The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General Advertiser for the Counties of Brecon Carmarthen Radnor Monmouth Glamorgan Cardigan Montgomery Hereford

13RECON AND MEETHTE TYDFIL JUNCTION RAILWAY COMPANY. An extraordinary general meeting: of the ordinary shareholders in this company was h-ld on Monday morning at the offices in Brecon. Mr. Mann, presided, and there were also preterit Mr. W. rip Winton, Mr. H. de Winton, Mr. J. R. Cohb. Mr. Henshaw (manager), and Mr. W. Thompson (spcr. tary). The Chairman also produced proxies to the amount of 9136,500. The Secretary having read the notice convening the meeting, the scheme of arrangement was taken as read. The Chairman then said he did not see that it was possible for him to say anything more than was said in the last circular. In that they fully explainer! what the difficulties in their way were. In the firsf place, they wanted £ 60.000 to pay their debts thev also wanted the debenture holders to agree to the scheme of arrangement, so as to avoid the appoint- ment of a receiver and the third difficulty was the deficiency of the income to meet the deben'u'e interest. By the scheme filed, supposing it was con- firmed by the court, and they could raise £ 60,000, thev would clear off the debts, and the only difficulty then would be the deficiency of the income. In regard to that matter, b° could onlv say they were doinnr all they could with a vifw of overcoming the diffi- culty, but of course it was impossible for them to force the matter further than thev w're doing-. They were doing: the best they could to bring about a satisfactory arrangement with other companies, and to develope the traffic, and they could do no more. He was quite prepared to go into all the details if they thought there would be any food in it, but he thought they were quite as well acquainted with the affairs of the company as he was. If they did not wish it therefore he would put the resolution, that the scheme of arrangement filed by the direc- tors of the Brecon and Mprthyr Tydfil Junction Railway Company, on the 19tb October, 1869, be and is hereby approved, confirmed, and assented to. Mr. H. de Winton seconded the motion, which was agreed to new?, con. The proceedings then terminated,

BRECON COUNTY COURT. FBIDAT, before THOMAS FALCONER, Esq., Judge. COSTS OF APPREHENDING A PRISONER. HENRY LEE V. J. H. ROBINSON.—In this case, which was heard at the last county court, His Honour gave judgment. His Honour said The plaintiff in this case is the superintendent constable of the borough of Brecon, and sues the defendant for £1 12s., the cost of arresting a man chaiged with embezzlement, who was afterwards tried for this offence. The plaintiff says the defendant wished him to execute the warrant of arrest, the plaintiff being the clerk of Messrs. Gunter and Thomas, timber merchants. The defendant says that he was asked by the plaintiff if he should fetch the man," and that he said "yes what is the use of his beina: there," but that he did not know who was to pay The question was what charge the plaintiff could make for his services, and as this depended on the general rules governing the police, I stated that I should make enquiries into the practices of borough towns. This is the it,formation I have obtained In a borough having its own police, if a magiVrate signs a warrant, on the application of a private prosecutor, for the apprehension of a person charged with, say, embezzlement, and residing, say, twelve miles off, before the superintendent constable exe- cutes it he applies to the prosecutor for the expenses of the arrest. If the latter decline to pay the expenses he will take no steps to apprehend the person charged outside the jurisdiction of the borough. Suppose, again, that the superintendent, having con- fidence in the prosecutor that he will reimburse liim his expenses, sends an officer to the place, and appre- hends, or endeavours to apprehend, the person charged, he would be entitled to charge (as in practice he does) the prosecutor with the reasonable expenses so incurred. When the superintendent incurs expenses, and receives them from no other source, he sends in his bill to the council, and if the finance committee see no objection to it, then it is paid out of the borough fund and this is the usual course in a great many cases. The justices' certifi- cate does not include extra expenses, nor does the taxing officer at assizes allow them, and most cer- tainly not the rules at quarter sessions, though in cases of importance the judge of assize would make a special order. I have no doubt, however, that a private prosecutor is liable to the borough superin- tendent of police for any expense which may be incurred in apprehending an offender under a warrant, executed out of the borough. It is no part of the duty of the borough superintendent and constable to go out of the borough district unless especially directed to do so, and if he complies with such a direction on the part of the prosecutor he would be entitled to be paid the exp-nsps he incurs in going beyond the borough.—Judgment was accordingly entered for the plaintiff. AGENT, OR PRINCIPAL ? WILLIAM PRICE V. W. J. ROBERTS.—The plain- tiff in this case is the landlord of the Bell Inn, Brecon, and he sued the defendant, a traveller for Mr. Sayers, brewer, to recover the sum of Y,22, for malt alleged to be sold to him. Mr. D. W. J. Thomas was for the plaintiff, and Mr. Games for the defendant. The complainant stated that the defendant came to him and asked him if he had any malt for sale, and he replied he had, and wanted 48s., but that he would take less for ca-h defendant said he wanted to keep the brewery (Mr. Sayers') going, as he was in treaty for it, and expected to have an answer from Mr. Sayers' mother in a few days defendant also promised to pay him for the malt a soon as be had it; he agreed to sell 10 sacks for 44s. per sack cash, and on the following dav the malt was sent down in about a fortnight af erwards Mr. Roberts called at his house and asked him at what price he would supply some more; he told the defen- dant he could not do it except for cash, and the defendant said that would not do he also told defen- dant he had thought of calling for the money for the other malt, and defendant said if he would call the next day he would let him have it; he called the next day, and found Mr. Roberts in the office he said he had come for the money, and Mr. Roberts replied that he was sorry he could not give it to him, bat that Mr. Sayers had been filed a bankrupt by some bad people