Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

THE PUZZLING PEACE. Thanks to the invention of the telegraph and the spread of science in the arts of warfare, events come upon us with startling rapidity. A flash or two of the electric wire, and all Europe is informed of ominous words between an Emperor and Ambas- sador, which forbode a coming storm; then we have the dark gathering clouds and the terrific burst of the war-clouds; when news continues rapidly to arrive of the horrible struggle of civilised beings met together to send each other into eternity. As rapidly as we have this news of war, we have the startling news of an armistice; and following hard upon it comes the news of peace. The immediate result of all the carnage which has been the sad feature of the war in Italy, is far from that which we were led to expect. The Em- peror of the French announced that his object was to raise a free and independent Italy; he did not intend to substitute one master for another," but Italy was to be for the Italians. This was the plain construction of his former manifestoes; but the leading feature of the terms of peace is very different, though at first sight it may appear to be in accordance with the object of the war. There is to be an Italian Confederation under the presi- dency of the Pope-the honorary presidency, it is called; Lombardy is ceded by Austria to France, and by France to Sardinia; Austria keeps Venetia, which nevertheless, is nominally to form part of the Italian Confederation. Now this is just what the Emperor of the French went to war for. Lombardy has changed one master for another. Venetia is bound to Austria, a power she hates, and the Italian States are bound into confederation under the honorary pre- sidency of a pontiff whose sway will be of an anom- alous character. All this is moreover done without any voice but that of France on the one side, and Austria on the other. We cannot believe that France has voluntarily undertaken to abide by such a settlement as this, for she gains nothing by it—not even glory. She gained two battles: she might have lost the third: though we can scarcely credit that such a fact and a foreboding would be a sufficient incen- tive to peace. Nor ean the Emperor of Austria be pleased with the terms of peace; he probably con- sents against his will. It is said that at the inter- view at Villafranca he manifested signs of ill- humour which were an index to his dissatisfaction. It is probable that the attitude of the German Con- federation weighed with both Emperors in a differ- ent way. France saw Prussia arming, and perhaps foresaw that a thoroughly German war, with the nationalities aroused, would be too much for her. Austria, on her side, thought that she was not fairly supported. She says that the motive for the conclusion of peace was the holding back of the natural federal allies, whose mediation promised less favourable conditions than direct understand- ing;" so that the halting of Prussia between, two opinions has been productive of a peaceful result, whereas her rushing into the war might have pro- longed it to an indefinite period. The cession of Lombardy can hardly, we think, be satisfactory to any power but Sardinia. Austria surely cannot like to see the fertile plains of the Lombards handed over to swell the importance of an enemy till lately a very subordinate power in Europe. Austria, indeed, both during the war, and at the conclusion of peace, is the loser, and it is hard to believe that she will remain content. Indeed, there is already intelligence of her con- templating new struggles. As to the reforms which Austria promises, they are but promises, and the people will probably gain nothing from them. The conclusion of peace would seem to be likely to cause increased coolness between Austria and Prussia, the latter power having rendered Austria no help, but rather having been an hindrance to her movements. On the other hand, the alliance between Prussia and England will perhaps become firmer than ever. At all events, it is now, as ever, England's duty to keep clear of the late combatants, 1 and to concentrate and develope her own internal strength, so that she may watch the course of events with calmness and dignity.

