The Illustrated Usk Observer and Raglan Herald

ftppotntmentss. 8th Ivloa. Eifie Volunteers. Monday General parade, in uniform, 7.30 p.m. Tuesday i Target practice, 7.0. p.m. WadnescKiy.. D

Births. At Raglan, August 5, the wife. of Mr. Edward Matthews, ironmonger, of a daughter. At Tyrmynich, near Baglan, July 30, Annie Louise, daughter of Mr. John Jones, in her 3rd year. At IJontnewynydd, August 4, Edward, son of Mr. William Lewis, bailer, aged 5 weeks. At Cevenycrib, August 5, David, son of Mr. Pergrin, farmer and collier, aged 2 years. AtTalywain, August 7, Mr. James Price, collier, aged 75 years. o At Cwmnantddu, August 7, Elizabeth, widow of Mr. Evan Davies, engineer, aged 79 years. At Pontypool, August 5, Mr. "William Tanner, collier, aged 84. years, much respected by all who knew him. At Pontypool, August 6, Margaret, widow of Mr. Wm. Williams, collier, aged 88 years. At Blaenavon, August 9, Mr. James Harris, laborer, aged 30 years.

TO CORRESPONDENTS AND READERS. Usk County Court, Abersychan Local Government Meeting, and Cricket Match—Chepstow v. Newport, are unavoidably held over. The Abergavenny packet had not reached us at the time of going to press.

HEWPOBT.—BIGAMY. James Wilkins, 36, plate-layer, was indicted for felon- iously marrying Sarah Massey, at Llandaff, in the county of Glamorgan, on the 1st of September, 1857, his former wife, Mary Ann Scott, being then and still alive. Mr. M'Mahon prosecuted. Ann Ray, wife of John Ray, said: My maiden name was Grills; I knew prisoner, who is a native of Taunton, and remember his marrying Mary Ann Scott, about seventeen years ago. barah Massey deposed that on the 1st Sept., 1857, she married prisoner, in the name of James Wilkins, at Llandaff cathedral. He bad since left her, after living with her six years. He was a labourer, and when he left her he said he would return in about an hour. Prisoner denied having married prosecutrix, and said he did not know her, but the jury having found him guilty, he was sentenced to twelve calendar months' imprisonment.

MONMOUTH.—CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER. Esther Pugh, 35, on bail, was indicted for feloniously slaying and killing John Bateman, an infant, on the 7th of May, at Monmouth. Mr. Granville Somerset prose- cuted, and Mr. Brown defended the prisoner. Selina Louisa Lewis was called, and said she was a midwife, and attended Emma Bateman in her confinement, when she was delivered of a boy, in the house of prisoner, on the 5th of March last. It was a healthy child, but of delicate fibre. She attended her daily for ten days. The mother bad plenty of milk. After the ten days she was sent for to see the child, because a carbuncle came on its arm. The state of the child was then very thin and delicate, and prisoner complained that, after the mother left, the child pined away. The mother left for Hereford. From the effects of the carbuncle the child became much distressed, and remained so until the carbuncle burst. The child's arm then healed, and he did not appear so distressed. The discharge was of a bloody, "mattery" nature. It then appeared better, because it was not so distressed. Prisoner appeared to pay great attention to the child. She asked witness if it would be better to put a little port wine in its food. It was kept perfectly clean. Mrs. Prendergast was engaged to take charge of and rear up the child. It was then properly cared for as she saw. Prisoner met her (witness) and said she should take the child away, from Mrs. Prendergast, as it did not thrive. Subsequently she was sent for again, when prisoner said, This child is breaking my heart." It was in a very emaciated state. Prisoner said, I have done all I possibly could for it," and witness believed she had. She told her that in the course of her experience of twenty-six years she had known ten or twelve children die from the effects of car- buncles. His lordship submitted that the charge of culpable neglect could not be sustained, remarking that the coroner's warrant was the most extraordinary docu- ment he had ever heard of, as there was really no offence. The prisoner was acquitted.

