Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

MARRIAGE OF MISS LLEWLLIN. Rejoicings in the neighbourhood of Llanfrechfa were great & enthusiastic on Tuesday last,the occasion being the marriage Of Miss Mary Llewellin, eldest daughter of David Llewellin, Esq., of Bryn Gomer, near Pontypool, to Edwyn Jones,Esq, barrister-at-law. The event was one which gave rise to universal feelings of pleasure among those who had long known the bride, and others in the district who had frequently benefited by her generosity. Under such auspices it may well be understood that the congratulations were warm and hearty. The marriage took place at the parish church of Llaufrechfa, the service being conducted by the Rev David Griffiths, M.A. Vicar of Resolven and Glyncorrwg, (cousin of the Bride), assisted by the Rev J. Forster, M.A., Vicar of Llaufrechfa. The service was choral; and the surpliced choir, while siuging a processional hymn, conducted the bride and bridegroom to the chancel steps, where the first part of the service was performed after the singing of the second hymn, the service was continued at the altar. On the conclu- sion of the service, when the wedding party adjourned to the vestry, the Wedding March was very skilfully played by the organist; this was immediately followed by the merry ringing of the magnificent peal of bells. The bride wore a rich cream-coloured silk dress, with veil, and a wreath of orange blossoms. Miss Ada Llew- ellin, the bridesmaid, wore a dress of pink satin, trim- med with silk brocade. The best man was Mr Peat, of Gray's Inn. After the breakfast at Bryn Gomer, the bride and bridegroom proceeded by the 4.0 train to London en route for Italy. Arches of ever- greens were erected near Llanfrechfa Grange and Mr Maddy's, and there was a large display of flags, &c., near the Upper Cock Inn. So far as the family arrangements were concerned the wedding was one of a strictly private nature, but this did not pre- vent spontaneous testifications of the numberless good-wishes of the resident neighbours. The pre- sents were numerous and costly, and were accompanied with the most sincere hopes of the douors for the happiness and prosperity of the bride and bridegroom. In the evening, Mr Llewellin, together with several friends, and the members of his professional staff, were entertained at a sumptuous banquet given at the Clar- ence Hotel, Mr W. Sowell providing an excellent repast in his usual first-class style. The chair was worthily occupied by Captain Llewellin, brother of the bride, and the health of the bride and bridegroom was feel- ingly proposed by Mr Kennedy, and as it may be need- less to observe, was drunk with every honor. Among the other toasts were Town and Trade of Pontypool and district," given by Mr Morgan and responded to by Mr Sandbrook j The Parents of the bride," neatly proposed by Mr Park hurst, and very appropriately acknowledged by Captain Llewellin, with others of a lesser significance. Music and songs enlivened the i evening, and the celebration of the auspicious event i was well and fitly brought to a close. Among the numerous and beautiful presents were the following: -Silver dessert knives and forks, Mr and 31re Herbert Kirkhouse silver fruit spoons, Miss Wil- liams, Cardiff; silver fruit spoons, Mr and Mrs Paton; dinner service, Mr Peat, Gray's Inn; Limoges dejeuner service, Mr and Mrs Parkes; dessert service, Mr and Mrs Evans, Newport; afternoon ten service, Misses Evans; fruit spoons and grape scissors, Mr LI. Evans; dining room timepiece, Mrs Griffiths, Ynisygerwn; drawing room timepiece, Mr and Mrs Sandbrook car- riage clock, Mr Blandy Jenkins pair of entree dishes, Mr and Miss Brew; pair of entree dishes, Mr and Mrs Jones, Snatch wood; pair of entree dishes, Mr and Mrs T. n. Thomas, Neath; spirit stand, Mr Evans, Aber- dare claret jug, Mr and Mrs Kennedy gipsy kettle, Dr. and Miss Morgan, Newport; tea caddy, Mrs Mat- thews, Mrs Jones, and Mrs Kirkhouse; grape scissors, Mrs Boucher; fruit spoons, grape scissors, nut crackers, &c., Mr and Mrs Archibald Hood, Cardiff; egg stand, Mr and Mrs Pilliner; pair of candlesticks, Mr and Mrs Essex breakfast cruet, Mr and Mrs Wailes preserve stand, Miss James, Pontnewydd; double biscuit box, Blaendare Company butter dish, Mrs Watkin Rhys, Troherbort; ink stand, Mr and Mrs B. H. Madge; salver, Mr Robert Smith, Frwdgrech, Brecon; biscuit; box, Mr R. Smith, jun., Frwdgrech, Brecon scent and ornaments, Mr and Mrs Wood, Pontypool; fish knives and forks, Mr John Smith, Aberdare goblet and glasses, Mr and Mrs Jones, Beckenham ink and flower stand, Mr and Miss Parrott; china cup and saucer, Mrs Hambly, Cowbridge biscuit box, Mr and Mrs Jones, Neath; water colour painting, Mr and Mrs C. Conway; fish servers, Mr John Morgan, Little Mill; bronze ornaments, Mr and Mrs Southwood Jones; pair of drawing room ornaments, Mr andMrs Evan Thomas, Aberdare; gold bracelet, Glanwern Office Staff; tea j cosy, Miss Davies, Cardiff; worked chair, Miss Wil- liams, Brecon pair of worked foot stools, Miss Maddy china kettle, Mr Maddy and Mr W. Maddy work has- ket, Mr Peach cruet stand, Bryn Gomer Servants; cake basket, Mr D. M. Llewellin silver serviette rings, Mr W. W. Llewellin cream and sugar stand, Miss Ada. Llewellin; 2 vases and centre piece, Mr Llewellin 3 jug8 (Wedgwood china) hot wator jug and salt cellars, Mrs Llewellin; tea and coffee service, dessert spoons and forks, Mr and Mrs Llewellin. ——— ———

EPPS'S COCOA.GRATEFUL AND COMFORTING.— By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a. careful application of the fine properties ot well. selected cocoa, Mr Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately 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 ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished frame."—Civil Service Gazette. Sold only in packets labelled "James Epps & Co,, Homoeopathic Chemists, London."