defendant also showed him a sheet with his name upon it, and he said, "I've nothing at all to do with Sayers-it is to you I look for the money, as it was to you I sold itdefendant then told him to wait quietly for a bit, and he should have his money, and that he would see him paid; he told defendant he had deceived him, as he had told him it was for himself, as he had expected to have the brewery, and defendant said he was very sorry he understood from defendant that Sayers was giving up the business, and he gave credit to Roberts alone, and told his man to put the malt down to Roberts it was also entered on his ledger to Roberts, but he was foolish enough to alter it to Sayers the day he saw the defendant in his office witness had had no dealings with Sayers, and had made no claim against Sayers' estate, as it was to the defendant he had sold the malt. Cross-examined I have lived in the neighbour- hood for some years, and have known Roberts as Sayers' agent'for about 18 years I sold a horse to Sayers, who paid me himself; I have bought beer from Sayers I bought two barrels of porter after- wards, for which I have not paid I offered malt at Sayers' brewery, and about three weeks afterwards the defendant called the malt was to be delivered at Sayers' brewery when at the office I saw the defendant, but not Sayers defendant did not say there was any mistake in the price; I will swear Sayers was not in the office when I went; the brewery was not going on as usual when Mr. Roberts came and purchased the malt; have not applied to Sayers for the money. Mr. Games having addressed the court for the defence, called the defendant, Mr. W. J. Roberts, who deposed I have been acting as agent for Mr. Sayers' brewery for about 18 years, eight years of that time being for Mr. Sayers himself; I gave all orders for local mutters, but for orders at a distance Mr. Savers wrote' him- self; during those years no one order was booked to me I had no doubt of his solvency at the time I bought the malt of Mr. Price I heard that Mr. Price had been down to the brewery offering malt for sale, and in consequence I was sent up by Mr. Sayers to purchase for him, and I did so I told him I was sent by Mr. Sayers to buy some malt, and asked him the price, and be gave it to me it was arranged that Mr. Sayers should send for the malt with his own horse and cart; the ma!t was con- verted in the brewery for the benefit of Mr. Sayers, and I had nothing to do with it except as agent I had been off red the brewery for months before that, and I made a proposal, which was not accepted; Mr. Price did not say a word about booking the malt to me if be had I should not have sanctioned it for one moment; about a fortnight afterward" perhaps, plaintiff came down to me for the money I was in the office at the time, and Mr. Sayers was there on one occasion, but whether it was the first or second time I do not know the plaintiff asked for his money, and it was not convenient to pay I sup- pose he asked me, but it was a general thing to apply to me, because I paid 19s. cut of every £ 1 for Mr. Sayers; the bill produced is a correct bill, made out at the time Mr Price was in the office, and wa, amongst the bankruptcy papers that went to Bristol; this is the only case in which I have personally been asked to pay Mr. Sayers' debts. Cross-examined I submitted this bill to Price, and he looked at it I do not know that Mr. Price asked me to draw out the bill; I was agent and traveller I occasionally looked at the books and made the entries there was a young man there also; Mr. Sayers did not take the interest in the books that he oupht to; I knew more of the books than he did I do not know there was a standstill for a fortnight, but this was summer, and it would be nothing unusual; I cannot say whether there was any malt on the premises I negotiated with Mr. Moss, of London, about the business, and Mr. Cooper, of London I did not know anything of Mr. Sayers' cash account, but. only as far as his liabilities went, and his local assets the overtures were made to me to purchase the business I did not know that Mr. Sayers was in such a position as to be bound to give up. Mr. Thomas Did you not get some beer from a brewer in this town on the representation that you would pay for it?—Mr. Roberts No, sir. By His Honour I did not agree to pay cash down; the usual credit for malt would be four months; the cash payment would be in a fortnight or three weeks could not say what money there was in hand at the time the malt was ordered; Sayers was drawing the money from me as fast as I collected it, to pay -other accounts, which were •pressing. By Mr. Thomas Mr. Price did not ask me for the money above two or three times during this time (July 19) and the time of Mr. Sayers' bankruptcy, in September plaintiff might have come down by appointment for the money, hut I cannot say never told him to come down the next day, and be should have the money. Mr. Thomas What was the reason you told Mr. Price you were going to buy the brewery for yourself ? Did you generally tell him all your concerns?—Mr. Roberts There was no secret in it at all. Mr. Thomas Did you say you were certain to have the business in your bands.-Witness No, I did not. His Honour Nothing of the kind?—Witness No, I could not I had no reason at that time to think I should I might have said I was in treaty for it, and that I was expecting an answer. Mr. Thomas Why should you tell him all this?- Witness I cannot say. Q. Was not Mr. Sayers' credit very shaky?—A. No, it was not. Q. Was it not because of the shaky condition of his credit that you were making overtures?—A. No. Q Had you not great difficulty in getting malt at the time you went to Mr. Price?—A. No, not at all. Q. How was it you had no malt afterwards?—A. I do not know that we had no malt afterwards. By Mr. Gams s There was a large stock of beer in ths cellars at this time- from 200 to 300 barrels Mr. Price purchased some porter after this occur- rence. His Honour Did Sayers say anything about the bill; what took place wheu Price came to the office ?-Witress, I told him he had charged me with the malt in error, and that it was not for me, but for Mr. Sayers, and Mr. Sayers admitted it was for him. By Mr. Games Mr. Sayers gave me instructions to pay the bill if I could get the money Mr. Cooper told me everybody under £10 should be paid in full, because I told him it was hard upon the Brecon creditors, and I have done all I could to get them paid I understand he would not because some of the creditors pressed his relative into the Bankruptcy Court. Mr. Thomas Now, didn't Sayers file the petition himself ?