Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
21 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
PONTYPOOL1 LOCAL GOVERNMENT…
PONTYPOOL 1 LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD. The monthly meetingi was held on Friday. Present: Messrs Wm. Sandbrook, J. Bevan, P* Eckersley, S. B. Mason, S. Morgan, J. Knipe, Richd. Jones, and T. Fletcher. On the motion of Mr Sandbrook, seconded by Dr Mason- w Mr T. FLETOHER was voted to the chair. Mr Bevan's motion respecting the inquiry into the salary of the clerk and surveyor, was gone into, and the matter was cleared up in a satis- factory manner. The following document, relative to the pro- posed new road, was read Local Government Board,Whitehall, S.W., 2nd August, 1877. Sir,—I am directed by the Local Government Board to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th ultimo, with reference to the application of the Pontypool Local Board for the Board's sanction to a loan of £ 1,500 for the construction of a new road in conjunction with the Abersychan Local Board. I am to state that before deciding upon this appli- z, cation, the Board will direct a local inquiry to be held on the subject by one of their inspectors. The in- quiry will take place as soon as the other engagements of their inspectors will permit, and due notice of it will be given. I am to draw attention to the provisions of section 154 of the Public Health Act, 1S75, which render the sanction of the Board necessary to the purchase of premises for the purpose of making any new street. The Board observes that the detailed estimates ef such of the works as are to be carried out in the Pontypool Local Government District amount only to £ 874, whereas sanction is asked for a loan of 41,500, and they direct me to enquire how the dif- ference between the estimales and the proposed loan is to be accounted for. I am, sir, your obedient servant, HUGH OWEN, Junr., Assistant Secretary, To E. Stephens, Esq., the Clerk to the Pontypool Local Board, Pontypool. The following answer to the above was given by the clerk :— Gentlemen,-In reply to your letter of the 2nd inst., I beg to state that the detailed estimate for- warded with our application is the professional one, and the prices charged are very low. It is the opinion of our board that the work mentioned in the estimate will cost from £1100 to £1200, and they have asked for the larger sum to be ready for any extra expense that may arise. I also beg to state that our board have only made provisional arrangements with the parties through whose land the road will pass, and are waiting the sanction of your honourable Board before completing those arrangements. I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, E. STEPHENS, Clerk, &c. Some discussion having taken place on the subject of the new road, the clerk was instructed to call a meeting of the joint committees. Respecting the complaints made by parties of the existence of a nuisance in West Place, the clerk said that Mr Probyu had sold all the pigs, and that carts had been employed to take the manure off the premises, but still a quantity of manure keeps accumulating from the slaughter- house. He bad sent a letter to Mr Probyn, tell- ing him that unless he abstained from the boil- ing of offal he would be summoned. Documents from the Trustees in Bankruptcy of two ratepayers, offering a composition of 7s 6d in discharge of rates due to tha board were read. It was agreed that solicitors should be con- sulted on the subject. Attention was directed to the nuisance exist- ing in a passage near Mr Bunning's shop. Mr Parkes, as steward of the Lady and Lords of the Manor, was quite willing to allow the passage to bo closed up, so as to get rid of the nuisance. After some discussion, the matter was left in abeyance. It was resolved to make an alteration in the rate of wages paid to the board's workmen. Ths bills for the past month amounted to R59 15s Id wages, £39 18s 9d-totai, R142 16s 5d. Collected during the month, £130. The medical officer's report was road, as fol- lows I beg to report that 9 deaths and 16 births were registered as having occurred in your district during the month of July; two deaths were attributed to measles and complications, and two to croup seven deaths were amongst children under 5 years of age, leaving only two adults to be accounted for; one of these was a female aged' 23 years and died of con- sumption, the other a female aged 74 who died of disease of the heart. The death-rate was 22.3 per 1000 per annum. Measles still prevails in various parts of the town, but of a mild character. Milk.-I beg to call your attention to the quality of milk sold in your district; numerous complaints have been made to me from time to time that it is very poor-half water, &c. I suggest that an analyst should be employed, and samples of milk obtained from the various vendors, and after examination to report to the board. The result would be interesting as well as instructive, and could not fail to have a beneficial effect. Mr Gilchrist, analytical chemist, Blaenavon, would readily undertake the duty; and the fee, I think, would be about two guineas. J. WILLIAMS, M.D. The milk question was deferred to a future meeting. This conceded the business of the board.
BLAENAYON" LOCAL GOVERNMENT…
BLAENAYON LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD. The monthly meeting was held on Friday. T. HEMMINGS, Esq., in tho chair. Also present—Messrs J. G. Williams, W. Edwards, H. C, Steele, W. B. Lawrence, J. Gill, T. Edwards, E. L. Harris, J. Burgoyne, D. Lewis, and Jehn Morgan. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. The surveyor's report was read :— Gentlemen,—I beg to report to you as follows :— Twenty-seven yards of drain work have been executed during this month. Mr David Edwards, Broad-st., and Mr Thomas Mason have repaired their pavements in compliance with my request. Two tons of fern have been cut by your men since your last meeting for the use of the horses employed by the board. Two new houses have been occupied in New William-street since my last report. I beg to submit the following plans for your ap- proval :-Edward Davis, of a cottage proposed to be built in Clapham Terrace Thomas Buddies, of an addition to a house occupied by Mr Wm. 0 James in Broad-street. I am, &c., T. PRITCHARD, Surveyor. Mr Harris asked where had the draining beeu done. The surveyor explained that seven yards of draining was made near the Company Shop, and the remainder in different parts of the Llanover Road. The inspector of nuisances reported several cases of nuisances, the order for the removal of which had been complied with. Mr Gill asked iolie surveyor for an explanation concerning the notice served on Mr Witchell, and the reply of the latter to that notice. The surveyor said he sent a notice to Mr Witchell on the 20th ult. He told Mr Witchell in that notice that the bye-laws required in John-street a width of 18 feet in the clear. Mr Steele What is the result of this notice ? The surveyor said that he had gone to Mr Witchell and pointed out to him the encroach- ment he was making in the roadway, and Mr Witchell said he did not care for the surveyor nor the board. Mr Steele What baa beeu done in the matter since ? Mr Harris: He has gone on building in defi- ance of the board ? The surveyor Yea. Mr Gill: He has considerably reduced the width of the road. The surveyor Mr Gill and myself went to him about it, and he said ho did not care. Mr Gill said he had been very much abased because of this matter. He (Mr Gill) had told the surveyor that the board could not allow Mr Witchell to encroach upon the road he then said be would pull bis (Mr Gill's) wall and garden down, and threatened to bring a Govern- ment inspector and point out many mistakes that the board had made. Mr Steele: Well, what is to be done now ? Mr Williams I think the authority of the board ought to be upheld. Mr Steele What course are we to porsue ? Mr Williams: Pull it down. Mr Gill: He has reduced the width of the road from 20ft. to 17ft. 6in. Mr Williams The course of the street is spoiled. Mr Gill; And more than that, be defies the board. The chairman Is it he who has been writing a letter to the PONTYPOOL FREE PRESS? I think the board had better show their authority in this case. Mr Williams: I think so, too, or we had better not be a board at all. Mr Steele I think so, too