The Executive Board of the Fife and Clackmannan coal miners have agreed to demand a further advance in wages. A memorial to the late Prince Louis Napoleon, in the form of a cross, is to be placed on Chislohursi Common. Common. Owing to a dispute as to lhe rate of wages th( millmen employed at the Gyfarthfa Works, Mcrthyr, have struck work. In the last financial year 16,727,669 stamps were affixed to patent medicines, and the duty amounted to L- 132,385. 19s. 4id. A rather serious outbreak of scarlet fever has oc- curred at Sittingbourne, three or four deaths, all of children, having taken place. v Prince Leopold has consented to preside at the ninety-second anniversary of the Royal Masonio Institution for Girls, in May next. Tho Victoria Station on the Metropolitan District Railway will, by way of experiment, in a few days, be lighted with the electric light. The December Session of the Central Criminal Court has been opened, with 39 male and 9 female prisoners for trial. Mr. Edison will light the whole of the houses in Menlo Park at Christmas with his electric light, which he claims to have brought to perfection. A Boston paper somewhat sarcastically remarks: -'I The police of New York are being vaccinated. But what is the use of it? They never catch any- thing,

REINFORCEMENTS ORDERED OUT. Orders have this day (Thursday) been giveu for '18(>_ 1 men from the 52nd Brigade Depot at Stirlii-g,- and 70 men from the Artillery at Leigh fort to leave on Satur- J day for Portsmouth, en roitte for Afghanistan. The 1 infantry are intended to reinforce the 72nd Regiment at Cabul, under General Roberts.

DISEASED MEAT IN PONTYPOOL. On Saturday last, at the Pontypool Petty Ses- sions, before Col. Byrde and E. J. Phillips, Esq., Samuel Wall, butcher, was summoned for exposing- meat for sale which was unfit for human food Mr E. Stephens, Surveyor to the Local Board, de- posed that he seized the carcase of. a sheep Pm- longing to the defendant, in a public slaughter- house, and which was condemned by the medical officer as unfit for human food. He produced It medical certificate to that effect. The sheep was dressed and ready for sale. There >a8 lalso a e Iso diseased beast's head, but the defendant was not charged with exposing this. The carcase of the sheep he had deposed to was hung up together with several others.—Defendant said he did nut. expose the sheep for sale at all. He would own that it was rather thin, and that wag the rea. on why he left it in the slaughter-house. He had r- > go from home at the time the sheep were being slaughtered, but if he had been present this; one would not have been hung with the rest. The slaughterman had no right to hang it ia tho slaughter-house, and he acted contrary to' his orders in doing so.—The Chairman remarked that the doctor s certificate said there was organic de- composition.-Defendant: They may callit what they like, but they know nothing about it.—The Chairman told the defendant that the offence to one of a very serious nature, and he must be careful. In the present case he would be only 20s.

THE SHOCKING OUTRAGE tjPON A GIRL NEAR PONTYPOOL. At the Magistrates' clerk's office, in Pontypool. on Wednesday last, William Hobbs and Albert Smith, farm servants were brought up on remand from the piewous I ritlay, charged with committing a rape upon the person of Mary Newman, on the night of the 9th inst., at Llanvjir Kilgeddin. Mrelltyd Gardner, Aber- gavenny, appeared for the prosecution, and Mr A. Morgan, Pontypool, defended. Prosecutrix, on re- examination, deposed to the outrage, and stated that she was sure it was Hobbs who first seized her, while the man who was with him caught hold of her Let and threw her down. Tbey each in turn held their hands oV<:r her mouth to prevent her screaming or calling lor assistance. Had known Hobbs since she was a Vi"!e girl, and was at school with bim.- By Aft Aloi-gan could not swear to the man who was with Hobbs. but was sure it was the latter who first committed the out- rage upon her.L, lien Newman stated that she was the wife of lhomas Newman, and lived at Llanvair Kil- geddin. At twenty minutes to ten on the night of tho SB^I, W df1Shteir came home crying, and said that Bill Ilobbs and another man had committed an offence upon her. Her hat was crushed and her hair was hanging down her neck. (Witness stated that she at once examined her daughter and deposed to the result.) -Dr. Mason said that he was called upon to examine the girl on the 10th of the present month, and gave evidence as to the condition in which he found her, and that this was in every respect consistent with her testimony as to the outrage.—Thos. Newman, father of h? Prosecu,nx> spoke as to the exhausted condition of rffence2 e//heLn she Sot home 0,1 the night of the in spireh 0?Se,r ea"?S w^at she said he at once went in search cr hein aml ,nformed lhe police.—P.c. Allen deposed that thB iast witDegg went lQ him abom o clock on the morning 0f the 10th inst., and stated that a rape had been combed upon his daughter. He accompanied him to his house and saw the girl. In consequence of what she said he obtained the assist- ance of P.c. Guinea and went to the house of Hobbs's father. lie there apprehended both the prisoners who were sleeping together. Asked Hobbs where he bad been the previous night and he said they had not been away from the house. Smith made no reply. Hobbs said he would not be taken into custody-the girl might summon him. The mother of Hobbs said in the presence of the prisoners I wish to God Albert (Smith) bad never come here; there has been nothing but trouble since he has been here. Will (Hobbs) would never have gone out only for Albert." Hobbs said Smith knew nothing about it. -P.c. Guinea said that he accompanied the last witness, and corroborated-the evidence be bad giyen.-After the Magistrates had con. sulted for some tune in private, the chairman stated ^ey considered the case perfectly clear against Hobbs, and he would be committed to take his trial at the next Assizes. With respect to Smith there was some doubt, and he would be bound over in his own recognizances of £ 50, to appear and answer the charge when required. c The mother of Hobbs, who stands committed with.. out bail, went into hysterics on hearing the decision of the bench, threw herself down 011 the floor, and cried out piteously for her dear boy." The scene was one of a very painful nature.

In the year end; ng March 31 last the duty of '.)d. or. every pack of cards amounted to X 13,685. 5s. Idd number being 1,094,823. Flights of locusts have made their appearance in several villages in tho north-west provinces of Ir and are playing havoc with the standing crops. The body of young Mr. Irwin, son of .1- I Tcmpletlong, Derry, who was drowned at BallyaUa Lako has been revover-

