Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

PONTYPOOL POLICE COURT. FRIDAY. Before Mr. W. L. PRATT, A DRUNKEN WOMAN. Isabel Pearcey was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Pontnewynydd on the previous night, and, upon the evidence of P.C. Stephens, was fined 5s., or 3 days hard labour.

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j BLAIJTA POLICE COURT. • FRIDAY. Before Dr. W. E. WILLIAMS (in the chair), and Mr. JAMES PHILLIPS. DRUNK. James Bateman, collier, Abertillery, who did Dot appear, was charged with being drunk and riotous on the 21st ult., and was fined 10s. George Minion, Blaina, was likewise summoned for a similar offence, on the 12th of December, and being his first appearance he was only fined 58. A DIRTY GROUP. Arthur Bond, George Maker, David Matthews, John Smith, James Matthews, and John Osborne, all whom appeared in court in a most dirty and untidy condition, were charged with vagrancy by lodging in the works at Ebbw Yale, on the 17th inst.—P.C. Grey said that in com- pany with P.C. Evans, he visited the Llandavel Coke Ovens, where they found the defendants sleeping in and out of the coke ovens.—Defen- dants were committed to Usk Gaol for 7 days with hard labour. THE NOBLE ART. Jeremiah Cowhig, William J. Lewis, Thomas Cowhigr, and George Meridith. young men, Aber- tillery, were charged with a breach of the peace by fighting at Abertillery on the 21st of Nov.— P.C. Watkins said that in company with P.C Rowlands, he found the four defendants fighting in Church-street. Two of the defendants were locked up. Their conduct was very bad.—De- fendants pleaded guilty, and were fined £1 each, or 14 days. IN DOUBLE TROUBLE. James Lane of Aberbeeg, was charged with trespassing on the Great Western Railway at Aberbeeg, and also with using profane and obscene language at the railway station at Aber- beeg, on the 24th of October.—Mr. Waddington, solicitor, Usk, appeared to prosecute for the Railway Company.—Mr. A. Evans, station- master at Aberbeeg, said that the defendant wanted to fight with other men, and interfered with the railway officials.-A ticket collector stated that defendant threatened him whilst he was collecting tickets.—Defendant, who did not appear, was fined Jtl and costs in each case. CRUELTY TO A HORSE. John Williams, haulier, Nantyglo, was charged with working a horse in an unfit state on the 17th of November. Inspector Lockwood. R.S.P.C.A., Cardiff, said that on the day i:, question he was at Nantyglo, and saw defendant working a very old bay horse, which was pulling an empty -tram. He noticed that the mare COUKI scarcely get along. The animal was staggering from side to side from weakness. He afterwards examined the mare, and found it suffering from diseased hocks, and it was in a general bad state of health.—John Chilton, contractor, Nantyglo, was also charged with cruelty to the horse ii, question by causing it to be worked in an until state. Chilton said he was very sorry-he ha- made a mistake in buying the old mare. Since the inspector had seen it he had sent it away to be destroyed.—The Bench, under those circum- stances fined Chilton JE1, and Williams 10s. ALLEGED THEFT OF PIGEONS. David Moxley, a lad about 13 years of age, living at Nantyglo, was charged with stealing 10 pigeons, the property of David Parfitt, and lo pigeons, the property of James Butler, at Nantyglo, on the 22nd of October last.—Mr. T. G. Powell, solicitor, defended.—David Parfitt said that his pigeon cot was broken into on the 22nd of October and 10 pigeons stolen.—Cross- examined by Mr. Powell: He went to the houses of persons named Meyrick and Roberts to look for the pigeons, and found some of the pigeons on the premises belonging to him and Butler. He could not give any reason why he bad not summoned Meyrick and Roberts.—P.S. McGrath said that on the 24th of October he received information of the loss of the pigeons. He went to Meyrick's house and found two pigeons there, and upon going to Roberts' house found 13 pigeons in a coop. He then went to defendant's (Moxley) house, and enquired whether they had any pigeons on the premises, and they answered No." He afterwards found on their premises two live and three dead pigeons. Butler identified one as belonging to him. Defendant told him that he had trapped the pigeons.—By Mr. Powell: He had directed this prosecu- tion. He did not summons Meyrick and Roberts because they said the pigeons were given them by Moxley.-Rieliai,di Roberts, a boy of 13. said that the defendant had given him several pairs of pigeons to give to David Meyrick. Defendant had given him a lot before this.-James Butler gave evidence that when searching for the Eigeons with the sergeant he found one pigeon elonging to him at Moxley's. His name was stamped on the wing of the bird, inside.-For the defence, Mr. Powell called a Miss Richards, music teacher, who said that on the night of the 22nd of October she went to the hoiise of defen- dant's parents at a quarter to six in order to five music lessons to David Moxiey and another oy, named Peters. She saw David Moxley then. He was dirty, having just come home from the colliery. She directed him to get clean, and to take his lesson after Peters. At 7 o'clock he came, and from that time to eight was engaged with his lesson.—John Peters said that he was with David Moxley in the house from about six o'clock until half-past nine.—By the Bench He went out from half past nine, returning about 11. He and Moxley slept together that night.-David Williams said he saw Roberts and Meyrick going down the road with something under their coats, and when by David Moxley's house they holloaed. He watched them going to the back of Roberts's house.—Mr. Powell having addressed the Bench, the Chairman stated that he and his colleague were of opinion that the defendant had stolen the pigeons, but in consideration of his youth, and its being the first. offence, he would be bound over in the sum of to to appear here for i udsment if called upon. v A SWEET TEMPTATION. William Williams, a young collier, living at Nantyglo, was charged with stealing sweets on the 16th of December from out of an automatic sweet machine at the Railway Station, Nantyglo. —Mr. T. G. Powell, solicitor, appeared for the defendant, and pleaded guilty. J. Leicester, an employee of the Sweet Automatic Company, stated that in consequence 01 so much stealing from the sweet machines by persons using pieces of tin, &c., the size of a penny to get the sweets out, ne was put to w £ tcl* the station, Nantyglo, with the result that he caught the defendant in the act of stealing some sweets by inserting a piece of round tin. Mr. Powell here said that there were other ooysabout the station, and the defendant was ottered one of these pieces of tin, and told that 1 he dropped it in the slot of the machine he could get a sweet out, The defendant foolishly was tempted to do so. He would hand in testimonials of characterfrom He would hand in testimonials of cbaracterfrom Mr. Thomas Morgan, manager, Coalbrookvale also Mr. Thomas, the underground manager, and others.-Defendant was bound over in the sum of jE5 to come up for judgment when called upon. A COWARDLY FELLOW. Fred Tiley, of AbertiHery was charged with assaulting Sarah Gonnicott o the 22nd October last.—Defendant failed to+ appear at the last court. — Complainant stated that defendant struck her in the mouth a very violent blow on the 24th of October.—Defendant said that he lived in apartments with the complainant She aggravated him by calling him and bis wife bad names, and he struck her in his temper. Fined Jbl. INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE. Ruth Watkins, single woman, Blaina sum- moned James Evans to shew cause, &<•—jDefen dant did not appear.—Complainant, upon being asked if she had anybody to give evidence, said she had not brought anyone, but could do so, and the case was adjourned for a month. WORKMEN AT VARIANCE. Charles Brown, timberman, Blaina was charged with assaulting Charles Young, labourer, on the 11th of December.—t-omplainant said they were working near each other m the same pit, and hud a few high words, when defendant struck him a violent biow on the eye, causing it to dis- colour.-Defei,dant admitted the offence, but said that Young got him in a bad temper.—Fined 10s. MARRIAGE A FAILURE. Albert TtdkeraL, was charged with neglecting to support his w'ire, ousan 1 ulkeral. Both were young people.Complainant stated that she had been married to defendant two years next June. He went away from her in September last. He had left her .several times before, and she had tried to live with him, but had failed. He was very often like a man out of his mind.—The Clerk (to defendant) Why is it you don't support your wife.—Defendant: I am quite willing to do so if she will come from her father and mother.—-The Clerk: The same old grievance again. (Laughter.)—The complain- ant: I should have nowhere else to go. We had apartments once, but his bad behaviour got us turned out.-Dr. Williams (to defendant): Have you a home to take your wife to now ?—Defen- dant No, sir I have broken up my home, but I am willing to see about getting apartments.— Complainant (Passionatel I won't put up with nim any more.—Dr. Williams You must I understand that he is your husband, and you have to follow him. We will adjourn the case for & month to see if you cannot arrange matters. CRUELTY TO A HORSE. James Winstone, haulier, Abertillery, was charged with cruelty to a horse at the Tillery Colliery, Abertillery, on the 3rd inst.—Defen- dant admitted kioking the horse.—John Handy, overman, appeared for the Company.—Defen- dant was fined 10s. DRU^K„^ND RIOTOUS. William Darby, or Blaina, was charged with being drunk and riotous, at Blaina on the 16th November, and was imedjEl. Samuel Bird, Thnmas Price, James Cody, and Frank King were each charged with a similar offence, and fined 10s. each. INDECENCY. Nathaniel Gobi plasterer, of Abertillery, was charged with indecently exposing himself on the highway at Abertillery on the 26th of November. -1>.C. Watkins proved the case, and addec; t, he had previously cautioned the defendant < the same offence.-Fined 10s. ST; ALING COAL. Kate Hillings was charged with stealing e, on the 21st of November, the property of Mess Lancaster, Spier and Co., Cwmtiliery, and fined 10s. A TRANSFER REFUSED. Application for the transfer of a licence 1 Mrs. Hanney, Commercial Hotel, Abertiilerj. Mrs. Candina Thomas was made to the Rt-; It transpired that Mrs. Thomas had a husb.f living, named Ellis Thomas.—Supt. Paik addressing Mrs. Thomas, said it was unusual i< grant licences to married women, and he regretted to state that owing to the bad record of her husband at that Court, he felt he must object.— Dr. Williatns The bad reputation and miscon- duct of your husband is still fresh in the miud Ic," the Cowrt. He has been here three or lorn times, and the Bench do not see their way cxea. to grant the charge of such a house to him. have a duty to perform on public grounds, ,1 we feel that for the present we must refuse transfer.

