CAUTION TO THOSE WHO KEEP LUCIFER MATCHES A fire, which might have been attended with serious consequences if it had not been early observed, occurred on Wednesday night, at the house of Mr. M'Connell, grocer, Markethill, in the County Armagh. It would appear to have originated in a quantity of lucifer matches which he kept for sale, and had been lying in the window the day previous, exposed to the heat of the sun. Whether by spontaneous ignition, or having been pressed by a cat or a dog in the shop, it is difficult to say; but they took fire about eleven o'clock at night, and had burned some papers and other trifling matters, when Mr. M'Connell was attracted to the shop by the sulphurous smell, and fortunately in time to prevent any serious damage. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE BURNINGS ON THE DUKE OF MANCHESTER'S ESTATE We regret to state that another instance of the above has occurred on his Grace's estate. The house lately occupied by Edward Lavery, in Killvergan (about whose case so much has been said), was burned to the ground on Thursday morning last. We have heard that a man named John Williamson had taken Lavery's farms, and was to have got possession next week. Where will such things end? Surely something ought to be done. A reward of £20 has been offered for the arrest of the person or persons who set fire to the house at Drumnagoon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ APPOINTMENTS Mr. Thomas Shillington, of the firm Messrs. T. A. Shillington and Son, has been appointed a Master Extraordinary in the Irish Court of Chancery, for taking affidavits in this town and neighbourhood. Thomas E. Shannon, Esq., M.D., has been appointed Medical Officer to the police force of Poyntz-pass. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PORTADOWN GAS-LIGHT COMPANY We learn that Mr. Robert Murdoch, of Fermoy [Co Cork], has been appointed manager to the works here, vice Mr. M'Gregor resigned. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PORTDOWN PETTY SESSIONS FRIDAY, JUNE 10. Magistrates present: T. A. Shillington and W. Reid, Esqrs. The cases heard today were of little interest to the public. The following cases were heard : Mary Anne Clarke and Hannah Clarke, both of Levaghery, complained against Alexander M'Dowell, Martha M'Dowell, and Anne Courtney, of same place, for assaulting them on the 3d inst. It appeared from the evidence of the complainants and some other witnesses, that the assaults were accompanied with a good deal of language on either sides not of a very flattering style. The defendants were found guilty of the assault, and fined severally in the sum of 5s. and costs. Peggy Marly, of William Street, was bound over to keep the peace for 12 months, for abusive and threatening language towards Mary Martin of John Street. Felix, Michael, and William Magee, of Derrymacfall, were charged by Wm. Dynes, of Derryvane, with challenging him to fight and threatening him. The "pugilists" were bound to keep the peace. Robert Holland charged John Jackson, of Derrymacfall, and John Chambers, with breaking his window, value 1s. 8d. Jackson was fined 2s. 6d. and costs, and 1s. 8d. compensation. Complaint against Chambers dismissed. Mr. Boyd, of Clounagh, charged Patrick Mallen and Mary Mallen, of Clounagh, with abusive language calculated to lead to a breach of the peace. The complaint was dismissed. Richardson, Sons, and Owden complained against James Cameron for detaining a web entrusted to him to weave. Fined 5s. and 2s. costs. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BIRTHS On Friday, June 3, at Lurgan, the wife of Mr. Robert A. M'Dowell, of a son. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MARRIAGES June 2, at Lurgan, by the District Registrar, William Lewis, Esq., Moira, to Charlotte, relict of the late Mr. H. Woods, of Aghalee. June 1, at St. Peter's Church, Dublin, by the Rev. H. R. Halahan, A.M., assisted by the Rev. Eugene O'Meara, A.M., John Brett Johnston, Esq., youngest son of the late John Brett Johnston, Esq., of Ballykilbeg House, County Down, to Elizabeth Jane, eldest daughter of the late Wm. Paine, Esq., M.D., of Rathvilly, County Carlow. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DEATHS May 28, at Belfast, of typhus fever, John, eldest son of Mr. William Hunter, Mullabrack, Gilford, aged 28 years. May 29, at Ballymena, Mark Wesley, only son of the Rev. Francis Morrow, Wesleyan Minister, aged 5-1/2 years. May 28, at Newry, John Levingston Flanigan, eldest son of Mr. Joseph Gordon, aged two years. May 20, Samuel Corrigan, Esq., of Derryscollop, aged 72 years; and, on the day following, John Corrigan, Esq., of Dobbin-street, Armagh, his only brother, aged 67 years. June 8, William, third son of John Macoun, Esq., Moyraverty, aged 25 years.

