The Abergavenny Mail

1 SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1914. I EDITORIAL. It is probable that many of ou r readers are expecting some editorial comment on a remai k- made by Mr E H Hopkins last Monday night after the declaration of the poll. We do not propose to reply to what we feel sure the people of Ledbury con- sidered was extremely bad form, except to say that we prefer to let our late chief rest peacefully in his grave. We do think, however, that Mr Hopkins in his hour of victory might have shown a more fair and generous spirit to a dead opponent than he displayed in the totally uncalled for remark he made. This is one of the incidents in his career on which the fierce light of the sun, of which he boasted, would not shine to his particular ad vantage.

f Topical Tattle. I The great excitement is once again over, and the Ledbury Urban Council election is a thing of the past for another year. Through the efforts of several of the can- didates the poll vas an exceptionally large one, and we had the spectacle of witnessing a right-about-face by at least one candidate. Six years ago in these columns there was entered a strong protest against politics being introduced into local elections in a small town like Ledbury. After Monday I am more than ever convinced that it is against the best interests of the town that politics should be subservient to the town's good government, though I am afraid we shall never entirely eliminate it as it was prior to 1908. It would appear on the surface and to those with some knowledge of the inner workings of the various factions that there are all the elements for a most glorious row in the forthcoming year. But if the various members of the Council who are only too fond of making disparaging remarks about one another, and it applies to more than one or one section of them, will just reflect and remember that they are sent to the Council Chamber, not to look after their own personal interests or to satisfy their desire to get their own back, but to govern the town to the best advantage for the ratepayers, then there will be no trouble. The introduction of politics has proved a dismal failure so far, and has brought nothing in its train but a lot of bad feeling which can be very well done without. And it would be just as well to remind some of our Councillors and people in the town generally, that no man has a heaven- sent right to a permanent seat on the Council, and that it is the right of any and every elector, if he so thinks fit, to seek election to the local governing body of the town. It may save trouble in the future, and avoid a breach in life-long friendships, if the candidates, and especially retiring members, will remember that there is no reason why they should not have to fight an election if the ratepayers see fit to nominate sufficient candidates. Shall we ever get a return to the days before 1908, when retiring members banded together in a body and appealed to the ratepayers for re-election ? I doubt it, but it was conducive to a good feeling, which is conspicuous by its absence to-day. The letter from Veritas," which appears in another column, opens up quite a new aspect of the land question, which promises to loom largely before the public in the near future, and incidentally a comparison in the price the farmer gets for his wheat and the price the consumer pays for the loaf. Another interesting point is that in the town we are paying 6d for a 41b loaf, and in the rural district some people are having it delivered to them for 5id, while the Ledbury Guardians have just entered into a six months' contract at 4id. According to this bread at 6d must yield a big profit to the baker. Don't you think we ought to get it reduced ? I understand the Bank House property has been disposed of this week to a small syndicate who contemplate extensive altera- tions there with a view to the erection of a picture palace on the most modern and up- to-date lines. Further particulars will appear in due course, when the scheme is finally settled upon. ♦ I daresay many of my readers have heard stories of the mistakes of proof-readers, and this week I came across another humorous incident of one of these blunders. Writing of a retired Army officer, the editor referred to him as a battle-scarred veteran." This appeared in print as a battle-scared veteran." An explanation the following week made things worse. Our reference," the editor carefully wrote, to Colonel as a battle-scared veteran should have been, of course, battle-scarred veteran But when it appeared in print there was again one letter wrong, and the gallant colonel was described as a bottle-scarred veteran." The question, What is a gentleman ? is nearly as old as What is truth ? says the Daily Express." Perhaps this is more than a coincidence, especially after recent events. f Of all the meetings that have been held locally to protest against the Welsh Church Bill, I have heard no speech at any of them which so clearly brought out the meanness of certain provisions of the Bill than the oratorial effort of Archdeacon Bevan at the Ledbury Church Room last week. He cer- tainly brought out points which had escaped many people, and the local Church Defence Committee can congratulate themselves on a really splendid meeting. It was a pity the Archdeacon had not a meeting in a larger room, and if ever he comes to Ledbury again I have no doubt there will be more people desire to hear him than will get in the Church Room. I TATTLER. I

