Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

JSpps-s GLYCERINE JUJUBES.—CAPTION I-These effective and agreeable confections are sold by most :hemists by others, however, attempts are often made at substitution. We therefore deem it necessary to caution the public that they can only be obtained in boxes, 6d. and Is.; labelled JAMES Epps and Co., Homoeopathic Chemists, 48, Threadneedlc Street, and 170, Piccadilly, London.

PANTEG LOCAL BOARD. The monthly meeting of this Board was held on Tuesday night-A. A. Willituis, Esq., in the chair. The other members present were Messrs H. J. Parkhurst, J. Jenkins, J. Walker, and J. Rosser.

MUTUAL INTERESTS. Mr Henry Griffiths, of Griffithstown, a nnmber of the Llanvrechva Upper Local Board, attended to bring before the Board a matter which inte- rested the parish to which he belonged. It was contemplated to make a new road to come out by Mr Steedman's field to the new railway station, and he had come to call their attention to the fact that a building was being put up close to the ground. He knew they looked to the prospective advantages of the neighbourhood, and it would be an ulterior question whether the present building- would not be an obstruction, and the cause of ex- pense. He might remark that the new building was closely adjoining the Llanfrechfa district, but was in the jurisdiction of the Panteg Board. The Surveyor said the plans for this building were passed at the last meeting, subject to the bye-laws being strictly carried out. He had been to the place and observed the infringement to which Mr Griffiths had drawn attention. He at once sent a notice to the builders, warning them not to lay down another stone, and drawing their particular attention to the sixth of the bye-laws. A copy of the notice he laid before the Board. It was resolved, on the suggestion of the Chair- man, that a copy of the minute passed by the Board at the last meeting respecting this building, and also a copy of the objection taken by the Sur- veyor, be sent up to the Local Government Board, that their attention be also drawn to the sixth bye- law, and their opinion asked as to what should be done in the matter. THE SURVEYOR'S REPORT. Gentlemen,—I beg to report that 300 feet of 3-inch cast iron pipes have been properly laid down from the spring head of a well in a field the property of the Ebbw Vale Company, Limited, near the furnace manager's house, for the purpose of supplying the houses at the top of the Cwm with pure water and 27 feet of 3-in. pipe have been laid in the well about three inches below the 3-inch pipe, discharging the water through the iron tap for the use of the furnace man- ager's house and others, and an iron bosh is provided for the overflow of water for the use of cattle in the field. I beg also to report that plans of a cottage to be built by Messrs Whatmore and Brown, at Sebas- topol, which were passed at the last meeting of this Board, subject to the bye-laws, have not been carried out according to the sixth bye-law of the Board, re- specting the thickness and external walls. I gave the builders a written notice before the building was com- menced of the requirements of the said Board. A copy of the notice will be laid before you this evening. I have collected during the past month dE50 of the general district rate, and paid the same to the credit of the Board as per bank book.—I am, &c., J. GOODENOUGH. PANTEG ROAD. Mr Parkhurst moved that the Panteg Church Road be widened, which was unanimously carried, the matter having been before the Board at the last meeting. CLAIM FOR THE LOSS OF A HORSE. At the last meeting of the Board Mr Williams, of Typoth, forwarded a letter asking for some com- pensation for the loss of a horse, which he alleged was caused by the defective condition of the road. He now attended in person to urge his claim. After the Board had considered the matter, Mr Williams was called into the room. The Chairman said the Board could not admit its liability in the matter, bnt in order to fully un- derstand the matter a committee would be ap- pointed to visit the spot in company with Mr Williams and the Surveyor, Mr Williams thanked the Board, and withdrew. The committee appointed consists of the Chair- man, Messrs Parkhurst, Parker, and Jenkins. ANOTHER COMPLAINT. The Rector of Panteg forwarded another letter complaining of the bad state of the roads, espe- cially mentioning the footpath from near the bridge over the canal, and the one leading to the Panteg Station. The special committee already appointed agreed to inspect the roads. DR. OGLE'S REPORT. The report of Dr W. Ogle, the Medical Officer appointed by the Local Government Board to en- quire into the sanitary condition of the district, was considered. The Chairman read the whole of that portion which related to the district over which the Pan- teg Board had jurisdiction, and also the recom- mendations appended. He said he had marked one or two places to which it was necessary to es- pecially direct attention. At Sebastopol, which was mentioned as the chief place of the district, the chief objection taken was to the defective sani- tary arrangement s, mainly caused by the inefficient water supply for the purposes of flushing. &c. They might offer suggestions now, and the Clerk could bring them in order before the Board at the next meeting. Mr Parkhurst enquired how far the Water Com- ¡'>j' 'pll)C" C.l.ll;;Uùccl. 1.. ¡,l1a¡, ùh<v¡'¡v. The Surveyor replied that they did not go fur- ther than Griffithstown. The Chairman said there were two ways of getting the water for flushing purposes—either from the canal, or by getting the Water Company to extend their pipes. Which would they prefer ? He would suggest that before the next Board day the Clerk should ascertain if a junction could be formed from the Crown Bridge, and upon what terms the Company would put the pipes down, say to the Eailway Bridge, which would supply all their requirements. The Board agreed with the suggestion, and the Clerk was instructed to write accordingly. Cwmyniscoy.-The Chairman remarked that in tkis district the cry again was for water. The Surveyor said there was a constant supply running through the drain, but it was only fiushed periodically. It was then decided that the whole question should be gone into at the next meeting. ROUTINE. Plans from Messrs Whatmore & Brown, for the erection of 10 houses at Griffithstown, were passed subject to the bye-laws of the Board being tho- roughly carried out; a number of bills were exa- mined and ordered to be paid, and the Board ad- journed.