ABEEYSTKUTH.—CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER. James Yendall, on bail, was indicted for feloniously killing and slaying James Williams and William Worthing, at the parish of Aberystruth. Mr. Granville Somerset prosecuted, and Mr. H. Matthews, instructed by Mr. T. M. Llewellin, defended prisoner. This charge arose out of a collision which occurred on the Western Valleys Rail- way, on the 17th March last, the duty of the prisoner, who was a telegraph clerk, being to pass the trains, and to whose negligence it was alleged, the accident was attributable. After evidence had been given by J. H. Richards, district superintendent, his lordship summed up, and the jury returned a verdict of not guilty.

L I LLANWENARTH.—BIGAMY. William Phillips, labourer, was indicted for feloniously marrying Jane Ellis, at Llanwenarth, on the 4th June, 1863, his former wife, Eunice Phillips, being then alive. The prisoner was found guilty, and was sentenced to two months' hard labour.

NISI PRIUS COURT, before Mr. Justice SnEE. 1. B. MOORE V. GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY. The hearing of this case, which had been adjourned from the evening before, was resumed this morning. It will be remembered by our readers that it was an action to restrain defendants from causing a nuisance and thereby damage, to house property situated in Devon place, Newport, belonging to plaintiff, by the use of certain smithies they had erected contiguous thereto. The evi- dence of the nuisance being incontrovertible, the learned counsel, after consulting, agreed to a verdict for plaintiff for 40s., with all necessary certificates. Mr. Gray, Q.C., and Mr. Matthews were for the plaintiff, and Mr, Powell, Q.C., and Mr. James for the defendants. NOTT AND NICHOLSON V. GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY CO. This <vas a special jury case, Mr. Huddleston, Q.C., and Mr. Macnamara, instructed by Mr. Blakey, being for plaintiffs, and Mr. Henry James, with Mr. Harrington, instructed by Mr. Inskip, for defendants. -This was an action of trover, brought by the plaintiffs, who were the i- assignees of a person named Aneurin Jones, late of the Penllwyn Mills, an absconding bankrupt, against defen- dants, nominally, but virtually against a firm entitled Turner, Nott, and Strong, of Bristol, who bad indemnified the Railway Company, for the recovery of 300 bushels of oats and 60 sacks, which had been consigned to Tredegar junction, on the defendants' line, for the said Aneurin Jones, by Turner, Nott, and Strong and were left there in charge of the Station Master, at the time of the bank- rupt's absconding, and afterwards recovered by Turner, Nott, and Strong, under an indemnification. For the plaintiffs it was argued that under the carrying conditions of the Railway Company, the goods- were delivered upon notice of their arrival at the junction being given to the consignee, which notice had been given in this case, and that therefore the assignees of the bankrupt's estate were entitled to the goods in question. On the other side it was contended that the goods came legally into the pos- session of Turner, Nott, and Strong, the consignors, under a principle of law known as stoppage IN TRANSITU, and moreover that the goods had been obtained from them by fraud on the part of the bankrupt. After evidence had been taken, a verdict was entered for plaintiffs, by consent, with leave to move for a verdict for defendants, if the court, upon the facts proved, should be of opinion they ■were entitled to one.

