. Mr H. James followed, anil tit more n,8 were added to the score before a separation was effected through Mr Williams losing his wicket in too short a run. He had been at the wick-jets about two hours for his 23, and was loudly and deservedly applauded. The innings ended at 97, the captain carrying out his bat for 18. This left Newport J46 to get to win, but Mr Gould's wicket fell at 9, and Mr Hinsley's next ball, and after Mr Waterfall had made a fine drive to the tent lie was also caught. Messrs Underwood and Green then did some ball hit- tiug for a time, the former twice giving Mr Martin Edwards the trouble of clearing the palings, but Mr Green was well stumped by Mr Hanbury (whose wicket-keeping throughout was good) and Underwood fell another victim to the upward aspiration of Mr H. James's bowling. Mr Justice, who followed, made several very good hits, and was then very finely caught- by the iongstop off the same bowler, who was successful in obtaining six out of the eight Newport wickets. No one else did much, and Pontymoil won the match by the large number of 101 runs, thus amply revenging their defeat at Newport last mouth. Their opponents were of course playing under some disadvanta- ges, but two additional men of ordinary calibre would scarcely have done much to turn the scale. The victory is due in a great degree to the good fielding of the Pontymoil eleven, who scarcely allowed a chance to be missed Messrs G. Davies and O. James made two excellent catches each, and Mr Hanbury one: but all fielded well. The field was crowded with spec- tators, among whom were (wt- believe) Mrs Hanbury Leigh and the Hon. Mrs Ashley. The following- is the score ot the match :— -0 I'ONT YiiOIL. FIRST INNINGS. 5ECO:<D INNINGS. W. S. Essex, b Underwood 5 b Underwood 0 A. 0 Jaiies, I b w, b Huisley 2 b Underwood 4 W. Williams, c Gren. h U ndenvood 8 run out, 23 ,%I. Ed..rd., i un -tit M. Edwards, tun out 8 lb*, b Waterfall. 1 J. C. Hanbury, b Hinsier 1 b Underwood 0 G. Davies, c sub., b Green 7 c Justice, b Green. 14 H. A. James, b Green 0 not out J8 Hon. L. Ashley, b Underwood 1 run out 0 J. Gurney, b Green 10 b Underwood 11 J. R. Essex, c Hinsley,bUnderwood 5 run out. 0 C. Davies, not out I bHinsley 3 B 5, 1 b 6, w 4, a b 3 18 b 9, 1 b 2, w 8, n b 4 23 66 97 NEWPORT. FIRCT IN\'1NG8. SECOND INNINGS. G. Hinsley, b H. James 4 c G. Dimes, b H. Jam's 0 A. Justice, b Gurney 2 c O. Jarne, b H. James 9 A. Green, h Gurney 0 st. H i; a1}, b H. Jallls 5 J. Underwaod, c O.Jaraes.b Gurney 7 c G Davies,tiHJames 12 J'. (iould, b G,,irney 2 c Giirricy,b II.James 5 J. Ward, c Hanbury, b H. James 0 not out I NV. F. '%Vatert',kil, not ttit 1 c S.Essex,bH.James 7 E. A. Landlord, st Hanbury, b H. James 0 b Williams 2 J. B. Hampson, c and b II. James 0 c C. lJa»'ies, b Wil- liams 0 B 1, w I 2 w 2, n b 1 3 ]8 41

13ittbs, iilarrtages, anb Bcatljs. BIRTHS. No births or marriages inserted unless prepaid (ls.) and authenticated. DEATHS. Aug. 11, at Abersychan, nged 2 months and 2 days, John, soil of Mr David Williams, tailor. Ausr. 12, at Pontnewynvdd, aged 12 days, James, son r.f Mr Job Hanis. Aug, 14, at Victoria Village, Garndiffaith, iyei 37 years, Joanna, wife of Mr John Kelly, labuurer at fur- naces. Aug. 15, at D-row, Blaenafon, aged 9 months, Mar- garet, daughter of Mr Edward Bowen, bailer. Aug. 16, at Black Barn, Abersychan, Mary, wife of Mr David Edwards, ca -j.-entor, aged 64 years. Aug. 16, at Blaemiai e, near aged 80 years, Mrs Sarah Harris, mother of Mr W. Harris, formerly of the New Inn, Blaenafon.