and we should uphold the surveyor when he does his duty. The surveyor: He told me, when I went to him the first time, that he oonld shut the atNot up if he liked, (Laughter.) The chairman (to Mr Grill) Was it this Mr Witchell who gave you his impudence? Mr Gill Yes and be referred me to the case of Mr Price, in Hill-street. Mr Harris: Was Price allowed to encroach upon the roadway ? Mr Gill: He was allowed to do it. The chairman He had done it before it was noticed. Mr Steele: I don't see that any special case ties our hands for ever afterwards. We should not allow a departure from the bye-laws. Mr Gill I think we should have a letter-of apology from Mr Witchell. Mr Harris I should have our power tested. Mr Gill: The bye-laws specify that a road must be at least 18 feet. Mr Steele I don't think it is a matter for a simple apology; if so, anyone may do as he likes, and get out of the trouble by simply apologising. Mr Burgoyne: His plan has been passed, I suppose? Mr Steele: I suppose this plan has been passed, like many others, subject to the bye- laws being carried out. The clerki: If he does not show a scale, he must draw his plan subject to the bye-laws being carried out. Mr Gill observed that this was not the first encroachment. Mr Steelo I understood at a recent meeting we agreed there should be no further departure from the bye-laws. Mr Harris Press him to pull the building down. It was subsequently agreed that the en- croachment should come down and that Mr Witchell be requested to build in accordance with the bye-laws. A letter was read, calling attention to the nuisance from a chimney stack near the White Hart. Mr Lewis said tho stack in question did not carry the soot and smoke away, Mr Williams It destroys my gardea. It was elicited that the owner had, on a for- mer recommendation from the board, raised the stack several feet. The clerk said that the board did not then specify the height that the stack was to have been raised. A clause of the Public Health Act, 1875, was read, which stated that any chimney not being the chimney of a dwelling-house, sending forth smoke that shall be a nuisance, if it could be shown that the owner did not take the best means to prevent the nuisance, he would be" liable to ajpeualty. It was agreed to point the matter oat to the owner of the stack. An application for two guineas per year, for the balancing of books, &c., for the board by Mr Collins, was granted. A rate of lOd in the R, made payable on the 15th September, was"confirn-ied. A circular, respecting the Rivers Pollution Prevention Act, was read. An application, signed by Mr F. Prosser, col- lector, and Mr John Thomas, clerk, asking for an increase of salary, was read. The clerk and the collector, having explained the nature of their duties, retired; and, after a long discussion in their absence, it was agreed, on the motion of Mr Williams, seconded by Mr Gill, that they receive 25 guineas each per year. The members felt thorough satisfaction at the manner in which both clerk and collector had performed their duties, and complimented them accordingly. Mr Williams alluded to the necessity of having a late train from Brynmawr to Blaena- von. He said the want of a new road between these places would'not then be felt. The following is a copy of a petition address- ed to the board upon th's subject :— Gentlemen,—We, the undersigned, being ratepayers, &c., in the town of Blaenavon, would thank you to use your influence with the London and North-Western Railway for the purpose of adding an evening train from Brynmawr to Blaenavon. Showing the great inconve- nience we suffer from not having a later train in the evening, we may mention that the Cardiff and Rhymney, Ebbw Vale and Brynmawr train leaves Cardiff at 436 p.m. and arrives at Blaenavon at 6.43 p.m., and this is the last train from Brynmawr to Blaenavon. Cardiff being a large mercantile port, and an Im- portant emporium of trade is in a great measure closed to tho inhabitants of Blaenavon for want of a later train through Brynmawr. We would therefore respectfully <rge upon you to apply to the directors of tho London And North-Western Railway for an additb'ara evening train toour populous and improving town. This petition wns very extensively signed by ratepayers of Blaenavon and others connected with the town by trading, &c. The surveyor reported that the drain opening in William-street still discharged itself into the middle of the street. It was agreed to give notice to the owner of I the drain to remedy the evil. Mr Burgoyne Several persons have received 1 notice to repair their pavements, aud have not done so. Mr Morgan Is it not better to begin at home? Let some of the board people repair their pave- ments. The subject dropped. It was agreed the public lamps be painted. The mcdical'ô'hcereport was read. Itstated that the epidentic of ^^sasles had decreased to a remarkable extent, °fiere being only 2 deaths recorded, and these were due to sequelia. The total number of deaths was 9. The bills amounted to £ 389s auditor, 95 58 —total, £ 44 4s. This concluded the bneiness. mm^mmrnrn——
Family Notices
43ittbs, olarriage%, AiiD Brat s. zlw.rh. Sept. 3, the Wife of Mr. D. S. Davits, Abereychan Brewery, of a son. DEATHS. Aug. 28, at Cwmnantddu, aged 87 years, Mr. John Wintle, blacksmith. Sept. 5, at High Street, Pontypool, aged 88 years, Elizabeth, widow of Mr. James Evans, iron miner.
DEATH OF M. THIERS.
DEATH OF M. THIERS. This celebrated French statesman and author died suddenly from apoplexy on Monday, at his residence, St. Germain, near Paris, in his 80th year. M. Thierg had passed a good night and rose, as usual, early on Monday morning, when a high gale, as bad as an equi- noctial wind, set in. It depressed M. Thiers who felt restless and reluctant to work. He went out to drive in the forest, notwithstanding the weather, and returned to lunch at noon with a hearty appetite, eating of every dish that was served. Madame Thiers, however, was alarmed at the contracted expression of his features, and asked him whether anything was the matter. He said there was nothing the matter except the discomfort which the barometrical pressure nearly always oaused him, and that he would again go out to fight against it. She in- sisted on his muffling himself well as he was leaving the house for a walk on the terrace, leaning on the servant's arm. He went some distance in the direction of Maison. Lafitte. The storm grew more violent and the rain more piercing. M. Thiers fatigued with the effort to face it, suddenly stopped, saying he could go no further. He walked home with a faltering step. On entering he complained of being very cold, and was seized with a fit of shivering, but thought it would pass away after he had taken his usual afternoon nap. He had a happy faculty all his life of commanding sleep at any hour of the day or night, which this time did not forsake him. For nearly an hour he fell into a deep sleep on the draw- ing-room sofa, and his wife and sister-in-law, who re- mained beside him, thought he had got over the chill with which he had been seized. Suddenly he jumped up and onea I am choking! My throat feels choked up He coughed violently, and then fainted. A local doctor. •L»r. x ioz; who had previously attended him, was at once summoned, and M. Barthe, the family physician, tele* graphed for. A great number of leeches were put behind his ears to prevent suffusion of the brain, a vessel of which was evidently ruptured. Though M. Theirs recovered consciousness, and made some lucid observations, he did not in the least seem to feel he was sick unto death. Gradually his strength ebbed fron him, and ho fell into a state of coma. When M. Bartba arrived, the illustrious patient was in this condition. Energetic revulsives were applied. They produced no effect, beyond altering the expression of the face, whioh lost its contracted look, and was changed to a. fainb smile. This was thought a good sign, yet the pulse grew feebler and feebler. Then it was felt for in vain. M. Theirs was dead. The funeral will take place on Saturday. Marshal MacMahon has issued a decree sanctioning a proposition from the Minister of the Interior, that the funeral shall be a public one, solemnised at the expense of the state. A telegram from Paris states that a public subscription hasjbeen opened for the erection of a statue in memory of the deceased statesman.