At St. Helens, Mr. J. Merrill, mllkdealer Bickftntaffe Street bnsbeen summoned for ee'ling milk which was certified by Dr. Campbell Brown to contain thirteen parts of water. Mr. Merrill said he sold it in exactly the same state as he re- ceived it from the farmers.—He was fined 10s. and costa. At Leeds Assizes, Arthur Oldfield, thirty-one, collier, has been found guilty of outraging & young woman named Fish, whose jaw was broken in two places and her eye injured. He had been pre- viously convicted, and had been in penal servitude. He was sentenced to receive twenty strokes with the eat, and to be kept in penal emifrude for threj lear1.. MYNYDDISLWYN SCHOOL BOUT. The ordinary meeting of tile Board • .••• held at N^wl.ridge on Thursday week. Mr. V. Bowen prw.i1,g, There wer-a-so Rev. S. Jacks.m, the Rev. W James, Mr. H. Phillips. Mr. C. H. Scott, Mr. W. Adams, and the Clerk. The minutes of the last meeting were 1 «, nd adopted. FINANCIAL. The Clerk stated that since the last met" mg I they had receiTedf 500 from t e overseers, and other payments, making a total of £67'" 1,5,. Amongst the payments that day was one of 23 9s 4d, the expenses of the deputation whii ] w.-ist to London relative to the West Monmouth School. The Board had agreed to pay the rtvi- sonable expenses of the deputation, which -.vas composed of three members and the clerk. Tbt:: teachers' salaries for the quarter amounted to 94 1,3s 3d, ar,(] here was a!so £ 193 1^ .j.,£ cue to the Bank of England. After Dayman r' a' lay, there would be a balance overdrawn < i.302 14s lid. It was resohed that cheques lv- drawn iur h" amounts indicated. CONG KATULATORV. The Chairman at this point said he was p;i:,t,d to see with ih that day the Rcy. W. Jeut s who had bee i. unwell and unai to attend >< r Rome tmie. ilst he welcomed him bark. 1 e regretted that they were going to ;ose the genial company of the Rev. S. Jackson, who had been appointed to an important living. At the swe time, he was proud to think tiiat Mr. Jack-on was considered worthy of such a very important advance and from the knowledge which he bad had of him for the past ten or eleven years, he did not think the bishop could have made a better appointment to the parish of Maesteg, where they were unanimous in expressing the hope that their friend would spend a very happy period. Mr. Phillips had pleasure in endorsing the re- marks of the chairman. Mr. James said that for his own part he had to thank the Board for their good wishes upon his recovery. As far as Mr. Jackson was con- cerned, he endorsed every word tiiat had been said, and felt that the bishop could not have made a better appoint- ment. Mr. Jackson had been a hard worker in the church, and deserved the promotion that bad fallen to his lot. He was certain also that the testimony which the chairman, as a Nonconfor- mist, had borne to Mr. Jackson, would go very far in his favour. Mr. Scott also endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers. For himself he was losing a thoroughly good personal frier d. He would be much missed at the Board and in the parish; and he was sorry Mr. Jackson was going away. Mr. Adams also added his testimony to Mr. Jackson's worth. Mr. Jackson thanked the members for thidr kind, and, he believed, sincere expressions in re- lation to himself as a member of the Local Board, and also as a friend. What he hoped was this, that in leaving them he should not be leaving them for good, as it were, but that the friend- ship which bad been begun would be continued. Their friendship had been sincere from the very moment he entered into that parish. He should never forget their kindness and the respect they had shewn him at all times and though he was leaving, he hoped he should have opportunities of meeting them again. (Hear, hear.) ABEKCARN SCHOOL. The next item on the agenda was to consider an application from Mr. J. Hughes, of the Aber- earn Boys' School, for an additional teacher, and to make the appointment if deemed desirable. Mr. Jackson said it was probable that on the 26th they would be receiving the resignation of Mr. Lewis, an assistant, who had decided upon eoing to college, and that there was no time to be lost. He would suggest that Mr. Lewis be written to on the matter, and, subject to his re- signation, an extra teacher should be advertised for. This was agreed to. Mr. Jacksonjladded" that as Mrs. Hughes would terminate her engagement in May, perhaps it would be as well at the same time to advertise for two teachers. He would propose that. Mr. Scott seconded, and the proposition was carried. CROSS ROADS SCHOOL STAFF. This matter came up for discussion, and was relegated to the visitors for consideration with the head teacher. THE STORM. A report as to the damage done to the building by the late gale was also referred to the visitors. Mr. James said the storm had played havoc with the school at Pontllanfraith. Some of the chimney-pots had been blown off, and others were in danger. The matter was one of immedi- ate attention. This was also referred to the visitors. TRIXANT SCHOOL. Mr. Roberts (assistant to Mr. G. Rosser, the architect) attended the Board with particulars of the furniture required for the above school, and was instructed to obtain tenders from local tradesmen, IRREGULAR ATTEDANCE AT THE NEWBRIDGE SCHOOLS. A letter was read from the head teachers of the Newbridge Schools, calling attention to the very low average attendance at the schools, which for the quarter was 69, 66, and 62 in the three departments respectively. Such a state of things was disastrous to progress, and, as H.M. Inspector remarked last year, a serious blot upon the school. They did not think that the name of having a non-efficient school should rest alto- gether upon their shoulders, and therefore sought the advice of the Board to remedy the evil. Mr. Jackson Is there any epidemic here ? Mr. Phillips No epidemic whatever. One day I went into the school, and was told that in one department there were only 80 present out of 160 children. Williams, the attendance officer, was called in, and said the epidemic of measles was very bad at Crumlm and PontUanfraith. He could not account for the low attendance at Newbridge except that it was impossible to get the children to go to school. Mr. Jackson said things had some to an abomi- nable pass. It was discreditable and disgraceful. Parents did net care for free education or the attendance officer. The Chairman I hope the reporters will not put those remarks down, or the people at Maes- teg will think you have come from the back- woods of America. ( Laughter.) Mr. Jackson I judge the district according to the children. Mr. Adams: I think it is father a reflection upon the parents, but«the officer says the children are sent to school. Mr. Jackson If I had a child, I'd see that he went to school. The attendance at Newbridge is, I am sorry to say, a reflection upon the whole Board. Mr. Adams thought there was something de- trimental in other quarters as to why the child- ren did not attend school. Mr. Jackson It must lie at the door of the parents, the attendance officer, or the Board. Evidently, there is something wrong ip the whole educational machinery here at Newbridge. Mr. Adams suggested that a meeting should be held which the parents of defaulters should be asked to attend. Mr. Phillips thought that as the Abercarn Schools were closed at present, both the officers should devote themselves exclusively to New- bridge for a time. He did not like to be W9rried every day he went out by seeing a lot of children -20 or 30—playing about who ought to be in the school, and would like somebody else to be wor- ried as well as himself. This suggestion was adopted, and it was also decided to have a special meeting for the attend- ance of parents at an early date the chairman remarking that they were determined to have better attendance. RESIGNATIONS. Mr. W. G. Stocker's resignation was accepted, as also was that of Mr. A. Pugh, the latter of whom is going to college and it was decided to write him a letter wishing him every success. APPLICATION. A letter was read from the cleaner of the Abercarn Schools, asking for an increase of wages on account of increased work through the technical instruction classes. The matter was left to the visitors. APPOINTMENT OF TEACHERS. Misses E. J. Jones and E. A, Arthan were re- appointed assistants at Newbridge and Crumlin respectively. YNISDDU SCHOOL. The clerk was instructed to advertise for a teacher in the place of Miss Edwards, who had sent in her resignation. This was all the business.