NEW SCALE OF CHARGES FOR PREPAID ADVERTISEMENTS. ONE I'HRKE INSKRTION IS8KRTIONS. 20 Words 6d. 1/3 28 Words 9d. 1/9 36 Words 1/. 2/3 44 Word3 1/3 2/9 52 Words 1/6 3/6 The above charges apply only to the following classes of small advertisements, and must be PREPAID, or former rates will be charged. SITUATIONS WANTED. SITUATIONS VACANT. APARTMENTS To LET. APARTMENTS WANTED. HOUSES TO LET. EXCHANGES. ARTICLES FOR PRIVATE SALE. MACHINERY AND TOOLS FOR SALE. BUSINESSES FOR SALE. LOST OK FOUND. MISCELLANEOUS WANTS. TRADE SPECIALITIES. One Penny per Line charged for each insertion under this heading, PREPAID for not less than 13 weeks. STEEL PENS—Sample box. ld., post free, 2jd. 9different sorts. Prices from 8d. per gross, HUGHES, Stationer, Pontypool. COPYING PRfiSSES—21s. all iron, japanned and marbled. HUGHES, Pontypool. CHEAP PRINTING, without delay.—Bill Heads- cream laid paper. 10.000 for 298. Memo' forms, 5,000 for 21s. HUGHES, Pontypool I CHARLES HERBERT, of Garndiffaith, in the parish of Trevethin, in the county of Monmouth, Provision Merchant, Do Hereby Give Notice that I intend to apply to Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace in Petty Sessions assembled, at the Town Hall, Ponty- pool (being the Local Authority for the District), on SATURDAY, the 3rd day of JANUARY next, at Eleven o'clock in the Forenoon, for a LICENSE for a FAC- TORY FOR EXPLOSIVES at Gelly Roel Farm, Garndiffaith, in the said parish of Trevethin. And I further Give Notice that the Draft License and plan will be deposited one month from this day at the Offices of Messrs. E. B. EDWARDS and SON, at the Town Hall, Pontypool. for Inspection between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dated this 5th day of DECEMBER, 1879, CHARLES HERBERT. FOR REALLY NICE CAKES, MINCE PIES, &C., GO TO The "Criterion," Crane Street, PONTYPOOL. Ornamental Wedding Cakes. Pound Christening and other Cakes. Genuine Wines, Cigars, &c. Tea Parties supplied. Hot Coffee and Chocolate. Tea, with Bread and Butter, for Gd. All our Bread marked with the initial P." Proprietor J. FTJRLOW, Baker & Grocer. George St., Pontypool. NOTICE, Pontypool Christmas Market WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24th. By Order of the Lessee. C HRISMAS HOLIDAYS. YY7E, the undersigned Drapers of Pontypool, will VY CLOSE OUR ESTABLISHMENTS on THIDAY AND SATURDAY following CHRISTMAS-DAY. E FOWLER & SON, THOMAS EDWARDS, S. LITTLE, PER F. A. S. DAUNCEY, L. J. POTTER, EVAN JOES, WM. THOMAS, W. R. WILLIAMS & Co, HOLLOWAY & SON, E. CROOM. J. WILLIAMS, M.R.C.V.S., L., VETERINARY SURGEON, OF USE, WILL ATTEND AT THE Globe Hotel, -Pontypool, EVEBY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY, About One o'clock. NOTICE. FOR SALE, a quantity of LARCH POLES, J' suitable for Fencing or for Building Purposes. Apply at the PARK ESTATE OFFICE, rontypool. Dated, December 8th, 1879. LOST, on Tuesday evening last. between Post Office, Pontypool, Mission Hall, and Cwm, A SMALL LEATHER BAG, containing Five Sovereigns and a Half, any one returning the same to I. A., C/o Mr T. M. WIXTLE, Old Estate Yard, Pontymoile, will be rewarded. lep WANTED immediately, Several Good Strong fV GENERAL SERVANTS, also a Good COOK, or London.—Apply to Mrs. BUOWN, Registry Office, Jriflhhstown, nr. Pontypool. COLLECTION ENVELOPES, 2s. 6d. per 1000; J numbered and packeted, 2s. per 1000 extra.— UGHES & SoN, Stationers, &c., Pontypool. 3ta2 }SEWOOD WRITING DESK, 14 in.; brass straps and corners secret drawer; slightly aged; 22s; for 17s 6d.—HUGHES & SON, Sta- rs, Pontypool. 3ta3 t SALE, a gooddouble-barrel GUN price, 25s. pply to THOMAS PEARCE, 5, Railway Terrace, Tic, Griffithstown. 3mp3 10YS WANTED, of good character, 14 'ears of age.—For terms, &c., apply toWM. WITCHELL, South Wales Boot Manufac- ersychan. SHOP TO LET, with convenient DWELL* HOUSE, in Pontypool, Plate Glass Front, 2 possession, Rent moderate.—Apply to Mr Clarence Street, Pontypool. 3cpl SE or LET. a COTTAGE at Abersychan1 ortable residence, in good repair, with dens well enclosed; moderate rent.— E. TASKER, Abersychan. ".—A COTTAGE in High Street, Ponty- u—Apply to E. OSBORNE, Confectioner. JET.—ASSEMBLY ROOM, for Public atertainments; use of Pianoforte and nium.—For further particulars apply to A. Forge Hammer, Blaenavon. E LET, GLANAVON HOuSE, Abersychan; omroodious and comfortable Residence, with nd Lawn, enclosed; three minutes walk from station.—Apply to Mrs JONES, Swan Hotel, 1. SOLD—A BARGAIN—A First-class OGRAPHIC BELLOWS CAMERA, AND LENS, hotos 10 in. by 8 in., with Tripod Stand, Also, a very Good MAGIC LANTERN, with slides. Apply to Mr CHARLES uctioneer, Valuer, &c., Pontypool. LET, with immediate possession, a LOUSE, well-situated.—For particulars Tessrs PHILPOT & WINGFIELD, Aue- M Appraisers, Market House Auction I -d. ta J *RGE GARDEN, adjoining fl of Mr G Chappel.— I «t. rontypooi. TOWN HALL, PONTYPOOL. THE Pontypool Dramatic Club! Will give their Iuaogurai Performances iON F RID A Y & Saturday, December 19tb, and 20th, 1879, UNDER DISTINGUISHED PATRONAGE. The following Ladies have been specially engaged:— MISS SUSAN RIGNOLD (Sardanapalus Company); MISS EBOURNE (Diplomacy Company). A SELECT BAND (Under the Leadership of Mr. W. SEWELL), Will be in attotdance and play Overtures and Selec- tions from the following Operas:—" Tancredi," 14 La Dame Blanche," II Barbiere," "Caliph of Bagdad," Fra Diavolo," "Zampa," "Crown Diamonds," L'ltaliana," "Semiramide," "Figaro," Zanetta," "Cheval de Bronze," "La Figlia del Reggimento," Guy Manoering." ON FRiDAY, DECEMBER 19IH, 7.15 Overture by the Band. 7 30..PROLOGUE (written for the occasion by Mr A. LANE, lateThentre Royal, Cardiff), spoken by MR. E. GRANGE. To be followed immediately by Mr. n. J. CRAVEN'S DRAMA, in Three Acts, entitled- MIRIAM'S CRIME. HutHn (a Lawyer) Mr N. HCGGIXS Bernaid Reynolds Mr F. WALL Biles (a Lawyer's Clerk Mr ALFRED LAXE (late Theatre Royal, Cardiff) Scumley Mr A. n. COLLINS Daniel (a Servant) Mr E. J. WALL Miriam West Miss SUSAN RIGNOLD Mrs. Raby Miss EBOVKNB To conclude with the LAUGHABLE FARCE, entitled— RAISING THE WIND Mr Plain way Mr J. W. GREEN Mr Fainwontd. Mr E. GRANGE Jeremy Diddler Mr A. LANE (late Theatre Royal, Cardiff) Sam Mr E. J. WALL Waiter Mr A. H. COLLINS Richard. Mr II. GRIFFITHS John Mr R. T. STEWMAN Miss Laurelia Durable Miss EIIOUUNE Peggy. Miss SUSAN RIGNOLD On SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20th, the Perform- ance will commence at 7.15, with MIRIAM'S CRIME, AFTER WHICH Several Songs will be Sung by Members of the Company THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH A HUMOUROUS FARCE. Doors open each evening at 7; Performance to commence at 7.15. CARRIAGES MAY BE ORL RED FOR 10.15. FRIDAY and S A T U h ) A Y, Front Seats, 2s; Second Seats, Is; Third eats, 6d. Children under 12, Half-price to Front *ats only. A Plan of the Room may be seen, Tickets secured, I at Messrs. Hughes Son's, C mercial Street, Pvntypool; also from Menibt of the Club. TREASURER. MR. R STEEDMAN MANAGER MR. G. DAVIES THOMAS CORA ER, Auctioneer & Appraise 42, COMMERCIAL STREET. NE PORT. BENTS COLLECTED. i j Experienced Bailiffs employed for tffe Recc 1ry of Rent., Bills of Sale, &c. i P R OM P T SETTLEMENTS. CIGARS! AT MANUFACTURERS' PRICES, AT II. F O X'S, Commercial St., Pontypool. Try HENRY Fox's "CLUB CIGARS." Samples 2d. 3d. and 4d. each. H FOX'S NUTRITIVE & SEDATIVE CREAM « is warranted to allay itching, irritation of the skin, remove scruff, and materially add to the growth of the hair. Sold in bottles, at Is. and Is. 6d. each, by the Maker, Commercial Street, Pontypool. PRESENTS FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR! HUGHES & SON. Booksellers, &-c., Pontypool BEG to announce that they have selected, in London, a VERY CHOICE COLLECTION OF FANCY GOODS, SUITABLE FOR Christmas, New Year, Wedding, and Birthday Presents, which will be ready for inspection ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12TH, 1879. Bronze Figures Antique Ewers, Candlesticks, &c. Majolica and Lava Ware in Vases——Card Stands, &c. Carved Wood Shelves, suitable for holding Old China, &c.—A large stock to select from. Carved Wood Brackets, 1, 2, and 3 Shelves. Corner Brackets, 1, 2, and 3 Shelves. Stags' Head Brackets, &c. China Ornaments in the Newest and Antique designs. Glass Ornaments-Globe Flower Holders for Table Decoration, &c. Iridescent Flower Glasses in latest designs. Japanese Curiosities Cabinets Glove and Hand- kerchief Boxes-Tea Trays, Card Boxes, &c., &c. Japanese China; Gold Ornaments, superior; also Cups and Saucers. Inkstands, in Olive and Carved Wood-Pearl- Papier Mache Bronze Crystal—Electro, &c. Parian Marble Busts. Portrait Albums, with and without Lock-a very large stock. Portrait Frames, best gilt Ivory Nickel Silver Carved Wood Lionite, &0. Flower Bowls, in China Lava and Wedgwood Ware. Letter Racks for Wall, in Carved Wood. Flower Stands Swiss-carved, &c. Glove and Handkerchief Boxes, in Leather, Fancy Woods, Japanese Manufacture. Jewel Cases, in Carved Wood, Antique Pearl Leather. Oxydised Caskets, with and without Crystal Tops. Thermometers Pearl Crystal, &c. Hand Bags for Ladies, in Russia Morocco, &c. Reticules, Velvet——Leather, &c. Ladies' Companions. Work Boxes Velvet, Leather, Papier Mache, and Fancy Woods. Work Baskets, Satin lined. Watch Stands-Gilt-Fancy Wood. Gilt Ring Stands Cigar Boxes. Card Cases, Ladies & Gentlemen's Pearl Ivory Leather. Cabinet Goods in Walnut and Olive. Pencil Cases, Gold—Silver—Ivory—Aluminium. Purses —— Russia Pearl —-Ivory V elvet Morocco Calf, &c. Gentlemen's Pocket Books Russia Morocco, &e. Gentlemen's Dressing Cases, iitted. Writing Desks—Walnut, Rosewood, & Mahogany. Spectacle Cases Velvet, Leather, Papier Mache. Color Boxes. Draught Boards and Men Chessmen Bone Counters-Playing Cards-Cribbage Boards. Elegantly-bound Bible8- Prayer Books Church Benies-and other Gift Books. Children's and other Books. Crewels and Silks -Antimacassars Cushions and Borders, on Serge, Crash, and other new Materials for Crewel Embroidery. CHRISTMAS NEW YEAR CARDS. A very extensive assortment carefully selected from the best English and other makers. SIXPENNY ASSORTED PACKETS -—— SPECIALLY I GOOD VALUE. Town Hall Assembly Room. ON MONDAY EVENING, December 22, 1879, the Sixth of a series of Popular Reading and Musical Entertainments Will be given in the above Room.—The proceeds will be devoted to the fund for procuring addi- tional Bells for Trevethin Church. 0 CHAIRMAN-REV. J. C. LLEWELLIN. ACCOMPANIST-MISS E. LEWIS, R.A.M. For particulars see small bills. Doors open at 7.30, to commence at 8 p.m. ADMISSION Front Seats, 6d.; Back Seats, 3d. CIJRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. NOTICE. THE LONDON & PROVINCIAL BANK in this 1 Town will open on the SATURDAY following Christmas Day, from 10 till 1 o'clock. CHAS. H. COPLEY, Manager. White Lion Inn, GARNDIFFAITH. | A STEPPING MATCH WILL TAKE PLACE ON DECEMHRU 24th and 26ih, at 7 o'clock. First prize, a bottle of brandy. Second prize, a battle of whiskey. NO ENTRANCE FEE. A HARP WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE. ISTOTIOE. COTTAGE COMPOSITES MAY NOW BE HAD At 15 per cent. Reduction in Price, AT THE ONLY MANUFACTORY IN SOUTH WALES JOHN HAVARD, Kockfield House, Pontypool. GuaranteedFirst-class Illuminating Power