THE AFGHAN CAMPAIGN. THE STATE OF AFFAIRS IN AFGHANISTAN. The Daily Chronicle's correspondent writing froru Simla on Oct. 17th, says :—An indication of some- thing like restored tranquility has at last manifested itself. It would be premature, however, to accept this indication as the surety of a permanent peace, as it may be (and such is the general opinion in India) the forerunner of other outbreaks, even more serious than the Cabul catastrophe. The British now stationed within the walls are unquestionably certain of being able to hold their position against outer attacks, nor need they fear internal revolt ns the inhabitants are practically without means of assault or defence, having surrendered all their arms and ammunition. Moreover, the alliance with the Araecr and the cession of the Cabul merchants shenglheu the supposition that any revolt could be almost im- mediately and effectually checked. The probable suffering of our troops by the intense cold, a promise of which has already appeared, is one evil to be battled with. Then, should there be any outbreak among the Ghilzais, or hillmen, the difficulties and dangers attending the provisioning of the garrison cannot be over-estimated. I question, moreover, if the tone of general Roberts's proclamation is calculated to inspire the numerous hill tribes within the radius of ten miles with very friendly feelings. The general states that the surrounding country for that distance will be under martial law-a mode of government not very acceptable to any people, and certainly not to the wild and daring tribes of Ghilzais. Cabul has been taken bloodlessly, and with a great display of official and military show. But now the hurly-burly's done," will it not be asked what the Government are going to do with it, and what is the special advantage derived in holding possession of a city that walls in little else than ruined buildings, broken-up streets, shattered temples-the ghastly relics of carnage, and the debris of an almost, entire destruction—added to its situation in a climate of in- tense winter cold, and surrounded by hostile tribes in whose hearts are implanted a hatred of the English deep and unquenchable ? Perhaps this is a that may eventually be worked out. It has been the fashion for military authorities to to accord undue praise to the regiments of the Punjab Natives, to the detriment of the remaining Hindo- stance regiments of the Bengal Army, as well as the .irmics of Madras and Bombay The origin of this feel- ing may, undoubtedly, be traced to the former mutiny of the old army, but as 20 and more years of ready jbedience to military discipline has made up for what, ifter all, resulted from the action of their prede- cessors, I cannot see the justice of withholding from these men either the opportunity of distinguishing themselves, or a fair meed of praise for the services they render. Not only are the native soldiery made to bear the brunt of this apparent prejudice, but the officers attached to the regiments I have named suffer a far greater punishment. They see their more favoured brother officers, attached to the lauded regi- ments, pass by them, provided with fin opportunity of distinction which the former ssldcm or ever get. If wo may judge by facts, the choice of the authori- ties in respect to the Punjabees does not appear a happy one. It is notorious that from the commence- ment of the Afghan War in November last the ranks of the Native Punjab Iufantry were thinned by desertion. The treachery of several men of the 29th Punjab Native Infantry before the Battle of Peiwar Kotal last year is well known, but it is not generally known that one crack Punjab regiment lost between 100 and 200 men by desertion, who took over with them their rifles and ammunition to the enemy. Every regiment com- prised of the Punjabees who have crossed the frontier have lost men by desertion. Even some of thoir own officers, who are always inclined to defend the regi- ments to which they belong, admit the men to be trcacborous and unreliable. While travelling from Allahabad, I dropped in with officers, who not only were debarred from going to the front, after having been ordered out from England in consequence of the disturbances in Afghanistan, but had actually been taken from furlough to join regiments which had been, were, and were likely to remain passive. There are good signs just now, though, tbat the fighting services of all regiments can be uispensed with.

THE MASSACRE AT CABUL—SUPPOSED TREACHERY OF YAKOOB KHAN. A Times telegram from Calcutta, dated Sunday, says: The Military Commission continues its sittings. Up to the end of October eleven men were convicted and hanged, among them a jemadar of city police, who was proved to have dishonoured the bodies of the mission. The suspicion which rested on Yakoob, and which was temporarily removed by his joining General Roberts at Khushi, is again settling down on him. It has been discovered that the night before the battle of Charasiab he has visited in his tout by Naib Mahomed, who commanded the enemy next day, and it is also stated that a plan for his- from our camp has been found out. Yakoob, now practically a prisoner, has been removed from Siah- sang camp to Shirpur under an escort of t';e 9th Lancers. All attendants except four have been dis- missed. A sentry is constantly on duty in his quarters and a strong guard outside. There seems now little doubt of his treachery, and the general opinion is that he will be sent a state prisoner to India. It is stated that when pc announced to Gen. j Roberts his intention to abaicate he said ho would rather be a grass-cutter in the British camp than I Ameer of Cabul, and that he was willing to go to India, Malta, or London, or wherever we might send him. This appears to have been a cunning deviee to throw the general off his guard, and General Roberts evidently regards the Ameer's declara- tion with suspicion, for he did not publicly announce the abdication of Yakoob Khan at Cabul till the 28th, a fortnight after it had been communicated to him, anJ till he had received orders from the Government on the subject. Yakoob's latest act, prompLcd apparently by a desire to curry favour, hr. been to disclose the existence of certain concealed trea- sure. Our relations with the tribes are assuming a more satisfactory aspect. Asmutallah, the Ghilzai chief, has not yet come in, the Ghilzais and Kohanis- tinis have determined not to oppose. Aladdin, the brother of the powerful chief Padshah Khan, was wounded in the attack on the Shutar-i-gardan and brought in by our men.

THE RUSSIAN RETREAT FROM MERV. A Daily Telegraph despatch, dated St Petersburgh, Sunday, states :— The rumour which I communicated to you on Oct. 29 as existing in well-informed quarters regarding the disastrous and forced retreat of the Merv force appears now sufficiently confirmed by the informa- tion which the Russian journals have been allowed to publish, to the effect that the main tody of the Tekke Turcoman expedition is once more on the shores of the Caspian at Tchikirlar. It will be remembered that my information enabled me from the first to predict that the results of this year's campaign would probably be confined to a thorough exploration of the country from the mouth-of the Attrek towards Merv, and to the establishment of military posts on the route to that point. These results have been obtained, although at a greater cost than was anticipated by the Russian staff. It must not, therefore, be assumed that the expedition has been that complete failure which its final hurried retreat would imply, or that the diffi- culties which have attended it were so unforseen as to deter the Russian government from prosecuting the enterprise at a future season. Only a temporary halt has become necessary in the active forward movement, and any assurances which may now be offered as to the definite abandonment of the scheme must be utterly disregarded. The Tekkes have ob- tained a breathing time, and England must make use of the same for the energetic consolidation of her position on her Indo-Afghan frontier.