POLICE COURT. I SATURDAY. Before Colonel Byrcle, the Rev. J. C. Llewellin, and C. J. Parlces, Esq. ASSAULT. William Rolls was charged with assaulting Thomas Gregory. He pleaded not guilty. Gregory made a roundabout statement, and it seemed that the row arose out of some trump- ery complaint about a boy misbehaving in a chapel. Fined 20s, including costs. LEAVING WORK WITHOUT NOTICE. George Orsborne was charged with having on the 12th of July, he being then employed by John Morgan, contractor, left his work before the completion of his contract. Mr Greenway appeared for complainant, and Mr Bradgate for defendant. Mr Morgan deposed that he was a contractor under the Ebbw Vale Company, and that Ors- borne was employed by him in getting mine," in company with a man named Rosser. Ors- borne was poorly some weeks, and then return- ed and took the work himself. He was driving a heading in the main level. He did part of that, fur which he was given two yards on ac- count. He was employed to drive a cross- heading, and did a portion, but did not finish it either in width or height. He was to drive it eight feet wide and six feet high. Witness went on to show that the work which defend- ant did was much less in dimensions, and that defendant left without giving notice. Cross examined Defendant is my servant. I pay hiip by the mouth. I have not paid all the money that is due to him. We are on piece work. It is always the custom to give a month's notice. I engaged defendant myself, three or four months ago. Rosser did not em- ploy him. I employed both. They were part- ners in the work. Rosser gave up the heading to defendant, because they could not agree. I was there at the time. I do not understand the plans produced. Defendant's contract was to drive a heading; and the heading he drove was five feet high by the feet seven inches wide, instead of being eight feet wide by six feet high. I know Thomas Cooper. Defendant had to cut through to meet Cooper. He did meet him, but that was not the end of the contract. Horses do travel through there, but do so by abuse. Re-examined He was paid for the two yards of the main heading in June. In addition he was to make the cross-heading. He did drive to meet Cooper, but did not make the heading of sufficient dimensions, and a man has been employed to alter it since. The custom is to give a month's notice, and he gave no notice. Mr Bradgate here produced the printed rules of the mines but Mr Greenway said that those related to the safety of the men, and had no- thing to do with this case. In answer to the Bench, complainant said that if defendant had completed his work pro- perly there would be due to him five yards and two feet at 5s 6d a yard and a dozen and a half at 10s 4rl a dozen. In answer to Mr Greenway, complainant said that defendant had sent for him and offered to come to an arrangement if he (complainant) would pay costs. Mr Bradgate rose to cross examine furt her; but Mr Greenway objected unless the questions were put through the Bench. Mr Morgan then said that the conversation alluded to took placo on the 27th of July. Had said he did not understand the plans because he was not accustomed to plans. Mr Joseph Green, viewer under the Eiibvv Yale Company, pointed out on the plans the headings alluded to, and stated the proper di- mensions, which agreed with those mentioned by the complainant. He had measured the place in question, and now gave the dimensions at different parts, considerably less than they should have been. On the 27th of July. the de- fendant went to witness in the yard at Aber- sychan, admitted that he had done wrong in leaving without notice, and said that his friends had advised him to go back to work. Witness told him that that was what he had previously advised him on three or four occasions. The rule was to give or take a month's notice, and thai was always observed except when a man did wrong and was dismissed summarily, Cross-examined The rules now produced by Mr Bradgate related to the safety of the works, Mr Brad gate ft divider, appa- rently to show serving under the febtnv Vale Jdt"wi}I be remetn- bered {hat at a previottSSpy^ring of this case, when the summons wa%sd^en out in the name of the Ebbw Vale Company, the summons was dismissed, on the ground that Orsborne was not employed by the Company, but by Mr Morgan.] In answer to Mr Greenway, Mr Green said that if Morgan's men did not make the head- ings of proper size, the Company would be down on Morgan. Some controversy her" took place as to whe- ther the two yards were entered as dead work. Edward Davies, roadman, deposed that he had complained of the way in which Orsborne did his work, and pointed out what he ought to do, but he did not do it. Cross-examined Understood that defendant was employed by Morgan. To the Bench The heading cut by Orsborne was about two feet short of being the proper width. To Mr Bradgate It had since been made wider at the turn, because the horse could not work there. Nothing had been put there to make the passage narrower. If a stone fell, it was removed