POLICE COURT. SATURDAY.—Before WM. WILLIAMS, Esq. RIDING WITHOUT RFINS.-WilliaM Williams was charged by Serjeant Wright with the above offence, in the neighbourhood of the New Inn on the Monday previous.—Fined 5s. and expenses. A QUARREL OVER A HEDGE.-Edward Evans was summoned by Martha Hayward for threatening to do her some grievous bodily harm, at Blaenafon, on the 3rd inst.—It appeared from complainant's statement that they rented adjoining gardens, and that the hedge which separated them had been broken. Evans came into the garden with his father-in-law, and asked who did it; and seeing complainant in her garden, he began to abuse her, threatening to knock her head off; and she was afraid he would do her some injury.Martha Mills was called to corroborate this statement; and Mr. Greenway examined her as to whether she herself had not made use of very improper language, which she denied Mrs. Reece, for defendant, denied that any threats had been used towards complainant, in which she was confirmed by her husband; and the magistrates dismissed the case, ordering each party to pay 5s. 6d. expenses. MINE HOST AND A TROUBLESOME CUSTOMElt,-Hy. Williams, landlord of the New Inn, was summoned for assaulting a young man named Henry Evans, on the 5th inst. Mr. Alexander Edwards appeared for de- fendant. Complainant stated that he was in the house, when defendant got up off the bench on which he was sitting, and ordered him out, and also struck at him. Complainant had a pint of beer in his hand, which he was in the act of drinking. Defendant collared him and pushed him out of the house. Mr. Edwards cross-examined complainant as to the quantity of beer he had drunk, in returning from the fair, before he reached defendant's house. He had no row about a half-sovereign before defendant ordered him out of the house. There were several people present, and one woman was outside, to whom he put the question, In whose favour was the row?" and she replied, "In your'n." He asked this as he thought of having the woman as a witness, not because he had any doubt of the assault himself Josiah Davies, who was with complainant at the time, substantiated the material points of his evidence, and denied that any altercation took place, or that Williams had told him to hold his tongue or he would turn him out of the house. Mrs. Williams, wife of defendant, deposed that Evans had begun with her husband -about a half-sovereign which he had given them about six weeks before, and which they returned to him, thinking it a bad one. On the night in question he was giving them "a great deal of cheek," when her husband ordered him and his com- panion out, and as they did not go, they were both put out. Complainant beat her husband while on the ground outside the door, and his face was covered with blood.—After some further evidence, the bench dis- missed the charge as not sufficiently proved, and ordered complainant to pay 9s. expenses. Complainant, who seemed sorely displeased with the decision, said he should know how to act when he brought another case into this court—he would have legal assistance. A "HEAVY" MAN.-Henry Smith, a mason, was charged by P.C. Roberts with being drunk on the Sunday previous at Pontnewynydd. He wanted to fight with some one on the road, and upon the police officer advising him to go home quietly, he defied him, saying it would require forty such men as he to take him into custody.The wife of defendant appeared to answer the summons for her husband, and said he would have gone on quietly enough if he had been left alone. There were plenty in the neighbourhood who deserved to be taken up before her husband.—Fined 5s., the woman remarking, Oh, dear, I can do that in less than an hour."

INJURY FROM A HorsF,On Wednesday morning Bust, Henry, son of Mr. Lewis Be van, was sent to catch a horse in a field at Pontnewynydd, when the animal rushed amongst some others- The lad went between them, and was knocked down and severely kicked, receiving other injuries by being tram- pled on. E. E. Tucker, Esq., surgeon to the Aber- sychanWorks, was sent for and rendered every assistance, and we are glad to learn that the lad is in a fair way of recovery. RECOVERY OF A STOLEN HORSE.-On Satur- day last, as Superintendent Burridge, of Ross, was on business at Malvern, he had his attention attracted to a horse grazing upon the common. On examination he found it to be the one lo3t by Mr. Rosser, from near Abergavenny, in January last, and supposed to have been stolen by James Rudge, of Upton Bishop, who was sentenced to seven years' penal servitude, at the last Monmouth Assizes, for stealing 31 sheep from Pontypool, belonging to Capel Hanbury Leigh, Esq. TYPHUS PETER.