SATURDAY. Before Col. BYRDE (in the chair), Mr. E. J. PHILLIPS, Dr. A. DAVIES, Mr. W. L. PRATT, and Mr. A. A. WILLIAMS. THE INEBRIATES. James Amos was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Abersychan, on the 12th December. Defendant pleaded guilty.-P .C. Jones said that at 9 p.m., on Saturday last, he saw the de- fendant in Broad-street, Abersychan, where he was very drunk, shouting and cursing, and want- ing to fight.-Supt.. James said defendant was fined for a similar offence on the 14th ult.—He c was now fined 15s., or 10 days hard labour. James Jones (represented by his sister-in-law) was charged with a similar offence at Garndiffaith on the 8th December.-P.C. Jones said that at 11.15 p.m., on the 8th inst., he found the defen- dant drunk and falling about High-street, Garn- diffaith, with a crowd around bim.-Fined 103., or 7 days. Samuel Hughes was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Blaenavon on the 7th Decem- ber.—P.S. Thomas said that at 11.20 p.m., on the 7th inst., ha found the defendant drunk and ■quarrelling with his mother-in-law and wife, tne latter of whom complained that he had beaten her.—Supt. James said defendant had been con- victed before of assault and breach of the peace. •—He was now fined 10s., or 7 days, the Chair- man advising him not to quarrel with his mother- in-law, or he might be brought up on a more -aerious charge. Sarah Ann Jenkins was charged with a like c -offence at Blaenavon on the 12th December.— Defendant pleaded that she was excited, but not drunk.P.C. Lawrence gave evidence to the effect that defendant was both excited and drunk.—This was defendant's first appearance, And as she was in poor circumstances, the Bench considerately let her off on payment of 6s., ex- penses. LICENCE TRANSFERS. J The licence of the Crown Hotel, Pontypool, ^ras transferred from Mr. S. Dean, f ~"Mr. H. Tanner, and that of the RisingSun Inn, New Inn, from Mr. J. H. Carsley to Mrs. M. A. Onions, Sebastopol. A DANGEROUS PROCEEDING. Edwin Evans was charged with being drunk whilst in charge of a horse and cart belonging to Mr. Crossley, of the Chemical Works, Taly- wain, on Wednesday.-P.C. O'Donnell said de- fendant bad no control over the horse, wl ich was colliding with the wall near the Talywain Station. Witness took him custody, and 'took the horse and cart to the owner.—Defen- dant was fined 15s., or 10 days hard labour. NON-PAYMENT. George Howard, of Preston, was charged with -diBobeying an order of the magistrates to contri- bute 3s. 6d. per week towards the support of the illegitimate child of Eliza Paille.-Defendant did not appear, and a warrant was issued for his .apprehension. FIGHTING. George Carpenter and Richard Francis (the latter of whom did not appear) was charged th a breach of the peace by fighting at Ponty- pool, on the 21st November.—Carpenter said they were struggling a bit, but were not fighting. He admitted that Francis had challenged him to 9 ht, following up the challenge with a blow.— P.C. Bladon proved the case, and defendants were fined 10s. each. AN OLD OFFENDER. Emma Parry was charged for the 28th time with being drunk and disorderly at Pontypool -on the 5th December.—P.C. Jones said that at .8.40 p.m., on the 5th inst., he was called to the Sowhill, where he found the prisoner drunk, cursing and swearing, and not allowing anyone f' to pass. He sent her up the lane towards her house, when she became very abusive and threw herself down on the ground. Previous to that ohe had been in a nude state on the ground.— .Prisoner complained that the constable struck her with a stick.—Witness admitted giving her a -.slight touch with the stick, as she was very r ^abusive, and nothing could be done with her.— Supt. James said defendant's last conviction was -on the 16th October, when she was sent to prison for a month.—Prisoner, excitedly, Be I always drunk, man ?"—The Chairman said it was a c very difficult matter to know what to do with prisoner, as she was incorrigible. They had no -alternative but to send her to prison for a month. —Prisoner asked to have the sentence reduced r to 14 days, saying that she wasn't drunk this time.—The request was unheeded, whereupon she began crying and sobbing. When told by a 'Constable to be quiet, she peremptorily told him to shut up," and was then removed. THEFT. Edwin Green was charged on remand with :stealing a quantity of horse fodder, value 8d., the property of Messrs. Vipond & Co., Varteg, •on the 12th December.—Prisoner pleaded guuty. —P.C. O'Donnell said that at 11.30 a.m. on Saturday, the 12th instant, he saw prisoner com- ing from the direction of Messrs. Vipond s stables with something under his arm. There was a snowstorm at the time, and witness followed him down a path and across a wire fence leading to his house, where he found the bag (produced). Witness asked him what he had in the bag, and he replied, "Sawdust." Witness examined the bag, and found it con- tained horse feed, consisting of oats, beans, and hay cut up. Witness charged prisoner with stealmg it, and took him back to the stables. On the way, the prisoner said, I did take it, and I ..am very sorry I don't know what possessed me to do it."—Mr. D. R. Jones, who was present on behalf of the company, said prisoner was for- merly employed by them, but had not worked for them for the last; twelve months. During the time he was in their employ he had borne a food character.—Supt. James said nothing was nown against the prisoner—The Chairman said that, fortunately for the prisoner, they had the Sower to deal with him under the Summary urisdiction Act, and could fine instead of sen- tencing him to a term of imprisonment. The sentence of the Bench was that he be fined 20s., or 14 days hard labour.