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PRESENTATION.—On Monday last, the -Vicar of Abersychan was presented wiih a black marble time- piece by his former parishioners at Owmavon, Glamorganshire. The Welsh Methodists, at their annual meeting at Bangor, on Wednesday, resolved to hold Tuesday next as a day of intercession throughout the connexion on behalf of fine weather, the cessation of the war, and the alleviation of the Indian famine. TWMPATH SCHOOL TREAT.—The annual treat was given by John C. Hanbury, Esq., to the children of this school on Thursday, the 30th, ult. The tea and cake so kindly provided were heartily enjoyed, after which, the children sang a few songs. Mrs. A. A. Williams, Miss Fothergill, and Mrs. Wood, were present. The arrange mentswere under the superinten- dance of Miss Moseley. SEBASTOPOL TEA PAItTY.-The annual tea party ia this school room was held on Thursday, the 30th Hit., at which a great many of persons were present. After the guests had finished tea, according to the usual custom, they dispersed to amuse themselves in various ways, so as to make room for others, and when the tea tables had been cleared away and the room re-arranged, all re-assembled for the evening's entertainment, when songs were sung by Mr. C. Lawrence, Mr. William Vaughan, and the Penyrbeol Choir, and speeches were delivered by the Rev. W. N. G. EWOt, (who said the annual examination of the school was satisfactory, and the Government grant amounted to a very ceditable sum); the Rev. Mr. Cooke, Llanbadock; Mr. W. H. O. Taylor: Captain Wright; and Mr. Wood. At the conclusion, a vote of thanks were given to those persons who had assisted with the tea, and decorated the room, but the singers were accidentally forgotten, which was regretted by several present, as they contributed very greatly to the evening's enjoyment. Printed and Published by HENRY HUGHES, Junr., at his GENERAL PRINTING OFFICES, POEtYPOO4 in the County of Monmouth.-Saturday, Sept. 8j lSn.
iGREAT FIRE AT TALYWAIN.
GREAT FIRE AT TALYWAIN. EIGHT HORSES BURNED TO DEATH. Early on Sunday morning the inhabitants of Talywain and Garndiffaith were alarmed by the glare of fire in the direction of stables belonging to Messrs Monk and Edwards, contractors to the London and North-Western Railway, a branch of which is in course of construction between Pontypool and Blaenavon. The scene of the fire was in a valley commonly known as the Rock and Fountain," through which flows the Avon Llwyd. The valley is spanned by a beautiful bridge of nine arches. The stables in question were built parallel to t course of the river, ard very near its bank, some short distance to the north of the bridge. Adjoining these stables was a store-room containing large quantities of oil, waggon grease, and other inflammable substances. Parallel to this row of stables was another raw, and the whole were reduced to ashes. The stables were built of pitch pine and were covered with felt, which was saturated with tar. The fire was first discovered by a man named Rose. who was in bed, but being attracted by the ghire of the light, he instantly rose and made some alarm. Police- constable Carey had passed near the place shortly be- fore the alarm of fire, but saw nothing all was then qtrite safe, and about twenty minutes after the flames burst out. Intelligence was communicated to Police- sergeant Lewis, who hastened to the spot with a fire- engine, but by the time he arrived the fire had gained such a mastery, on account of the inflammable nature of the materials which composed the structure, that every effort proved unavailing to stay, or even arrest, the pro- gress of the flames. There was a slight breeze blowing down the valley at the tima, and this had, of course, the effect of hastening the work of destruction. Some blacksmiths' shops, which were built at right-angles to the stables destroyed by the fire, were very nearly being burnt, the fronts of them being slightly eharred. If the wind had been blowing up the valley at the time, their total -destruction would have been inevitable. There were eight horses in the stables, and the cries of these poor creatures, struggling in vain to get out of the fire were most distressing to the bystanders. Added to this the lurid glare which the flames shot forth, lighting up the valley, all combined to make a scene never to be forgotten. Police-constable Carey, Police constable Matthews, and other policemen were on the scene. There were numbers willing to render assistance, but the work of destruction was so rapid that it thwarted all their efforts. We visited the scene of the disaster, and nothing could be seen of the stables or store-house but a heap of charcoal dust. The carcases of the ani- mals, eight in number, presented a hideous spectacle, and their appearance indicated the horrible torture and suffering they had to undergo, one poer creature having in its mouth achain which it seemed to have been in the actof gnawing in its agony when it died. The hoofs and legs of most of the animals were entirely consumed. The loss sustained is approximately estimated at about L3,000, the greater part of which, if not all, is covered by insurance. The origin of tho conflagration remains at present a mystery, but suspicions are entertained that it is the work of an incendiary, and a reward of j620 is offered for information leading to the conviction of the perpetrators.
BLAENAVON.
BLAENAVON. MIXERS' MEETING.-On Thursday evening. August 30th, a meeting of miners was held at the Town Hall, when an address was delivered by Mr. Thomas Halliday. The chair was taken by Mr. W. Barry, who said that he had, for a length of time presided at similar meet- ings; and had always done his best to promote a good understanding between masters and men. After some few observations he introduced Mr. Halliday, who in a long speech urged those present to join the Amalga- mated Union of Miners. He at some length detailed the advantages which would accrue to those who would become members. The union was a great source of support to its members in cases of accident. By pay- ing an entrance fee of le, and a subscription of 3d per week, they would in cases of. accidant, be entitled to the sum of 10s per week. There were about 200 miners present; also a few tradesmen, and when the question was put to the vote, the majority of those present voted an affirmative, A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. J. Morgan for lending the hall. Votes of thanks wore accorded to the lecturer and the chairman for presiding at the meeting. A collection was made at the close to defray incidental expenses.
NEWPORT.
NEWPORT. FATAL ACCIDENT TO 1l RAILWAY LABOURER.-As Geo. Binding, residing in Jeddo-st., Pillgwenlly, plate- layer on the Monmouthshire Railway, was on Tuesday proceeding to his work, an up train knocked him down, and passed over his legs, completely severing one from the body. His head was also frightfully mangled, and he very soon died.
EBBW YALE.