as soon as possible. W itness re- ported to Morgan that the heading was of in- sufficient dimensions. To Mr Greenway: I always knew that a month's notice was required. To the Bench Piece work did not exonerate a man from giving notice. Mr Bradgate then addressed the Bench, ar- guing that there w as no contract, that Orsborne did the work that he was put to do, and that if he did it improperly the right course was to take proceedings in the County Court. He called no witnesses. The Bench were of opinion that the contract ] had been Hearly proved but deferred their judgment, suggesting that the matter should be compromised by defendant paying the costs and going back to his work. Mr Bradgate conferred with his client, and afterwards said that he would not go back to his work, but was willing to consent to an ar- rangement about the money. Mr Greenway said that such being the case he must ask for a s-.vere punishment, as mi-n could not be f.ii^vxjd io no as they liked in tiiis manner. The Bench said that the authority of masters and contractors must be upheld. Thcv were willing to believe that there was not so much determined hostility on the part. of defendant as there was a »>>sun:lerstanding about the agreement and taking that view they would inflict as lenient a sentence as possible. It seemed that the balance of wages due to him was 44s, and that it would cost about 14s to complete the work. They ordered him to for- feit the money. THE DOn LICENCE. William Prosser. of the Dublin Stores beer- house, Abersychan, was charged with keeping a dog without a licence. Mr Bolger, supervisor, conducted the case. Mr Wyatt, exciseman, deposed that on the 24th of May he explained to Sirs Prosser the danger she ran in not getting her licence re- newed he called again on the 18th of June, and no licence had been obtained then Mr Prosser had since procured a licence. Fined 25s. rUTTO. William Davies, of Cefn-y-crib, was fined 25s for a like offence. Mr Chate, exciseman, gave evidence. ALL THROUGH THE BEER. Richard Hopkiss was charged with leaving his work under the Ebbw Yale Company with- out notice. He pleaded not guilty. Mr Greenway conducted the prosecution. Mr Kelly gave evidence that defendant, a bailer, left his work and went off drinking. The foreman drew out the iron, and therefore prevented much damage. Defendant said that the mill-manager had told him that if he would pay 10s fine and the costs he should not be brought to Pontypool. but he (defendant) would not consent to that. Mr Ivelly said he was requested to press the case, and to ask the magistrates to commit in- stead of inflicting a fine, as so much injury was occasioned by the men leaving their work. Defendant said that another man did the work and received the money for this very turn, so there could not have been much injury. Ordered to return to his work and pay the costs, 6s. AFFILIATION. j Edward Reynolds was summoned by Eliza- beth Evans as !;i-i-,w the father of her illegiti- mate child. Defendant, a collier, living at Abertillery, admitted the imputation and was ordered to pay 2s 6d a week and costs. A ROW AT THE COMPANY'S SHOP. Thomas Nicholas, who did not appear, was charged with assaulting Henry Martin, at the Company's Shop at Blaenafon. The service of summons having been proved, complainant gave evidence to the effect that defendant, who was drunk, persisted in forcing himself through the shop, and assaulted him. He had consented to settle the matter but de- fendant had not come forward as he promised. Ordered to pay the costs, including the com- plainant's loss of time. WINDING UP THE WEEK. Thomas Churchill was charged with assaulting Sabra Williams. Sabra Williams was charged with assaulting Mary Churchill. Isaac Williams, sen., Isaac Williams, jun., and John Williams, were charged vvirh assaulting Thos. Churchill. Mr W. H. Lloyd appeared on behalf of the Chnrchills. These cases arose out of a general melee which took place in front of Mr Burton's shop door, on the Sowhill, at 12 o'clock on Saturday night. The case of Sabra Williams v. Thos. Churchill was dismissed, complainant to pay 8s costs. In Mary Churchill v. Sabra Williams, defend- ant was ordered to pay 15s. The case against Isaac Williams, sen., was dismissed. The two younger Williamses were ordered to pay 17s between them. A REMNANT OF THAYERS'S ROW. Ann Harris was charged with assaulting I Elizabeth Lewis, at Garndiffaith. This was an adjourned case, arising out of a row in which one William Thayers abused all the women in 'the neighbourhood as being bad characters and challenged all the men to fight. Lewis tried to prevent him from fighting with some of her re- latives, whereupon Miss Harris, who was Mr Thayers's "young woman," "leathered" her with a gutta percha whip. Mr W. H. Lloyd now appeared for complainant, and (complain- ant herself being subject to fits and unable to go into the box) called several witnesses. The defendant was fined 20s, or 14 days' hard labour. LEAVING WORK. John Ansted pleaded guilty of leaving his work without notice at Blaenafon, and was