—Dr. A. Davies retired from the Bench during the hearing of this case. A DISORDERLY LOT- IN A PUBLIC-HOUSE. Frederick Thomas, Edgar Thomas, William .sulway, Philip Richards, William Smith, and George Dando were charged with being drunk on n' the licensed premises of the Market Tavern Inn Abersychan, on the 8th instant,Mr. L. E.We'hb, who appeared for the defendants, pleaded guilty on behalf of Edgar Thomas, and not guilty for the others.—P.C. Jones said that at 9.4o p.m. on Tuesday, the 8th, in company with P.O. O Don* nell, he visited the Market Tavern, Abersychan. He there found Edgar Thomas and Frederick Thomas in the kitchen. They were drunk, and had been fighting with the landlord.—The Clerk: How do you know they had been fighting ?— Witness I saw marks of blood on them, and the landlady told me they had been fighting. Pro- ceeding, the witness said the landlord asked them to turn the men out. They asked them to leave, and shortly afterwards they went-the two Thomases. Witness afterwards cleared the pas- sage and the street, there being a large crowd of people about the place. At 10.10 p.m., in com- pany with P.C.'s O'Donnell and White, he visited the house again, finding the other four defendants there drunk. Some of them were drinking out of cups. They told the landlord the state of the house and the state of the men. He said, Yes I'll get them out as soon as I can." With that some of the men drank up their beer and staggered out of the house, sup- porting themselves by the wall. They were Dando, Richards, and Sulway.—Cross-examined: Witness was induced to go to the house because he heard there was fighting there. He did not know who told him that. A boy came to the Police-station door, and said there was fighting in the house. Witness did not know the boy or who he came from. He had not learned that the boy was sent by the landlord. All the men were in the same room, on the left-hand side going in. One or two men were holding Edgar Thomas, and the landlord was in the same room. The landlord told him to turn those men out, and was tussling with them and endeavouring to put them out. Edgar Thomas was half sitting on a table. The place was in a regular uproar, and there was a lot ot broken crockery about. He noticed the first time that the other four defen- dants were there, but did not charge them with being drunk at that time-only the Thomases, and told them to go out, as they were drunk. He saw Sulway go out afterwards. He was drunk, staggering about, and kicking up a row about a dispute over a pint of beer. Smith was drunk. Witness visited another public-house later on, and saw him, but had not followed him there. Dando was drunk, and staggered about in the passage.—P.C. O'Donnell gave confirma- tory evidence, stating that in his opinion all the men were drunk he could tell it by their ap- pearance and demeanour but Smith and Sulway were the worst of the lot.-P.C. White corrobo- rated the evidence of the other constables.—For the defence Mr. Webb called William Sulway, one of the defendants, who said he went to the house at half-past 8 with John Pugh and William Webb. They had a pint of beer each, and that was all. He was perfectly sober--By Supt. James This was the fourth time he had been charged with drunkenness.—Amos Sulway said his brother (the last witness) came home soon after 10 o'clock on the night in question. He was right enough as far. as he (witness) was concerned. Witness had seen him drunk many times, but he was not drunk that night.— By Supt. James Sulway had not been to work that day. There was work for .him. He had not been on the spree and neglected his work. He supposed he wanted to have a day for himself. —Mr. Phillips: He had had Mabon's Day, and wanted to have a second Mabon s Day. (Laugh- ter.)—William Webb and John Pugh corrobo- rated with regard to gialway.-Beiiiamin Higgs deposed to Frederick Thomas being sober, giv- ing as a reason that they had a deal for a dog after Thomas left the Market Tavern.—William Hillier, the landlord, said that on the night in question Edgar Thomas started to fight with William Phillips, and witness caught hold of him to turn him out, and told his wife to send for a policeman. Witness turned him out through th passage to the door. The policeman did not turn him out of the kitchen. If he had four drunken men in the house he would not' have sent for the police.—Cross-examined Wit- ness did not know what the row was about. Edgar Thomas struck him, and witness hit mm back, and then turned him out before the police- man came. He told the policeman that Thomas had struck him, and that he had a mind to sum- mon him, but did not say that he had struck Thomas if it cost him £5. He did not tell the police that the men were drunk and that he would get them out, or that he would summon them the same as the landlord of the White Hart did. He turned the men out because the police told him to do so.—The Chairman Why did you turn sober men out? Because the policeman asked me to do it.-If the policeman asked you to do a wrong thing, would you have done it ?-I did it because the policeman asked me to do it.—Don't you consider sober men have a right to go into your house and drink a pint of beer in peace and quietness without being liable to be turned out ?—Yes.—Then why did you turn them out ?—Because the policeman asked me.—Dr. Davies: Didn't you think it right to protest under the circumstances ?-No. -And you still think them sober?-Yes.-Mr. Webb said he had two other witnesses to give evidence to the same effect. The Clerk: Carefully to the same effect ?-Mr. Webb With as-much care as they arer able to give to legal mattera. The magistrates retired to consider their decision;, and on their return into court, after an absence I. of about five minutes, the Chairman said 1 he magistrates cannot resist the evidence of three policemen, who gave their evidence very dis- tinctly, that these men were the worse for drink, or were drunk, and they fine thr-m 10s. each, or 7 days i ard labour.