STOCK AND SHARE LIST. Supplied by Messrs. THACKERAY & SAYCE, Stock and Share Brokers, 1, Pearson-plaee, Cardiff RAILWAYS. Paid Prices Stock Great Western .£100 .109 110 London and North Western 100 .145 146 Monmouthshire 100 .165 166 „ Rhymney .100 .172 174 „ Taff Yale 100 .21U 212V PREFERENTIAL. Stock Monmouthshire 5 per cent. 100 .122 123 12 Do. New. convertible 6 12 13 Stock Taff Vale No 1 100 ,21L\- 212 Do. 4i per cent Do. 5 per cent. 100 .121 123 GUARANTEED AND LEASED Stock Rhymney, 5 p. c. guaranteed 100 .120, 122 50 Aberdare, 10 per cent 50 .120 121 20 Coleford Mon., & Usk, 5 p.c. 20 23 24 Stock Great Western 5 p. c. (guar) 100 .128 129 „ Hereford, Hay, & Brecon 100 94 96 „ Do. do. Pref. 100 95 97 DEBENTURE STOCKS. Stock Hereford, Hay, and Brecon 5 per cent 100 .124; 125 Great Western 5 per 130 j „ Taff Yalo 4 per cent 100 .103 104 BANKS. 20 BristolWestof England,Liuo. 7}. 8 8:1- 100 Glamorganshire Banking 00. lo0 10 Glamorganshire 10 141 15 10 London & Provincial, Lim. 5 lli llf 50 National Provincial 21 74 76 20 National Provincial 12 42 44 10 North and South Wales 10. 27 27V 20 Swansea (Limited) 7. 81 83 GAS. 10 Aberdare 10 H 11^ Stock Bristol 100 .175 176 „ Cardiff A 10 per cent 100 .180 182 „ Do. B 8 per cent 100 .135 140 25 Do. Shares 7 per cent. 25 30 32 10 Llynri Valley 10. 10 11 Stock Newport A 100 .172 177 Do. B 100 .128 132 20 Do. C 17 18 19 25 Swansea. 7! per cent 25 32 34 GAS AND WATER. 10 Bridgend 10 8 b Stock Do. Deb. Stock 100 .101 10 Pontypool (Max 10 p. c.) 100 .135 145 12 Do. ( do. ) 12 16 18 10 Do. (Max. 7 p. c.) 10 9 11 10 Ystrad 10 20h H WATER WORKS. 25 Bristol 25 63 65 Stock Cardiff 100 275 285 „ Do. 1860. 100 .200 220 10 New 6 13 14 Stock Neath 10 p. c. Guaranteed 100 .185 195 10 Do. 5 per ct. Preference 10 7i 10 Newport 10 17 19 10 Do. New 7 14 16 Stock Pontypridd op. c. Preference 100 ..107 109 MISCELLANEOUS. Stock AlexandraDock,6p.c. Pref. 100 .110 120 Ditto 8 p.c. Pref. 100 ..120 130 10 Bristol and South Wales Wagon Co., Limited 4 6 6!- 23 Ebbw Yale 20. 8l 9t 100 Nantyglo and Blaina Iron Works, Preference 100 23 24 10 Newport Abercarn Colliery 10 61 7t 5 Do. Tramways 5 3 3! 20 Patent Nut and Bolt, Lim. 14 21 2H 50 Rhymney Iron, Limited 50 23 24 15 Do. New 15 it 71 25 South Wales Colliery 24. 4! 4J 50 Tredegar Iroti&Coal, ALiin. 26 19 19 25 Do. do. B Lim. 25 20f 21t Bank Rate 2 per cent, (since 10th April). SELLERS:— Taff Yale Stock at 2121 Rhymney Railway Ordinary and Preference Stock Cardiff and Swansea Colliery Shares South Wales Colliery Shares Ebbw Vale Shares London and Provincial Bank Shares Porthcawl Gas Shares, etc. THACKERAY & SAYCE, CARDIFF, December 17, 1879.