-A. No, he did not. Q. Who did it then? —A. Mr. Riddle was the creditor who did it. Q. Did Price ask you to make that bill ?-A. He was there, and saw it. Q Did Price ask you to make out that bill, I want to know ?-A. If you will ask me a question civilly I will give you a civil answer. It may be professional, but it certainly is not gentle- manly to speak in the way you are. His Honour It is not professional, and I wish it was not done. In the country attorneys often get a bad example set them by the bar of the higher courts. Mr Roberts If you will ask me in a gentleman- like manner I will answer you just as well. Mr. Thomas Did Pi-ic,, ask you to make out that bill ?—Mr. Roberts I made out the bill, and sub- mitted it to him Q. Will you swear Price knew what was in the bill ?-A. He could see it, and I dare say he is scholar enough. His Honour Did you read it to him ?—Witness I cannot say whether I read it, but I showed it to him he did not say anything. Mr. Thomas Had you not bought beer at this time?-A. Yes; but that is nothing unusual. Q. Was there not a large stock locked up in the celiar because of the proceedings in bankruptcy ? His Honour We have had quite enough upon all those matters. Mr. Thomas: Did you know, when you negociated with Mr. Moss and other gentlemen, that he had a heavy claim upon it ? His Honour I do not see what you want all this for ? Mr. Thomas I want to have an answer to that question. His Honour (emphatically) I don't. Go on to something else. The examination of the witness then concluded, and His Honour proceeded to deliver his judgment. He went minutely into the evidence, specially re- ferring to the fact that in the first place Price charged Roberts, and then, in regard to the question of whether Price was "justified in charging him, alluding to the admission of defendant, that some conversation took place at the time of sale as to the brewery changing: hands. Was it not probable that the statement of defendant led the plaintiff to believe that be was dealing with the principal ? Supposing such to b. the case, there was nothing to prevent the debt being transferred to another if all three are present and agree to it. The statement of the defendant however, did not at all satisfy him that such was the case. If defendant could have shown that Price directed defendant to make out that bill, or assented to it, he would be discharged from his liability, but his answers on that point were very unsatisfactory. He did not show assent. All he described might have taken place with the greatest possible dissent. He (his Honour) asked defendant whether he read it to plaintiff, and he said he showed it. He asked him what Price said, and he replied "nothing." That did not amount to anything to discharge the personal obligation, and the verdict would be for the plaintiff. THE EQUITY CASE. MARY DAVIES V DAVID PRICE MORGAN.—Mr. David Thomas for plaintiff, and Mr. C. H. James, of Merthyr, for the defendant. In this case his Honour delivered judgment. He said: This suit in Chancery was commenced June 3, 1869, and was sent down for hearing to this court bv an ord"r of Vice- Chancellor Stuart, dated July 20, 1869. Some delay I believe in the form of the order, which bears a correction on the face of it, seems to have thrown the hearing over to the last month, which was the sitting held after the September vacation. The suit is instituted in order to obtain an assignment of dower. The plaintiff married her late husband, John Davies, on the 25th of February, 1825, and he died on the 10th day of April, 1838, intestate, leaving the plaintiff surviving him, Her hus- band was enutled in fee simple in possession, to a freehold messuage and lands at Pwll- gwillim. At one time .£10 a year was paid as dower to the mother-in-law of the plaintitf, and £ 10 a year to the plaintiff in respect of their dower claims. Mr. Theophilus Jones (a witness in this cause) married the mother-in-law. She died in February, 1866. The property had been put up to auction by the son of the plaintiff, and had been bought by this Mr. Jones for LI,100, and by Mr. J on.s it was sold to the present defendant, Mr. D. P. Morgan, for XI,280 The extent of the property is about sixty acres. The deed of purchase distinctly states that the property is subject to dower, and the amount named is EIO. As this was clearly made known when the deed of purchase was pre- pared, it was the duty of the conveyancer to have had enquiries made respecting the actual amount of the third which the plaintiff, for her dower. was entitled to, and thus to have protected the purchaser. It is true £10 was named, but, nevertheless, dower, or the third, was an ascertainable amount. There was no concealment of the fact of dower being chargeable, and the deed itself places it beyond con- troversy. The defendant has expended X241 on outbuildings, and the prayer of the bill is that the plaintiff may be declared to be entitled to dower out of the freehold hereditaments comprised in an inden- ture of the 27th September, 1866, together with all improvements and additions which may have been made by the defendant thereon and thereto that an assignment of dower may be made, and that certain accounts may be taken. There can be no doubt the plaintiff is entitled to her dower, and that the defen- dant, though a purchaser of the estate, is under the obligation to assign it, or to satisfy the claim of the plaintiff. A question was asked if the plaintiff was to be entitled to the benefit of building improvements made by the defendant. A note to page 32 of Coke on Lyttleton was read, to the effect that she would not be so entitled. The point, however, was fully considered in the case of Riddle v Gwinnell, I Ad. and Ellis N.S., 682, and Mr. Bell, in his work On the Law of Property arising from the relation of husband and wife," p. 239, says 11 According to the law as now ascertained, therefore, the widow is enti'lrd to be endowed as of that value at the date of her husband's death, having in her assignment the benefit of any improvements made by the husband or his alienee, whether agricultural in their nature or otherwise suffering the disadvantage on the other hand of any dilapidations, whether made by the husband, or by his alienee and she can neither be benefited by any improvements nor pre- judiced by any dilapidations made by the heir of the husband after the husband's death, and before the date of the assignment of dower." We have the permission," said Lord Denman, of Sir Edward Sugden to state that he always considered the rule to be, that the widow was entitled to have assigned to her, as her dower, so much in value as is equal to a third in value, according to the condition of the estate at the time of the husband's death." (p. 693.) 