THE EARL OF ABERGAVBNNY V. SOUTH WALES COAL COMPAJTY AND LEWIS. Special JuryMessrs. F. J. Mitchell, T. Latch, R. B. Sayers, B. Price, J. Matthews, H. Newcomb, J. P. King, C. Miller, Daniel Davies, C. Stinchcomb, G. Fryer, and P. E. Wanklyn. Counsel for plaintiff: Mr. Powell, Q.C., Mr. G. Somer. set, and Mr. Dowdeswell, instructed by Messrs. Gabb and Walford; for defendants: Mr. Huddleston, Q.C., Mr. H. James, and Mr. Matthews, instructed by Messrs. C. H. and F. James. It appeared from Mr. Powell's opening address, that the action was brought by the Earl of Aber. garenny and his lessees, Messrs. Kennard, Moxon, and Finch, for the recovery of about thirty acres of mountain land, situated at Aberystruth, in this county, and which the majority of the jury had had an opportunity of view- ing. The nominal defendants were the South Wales Coal Company, but the real defendant was a person of the name of William Lewis. The property in dispute was situated on the side of a mountain called Twyn Gwrryd-one of a range of mountains known as the "Earl of Abergavenny's hills," which extended over a number of parishes, and comprised some 10,000 or 12,000 acres. At the foot of this mountain, in the Cwmtillery valley, and extending some way up the slope, stood a farm occu- pied by the defendant Lewis, known by the name of Gwastoed-y-Fynonna, the boundary of which was clearly defined by an ancient boundary fence, one portion com- posed of a strong stone wall, and the remaining portion of, a substantial beech fence. On the outside of this boun- dary ran a road leading to other farms, and on the oppo- site side of the road extended the thirty acres of land in question up the mountain side, but beyond the road there was no fence nor boundary of any kind separating the land in question from the rest of the mountain. In ancient times, the land on which these farms now stand on the mountain side formed part of the manor, and it was customary for the Lord of the Manor to grant small por- tions to persons to cultivate, in consideration of their rendering feudal service, but in later times a small money payment or quit-rent had been substituted for sueh ser- vice, by way of acknowledgement that the land was originally part of the waste. It was customary to erect a strong fence between property that had been granted in this way and the waste, to Fence out the Lord," as it was called, and Lewis and his predecessors bad been very careful to maintain the boundary referred to against the Lord and other persons, and it therefore became a very important matter when he (Lewis) laid claim to waste mountain land, upon which there was no fence or boun- dary whatever. With regard to the thirty acres in ques- tion, the Lord of the Manor had always exercised every right of ownership over it without interruption, the same as he had over every other part of the manor-it had been leased as waste-the Steward of the Manor had regularly perambulated it-it had been shot over, and the wood upon it had been cut-and it was therefore no answer on the other side to say that they had taken stones from there or cut down trees, for such acts amounted to nothing unless they were done openly in the assertion of a claim of right. The learned counsel then entered into the history of the manor, shewing that it was granted by William the Conqueror to a Norman knight, and after passing through the families of Pembroke and Beauchamp, it came to the Earl of Abergavenny, who regularly leased it, including the LOCUS IN QUO, from the reign of Queen Elizabeth to the present time; but by an Act for settiing the estate, passed in the reign of Philip and Mary, it was enacted that the tenant in possession could not grant leases beyond his own life. The effect of this was that they had to go to Parliament for powers to grant or con- firm leases, consequently it would not have been within their power to grant a portion of the manor to Lewis, his predecessors, or anyone else. The first that was ever heard of the present claim was in 1828, when in a perambula- tion of the manor, made by Mr. Rowlands, Mr. Baker, Mr. Gabb, and others, they found some quick, which had recently been planted on the LOCUS IN QUO by John Lewis, (father ot the defendant Lewis,) and they told Lewis if he had any document to base his claim upon to send it to Messrs. Baker and Gabb's office, and it should be investigated, but this not having been done, the officers of the manor went and openly pulled up the quick in assertion of the Earl's right. The elder Lewis never afterwards legally asserted his right to the land, but on the contrary, in 1833, some wood on the land beiog then fit to cat, the Earl's officers, as a further act of ownership, bad it cut and converted into charcool on the spot, and then sold it. During a perambulation of the manor in 1859, after the death of the elder Lewis, and when the farm was occupied by the defendant, some stones which bad been recently erected, were found marking out the thirty acres in question, and bearing the initials W. L." These stones were at once broken, and at each corner of the thirty acre piece the soil was turned up in assertion of the Earl's right. Moreover ESTRAYS found on the LOCUS IN QUO were treated in the same manner as those found on any other part of the mountains, viz., sold by the officers of the manor if they were not claimed within a certain time; yet, notwithstanding all the acts of ownership enumerated, the defendant Lewis claimed to grant a lease of the disputed piece, or of the minerals it contained, and it therefore became imperative upon the Lord of the Manor to assert his right in a court of law. It would be said on behali' of the defendants that there was a boundary separating the piece in dispute from the rest of the mountain, but such was not the case; what was referred to was a kind of ditch, which was very ancient, and could not have been made within the memory of man, and the reasonable explanation of it was that it was a trench for carrying off the water, as there were many similar ditches on various parts of the mountains for that purpose. The learned counsel, in conclusion, alleged that i by the facts and bv the evidence that would be adduced, the right of the Earl to the property would be clearly established. Evidence was then called in confirmation of the main points of the opening address, after which Mr. Huddleston addressed the court for the defence, in which he referred to certain deeds in the possession of the defendant, which he argued established the right of Lewis and his predecessors to the property since the year 1692. In referring to a deed bearing the date of that- year, con- veying the farm of Tyr Gwastoed-y-Fynonna from Wm. Samuel to John ap John Harrhy for a consideration of £20, he contended that a piece of land therein called Coedcae Carnog could be no other than the piece in dis- pute-a-, shewn by its interpretation-a stoney, woody, rough piece-and also by the fact that without that piece the measurement, of the farm would be only thirty acres, whereas it was described in the deed referred to as "con- taining by estimation fifty acres, or thereabouts, be the same more or less." The learned counsel further con- tended that the ditch that had been spoken of was an ancient boundary, as it evidently had not been formed naturally, but by the hand of man, and that being so it would be but reasonable to infer that the maker of it had a right to the land, as there was no evidence of any pre- j sentment of it ever having been made in the records of the manor. The learned counsel referred to several subsequent deeds to the one above-mentioned, all in confirmation of the theory he had advanced, but upon the deeds being put in, a long discussion ensued as to their admissibility, which resulted in some of them being rejected, and a note being taken of the objection to the others. Mr. Powell having replied on the whole case, His Lordship proceeded to sum up, during which he remarked that whereas there had been sundry acts of ownership over the land in question performed by the plaintiff, there was no evidence of the Lewises ever having performed a single act of the kind, and as to the deeds, his lordship said that there was no proof that the property they conveyed was that in dispute; moreover that unless supported by acts of ownership they were not evidence. The jury, after conferring for a few minutes, returned a verdict for the defendant. This case, in which much interest was evinced, occupied the greater portion of Friday and Saturday.