iSiitfjs, Jfevuws, anb Deaths. BIRTH. Dec. 15, at Station Terrace, Pontnewydd, the wife of the Rev T. Cocker, Baptist minister, of a son" KARBIAGE. JONES—LLEWELLIN.—On Tuesday, the lGth instant, at the parish church, Llanfrechfa, b y the Rev David Griffiths, M.A., Vicar of Resolven and Glyncorrwg (cousin of the bride), assisted by the RevF. Forster, M.A., Vicar of Llanfrechfa, Edwyn Jones, of Gray's Inn; Barrister-at-Law, to Mary, eldest daughter of David Llewellin, Esq., of Bryn Gouier, near Pontypool. DEATHS. j Dec. 8, at Lower Mill, Pontymoile, aged 77 years, Mr John Williams, roller. Dec. 10, at Victoria Village, Garndiffaith, aged 39 years, Mr Wm. Watkins, charcoal refiner. Dec. 11, at Garndiffaith, aged 23 yeara, Edna, widow of Mr Wm. Davies, coal miner. Dec. 11, at Lion House, Pontypool, aged 19 years, Catherine Elizabeth Williams iones (Katie), youngest daughter of the late Mr Walter Jones, builder, Brecon.. Dec. 12, at Pentwyn House, Abersychan, in the 87th year of her age, Mra Mary Walter, sister of Mrs Samuel Mitchell, of Abersychan. Dec. 13, at Gelly Pistill, aged 62 years, Mr Woo. Lewis, coal miner. Dec. 13, at High-street, Pontypool, aged 33 years, Mr Wm. H Williams, boot manufacturer. Dec. 13, at King-street, Blaenavon, aged 4 months, Horace, son of Mr D. P. Lewis. Dec. 14, at Long Row, Race, aged 61 years, Mr John Ford, labourer. Dec. 15, at Chepstow, Mr Charles Goss, late of the Vine Tree Inn, Blaenavon. Dec. 15, at Talywain, aged 36 years, Mr George Harris, haulier. Dec. 15, at Abersychan, aged 46 years, Mr Chas. Bragg, stone mason. Dec. 16, at Malthouse-lane, Pontypool, aged 71 years, Mr John Morgan, gardener. Dec. 16, at George-st, Pontypool, aged 66 years, Mary, wife of Mr Edmund Powell, nailmaker. Dec. 16, at Nantygollen Farm, aged 26 years, Mr Lewis Davies. Dec. 18, at the Union Workhouse, aged G4 years, Mr Wm. Evans, shoemaker, Pontypool. —

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. C WHITE.—Your letter on Emigration to Texas shall appear in our next. It is unavoidably crowded out. A MIXICU- M\N.—We must declinc to publish your letter on the Town Hall Eisteddfod. It isinncour- teous, to say tip leàst of it, for anyone to adjudicate npoll the adjudicators at such meetings, The duties are far from easy, and, we believe, are always per- formed in perfect good faith. t A BELLE, mooting her rival, ssid, with an lair of much concern, dear, how old you look to-day? I never beforo saw you look so quietly replied, is not at all wonderful, for, you eee, I never was so old before as I am to-day!'