—WE regret to hear that typhus fever prevails in this town. In one case, that of a woman residing near the Canal bank, it terminated fatally on Sunday last, and on Monday the body had become so offensive that it was deemed advisable to put a quantity of slaked lime into the coffin, which was then screwed down. The following day the lid burst from the effect of the lime, and a new covering was obtained. In the meantime, the parties in whose house the body lay, were served with a notice to inter it without fur- ther delay, and the remains were removed the same evening. THE WEATHER. The long continuance of excessively warm and uninterrupted dry wea- ther was threatening to become a serious matter, not only by scorching up the earth and doing great in- jury to the various green crops, but also by stopping portions of many of the works in this neighbourhood, the supply of water having become very short. On Tuesday night, however, there was a considerable fall of rain, and it was followed on Wednesday by thunder storms, prevailing more or less throughout the day. During a great part of Thursday, also, the thirsty soil imbibed copious refreshing draughts, though more, it is said by those learned in such matters, is still very desirable. Fortunately, from present appearances, they seem likely to be accommodated. INQUEST AT THE MIDDLE NEW INN.—We re- corded in the Free Press of last week a fatal accident to a hay-dealer, named John Smith, alias Lightfield, when returning home from this town. The inquest was held on Friday, the 15th inst., when Serjeant Wright stated that between eleven and twelve on Wednesday night he was on duty on the Newport road, and saw deceased driving at a rapid pace, His attention was shortly afterwards called to a person lying on the road near the Middle New Inn. He immediately proceeded to the spot, and recognised deceased. He had no doubt, from the rapid motion of the cart, that he had been thrown out. He appeared to be in liquor, and the horse he was driving was known to be a vicious one.—Verdict, Accidental death."—Deceased was 46 years of age. The horse and cart were found by Serjeant Wright's son, about three-quarters of a mile "from the spot. On the person of deceased were found about 35s. and a watch, and the serjeant wished to know what was to be done with the property, to which the coroner replied that, legally speaking, no person could claim it until administration had been granted. The seijeant then inquired if he could not give a portion of the money to the landlord of the Middle New Inn for his trouble and the keep of the horse ? The coroner said he could not give an opinion; but as to the funeral, he thought he might grant a part of the money for that purpose. Deceased's son was expected next morning, and he would be the proper person to take charge of the property. THE REV. W. M. PUNSHON AT PONTYPOOL.— This popular member of the Wesleyan ministry preached a most eloquent and impressive sermon at the chapel in High-street on Wednesday evening last. A large number of persons from the surrounding districts arrived in town in the course of the afternoon, and every available place in the chapel was crowded, between nine and ten hundred being present. At the conclusion of the sermon a collection was made in aid of the chapel funds, which realized the handsome sum of £ 31. 14s. 6d. The rev. gentleman selected as his text Deut. viii., 2: Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove "thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his command- ments or no." He began by reviewing the circum- stances which led Moses to utter these words to the children of Israel assembled on the plains of Moab, while he himself was under the shadow of approaching dissolution. The discourse was divided into three heads, viz. :1. The memory of the way. 2 The purposes of Divine Providence in the journey. 3. The uses of the memory. He expatiated with great power and eloquence on the faculty of memory, inviting his hearers to call to remembrance the days of childhood's sportive- ness and glee-the sights of earth's fair landscapes- the joys of home and parents, whose love casts a spell on all our after lives-those twin souls who bore with our weaknesses, and entered into our sorrows—the joy of the church, and victory over some besetting tempta- tion-the joy that has sprung out of sorrow, and that has been brighter through the contrast—recovery from sickness that threatened to be mortal-friends that have come back from the gates of the grave—all would teach them to remember the way in which God had led them in the wilderness. He next dwelt upon the purposes of Divine Providence in dealing with the children of Israel, namely, to humble them, &c., and concluded his sublime discourse in a manner which appeared to arrest the earnest attention of all present. THE REV. MR. SPURGEON AT GASTLETOWN.— This extraordinary man still appears to draw thousands to listen to his somewhat eccentric yet marvellous powers of oratory. On Thursday last he preached at Castletown, midway between Newport and Cardiff, and it is estimated that not less than ten thousand people were assembled on each occasion. Excursion trains from the various neighbouring towns brought their living freights at an early hour to the general rendezvous. From Blaenafon to Newport more than three hundred Spurgeonites applied for tickets, about half that num- ber leaving the Pontypocrl station alone. This was but a small proportion when compared to the immense trains which swept down the Western Valleys, the Taff Vale, Vale of Neath, and South Wales Railways, from an early hour filled with anxious inmates. Vehicles of every description, too, might be seen rolling in one con- tinued stream on the road from Newport, and as the field of action was neared, the difficulties of the pedes- trian increased. As might be expected, immense pre- parations had been made for the disposal of so large a mass, and it is not saying a little