1.—The decree must be that the plaintiff is dowerable in respect of the lands mentioned in the indenture of the 27th day of July, 1866. 2.—Let the plaintiff be assigned her dower on such freehold lands and tene- ments according to their value at the time of the death of her husband, and let particular lands be set out and assignpd for this purpose. 3.And let an account be made of rents and profits of the said hereditaments received by, or by the order, or for the use of the defendant, and that the defendant may pay to the plaintiff a third part thereof, and whatsoever may become due from the defendant on this behalf. 4.-That there be certified by the regis. trar what is so due, or may be payable hereafter by any consent or agreement of the parties or other. wise. 5.—That the defendant do pay the plaintiff the costs of the suit up to this time. His Honour added the decree followed the form at p. 677 of Seton on Decrees but as the excess which would be payable to the plaintiff, beyond that she now received, would not be much, he hoped further litigation might end, as the costs might become very considerable and burthensome to both parties.

THE POSTAL TELEGRAPH.—On Wednesday the alterations at the chief post office being completed, the transfer of the wires and instruments from the Telegraph Company's offices took place, under the superintendance of the clerk in charge, Mr. Jones. The Government do not however take the responsi- bility of working the same until 1870. The company still retain the control of the wires, and receive the payments for transmission of messages. The change is simply, therefore, for the present, one of locality only. THE C. C. C.—We understand that Mr. J. Lover- ing, familiarly known as "Joe," the professional bowler attached to the above cricket club, is about to accept a very liberal offer of the Etonians, and become their professional coach" for a few months. It is almost needless to add that his able services will be very much missed by the home players, and that the usual invincible array pitched against the teams competing on the Cadoxton cricket ground, will suffer in a greater degree than perhaps the members of the club will be willing to acknowledge. We indulge the hope that the juniors will "look up" the talent of the neighbourhood, and endeavour to maintain the position the club has already gained. POPULAR READINGS.—The readings of Thursday at the Town-hall, under the direction of the Mechanics' Institute Committee, were most ably carried out, the programme being more especially attractive through the announcement that Miss Winchcomb and Mr. Hugh Williams would assist on the occasion. Miss Winchcomb met with a most enthusiastic reception, being encored in both her son;>s, "Come back to Erin," and "To-morrow." Mr. Hugh Williams, as an old favourite, was rap- turously encored, but only replied on one occasion. The readings were short, but interesting, and the glee party as usual acquitted themselves admirably Taken as a whole the entertainment was as pleasant as it was successful. STATUTE FAIR.—The second hiring fair took place on Wednesday, when, although the number of servants seeking places was less than at the previous hiring, they appeared to be of a more respectable and better conducted class. Very few failed to meet with en. gagements, even at advanced salaries. The usual in. congruity of dress and colours was singularly absent among those who stood the fair." GREEN STREET IMPROVEMENTS.—The huge un- sightly hoarding which has so long stood on the foot- path in Green-street, has at length been removed. Three very neat yet spacious and imposing shops re place the old ruins formerly existing between Mr. Barry's establishment and Mr. Harris's. Convenience and accommodation have not been lost sight of ex- ternally, as well as internally, and the street is fast be- coming the Oxford of the town. The propose improvements facing Charlesville-place, including the Music-hall, have not as yet been taken in hand. ROMAN CATHOLIC ism. -Two I ecture, s are announced to be given at the Old Wesleyan Chapel, now the Roman Catholic Church. The first will be, On the reasons why Roman Catholics cannot conscientiously become Protestants or Nonconformists" The second is "On Oecumenical Councils, and the safety of believing the doctrines therein defined." A collec- tion (but no charge for admission) will be made after each lecture. As usual, the subjects are well chosen, and significantly timod, although the converse of the first would doubtless form a wider and more interest- ing field for argument than the reply to a question which nobody outside the pale" cares to ask. THE ASSIZES.—Mr. Justice Montague Smith will hold the Winter Assize for this county, at Cardiff, on the 14th December. BANKRUPTS.—William Parker, of Neath, con- tractor, carrier, dealer, and chapman, has been adjudged a bankrupt, and the last examination is to be held at the Town-hall on the 23rd proximo; Donald Fraser, of James-street, coachbuilder, has also to attend the first meeting of his creditors on the 6th proximo. BELSHAZZAR'S FEAST."—The tickets for the above amateur sacred dramatic performance at the Town- hall are being rapidly secured. The novelty of the entertainment, and the various opinions respecting the propriety as well as the success of the performance, have added to the excitement and desire to secure places. Judging from the numerous rehearsals and the interest taken in the cast" by the amateurs themselves, there is every prospect of the reception proving an encouragement to future efforts in the dramatic line. LECTURE ON ST. PAUL.—On Monday last a lecture was delivered by the Rev. R. Roberts, of London, at the Wesleyan Chapel, Briton Ferry (kindly lent for the occasion), on "St. Paul, a true type of man- hood." The attendance was fairly good, though perhaps not equal to the high merits of the lecturer, who treated his subject in a masterly manner, and without sectarian bias. A vote of thanks to the lecturer was proposed by the Rev. W. Crofts, and carried by acclamation, at the conclusion of his able and eloquent discourse. THE GLAMORGANSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.