Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

POLICE COURT, SATURDAY.—Before C. H. WILLIAMS, Esq. COAL STEALING.-Elizabeth Watkins, Mary Hayes, and Ellen Lean were charged-ivitli trespass on the property of the Ebbw Vale Iron Company's Works at Abersychan, and stealing coal, on January 27th. The prisoners pleaded guilty. Forge-constable Griffiths: proved the charge. The magistrate ordered them to pay a fine of 10s. each, or go to prison for seven days. Watkins and Hayes paid the money, but Mrs. Lean sat down crying in the dock, and said it was impossible to get the money. Her husbandthad been ill in bed for twelve months, and she had three little children at home ill of the measles. She was allowed a week to try and get the money. CONTEMPT OF SUMMONS.—Richard Edwards did not appear to answer the charge of having assaulted Jane Edwards, at Abersychan,, A warrant was issued for his apprehension. HE \VOI,DN'T.GO OUT.—A complaint was made by a Mrs. Williams that she had given the tenant of a cottage on the Sowhill notice to quit, but he refused to do so. Complainant afterwards returned and said she had forgot to say that the tenant had left the house. POOlt RATES.—A number of people were summoned by the overseers for non-payment of poor-rates. DEATH OF AN OLD INHABITANT.—It will be seen by our obituary that an old and respected inhabi- tant of the town, Mrs. Fletcher, of George-street, died on Thursday se'nnight. Her interment took place on Wednesday. The melancholy procession consisted of a car, supplied by Mr. John Powell, in which were the coffin and the mourners, followed by all the friends of the family. We are happy to hear that Mr. Fletcher is sufficiently recovered from the shock to attend to his ordinary avocations. PONTYPOOL MAGISTRATES.—We understand that Lieut.-Col. Bird has left for India, on temporary business, and that he is expected to return in May. The business of our local bench seems for the present, therefore, to have devolved wholly upon the senior ma- gistrate, C. H. Williams, Esq., who has for a long time borne the chief burden of this onerous office. The necessity for the appointment of one or more magis- trates is generally remarked, and is, we believe, under the consideration of the Lord Lieutenant, by whom the eminent qualifications of our respected townsman, Wm. Llewellin, Esq., cannot, we opine, be overlooked. THE BEST OF STEEPLE CHASES.- W e copy the following paragraph from the Bristol Daily Post of Tuesday last, but we believe the statement of a marriage having taken place is not true Much excitement has been occasioned in this quiet town in consequence of a runaway match, in which Ducker, the well-known professional jockey, was a chief actor. It would ap- pear that the famous rider had succeeded in winning; in addition to some scores of races, the affections of a belle' of the plaee, Miss Bridgman, of the Crown hotel, and in order to avoid any chances of misadven- ture, it was proposed between them that their visit to mother church should be a secret to all but themselves and the parties whose presence was required to give legality to the rite. All things prepared, the young couple took flight, and it will be readily believed that Ducker, who had won so many previous steeple chases,' was not behindhand in that in which he had so deep a personal interest. The steeple was I run down,' the holy temple entered, and there being no one present to show 'just cause or impediment,' the two were made one until death (unless, indeed, Sir Cresswell Cresswell should step in) do them part.' MESSRS. MATTHEWS & HOLllROOK.- We in- vite attention to the advertisement of Messrs. Matthews and Holbrook in our columns of this week. Mr. J. Holbrook—held to be the best comic artiste in the world—should be seen and heard to be appreciated, for' no description can do justice to ,his amusing and inimi- table characters. A first-class company will appear with him at the Town-hall, on Monday evening next. We hava had some little experience in matters musical, and a fortnight since paid a visit to Newport specially to hear what the company was made of, and although we had heard much of their talents, were nevertheless agreeably surprised to find that expectation fell a long way short of reality. From eight to eleven o'clock we had a rich musical treat, which we shall feel much J ^pleasure in hearing again on IVtonday evening. The programme contains a little of something to please the taite of every person musically inclined. If you wish to hear some good instrumental music—go to the Town- hall q|i, Monday night. If you wish to hear a good ballad—go there. If you are fond of characteristic duets—go and hear Miss and Mr. Egerton, If you have not heard the new Sensation" song, go and hear it. If you like to hear a good Irish comic-go there. If you are fond of a buffo song—Joe Holbrook will treat you to the best—go and hear St. Anthony" and Beautiful Girls" or others as good. Or if you like a broad, side-splitting characteristic-comic song—you wilt have to travel far and wide before you meet such a Perfect Cure" as Joe Holbrook, with such a sweet loud voice. A limited number of Gd. places will be provided—but the laughter will save the ailing more in medicine than even the price of the front seats. We would advise those who attend not to encore the good songs, because, as all the songs will be good, the repeti- tion of one good song necessarily curtails the programme of a song equally good. Miss JAMES'S BENEFIT.