The curious article transcribed below appeared in The Merthyr Telegraph dated 21 September 1867. Although amusing, it is also fascinating in that such a trivial piece on the surface tells us so much about various aspects of life in Merthyr at that time.
THEFT OF A DUCK
Sarah Davies, a prostitute, was charged with stealing a duck, the property of Ann Harris, of Brecon Road, brothel keeper. Ann Harris deposed that she bought a duck Saturday night. On Sunday morning the prisoner took the duck away, and witness asked her to pay for it. She said she would give a shilling some time or other, Witness said she should not have it for less than eighteen-pence. The prisoner would not return it, so witness slipped out of the house and fetched the police. The duck was not cooked when she took it.
P.C. Lynne deposed that when he arrested the prisoner, she said she had bought the duck from a woman who stood in the market, but she did not know who it was. His Worship adjourned the case until next Monday in order that both women might produce as witnesses the parties from whom they purchased the duck.