EBBW YALE. On Monday, the No. 3 rail mill was started. It had been idle for a long time. 0
SECOND MON. RIFLE VOLUNTEER…
SECOND MON. RIFLE VOLUNTEER CORPS The following waa the inspection state at Usk, Aug. 25th On parade: Staff-Col. R. B. Roden, Major Mitchell, Captain and Adjutant Carnegy, Surgeon Davies, and Quarter-Master Parkhurst. Company. Rank f Sile No. 1-Captain D. M. Llewellin, 5 sergta., 1 bugler. 53 2-Sub.-Lieut. J. Skinner. 6 „ 1 n 49 3-Capt. B. Mitchell 6 „ 1 „ .32 „ 4-Capt. W. Powell 5 t) 1 n 72 5-Licut. T. Skinner 6 „ 1 „ .74 6-Capt. Jacob 4 „ 1 M .32 7-Sab.-Lieut. Verity — 43 Band 1 n .24 Total on parade ..42& men. Absent with leave—5 sub-lieuta, I assistant surgeon, 1 drum-major, 4 sergeants, 114 rank and file; total, 125. Total strength of all ranks, 554 men.
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Mas, DE WINTON, on Friday, cut the first sod of the Hay extension of the Golden Valley Railwav, in the presence of a large number of people. Sir Joseph Bailey, Bart,, M.P., subsequently presided at a public luncheon. When completed, the extension of the rail- way will afford a direct communication between Aber- gavenny and Aberystwith. John Powell, a farmer, ofGarvmA wea cii- Thursday se'nnight committed for trial at the quarter sessions by the Monmouth magistrates for obtaining .£60 from Mr C. A. Williams, solicitor, of Monmouth, by false pretences. The accused obtained the money on a mortgage, but it was afterwards found that he had previously mortgaged the same property to Mr Gar-! rotd, solicitor, of Hereford. WRECK IN THB BRISTOL CHANNBL.—Tempestu- ous weather, exactly characteristic of winter storms, prevailed during the early part of the week. Early on Monday morning the schooner Faroey, of Gloucester, from Newport to Boscastle, coal laden, foundered at the month of the Bristol Channel. Heavy seas swept over and disabled her, and her crew, having taken to their boats, after great risk, landed at Padstow. THE new iron barque, Saraca," Captain, Lynch, sailed from Queensland on the 26th inst., with the undermentioned number of passengers bound for Maryborough, Queensland, viz.: 105 single men, 53 single women, 70 married people, 43 children between the ages of 12 and 1, and 13 infants, making a total of 284 souls, equal to 249i adults. The single women are under the care of Miss McAlister, Dr. W. H. Weddell acting as surgeon-superintendent. REVIVAL, OF TRADi.-The Economist thus concludes an article on the above subject:—A cessation of the Russo-Turkish war war would produce at once a great moral effect, and would benefit trade by removing un- certainties, and so hasten, perhaps, the revival of pros- perity. But let us not reason on false premises; there can be really good trade only with cheapness, there can be no cheapness without lessened cost of production, there can be no lessened cost of production without fru- gality, hard work, invention, and scientific discovery; there can be no commerce oommensurate with discovery unless there be large accumulations of capital. HOLLOWJ^S OINTMKNT AND PILLS. There is nothing In the whole Materia Medica" like these Medicaments for the cer- tainty of their action in lumbago, solatica. tio doloreux, and all flying or settled pains in the nerves or muscles. Diseases of this nature originate in bad blood and deparved humours, and until these are corrected there can be So permanent cure. The ordinary remedies afford but remporary relief, and in the end always disappoint the ftufferar. Holloway's Ointment pene- trates the human system as salt penetrates meat, and the Pills greatly assist and accelerate its operations by clearing away all obstructions, and giving tone to the system generally. The I prvbylooto viftee of Ug.'Immy's re=diw ikrud unrivalled,
SATURDAY.
SATURDAY. Before C. J. Parkes and E. J. Phillips, Esqs. AFFILIATION. Charles Scard, Newport, was charged with being the father of the illegitimate child of Alice Jane Taylor, Blaenavon. Mr Gardner, Usk, prosecuted, and Mr Green- way, Pontypool, defended. A great deal of evidence was given, but the casfi was finally dismissed.
THE ENGINE ACCIDENT.
THE ENGINE ACCIDENT. Henry Gillam, aged 9, and James Baker, aged 7, were charged with trespass by going on an engine, driving it, and thereby injnring it. James Yemrn, driver of the engine called "Brendon," said that on Sunday afternoon he left the engine near the bridge at the Upper Race he first of all put out the steam near the bridge was the place where he usually left the engine be left it perfectly safe on the same night he found that the engine had been started and run down the incline. P.s. Basham said that on Tuesday last he saw the defendants Baker said he was standing near the bridge, near the furnaces he saw Gillam playing on the engine; he started her, and she stopped he then got down and ran up the bank when he (witness) had the three boys together Gillam admitted that he had been playing with the engine, and said be had pushed the thing" up, and the engine started he then stopped her and jumped off fter that Baker got on and pushed the thing" up so high that he could not got it down again. Mr Greenway said there was only a little steam in the engine this could not be all blown off, or it would be injurious to the engine to do so. Fined 10s. each. AN ASSAULT. John Johnson was charged with assaulting Robert Lewis, on Saturday, 25th ult. Mr Greenway appeared for defendant. Captain and Adjutant Carnegy and Quarter- Master Parkhurst were present, and watched the case on behalf of defendant. Complainant deposed that he was going home on Saturday night, and when near the lower part of Rock Hill defendant came by and said, You are one of them fellows that hit me be- fore," and immediately struck complainant be- fore he could utter a word complainant asked him why he did it, and defendant said, If you talk another word to me I'll cut your head off from ear to ear. Complainant here created some laughter by saying that defendant had his knife out of the case, and adding that it was open. What he meant was, in reality, that Sergt.-Major Johnson carried a sword. In answer to Mr Greenway There were two others with him at the time, and he would swear that neither of them insulted nor called defendant names nor any volunteers he picked up a stone, but did not throw it at any one none of the volunteers had been struck by any of his party his (complainant's) mother was near the place she was not noisy nor insulting to Sergt.-Major Johnson. Mr Greenway said that the volunteers were continually insulted by persons like complainant, and sometimes they were even assaulted. De- fendant did, after great provocation, strike com- plainant. The Bench said that it was disgraceful to this country to think that those who wore the uni- form of a soldier, and were in the service of their country, should on that account be in- sulted and called names. The assault was, how- ever, proved against defendant, and he was ordered to pay costs. GAS ARREARS. Francis Allsopp was summoned for non-pay- ment of 11 3s. 6d., arrears due to the Blaenavon Gas and Water Company. Defendant agreed to settle the matter. Maria Parry was charged with taking water, the property of the same Company. Fined 10s. THREATS. Johanna Carey was charged with using vio- lent threats towards Bridget Hannen. Defendant did not appear. Service of summons was proved. Complainant spoke to the assault, and de- fendant will be brought up again. BREACH OF THE PEACE. Patrick Lynch and James Donovan were charged with committing a broach of the peace by fighting, on 25th ult., at Abcrsychan. The constable said he was on duty in High- street, when he saw Lynch quarrelling Dono- van struck him after great provocation. Lynch was fined 20s, aud Donovan was dismissed. DRUNKENNESS. Lemuel Reea was charged with being drank and disorderly, at Blaonavou. P.c. Ford proved the charge. Fined 10s. Eli Jingo was charged with being drunk and incapable, on 19th alt., at Llanvrechva. Defendant said he had not been drunk, only lying down asleep. P.c. Seys said that defendant was helplessly drank, and he had to pinch his ears, &c., to awake him. Fined 10a. Patrick Welsh and John Welsh, brothers, were both charged with a similar offence at Sebastopol, on the 25th ult. Patrick Welsh appeared, and pleaded guilty but John was too ill to attend. P.c. Beauland found the brothers quarrelling at Sebastopol; he parted them once, but they got together again, and began to fight.Fined 10s each. Daniel Desmond wascbarged with being drunk at Abersychan. P.s. Lewis proved the charge.Fined 10s. George Beach was charged with a like offence at Blaenavon. P.O. Wilmott proved the charge.Fined 10s. John Morris was charged also with being drunk at Blaenavon. P.c. Rudder proved the charge.Fined 10s. Chas. Morgan was charged with being drunk at Pontypool. P.s. Young proved the charge.Fined IN. John Alcock was likewise summoned for being drunk at Blaenavon. P.O. Wilmott proved the charge.Fined 10s. LICENSES. The applications of George Howard (Goytre), John Watkins (Prince of Wales, Cwmynisooy), Robert Sawtell, and John Harris (Penperllenny), were refused. The others were held over till Saturday.