The county Dublin Grand J ury,on Monday, passed a resolution, by fifteen to six votes, sanctioning the proposal of the Dublin Southern District Tramwav Company to use steam power on their Blaekroek line. A labourer named Hugh Maguire has been charged at Manchester, with biting his wife's lip off. Prisoner and his wife had been drinking, and in a quarrel he seized her under-lip between his teeth, and bit off He was remand A letter dated, Pietermantzburg, Uctober 4, which was received on Friday in London, states that Mr. W. B. Gurdon, C.B., of the Tre usury, who had been sent out to examine into the question of the war ex- penses, had just arrived in Natal. Mr. Gurdon iva, formerly private secretary to Mr. Gladstone. Prof. W. Itobertson Smith, of Aberdeen, has takco advantage of the leisure forced upon him through his suspension by the Assembly of the Free Church ol Scotland to proceed to Egypt an-^ cpn^inije the lin- guistic studies he pursued there during last winter, Prof. Sayce also contemplates a visit to l%ypt about Christmas time. Mrs. Waugh, of Stanwell, while attempting to cross the rails from the up to the down platform at the South-Western Railway Station, at Ashfoni, the other day, was canght by the 11 from Waterloo to Reading, tln-ownr'a '.distance' of nearly tv eive yamls.' Wiren her body was picked up i it was. found that one arm was severed, and the head terribly injured.

REPRESENTATION or MONMOUTH. NEW CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATE. A private meeting of County Conservative gentle- mne was held at the King's Head Hotel, Newport, on Tuesday afternoon, when the claims of C. H. Cromp- ton-Roberts. Esq., who has been generally looked upon as the coming candidate, were over-balanced in favour of those of John Allan Rolls, Esq., of the Hendre.

========================= ALLEGED HORRIBLE WIFE MURDER. The Manchester Police have in custody a man named William Cassidy, who is described as a boot clicker, on the charge of having attempted to murder his wife, and he was brought before the magistrates On Monday morning. The prisoner and his wife, with five children, lived in a house in Susan Street, Rochdale Road. The woman was addicted to drink, and was under its influence at the time of this occur- rence, but the man, it is said, was sober. At an early hour on Sunday morning a police-officer was passing Cassidy's house, when he saw smoke issuing from the windows, and at once obtained admittance. In one of the rooms he found a bed on fire, and the woman lying upon it. He removed her, and had I ber conveyed to the Royal Infirmary, where she was admitted as an in-patient. She was severely burned about the right, side, the arms, and the hands, and expired from her injuries. On Sunday afternoon her deposition was taken. She stated that she was awoke by finding the bed on fire, and that she heard the prisoner going downstairs at the time. The man gave himself into custody.-— An inquest was held on the body, when the evidence taken showed that deceased and her husband had lived together unhappily for some time, and several weeks ago he threatened to kill her. At the police-court he denied all know- ledge of how the bed came to be on fire, and the jury returned an open verdict. Cassidy has been remanded.

TRAGEDY IN IRELAND. — A crime of a dreadful nature is reported from the west of Cork county. Daniel Collins and his wife carried on the business of small dealers in groceries and other wares in a house near Leap, on the mail carriage road between Bandon and Skibbereen. They were apparently quiet and industrious people. On Saturday morning, the brother of Collins, who lives close by, passed Daniel Collins's house, and seeing it closed, he knocked. Receiving no response, he pushed in the door and found the man and his wife almost in a dying state. The wife was lying at one of the bed with a wound on the head, and the husband was at the other end insensible from lo s of blood which flowed from a wound in the throat. Near tie bed on the floor lay a hatchet with which the woman had been struck. She was sufficiently conscious, her brother-in-law states, to inculpate her ihusband, and there was evidence apparently that, after the latter had attempted to murder his wife, ho tried to take his own life with a razor. Collins and his wife are in a precarious state. The woman is not expected to recover. Collins is under the surveillance of the police. Jealousy is allegedas the motive of the crime. L —

FARMING AND THE CORN TRADE. The Mark Lane Express says—' A decided im- provement has taken place in the weather during the past week. The absence of both rain and fog has been of great service to farmers, who have been en- abled to continue wheat sowing under more fa vourable conditions, while at the same time the thrashing has: been facilitated, and the conditon of new wheat im- proved thereby. During the dry days wheat sowing and the carting of roots has been carried on in a satisfactory manner. Seeding operations are now fairly forward in the southern and some of the midland counties, and it is hopod there will be a prolific crop in 1880. In the higher districts of Scotland, harvest work is still much in. an-ear, and the appearance of snow and night frosts have neces. sitated the reaping of much grain in an imperfectly ripened state. The growth of rooit has also been much checked, it being considered unlikely that the out-turn will exceed half an average. With the failure of the grain crop in the uplands, and the depreciation in the value of stock, it is stated agricultural affairs present the most distressing aspect which the present generation of farmers have had to foce. Irish reports are somewhat less uufavourable.

DARING ESCAPE OF A PRISONER. At the Carnarvon Petty Sessions a few days since, a young carpenter named Griffith Edwards, was fined 2s. 6d. and costs for drunkenness and refusing to quit a public house. He indignantly refused to pay the amount, and was therefore sentenced to seven days' imprisonment, On the way to prison, he dashed from the custody of two constables, and ran down High Street. The officers closely pursued him to Porth-yr-awr, where Edwards jumped into the sea and swam out to the sandbank. Finding themselves thus baulked, the officers went in search of a boat, but in the meantime the friends of the prisoner suc- ceeded in taking him on board the tug Princess of Wales. The officer.; afterwards succeeded in finding a boat, and rowed to the tug, only to find the "bird" perched on the top of the mast. 'Finding his position rather uncomfortable:, the prisoner descended, and a desperate struggle ensued on deck. Several sailors, together with Edward's father, prevailed on him tc give in," and. he was afterwards conveyed on shore, but, strange to say, not in tho custody of the officers, Several hundreds of people awaited his return, and he was lustily cheered as he rowed away in the boat with his father and friends.—The prisoner will be again brought up before the magistrates. v- >