—This young lady, of whom so much has been said, has clearly entitled herself to the name of a public favourite, for no other aatertainment, of whatever kind, has for such a length of time drawn such crowded and admiring audiences as have her practical expositions of the twin sciences- Electro-biology and Mesmerism. Three entertainments have been given at the Town-hall since our last notice, and, as was previously announced, that on Monday night was for Miss James's benefit. Long before eight o'clock every available seat in the hall was occupied, standing room was scarce, the temporary orchestra on either side of the platform was crowded with juveniles, and extra scats were called into requisition for the accommodation of some of the most respectable inhabitants of the town. After an address by Mr. James, the entrance of the fascinating operator was a signal for general and hearty applause. The platform was crowded, and never before were subjects so plentiful or so susceptible, several falling from their chairs on to the carpot. One or two, never before on the platform, were selected for experiment, and a workman with no more than ordinary 1inte11igence depicted on his countenance, save that the phrenological organ Language" was fully developed, gave as good, clear, and logical an address on temperance as we have heard from a professed lecturer, and knew nothing about it when released from the electrobiological influence. Another lot of subjects, when the organ of Tune" was excited, sang songs, sentimenal and comic, and much laughter was created when the fair operator brought "Paddy on the Railway" suddenly to a stand- still, and started another in Sister Mary" and vice versa. In all her experiments Miss James has been successful, and her utmost Wortioiis on Monday night to please the large and respectable audience were crowned with suc- cess. In bidding Pontypool friends good. bye Mr. G. James thanked them for the patronage and courtesy shown towards his daughter, and intimated that it was their intention to return at no distant period to give a benefit for the widows, orphans, and sufferers by the late melancholy accident at the Hartley Colliery, and wo are convinced that his kindness would be met by the people of this locality with a cordial aud sympathetic response. C lV-ill B R A N. ODDEELLOWSHIP. The members of the Loyal Prosperity Lodge, Newport district, held their anniversary at the Forge Hammer Inn on Monday se'nnight, when about sixty brothers and friends sat down to an excellent supper, provided u 'tli by the worthy host, B. Lewis. After the withdrawal of the cloth, the chair was taken by one of the brothers, when the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given, enlivened by a choice selection of pieces played on the harp, by Mr. Griffiths, the well-known Llanover harper. Some of the most popular songs of the day were also sung in excellent style. The chairman called the attention of the friends and brothers to the good that resulted from joining a society like the Manchester Unity, dwelling at length upon the benefits derived therefrom. The meeting broke up at an early hour everyone highly pleased with the evening's proceedings. GARNDIFFAITII.— PRIMITIVE METHO- DIST MISSIONS.—On Sunday last, the annual sermons in behalf of the above missions were preached in the Primitive Methodist chapel,—in the morning by the Rev. George Smith, of Abergavenny, and in the evening by the Rev. C. P. Magor. On Monday evening a public meeting was held, the Rev. T. Hobson in the chair. The Rev. C. P. Magor read the report, which showed a large increase in the number of members, and in the amount of the funds. Addresses were de- livered by the chairman, and the Revs. J. Powell, Taylor, and Smith. A collection was made, and the meeting closed with singing. BLAENAFON.—MESMERISM & ELECTRO- BIOLOGY.-This was the subject of a capital entertain- ment given at the Prince of Wales Inn on Tuesday evening last by Miss James, a young lady of very pre- possessing appearance. The bill of fare was of a kind rarely placed before a Blaenafon audience, and was con- sequently accepted with much relish. There was a large body of people in attendance. At the request of the fair operator several young men stepped upon the platform, when the young lady quickly succeeded in ob- taining a few good subjects. Some of them were made to go through the most ludicrous performances, to the great satisfaction of the spectators, who had ample scope for displaying their risibility. The subjects seemed to be thoroughly under the young lady's control while in- fluenced by electro-biology, A couple fancied they were metamorphosed