— The annual meeting of the above society took place on Tuesday, when the Hon. Godfrey Morgan, M.P., was unanimously elected president for the ensuing year, Mr. Huntley being again appointed secretary. In reference to the late show held in this town a very satisfactory report, was presented to the committee, and it was decided that the next year's show should be held at Cowbridge, when several extra and valuable prizes will swell the list. THE HARMONIC SOCIETy.-Final arrangements for the forthcoming performance of the oratorio at St. David's Church are to be completed at the committee meeting of the society on Monday next, and as the movement is perhaps one of the most important ever attempted under similar circumstances, we shall endeavour to lay before our readers full particulars of the arrangements as soon as they are definitely settled. HONOURS.—We have the gratification of stating that at the Oxford local examination, under the statute De examinatione candidatorum qui non sunt de corpore Universitaty," Master Moxham was placed first in the second division, and that he gained the prize for elementary and natural philosophy. A highly complimentary letter accompanied the prize, the youthful but successful competitor having since the examination left England for America.—Mr. Levi Thomas, of Neath, has latelyr eceived the degree of D.D. from Rochester college, America, as a token of honour for his long and successful labours as a popular preacher, and theological writer. VOLUNTEER PRIZES.—The prizes won at the late rifle shooting competition of the 15th G. R. V. were distributed on Thursday evening at the Town Hall by Captain Rowland. Refreshments were also pro- vided for the corps, the company having paraded previously to the prize distribution. THE POPULAR READINGS AT BRITON FERRY.— The unfortunate misunderstanding which occurred between the Popular Readings Committee and the late Amateur Concert Committee has, we are glad to say, been very amicably settled, and the following notice has been published in reference to the matter :— Notice.—Whereas the public are aware that the committee had resigned, in consequence of its being understood that a slight was put upon them, by being excluded from the concert arrangement. The committee feeling perfectly satisfied, from the explanation received, that nothing of the kind was intended, either to them or the public, on whose behalf the committee labour, but merely an error of judgment, or over- sight, which led to the misunderstanding, and which has been amply apologised for. As a proof of the good feeling now existing, the committee have withdrawn their resignation, and the usual Readings will take place on Thursday evening, over which the honorary secretary of the late concert, E. S. Morris, Esq., will preside. The efforts of the Readings Committee have been most highly appreciated in the neighbourhood, and the full house which again assembled to patronize the Readings on Thursday, was a sufficient proof that their praiseworthy exertions on behalf of the Church Completion Fund are valued as they deserve to be by the inhabitants of the town. The programme was most ably carried out by the performers announced for the occasion. THE LATE STABBING CASE AT PONTARDAWE.- William Williams, charged with stabbing Daniel Rees (before the Pontardawe justices), was committed for trial on Saturday. The evidence was to the effect that on the 13th instant, at eleven o'clock at night, the prosecutor, the prisoner, and several others, were walking along the road near the Graig, Languicke, and when by the house of a man named Evans the prisoner challenged Rees to fight. He refused, and the prisoner struck him. A scuffle ensued, and both fell to the ground. Whilst grappling with each other the prosecutor (Rees) received several cuts about the neck. A doctor was sent for, and Mr. G. Griffiths dressed the wounds. There was a large gash behind the left ear, a semi-circular cut on the left cheek, a cut through the bottom of the left ear, and a cut on the forehead. The knife was afterwards found by one of the police officers named Thomas, about six yards behind the hedge near the place of the struggle. The prisoner, when taken into custody, said he did not intend to cut the prosecutor, but only to cut away the handkerchief round his neck, which Rees had hold of so tightly as nearly to choke him. He will be tried at the Swansea Quarter Sessions. THE TIN WORKS.—We understand that an ener- getic effort to bring about a combined reduction in the make of tin plates has been initiated in this neighbourhood as one of the chief representatives of the works in Glamorganshire. For the interests of the trade generally we trust the movement may be a successful one. THE LATE MR. BOONE'S AFFAIRS.-In the case of Kidd v Boone, in the High Court of Chancery, the full particulars of claims against the estate, together with a statement of securities held, are to be trans- mitted forthwith to the widow's solicitor, at Neath. The adjudication in reference to all the claims will take place on the 20th proximo. AN IRISH ENTERTAINMENT AT THE TOWN-HALL. —The town has during the past week been pretty freely placarded with attractive posters announcing that Miss Laura Honey, Mr. Dan Moynehan, Mr. John Levy, and Mons. A. Sicard would give their highly moral, humorous and intellectual entertain- ment, entitled Music, Mirth and Mimicry," at the Town-hall,on Thursday evening. How far theentert ain- ment came up to the announcement, may be judged from a brief description of the proceedings of the evening. Mons. Sicard and his pianoforte perfor- mances were represented by Mr. Levy, the Shakes- perian reciter, with a violin, the latter instrument forming the entire orchestra, dignified especially through the performer occupying the judge s chair. The first part of the programme was partly omitted, and two songs only were given in the second part; the singing of which was positively execrable. The concluding farce, in which the female performer per- sonated three characters, inmates of a lunatic asylum was nothing better than a libellous and objectionable burlesque throughout, painfully trying to the for- bearance and feelings of the audience, many of whom left the room before its conclusion. The entertain- ment terminated shortly after 10 o'clock. The meagre patronage bestowed upon other, less preten- tious, but more respectable entertainments in the town is mainly due to the damaging influence exer- cised by such visitants as the company we have re- ferred to. We trust, however, that our notice of the attractions may be the means of teaching per- formers to clothe their jokes in more decent gar- ments, and their acting in less buffoonery.

