The Abergavenny Mail

i Jllhb MrtWMUCYCLES I fp ||q^ FOR SOLO OR SIDECAR. Their extraordinary power and reliability are t1 convincing proofs that they well maintain the great B.S.A. reputation. Let us give you particulars. Local Agent- f H. CECIL, Swan Cycle Works, Homend St., Ledbury. t LSA. CATALOGUE FREE.

CYCLECAR AND MOTOR CYCLE NOTES. [By CELERITER.] MODERN RELIABILITY TRIALS. A CURIOUS MISHAP AND A WARNING. Is the reliability trial played out or does it still survive a useful purpose to the manufacturer or to the buyer or to both ? The modern motor cycle is so efficient, so reliable, and with suitable gears so easily kbl6 to climb the steepest hills that the club officios who promote these reliability trials are often at their wits end to find a course and include tests which will prevent all or nearly all competitors from gaining gold medals, and when it comes to finding a winner for a premier award in the shape of a cup or trophy then their difficulties are increased. The average one day reliability trial has no terrors for the modern motor oycle with its three-speed gear. As an instance the Coventry and Warwickshire Motor Cycle Club's trial last week end showed how reliable the motor cycle of to- day is, for nearly 50 per cent. of the riders got through with elean sheets, notwith- standing the fact that such hills as Portway, Rodborough Lane, the Nailswortb, W," and the famous Birdlip were included in the course, not to mention Sudeley and Willersey. On Birdlip, which only a year or two ago was a terror to all motor cyclists, there was not a single failure either amongst the solo motor cycles or those with sidecars; in fact all machines appeared to get up the hill without the least difficulty. On the other bills there were only a few failures. Stoppages on the level, too, were few and lar between, and in most cases due to trivial defects, but which, however, put the com- petitors out, as non-stop conditions had to be observed throughout. In view of the results in this and other big reliability trials, it may safely be said that taken from «*-purelv touring standpoint, all or nearly all the machines would be eligible for gold medals, but in order to keep down the cumber of gold medals and to find a winner for the premier award, some system of mark- ing has to be adopted which, however, does not really affect the value of the machine as a reliable touring mount for the ordinary rider. One favourite plan nowadays is to include an accelleration test either up hill or on the level, marks being awarded for the beat performance made. This, however, tfoes not signify that the machine which can accelerate most quickly is the most reliable touring mount. Then again, some clubs ^iopt a stopping and restarting test on a steep hill. Any machine which fails to re- start within a certain time is penalised. This may be useful, but again it does not prove that the winner in this test is the best I touring machine or the most reliable. A flexibility hill climb, where the machine making the biggest difference between a "> #Iow climb up part of the hill and a fast tclimb up the remainder is awarded most marks, is fairly useful, as it is certainly an advantage to have a flexible machine. A slow climb up hill with the engine firing I regularly and steadily would be a useful test, and would be of use on an ordinary touring machine, but when all is said and done all these little side tests ase away from the main issue, which is to and the most reliable touring machine— jt machine which will stand hard wear day in and day out for say a 12 month without wanting any attention except an "occaøional oiling and tuning up. It seems to me the ordinary reliability trial over 150 and 200 mile course is not enough no matter how many hills are included, for as pointed out no ordinary hill presents any difficulty I to the average trial machines or to the average three speed gear machine of modern construction. What is wanted if the reli- ability trial is to survive is a series of long distance rides at speeds in excess of 20 m.p.h., for it must be borne in mind that no ciub can at present organise a trial with a, -whedule worked out at anything more than 20 m.p.h., yet so many motor cyclists are content with this low average when touring even. If a long distance trial over, say 1.000 miles could be arranged at an average speed of 25 m.p.h then the day of the absolutely perfect "no-attention" machine would be hastened forward. The nearest approach to such a trial is the Six Days trial Organised by the A.C.U. and following this in importance come the M.C.C.'s annual trial to Lands End and to Edinburgh or the Bir- mingham M.C.C.'s Annual Lands End and Edinburgh Trial. These trials each over a course nearly 500 miles long, has to be traversed in ordinary touring conditions, and there is not time for any lengthy repair or adjustment to be undertaken which might