CORRESPONDENCE. The Proprietor does not hold" himself responsible for the opinions of his Correspundeqts The columns ot this paper are fIt all times open to the ex- pression of opinions on subject's of a public character. Correspondents are requested t." write on one side of the paper only, and to aroid personalities; and must enclose with the- letter their OWN names uiyi'^iOctal addresses, not necessarily for publication (unless intended by them), but for the satis- faction of the Editor. To the Editorthe Free Press. Dear Sir,—How is it that during the winter months, when the evenings are so long, that no night school has been opened to give, the young men of our town an opportunity to imprine their education ? As a working man myself, I, think a night school is very much needed in the town of Pontypool, and I think in this respect we are very much behind other towns in not providing the sap e. When we consider the educational advantages the rising generation have as compared to the advantages we who have just entered manhood had when vqe were young, we feel that unless we (even now) try to improve ourselves we shall be left in the rc&'¡ As it is a well-known fact that a man who has a good education makes a better workman than the illiterate one, I feel certain that if a night school was opened during the present winter, many of the young met of our town would gladly avail themselves of thêt-opportunity to improve them- selves. May I also suggest to the members of the Pontypool School Board the desirability of intro. ducing Dr Richardson's Primers (or some other such work) into the schools under their care, so that the children in our schools may be better informed about alcoholic drinks than we were when we were young ? With a thorough knowledge of what is really a necessary of life and what is not, they may hasten the day when England wiltbe sober as well as free. 4 A WORKING MAN. iifc-, 1,

CHRISTMAS. Next week the PONTYPOOL FKEE PRESS will be published ot Friday morning as usual, but on account of Thursday being Christmas Day, advertiseineats and news should be received not later tban Wednesday evening.

IF the shadows which coming events are said to cast before them may be relied upon, we are, lo- cally speaking, about to experience very impor- tant changes. At the meeting of the Pontypool Local Board on Wednesday, a scheme was pro- pounded for the acquisition by the Board of the existing Gas and Water Works, at, as the pro- posing member said, a fair and adequate price. A resolution to apply for powers to borrow the large sum of X60,000 towards effecting this and other objects followed in most energetic fashion and if future negotiations are conducted in a similar manner, in a short time the ratepayers may find themselves in the position of being able to use the profits derived from their commercial speculation for the reduction of the rates. Of course all this depends upon the spirit in which the Directors of the Company may meet the ad- vances of the Board. The idea is not by any means a new "one it has been successfully carried out in many places, notably Abergavenny, which is, in many respects, about a quarter of a century ahead of Pontypool. As regards the water sup- ply, Abersychan is quite as much interested as Pontypool, and it might prove feasible for the two Boards to enter jointly upon the scheme, for the sake of using the water in the improved sanitary arrangements they, and the other Boards in the Valley, will be compelled to make in carrying out the Recommendations of Dr. Ogle. The possession of Pontypool Gas Works jointly by the Boards might possibly be a source of diffi- culty, but not an insuperable one, for in this matter what is wisdom in one place need not be i folly in another.

OPENING OF A NEW CHURCH AT CAER- PHILLY. The openipg of the new Church, which has been anxiously looked forward to for some months, took place ó-ç, Wednesday. The first delay, after its completion, wastaused by wfyting for the stained window. This is a splendid work draft, representing Our Lord's Passion, and is fixed in the chancel. It is in commemora- tion of the late Lord Windsor, and the money was col- lected by the tenantry. It was originally intended for adding a new ward to the Cardiff Infirmary, to be known as the Windsor Ward but the new Infir- mary scheme madu this unnecessary, and the money (about. £2:)0) was given for the above purpose. The Lord Bishop's absence next delayed the ceremony. On Wednesday, however, the new St. Martin's Church was consecrated in the presence of a large congregation and a strong muster of the clergy. The Bishop preached in the morning, and the service was full choral, with ap- propriate hymns from the new edilii)J1 of Ancient and Modern." After the morning service, which lasted foiir hours, a luncheon took place at the National Schools, when the worthy Rector (the Rev. Thomas Jeukins), received the hearty congratulations of nU present. After luncheon, the Rev. Charles Parsons, Rector of Penarth, delivered an eloquent sermon and in the evening the Yen, Archdeacon Griffiths preached in Welsh to an overflowing congregation. We may add that the old church is in a very damp and dilapidated condition, and that the new building, which has cost £4,800, is one of great beauty. The altar cloth, vases, and Communion hassocks are the gifts of the ladies of the congregation. The collections were liberal, and leave a debt of a little more thau jE-300 upon the sacred edifice.

ABERGAVENNY PETTY SESIONS. WEDNESDAY. I' Before J As. HOMFKEY, ESQ., (Chairman), MAJOR CARNEOY, & T. P. PRICE, ESQ. THE BLAENAVON BASTARDY CASE. The adjourned case, Elizabeth Anne Watkins, Blaenavon, fl. Joshua Williams, the Whistle Inn, near Blaenavon, for being the father of her illegitimate daughter, came on for hearing to-day. Mr. L. D. Browne again appeared for the defendant. The evidence taken at the previous hearing was read over. Complainant then said, she lived at Garnyrerew. The defendant was the father of her child born in September last; had kept company with defendant two years, but the intini^qy began 12 months ago, and continued until the beginning of September ;.had often told defendant of her state, and he had given her 3s since her COfl.fillelf)erft. they generally met on the mountain. In cross-examination, she said the reason why she fixed 12"months ago was, that such a date would be U months before the child was born. Jane Watkins, the sister, who said she lived at tlw Grouse and Snipe Farm, on the mountain, above the Whistle, deposed to defendant and the complainant widing her home one evening from her father's .houae; tMey appeared to be lovers. The Bench then adjourned he riM until tu-o.iy, fY,, further evidence. Cumplain-iift'S father, Elias Watkins, was to-day sworn, and said, I went to the Whistle JUii) ap tbe .Friday previous to my daughter obtaining a summons' against defendant; asked defendant what he iiitended doing concerning the child. He replied, he didn't know. I said, 1 mftst know, and uulcss- I get an answer to-night, I will take proceedings against-yeu tomorrow. He I then asked me to stop until the Thursday night following, which I did. On the Thursday night, I called again; his mother became abusive, calling me names. After some words, defendant interposed, and his brother asked me what I would take, and I said I would take whatever he proffered." Defendant then replied, he would do nothing. Mr. Browne submitted, that the father's evidence was of no weight. Defendant made no admission to him. He asked him to delay proceedings naturally to make enquiries. The Chair- man But he did not deny it. After some- further remarks from Mr. Browne, the Bench retired, and after an absence of 15 minutes, the Chairman said, the Bench were unanimously of opinion, that the defendant was the farther of the child, and made an order of 3s. per week until the child was 14, with costs. RUNNING AWAY WITH HER MISTRESS' THINGS. Ann Jones, a little girl from Cwmdu, Breconshire' who, crying bitterly, said she was 12 years of age next birth-day, was brought up in custody and charged with having stolen a number of urticles, the property of Mrs Williams, of Little Park Farm, Llangattock Lingoed, value 7s 6d. Mrs Wiiliams said she took prisoner into her service on her representing herself to be a farmer's daughter. On Saturday, the 6th inst., she went away suddenly without giving notice. On the following Tuesday evening, the 9tb, witness missed the several articles produced, including a shawl, frock, cape, pina- fore, and child's jacket, altogether 14 articles, value 7s 6d; she gave information to the police. Pc. Dare said that on Friday last he apprehended the prisoner at the house of her parents, at Kilvayno, Cwmdu, and she gave up the articles at once, which were in various parts of the house, the shawl being on the line. The prisoner made no answer to the charge of having stolen the goods. The mother said that prisoner told her that Miss Prosser, of the Britannia Inn, Abergavenny, had given her the articles. The chairman told the prisoner that she was sentenced to 14 days in Usk Gaol, and 2 years in the Reformatory, and he hoped that would bring her to her right senses. STEALING A SCYTHE AT LLANOVER. Chas. Morris, labourer, Blaenavon, was charged on remand with having stolen a scythe, value 8s, the pro- perty of John Jones, of Bryncoed Farm, Llanover, on the 4th inst. It appeared that prosecutor had a sale upon his premises and sold one scythe and bought the other in. Both scythes were afterwards missed. Evidence was given that prisoner was seen carrying two scythes about the time. Prisoner had pleaded not guilty" at his first examination, but now pleaded "guilty." A certificate of good character from his employer was put in, and he was sentenced to six weeks hard labour.