into Members of Parliament, and pro- mised the natives treats so rich that we fear they will never be realised. All the experiments tried by the young lady were equally successful. Several prizes were given away at the close of the entertainment, and among them a silver watch, the fortunate receiver of which was a young woman named Caroline Evans, who resides in the towii.The entertainment was given on Wednesday and Thursday evenings to crowded audiences. In a thriving and rising place like Blaenafon, which is daily increasing in influence and popularity, it is a sub- ject of much regret that there is no public room suitable for giving all kinds of entertainments in. Such a room is much wanted At present there is no place but at a public house where entertainments can be introduced indiscriminately. If this great want were supplied no doubt professional ladies and gentlemen, whose province it is to supply amusement and instruction to the public would be induced to pay us visits much oftener —entertainments would be better attended—an induce- ment would be held out to the more respectable classes to attend them—while the working classes would have more frequent opportunity of enjoying in the evening a few hours' recreation after their hard labour; the result of which would soon be apparent in an improved taste for other than mere sensual enjoyments—in a taste for reading and enquiry into the subjects brought under their notice-in additional self-respect, in more contented minds, in better and more industrious.work- men, in happier homes, in peace and quietness instead of endless and disgraceful street and public-house rows, in less work for the police and magistrates, and in les- sened rates, Besides, it would staiiit) the town with an importance and respectability which it cannot otherwise possess, and raise it to a level with other places whose manufacture is not so large, yet can boast of a good literary institute- aud lecture-room, adequate to the requirements of lecturers and the accommodation of the public generally. We hope to see the subject taken up by those parties who, from their influence and position, are able to carry it to a successful issue. PRIMITIVE METHODIST HOME AND FOREIGN MIS- SIONS.-Oll Sunday, two sermons in aid of the above missions were preached in the Primitve Methodist chapel, by the Rev. J. Tayler, deputation from Bristol, to crowded congregations. Collections were made at the close of each service, towards the funds of the above missions. On Tuesday evening a missionary meeting was held in the above chapel, the attendance being good. Mr. W. Green, civil engineer, presided, in the place of Mr. J. Harris, who was unable to attend, but kindly sent a donation of ten shillings. Mr. C. P. Mager, read the yearly report, which was very satis- factory. Mr. G. Smith, the Rev. J. Tayler, (the deputation,) the Rev. T. Hobson, and Mr. T. Booth, delivered very excellent addresses. The collections, in- cluding missionary boxes, books and cards, amounted to eight guineas, in addition to nearly a pound by the school children. The following encouraging statement of the progress of the society was read to the meeting:— Number of members, 135,392—increase, 3278. Deaths, 1861. (A singular concidence with the date of the year.) Local preachers, 11,887—increase, 503. Class leaders, 8,006. Connexional chapels, 2,410-increase, 143. Rented chapels, rooms, and cottages, 3,343—■ increase, 75. Sabbath schools, 2,179—increase, 143. Sabbath scholars, 180,064—increase, 12,531. Teachers, 32,738-increase, 1,750. NEWPORT.—THE HARTLEY CATASTROPHE. —No public measures have yet been adopted in New- port to aid in the relief of the large number of widows and orphans in the case of the great colliery catastrophe at Hartley. But the Rev. J. W. Lance, pastor of the English Baptist chapel, who has resided near the spot where the terrible catastrophe occurred, announced that he would, on Sunday afternoon at three o'clock, de- liver a lecture at the Town-hall, the subject being The good Samaritan," taken from the tenth chapter of St. Luke, 25th to 37th verse, the parable of the certain man who fell among thieves. The announce- ment drew an immense concourse of people together, large crowds of colliers and their friends attending from the colliery districts, so that at the hour of commence- ment the hall and orchestra were so crowded that great numbers .were unable to gain admittance. The platform around the rev. lecturer was also crowded by deacons and members of the English Baptist Church. After singing and prayer, the rev. lecturer proceeded to de- scribe the good Samaritan," and the characteristics of those who benevolently minister to the wants of the poor and distressed. Tie then proceeded to describe the district in which the great calamity had occurred and, taking his hearers with him in imagination to the mouth of the fatal pit—a clearly-drawn diagram of which was affixed against the wall—he showed, in graphic deline- ations and descriptions, the processes of the colliery work up to the moment of the snapping