THOMAS V. MONMOUTHSHIRE RAILWAY AND CANAL COMPANY. This was an action entered for trial by special jury, in which the plaintiff sought to recover very heavy damages in compensation for personal injury received in the recent accident on the Company's railway, near the Aberbeeg Junction; but the case was withdrawn upon the defen- dants agreeing to pay plaintiff £210 and all costs. The Assizes terminated about seven o'clock on Saturday evening.

DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE. ARCHERY MEETING AT GLENUSK PARK.—On Wed- nesday last a match between the members of the Hereford- shire Archery Club and the Raglan Archers, took place on the delightful grounds of Sir Joseph Bailey, Glenusk Park, near Crickhowell. Twelve ladies and twelve gentle- men belonging to each club contested, and the Raglan Archers were victorious, by upwards of 200 hits. After the contest, the party, which comprised between 400 and 500 members of the leading families of Herefordshire, Brecknockshire, and Monmouthshire, assembled in a spacious tent, where a sumptuous luncheon was laid out, and to which the whole party sat down.

USK. PETTY SESSIONS, AUG. 5, before G. R. GREENHOW- RELPH and S. CHURCHILL, Esqrs. To KEEP THE PEACE—John Morgan, haulier, Usk, and Thomas Thomas, of Usk, appeared and entered into their recognizances of £10 each, on behalf of their respec- tive wives, Elizabeth Morgan and Ann Thomas, to keep the peace for twelve months, as per adj< urnmeut from last Petty Sessions. WILPUL DAMAGE.—Lucy Msrcy, Martha Mercy, and Robert Saunders, of Penpet-yr-hewl, were charged by James Morgan, of the same place, and for whom Mr. H. Roberts appeared, with committing wilful damage to apples and trees, at Monkswood, on the 20th July. After several witnesses had been examined, the case was adjourned for the attendaoce of John Perrott, gamekeeper, and Matthias Dixon, labourer, as witnesses for the defen- dants. TUREATs.-Rachil Price, wife of John Price, of Llan- baddock, was charged with using threatening language towards a girl named Mary Jane Thomas. It appeared that a quarrel had arisen from the complainant having called the defendant's son a nick-name, whereupon defen- dant went to the house of complainant's father, with a carving knife in her hand, and threatened, with an oath, to cut complainant's throat, and chance the law," by which complainant was very much terrified. The case was adjourned for defendant's husband to attend at the next Petty Sessions, to be bound over for his wife's future good conduct. RATEs.-Highway rates for Llangwm Ucha, at 6d., and for Gwehelog at 3d., and also a poor rate for Gwehelog, at 9d., were allowed.