THE STATE OF IRELAND. In a letter to the Times Lord Lifford writes:—As to the vexed question of rent, the matter to be met ia—as I have endeavoured to show-not so much failure of crop as low prices. The rents of large properties in Ireland are very low. The Government valuation, made many years ago, and when prices were lower than they are even now, was intentionally and avowedly made 25 per cent, under the letting value—that is to say, if your farm be valued at £ 75 a year, its real rent ought to be £100. It is generally supposed that adding one-fourth to the existing rent, if at the Government nominal valuation, will bring it up to the real valuation but it does not require much arithmetic to show that one-fourth of X100 is considerably more than oue-fouith of t7.5. Taking this basis, I would not hesitate to assert that the rentals on by far the greater number of the large and even moderate estates in Ireland are much under the Government valuation. Why a valuation was made so much calculated to mislead the people I never could understand. But, next, the question, arises, to what extent were the existing rents fixed at a time when prices were even lower than they are at present ? I have inquired into this, and I believe they were so to a very large extent indeed. So that a landowner who gained nothing by high prices ought hardly to be expected to suffer by prices low in comparison, it is true, but as high as those under which his farms were let. I believe I am understating the case as regards the great majority of Irish estates of large extent and value but I cannot but be aware that there are properties, and perhaps in some parts of Ireland many estates, though not extensive, on which the landowners took full advantage of high prices, and these rents ought to be reduced. But as tba great danger of the coming winter arises from the loss of fuel in the wild parts of the country, I believe that the greatest boon that could now be given to Ireland would be to establish in districts remote from railways and ports depots of coals, to be retailed at moderate prices. Where the condition of the country more secure, private enterprise might do this ] with little danger of loss and the probability of some < gain. But who will now invest money in this un- 1 happy country r Where thousands of men meet and shout at the bidding of agitators, agitating not for redress of n:al grievances, but in insane hatred to E,ngl,iiid-Englund which has so largely atoned for 1 past injustices, so generously relieved Irish want, so entirely made Irishmen full sharers of British freedom and the advantages of the vast British possessions throughout the world-who can wonder that capital 1 is excluded from Ireland, and that poverty and dis- 3 content is her normal condition f -——. ]

Mr J.L.Clifford-Smith has been elected assistant 1 secretary of theNationalAssociationfor the Promotion 1 of Social Science. j The Leeds Mercury says that the AbyssinianPriac#, resident in Leeds continues seriously W, and by DO oieans out of danger* '4 tip British and Foreign Anti-Slaverv Society has addressed a memorial to Lofi] Salisbury urging ber Majesty's Government to exercise their influence with the Spanish Government in favour of absolute and unconditional emancipation of slavery in Cuba ondeC the treaty obligations of Spain with jjingiaiid. j The" Sherren I number of municipal ] records deposed of some years ag-o as waste paper ] —were a few days ago handed over to the Corpora- tion of Weymouth for 100 guineas. The Corporation had be n advised by council that the papers were j public property, but they Mcf.-md ^'cVJt^HoJUse to lnwv.:i> v'" 1

LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS. PONTYPOOL GAS AND "YATER WORKS SHARES.— At a sale by auction by Messrs Parry and Bear, which took place on Tuesday at the King's Head Hotel, Newport, one hundred £10 B shares in the above Company were to be sold, but as the first ten put up did not meet with a higher offer than £10 a share, they were all withdrawn. ARRIVAL OF THR HANKOW."—As many per- sons from this neighbourhood left for Australia in the steamship "Hankow," of which our young townsman, Dr John Thomas, was surgeon, we are glad to be able to say that she arrived safely at Adelaide on the 6th inst., and reached Melbourne on the 9th. A SOCIAL TEA MEETING, in connection with Crane Street Baptist Church, was held on Thurs- day week, when a goodly number of members and friends of the church were present. After tea, a meeting was held under the presidency of the pastor (the Rev J. Williams), when various plans respecting the welfare of the church were cordially discussed. MONMOUTHSHIRE LIBERAL ASSOCIATION. — A meeting of the general committee was held on Thursday, the 13th instant, at the Town Hall, Pontypool, at 12 o'clock. The result of the recent revision of the register was submitted, and gave much satisfaction. Votes of thanks to the two registration agents, Mr Mark Lewis, of Tredegar, and the Rev E. Jones, of Biaenavon, were unani- mouslyT passed. Important business was trans- acted, and great hopefulness expressed as to the prospects of the Liberal party in the county, in view of the coming general Election. TABERNACLE CHURCH.—The first of a series of popular readings was held in the above place of worship on Monday last. The chair was very ably filled by Mr E. H. Davies; and Mr T. H. Morgan acted as accompanist. There was a large and ap- preciative audience. The programme, which was well sustained throughout, is appended below:— Pianoforte Solo—Mr T. II. Morgan. Reading—" The Death of Absalom,"—Rev J. Evans. Song-" The Pilgrim of Love,"—Mr E. Gunter. Song-" Come. love, with me,"—Miss A. Morgan. Recitation-Mr Jones, The College. Song—Mr Trenchard. Reading—" Little Jim,"—Master A. Purchase. Duet-" To thee, 0 beter country,"—Mtss A. Morgan and Miss Jobbins. Reading—Mrs Caudle's Lectures,— Mr J. Bevan. Song—" The Death of Nelson,"—Mr E. Gunter. Impromptu Speech (Prize A valuable Book). Anthem—" Open ye the Gates,"—Tabernacle Choir. For the impromptu speech there were seven com- petitors, and the prize was awarded to Welsh- man" (Mr David Williams). The subject was Noodles how they are known, and what is to be done with them." The different speeches caused roars of laughter. The anthem, Open ye the Gates," under the leadership of Mr S. Fisher, was very creditably rendered.

BLAENAVON. FUNERAL OF THE LATE MRS THOMAS.—On Fri- day last the remains of the beloved wife of Mr John Thomas, clerk to the Blaenavon Local Board, were conveyed to their last resting-place in Blaen- avon churchyard. The vicar and curate officia- ted. The funeral was private. SPECIAL PRATER MEETINGS.—Prior to some evangelistic services which will be held in the Pri- mitive Methodist Chapel, next week, by the Rev T. T. Shields, a series of special prayer meetings- have been held in that place of worship during the last fortnight. REVIVAL SERVICES.—During the week special revival services have been held in the Bible Chris- tian Chapel by a blind lady evangelist from Corn- wall. There was a very good attendance each evening. The discourses of the lady were pointed and earnest, and were likely to do much good. LECTURE.—On Monday evening, a lecture was delivered in the King Street Chapel by the Rev I. Watts, of Abergavenny. The subject was the life of Capt. Hedley Vicars, which the lecturer pour- trayed in an admirable manner. The audience, which numbered about 300 persons, paid the closest attention throughout, and seemed much delighted with what they had heard. At the close, the lec- turer and the chairman, the Rev O. Tiduian, were loudly applauded, and the Doxology was sung. The profits were devoted to the chapel funds.