in favour of two gentlemen (Messrs. John Davies and Treherne Reece,) when we announce that the general arrangements gave unqualified satisfaction. A large space had been en- closed by the erection of boarding, and seats for some- thing like 8,000 had been provided, apportioned. off into reserved and unreserved, the former class having backs. The majority of the ticket-holders bad taken their places about half-past ten, when, as had been pre- viously announced, the barricades were removed and the people were admitted without the least restriction or charge being made, and every available seat was soon occupied. Not long after the appointed hour the rev. gentleman made his appearance in the pulpit. His text in the morning was taken from Matt. xxviii., .5 and in the evening from Rev. xiv., 1-3. The dis- courses abounded with that peculiarly original phrase- ology for which he is noted. It was observed that every word might be distinctly heard by the audience at the extreme end, and that at the close of the day's pro- ceedings (although he was engaged four hours,) his voice was clear and vigorous as at the commencement. CLUB ANNIVERSARIES.—The brethren of the Loyal Hanbury Lodge of Odd Fellows, M.U., held their anniversary on Monday, in their lodge room, King's Head inn, which was decorated with flowers and evergreens, forming several beautiful devices. About four o'clock the brethren and their friends, amounting to 150, partook of a dinner which comprised all the delicacies of the season, and was prepared and served in the well-known excellent style of the respected host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Beacham. Upon the removal of the cloth, the chair was taken by P.G.M. W. H. Shel- lard, and G.M. Griffiths acted as vice. The usual loyal and other toasts having been drunk, singing and music were introduced, interspersed with toasts and speeches appropriate to Odd Fellowship. During the evening the health of Mr. and Mrs. Beacham was drunk with due honours, and was responded to in an appropriate manner by the worthy landlord. On the same day the Philanthropic Society held their anniversary at the Winning Horse. About 60 members attended and enjoyed a capital dinner prepared by the respected host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Davies, and a pleasant evening was spent. PROPOSED TESTIMONIAL TO A RAILWYY OFFI- CIAL.—Some people, to whom testimonials are never likely to be presented, affect to disdain what they choose to stigmatise as the testimonial maniabut when a man, in whatever circumstances he may be placed, humble or exalted, so conducts himself as to secure the respect and admiration of all with whom he comes in contact, we do not, we confess, know any more graceful and appropriate way in which such feel- ings can be collectively expressed than by means of some suitable memorial. With these sentiments, we enter cordially into the movement wihch has commenced for presenting to Mr. Joseph Symonds, guard on the Eastern Valleys Railway, some mark of the general estimation in which he is held. His honest, handsome face-and manners to match-have long won for him "golden opinions from all sorts of men"—not to mention the ladies—and it is now proposed to put those golden opinions into a tangible form. With this view, a pre- liminary meeting was held on Monday evening, at the White Lion Hotel, in this town. The chair was occu- pied by Mr, David Brown, manager of Cwmbran Works, and several influential gentlemen were present. A committee was formed, and resolutions having been unanimously passed for taking the preliminary steps, the meeting was adjourned till that day month. Stephen Vernon, Esq., has kindly consented to act as treasurer, and Mr. John Roberts, jun., was appointed honorary secretary. We have no doubt, from the spirit in which the movement has been commenced, that it will result in such a manifestation as will do honour alike to the subscribers and the recipient. We learn that it is taken up with great warmth at Newport; and a gentle- man who almost "lives along the line" informs that he finds the subject regarded with the highest favour on every hand. 0 CARDIFF.—THE REGATTA.—The lovers of aquatic sports will be pleased to learn that the sailing regatta is to come off on Wednesday next, the 27th inst., under the patronage of the Marquis of Bute. Arrangements have been made to put on steamers for the accommodation of the public, at cheap fares, to accompany the boats. The distance and ground will be the same as last year, and a thorough good day's sport is anticipated. BLAENAFON.—FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Thursday, the 14th inst., a man named Elijah Cole, a miner employed at the Hill pits, met with an accident by the falling of a quantity of lime and rubbish, which so severely injured him, that he expired the following morning. An inquest was held on the body on Friday, at the King's Arms inn, before Ashwell, Esq., deputy coroner, when a verdict of Accidental death was returned. MELANCHOLY DEATH ritox DROWNING.