VEN I IL.\T70\" OF CUPBOARDS Tiio vonliliition of cii:u>our<!tj is ono of thone minor masters that are frequently overlooked in the crcctiou d lioi.bcu, while the want of a thorough draught ia apt to make itself unpleasantly apparent to tho amell. The remedv of tho defect i8, however, very simple 4 if poesi- 1 Ir, have perforations made through the back wall of the doHCt, and a few in the door; when tho wall of tho closet c IIllOt bo perforated, bore liolea freely in the top and votcom. To prevent dampnees, with the accompanying unpleasantness and injurious elTccts of mildew in cup- boards, a tray of quick-lime should be kept, andchangod fivm time to time as the lime becomes slacked. This remedy will also be found useful in safes or muniment looms, tho damp air of which is often destructive to v.iluable deeds and othor contents.

HOW TO JUDGE THE WEATHER. Tho colours of the sky at ddfcreut timoB are a wonder- fnl guidance. Not only does a clear sui sot presage fair weather, but there aro other tints which speak with clearness and ccnracy. A bright yellow sky in the (veIling indicates wind; palo yellow, wet; a neutral gray constitutes a favourable sign in the morning, and an unfavourable one in the evening. ThocloudBaro full of moaning in themselves. If thev are soft, unde- fined and feathery, the weather will be lino if the edges are hard, sharp and definite, it will be foul. Generally f;leaking, any deep, unusual hues betoken wind or rain while more quiet and moderate tints bespeak fair weather. Simple as these maxims are, tho Board of 1 rade have thought fit to publish them for the ttso of seafarinsr »1cn.

THE AFGHAN WAR. THE FI.GHTING ROUND CABUL. MUTUAL DEFEAT OF GENERAL ROBERTS. RETREAT INTO THE SHERPUR LINES. SEVERE BRITISH LOSSES THE MARCH OF AYOOB KHAN. KANDAIIAR THREATENED REINFORCEMENTS FOR THE FRONT. The following has been sent from the India Office for publication FROM VICEROY, DEC. 14, 1879. Roberts reports continued fighting to-day at Cabul. As enemy still coming on in large numbers, he has decided so collect force within Sherpur cantonments. He has ordered Gough up from Gundamak, and Aibuthnot's brigade from Jellalabad, as he considers reinforcemants necessary to enable him to clear the country, an A to act decisively. We are sending up reinforcements to replace troops drawn from line of communications. We have ample force. Telegraph is stiil open, and no disturbances reported along line of communication. The Standard's correspondent telegraphing from Bombay, on Sunday, says:—Heavy fighting has taken place around Cabul. On the 13th, General Baker's force having arrived on the previous evening, a series of attacks were made upon the enemy. Baker's brigade first advanced against a strong force of the enemy lodged in the village of Beniska, and having driven them out, wheeled round, and took part in the attack which Macpherson's brigade were making upon the enemy in a position on the high peak, from which Macpherson had in vain endeavoured to dislodge them upon the previous day. The fight- ing was fierce and obstinate, the enemy holding the position until our men had actually forced their way in, and the result was a fight at close quarters. The enemy were eventually driven out with great loss, but ourlistof casualties is very heavy, especially inofliccrs. Our loss in killedandwounded in three days' fighting it reported at sixteen officers and one hundred and three men. The Afghans, although driven from then position, still held together, and further fighting is < xptcted. The Ghuznec force has been swoolen by t: e accession large numbers of the native tribes, and the aggregate force opposed to-us is very iargtl A telegram from General Roberts to the Viceroy announces that during the fighting oh th6 14th inst. one mountain gun was lost.. General Roberts, estimates the number of the enemy at 30,000, and adds that their fire was severe. The General is' confident of being able to restore British authority, but states that reinforcements arc necessary for vigorous action. Her Majesty has telegraphed to Sir Francis Roberts requesting him to make known to the troops engaged in the action before Cabul her admiration of their gallantry and her sympathy for the officers and men wounded in action. A telegram from St. Petersburg says Ayoob Khan, Governor of Herat, who marched out of the city several days ago in command of a large army, with Kandahar for his objective point, has been stopped by messengers from the insurgent camp at Cabul. Pin se latter, believed to be accredited from Mahmoud Jan, bore with them a pressing invitation for Ayoob to alter his plan of campaign, and to pro- coed direct to Cabul to join forces with Mahmoud Jan, and both to attack the Sherpur cantonmcnts in strength. Ayoob's answer to this demand has not been made known here, if indeed any determination has been arrived at. In the Farrah district, north- west of Kandahar, where Mir Afzul is in command, several of the tribes are declared to be assembling to attack Kandahar. SCENE OF THE FIGHTING NEAR CABUL. The recent severe fighting near Cabul appears to have taken place pasty in"the valley of the river, and partly on the hills'that wall in the city on the south. Some description of the scene may serve to make more elf ar the tel grams which we publish and to explain the natural difficulties which our artillery and cava'ry had to encounter. The city of Cabul stands almost entirely on the right or south bank of the river of the same name. On each side rises a lofty ridge, stmnounted by ruined forti- fications, and these two ridges meet together on the west, where the river has worn for itself, a gorge, Close to i9 the tomb of Baber, on the rising slope of the hiU about a mile from the city, interesting from its historical assoc'alions, and the most beautiful spot in the neighbourhood of Cabul. Tim great Eihperor himself, who founded the Mogul Empire in Hindustan, and whose favourite residence was at Cabul, lies under a plain slab of white marble. Close by is a small mosque erected by his descendant Shah Jehan; while on tho hill above is a modern summer- howse, built by Shah Zenaun, the ill-fated brother of the Ameer whom we placed upon the throne in our first invasion of Afghanistan. As is usual with Mussul- man tombs, the area around haa been formed into n. garden, where the fiower beds are watered from a clear running stream. A magnificent grove of pop- lars takes the place of the funeral cypress. From this picturesque spot, which the enemy appear to have at one time occupied in the course of the fight- ing, the southern hill range eastwards, towering high above the city, and commanding, though from a con- siderable distance, the citadel of the Bala Hissar. A road to Ghuznee runs south-east up the valley of the Logar. This was the route by whiel "ieneral Roberts entered Cabul after winning the battle of Char-asiab; and it was by this route that General Baker marched out on Monday last as far as Maidan to intercept the enemy, who were reported to be uniting their forces from Kohistan and Gliazitf-e. On the same day General Macpherson. with a somewhat stronger force, started by a road that leads in a north- westerly direction up the main stream of the Cabul river to Bamizz, and so over the Hindu Kush into Badakshan. On Thursday, General Macpherson was to have been reinforced by a detachment of artillery and cavalry, led by General Massey, of Redan fame. Against this reinforcement the enemy directed their attack, assuming the offensive for the first time in the present campaign. Rushing down from the hills they caught our troops at a disadvan- tage for if the mountains of Afghanistan are rugged and isterile beyond description, the little river valleys arc cultivated to the highest pitch of industry, and are proportionately difficult for the manoeuvres of mounted men and guns. It will be recollected that the Russians, in their recent encounter with the TekkeTurcomens, were greatly embarrassed by similar irrigation cuts. In no part of the world is irri ation pursued more industriously than in Afghanistan. In the south of the country the water is usually conveyed from its source by means of underground channels, one of which i3 stated by a erediblo authority to reach the astonishing length of 30 miles. But in the Cabul valley irrigation is con- ducted by canals and aqueducts above ground, which cut up the whole surface and border all the roads. From these main channels the wa-or is diverted over the fields by countless ditcher, and the ditches are in their turn lined with avenues of trees for fruit and shade. The Cabul valley may be fairly described as the orchard of the East. Apples, pears, poaches, cherries, almonds, quinces, and mulberries are grown in pro- fusion unknown elsewhere; while willows, poplars, and other trees form groves and hedgerows. In a highly-cultivated country, as his oftentimes been re- marked of England, cavalry arc of comparatively little use. The overwhelming forces of the Afghans, reported at 30,000 strong', seem to have swept on past our cavalry and our overturned guns almost up to the gates o Cabul. There they were met at the Cabul gorge by a party of the 7:!nù Highlanders, who checked their victorious onset and diverted the tide of armed men southwards, towards Baker's tomb, and then on along the southern ridge overhanging the city. Meanwhile Macpher- son's little army of infantry were coming back from the Cilir,leii valley. They recovered the abandoned guns, and seem immed atcly to have fallen upon the rear of the Afghans upon the heights. Baker also is reported to be on his way back from Maidan, in tho Valley of the Logar; but here for the present our information fails. It is, however, gratifying tolearn that the celebrated corps of Guides, who include both cavalry and infantry in their ranks, have already arrived in Cabul by the Luttabund Pass from Gunda- muck. This is the fir-t reinforcement that General Roberts has yet received from India since he closed tho Shutargardan roii! e.