ABERSYCHAN. PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL.—A revival mis- sion was commenced here on Monday last by the Rev T. T. Shields. The congres^ h large. Some have alre1(k and signs of a parent. l'y vival r I sion by the Re. took place e\"e1" each service. Thirty conversion. The meeting the Society, Mr Shields bein e.o chan this week. GOOD TEMPLARS' ENTERTAINMENT.—On Saturday evening, the usual monthly Open Lodge Entertain- ment was given by the Hope of Cwmbran Lodge, of I.O.G.T., in the Wesley Hall, Cwmbran. Brother B. P. Fisher, L.D., presided. The meeting being opened by the singing of Dare to be a Daniel," by the whole audience, the chairman made a few ap- propriate remarks on the aims and objects of Good Templary. The programme included a song, Love at home," by Brother T. Thomas, who also read A Bachelor's complaint"; song by Brother Thomson, of Newport, "Pium Pudding recitation bv D. M. H. Davies, of Newport; another song by Brother Thomson, "Bitter Beer"; reading by Brother Harraden; anthem by T. Thomas and party, of Pontymoile. I was glad when they said, &c. which was very effectively sung. Both singers and speakers were rewarded with repeated rounds of applause. ENTERTAINMENT.—On Monday, the fortnightly entertainment was given at the Wesley Hall, under the presidency of Mr J. H. Knowles, who acquitted himself very efficiently in lieu of Mr H. Parfitt, who was unable to be present. This was in every sense one of the most successful of the series. Miss Davies, of Newport, and Mr Day added very much to the success of the eveniug by their excellent rendering of their respective songs. Miss Luff gave a most effective recitation. The extempore speech, the subject of which was "grati- tude," meet with its usual enthusiastic reception, Mr Hodges proving himself the best of several competitors. The Cwmbran choir, under the leadership of Mr John Lewis, sang Open ye the I gates," which drew forth a hearty enoore. The remainder of the programme oonsisted of a piano- forte solo by Miss Knowles, a song by Mr Sum- mers, a recitation by Mr J. Lewis, a trio by Mr Davies and party, a song by Miss Lee, a song by Mr Smith, and a reading by Mr Fisher. Miss Knowles played the accompaniments with much taste.

PONTNEWYDD. PRESENTATION TO A GOOD TEMPLAR.—On Satur- day last, the members of the Jk.se of Pontnewydd Lodge," of the Independent Order of Good Templar's, met in their lodge room to transact the usual course of business, and to present a Testi- monial to one of their members, who is about leaving- for America. Bro. Samuel Poulton, who was appointed to make the presentation, wh>v>h jonsisted of a Bible, in a very feeling manner addressed the recipient a follows -1y brother, It IS with great pleasure, on behalf of the members u ^1S that I present to you this beautiful book, and I hope by your constant reading of its pages, that God will give vou wisdom study the same with interest to yonysjli* and benefit to others; and I hope vo find it a i blessing to your soul v. «en in a distant country imoi;gs etrangew,; if we never meet again or sarth may we all meet in hea ven where Wtin- I T U.I m0re' The brother few words thanked the members o £ the lodge for their kincl- aess, and whenever he took the book in his hand tie should always think upon 1.Ð had loved to meet with at home, ai^d'wh^jiievor he went he would be alwy,ys. firm his plodgti a* Ion- a.s I he lived, tiie temperance cause had made him what to day, a Christian man. I

CWMBRAN. FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE RAILWAY.—Ctt Moa- r day afternoon a platelayer, ntmiul ioiui Smith, was it work on the La.'stfei'u Valleys Railway, near Cwmbi-an, aud being new to the work, he did not ^et out of the way of an approaching train. The engine driver saw him, and whistled violently, but he did not make an effort to save himself, \y £ ,s knocked down by the engine. ran over his right leg, smashing- it to* pieces, and his foot was almest ^eye^'td. 1te was first attended by Dr Brew;, and under his directions was as speedily as possible taken to the Newport Infirmary, where he trrived in a most prostrate condition. The surgeon attended to his and a consultation ensue- necessary to amputate th sufficiently, but we regrt died the same Si children.

LONDON CATTLE MARKET.—THURSDAY. There were 1050 beasts, including 160 foreign; market quiet; 4s to 5s 6d. 21.50 sheep, including 70 foreign; market inactive; 4s to 6 6J. 170 calves; 4s 61 to 5s I Od per 8 pounds.

POLICE COURT. MONDAY.—Before the Rev J. C. LLEWELLIN and C. J. PARKES, ESQ. A PROMISE OF SOBRIETY. Joseph Rowe was charged by P.c. Adams with being found helplessly drunk in the streets at Pontypool on Saturday night.—Prisoner said it was the first time he had been drunk, and pro- mised that it should be the last.-The Bench hoped it would, and only imposed a fine of 5s. STEALING APPLES IN THE MARKET. Thomas Waters, was charged with stealing a quantity of aoples in the market on Saturday.— P.c. Styran said he saw the prisoner loitering about in a suspicious manner, and accordingly watched him. At a time when a woman's back was turned he took several apples out of her basket.-As he had been in custody since then, he was discharged with a caution. SERIOUS STABBING CASE. John Burke, a stoker, of Cwmbran, was charged with cntting and wounding Morris pillan.-Prosecutor, whose face was bandaged ill over, said that on Saturday night he was assing over the Canal Bridge, at Pontnewydd, hen the prisoner, who was drunk, rushed at i with an open knife and stabbed him in the t. Witness had given him no provocation, he did not think prisoner would have done he had not been drunk.—Moses Davies d that he picked np the knife, which he to prosecutor.—Prisoner said it was with a e of slate he struck the prosecutor, who first ick him with his fist over the mouth.—P.c. rd produced the knife, upon both blades of lich there were stains of blood. He also pro- ced the coat worn by the prosecutor at the ne, and which was covered with blood. Wit- 3ss took the prisoner into custody at 12 45 the dlowiijg morning.—The Bench decided to take e case as a common assault, and the Chairman marked that it was one of a serious nature. It -is unmanly and un-English to use the knife, d prisoner would be fined X5, or go to prison r a month. THE PROFESSIONAL TRAMP. William Cook was charged by P.c. Trat with eepiug out on the British Works.—On being wuhed, a shilling was found in his pocket.— lie B-neb said there was no excuse for the an, aLd he would be sent to prison for 7 days ud labour. TUESDAY.—Before Rev. J. C. LLEWELLIN. ASSAULTING THE POLICE. William Hichards, of Pontypool, plasterer, as charged with being drunk and riotous.— bout 10 o'clock on the previous night P.c. ladon found the prisoner drunk and creating disturbance in the street. He refused to go, od witness took him into custody. He stoutly esisted his apprehension, and struck him (the onstable) on the way to the police-station.— ined 10s, or 7 days. '8. .i- ia ■■» ■■