of the huge beam, and the rushing descent into the depths of that frightful mass of twenty tons of iron, and broken -tim- bers, clay and stones, barring up the avenues to the living tomb of more than two hundred men, of whose slow wasting away of life in their huge grave the lec- turer drew a painful picture, so that scores of his audi- ence wept and sobbed at the touching recital. At the close of a most interesting address the lectureer appealed to the good Samaritans" before him to give liberally towards the cause of the widows and orphans at Hart- ley. The collection was then made, and the proceed- ings terminated. We understand that the lecture will be delivered a second time shortly. A forcible address has also been published by Mr. Wm. Lovegrove, pro- prietor of the Dock-street Theatre, in which, after exhorting all to contribute something towards the aid of the wretched sufferers, he promises to give one halt o the proceeds of a forthcoming dramatic representation. At Bristol, the subscriptions have already amounted to nearly £ 1,000. THE THEATRE.—During the past week the play- going folks of Newport have had a treat in witnessing the performance of the celebrated actress and popular favourite in this town—Mrs. J. P. Chadwick (formerly Miss Faulkland) whose husband was proprietor of a theatre in Dock-street four years ago. On Monday evening the theatre was crowded to the doors, and Mrs, Chadwick's impersonisation of Mrs. Haller in the Stranger" was well rendered by this truly talented lady. She afterwards recited Tennyson's poem" The Six Hundred" (Balaclava Charge) with great ability. The tenor singing of Mr. Henry James was excellent. In the farce Ilerc-aies, King of Clubs" Harry Eddy, the comedian executed the Statues" with great skill and comic effect. On Tuesday evening the place was again crowded, and Mrs. Chadwick played Portia in the Merchant of Venice;" and Katharine in "Taming a Shrew," Mr. Rivers taking Petruchio. On Wednesday evening the theatre was again crowded, and Mr. Love- grove played Macbeth to Mrs. Chadwick's Lady Macbeth —the latter being a gem of the first water. The whole of the company, by their talent and exertions, give both satisfaction and gratification to their supporters. USE.—COTT^TY COURT, TUESDAY.—Before J. M. Herbert, Esq., Judge.—Coleman v. -Pobei,ts.-IT.i this case Mr. Charles Coleman, Prioress Mill, sued Mr. Daniel Roberts, Hendre Farm, for the sum of P-,5 7s., as damages for loss occasioned by defendant's sheep having overrun plaintiff's garden and therein destroyed 230 brocoli, 100 curly greens, 800 cabbage plants plan- ted out, 4,000 cabbage plants in seed bed, and 60 celery roots. The case was heard before a jury, Mr. W. H. Lloyd, of Pontypool, appearing for plaintiff, and Mr. Waddington, of Usk, for defendant. Mr. Roberts had paid into court £ 1 lis. 8d., and the only point for de- cision was the value of the produce destroyed. Two witnesses, Mr. John Knipe, of Kemys Vach, and Mr. Robert Breese, seedsman, Usk, were examined for the plaintiff, and Thomas Honey and Thomas Leverett gave evidence for the defence. The latter witnesses estimated the damage done at the amount paid into court, while Mr. Knipe fixed the amount at the sum claimed £ 5 7s., and Mr, Breese at £6 12s. Mr, Lloyd having addressed the jury, a verdict was given for plaintiff for £ 5. INSOLVENT.—Thomas Morgan, of the Pelican Inn, Usk, passed his last examination and received his final order. He was supported by Mr. W. H. Lloyd. This insolvent is the last on the circuit dealt with under the Insolvency and Protection Acts, now abolished.

Newport, Pontypool, and Blaenafon] UP-TRAINS WEEK DAYS. I SUNDAYS. STARTING FROM a. m.jp.m.jp. m.!p.m. aTm.'p.m. Newport, Mill-street ..9 lojl 50:5 0 8 0 9 30*7 0 Llantarnam 9 2lfl 56|5 6:8 6 9 36 7 6 Cwmbran 9 25:2 0 5 10 S 10 9 40 7 10 Pontnewvdd 9 29|2 4 5 14:8 14 9 44 7 14 Pontrhydyrun 9 33;2 85 188 189 48 7 18 Pontypool 9 50|2 20 5 30;8 30 10 0!7 30 Pontnewynydd 9 55:2 2915 S9;8 39 10 9:7 39 Abersychan 9 59|2 34jo 44l8 44 101417 44 Cwm Avon 10 7-2 42|5 52:8 52 1022:7 52 Blaenafon ar.1015:2 50|6 0|9 0 1030S8 0 DOWN-TRAINS WEEK, DAYS, SSUXDAYS. STARTING FROM a.m.ia.m..p.m.'p.m. a. in. p.m. Blaenafon 7 30|ll30:3 30|6 30 8 0 5 0 CWlll Avon 7 38 1138 3 386 38 8 85 8 Abersychan 7 46i i11463 466 468 165 16 Pontnewynydd .7 501115013 5016 508 20 5 20 Pontypool 7 55 12 03 55 7 0 8 30 5 30 Pontrhydyrun 8 7|12 714 717 7 8 37^5 37 Pontnewvdd .8 11 1211 1 11 7 11 8 11 5 41 Cwmbran 8 15 1215|4 15|7 15 8 45 5 45 Llantarnam .8 21 122l'l4 2117 21 8 51 5 51 Newport, Mill-st.ar.8 30 1230|4 30|7 30i9 0 6 0

Newport, Ebbw Vale, and Nantyglo. From DOCK-STREET, NEWPORT, for NANTYGLO and inter- mediate ^Stations, at 7, 11, 3, 5 30. Sundays: 8 30, and 5 15. From NANTYGLO, 8 45, 11 15, 2 15, 7 20. Sundays, at 10 25 and 7 10. From ABERBEEG JUNCTION for EBBW VALE, at 8 6, 12 8, 4 18, 6 38. Sundays, at 9 38, and 6 23. From EBBW VALE, at 8 45, 11 15, 2 15, 7 20. Sundays, at 10 25 and 7 10. On Saturdays a Special Train leaves Newport at 7 30 p.m., for all Stations as far as Crumlin oiilv.