BOROUGH POLICE COURT. MONDAY, before the MAYOR and EX-MAYOR. IMPORTANT CONVICTION UNDER THE NEW BYE-LAW. -Saralt Lewellyn was summoned for a breach of the bye-law, recently published, having reference to the keeping of houses of ill-fame.-Mr. Alfred Curtis deposed to the making and publication of the bye-law referred to, and also to its transmission to the Sec- retary of State,-Rebecca Davies, an "unfortunate," deposed that the defendant lived at the corner of Mackworth-lane, and that she lodged with her, and paid her Is. 6d. per week, besides one-fourth of the money given to her while in pursuit of her calling other girls lodged in the house, and paid the same terms to the defendant, by agreement.—Sergeant Phelps deposed that he served the summons on the defendant, and that there were at that time several prostitutes in the house, one of whom was a con- victed thief.—The Bench, after warning the defen- dant, fined her 20s. and costs, or one month's hard labour. The GENTLE SELIWA."—In the case of Selina Arnold, who so brutally attacked a servant girl with a poker a short time ago, Dr. Russell was bound over to attend and give evidence at the Quarter Sessions. SPECIAL CONSTABLES.—William Geen and Henry Grandfield were sworn in as special constables. DRUNKENNESS.—Thomas Jenkins was charged with being drunk fnd disorderly in the public streets.— He was fined 12s. 6d., including costs. SERIOUS ROBBERY AT THE MELYN TIN WORKS.— Willia- Stagg was charged with having stolen a quantity of metal from the Melyn Tin Works.— the principal evidence was that of Mr. David Roberts, one of the managers, who deposed that the prisoner was employed as a labourer at the works, but occa- sionally as a night watchman in the manufacture of the tin plates it was the custom to place bars of metal, made of tin and lead, or lead alone, at the bottom of pickling" pots some of the metal was missed about a fortnight ago, and on Saturday morning another quantity was missed from the works; the various pieces of metal produced had apparently all been melted down the piece of implement shown was part of what was called a "tin tongs it was used for dipping in the tin the plates undergoing that process; the two last bars that were missed weighed Silbs. each.—Mr. Roberts, in reply to the prisoner, said he had never known him take anything before; but, in reply to the ex-Mayor, he said that while watching the works at night he would have access to the bars and other metal.—Superintendent Phillips deposed that he received certain information which led him to make enquiries and search various places, and on Wednesday he went to the prisoner's house he found the wife at home, but the prisoner was out while searching the place with Sergeant Phelps they found the metal produced the bright metal was in the cupboard/and the old metal in the corner of the room he then waited till the prisoner came in, when he charged him with stealing it; he said he had never touched a bit of the metal, and added, "I have often cautioned my wife never to buy anything valuable I have full liberty to go over the works, and have never touched any thing he was then brought to the station until the lead was weighed there proved to'be 641bs.' altogether the prisoner then said, "Don't lock me up—I'll appear I can't help what my wife has done." The Superintendent added that there was a marine store at the prisoner's house, said to be kept by the pri- soner's wife.-The Bench considered there was not sufficien t evidence to convict the prisoner, and he was discharged, a warrant being ordered to issuefjagainst the wife for receiving the stolen metal. COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS, FRtDAY, before ROWEL GWYN, Esq., and the Rev. WALTER GRIFFITHS. THE CHARGE OF STEALING A CHAIR. Henry Arvott was brought up on remand, charged with stealing a chair from Mr. Saunders' porter stores, at Melyncrythan. The particulars of the case have been given in our columns. TheFBench^considered that the chair was taken without any felonious intention in a drunken lark, and they accordingly dismissed the charge. DRUNKENNESS.— Thomas Barrett, who did not appear when called, was charged with!;being drunk and using abusive and indecent language at Glyn- corrwg. He was fined 10s. and costs. AFFILIATION.