or- dered to pay 10s lOd. USING DAD LANGUAGE IN THE STREETS. Jane Strickland and Louisa Tucker were charged with using abusive and insulting lan- guage in the streets of Pontypool, to the an- noyance of Her Majesty's subjects. P.c. Kendall deposed that the ladies were cursing and swearing and using obscene lan- guage in Crumlin-street. Tucker was the worst. Strickland left when requested. Mrs Strickland said that her husband went with Mrs Tucker and supplied her with money and things that she (Mrs Strickland) ought to have. She had, apparently, sustained a great deol of provocation. Tinker was fined 5s, and Strickland was dis- charged. KEEPING OPEN DURING PROHIBITED HOURS. Margaret Desmond was charged with keep- ing her house open for sale of beer during pro- hibited hours on Sunday morning. Defendant's son appeared and pleaded guilty. P e. M'Gra j gave evidence. This was the first conviction since defendant had kept the house and Mr E. j B. Edwards remarked that for a. third con- | viction parties would lose their licence. De- fendant was fined 10s. DRUNK. Charles Williams was fined 5s for being drunk and riotous at Trosnant. John Murphy and William Daniel, of Aber- sychan, were fined 5s each for a like offence. Jeremiah Callaghan, also of Abersychan, was also fined 5s for a like offence. MRS THOMAS SHINES AGAIN. Sarah Thomas was charged with using vio- lent threats towards Esther Jones, at Blaenafon. Defendant has repeatedly appeared before the magistrates. Complainant said that defendant left her home and ran off with a man. She (complain- ant) had kept the house since, and defendant had come back and used such threats that she was in fear of her life. Defendant said that she did not go off with another man. Her husband turned her out of ^doors three months ago and Esther Jones and "lier husband" hau lived wlTY)"TVRrT shit6.' "She lately went to her husband's door, and ho was about to take her in, when the complainant said tohiul, "You promised to stick to me, and now you have turned tail." Defendant went on in a passionate, half-crying manner, declaring that "theTroth must stand," to say "She says my husband likes her better than he does me, and how can that be, gentlemen ? lor I lived twelve years with him, and had three children at a birth by him, and she has only lived three months with him, and he must have some na- ture in him, gentlemen P.s. Coombes said that Mrs Thomas did go off with a man, and that her husband could have no peace for her since she had come back. Defendant was bound over to keep the peace. DAMAGING BIRCH TREES. James Roberts, aged 69, labourer, was charged with a trespass on the property of the Blaenafon Iron Company. Thomas Trow deposed that he saw defendant cutting birch in the wood. This was not the first time. Ordered to pay 6d damages, and lis 6d costs. WHERE DID THEY FIND HER NAME. Maria Rawlings was charged with assaulting Pilliner Challinger. This arose out of a brawl in a public house at Abersychan. A number of witnesses were examined on each side, and the case was dismissed. A RELIC OF MR CARTER'S TRAPEZE PERFORMANCES. Enoch Shaw was charged with assaulting Thomas Cann. Delendant said he was guilty of striking in his own defence. Complainant said that he was coming from Blaenafon, when he found a swing put up across the road. A young woman who was on the swing knocked his hat off, and he complained about the swing. Defendant then came up and struck him down. A man named Hackett gave similar evidence. For the defence, Mary Arm Shaw, wife ot defendant's brother, and Jane Pearce said they were trying the trapeze performance on the swing, when the two men came by and put their hands up the clothes of Jane Pearce, who was practising on the swing, and challenged defeudaut, and struck him before Shaw struck at all. Col. Byrde said that the case was not proved to the satisfae-ion of the Bench, and it was dis- missed complainant to pay 14s costs. RATHER YOUNG FOR THE WARS. Mary Parry, a little girl, was charged with assaulting a little boy named Samuel Evans. The little boy said that the girl shoved him down and hammered his head against the pave- ment, near the Town School. A doctors' bill, to the amount of 5s, was put in. Defendant's mother said that the children got quarrelling about a fishhook, and complain- ant was beating another child (defendant's brother) when defendant pushed him off, and hurt his head against a stone. A girl who witnessed the affair gave evidence and P.s. Young said that he saw the little boy directly after the quarrel, and recommended that he should be taken to a doctor. Ordered to pay Gs costs. HAVE YOUR CHIMNEYS SWEPT. William Carey was charged with wilfully setting fire to his chimney at Abersychan. P.c. Lewis deposed that Mrs Carey told him that she was frying meat, when the chimney took fire. He, however, examined the place, and found a quantity of freshly burned straw about the fire-place. Defendant's wife, Joanna, an old friend of the Bench, said that the straw was being used to make a cradle. Col. Bvrde explained the law, and ordered