LATEST NEWS. TELEGRAMS TO TIIE « FRBE TRESS." THE GALWAY MURDER. At Leitrim Assizes, yesterday (Thursday), Mai tin Hugo was found guilty of the murder of Mr Michael Breuen, at Woodford, Galway.

AGRARIAN OUTRAGE. On Wednesday night, some of Captain Boycott's ten. ants, living near Clare Norris, who have recently paid taeir rents, had their proyerty severely damaged, and several of their cattle were maimed. The authors .)f the outrage are unknown.

THE COURT. Her Majesty the Queen and suite left Windsor at 111 o clock yesterday (Thursday) morning, and proceeded by special train to Gosport, en ro"te for Osborne, Islo of Wight. The Court will remain at Osborne for the Christmas holidays.

AFFAIRS IN ZULULAND. The Colonial Secretary has requested Sir Garnet Wolseley to make known to Col. Bayley his sense of the admirable arrangements made by him for the cap- ture of Moirosi"s stronghold-

THE AFGHAN WAR. < Tho_ Central Nems yesterday (Thursday) received the following telegram from the Viceroy of India4 Bright reports from Jellalabad that Gough's posts aJ: Ve b°Ca athickcd- Three Companies °A C, Regiment have been sent to reinforce him. Arbuthnot with 45G Sikhs and a detachment of Ghoorkas are about to start for Gandamnek. A short telegram frsm Baker just received, dated Cabul, says the corps are in excellent spirits, and that no doubt is left of being able shortly to re-establish authority over Cabal, but it gives no details."

Ever busy, Death has carried off another • lolrrity. Ciilcruft is clead—Calcraft the oiily liiiDgiuan whose name became as much a proverb iia that of Jack Ketch. He who sent so many to the land of silence has now himself gone into i he silent land. He was hardly 80 years of age, being born in the last year of the last celitill. 'I.. For more than half his life he was executioner at the Old Bailey, and would have been execu- tioner to the end of his life had not his age made him a bungler. His superannuation was a grievance to him, though his resignation was his own act, and ho continued to get his pay after his retirement. The pay was little enough for such horrible work—only a guinea a week and the clothes of his victims. Personally he was no bold blustering braggart. Had lie chosen any other walk in life he had been called modest and unassuming. He positively shunned observation. He has been described as slinking away from a prison after an execution. It was very difficult to get him to talk about anything, and almost impossible to get him to talk about his dreadful trade, though the gold of special correspondents sometimes opened his lips, and even then he left a great deal to their imagination. He was a shoemaker by trade, and I have been told a good shoemaker, and made something by his daily occupation; but he was prouder of the science which broughtaboutthelastof a man than the skill which fitted a boot to the last, In appearance lie was patriarchal and almost venerable; err- tainly there was nothing bloodthirsty or rcpul- sive in his features, and no one from his coun- tenance would guess that he had taken more lives than the greatest soldier. That only came out in a certain nameless shrinking, which only those in secret understood. Every execution brought him in some money, because he sold the clothes of the condemned dead to Madame Tussaud. It is said that he has left money behind him. The verdict upon him must be that, though he plied the most repulsive of all legal occupations, he was not the worst of men.