BLAENAVON. THE SCARCITY OF WATER.—A considerable number of the working men are idly lounging in the streets in conse- quence of not being able to work for want of water, and from this cause alone trade appears to be very dull and inactive. CHAPEL SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.—The anniversary ser- mons of the Horeb Chapel or English Independents' Sunday School were preached by the Rev. Daniel Evans, on Sunday last. The children recited some appropriate pieces on the occasion. The above named rev. gentleman has come from Carmarthen College to assume the pastorate of this chapel.

ABERSYCHAN. PRESENTATION TO MR. EDWIN WILLIAMS. It having become known that Mr. Edwin Williams was about to leave his situation as underground agent at the Abersychan Iron Works, it was suggested by some of the workmen to commence a subscription, with a view of presenting him with a suitable token of the regard and esteem in which his character was generally held by all classes in the district. This idea seems to have been very favourably received, for in addition to the agents and workmen, a considerable number of the tradespeople of the neighbourhood also subscribed, the result of which was that the committee, of which Mr. D. J. Jones was chair- man, and which had been formed to carry the matter out, resolved that the most suitable and appropriate article they could present Mr. Williams with would be a gold watch. In order, therefore, to give effect to this resolu- tion, Mr. Latch, jeweller, &c., Newport, was communi- cated with, and he supplied the committee with a hand- some article of the description named, of rare and peculiar workmanship, and which, with its appendages, was valued at twenty-eight guineas. The watch bore the following inscription:—"Presented to Mr. Edwin Williams by the workmen of the Abersychan Iron Works, and a large circle of friends, as a token of high esteem.-4th August, 1864." The presentation took place at the house of Mr. Francis Drown, the Union Inn, on the evening of Thursday week, on which occasion Mr. D. J. Jones was called to the chair, and Mr. Benjamin Nicholas occupied the vice-chair. The customary loyal toasts having been duly honoured, the chairman proposed "The Army and Navy and Volun- teers," which was responded to by a member of the 2ud Monmouthshire Corps, alter which The chairman remarked that they had now come to the discharge of the principal business for which the meeting had been convened, and which, as they were all aware, was for the purpose of presenting a gold watch to Mr. Edwin Williams, than whom no man living amongst them more truly deserved such a mark of their esteem and regard. Presentations, he said, had been made to tyrants, and the objects of them were sometimes undeserving of such honor as they received; but in this instance principle had signally shewn itself-the working men had originated and generously subscribed to this testimonial because they hououred and respected Mr. Williams, so that the merit of the thing did not lie so much in the matter of the watch as the principle in which the presentation was made. (Cheers.) In conclusion, the chairman called upon the vice-chairman to make the presentation. Mr. Nicholas regretted that he had only had a few hours* notice of his having been chosen to make the pre- sentation, but nevertheless he undertook the task readily and cheerfully, and he was happy to inform the meeting that he was one of the first men who took any part in this business. It was always desirable that a kind feeling and good understanding should prevail between the agent and the workmen, and this presentation was a substantial proof that such a feeling and such an understanding had existed between the workmen and their late agent. (Cheers.) Mr. Williams had won the esteem and good-will of the workmen by the readiness and kindness with which he had received them and listened to what they had to say, and he (the speaker) firmly believed that every man who had subscribed to this testimonial had done so from pure and disinterested motives, and from personal regard for Mr. Williams because he had acted as a man between master and workman since he had been among them. (Cheers.) Having pursued an honest and straight-forward course, their late agent had not only won the esteem of the working class but of all classes with whom he had been brought into contact, and it was that circumstance, per- haps, more than any other, that divested this testimonial, towards which most people in the district had subscribed, of any appearance of selfishness or one-sidedness. (Cheers.) It now only remains (the speaker continued) for me to present you, Sir, (addressing Mr. Williams) with this valuable gold watch as a token of the great esteem in which your character is held by the working men of the Abersychan Iron Works, and a large circle of friends, of whom you will frequently be reminded when you look at this watch, although perhaps separated by a great distance from them. It is the sincere wish of the subscribers that you may live Ion, to wear this token of their esteem; that it may act as an incentive to continue in the honourable path you have pursued, and that when looking at it in distant years your children may be induced to Go and do likewise." (Loud applause.) Mr. Williams, upon rising, was received with much cheering, which having subsided, he said: Your kindness nearly overpowers me, and I am utterly at a loss to find words to give full expression to all I feel on the present occasion. Since I came to reside amongst you I have always endeavoured to discharge my duty in a just and fearless manner between master and workman, and I am now happy to find that my conduct has met with general approval. I have only resided in the neighbourhood about three years, during which time I have made many friends, from whom I shall be sorry to separate. This token of esteem will be cherished and regarded as the most valu- able article in my possession. It will constantly keep alive within my bosom a pleasing and grateful remembrance of the subscribers' kindness and generosity towards me, and I return them many and most hearty thanks for this valuable testimonial. (Loud applause.) Mr. Jacob Williams observed that he had attended this meeting at the solicitation of the vice-chairman, and he was happy that he had done so, as it had given him an opportunity of witnessing the kind feeling that had been displayed towards Mr. Williams. He (the speaker) had not subscribed towards the testimonial, and he knew of no other cause tjiat had prevented him doing so than that he had not been solicited. It was satisfactory to think, in one sense, that Mr. Williams had not received this testi- monial whilst he was connected with the iron works, as it could not now be said that the working men had subscribed with any view to ulterior gain or advantage, but, on the contrary, that they had contributed from the goodness of their hearts, and the respect and regard they bore towards Mr. Williams. (Cheers.) The chairman wished to call the attention of the meeting to the fact that after having made this presentation to Mr. Williams, they had such a surplus of cash in hand that, with some additional subscriptions, would enable them to present Mrs. Williams with a gold watch also, so that his friend who spoke last, and seemed to regret that he had not subscribed to this testimonial, would still have an opportunity of contributing. He (the chairman) begged to propose the healths of Mr. and Mrs. Williams and child. (Drunk with musical honours.) Mr. Williams having briefly returned thanks on behalf of himself and