—James Rosser was summoned by Mary Davies to show cause why he should not con- tribute to the support of her illegitimate child. Defendant did not appear. Service of the summons was proved, and the officer stited that the defen- dant laughed, and said all right," when the service took place. The Bench made the usual order. VAGRANCY.Tonah Richards, a youth well known in the neighbourhood through his connection with the reformatory, and his short periods of service on license in the neighbourhood, was brought before the borough magistrates, charged with the above offence. He was found by the officer who took him into custody sleeping in an old sawpit, at Melyn- crythan, and on being roused he stated that he had been to the "Readings" with his master, and had missed him on the return home. He subsequently made another statement, explaining his being found in the pit. When before the Bench, however, he pleaded hard to be let off, promising to try and do better for the future." The Bench took a merciful view of the case, and discharged him with a caution. WEDNESDAY, before the MAYOR. THE METAL STEALING CASE I-Ann Stagg, the wife of the employe at the Melyn Tin Works, recently charged with stealing metal the property of the company, was brought before the Mayor on a war- rant, charged with receiving the metal knowing it to have been stolen. Mr. David Roberts repeated the evidence given in the case against the male prisoner, and added that a quantity of sheet lead had been missed about a fortnight since, as well as the leaden pickling pot bars the lead found, however, had been all melted down, so that it could not be recog- nized he produced a pattern from which the bars were cast. On this evidence the Bench remanded the prisoner to Thursday. DRUNKENNESS.- John Gethin was fined 5s. and costs for the above offence. THURSDAY, before the same Magistrate. The prisoner, Ann Stagg, was brought up in order to complete the depositions. John William Stobbart deposed: I am eleven years of age, and live at Melyncrythan I was with John Morgan on Friday, and went to the tin works to where the white pickling is done; he took a bar of metal, and I took one he doubled them up with two stones, and we hid them in the coal; at nine we fetched them, and took them to Mrs. Stagg; he carried one, and I the other, hid under our jackets she didn't ask us where we got them, but gave us 5d. each for them I never took any before, although I have been in the works fre- quently we could tell the metal was lead by the cuts made in it by the tin.—Cross-examined by pri- soner You did say, If its anywhere you ought not to bring it from don't bring it to me;" that was after you bought the lead.- John Morgan corroborated all that the last witness had said, and added that they hid the lead in a field, and that Mrs. Stagg gave them 7d. each on the Monday after, Stobbart and he sold her some sheet lead off the top of the pickling pots, for 5d. each.- Stobbart, in re-examination, said he had been to the prisoner's house three times altogether the first bar was taken on a Friday morning, the other on Friday evening, and they were sold on Saturday four bars were taken altogether.—Cross-examined by prisoner I told you we got them from the works, not out of the river.— Superintendent Phillips recapitulated his previous evidence, and also stated that the prisoner said she had no objection to his searching her honse; she showed him a box with some scraps of lead in it, and said that was all she had. In a cupboard, however, he found the metal produced, and she said it was old metal melted down she also stated that she had sold 301b. to Mr. Fleming some time ago; he cautioned her as to what she said, and she told him she did not know the boys she bought it of.—The Bench on this evidence, as the prisoner offered no defence, committed her for trial at the next quarter sessions. A DISHONEST FELLOW LODGER. —John Lewis, alias John Wirlls was charged with stealing a watch and chain from his fellow lodger, Hugh Smith. It appeared from the evidence that the prosecutor slept in the same bed as the prisoner, and that in the morning he missed his watch and chain from under his pillow. He gave information to the police, and the prisoner was apprehended at Brecon.—Prisoner stated the watch had been given him by the prose- cutor to pawn. This however he denied.—The Bench took a different view of the matter, and committed the prisoner for trial. A WEALTHY IMPOSTOR.—A fellow named Michael Ward was taken before the Bench charged with begging. A quantity of coppers was found upon him, and the Bench ordered that he be seen out of the town, and that Is. of the money found on him should be deducted for maintenance. His companion, a cripple with a stumped arm, was allowed to go free. FURIOUS RIDING.-Edmonton Chamley was charged with the above offence.-Thomas Davies deposed that he saw the defendant riding at a furious rate through the public streets, and while doing so he came in con- tact with a person named Thos. Hughes, from Ystaly- fera, and knocked him down.—The Superintendent stated that the man's head was cut in a most dreadful manner, and though the defendant appeared to have the horse well in hand, he would not stop when called to.—P.O. Richards said that the defendant came volun- tarily to the station subsequently, and said he was the person who had caused the accid-t. Defendant pleaded that the horse ran away with him, and the Bench dismissed the charge.

