... (To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin), SIR,-The success of an institution founded for the purpose of encouraging the cultivation of an intellec- tual recreation, such as music, among every class of the community, without reference to rank, must in- terest all who take pleasure in watching social progress and the means by which it is ensured. The National Music Meetings were organised two ...

... The cost of the illustrated copy of the freedom of the city of London presented to Sir Albert Sas- soon, and the copy of the resolution for presenting the freedom, amounted to J6465. HORRIBLE CHARGE OF POISONING.-A singular trial is now being held before the criminal tribunal at Yverdon. One of the accused, a woman of the name of Marendaz, is charged with having poisoned one of the four ...

... GELLYGAER. Christmas is always a festive season in this district, and in no way is more marked than in the care and taste displayed in the decorations of the Parish Church, and al-i the heartiness and zeal thrown into the services. Tile walls of the Church were adorned with several emblems and appropriate texts. The font was beautifully ornamented with holly, ivy, tea., snrmoupted by across., ...

... POST OFFICE SAVINGS BANKS. On Tuesday afternoon a deputation, appointed by the Society of Arts, waited on the Postmaster- General, at the new Post Office, with reference to the proposed alteration in the rules of the Post Office Savings Banks-the principal of which were to open savings banks on Friday and Saturday evenings, to lower the minimum deposit of Is. to 3d., to abolish the restriction ...

... The competition for Christmas prizes took lace on Friday, December ^Gth, at the Courtybella Range, when 71 members paid an entrance fee of Cd. e^cb.^to shoot for a large number of valuable prizes that had been contributed by the officers and friends of the corps. The prizes were distributed to the successful competitors at the Drill-hall, Dock-street, on Saturday evening, by Capt. Thompson, in ...

... THURSDAY'S MARKETS. ...

... FRIENDLESS AND FALLEN. (To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.) Sir,-A few days, and all the events of 1873 will have become matters of history. To some, this year will have proved a period of prosperity and joyousness, while to not a few the reverse will most unhappily be the case. Christmas, that cheery season, will be dimmed in many an English household as the faces so dear are missed, ...

... The annual competition for Christmas fare by the members of this Corps took place on the Marshes on Boxing Day at 10 a.m. The conditions were five rounds at 200 yards, and an entrance fee of Is 6d was charged. Fifty-nine Volunteers entered, and of this number only one was absent at the firing point. The prizes (most numerous and valuable) were gene- rously given by Captain-Commandant Wyndham ...

... WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27. Patients attended at the Dispensary 210 Patients attended at their homes 113 Patients in the Infirmary during the week 16 Dr. CHEESE, Surgeon for the week. GEORGE A. DAVTS House Surareon. The House Surgeon begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a hamper of provisions for the patients on Christmas-Day from Mr. James Thompson, Cardiff Road ...

... SEASONABLE .BENEVOLENCE.—A tund for the re- lid of the po., r of this locality has generally been raised at this i- ason of the year, either by means of an entertainment, or p-ivate subscriptions, and in ob- taining the nee ssary funds no one has shewn greater zeal than Mr. c.nd Mrs. Edmunds. This year at their suggestion, a r.He was got up for a handsome iron bedstead, and an American clock. ...

... NEWPORT BURIAL BOARD. The day for the ordinary monthly meeting falling on Christmas-day the Board did not meet until Mon- day, when there were present-the Rev. Canon Hawkins in the chair Messrs. S. Homfray, T. Wool- lett, J. Brown, J. W. Bebell, and T. P. Wansbrough. The minutes were read by the Clerk, Mr. J. F. Mullock. The Chairman then read a letter from Mr. T. Latch, containing an ...

... The School Board election at Oldham has resulted in victory to the Liberal candidates. The new Board is composed of one Roman Catholic, who was at the head of the poll; six unsectarian candidates, who followed next in order of the voting and six Church- men. The Roman Catholic member adopts the Liberal programme, so that the majority is on that side. EXPULSION OF ThE BIBLE FROM THE BIRMING- ...