PONTYPOOL COUNTY COURT., WEDNESDAY. Before J. M. HERBERT, ESQ, Judge. Owing to the November Court falling so closely after the last, which followed the vacation month, the number of plaints entered for hearing was not so large as usual, and the time of the Court was principally occupied with adjourned or commit- ment summonses. The undefended cases, which constituted a larger majority of the entire number were also greater, and were disposed of by the Re- gistrar (M. Edwards, Esq.) The following alone possessed the least feature of public interest, which were heard by the Judge INTERPLEADER CASE. Phillips and Son, claimants, and JV. Thorium, ex- ecution creditor.-Both parties reside at Newport, and the case stood adjourned from the last Court for the production of a witness.—Mr Williams, of Newport, appeared for the claimants, and said it was a question as to how far any acquired property possessed under a bill of sale was vested in the ex- ecution creditor. Some goods had been seized for money due, and the execution creditor and the claimants, under a bill of sale, disputed each other's right to the possession of it.—Mr T.Waite, auctioneer, &c., was called, and stated that he acted as agent for the claimants. He gave a for- mal notice claiming the goods on the 8th August, and paid the money due on the execution on the 9th, He told the bailiff in possession on the 7th that he would undertake to see the money paid into Court under protest. The amount he duly paid in under such protest.—Various precedents were quoted, sad in the end His Honour "1. the case was conclusive, and gave judgment for the claimants, with costs, A H BEERY" QUESTION. David Williams v. John Dowding.-Plaintiff keeps a beer-house at Golynos, Abersychan, and sued the defendant for 19s for beer sold on and off the premises.—His Honour told plaintiff's wife that she could not claim for beer drunk on the prer niipes, and she produced a book showing what quantities had been consumed on the premises, and how much had been ordered and carried away. -Defendant said he called upon the plaintiff and told him not to supply his wife with any drink on credit.-Plaintiff denied this.—His Honour Don't you know that a husband is lord of his own castle, and of his wife, too. (To defendant) Do you drink in the house ?-Defendant: Yes.-His Honour: Then you are shabby enough not to pay for it.- Defendant said that when he did so it was mostly during illegal hours.—His Honour: More shame for you.—A verdict was taken for 5s, to be paid in a month.—His Honour (to plaintiff): Don't trust him in the house or outside, and don't open your house during illegal hours, or you will hear more of it. Good bye to you. TRADE DISPUTE. Christmas Lawrence v. Frank Perry.-This was also an adjourned ease, the question being whe- ther a quantity of paint sold by plaintiff to defen- dant was equal to the sample -upon which it was Suychased.—Mr Watkins was fot the plaintiff, and Ir Hutchins for the defendant.—Defendant bought a quantity of paint on a sample the defendant pro- duced at 21d. per pound, but when the bulk came he alleged that it was not worth nearly the same value.—Mr J. F. Williams was called, and after examining the original sample and a sample of the bulk, stated that the latter was inferior to the former.—Defendant said he was willing to take the lot at a valuation, and as both parties agreed, the case was further adjourned for this purpose. "WHAT'S IN A NAME Benjamin Grigg v. George Can tie.—The parties live at Pontnewydd, and are neighbor rs. The claim was for 6s damage done to plaintiff's property by defendant's fowls trespassing upon it. Hid Honour: Here's a duck case. Quack, quack, quack. (Laugh- ter.)-PI.Lintiff deposed to the damage, and was interrupted by the defendant exclaiming, That's a lie."—His Honour You must not say that.- Defendant: But it is a lie.—His Honour: So it may be, but you must not call it by that name. ii (Laughter.)—Mr Knipe was called to prove that the damage claimed was not unreasonable.—De- fendant: We used to be good neighbours, but now you have got on the Local Board you have got too much in you.-His Honour Verdict for the amount claimed, to be paid in a month.—Defend- ant: I will never pay it.—His Honour Then take the consequences.—Defendant I will go to "crib" for six months first. A DOUBLE DEFEAT. Davies and Sandbro jk v. George Masters —Mr T. Watkins appeared for the plaintiffs, who are well-known ironmongers, and Mr Hutchins for the defendant, who formerly kept the Greyhound Inn. There were two separate claims, one of .£8 11s for ironmongery goods supplied, and the other for X6 6s 4d for unreturned bottles connected with the soda water department, which was a separate es- tablishment.—There was no dispute as to the re- spective debts being due, with the exception of the number of returned bottles in the latter case, and the only question in the first case was one of credit.—Mr James Richards, assistant with the plaintiff firm, deposed that the defendant went to the shop on March 28, 1876, and wanted to see a pump. He was accompanied by a gentleman whom he was told was a Mr Roberts, defendant observing that he was a tenant of his. A pump and various other goods were ordered, which Mr Masters di- rected to be sent to Mr Roberts's farm. They were packed up and sent.—Cross-examined: Would swear that Mr Roberts did not order the goods. Mr Masters did not say that he wanted a pump, and as Mr Roberts was going to buy one, he had come to see how it worked.—Re-examined He should not have supplied the goods to Mr Roberts on credit without consulting one of the firm, as it was not their custom to open a new account without doing so. He booked the goods at the time to Mr Mas- ters.-The books were here produced and examined by His Honour.—Mr Baker, clerk in the employ of the plaintiffs, deposed to the bill being sent to Mr Masters in the ordinary course of business. Sometime afterwards he was present when Mr Mas- ters asked Messrs Davies and Sand brook to charge the goods to Mr Roberts, with the exception of 6s, which was for material supplied to him. The firm declined to do so, and defendant said he would try to get the money out of Roberts-By His Honour The firm had made no claim upon Roberts, and they had no account with him.—Mr Davies de- posed to having declined defendant's request to send the bill in to Roberts, as the goods were booked to him. They knew, as a matter of fact, that he had been in an insolvent state.—Mr Sandbrook corroborated.—Defendant was called and swore that he never ordered the goods, or that he said Roberts had been a tenant of his. His Honour said it was a very perilous thing for a man who had an account with a firm to go with another who had not, and who was known to be in diffi- culties, and see large purchases made. Defendant, in reply to Mr Watkins, acknowledged that he had been mortgagee on land belonging to Roberts, and that he had sold him up. His Honour: It is not possible for me to doubt for a moment what my judgment will be. I should not believe one wit- ness in the face of three or four whom I have no reason to doubt. Mr Masters very likely believed that Roberts would pay for the goods. There will be judgment for the plaintiffs, to be paid in a week. At the application of Mr Watkins, His Honour allowed solicitor's fee and costs. The next case was then gone into, when Mr Hutchins pleaded the statute of limitations. His Honour examined the accounts and said that the statute of limita- tions would not apply after the 12th November, 1873, and it appeared the bulk of the goods were obtained after that date. Mr Hutchins said a sum of X2 5s 7d had been paid into court, and the plaintiffs had consented to forego an item of 3s or 4s. He also pointed out that the bottles were charged 2s per dozen and on the invoice they were marked at Is 6d.-Mr Watkins produced the form of receipt on which the bottles were charged 2s, but Mr Hutchins held one of an anterior date at which Is 6d per dozen was charged.—His Honour said he was bound by the latter, and assessed the value at Is 6d.-Ulltimately His Honour gave judgment for £ 19s 9d, giving credit for what had been paid into court. PECULIAR CASE. Watkins v. Moseley.—Plaintiff is a haulier at the Pentranch, and defendant carries on business at the Park Road implement works. The claim was for .£4\3s 2d, value of a cart alleged to be illegally ao[ain'|d and sold by the'defenclaiit. —Mr Gardaer was m* »uc jjiaiiiLiir, ana Mr TraiK-Uis ror tuts defendant. —It appeared that plaintiff was some- what in Mr Moseley's debt with regard to some work done, and one day the latter found one of what in Mr Moseley's debt with regard to some work done, and one day the latter found one of plaintiff's carts in his yard. It had been sent without any instructions and left there. Nearly a week afterwards plaintiff went to the yard and asked defendant if he could find him a customer for the cart. If he did he was to let it go."—After a long time it was ultimately sold for 38s, and the party who purchased it said it broke down the first load he put on it. Mr Moseley offered plaintiff the balance of the money due which he refused to take, and had accordingly paid it into court. On the other hand it was said that the cart was only sent to defendant to be repaired.—Mr Watkins now claimed a trifling sum for the yard-room of the cart, but His Honour said that would best be met by charging a reasonable commission on the sale.—He should give judgment for 7s beyond the sum paid into court.