FORTHCOMING EVENTS.—Clergymen, Mini- sters of all Denominations, Secretaries of Clubs, etc, and all who have to do with organising meetings or public gatherings are respectfully invited to send intimations of forthcoming events, and steps will be taken to obtain a report of the proceedings. Con- tributions of local and district items are also cordially welcomed. Will correspondents please bear in mind that news should reacfc our office as early as convenient after the event referred to ? When the attendance et a reporter is desired, early notice should be sect, addressed to the Editor. The ONLY Corset with a DEFINITE GUARANTEE, viz., that they will NOT RUST, BREAK or TEAR. You need not keep a faulty Corset. We are author- ised to replace free of charge any that fails inj these J i3:: respects. From a little Wooden Shanty the quality of Warner's J Corsets has built up the largest and most thoroughly f equipped corset organisation in the world—an organisa- i tion that sets the standard for you and your friends. Being RUSTPROOF, these Corsets can be washed at home without removing the steels. 1fust- Prof Model 622. ijj1/ijUi For fall figurer-with the famous lil DOUBLE SKIRT which retains its H | shape till the last and never splits jii jj | |;j|| or tears. 11 W j j| 5/11 per pair. Wl Let your next Corset be a Warner, and ? ?? J?. allow our expert to assist you in selecting the correct model from our varied assortment Model 5360. of shapes—we have them at all prices. For well-developed figures, Call or write for the illustrated book of a general favourite. the Warner Corset. 8/11 per pelir. Sole Agent- JAMES A. ISAAC, Warwick House, Ledbury