defendant to pay 6s. TEACHING CHILDREN TO STEAL. An old man named Sally was charged with stealing scrap iron, the property of the Ebbw Vale Company, from the old tram road leading from the Race to the Cwm. P.c. Humphreys gave evidence. Supt. MTutosh produced a tin horn, and some sweetmeats, and said that was how defendant got his living and that in order to obtain the sweets, children were tempted to steal things, which they took to defendant, who afterwards disposed of them to the marine store dealer. Prisoner was sentenced to 7 days' hard labour. MONDAY. Before the Rev. J. C. Llewellin. Dennis Leary was charged with being drunk at Blaenafon, and was fined 5s or 7 days' im- prisonment. W EDNESDAY. Before the same Magistrate. Maria Lewis was committed for seven days with hard labour, for being a disorderly prosti- tufe at Pontvpool. Richard James pleaded guilty of leaving his work under the Blaenafon Iron Company, and was ordered to return to his work and to pay the costs. THURSDAY. Before the same Magistrate. Michael Ward was committed for seven days for vagrancy.

COUNTY COURT. TUESDAY—Before J. M. HERBERT, Esq., Judge. There were entered for hearing 4 adjourned causes 2 re-issued new, 153 judgment sum- monses, 8 total, 167. Of these 39 had been struck out, leaving 128 for hearing. Walking off tcith the Book. Early in the proceedings, a witness in one of the cases was about to be sworn. He got into the box, and the high bailiff prepared himself to administer the oath as usual, telling the wit- ness to take the book in his right hand." The witness stared and looked here and there. It was impossible for him to take in hand what was not to be seen. The book had vanished A hunt took place, but no book could be found. It was then suggested that the plaintiff in the previous case had walked off with it. He was called upon for it, and with a blush, proceeded to unfasten his parcel and there found that he had unconsciously stowed away the Testament. He restored it as promptly as if it had been a hot poker, amid general smiles at his confusion A Caution.—Prosser (grocer, of Pontypool,) Y. Seymour. In this case defendant's wife came forward and said that she could not pay, as her husband had been ill nine months and all they had to live upon was three shillings a week from the parish. His Honour asked if theywere receiving parish relief at the time that the debt was contracted. Yes she replied. Then, said the judge, you must pay it is a fraud to contract debts when yon are receiving parish relief you must pay a shilling a month. I can't pay a penny, said the woman. You must, auswered the judge or it will be worse for you. Struck all of a heap !— Oliver v. King. Claim preferred for drapery goods against a man living at Garndiffaith. Some amusement was caused by defendant, who said that the goods were supplied to his wife without his knowledge, and he did not live with her. How was that ? asked the judge. It was time to leave her, said defendant, when she brought her son to leather me. And what did you do ? Why, I leathered him back, and had a night's lodging in Pontypool for it. Well, it hurt you much you are not much the worse for it. No, only the two policemen came rather too quick. You must pay the debt, I think it is for necessaries. Why hasn't he asked me for it before ? I have been in his company scores and scores of times, and he i cver spoke to me about it. I never knew anything about it and when I first heard of it, I was struck all of a heap. It was a very fine thingto have one's son iu lawbrought to leather one. Well, it seems they made a mistake. I rather think they did. Your wife had the care of the house, and the laying out of the money, and you are liable for what she did. Then I should get hanged she would hang me if she could. Perhaps you are not very kind to her. She was not very kind to me. (To the plain- tiff) I consider you a good bit less than a man why didn't you ask me for it? a good bit less than a man, I do. You must pay in two instalments, 2s. 6d. a month. But I am paying her 3s. a week. I consider they ought to pay it they arc living together. Whose furniture is it ? Her son's left him by her first husband. Then it can't be dh trained upon. Well, I will -reduce.thg-yi'der to^s. a month. Findings not keepings.—C'ratvcwr v. jtianieX Gough This case was again called on forbearing, it having been adjourned inconsequence of plaiu- tiff's illness. Defendant's wife again came forward, and exclaimed I shan't pay. Plaintiff said that on his way to Abersychan railway station, he lost a purse containing a half sovereign, a ring, two small coins, and a pawn-ticket bearing the name of Pickering the defendant's wife found the purse, and spent the half sovereign, giving him the rest back in about a week she had tried to exchange the ring for a wedding ring at a pawnbroker's in Pontypool, but was told it had been lost. Mrs Gough, who continually interrupted, said that she took the things to James Picketing, seeing his name on the ticket, but he knew nothing of it. The judge asked who spent the