... (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., ...

... Sir,—I see by your paper of last week that a very handsome watch was presented to fr. W. Rogers, at Blaenafon, in recognition of his long services as letter carrier. With your permission, I would suggest that some similqr mark of respect should be given to Mr Rogers by the inhabitants of A bersychan and the other neighbouring places, as a great number of them have for many years experienced ...

... The following affecting copy of verses is copied from a genuino original outpouring of poetic genius, received this valentine time by a young man in Pontypool. After reading this precious production, suroly no one will deny that wo have among us talentof a very peculiar order and some may want to know under what bushel that shining talent is hidden. Well, wo may, witi-out altogether letting ...

... 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 ...

... (From the Pall Gazette.) The neiv House cf Commons may do at least one thing ia the interests of the class who like best to be spdten cf as licensed victuallers which would givesome coaf rt to others besides licensed victual ers, and es- pecial'y to juBticeB of the peace. Since tbe passing t f the Licensing Act an ugly change has takeu place in name given to certain special sessions throughout ...

... The New York Tribune has apparently been at some trouble to ascertain wnat la the real condition of the work- ing classes in New York, who, It has been stated, are suffering much from commercial depression. The following it a sum- mary of Its report:— The condition of the working men of New York, as affected by the business depression of the fall and winter, has called out the wildest ...

... A BOLD RAILWAY ROBBERY A very bold robbery was committed in Missouri on the 31st of January, A passenger train on the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad was stopped near Gadshill station, 120 miles Boutb-west of Sz. Louir, &b tut dusk. It appears t1&t the secretary of a lumber conpiry was expacted to be in the train w th about 5,000 dols. iu his possession, acd it was this the thieves were ...

... In London, one evening last week, the Society of Arts met in John street, Adelphi, at to hear Mr. Bartley, Honorary Secretary to the Provi- dent Knowledge Society, read a paper on Thrift as an Outdoor Relief Test, Mr. Bartley pointed out that under the present Bystem men were encouraged to live from hand to mouth, and a regular premium was thus held out for poverty and destitution. Men who by ...

... On Friday, the 20th inat., a number of the agents of the Provincial Insurance Company met at the New Inn, Newbridge, for the purpose of presenting their late superintendent, E. Prosser, Esq., with a costly time-piece, a gold pencil cage, and an illuminated address, which reads as follows :— To E. Prosser, Esq., late superintendent of the agents of the Provincial Insurance Company. Dear Sir ...

... [We wish it to be xtnOcTstoofl thfit wc do not tiBccssnrily en- dorsc the mcu's. and sentiments o The Disraeli Administration is now complete except a few minor appointments which will not affect its general character. Of what- ever politics tho reader may be who cons over tho list of the Ministry, he cannot but admit rejoicingly or with vexation, as tho caso may be, that the Ministry is a ...