—As several young men were bathing, on Sunday evening last, in a pond, about a mile distant from the Blaenafon works, a lad, 15 years of age, named William Burfield (son of Mr. W. Burfield, ironmonger) lost his footing, and being unable to swim, fell into the water on his back. His struggles attracted the attention of one of the others bathing, and he endeavoured to rescue him, but failed in the attempt, imperilling his own life thereby. The body remained in the water for upwards of two hours before it could be got out, and life was of course quite extinct. On Monday an inquest was held on the body, at the King's Arms inn, before Thos. Hughes, Esq., coroner, when the jury returned a verdict that deceased was accidentally drowned while bathing. BLAENAFON IRON AND COAL COMPANY.—The annual meeting of this company took place on Monday last, at the offices in Cannon-street, London, R. W. Kennard, Esq., M.P., in the chair. It was stated that the works were in a sound condition, and that a fair profit is now realised on the operations of the company, which, however, in accordance with the wish of the proprietors, is carried to the extinction of liabilities prior to any resumption of dividends. ABERTILLER Y.—MANSLAUGHTER. —On Sunday evening last, a man named Wm. Thomas, a mason, was killed in a fight with George Harry, his brother-in-law. The parties, we hear, had been drink- ing together, when a quarrel arose between them, and they fought for upwards of an hour, when deceased re- ceived a severe blow in the neck, which knocked him down, and in a few minutes afterwards he expired. An inquest was held on Tuesday at the Castle Inn, before W. Brewer, Esq., deputy coroner and the jury, after hearing the evidence of several witnesses, returned a verdict of Manslaughter" against Harry. ILLTREATMENT OF A POLICE OFFICER.—On Saturday night last, as one of our county police, named Williams, was conveying a man to the lock-up, he was attacked by the man's wife and some others whom she had induced to assist in rescuing the prisoner. The poor fellow was severely injured before help arrived. BR YNMA WR. —DISINTERESTED LIBERALITY. —The Catholics in this district have long stood in need of a place of worship, the room in which they have met for years being over a public-house. This state of things, however, is about to be altered, Crawshay Bailey, Esq., M.P., having kindly granted them a site for the erection of a new chapel. This mark of liberality on the part of a Protestant has won him the esteem of those in whose behalf he has interested himself. MERTHYR. —When under examination before a Committee of the House of Commons, with respect to the Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil Junction Railway, Mr. Bruce, M.P., one of the managing trus- tees of the Dowlais Iron Works, and vice-chairman of the Vale of Neath Railway, took occasion to state some interesting particulars regarding the Merthyr district. He believed the population to be now 100,000, and in twenty years the number of residents had doubled. He considered that £ 1,000,000 a year would be a cor- rect estimate of the wages for labour paid in the parish. The Dowlais company alone paid nearly X500,000 per annum in wages: 7000 persons came weekly to their pay-tables to receive wages. The company have about 280 horses of their own at work, and employ a large number besides, through contractors. These few facts will serve to convey to strangers some idea of the extent of the works in question. Nothing further has tran- spired with respect to the Penydarren or Hirwain Works.—Mining Journal. THE EISTEDDFOD.-The Merthyr Cymrodo- rian are determined to make their forthcoming Eistedd- fod, in September next, a very successful affair. They aspired to the honour of having H.R.H. the Prince of Wales to give them his patronage; and Mr. T. Stephens, who carried off the Prince's prize of 25 guineas in 1858, made their wishes known to H.R.H. Prince Albert. A few days since the reply from Sir C. B. Phipps came to hand. It stated that it was not considered desirable by the Prince Consort to grant the patronage of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales to any association or institution, giving, as a reason, that he would in a few months become of age, and consequently be enabled to make a selection of the objects he may wish to patronise. A cheque for 25 guineas as a dona- tion from the young Prince accompanied the letter. CAERLEON.—PETTY SESSIONS, Tuesday. —(Before Revs. C. A. Williams and Wm. Powell.)— Catherine Shay and Hannah Sexton were charged by P.S. Povall with being disorderly and using obscene language at Caerleon on the 15th inst.—To keep the peace for six months.John Holoomb was charged by Thomas Palmer with an assault at Llangibby on the 9th inst.—Convicted in Is. and costs. George Smith was charged with an assault on Mary Power, at LIan- gibby, on the 2nd inst.—Convicted in 2a. and costs,. County Police—" What are they doing f—Wm. Bowee charged Wm. Bailey, No. 24 of the M.C., with assault, ing him, at Croes-y-Ceilog, on the 11th ult., and also with committing a trespass by smashing his hat and tearing the tail of his coat." It appeared from the evidence of the complainant and his witnesses, that the defendant, as usual," wanted to interfere with the management of the feast in connexion with a club of which complainant was a member; and in so doing, he committed a violent assault without the slightest pro- vocation, thereby damaging his clothes to the amount of ten shillings.—The case being clearly proved, de- fendant was convicted in 6s., and costs 30s., or fourteen days' imprisonment.