money. I did, said Mrs Gough I bought a pair of boots for myself. The judge said he did not think that plaintiff could recover, as the woman was a married woman. On second thoughts, the judge said that the husband might be rendered liable if he made the wife a party in the summons. accordingly altered the plaint, and made it as against Gough and vnfe. Plaintiff was then sworn, and repeated his statement. Mrs Gough Directly I found the purse, I took it to James Pickering, but it was not his. The judge You did quite right in that. What did you do with the things ? I gave him hack the purse, ring, and coins. And what about the money V I spent it and if I had had sense he should have none of the other things I shan't pay. But your husband will two shillings a month. Yon did what every honest woman should when you* found the purse you took it to the person to whom'you thought it belonged. If a person finds a thing, and has means of identify- ing it, as there was to a certain extent in this case, he is bound to restore it and if he does not, it is stealing in the eyes of the law. No one has a right to convert that which he finds to his own use, and if Le does, the owner can at any time call upon him to account for it. Then- is no doubt about the law on this subject. The finder of property has no right to it. Mrs Gough He ought to have given me the half-sovereign for giving him the rest back. The judge I think he ought to have given you something, and therefore I have made the instalment light. I shall allow him no costs but the costs of the court. Plaintiff: I did allow her something. Little v. TV. Morgan. — Same v. G. Harris. These cases had been adjourned for the at- tendance of a witness. Mrs Bonnor, who now | came forward and said that she had the goods for defendants, and that Little agreed to allow a balance of 9s. in each case as the cloth turned out so bad. • Mrs Bryant was called, who gave evidence in support of the statement, and caused some laughter by bidding plaintiff go and get Mrs Davies drunk on rum and she would say any- thing he wanted. It appeared that plaintiff had, at the last court, acknowledged that he said he would make some allowance in Morgan's case. Judgment for Morgan and against Harris. Cecilia Stafford v. D. Etans. Claim for 7s. for wages. plaintiff deposed that she was in service at defendant's, and that defendant's wife and her sister came home, beat and tore out her hair, and ordered her to leave. They said she starved the children, but she always gave them plenty to eat. Defendant denied that more than 3s. 6d. was due, and explained that when he fetched his wife home from the Asylum, plaintiff had pro- vided no food and denied the ill-treatment. Judgment for plaintiff for 3s. Gd. John Morgan v. Ilcnry Saunders. Claim for damages, defendant having Im- pounded some cows belonging to plaintiff. Defendant denied that he impounded the cattle. Plaintiff deposed that the cows strayed off his land into defendant's garden, in consequence of the defective state of defendant's hedges, They were driven a considerable way to pound and one of them cast her calf before her time in consequence, and he also complained j and one of them cast her calf before her time in consequence, and he also complained j of the supply of milk having been lessened. To prove that defendant impounded the cows, he said that he paid defendant's wife £3 10s., and received from her the bit of notched stick wl h was given by the pound keeper. Edward Howells deposed that the fence in question was an old one. Both the holdings of plaintiff and defendant belonged to the same estate, Mr Herbert's, of Llanarth and Mr James, the estate agent, said that the tenants ought to fence. The judge said that as both occupied on the same estate, defendant was not liable, unless there was a special contract by which defendant was bound to keep the fence in re- pair. Where the land belonged to different owners, the case was different. He would ad- journ the case, for Mr James to attend and show whether there was a special contract. Thomas Jones v. Leivis Williams. Plaintiff claimed £3, balance of account of meat supplied for a club feast at defendant's house, the Rose and Crown. Defendant said that he never received a penn'orth of meat from plaintiff in his life. He did Dot keep the house in question, though bis name was over the door. It was kept by plain- tiff's own mother, and he merely allowed her to use his name when she was in trouble. Plaintiff said that defendant had promised to see him paid. Mrs Bevan, plaintiff's sister, was called, and said that she lived at the house in question with her mother. The house was kept for the benefit of the mother, and not for that of de- fendant. She kept back the £3 as a set off against some money which had been lent to plaintiff and which she could not get back from him. The judge thought that the Bench would like to know a little about this use of names t) get a license and said it was quite clear was no case against Williams. Judgment io; defendant. A Lesson to those entitled to Property tvhen there is no Wttt.