Newport, Abergavenny, and Hereford. From PONTYPOOL LOAD /O/NEWPORT, 9 4-5,11 35,12 35, 1 35, 4 50, 5 45, 9 0. Sundays 1 18, 9 15.' From PONTYPOOL ROAD for Up-Stations & HEREFORD, at 6 55,11 3,1 48, 2 35, 3 50,5 50. Sundavs 9 15, 4 10.

TafF Vale Extension. DO^VX TRAINS^ pv^IFs Merthyr 777^77777^77777^ 9 .4T1T0TT1["nnri)' lroedyrhiew 9 49 i 5 o .938 1 25 4 Llancaich (Kelson) .10 7,1 334 Rhymney"Junction '7.7.10 184 40 5 -v •• Tredeprar Junction 7.7.7.10 231 43 5 lis -1 40 b Crumlin 10 33:2 0 5 22 8 48 3 iS Cefn Crib j. Pontypool .V.l0'45^2"lo. i '^7 it" i Pontypool Road 7.7.10 50:2 18 5 45 <? 10 4 5 "UP-TKA1NS. Sundays Pontvpool Road 10 10s 12 5 5 4 l 8319 20- Pontypool 10 15! 12 10 5 10 1 2s j .» Cefn Crib I. Crumlin 10 SO/ 12 25 .5 22 1 4 1)3, Tredegar Junction 10 431 2 35 5 32 1 50 j Ehymney Junction 10 48i 2 40 5 37 1$5 '9 51 Llancaicli (Nelson) 10 56; 2 48:5 4 4 2 3 > Quaker's Yard Junction 11 4| 2 5^ 5 54 2 1"> lu > Troedyrliiew H 16! i" 100 6 1 2 J Merthyr ar.ll 24! ^2' ,0 14l 2

Coleford, Monmouth., Usk, anil Pontypool. W.EKK DAYS. SUNDAYS. a. m.|a. m. :p. m. a. m.:p.m Pontypool Road 10 0 2 35: 6 50 9 15; 4 10 Little Mill -j J'sk 10 201 3 O' i7 10 9*45 4S5 Llandeimy 10 SO: 3 lOj !7 20 9 55, 4 45 Rag-Ian Road 10 35, 3 15j \1 25 10 0: 4 50 Dingestow 10 53: 3 33i \7 4"h 1 5 Monmouth 11 20j 3 45( 7 a.m.'a. m..i 1- Monmouth 8 40 12 20* 4 .0^ Ding-estow 8 51 12 31: 4 5 i" 11 Raglan Road; 9 812 43': 5 9 s Liandenny 9 13)12 53j j 14 1. "4. LittieMiii''777777777777777 9.77l °j j 5 23j12 45j8 i0 Pontypool Road 9 45i 135! 777 5' 45J l"i8; £ >"15

BIRTHS. Jan. 31, at Blaenafon, the wife of Mr. Caleb Parry, of a son., Feb. 1, at Blaenafon, the wife of Mr. John Phillips, mason,, of a son, Feb. 3, at Garndiffaich, the wife of Mr. John Evans, of a son-, Feb. 5, at Abersychan, the wife of Sir. Luke Savory, of i daughter. Feb. 5, the wife of Mr. John Jones, Dean Cottage, Raglan, of a daughter. DEATHS.' Jan. SO, aged 70, Amelia, wife" of Mr, Stephen Fletcher,. George-street, Pontypool. Feb. 1, after a short illness, aged 58, the Rev; James Blower. of Gwernesney, near Usk, deeply lamented by numerous friends and the parishioners generally. Feb. 1, after a long illness, aged 41, Eliza, wife of Mr. Wm Phillips, roll-turner, Ai hi ori:>j c Feb. 2, agcu t\.vl\c • auret Ann. daughter Frvo Daviei3. i-j;