GILBEY'S WINES AND SPIRITS. The British Medical Journal in an instructive article this week with reference to the reforms in the wine and spirit trade concludes as follows: In some cases, as in champagnes and brandy, it is easy to secure well known brands and guar- anteed age and so also the better kinds of claret, but hitherto this has not been easy with still wines for which the guarantee, which a well known brand on the cork, is alone calculated to give, has not been readily forthcoming. We are glad to' see that a step in the right direction is now being taken. and that not only will the pro- ducts of our colonies, such as Australian wines, be brought within the range of ordinary consu- mers and their genuineness guaranteed by the seal, label, and cork of the shipper, but the same proceeding will be adopted with ports and sherries, so that famous ports, such as those of Croft & Dow, the sherries of Gonzalez, the madeiras of Cossart, names familiar as indicating the most reliable products of their respective countrie's, and which afford a valuable guarantee, will now by the action of large firms, such as the great Co-operative Associations and of Messrs. W. & A. Gilbey, be obtainable with branded corks, just as the Glen-Spey Glenlivet Scotch whisky or John Jameson's Irish whisky, can be obtained from almost any tradesman for home consumption in the United Kingdom at a fixed price and of guaranteed age, a change likely to be greatly to the advantage of the pocket as well as the health of the consumer."

COMPARATIVE GAS PRICES IN MONMOUTHSHIRE. COMPILED FROM 11 REPORTS. Two annual returns just issued from the Board of Trade, by order of the House of Com- mons, one relating to Authorised Gas Under- takings carried on by companies, and the other dealing with gas works in the hands of Local Authorities, give a comprehensive view of prices mud for gas light throughout the country. The two returns contain the particulars of 594 under- takings 416 being those of Companies, and 178 of Local Authorities. The total capital actually employed in these gas enterprises is A:61,344,357, and the gross profit made last year was £ 2,754,473 by the Companies, and £ 1,396,569 by the Local Authorities. The general figures will impress the reader with the large proportions of the gas making business, but owing to the vary- ing cost of coals and labour, a general return of the prices charged would not be of much prac- tical value. The figures for a county, however, where the conditions are to a great extent similar, afford a guide as to the reasonableness of the price in different localities. We, there- f ore, annex a tabulated view of the price charged to private consumers by all the Authorised Gas Undertakings in this county, giving the charges of the Companies first and then of the Local Authorities. Also, in addition to the price to private consumers, we give three other items which immediately influence the price, namely, the discount allowed, the illuminating power, and the number of consumers. It should be added that nearly all the Companies' returns are made up to the end of 1890, and the returns of Local Authorities to the end of March, 1891. COMPANIES. Price to Candle No. of Place. Consumers. Discount. Power. Cera, g. d. ii. d. ? Afcercarn § 0 — ——- 16__ — — 126 Abersychan 3 9 „ ill o<n Blaenavon 4 2 — — o p.c. 11 -40 Chepstow 4 9 — 6d. 1^ ij Monmouth 4 0 — — !>> 300 Newport 2 10 to 3 25 p.c. 1607 New Tredegar 4 2 — 14 o0 55 Pontypool 3 6 to 4 6 15 £ to 16J 298 *Kisca 5 o — — I4 — 120 LOCAL AUTHORITIES. Abergavenny. 3 3 to 4 6 151 490 Tredegar. 4: 0 — 14 340 This is the last issued by the late Company and is for the year ended December 31st, 1884. No return received from new Company.