STATE OF TRADE. A notice was posted at Lydbrook Tinworks on Saturday, stating that after November 22nd the 7! per cent reduction would be returned to the mills and finishing departments. Puddlers would receive 6d per ton advance, and forgeuien and daymen 5 per cent advance. It is said that the extensive ironworks at Onllwyn have been purchased by an enterprising French firm, and colliers and other workmen have been employed to' clear the old workings prior to extensive opera- tions being carried on. At the National Conference of Scotch miners, held at Falkirk, on Saturday, it was resolved that the re- presentatives of the men should meet masters in con- ference, with the view of arranging a general sliding- scale for the regulation of wages. The North Staffordshire Colliers Union has re- quested the president of the Iron and Coal Masters Association to call a meeting, to confer with the leaders of the union on the question of an immediate advance of wages. In the event of the association re fusing a conference, notice of an advance will be given at most of the pits, as the north of the county always follows the black country. On Monday, the Buckshaft miners, who form the majority of iron ore cutters emploked by Mr Henry Crawshay and Sons, in the Forest of Dean, posted a formal application, asking, at the expiration of one week, for 15 per cent advance of wages. The men allege that their entire reductions have been 55 per cent., but that the 15 per cent. advance now asked for will restore the rate which prevailed for many years at the mine. The men were offered 5 per cent. advance. Nothing was settled. All over the country the iron and coal trades exhi- bit a decided improvement, and for some qualities business would undoubtedly be brisk if holders did not exhibit a very natural dislike to enter into long contracts when prices promise to rise considerably. A sure sign is found in the fact that the railway com- panies are raising their ratea to the original standard, though ironmasters and coalo\yners contend that the companies ought to have waited to see if the iiiiproven ment promised to be permanent. The introduction of machinery into the sheep- shears trade at Sheffield has been successfully accom- plished, and shears which were formerly turned out at the rate of about fifteen dozen per day by two men, ase now made at the rate of one pair per minute. The machinery put down by one firm enables them to dis- pense with four-fifths of their forgers, and to compete with the Americans and even the Germans; but at the same time the revolution will throw a large num. ber of skilled workmen out of employ. The Scotsman, commenting on the present aspect of trade, says—" Expectations as to the immediate effect of trade revival, such as it is hoped we are about to experience, must not be too high pitched. That, in the end, the whole community will benefit from the. great activity of our industries is unquestionable. There are, it is true, certain trade union leaders who appear to deny this proposition. They are insisting that the miners can best improve their condition by further restricting their work of production. Increased idleness, not increased activity, is, according to their contention, what is needed to promote prosperity and if they are consistent in this view, then' they must deprecate rather than desire a trade recovery, which will open up fresh and fresh demands for labour. But when this theory of restricted production is thus generally applied and tested, it is at once seen to be absurd and untenable. Neither the individual nor the nation is benefited by idleness, either voluntary or enforced and in proportion to the activity of the eplomyment of both capital and labour, so is the re- ward."

THE SOUTH AMERICAN WAR. Messrs. Gibbs, of Bishopsgate Street, write:— "We have this morning (November iO), received the following message from our Valparaiso house, dated the 7th inst:—' A combined attack by land and sea has been mado QM Pisagua, and the place was taken after a bombardment of five hours—300 Chilians killed and wounded. It is rumoured that a rcvolu- tion has broken out in Lima.' Pisagua is a small port situate about. thirty-five miles north,of Iquique and sixty•five'inilcs south of Arica. The Peruvian ftrmyi supposed to be some 12,000 strong, occupies the farmer place;>-hilst the Bolivians, in about the same force, are tiyamped at or near Arica. In tak- ing Pisagua, thertjfore, the Chilians have driven a wedge between their two opponents; and their hope, no doubt, is that they may be able to crush the Peruvian army before the Bolivians can come to their r aid. The stroke is a bold one, and the next news will be looked for with great interest." L.