family, Mr. D. Davies said he was not aware that a presenta- tion was about to be made until he entered the house that evening. He was pleased to hear the testimony that had been borne to Mr. Williams's character, and glad to find that when an agent left a work he left in such honourable repute. He was present some time ago when a similar presentation to this was made to an agent of a work in which he himself was employed, and as the agent referred to was something like sixty years of age, and Mr. Williams was quite a young man, it would seem that the good qualities of the latter had developed themselves and been recognized at a much earlier period than those of the other a'gent he had referred to. He (the speaker) was happy to meet the company, and glad to see such a kind feeling pervade the meeting. (Applause,) Song-" When there's love at home," by Mr. Howells. Mr. Drown next bore testimony to the exemplary character of Mr. Williams, which he said had been acknow- ledged and recognised by making the presentation that evening. He hoped that as a similar testimonial was about to be presented to Mrs. Williams, all who had not subscribed to the present one would contribute towards that, and would persuade their wives to subscribe also, as the lady was worthy in every respect of the good opinion of the public. (Cheers,) Chorus-" Here's a health to all good lasses." The vice-chairman spoke at length on the desirability of all men duly considering their positions in life, as in a proper discharge of their duties not only consisted their own happiness and well-being, but it might be the happi- ness and well-being of others, and particularly so if by their positions they were called upon to exereise Some degree af control over other people. That man only was worthy the name of man who discharged his duty regard- less of the frown, favour, or affection of any one, and such conduct would always triumph, and win the approbation of mankind. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Jacob Williams next proposed the health of Mr. Evan Jones, in which he paid some well-merited compli- ments to that individual. The toast having been drunk with musical honours, Mr. Jones responded, and observed that he trusted always to merit the good opinion of his follow creatures. The chairman having been called upon to address the meeting, remarked that he scarcely knew what theme to descant upon. The vice-chairman had very judiciously referred, he said, to a proper discharge of the duties of life, and it had justly been said that human life consisted of a series of duties, and if they always adhered to the per- formance of right they would be in the path of du-ty. Right and might were of an antagonistic character. Might had triumphed over right, but it had only been for a short period, and as right would always ultimately pre- vail, they ought always to cleave to the right. If they wished even to conquer their enemies, the surest way would be to do that which was right, for right would live when might would be buried. (Cheers.) Song (in English and Welsh)—"My Robin is shy," by Mr. D. Davies. The chairman informed the meeting that the testi- monial had originated with two working men—Messrs. Dagger and Nicholas (vice-chairman) whose healths he proposed. The toasts having been drunk with musical honours and much applause, several other local and com- plimentary toasts followed, amongst which we may name —"The Trade of the district"—"The Press The Host and Hostess "—" The Ladies "—and The Chairman and Vice-chairman,as well as the healths of Messrs. Morgan Jones, Brimfield, J. Evans, Parker, Cook, Thomas Evans, G. Porter, Croker, &c., &c., all of which were received with enthusiasm, and appropriately responded to, and the harmony of the evening was much promoted by Mr. Phillips executing a number of well-chosen airs on his favourite instrument. The meeting broke up at an early hour, everyone who had taken part in it appearing to be much gratified with the proceedings. CLUB ANNIVERSARIES. Abersychan presented quite a gay and animated appear- ance on Monday last in consequence of there being no less than four club anniversaries held there on that day, and such was the joyous and generous spirit displayed by the members, that it might fairly be taken as an indisputable proof, if other proofs were wanting, that better times had been vouchsafed to the district. We append reports of the several gatherings. The members of the Holly Bush" Lodge of the in- dependent order of United Friends, held their annual feast at the house of Mr. Kelly, the Pentwyn Tavern, where about 120 members sat down to a first-rate dinner, of which it was said there was every thing in season and plenty of it." The cloths having'been removed, Mr. C. Herbert, grocer, was voted to the chair, and Mr. Brimsoa to the vice-chair, and the remainder of the day was spent in harmony and conviviality, during which the advantages offered by the order and the satisfactory position of this lodge were fully discusssed. The musical portion of the entertainment, both vocal and instrumental, was, with the aid of the G-arndiffaith brass and string band, rendered in capital style, and contributed not a little to the successful issue the anniversary was brought to. The members of the Hibernian Society held their anni- versary at the house of Mr. James Jones, the Lamb and Flag Inn, and having formed in procession, they marched, preceded by a volunteer band from Newport, which was very ably led by Mr. Gilman, to the Roman Catholic Church at Pontypool, where suitable addresses were delivered by Fathers Honorius and Elzear. At the ter- mination of the religious services, the procession, having walked through the principal streets of the town, and the members being refreshed with a couple of glasses of good home brewed at the Full Moon and Rose and Sham- rock, returned to their club room, where about 100 of the members sat down to dinner, which was of an excellent description and gave great satisfaction. Fathers Eugene and Honorius (connected with the Pontypool Roman Catholic Mission) dined with the members, carved for them, and did all they could to promote the success of the meeting. The first named reverend gentleman, in pro- posing The trade of the district," hoped that its pros- perity would continue to increase, and he exhorted his bearers to make the best of present advantages by pre. paring for a rainy-day or for less prosperous times. The proceedings partook of the usual character of such gatherings, and were carried out with a degree of good tellowship and decorum that was highly creditable to the society. Lodge "Endeavour" of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows held its anniversary at the house of Mr. Francis Drown, the Union Inn, which was attended by about 130 of the brethren, who formed a procession, and headed by a superior band of music paraded the streets, after which they returned to their lodge-room and enjoyed an excellent dinner, and afterwards whiled several happy hours away amid the convivialities of the social board, the festival being brought to a close by dancing. The Members of Court" Perseverance" of the Ancient Order of Foresters met to celebrate their annual feast at tiie house of Mr. W. Richards, the White Hart Inn. which hostelry they left in a very imposing procession, six of their number being mounted on horseback. On their returning to the room a good substantial dinner was placed before them, the components of which were discussed with much activity. During the evening numerous speeches were delivered and songs sung, and the whole, passed off very satisfactorily.