-_ PONTYPOOL TRACT SOCIETY…
PONTYPOOL TRACT SOCIETY MEETING. A meeting of the above society was held on Wednesday evening, at the Town School, when the Rev E. C. Williams attended as a deputa tion from the Parent Society. The Rev J. C. Llewellin was, on the motion of Mr Williams, seconded by Mr Wood, voted to the chair. Proceedings were opened by singing the 348th hymn. Rev W. Barnes prayed. Rev J. C. Llewellin addressed the meeting, and said that it was not necessary in his pre- fatory remarks that he should detain them for any great length of time. It was not necessary to tell them he deeply sympathised with the object of this society, and all ho could do to further the objects of the society he would do. He need not tell them he was a thorough iraut- anan, but not in the sense of approving of those tracts that emanated from Oxford some years ago, and which were known as the tracts for the times." He felt that no one could read the tracts which emanated from this society with- out thoroughly approving of them there was such an earnestness, such a thoroughness in them that raised the mind of every one who read them there was, in fact, in every tract a plain answer to the question, What shall I do to be saved ?" If he wanted to select a number of books for Christian teaching, he had no doubt whatever about the publications of the Religious Tract Society he had no doubt but that every publication of tho Tract Society contained the true bread without any admixture of that poi- son which made an antidote of such necessity. They could scarcely tell what the results of the labours of the Tract Society were in railway stations, in prisons, in workhouses, they were to be found go where they would-to India, China, or Japan-they would find the publica- tions of the Tract Society. They had tracts published in 130 different languages of the earth. They might be thoroughly sure of this, that wherever they circulated tracts of the Tract Society they disseminated the good seed. This was a means by which every one could become, as it were, a missionary they could not all be preachers of the Gospel, nor Sunday school teachers. He felt that he should be very wrong if he did not feel the greatest interest in the society, for he was a great debtor to it. By aiding the Tract Society they would be sowing the good seed, and nevor know the result till the last day, when all things would be revealed, The Rev Mr Walters next addressed the meeting. He said as a clergyman he felt great obligations to this society, because he went about amongst people in a scattered district, and he found the society a great help to him in his duties he found it was a good thing to carry a pocketful of tracts, and these he got from the society. If his visit should be of short duration in one cottage, and he was forced to hasten to another to see a sick parishioner, he felt he was able to sow the good seed if he had a tract in his pocket to leave at that cottage. They may be sure that the tracts are very care- fully studied by an editor of talent set apart for the purpose. There were some majors, captains, and irreligious men who say that the stories printed by the society are sensational but he (the speaker) had it on good authority that every story was investigate 1 before the book was printed, and investigated, too, not only as to the main story, but also that the details were not exaggerated. There was a great writer, Sydney Smith, who lived in the days of Mrs Fry, that used to complain that some of the tracts then published were contrary to common sense, and that writers who bad no merit were employed to compose the stories which they contained. It could not be said that the stories they now read in the tracts were not collected by worthy men, and an editor appointed to investigate the cases and not allow anything to be published till the facts were thoroughly investigated. It was so also with the publications of theChristian Knowledge Society. As a clergyman and a minister of the Gospel, he humbly tendered his thanks to the society. Mr Williams could tell them and corroborate what he had said about this. Mr Walters concluded by saying that the society was exceedingly liberal in sending handsome presents of tracts to help them in their work and he (the speaker) felt grateful to the society for the help it gave him in his work. (Hear, hoar). Mr Wood, secretary to the sooiety, gave a brief account of the finances during the past few years. In 1872 the Pontypool Branch sent off a sum of Y,5 3s. the year before last they sent off £ 12 18s., but they should remember this was a special sum, a great portion of which was got up by Mr Williams, who went round and made a special appeal. Last year they sent off a sum amounting to Y,8 5s., and these amounts were generally got up by annual subscrip- tions. Mr Williams would be able to tell them the advantages of becoming 10s. 6d. annual subscribers one these was that they would re- ceive a great number of tracts which they would be able to give away. The Rev. E. C. Williams then came forward and addressed the meeting. It gave him great pleasure to come hero again he had been to Pontypool on former occasions, fcnd had always received a warm reception. He was also happy to see the chairman in the position that ho was that night be thought that in his (the chair- man's) school it was singularly appropriate to see him filling the chair. It gave him great pleasure to see his friend Mr Walters there that evening; to see him at a meeting of the Re- ligious Tract Society was a proof that he had not wandered away from the right paths. Two years ago when that large sum, mentioned by Mr Wood, was raised, it was on account of a special appeal that bad been made, and the people of Pontypool responded in a liberal manner. He had this year ro make a special appeal, and his appeal would be for India. He would not this year go into the dry details of figures, but as his appeal was especially for India, he would give them a short history of the Tract Society in that vast country. The work in India was began in the year 1813, and he was sorry to say that it was begun on Danish soil, because the British Government were somehow afraid to offend the native princes by allowing the society to parry on the work under its auspioes. The society had their depot at Serampore, which was owned by the Danes. The work was begun by the Rev. T. Thomas, who sent for £ 40 worth of tracts to distribute amongst the natives, and although this man would not be allowed in any part of the British dominions in India, his two sons were now occupying very high positions in the service of the British Government. He would now come down to the year 1821, in which year occurred a very pleasing incident, and one which he had mnob pleasure in referring to, for it illustrated the mode in which the Tract Society had done its work. That inoident was the conversion of a Brahmin, a man who had taken a vow of perpetual silence which he had kept for four years; he would not speak, but by signs he made himself understood to everyone. The people considered him a very holy man, and all sought his blessing when he appeared in public, aud very active the people were in trying to obtain it. His blessing he gave by raising his hands over the heads of the people, and each one who was fortunate enough to obtain it considered himself free from every evil for 12 months. Well, this man in his progress one day picked up a Bengalee tract, and that showed him he was doing wrong, inasmuch as he was thinking to ob tain favour in the sight of man. In the sight of God no mortifications of the flesh were meritorious, and he found that he must go like the humblest to Christ to be saved. He did so: he came to the feet of Christ as a simple child and was saved, and afterwards became an earnest Christian worker. The Tract Society proved to the missionaries in India one of the most powerful agencies in the prosecution of their work. Sixty thousand tracts were circulated in India, and at length some of the missionaries themselves took to traot writing. Now coming down to the year 1824 there was another strik- ing event which had a great influence on the work of the missionaries in India. This was the conversion of a whole family. The family were poor, and consisted of the husband, wife, and three children, boys, and a grand- father. The whole of this family were brought to Christ through the reading of one tract. He did not mean to tell them there was anything sudden or startling about this conversion, but they were brought to Christ gradu- ally on account of the distributing of tracts by one of the missionaries. A missionary was distributing tracts about the outskirts of a town, and calling at a house, asked the master to receive a traot. The head of the family allowed him to put a