A NEW MINERS* ELECTRIC LAMP. VALUABLE INVENTION OF A FRENCH ELECTRICIAN. After unremitting labour extending ovci years, Mr. C. N. Gauzantes, a French electrical., now residing in Cardiff, has produced a miijc. v j ec one xauip which promises, when it become. known, to supply a want long felt in the mnm-y ooni.uujy, iz., a portable safety lamp Wu,¡(;Ü r-uaii give a good light and be safe. These lesuico Giiuzames has achieved by the empioyin^u, of the principle of the primary battery, this in it- self being a scientific discovery of a very mgu ^raer, because it has been hithero deemed im- possible to secure a sufficiently high vouuge lrom a primary battery to ensure steadiness cr permanence of light. The composition of the anode and of the generating fluid is at present a secret of the inventor. The battery consists vi case of tin contaning two cells, round the siUts ox which are placed, four in each cell, vertical s^ip. of carbon; in each cell a zinc rod is suspeii^e^ from the cover into the generating fluid. Biucli.-g screws are fitted to the carbon anu zinc poxes 101 connecting purposes, and the lid is tightly list- ened, being to all intents and purposes hermeti- cally sealed. Upon this lid is placed a small iiietu- descent lamp, with its guard and reiiecter, auap- ted either for diffusing the light horizontally t.-r vertically. In size the lamp is about, 4m. wide 2in. broad, and nearly 8in. in height, and easily carried by means of a light handle attixed to Lilt side. The weight of the lamp when fully charge^ is about 31b. l2oz., and it gives a surtace iigin. equal to J-candle power, or i-candle in exebs. oi that given by the most poweriul safety lamp. The prime cost of construction is only 5s., anu the weekly working cost of replenshing the bat- tery is estimated at 5Jd, whilst so little wear anu tear do the internal parts undergo that the hie of the lamp is reckoned to be five years. The metal which serves as the anode of energy is re- lined by a new and simple process, and allows a maximum generation ot current without fear of rapid polarisation, which has up to the present time proved the great obstacl to the employment of the direct source of electricity. The fluid which serves as exciter is a new combmatiou, giving in a single liquid all the properties neces- sary tor the production of a regular and constant current, not only from a dynamic point of view, but also in the re-absorption of the sulphates thereby produced. This new fluid can be mani- pulated without the slightest danger in eitner preparation or use. By two classes of the com- munity Mr. Gauzantes lamp has been received with the greatest interest-scientistlf and colliers. Amongst the former, at the first the utmost scepticism was expressed as to the possibility of obtaining the results named with a primary bat- tery. But investigation was followed by convic- tion. and the inventor has in his posession warm letters of commendation from the leading elec- tricians in this and other countries. The lamp has also been tested in Belgium by the firm which manufactures the great bulk of safety lamps for the North of Frauce, and the opinion of the firm was distinctly that the lamp was a good one. The colliers, too, have had an opportunity of expres- sing an opinion upon the merits of the lamp. At Gelli, the Naval and other important collieries in this neighbourhood, Mr."Gauzantes' lamp has been taken into the workings for experimental purposes with the most satisfactory results. At one colliery it was conclusively proved that the lamp diffused more light underground than did ten candles stuck in a circle. Mr. Whight, man- ager of the Gelli Collieries, says:—"Mr. Gauz- antes' lamp appears to meet what is wanted, and there can be no doubt that its introduction will be welcomed by the mining world because of its absolute safety and portability, combined with the excellent light." Mr. Soldenhoff, the well- known engineer, together with a few influential friends in the district, has taken the invention in hand with a view to assisting Mr. Gauzantes to place his valuable discovery before the mining world. Patents have been already taken out in several countries, and the lamp will shortly be patented in all countries where mining is carried on. There is no doubt that in a little time the inventor will have established his claim that his lamp is a veritable safety lamp, combining a max- imum of safety and efficiency with a minimum of cost.

> Of all the bread which has recently been- put | to the test, the analysts have adjudged Furlow's Housekeeper*' to be the very best.—Advt,

EMMA PARRY AGAIN. Emma Parry, Pontypool, was charged on a warrant with being drunk and disorderly in High-street, on the 5th inst., and was remanded in. custody till Saturday.