RAILWAY TIME TABLES. Newport, Pontypool, and Blaenafon. UP-TRAINB WEEK DAYS. SUNDAYS. STARTING FROM a. m.jp. m. p. m.fp. m. a. m.!p. m. Newport, Mill-street ..9 0;1 35 5 0 8 0.*9 30j8 0 Llantarnam 9 6|l 415 6l8 6 9 36|8 6 Cwmbran .9 101 45 5 10j8 10 9 40|8 10 Poctnewydd 9 14 1 49 5 14(8 14 9 4418 14 Pontrhydyrun 9 181 53 5 18:8 18 9 48'8 18 Pontypool 9 35 2 10 5 35;8 3510 5 8 35 Pontnewynydd 9 39 2 14 5 39 8 3910 9 8 39 Abersychan 9 44 2 19 5 4418 44 1014(8 44 Cwm Avon 9 52;2 27 5 52|8 52 1022:8 52 Blaenafon ar.10 0j2 35 6 0|9 0|l030;9 0 DOWN-TRAINS WEEK DAYS. JSUNDAY8. STARTING FROM a. m. a. in. p.in. p. m. Ia. m. p. m. Blaenafon 7 3011303 0 6 30 8 04 30 Cwm Avon 7 381138 3 8 6 38!8 8 4 38 Abersychan 7'46 11463 16|6 468 16 4 46 Pontnewynydd 7 50 1150 3 20 6 50 8 20 4 50 Pontypool 8 0 12 0 3 30 7 0*8 30 6 0 Pontrhydyrun 8 7 12 7 3 37 7 7t8 37 5 > Pontnewydd 8 11 1211 3 41 7 118 415 11 Cwmbran 8 IS 1215 3 45 7 15 8 45 5 16 Llantarnam 8 21 1221 3 51 7 218 51 5 21 Newport, Mill-st.ar.8 30 1230 4 0 7 30*9 0 5 30 Newport, Abergavenny, and Hereford. From PONTYPOOL ROAD for NEWPORT, 9 30,11 45,1 50t 4 10, 6 57F 8 10. Sunday's 10 32, 7 5. From PONTYPOOL ROAD for lip-Stations & HEREFORD, at 8 21, 11 35, 3 23, 6 45.f Sundays 10 25, 6 65. All I st, 2nd, and 3rd Class, except those marked t Newport, Ebbw Vale, and Nantyglo. From DOCK-STRF.KT, N EWPoRT,for N ANTYGLO and inter- mediate Stations, at 7 0, 12 0, 5 30. Sundays: 9 0, and 5 15. From NANTYGLO, 8 45, 2 15, 7 20; and on Sundays, at 11 20 and 7 5. From ABERBEEG JUNCTION for EBBW VALE, at 8 9, 1 13, 6 44; and on Sundays, at 10 16, and 6 26. From EBBW VALE, at 8 45, 2 15, 7 20; and on Sundays, at 11 20 and 7 5. On Saturdays a Special Train leaves Newport at 7 30 p.m., for all Stations as far as Crumlin only. Coieford, XollMollth, uili, and Pontypool. WEEK DAYS. SUDAYIII. |a. m. a. m.tp. m. p. m. p. m.|a. m.ip. Pontypool Road 9 30ill 301 3 20 6 43*10 5 £ 4 Little Mill ) .arrive 9 40|ll 371 3 31 6 50'l0 38 6 3 Junction J depart 9 50|11 45| 4 10 7 1610 40 7 6 Usk arrive 10 S12 0 4 20 7 26110 55 7 80 Llandenny 10 15il2 1 0 4 30 7 36*11 5 7 3» Raglan Road 10 20|12 15 4 36 7 40'll 9 7 3$ Monmouth 10 50112 44| 5 6 8 1611 40| 9 A a. m.|a. m. ]p. m. p. m. p. m. a. m. ip. m. Monmouth 8 20jl0 30 2 30 5 46 9 15 5 6 Raglan Road 8 49;10 57 2 58 6 14 9 44 6 29 Llandenny 8 5411 0 3 3 6 19 9 49 5 34 Usk 9 411 10 3 15 6 3010 0 6 44 Little Mill ) .arrive 9 1611 20 3 25 6 4010 16 5 68 Junction t depart 9 2211 26 4 2 6 46 10 26 6 54 Pontypool Road 9 3011 36 4 10 6 56110 321 7 6 Taff Vale Extension. DOWN TRAINS. I SDNDATS Starting From, a.m. Ip.tn Ip.ml a.m. p.m. Merthyr io 10 1 46i5 3W 9 15 4 46 Troedyrhiew io 19 1 53| I 9 23 4 56 Quaker'sYard Junction 10 40'2 16^5 40t 9 SB 5 6 Llaneaich (Nelson) 10 47 2 26,5 561 9 42 5 14 Rhymney Junction 10 5"|2 36 6 61 9 52 5 24 Tredegar Junction 11 2|2 46'6 10| 9 57 5 29 Crumlin 11 12j3 0,6 20U0 7 5 38 Pontypool 11 25:3 16 6 32 10 20 5 50 Pontypool Road 11 32)3 20,6 39[10 25 5 54 UP-TRAINS. I SUNDAYS Starting From a.m. p.mlp.m p.m a.m, a.m Starting From a.m. p.mlp.m p.m a.m, a.m Pontypool Road 9 35 1210|4 15 8 16 10 35 7 16 Pontypool 9 4C 1216|4 20 8 20 10 40 7 20 Crumlin 9 54 1230|4 33 8 36110 55 7 36 Tredegar Junction 10 5 124014 40 8 43111 5 7 46 Rhymney Junction 10 10 1250|4 46 8 48*11 12 7 60 Llancaich (Nelson) 10 20 1 0j4 53 8 58,11 22 8 0 Quaker'sYard Junction 10 30 1 lo|5 119 8|11 35 8 10 Troedyrhiew 10 43 4 2 !9 2l|ll 48 8 23 Merthyr ar.10 50 4 10:5 16 9 30111 56 8 35