LOUGH NEAGH DRAINAGE APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES Yesterday, a public meeting of the landed proprietors in the Counties of Armagh, Antrim, Derry, Tyrone, and Down, affected by the drainage works, was held in the Grand Jury room of the County Courthouse, pursuant to a notice issued by the Board of Works, for the purpose of appointing trustees to maintain the works erected by the Commissioners. The attendance was very large. Amongst those present were: Lord Lurgan, Lord Massereene, Rev. A. H. Pakenham, J.P.; Peter Quinn, M.P.; John Cromie, D.L.; Colonel Close, D.L.; Major Scott, D.L.; Major Greer, D.L.; James Harden, D.L.; J. R. Miller, J.P.; John Hancock, J.P.; William Wann, J.P.; Wm. Verner, J.P., Churchill ; George Ensor, J.P. ; James Gunning, J.P.; William Olpherts, J.P.; Wm. Langtry, J.P.; Boyle, J.P.; Thomas A. Shillington, J.P.; Joseph Atkinson, J.P.; Charles Magee, J.P.; J. G. Winder, J.P. ; Major Waring, J.P. ; the Very Rev. Dean Stannus, Walter, T. Stannus, J.P.; Venerable Archdeacon Saurin, Henry Anderson, J.P.; Major H. S. M'Clintock, J.P.; Francis Fforde, J. T. Noble, Wm. Hardy, J. O. Woodhouse, J.P. ; R. H. Dolling, J.P.; David R. Goodlatte, Edward Atkinson, John Richardson, James D. Richardson, Ralph Obre, Samuel Knox, W. J. Clarke, R. Lloyd, John Birney, Robert Moore, R. Fforde, B. T. Baltour, C. Gaussen, John J. Marley, John Watson, David W. Irwin, Robert Atkinson, John Joyce, John O'Neill, &c. On the motion of the Very Rev. Dean Stannus, the Right Hon. Lord Lurgan was called to the chair. The following were then nominated as trustees: For the County Antrim Rev. A. H. Pakenham, John Cromie, Esq., Major H. S. M'Clintock, Walter T. Stannus, and Lord Massereene. For County Armagh Lord Lurgan, Wm. Verner, Esq., F. Fforde, Esq., J. T. Noble, Esq., Woolsey Atkinson, Esq., William Hardy, Esq., D. R. Goodlatte, Esq., J. O. Woodhouse, Esq. For County Derry Captain Dawson, M.P., Henry Anderson, Esq., Andrew Spottswood, Esq., R. H. Dolling, Esq., Sir H. Bruce, and John O'Neill, Esq. For County Tyrone--James Gunning, Esq., and James Greer Nicholson. It was agreed that the noblemen and gentlemen reresenting the several counties should retire separately to recommend from amongst the nominated the gentlemen to be elected, with the understanding that this recommendation should be confirmed by the general meeting, and this having been done, the following were recommended and accordingly declared elected: County Antrim John Cromie, Esq., W. T. Stannus, Esq., Major M'Clintock, and Rev. A. H. Pakenham. County Tyrone--James Gunning, Esq., and J. G. Richardson, Esq. County Derry Captain Dawson, M.P., Henry Anderson, Esq., and A. Spottswood, Esq. County Armagh Lord Lurgan, William Verner, Esq., Wm. Hardy, Esq., J. T. Noble, Esq., Francis Fforde, Esq., and R. D. Goodlatte, Esq. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings. The trustees subsequently held their first meeting in the Grand Jury room. Belfast News Letter. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BANBRIDGE JUNE FAIR This fair was held on Thursday last, and was well attended. There was an abundant supply of stock, and a large number of buyers. Prime beeves were numerous, and realised high prices. Milch cattle were in good supply, and anxiously sought after. The business in sheep and lambs was dull, but the horse fair was the largest we have had for some years past. Prices ranged from 25 to 90, and as high as 140 was offered for one animal, but was refused. Stores and smaller pigs sold well, (the feeding for them being plenty,) the former at from 32s 6d to 50s, the latter at from 11s to 13s each. On the whole the fair was one of the best held here for a long time past.--Communicated. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE TOWN-HALL At the Portadown Town Commissioners meeting, Mr. Ferguson moved that any ratepayer, on giving a week's notice to the clerk, should get the use of the large room in the Town-hall for religious services for 2s. 6d. a day. The Chairman ruled the motion was not in order, as if passed it rescinded a motion already on the books, which requires a month's notice. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MR. WHAITE'S PHOTOGRAPHIC ROOMS We regret to hear that those rooms are about to be closed, the proprietor not finding it sufficiently remunerative to remain longer than a few days. The specimens of Mr. Whaite's skill are really excellent, and the very moderate prices he charges ought to command for him an extensive patronage. We hope those of our friends who have not yet visited Mr. W. will do so, resting assured they will be perfectly satisfied with his taste and proficiency. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ AMATEUR BAND The Portadown Amateur Band played on the river last evening several excellent airs and displayed considerable taste and execution. We wish every success to this band and hope that the members will persevere in such a pleasing and delightful amusement.