PONTRHYDYRUN. TREAT TO WORKMEN.—Thursday, the 28th of July, was a day that will be long remembered at Pontrhydyrun, for on that day the Company of the Tin Works treated their men to an excellent dinner, 'which was served up in one of the buildings comprised in the works, and which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. At half-past two o'clock, the workmen, joined by J. Conway, Esq., of Abergavenny, and family, W. Conway, Esq., Pontypool, and the Station Masters of Pontrhydyrun and Pontnewydd, took their places around the table, and did ample justice to the good things which had been well provided for them. At half-past live the female portion of the Company's em- ployees were treated with a delicious cup of tea, with the usual adjuncts. Mr. Griffiths, the renowned harper to Lady Llanover, was in attendance, and with his usual skill entertained the assembly with amusing songs, and the soft charming tones of the harp. J. H. Conway, Esq., addressed the meeting on behalf of the Company, and in a speech replete with kind feeling, shewed that the Company was proud of its workmen, and determined to do all in its power to enhance their well-being, both by securing them continual work and rewarding their labour with fair wages. Upon the speaker resuming his seat, the kind feeling which exists in the bosom of every workman towards him and the company, broke forth in rapturous applause and hearty cheers. Messrs. Richard Wellington and John Davies responded on behalf of the workmen, in speeches which showed that they had great regard for their masters. Both of them, in alluding to the Conway family, eulogised their liberality and their kind treatment of the workmen, as well as the great improvements they had been the means of effecting in the neighbourhood. During the meeting several songs and glees were sung by the workmen and others, and before the interesting assembly dispersed, hearty thanks were passed to the Messrs. Conway Brothers and friends for their presence, and to the Company for the very excellent entertainment it had given. In these days of strikes it is a rare treat to witness such a meeting as was seen on this occasion- the master condescending to tell his workman that he approves of his faithfulness and intends rewarding it, and the workman on the other hand pledging himself to con- tinue faithful to his employer. We are glad to find that the above works have started again, after having under. gone thorough repair, and alsö that the neighbourhood is, by means of the active operations at this and the Pont. newydd works, regaining the flourishing aspect it pre. viously wore. May their respective companies enjoy, individually, long life, and, collectively, success in business, are the heartfelt wishes of the inhabitants generally.- COMMUNICATED.