LOCAL NEWS. I Chas. Hodges' Bread, Standard or White, purity and quality guaranteed. Daily deliveries.-42, Bye Street, Ledbury. GLOUCESTER LIBERAL BENEFIT SOCIETY.— The annual meeting of the above approved society for men will be held at the Liberal Club, Gloucester, on Thursday, April 16, at 7.30 p.m. HUGHES' TOBACCO STORES. The largest stock and variety in the town. See the windows. High class Hair cutting and Shaving Saloon. Razors ground and set. Umbrellas re-covered and repaired on the premises at the shortest notice. Second-hand bookseller. A large selection of second-hand books on all subjects. Any quantity second-hand books bought for cash.-76, Homend St., Ledbury. FORTHCOMING CONCERT.-On Thursday, April 16th, a concert will be given at the Church Room, Ledbury, in aid of the fund being raised to provide a new piano for the Town Hall. Amongst the patrons of the concert are Iody Biddulph, Mr W A H Martin, Mr Spencer H Bickham, and other ladies and gentlemen. An excellent and varied programme is being arranged, and tickets are now on sale and can be procured from Miss Roberts, Messrs F C Swift, L Jones, J T Bray and A Carless.— (Advert.) Carpenter's; Ltd. Ales and Stout are always reliable. Brewed for family con- sumption only.—Ledbury Agent :-W H Alleyne, New-street. Oorn Famine in Gloucestershire. Cornex has made Corns scarce. No Pain. 7!d. —MINCHIN, Chemist., 15, Weatgate, Gloucester. Local Agent MR. MEACHAM, Chemist, Ledbury. "CYCLING FOR HEALTH AND POINTS FOR CYCLISTS," by Frank Bowden, F.R.G.S., price Is. Mr Bowden, the proprietor of the Raleigh Cycle Co., has been a cyclist for over a quarter of a century, and has taken his bicycle to many corners of the world, so that he writes from the point of view of a practical cyclist, which is so apparent in the construction of the Raleigh. There is a preface by R J Mecredy, for 28 years editor of the "Irish Cyclist," and founder and editor of the Motor News." This is followed by an introduction by the author relative to the early days of cycling, which is followed by Cycling for Health," a well written portion of the book which is most interesting. Then follow the" Points for Cyclists," and when given by such a giant in the cycle world as Mr Bowden one may be assured that they are good points and worth taking note of. George Lloyd (late James Lloyd), Chimney Sweep, Church Lane, Ledbury. Distance no object. Prompt and personal attention to all orders. BOXING.—On Easter Saturday, April 11, a committee of "C" (Ledbury) Company, let Battalion the Hereforshire Regiment, are pro- moting a series of boxing bouts at the now Drill Hall in New-street, and have arranged for the following contests :—Private Jack Vicarage, of the local Company, heavy-weight champion of the Midlands, and Ted James, of Merthyr, the middle-weight champion of Wales, will box 15 3-minute rounds for a purse and sidestake. The men have met twice before, and each can claim a victory, so that there should be a good contest in this, the third encounter. H Devereux, a local boxer, will meet F Hales, of Cheltenham, in 10 3-minute rounds for a purse, and two local exponents in Private Joe Brooks and Alby Davis, will box 6 3-minute rounds for a purse. Other bouts have also been arranged. Owen Moran, the well-known Worcester boxer, and ex-light-weight champion of England, will act as referee, Captain A V Holman will be timekeeper, and Mr F Norman Wheaton and Mr W W Skittery will act as judges. First bout at 8 p.m. J. W. STEPHENS, collector of FINE, ANTIQUE FURNITURE, China, Plate, etc. -26, Church Street, Hereford, Near Cathedral iook Porch). l CHELTENHAM STEEPLECHASES.—The G. W. R. announce special facilities on the occasion of Cheltenham Steeplechases and Hurdle Races on Wednesday and Thursday next. See advert. THE BROTHERHOOD held a successful open meeting on Sunday at the Town Hall, when a large company was present. Messrs. Burchell and Jenkins, of Ebbw Vale, sang a duet and a solo, and Mi E Baylis (Worcester), gave an address, for which he was thanked. Mr Jones was in the chair, and Miss Fardon was the accompanist. John Haines and Sons, Practical Chimney Sweeps, Hotnend Street, Ledbury. All Orders Promptly attended to. Distance no object. Established 1830. WESLEYAN CHURCH.—A sacred cantata, en- titled the King of Glory," was rendered on Sunday night after the usual service. A very large congregation was present. The solo parts were taken by Miss Jackson, of Malvern, Miss D Luckin, Worcester, and Messrs. Burchell and Jenkins, of Ebbw Vale. The choruses were delightfully rendered. Mr W Maddox presided at the otgan, and Mr W Roberts conducted. PROPOSED LODGE OF THE R.A.O.B.-It is suggested to open a lodge of the Royal Antide- luvian Order of Buffaloes in Ledbury, and a preliminary meeting has been called for the Plough Hotel, Ledbury, to-night (Thurday) at 7.30 p Ill. sharp, to consider the necessary arrangements. A deputation from Worcester (including Mr W C Morris, J.P.), will attend to explain the aims snd objects of the Order. A musical grogramme is also being arranged, to which Worcester members will con- tribute, including Bro Edward Brampton, the well-known Worcester comedian. All persons interested in the movement are cordially invited and especially old members of the Order residing in the district. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.—The returns of school attendance for the quarter ended December 31st are to hand, and in Ledbury Rural schools the average percentage is 91, while in Ledbury Urban it is 81, the average for the county by being 88.7. In the rural the average percentages are :—Cod- dington 99, Ashperton and Canon Ftoome 97, Mathon C of E 96, Eastnor 94, Wellington Heath Hope End 93, Colwall boys 92, Yarkhill C of E 92, Wellington Heath infants 92, Colwall Valley Infasts C of E 91, Colwall Valley Girls C of E 90, Tarrington C of E 90, Little Marcle C of E 89, Bosbnry boys 3i, Bosbury girls and infants 87. Castle Froome C of E 87, ( Colwall Hill C of E 87, Stretton Grandison and Eggleton 87, Putley C of E 84, Much Marcle 81, Woolhope C 81. Other percentages of schools in the district are:-Ledbury boys 91, Ledbury girls 87, 'Ledbnry infants 86,

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