ST. MARK'S CHURCH. APPOINTMENT The Rev. Mr. Fitzgerald, curate of Moneymore [Co Tyrone] has been appointed to the above church, vacant by Mr. Crawfords' [sic] removal, which we noticed a few weeks ago. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DICKENS' CHRISTMAS CAROL At the request of the Committee of Banbridge Library and Literary Society, D. Leonard, Esq., Solicitor, delivered a public reading of Dickens' celebrated story of a "Christmas Carol," in the Town Hall, Banbridge, on Wednesday evening last. J. H. Loftie, Esq., J.P., occupied the chair. The attendance was large and highly respectable, and during the reading of the story testified their approbation of the abilities of the learned gentleman by frequent bursts of applause. The character of "Scruge" was admirably rendered, and the Christmas dinner at "Crachet's" was all but a reality. At the conclusion of the reading a vote of thanks to Mr. Leonard was proposed by S. Hill, Esq., and seconded by P. M'Intosh, Esq. Mr. Loftie was then moved from the chair, and J. Johnston, Esq., having been called thereto, the thanks of the meeting were tendered to Mr. Loftie, after which the meeting separated. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TO CORRESPONDENTS A gentleman (!) calling himself "James Crothers" writes us an extensive epistle, covering three pages, to state that "no such a case" (what elegant diction !) was tried at the last Petty Sessions, as a man for selling spirits without license. Now while we are very thankful for any suggestions or corrections given in a friendly spirit, we will not submit to such a lot of balderdash and bad grammar, as contained in "James Crothers'" letter. Before he writes of "being slanderously and publicly exhibited," he should first learn to keep himself quiet, and not annoy us to with his letters or visits, as we will not submit to any impertinence, and keep a "rod in a pickle" for all who may require it, and for whom a hint is not enough. "R."--No, we do not believe it. William Matchett is one that does his duty faithfully and fearlessly, and he ought to be supported. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BANBRIDGE PETTY SESSIONS Magistrate presiding E. H. Trevor, Esq., J.P. Owing to this being the fair day, a number of the cases entered on the books were adjourned, as the parties did not appear. Margaret M'Grath was summoned at the instance of Fergus Osborne, relieving officer, for refusing to support her child. the case was dismissed. Dominick Burns was charged by David Wilson, farmer, of Brague, for an assault. There was a cross case which fell to the ground, and Burns was sentenced to one month's imprisonment in Downpatrick jail. Mary Anne Spence was charged by Head Constable Mervyn, with being drunk, and the charge having been proved, she was ordered to pay a fine of 2s 6d and 1s costs. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PORTADOWN TOWN COMMISSIONERS MONDAY, JUNE 6. Commissioners present: T. Carleton, Esq., in the chair ; T. A. Shillington, John Watson, John J. Marley, David Ferguson, John Kernan, John Fulton, John Johnston, D. W. Irwin, W. J. Dawson, W. J. Paul, and David Thornton, Esqrs. The minutes of last meeting were read and signed. PENNY SAVINGS' BANK. Mr. G. Kinkead and Mr. H. Robb appeared as a deputation on behalf of the Penny Savings' Bank Committee, to request the use of the Court-house for one evening in the week, gratuitously, for the Bank. Mr. Kernan proposed, and Mr. Ferguson seconded, that the Court-house be given gratis. SLAUGHTER-HOUSE. Mr. Totten applied for a license for a slaughterhouse at the back of his premises, in Market-street, which was granted. NEW HOUSES. Mr. Marley gave notice of his intention to build four houses at the bridge, and Mr. T. A. Shillington one in Thomas-street. NEW PUMP. Mr. Ferguson stated with reference to an application that had been made for a new pump in Obins-street, that Mr. M'Mullan was willing to lay out 20 in sinking it, and to lie out of the money for twelve months. The Commissioners considered they had not funds at command. SEWERS. A long and uninteresting conversation took place with reference to the sewers. A Committee, consisting of Commissioners from the different drainage districts, was appointed to report on the state of the drainage of the town. The accounts were passed, and the meeting adjourned. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ABSTINENCE SOCIETY On Friday evening, 27th May, the Moy and Charlemont Band of Hope Total Abstinence Society held its third public meeting. E. D. Atkinson, Esq., of Tandragee, delivered a most interesting address on the evils of intemperance, of which his experience as coroner for the southern division of County Armagh furnishes him with numerous and melancholy examples. Several names were received at the close ; the number of members at present amounting to upwards of 100