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING. A special meeting of the Town Council was held on Monday, when the following gentlemen were present :—H. Cuthbertson, Esq. (Mayor), Messrs. T. Andrews (Ex-Mayor), Aldermen Howel, Gwyn, Sankey Gardner, Evan Evans, J. H. Rowlands, Councillors W. Lake, D. Beavan, R. Parsons, G. May, W. J. Player, E. Jones, and Rowland Thomas. THE TARIFF OF TOLLS FOR WEIGHING. The Town Clerk produced a copy of the list of tolls taken at Swansea for the use of the weighing machine, and also a copy of the Cardiff list. The subject was fully discussed by the members, and eventually a tariff of charges was named, and on the motion of Mr. Parsons, seconded by Mr. E. Jones, the same was adopted. The sums charged in the scale of fees were those recommended by the works committee, and with very few alterations they were brought before the Council for their approval and adoption. THE NEW WEIGH-BRIDGE. A letter was read from Mr. Davies, the present lessee of the market, in which he declined the offer of the Council, in reference to his taking charge of the machine. An application was, however, received from Mr. Bartlett, offering to rent the weigh-bridge for Y,10 per annum, in the event of the markt t lessee refusing to take it. Applications for the appointment of weighing clerk were received from Messrs. Thomas Maber Philip Thomas, Thoma* Faithful, Thomas Evans', Edward W. Harvey, John Smith, and E. Davies. Mr. May moved that Mr. Bartlett's tender be accepted until the expiration of the present market lessee's tenancy, and the usual counterfoiled weigh- ing cheque book be supplied by the Corporation. Mr. Gardner seconded the motion, and the sum of X8 was fixed as a proportionate payment till Septem- ber next; the books to be inspected once a month by the Mayor or Town Clerk, and the hours of attendance at the weigh-house to be from 6.0 a.m. to 8.0 p.m. in the summer, and from 7.0 a.m. to 6.0 p.m. in the winter the tariff of tolls to be exposed in a conspicuous place. Tenders for pitching the approaches to the bridge were directed to be obtained for the approval of the works' committee. THE SLAUGHTER-HOUSE SCALES. Mr. May brought under the notice of the Council the fact of the removal of the scales and weights a short time since from their usual place, and as they had not been returned he wished to call the atten- tion of the Council to the matter. The complaint was left in the hands of the Mayor, directions being given to see them replaced after being adjusted and repaired. MARKET-HOUSE REPAIRS. The subject of the repairs of the market-house was brought before the meeting, under the direction of the Council and the works' committee. The necessary repairs were left to the discretion of the Mayor. MISCELLANEOUS. Mr. Alderman Evans suggested that copiej of the weigh-bridge charges should be printed and circu- lated in the borough. A clerk's desk and stool, together with the necessary books, were ordered to be procured at the expense of the Corporation, in order that the furniture and accounts might be the property of that body. (

GRAND AMATEUR CONCERT AT BRITON FERRY. On Thursday last a grand amateur full-dreas con- cert, in aid of the completion fund of St. Clement's Church, was given in the Assembly Rooms at Briton Ferry, when a very large and highly distinguished audience honoured the performers with their patronage. The entertainment opened punctually with one verse of God save the Queen," after which the glee "May Day" was given. The voices were, however, unequal to the intense heaviness of the room. Mr. Gwillim Phillips followed with Hearts of Oak." The accompaniment was most charmingly played, and the vocalist gave full effect to this highly popular song. The Captive Greek Girl, ";i by Mrs. T. Lewes Evans, was next given, after whichuMr. C. Griffiths attempted "The Death of Nelson." The failure was painful in the extreme, both on the part of the singer and the accompanist. The pianoforte solo, Kathleen Mavourneen," by Miss Jones, was much applauded, and she obligingly responded to the encore demanded by the audience. Mrs. Wilfred Higginson then gave Molloy's Thady O'Flyn." She received a well merited encore, aDd replied with Beautiful Summer." Mr. T. J. Radcliffe Morgan followed with The Mermaid," forgetting, however, part of the words. An encore was demanded, and he substituted Married to a Mermaid," the gods" taking up the chorus in "Rule Britannia" with unmistakeable spirit. The part song O, who will o 'er the downs with me" concluded the first part of the entertainment. The second part opened with Bishop's glee, Where art thou, beam of light"—very fairly given considering the bad acoustic properties of the room. The pastorale" Phillis is my only joy," by Mrs. Wilfred Higginson, was very pleasingly rendered. The encore was, however, declined. Mr. G. Griffiths followed with Balfe's charming song, When other lips." Out of regard to the object in view, we offer no further comment on his efforts. Mrs. T. Lewes Evans then gave "Speed on, my bark," and in reply to the applause which followed, she substituted another song, narrowly escaping a second. encore. Mr. Gwillim Phillips then gave The Village Blacksmith." It was very expressively rendered, and received a well deserved encore. He substi- tuted the "Good Night" song, but only acknowledged the second recall. Mr. T. J. Radcliffe Morgan again essayed the comic, by giving 14 Rory o'More." He was encored, and repeated the last verse with increased zest. Mr. Gwillim Phillips followed with the song composed expressly for him, by Miss Edmonds, The Serenader's Good Night." The audience did not appreciate the peculiarities of the composition as it deserved, although given with excellent effect, the sotto voce dialogue" parts being misunderstood. Bishop's glee, Good Night," better known as Sleep, Gentle Lady," brought the entertainment to a close. So far as the intentions of the performers and promoters of the concert were concerned, the crowded house proved that the entertainment was a decided success, but it should still be remembered that all public performances are more or less open to criticism, and it would consequently go far to prevent invidious comparisons if the balance of talent were more carefully attended to in the selec- tion of performers. We append the programme:- God Save the Queen." Glee-" May Day," Mutter Song-" Hearts of Oak"Mr. Gwillim Phillips Song- Captive Greek Girl" Mrs. T. Lewes Evans Song—"Death of Nelson" Mr. G. Griffiths Pianoforte Solo-" Kathleen Mavourneen" (Kilke). Miss Jones. Song-" Thady O'Flyn" (Melloy)..Mx&. Wilfred Higginson Song-" The Mermaid" Mr. T. J. Radcliffe Morgan Glee-" 0 who will o'er the downs with me." Glee—" Where art thou, Beam of Light 1"(Bishop) Soiag-11 Phillis is my only joy" (Hobbs) Mrs. Wilfred Higginson, Song—" When other lips" Mr. G. Song—"The Village Blacksmith" Mr. Gwillim Phillips Song—" Speed on, my Bark" (Leslie).Mxa. T- ^e1|fea Avails Song-" Serenaders' Good Night" Composed by Miss Edmonds expressly for Mr. GwilliJIl thiinps. Song-" Rory 0 More, I Mr. T. J- Radcliffe Morgan Glee-" Good Night" (Bishop) We must not omit to mention tutlu me room was very tastefully decorated with flags, festoons, and flowers, and that the arrangements were carried out on the whole very creditably.