A STOWAWAY STARVED TO DEATH. The New Y or,; currespondent of the Philadelphia Ledger S' iys:-Tiie steamship England, of the N tiional line, arriv. d in New York on the 9th, fiom Liverpool. When her cargo was about lo be uu- leaded a man was found leaning against a crate, who gasped out Water." He was terribly emaciated and weak. He faintly gave his name as Harry, anr. said that he was a baker. He was asked if he had been all the time while the ship was at sea without food or drink, and he nodded once, shuddered, and died. The body was sent to the Morgue. Nothing was found on it to indicate its identity but a piece of ipaper on which was scratched the address, "Peter Hartman, baker, at Simpson's, Soho-street branch." The England left Liverpool October 15th, and the stowaway must have been thirteen days without food or water. The dead man appeared to be about thirty- two years old.

PONTNEWYDD. PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL,—A revival mis- sion has been conducted here during the past week, Messrs Fennell, Baker, Shields, and other friends having given their aid. Open-air processions have perambulated the neighbourhood each night. On Wednesday night, the friends from Cwmbran gaye up their services and came down in procession with Mr Shields, and united in worship with the friends at Pontnewydd. Qrer »0 persons have professed conversion during the week.

LATE [m CABIN A Cabinet Council Thursday afternoon t ters were present, Sandon, ARMS SENT IN I The Viceroy of Inc Office, of Nov. 12th ments stationed at and dispersed on arr Bamian Pass. to induce them to cc They refused to com stand of arms, and ov

AFFAIRS AT THE C WITH 1 A Reuter's telegram Town, states that the have repeated the outra, burg. Commander Rast for fear of his life. He i laager, and that hostili against Monoirisi, who"

APPOINTMENT OF A AT ZULt A Reuter's telegram st tached to the new office Zululand has been fixed at the appointment has been Wheelhouse, who is to affairs in that country. The Bank rate and cons

FOOTBALJ One of the tries tow game, viz., Pontypool v. Thursday afternoon at I- Contested game, which good play on both sides, Pontypool, but challenge team. The dispute will The feeling in Pontypoo victory. A correspondent infor our report of the juveni there were 3 tries and 4 tag-e of the winning teai touchdowns, as reportec

LATEST MAR [BY telegra^^ BRISTOL C(I On our m wheat best, 70s middiing, 50s to 60s. Mutton very plenti- ful best, 8d to 8d. About 3000 store cattle j slow. One thousand pigs; bacon, 9s 9d; porke 10s to 10s 9d.

ABER NEW LIBRARY.—The. tion, with a zeal wort1 organizations, has jus' brary. The library, valuable works, collec will be open to the in rally. As an inducen quarterly subscription rate of 6d. The lib Friday evening by ]\. the association, in t1 of persons. Mr Joh librarian.

LONDON llAY MARKET.—THURSDAY. Large supply, but trade very du' and prices lower all round. Prime clover, 100s to 126s; inferior, 70s to 95s. Prime meadow hay, 85s to 96s inferior, 30s to 75s. Straw, 30s to 38s per load.

THE LATE MR. WM JENKINS, OF G O Y T R E Y. { FUNERAL SERMON IN MAMHILAD CHURCH. On Sunday, the widow of the late Mr Wn Jen- kins, of Goytrey, with other relatives and numerous^ friends, attended divine service at Mamhila Church, in memory of the deceased. The sacre- edifice was crowded with worshippers, whose sot" bre garb, which added much to the solemnity to the scene, was doubtless worn as a mark of respec' Among those present were Colonel Bvrde and tV members of his family, who feel deeply the loss < an old and valued servant, and bv whom he ha; always been greatly respected for his many exeel- lent qualities. The beautiful service of the Church was impressively read by the Rector, the Rev. C. Cook, and the hymns selected for the occasion were "Hymns Ancient and Moatrn \o 231, commencing For ever with the Lord," and No. 225, commencing "Brief life is here our portion." These were most feelingly suno- by the choir and congregation. The Rector's sermon was preached from the text, "Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well-doino-, as unto a faithful Creator," the lyth verse of the' 4th chapter of the First Epistle of St. Peter. From this text a most earnest and appropriate sermon was delivex-ed, during which the Rector alluded in a particularly feeling manner to the 4eceaaed, whom he had known for about 3S. years, and to whose Christian and general walk in life he bore testimony in high terms of praise. Among the large congregation present but one feeling was manifest, that of heartfelt sorrow for the departed; even the ag«d gave vent to their feelin«s in tears and when touching reference was made to him who had gone before, a deep response went up from many a heart, for all felt sorrow and regret. At the conclusion of the service, and while the congregation reverently left the church, the Dead March in Saul" was played as a volun- tary by Mr England, Master of Goytwy School, who hd. (ated as organist.

A Lloyd's telegram states that there is anxiety felt for the safety of the ship Knowslcv Hall, outward bound from London to Canterbury, New Xeahmd, of which no tidiiig.s has been heaid Mrn/e she was off Start lVint on .1 une 7th. She- is said to have on hoard several passengers, but no n:ir,I!1L; litre is an idea for Mr. Buckmaster, At a fair tioon to be held at Athens, (■ roririu, there will be a cooking match between three young ladies OIl two different sides, the sides to on different davs both .-ides are to the same "bill of f :rù;" ;mJ sci vo the for newspaper men, who will act icfcrvSS, 'f" Ti'jrcr of the Grind Opera at Paris is ilJmui- natcd ,jy means of the electric U^lit; fuur burners d the JabUfohkoJf order having b. en piaeni I hero, [01 the purpose. A chiw: object of this arrangement |s to save the diWlions l»v M.Baudrvfrosn desSriic- :\0Ii hy the fwaesof coal gas, which have already injurious. The Church Missionary :-Iocie: > fs desirous of stablishiiijr a sanatorium on iha West Coa i of Africa. Mount Osmoroo, was selected, and an es- plorii)^' party found suitable site at a deration off i,-300ft., tn build n house and cut a road is utore than society can affoid at present, eo the mission' -Ú,¡¡ Jo the bet they can.