THE SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST AN ABERCARN MAN. UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS AGAINST A SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER. At Ebbw Vale Police-court on Thursday (be- fore Messrs. Edwin Grove and James Phillips) Thomas Smith, who is a Sunday school teacher at Abercarn, was brought up in custody from Abercai-n Police-court, charged, under the Criminal Law Amendment Act, with offences, during the last three months, against his step- daughter (Elizabeth Giles), aged thirteen years. Superintendent Parker, of the Monmouthshire Constabulary, prosecuted, and the prisoner was defended by Mr. T. M. Phillips, barrister, New- port (instructed by Mr. T. S. Edwards, New- port). Elizabeth Giles deposed that she had been resid- ing with the prisoner previous to Friday last. About three months ago the prisoner committed the full offence on two different occasions. She cried and struggled, and he told her not to say anything about it. She threatened to tell her aunt about the outrage, but the prisoner said You had better not. Do you want to have me in gaol for three or four years ?" She did not tell anyone about it until Tuesday, the 14th inst., and the offences took place about three months previous to that date.-Cross-exantined by Mr. Phillips The only explanation she could give for her long silence was that her step-father had told her not to say anything about the affair. The prisoner told her that what he had done was for her good, as she was ruptured, and it would make her well. > Mary Ann Davies, housekeeper to the prisoner gave evidence, and stated that complaints were first made to her on Tuesday last. Police-sergeant James, Abercarn, deposed that when he arrested the prisoner he said, I am not supposed to tell you anything now. If I shall it will be given in evidence against me again. But at the same time, I admit handling the child's person. She is ruptured, and I had to put her in a certain position on the bed to put the rupture back. All I have done to the little girl is for her good." Dr. W. H. Davies, Abercarn, said he had examined the girl, but he could not find any traces of violence but after the lapse of three months he could not positively say what had happened. After a short deliberation, the Bench con- sidered that the charge had not been proved, and dismissed the case. Smith was heartily congratulated on leaving by his many friends who had journeyed from I Abercarn, where he is well known and respected.

Great surprise has been expr eased by profes- sional gentlemen in the medical world through- but the kingdom at the wonderful cures effected by WEE E. COOPER & Co.'s RHEUO in cases of long-standing rheumatism, where all hopes of a cure had long before been abandoned. The great success attending the salea of Rheuo—which are the largest of any patent medicines for rheu- matism only, in these parts—may be accounted for by the fact that it is not offered to cure every complaint under the sun, but rheumatism only in old and young. Taken internally at regular intervals it quickly subdues the pains, and gradu- ally but surely restores the sufferer to a healthy state. DAVIS BROS., Grocers, Pontypool and Blaenavon, are the local agents, and one 2s 9d bottl will most cases also bottles, Is lid. apcl 4s 6d. Sent post free uy th# above agents, or from 599, Commercial-road, Loudon, E., op. 1 receipt of the above amounts.

YE ANCIENT LEGENDS OF CWM- BRANUS. WIOTJGHT N» TO DATA. Tune—The Mixdt e T Miseltoe hnt;s in tb e old B. s. room, T ne throp~h th" gathering gloom, I, >< ,M.C OE1> and bright, Tbey gi ve their fsurlielpers a hop to-night. X"V otfee, and buns, vnih a snri;>ki m? of tarts VvDth™wf °f SW^, mUfro their hearts; poll.icft. sco.-T^c-i, and harmless chit-chat, an UMehearseatwene irom the 1]tt]e Wac £ bat CHORUS- CM the little black ba L CI the little black bat. •r weary of sittin&" the wall ilowera cry. Tile M.C. 8 groan out, There's a lack of supply-" More lortunatc maidens float scomfallv bv V» ith a, smile on their hp, and a leer in their" eve Tue lorn maiden* sit vrith a pout and ai frown" ini-oking the aid of ghost. gOblin, or clown When out from the shelter of someone's pot hat itio-re comes to their rescue the- little black bat. Whtt would you, fair ladies r he gallantty cries, A-s he ogles them all with his beady black eyes: perceive you have cause to be hitrliv aggrieved, An<i Promise you soon sh.-t U be bighlv relieved, i bolomon s msdom I do not aspire -Nor am I endowed -vrith Promethean fire, f?, revenge I will have for all, full and fat IJ make them remember the little black bat. He invoked ^at invoked all next day, o h, sad is the fate of the L i -ie blaoifbat. at' S.P.Q.R. the author! D^Ver/a ^Plav Terro r*' h £ d fr°m or from tV>p rm'Wiic.fr* Aor2v,c0. Cwmbr&nuss j Ramification Buildi^iaS^ ConcordaDce Co"

CONSERVATISM IN WEST MONMOUTHSHIRE. THE SEAT TO BE CONTESTED The first of a secor: series of smoking con- certs promot ed by the B-:tina Constitutional and Unionist Club was beUl the Assembly-room of the Queen's Hotel, on Wednesday even- in week, when a goo i y number of members and friends assembled to hear ail address on cu* rent politics from Mr. W. H. Meredytb, Conser- vative agent for the western counties. Dr. W.E. Williams, J.P., occupied the chair, and was sup- ported by Messrs. John Dakers, J. Swinburne. J. Williams (Abertiliery), Thomas Sears J Jeffreys, J. F. Morgan, E.de V. Lamb, E.Walsh. and others. The Chairman said that they had a gentleman there who was a more able speaker thau him^If and who was their accepted candidate for West Monmouthshire at the next election. He re- ferred to Mr. Mere-lyth, and he hoped that when the time came those present would on their part prove themselves men of action, and do their utmost to ensure Mr. Meredyth's return It was an uphill fight, but by hard work it could be won; and who knew that Mr Meredyth might not yet be their future mem ber ? He now called on that gentleman to address them. I I I Mr. Mereaytn (^whose rising was the signal for an outburst of cheering, which was again and again renewed) said thiit be did not know how to thank them for the kind and flattering recep- tion which they had given him. He thought it was not due to his personal merits, but to the great cause which they were all met to support. (Cheers.) When he first received the great com- pliment of being asked to stand for this consti- tuency, the thought occurred at once to him, Why should he be asked to contest this great in- dustrial centre ? The majority against him at the election was the greatest in the whole of England, and, looking at that and the possibility of not only reducing that majority, but of turn- ing it into a minority, lie thought, in the face of such a record, that, in choosing him as their can- didate, it was the highest compliment that could have been paid him. This, it seemed, was an age when minorities were turned into majorities, and during the last two or three years they had seen majorities turned into minorities on both sides. He was connected with an organisation whose duty it was to superintend and work in aid of the Conservative and Unionist cause in seven counties, and he could say that the work done in those counties would compare favourably with the work done in any other seven counties in England or Scotland. Referring to East Dorset, he said their opponents stopped at no- thing in their endeavour to win, not even at mis- representation and falsehood. The other side were beating the big drum to the agricultural labourers, and were trying to win their votes by a series of false promises. They had come to a period in their, history when the policy of faddists and fadmongers was continually being forced oothe front. He asked his hearers tocon- trast the work of the piesent G-oven: nent with the unfulfilled promises of their opponents. The most advanced Radical must oy, ii that the present Government was behind no one in doing good for all sections of the community. He be- sought his hearers to bear in mind that these fadmongers, if they got a majority, would try to banish from public teaching all religious instruc- tion, and whether they were Nonconformists or Churchmen, they had enjoyed these benefits themselves, and they must make sure that their children enjoyed them as well. Mr. Meredyth. referring to the land question, said that Mr. Chaplin, speaking at Swindon, had promised to bring in a measure in the future session givirg small holdings to the people of this country. He (the speaker) thought there was room in the House of Commons for young men who were in- telligent observers and critics of passing events. JLf this were so, many of the questions which were now vague would become questions of earnest policy. Referring to Home Rule, he warned the audience that that question was still in the front, though it was sandwiched between two others. One man one vote and the land for the people were the bread, but Home Rule was the meat. In conclusion, he said, speaking on the labour question, it was not his desire to stir up ill-feeling or discontent. It was for them to do the best they could for the people in any rank or station in life. It was better to settle differ- ences with good feeling and harmony. He spoke not so much as a politician as one willing to do his utmost to serve the interests of his fellow- countrymen. Votis of thanks to the speaker, chairman, and visitors terminated the proceedings, which were throughout full of enthusiasm. Songs were very ably rendered by Messrs. T. Jones, R. Jones. Tillev, Smith (recitation), C. Rickards, and Thomas. Mr. O. Rickards was the accompanist, and acquitted himself in his usually efficient manner.