tract down on the table. When the missionary was gone the father took the tract with scorn, aud turned it into the road. A boy of the family before referred to picked up the tract and carried it to his home. The boy and his grandfather on perus- ing the tract felt deeply interested in it, and the interest gradually spread from father to mother, and then to the three boys. They had a conversation with the mission- aries, and they were led to read their Bibles, and they were all, one after another, led to a knowledge of the truth. This was a striking event in the missionary history of India, and an event that had afterwards great influence in the spread of the Gospel in that district. | Coming down still further to the year 1826 another great instance was recorded which told favourably for the efforts of the Tract Society. It occurred at the j Great Car Festival, when hundreds sacrificed them- selves to the great image of Juggernaut. The-lecturer here gave a description of the great feast. One would fancy at a time like that it would be dangerous to dis- tribute tracts, but these were the very times, viz., great festivals,' when tracts would be willingly received. A missionary was at the city of Patna at a great religious festival when about 120,000 persons were present. Thtf man gathered a large number together, went into a boat, as our Saviour did at ono time, preached his opinions, and read tracts to them. When they were all very tired, after a good many hours, the missionary expressed a desire to have some repose. They cried out to him, Go, Sahib, into your bed and sleep we will wake you when we want you to preach again." He went to sleep, but just as he was beginning to dream he was awakened, and bending over him was a black face, say- ing, Sahib, you have slept long enough get up and preach again." He did so, and this was continued for two days and two nights, with only the smallest possible time allowed to recruit the powers and keep them in iexercise. These were the men who were volunteer labourers in the society, men who wanted no pay, no food they were only too glad to offer their ervices gratis. Last year the society distributed 62 millions of tracts, and all these were distributed free of cost, and every one of them was a missionary in itself, proclaim- ing.the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Coming to the year 1839, and in that year he could tell them there were a great many instances recorded in connection with the society in India, but he was obliged to leave them out; but he would relate an incident which Bhowed that it was becoming customary to read, tracts in India. These people were so glad to receiv* tracts that on market days, fair days, and at times of public gather- ings one would take a tract while several would crowd round him to listen to it read aloud. The lecturer here described a remarkable conversion which was effected in a singular manner. Some missionaries noticed a man running back and fore in a wood and crying aloud in the native dialect, Oh, Jesus Christ, save me." The man was, in fact, doing penance and here the lecturer said there was a marked similarity between the Popish religion and the religion of all idalatrous systems; the similarity, he could assure them, was most striking. They stopped the man and asked him how he eame to know the name of Christ. Oh," he said, I was in the town three or four days ago I saw a great crowd, and I drew near there was a man reading aloud, and he was reading about Jesus Christ, and set Him forth as a Saviour." This man was looking to Christ to pro- tect him from the attacks of the tigers that abound in India, and perhaps he was not so far wrong. If they really believed in Christ as a Saviour, they could come to Him in all their difficulties, perplexities, and trou- bles, casting all their care upon Him, because He eared for them. This missionary did not lose the opportunity to show the poor man that Christ was not only the Saviour for the time, but also for eternity. The leo- turer oould not, however, tell the results; but the good seed was sown. The lecturer spoke at some length upon the unsectarian character of the Tract Society; and in support of his view he gave an illustration of » learned Brahmin, who was travelling from Benares to Calcutta, and on his way he stopped at Mizapore, where he came in contaot with a missionary of the Congrega- tional belief, who gave him a copy of Dr Yates' Sancrit Version of the New Testament. Of course, the learned Brahmin looked upon the New Testament as he would look upon Homer, Xenophon, or any of the classio works but on perusing the work, he saw that it bore tke im- press of truth, and reading the sermon on the Moont he could see at once that the philosophy was Divine and not human. He was afterwards received into the Churoh of Christ by a minister of the Church of England. Thus the good seed which was sown by a Dissenter, watered by a Churchman, was afterwards blessed by God. Un to this time a sum of X30,786 had been spent by the Parent Society; and 21,000,000 tracts distributed in India. In 1850 the total number of Christians in India was 90,000, and at the present time the number was 300,000. Some might say, What a humiliating state, ment to make only 300,000 Christians in a countrr containing 240,000,000 of people speaking 39 different languages but he thought there were a great manv moreChristians 'than those whose names appeared on tha rolls of the society they were, in fact, afraid to confess themselves Christians; there were so many hindrances They were held down, as it were, by chains; for instance. the dread or fear of losing their caste was a great hin- drance to them declaring their change of belief. In support of this assertion, the leoturer related several aneedotes of persons who by conforming to the truth had lost all their worldly goods and friends. The leoturer concluded by exhorting those present to contribute liberally for the sake of India, which was bound to them by as near a tie as Scotland and Ireland were,they being fellow subjects. They had several young Christians growing up who would undertake the work of the Christian ministry and if funds were not forthcoming to give those persons an education, they would have an ignorant ministry, who if they did no harm would not do a great deal of good for the cause. The Brahmins of India were not ignorant people at all; far from it • they were very learned and if they could not train un a ministry that could cope with these learned Brahmins a great deal of injury would be done, for they would be despised not only by the Brahmin but likewise by the learned atheist and sceptic. In conclusion, he made an earnest appeal to the generosity of those present to help India in her need. (Applause.) Mr Wood said he had received letters of apology from <!• Eliot' Rer K C- PaSe> J. Evans, Rer J. P. Belhngham, and ROT G. Watson, expressing theiz regret at not being able to be prasant. & Rev W.RBarnes, in proposing a vote of thanks to the chairman for presiding, referred to the pernicious litera. ture of every kind that was now issuing forth from the press this had the effect of corrupting the minds of the young, and sowing the seeds of a vicious aad profligate life and it was more necessary than ever it had been to disseminate good and healthy literature to counteract this effect. Mr Wood seconded the proposition of Mr BarneiL- Carried unanimously. The Rev John Jones proposed a vote of thanks to the deputation, Mr E. C. Williams, for attending. This was secondod by Mr Moseley, and carried unani. mously. After a hymn waa sung and the benediction pron nounced, the proceedings were brought to a close. Tha net receipts from the collection at the close of the meeting were about X9, which is in excess of last year,. J
MP, BHIKLEY RICHARD-CONCER,