[For the Pontypool Free Press. J A CLOUD AND ITS SILVER LINING. There are periods in the life of us all Of doubt and gloom. When the heart is sick, and hope doth fall, We sigh for rest 'neath the shade of the pall,- The shroud,—the tomb. I wandered forth from the dusty town, Silent and sad; I longed for the heath on the breezy down, For the perfume of flowers and hay new-mown, To make me glad. On many a beauteous gem I trod, In leafy glade: In the ruby petal", and emerald sod, I saw the wonderful work of God, Which He hath made. Oh, in the prime of the summer time," When all is fair, To list to the echo of evening chime, To con the soft melodious rhyme In the balmy air:- Are luxuries all are free to enjoy, Both peasant, and peer The poor, the rich, the girl, the boy, May thus in beauty find employ Through the circling year. Then, why should sorrow find a home In my young heart 1- O'er Nature's lap I'll fondly roam, Or cleave a path through the heaving foam, And act my part. Perchance, we'll dwell in a flowery vale, 'Neath a sunny sky :—" Or on silvery sea, to Fortune's gale, We'll spread a fluttering silken saill- Dear LILLA and 1. Pontypool, July 8, 1859. AURIGA.

THE VISIONS OF CHILDHOOD. Visions of childhood ? endearing expression '{im(lne'er from my mem'ry those visions can sever; When burdened with care, or when crush'd by oppression, The visions of childhood are dearer than ever. The visions that gilded the dawn of my childhood Have pass'd as the shadows that traverse the vale Or like the rich foliage adorning the wild wood, When wither'd and torn in the fierce autumn gale. With fond recollections these visions I'll cherish, My comfort and solace in life's waning rears Though blighted and scattered, they never ean perish,. Safe lodged in my bosom, embalmed by my tears. Though my pathway through life may be cold, bleak, anc And adversity mantle my spirit in gloom, [cheerless, Like a rose in the desert, whose beauty is peerless, The visions of childhood shall flourish and bloom. Pontypool. LAPSTONK,

O CoTOpon&mts. Our friends can do us good service by forwarding accounts at what transpires in their neighbourhoods. All communica- tions must be accompanied by the names and addresses of the ■writers—not necessarily for publication, but as evidence of good faith. Births, Marriages, andDeaths must be authenticated. Blaenafon.—When we have omitted the communications re- ferred to, it has been owing to their late arrival, or because the facts have been previously received from other sources, as was the case this week, though we are not tke lei obliged to our correspondent

MARRIAGE. July 16, at the superintendent-registrar's office, Ponti- pcOL. Mr. John Watkius, of Garndiffaith. to Miss Margaret Evan* <3 Ahersychan.