THE RECENT NEWPORT DISASTER. A PUBLIC FUND INSTITUTED. On Thursday afternoon week at the Town Hall, Newport, a meeting was held, convened by by his worship the mayor (Mr. H. J. Davis), for the purpose of considering the desirability of raising a fund to make compensation to the suf- ferers by the calamitous accident in Commercial- street on Sunday morning last. The chair was ol taken by the Mayor, who was supported by the town clerk (Mr. A. A. Newman), and Messrs. M. Mordey, W. A. Baker, A. G. Thomas, C. D. Phillips, and J. Barton. There was a fair attendance.—The Chairman first gave a short account of the disaster, remarking that all pre- sent, and, in fact, the whole town, could not but sympathise IwIth the sufferers in their trouble and be anxious to assist them. He hoped they would look at the matter in a simple way, asking what they would themselves expect under I similar circumstances.—Mr. W. A. Baker then proposed that a fund be created, and that his worship the Mavor be the treasurer.—Mr. Barton seconded, and proceeded to read out the names of those who had already sent in subscriptions. He said the collectors had met with most ready responses throughout the town. Altogether they had up to then received about £ 20,0. The Mayor thought it was hardly necessary to move the fund, and the motion, on being put, was car- ried unanimously.—Mr. C. P. Davies then said he should like to see some action taken on the part of the Corporation, if legal. It would enable the town as a whole to show sympathy. —Mr. Baker said the damage done was estimated roughly at about £ 1,000.—Mr. J. W. Dix sug- gested that a meeting of the ratepayers should be called in the matter--The Town Clerk inti- mated that the Corporation never paid except when an action wignt be brought against them in default. Of course, there was the ever fruit- ful expedient of a Mayor s salary.—Mr. Baker thought it was not necessary to asic the Corpora- tion to contribute a penny.—Mr. M. Mordey then moved that a committee be appointed to receive contributions and to deal with the dis- tribution of the fund.—-Mr. J. Davies seconded. —The motion was carried, the following gentle- men forming the committeeThe Mayor, Messrs. W. A. Baker, C. H. Bailey, James Barton, T. H. Howell, J. Liscombe, John [Linton, and M. Mordey.—Mr. Mordey, in the course of his speech, remarked that he opposed any public vote to the funds in view of the diffi- culty which would be felt in the event of dis- astera-similar, or even worse-in the future.— Several new subscriptions were handed in at the clorJe of the meeting.

I f WALKER f IS FIERE AGAIN! TEIS TIME TO T.X AJSTXOUJSCE THE OPENING OF HIS FINE BUILDINGS IX CRANE STREET, WHICH HAVE BEEN ERECTED AKB FITTED UP AT GREAT COST, AKD "WERE OPENED FOR BUSINESS ON SATURDAY, Nov. 28TH, AS A First-Class Restaurant and Temperance Hotel. Here the Public and Commercial GentiHBHB will FIND EVERY COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE, The COMMERCIAL ROOM being 28 FEET LoIr8;; also, THE LADIES HAVE NOT BESJT FORGOTTEN, They will have a Room for their exclusive uw, where they can enjoy a CUP OF WALKER'S SPECIAL TEA OR COFFEE. Here, the Lovers of a Nice Charcoal. GRILLED CHOP OR STEAK Will find their delight. HERE, CLUBS AND SOCIETIES MAY HOLD THEIR ANNUAL TREATS. I N F A C T, WALKER has spared no Expense or Pains TO SUPPLY THE PEOPLE OF PONTY- POOL WITH THE BEST TEMPERANCE HOTEL AND KESTAUBAXT In the County. DON'T FORGET TO GIVE WALKER A CALL. IMPORTANT NOTICE. CAKE REDUCED FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON. J. FURLOW Will SELL, from the 18th of December to tfe* 1st of January, at the following REDUCED PRTCES, VIZ. per lb- The 4d. Currant Cake, at aid- „ 6d. do., Rich Cake, at „ 6d. Sultana do., at 4!tL „ 6d. Seed do., at 5d.. „ Is. Pound do., at IQcL „ Is. Madeira do. at lOci. „ Rich Dundee dQ., Encrusted with Almonds, at lOd- „ Is. 6d. Tennis Cakes, Covered with Almond. Paste and Iding, at IQcL I ALMOND ICED WEEDING CAKES AXD BIRTHLILY CAKES Always in Stock. MINCEMEAT. CHRISTMAS HAMPERS OF SWEETS AND CHOCOLATE. BONBONS, SUTA. CLAvJS STOCKINGS &c., &c, &c. PORT, SHERRY, AND GINGEll WINB. t rom 6d. per Bottle. J. FURLOW, PASTRYCOOK, &c., GEORGE-ST. AND CRANE-ST. PONTYPOOL. I- II