be necessary when a machine is suffering from the fatigue of say an 800 mile run which it might not suffer from in a 150 mile run. Hence, the long distance trial has much to be said in its favour from the point of view of being more instructive and of greater value to the touring rider than a short one day trial, even though the latter might be under non-stop conditions, and the former go-as-you-please except as regards the time checks at certain known places. The hill climb is practically a thing of the past, for manufacturers and public alike realise that there is little to be learnt from a hill climb, whilst from a spectatoral point of view there is nothing more wearisome. From a sporting point of view, perhaps, there is a little to be said in its favour though even this aspect is dying out. The reliability trial if run on long distance lines can still serve a useful purpose, and at the same time can be looked upon by the riders as an organised tour with the pleasure of meeting other motoring men at the end of the day's run, and in addition there is the possibility of winning a prize. A CURIOUS MISHAP. I A few weeks, whilst driving my Enfield Autolette, I had a curious mishap which though fortunately was not very serious may serve as a warning as the possibilities might be far more serious. Whilst driving along a main road with tramlines down the centre, the car suddenly swerved from the left-hand side of the road right across to the right- hand side, steering wheel was locked hard over to try and correct the skid and brake applied hard. The car did not stop, until the off froat wheel had collided with tha £ of a coal cart going in an opposite direction, buckled up the car wheel, ruined the mud- guard, bent the axle, and one of the steering tie rods. The cause of the accident was not far to see. The speedometer driving the mechanism in the form of two spur gear wheels, one bolted to the spokes of the road wheel, the other suspended from the stub axle steering arm, bad fouled the wheel, and locked in. The attachment which held the small spur wheel to the stub axle arm had somehow worked loose and caused all this trouble. Had a tram been coming along instead of a coal cart, there might have been a bad smash, though fortunately I was slowing down to take a corner, and was not doing more than 10 m. p.h. Curiously enough, I always had trouble with this particular speedometer drive, from the very first, and now it finally smashed the car up two days before I was to take delivery of a new one. Having had this trouble with the gearing before, though it had never come loose and got into the wheel before, I had ordered a similar speedometer-a Watford- but with a drive from the propeller shaft of the car by belt. I have since done over 2,000 miles with this drive, and found it much more satisfactory than the gear drive, being quieter, out of sight, and it is quite impossible to cause an accident as above, no matter what happens to it. Those about to fit' speedometers to their cars, I should most certainly advise them to have the type which is driven off the cardan (propeller) shaft, and to those who have the gear type driven off the road wheels, I should advise a periodical inspection to ascertain that nothing is loose or coming loose. THE TOURIST TROPHY RACES. I Possiblv there may be many motor cyclists who are thinking of going over to the Isle of Man to see the races for the first time, and taking their machines with them, but if they ask the advice of those who have been over and taken their machines with them in previous years, they will speedily find that their advice is don't," and I can heartily endorse this. In the first place, the landing facilities either at Liverpool or Fleetwood are very bad, though I believe they are a little better at Heysham, bnt the unloading at Douglas is the very limit; if the tide is down it is necessary to have the machine carried up about 30 slimy stone steps at the risk of machine and porters slipping, and causing considerable damage. The same process has to be repeated on leaving the Isle, then the melee of machine on board the boat is enough to break the heart of any owner who takes the least pride in his for it is sure to be minus something before he gets it to shore, also plus something in the way of scratched. Sidecars have to be removed from the machines as a rule, though I did once see one machine with sidecar attached hoisted out of the hold, but the owner had to wait nearly an hour for it. The Isle of Man Authorities do not seem to want motor cyclists and their machines in the Island, for they have some very stringent regulations, and far too many formalities to be gone through on landing, and no riding is allowed on the Sunday prior to the race, and no carrier riding is allowed at any time. No, to those about to take their machines over to the Island for the races, I can only say don't."