—John Jones v. Enoch Miles. Plaintiff claimed £4 10s. from defendant, blacksmith at Abersychan,—the value of feather bed. bolster, pillows, and quilt, which defendant had removed from his house. D- fendant's wife was plaintiff's sister. Some back, plaintiff's father and mother died. witho :S. a will, leaving a house and houseful of furni- tnre. The law of gavel kind prevails in the district, whereby females are excluded, there are no males. Notwithstanding this, plaintiff and his two brothers gave defendarXt wife £10 each, as her share, though legally ho had no claim to it. She afterwards set no a claim to the bed, &c., and went and removed it durn r plaintiff's absence from home. None of th.' family had taken out letters of adininistrati n. His Honour said that the law did not rec< g- nise property being divided in this way withe r administration. Until some one administc.1; no one had a claim to the property. Defendant's wife said that it was hermothf dying wish that she should have the bed, and she had witnesses who heard her mother say bo. His Honour said that did not matter. A dozen witnesses would amount to nothing, unless the wish was put in writing and signed by two witnesses. He must nonsuit the plain- tiff. Plaintiff and his brother asked if they could not recover the £30 which they had given b defendant's wife as her share. The judge said that he did not think they could, as they gave the money voluntarily r under a mistake as to the law. The plaint:;f and his brothers had rendered themselves liable to all sorts of penalties for disposing of prope* ty without taking out letters of administration. They had better consult some lawyer. Equity Casc.-Morgan and others v. Wcodhoase and others. This case had been adjourned as to security for costs. The judge now said that the under- taking was sufficient. A curious Bankruptcy Case. Thomas Lewis, cattle dealer, of Mynyddys- Iwyn, came up for last examination. At February court, the judge said that he cOlyi. dered Lewis had been guilty of gross fraud in obtaining a loan of £20 from Mr Jones, of Tie- degar, on the faith of sending him a cow in part payment, and afterwards selling the ecw to another person he therefore suspended Lewis for six months, without protection, "{•Fihr'&l creditor?^*nc*tr. said that Lewia was willing to make an rangement and pay his debts in full with^, t passing through the court. The Judge I have nothing to do with that, He mint pass. A Creditor But he is willing to settle with- out passing. I have nothing to do with that. You shoul J have settled before. What is the arrangement he talked of coming to ? He offers to pay £5 a quarter. I can't help that. He passes now. I ;ard your objections at the former court. I heard all you had to say. How is it that a man can pass the court 9nd keep things on his own land ? I heard all you had to say six months ago I then suspended him six months without prof ■> tion, which was the punishment I could him. During that time you could have tai u anv proceedings you liked. But we were misinformed. I can't help that. lie is entitled to pass. Lewis passed accordingly.

THE LAW OF INFANTICIDE. This is a class of case in which it i c' the first importance that not only your attention | should be called, but also through you the ) attention of the Legislature, and also that you should press upon the Legislature how mu^b these things call for new legislation. It ILUSI be evident to all you gentlemen who take piirt in the administration of justice in criminal courts that these cases are of daily occurrence and though many of them—(I say nothir ? about the present one to prejudice it)—b,-r many of them arc manifest infanticides. I think, from the nature of the law and the fee. ing of society, they arc not dealt with in j proper manner—they are left to find a sort of level between the extreme capital punishcieec by death and a trivial punishment for concea1- ment of birth. Now, neither of those punish- ments are suited to actual infanticide. I shov1 say, speaking either as a man or a judge, th, for infanticide to he dealt with as coneealmen, of birth is a mockery, and to call on juries to convict for infanticide is idle. We know it and the law is of such a nature that every or.3 feels that if yoti. attempt to deal with them generally speaking, as infanticide, you are met with this-U Can you undertake. to say that. if this woman took this child's life, she did it after the child was completely separated from her body?" If she did not, it was not mur- der, according to law if she did, it is. And there is that nice distinction, which never can be proved judicially, or very seldom, although morally very often we are completely convinced it is a case of infanticide. Now, that is a state of things which calls, as it appears to me, for the attention of society and the attention of the Legislature. The attention of the Legis- lature is, I believe, likely to be attracted to it; and, for myself, I must say it cannot be too soon.—Baron PigotVs Charge to the Grand Jury at Monmouth.