MP, BHIKLEY RICHARD-CONCER This far-famed composer and pianist visited 1 Fontypoul ou Monday evening, and gave aeon- j cart in the Town Hall, in which be was assisted by Miss Mary Davies (winner of the Nilsson prize this year at the Ruya! Academy of Music); Miss Lizzie Evans (also of the Royal Academy of Music) and Mr Gwilyin Thomas, one of the Tynewydd rescuing party, who has appeared at the Crystal Palace Concerts, Sydeuliam, Lon- don). The concert was in every respect a firsi- rate one, and afforded a rich treat to those who were present, the singing and playing being most excellent, and of a finished style and pre- cision which we have but very rarely had the privilege of hearing in Pontypool. The songs and pieces were selected from the music of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and il- lustrated pleasantly and effectively the enter- taining remarks on national music delivered by Mr Brinley Richards, whose gentlemanly and easy manner, as well as the instructive and occasionally humourous matter of his discourse, contributed oat a little to the enjoyment of the evening. Mr Richards' remarks had special reference to the nationality of music, and he deprecated imi- tation of the mnsio of other nations, which tended to destroy national characteristics, and thereby to render music of no value whatever for any study or analysis of nationality or origin. The oldest Bcale in the world is the Egyptian and Assyrian Pentatonic, or scale of five notes and the Chinese is similar to it. [This is also the old Gregorian scale,] In re- ferring to the music of Scotland, be alluded to the common sayiag that aayone may produce Scotch miQ By playing on the black keys of the piano, and said this was true to a certain extent, instancing it by playing some well- known Scotch airs entirely on the black keys. Ho does not appear to think very highly of the musical qualities of the national instrument of Scotland, and related the anecdote of the piper who was attacked by a wolf, nnd after giving him all the food in his wallet without satisfying the hungry creatare, in a moment of desperation bethought him of treating his guest to some of the music of the bagpipe [as a sort of relish, we suppose] and was at once astonished and re- lieved at the marvellous effect, for no sooner had the famished and voracious wolf beard the strains of that instrument than he took refuge in Sight, which made the piper declare that if he had known, the wolf should have had the musio before supper. [Well may it be said that "Music hath charms."] The peculiarities of Scotch music were pointed out and illustrated by songs, of which we may mention Boy's wife of Aldivalloch," by Miss L. Evans. Irish muaio was said to be, in some oases, very like the Scotch, and this was probably due to their common Gaelic origin it had in other instances, however, distinct characteristics, the most promine of which was that so many Irish tunes did not end with th key note, but finished on the note just above, or the third or fourth, the effect of which was to leave an im- pression on the mind that the singer had for- gotten something. This was illustrated by Nora Creina," sung by Miss Lizzie Evans. This tune begins on the key-note, but enda on the second (or note above the key-note), and an unsatisfied feeling is produced, making the commencement of the next verse almost neces- sary for the repose of the mind. [May not this explain the interminable character of Irish, jigs, in which musicians and dancers appear quite unable to stop if we mistake not, the very tune given as an example is sometimes used as a jig.] In speaking of English music, he mentioned the madrigals for which Old England is cele- brated, and of which great numbers have been collected and published, with other English melodies. As an illustration of English music, Miss Mary Davies sang My lodging is on the cold ground," which Mr Richards informed us dated from the 17th century. [We fancy this air :3 the same as that to Tom Moore's Believe me if all those endearing young charms." At the time when most of the madrigals were com- posed, music must have been cultivated to a great extent, as most persons of any education were able to sing part-music at sight, and the eiriging of such was much more popular and fashionable than, perhaps, it is now certainly it had very considerably declined in England between the madrigal period and quite modern time, say 40 years ago, or it may be, even later.] When speaking of the music of Wales, Mr Richards stated it had been said that Welsh music did not come from Wales and it was claimed for the Irish that tliey had introduced it into Wales, but this he disputed because of the decided character which may be observed in the music itself, and still more conclusively, in the wide difference between the two harps- the Irish being adapted for the production of melody only, while the Welsh, with its three rows of strings, may be made to produce har- mony as well. The two harps were also played in quite different styles, the old way of playing the Irish being by means of the finger nails grown long, by which the strings were struck, and the Welsh having always been played by the strings being pulled by the finger ends. The antiquity of some Welsh music was very great, as is also that of the Welsh language, which is said by some persons to be the most ancient in the world, having been, so they affirm, the language used by our first parents in the Garden of Eden, and consequently Adam must have been an Ancient Briton. He found some fault with Welsh people for allowing their triple harp —the national instrument—to go so much out of fashion as it has done, and expressed a wish that it would be restored to greater popularity. In alluding to Welsh airs or parts of them being 80 frequently met with in the music of various composers, he gave examples of several in- stances, among them being that of the air, "Llwyn Onn," which was introduced into the Beggar's Opera, and performed in London a long time ago, under the title of Cease your fun- ning," slightly altered to suit the English words. He also alluded to the great similarity between the Bridal March in Wagner's cele- brated opera, 4t Lohengrin," and an old Welsh air, The Morgan March," and played both, when it was scarcely possible to distinguish one from the other. He did not wish for a moment to imply that a man like Herr Wagner would do snoh a thing aa borrow a tune from an ancient source, and make use of it as his own, but the coincidence was very singular, and formed a remarkable link between the music of the future and the music of the past." All the songs, &c., were most beautifully sung, and pleased the crowded audienee very greatly and the pianoforte music by Mr B. Richards was excellent, and proved him to be a most accomplished pianist. The accompani- ments were particularly well played. Among Miss Mary Davies's songs were The Harper's Grave," Rofcin Adair" (Irish and Scotch ver- sions), Ar Hyd yr Nos" (in Welsh), Once a farmer and his wife," The last Rose of Sum- mer," and the Men of Wales," composed by Mr Brinley Richards in commemoration of the Tynewydd rescue. The music is very pleasing and snits the subject admirably and the words by Mr Fred Weatherly are wonderfully stirring THE MEN OF WALES. In Cymmar Pit the miners toiled, With stout and stalwart blow; And we, who sat beside our fire, Thought not of them below. What sound is that ? their hearts grow cold What means that fearful din! The mine has burst! the mine has burst And the water's rushing in Chorus. Shake hands, brave hearts, one fight for life! One fighfr, but naught prevails; Farewell, the loving hearts above- Farewell, the hills of Wales Dark, dark, no food and higher still The hungry water rose But hark! a. knocking at their tomb- A sound of mighty blows; The little lad wakes from his dreams, The bowed men hold their breath They come, they come, their comrades trlle, To rescuo them from death. Choru ■>. Strike hard, tree hearts swift, stout, and strong; Toil on, though aaught avails-- With iron will they labour still, The gallant men of Wales. Bow, men and women weep in prayer; All hearts have prayed for you— For you that wait in wild despair, For you that dare and do. And these still toil, and those still wait, And hope is failing fast; Dea-th fights with life, but life has won They're saved J they're saved at last! Chorus. Then loudly let the chorus ring, God's arm through man prevails: And every English heart will sing— The gallant men of Wales. This was the song of the evening, and the ex- pression and fire thrown iuto it by Miss Davies canonJy be appreciated by those who haveheard it. The chorus is harmonized for four parts, and as there was no tenor in Mr Richards' party. that part ia the C)HJ:U3 ww by Mr T. D. Smith and Mr T. Eualyn Jones, who kindly came I forward when appealed to by Mr Richards, al- though they had uot seen the music before. Among Miss Lizzie Evans's songs were "Roy's wife," "Nora Creina," "Adieu, dear Wales" (in Welsh), and My lodging is on the cold ground." Mr Gwilym Thomas sang" The mariner" (bllt did not respond to the request in the Welsh language. "Sing it in Welsh now") and "Glyndwr," by Parry (in Welsh). The duets were, "The old church chimes,' by B. Richards, sung by Misa Davies and Miss Evans, and "How beautifa! is night," by B. Richards, sung by Miss Evans and Mr Thomas. Both dllets were very pretty and contained good and tuneful music for both voices, as did also in all the parts the trio, Up, quit thy bower," by the same composer, which is one of the most pleasing part-songs we have heard. Nearly every song received an encore, especially The Men of Wales," which was re-demanded in most en- thusiastic style. r
LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS.
LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS. Mr R. Donald Bain has been appointed one of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Mines, and will act as assist- ant to Mr Cadman in the South Western district. TUB PROPOSED NEW ROAD.-A joint meeting of the Committees of the Puntypool and Abersychan Local Boards met on Wednesday, to deliberate on this scheme. INDIAN FAMINE FCND.—Sermons were preached in aid of this fund on Sunday morning and evening last, at Panteg Church, by the Rev, W. N. G. Eliot, and the collections amounted to X5 8s. 8d, 9 AMATEUR REED BAND IN PONTYPOOL.—We are glad to see some prospect of our having a good reed band which will be a available in many ways during the winter months. The band's first appearance was on Monday evening last, when it played through the town, and it- was apparent that its organization is similar to that of the great military bands, (although of course on a smaller scale), as its instruments include Clarionets, Flutes, and Bassoons in addition to the usual Brass ones. In this respect—the use of theae reed instruments—we believe this band differs from all other local bands, which in most cases, do not have reeds. We understand the members have engaged Mr. W. Sewell to conduct them, which augurs well for their success, as from his great musical knowledge and experience, he is sure to train them well and to make them thoroughly efficient. TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHAPEL.-The services in connection with the opening of the new organ of the above chapel were held on Sundays, the 24th of August, and September 2nd, when sermons were delivered by the following ministers-Rev D. C. Jones, Caerleon; Rev D. Lewis, Zion, Pontypool; Rev John Evans (the pastor); and the Rev George Watson, Rehoboth, Pon- typool. Miss Watkinsand Miss Davies, of Abergavenny, presided at the organ, and their excellent playing gave great satisfaction. The services were well attended, and liberal collections secured. The instrument, built by Messrs Conacher & Co., of Huddersfield, was supplied by Mr Wm. H. Haskins, of this town. It has one manual-C C to G (56 notes) and pedals (29 notes), ra- diating and concave, and contains the following stops Bourdon, stopped diapason bass, clarabolla treble, open diapason, keraulophon, flute, principal, fifteenth. The tone is very sweet, and much admired by all; and the instrument reflects great credit both upon the builder and the contractor.
CRUltLIN.
CRUltLIN. The quarterly meeting of the Blaenavon district of Ancient Shepherds took place at Crumlin, on Monday last, at the Maypole Inn. Bro. Wm. Bedford presided, and Bro. Stoyle occupied the deputy chair. The district now comprises 74 lodges, and its numerical strength exceeds 3.000 financial members. The cash in hand last quarter was £ 704 lls Id; received from levies, fines, &c., -0190 3k total, X894 14a ld. Disbursements- Funerals. three members, at jEl-5 each, £ 45; and five wives of members at £ 10 each, £ 50; total, £ 95 re- vising district rules. X25 17a management expenses, £ 15 18a 6d withdrawn from bank since last quarter, XIOO handed over to Bro. Parkman, treasurer, .£8098 6d total expenditure for quarter, £ 317 5s; balance in the bank, E577 9s id. This being the day for the election of district officers, Bro. Stoyle was elevated to the position of District Chief Shepherd; Bro. Georga Pritchard was elected D.C.S., and Bro. J. Lewis was re-elected district secretary. Applications to receive two friendly societies into the order were not enter- tained.
MOUNTAIN ASH.
MOUNTAIN ASH. The double-shift system has been abandoned at Upper Cwmpennar Colliery, belonging to the Powell Duffryn Company, after being tried for four months, and work I oil the old system wui resymed on Wt'dncsday.
WEDNESDAY.
WEDNESDAY. Before C. J. Parkes, Esq. TRESPASS. Margaret Murray was charged with trespass by stealing lime, the property of the Blaenavon Iron Company. P.c. Wilmott proved the charge. Fined 58.
i NEW RAILWAY ROUTE TO WALES.
NEW RAILWAY ROUTE TO WALES. A new route promises to be shortly opened to South and Mid-Wales. The old directors con- nected with the Leominster and Bromyard Railway have, with one exception, all retired, and the new directors have entered into nego- tiations for the construction of the first section of the new line, commenoing at Leominster, for a distance o&five miles. The landowners and others interested in the development of the line wlil now probably endeavour to bring the whole scheme to a practical issue. It is pretty certain that the seotion from Worcester to Bromyard will be completed this autumn, and that shortly a route available for travellers and tourists from London to South and Mid-Wales will be opened, and the tedious roundabout journey by way of Shrewsbury avoided. Sea-side visitors to Aber- ystwith will, it is said, be able to aocomplish the journey from the Metropolis to that watering- place in three hours' less time when the new line is in operation, and readers will receive their London newspapers some hours earlier in the district of Wales.
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A REFORMER'S REWAILD--lTo who writes against the abuses of the age in which he lives, must depend on the generosity of the few for his bread, and the malice of the many for his fame. Every morning we enter upon a new day, carrying still an unknown future in its bosom. t Thoughts may be born to-day which may never be extinguished. Hopes may be excited to-day which may never expire. Acts may be performed to-day, the consequences of which may not be realized till eternity. EPPS'S COCOAS-GRATEFUL AND COMFORTING.— By a thorough knowledge of the natural Jaws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well selected cocoa, Mr Epps has provided our oreattida tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which ma; 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. Wo mav escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished fraMe,CrVlLtfRVICE GAZBTTB.