CORRESPONDENCE. THE LAW OF BIGAMY. To the Editor of the "USK OBSERVER." SIB,—May*I be permitted, through the columns of your paper, to call attention to the way in which his lordship, Judge Mellor, explained the law, relating to cases of bigamy, at the Monmouth Assizes. I cannot say that the Pontypool magis- trate and his legal adviser were ignorant of its true meaning; but here let me just ask the question—was it legal for ONV magistrate, with tue magistrates' clerk, to try such a criminal case ? It appears very strange indeed for them to dismiss the case of William Phillips, of iilaeuavan, when brought before them, charged with that offence, seeing that on the sAaF. EVl- DKNO; the grand jury found a true bill against him, he WAS found guilty, and the learned Judge sentenced him to two months' hard labour. He had lett his wife about fourteen years, and had never troubled to inquire whether she or not, hut uurrics another woman, probably under the pretext that, as he had absented himself tor seven years,, he had a right to do so, but his lordship most clearly and. emphatically explained that the party thus absenting himself for seven years was not exonerated -that the law was for the-protection of the person remaining at home, and not the one who abscoiicled-and more, that it was the circumstances attending the case-which should be con- sidered, and which, I alii sorry to say, the Pontypool gen- tlemen did not tiauble to make themselves, acquainted with. However, after so important a decision, and by so high an authority as Judge Mellor, I hope the "I'ontypooi" magis- trates, as well as all others similarly placed, will pary- more attention to. criminal cases,, when brought before them, and thus avoid unnecessary expense, loss of time,. &c., consequent on these proceedings. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, Aug. 9,. 186,4. P.S.—I understand that 168. 6d., was charged for the hearing at Pontypool, apart firoui the expenses of the witnesses. Can you or any of your readers, inform me whether this money is recoverable or not. Printed and Published by the Proprietor, WU.UA* Ilsnar CLABJV, at his Offices, Bridge Street, "USK, IN the Covmtj m Monmouth,. August IS, ISivl* Monmouth,. August 1-% ISivl*