THOMAS" TO THE EDITOR. Sir, Timc8 are bad, money scarce, food dear, tradesmen, merchants, and workmen (/rumbling at things in general; taxpayers infuriate, local par- liaments inadequate, and altogether this old coun- try\ with disestablishment, disendowment, and all kinds of diss's, appears, sir, upon the ive of a crisis—I ought to say THE crisis. Infact, with the sole and honourable exception of newspaper proprietors, everybody seems to be losing money, losing their temper, and seeing in the dim vista of the future a gloomy, chaotic mass of dark clouds—not one to brighten the horizon of the year 1870. So speaks the speaker of our club of Odd- fellows, after his third glass of something hot with a spoon it and granting the metal spoon has an injurious effect upon the" billiarJI duxesas he terms those useful .portions of our dwelling-houses, the question arisen in~tfie mind of your Thomas, Is there not some truth in our speaker s eloquent oration ? There may be. Let us look at things in the genial spirit of Hunky Dorum," and keep cool." Times ARE bad-and so they have been since your Thomas teas a child: and he now sees in the glass a venerable cluster of gray hairs upon his poll: but do the times become better by grumbling about them ? or, as is frequently the case, are things in general improved by becoming down- hearted, and drowning your cares and the little sense you have in the jlowing I pause for reply No. 1. Money is scarce, and always has been to your Thomas the more reason to take care of what you have, and not squander it away in "Pall" sprees that as a rule don't pay. The fact seems to 1;;e, that as wages get lower, work scarcer, and food none the cheaper, the more we have to spend or get tick" for. Does this tend to increase the circulating medium J Reply No. 2 wanted. Food IS dear. It has been dearer, and would be more plentiful if properly used and PAID for. The quantity of wholesome fooel spoiled by infe- rior cooking in THESE HERE PARTS is something not even guessed at by the lords of creation, while the quantity of food cooked, used, and not paid for costs 118 at least 10 per cent, upon what ice buy. Tradesmen ARE grumbling, and always will unless they get paid for what they sell; and tradesmen will be grumbled at, unless they sell at I fairly remunerative prices, give good weight, and keep wholesome, unadulterated articles. Merchants grumble because trade is depressed: the best thing Thomas sees for this for those that are rich to shut and let those that are not rich have a chance. The supply is greater than the demand let those who have realised well re- tire, and give a portion of their tin to Thomas. Workmen ARE grumbling, and always will as long as the world lasts. Thomas himself dearly loves a grunt now and then but he thinks some- thing must be done besides complaining. Let workmen be steady, sober, and industrious train up their children to be hard working, temperate in habit and civil in speech. Boys now-a-days curse and swear LIKE MEN, as the disgraceful say- ing is, drink like men, smoke like men, and are not subservient to their parents or anyone else. Depend upon ii, the future generation will be a bad one, judging by the habits and manners of the boys of our age. Let workmen see things in their proper light, and not be always listening to hireling agitators, who would make them believe that the world and the masters fatten upon their poverty. Thomas confesses to be a fool, but is not fool enough to believe tales like these, when a little reading, study, and reflection convinces him daily of the truth of the old grand saying—" He that doth not work shall not eat." Taxpayers ARE infuriate. Thomas is thankful he has enough copper in hand to pay the clog-tax, income-tax, hairpowder-tax, and Local Board tax. Let taxpayers stump out, grin and bear it. Local Boards inadequate At all events, inade- quate to reduce their rates and Thomas has been puzzled how they can reduce them, lohen he reads that at a place called Abersychan theypedd about sixty shillings for painting a name on a water- cart—or we will call it a fire-engine. This straw breaks this camel's. back, and your Thomas would like to know—How much faster the engine runs. how many more strokes it works a minute, and how many feet higher it throws vxiter, in conse- quence cf this notable expenditure. Pausina for « THOMAS.