JISP1 J   FOR CHEAP ? ?ANDQUtCKDEUV?ERY. ?? ? — Are YOU n.iac -w?nt <Miv<? m ? -Mth<Mt. 7— Quick D:r=.Z= m "V know mean, ntirfitd custom |iWiw> ■ M sma cuatom, iarrimJ wi»i, ■ M -If ?i?3? <t.t*y :-<?""JAMa' ■ ? CmnrMf V?uete-h wtU npw 1" 0" B ■ omay hum* ever by low *ad so" I '"?Sw TO-DAY t? *0 'JAMES' I ■ C?ri?B<?U?-M?ntMi?ry II t?j i Methods." • ? THE JAMES CYCLE C? lAd? N m LONY?N;ANDBMMUK?HAM. M Mm -JAMES' earn- Bievele. Ct. 7 15 0 I Local Agent-H. C. CECIL Swan Cycle.Works, Romend-street Ledbury.

Wynd's Point. I Your miles from Ledbury, close to the British Camp. A very romantic, secluded spot, which for fouryears was the home of Jenny Lind, where she I died in 1887. The Jubilee Drive. I A beautiful drive along the west side of the Hills, from the Wyche to the British Camp. Most magnifi- cent views are obtained from it. Cyclists will find it one of the finest drives in the neighbourhood, the gradient being easy and the road bed well kept..

L. A DIE S. BLANCHARD'S PillS. Are unrivalled for all Irregularities, Ac., they speedil afford relief and never fail to aUeviate all suffering. They supersede Pennyroyal, Pil Cochia, Bitter Apple, Ac MJMtCHAM Bare Beat of all Pills for Women." Sold in boxes I /if by BOOTS' Branches, and all Chemists or post free, same price, from LESLIE MARTYN, Ltd., Chem ists, 34, Dateton Lane, London Frwe Sample and Booklet, Id. stamp.

Farmers and Poiltios. I Gloucestershire Union and Mr. Pearoe Ellis's Candidature. A meeting of the executive of the Gloucestershire Farmers' Union was held at Gloucester on Saturday. Mr W Pearce Ellis (Maisemore), who presided, stated that in consequence of his having been adopted as the prospective Liberal candidate for the South Worcestershire (Evesham) Division at the next election, he bad tendered his resignation as chairman of the union. He explained that be was contesting that constituency free of any party or party whip, saying that he was out as an agriculturist and nothing else. The Farmers' Union, however, was run on non-party lines, and since he had been adopted by the Evesham Liberal Association it was only right that he should tender his resignation. Mr Ellis then vacated the chair in favour of Mr Trevethan, the vice-chairman, who expressed his regret that the chairman had felt it necessary to resign. Mr W F Ing said he did not think there was any member of the executive without some party feeling, and, therefore, he did not think it necessary that Mr Ellis should resign the chairmanship. He moved that Mr Ellis should continue in the chair. Mr B Comely, who seconded, remarked that the fact that he did not know until that day which political party Mr Ellis favoured showed how well their chairman had kept politics out of the business of the union. (Hear, hear.) Mr Rymer expressed his disapproval of Mr Ellis having accepted advances to contest the South Worcestershire division. He stated that one of the reasons for the formation of the Farmers' Union was that they did not think the agricultural industry received the fair and proper treatment at the hands of the legislature to which it was entitled. They had accordingly created a body in the House of Commons of eighty-nine members, who were pledged to support the agricultural interests, and those members placed those interests beyond party politics. The union were pledged to support all members and candidates who supported them, and to oppose those who would not help agriculture. As the present member for South Worcester- shire (Mr B M Eyres-Monsell) supported the Farmers' Union, he (Mr Rymer) thought it was undesirable that they should oppose him. (Hear, hear.) In those circumstances he thought it was absolutely necessary for them, as members of the Gloucestershire Farmers' Union, to dissociate themselves and the union from Mr Ellis's action in regard to South Worcestershire. He (Mr Rymer) did not think Mr Ellis should have accepted overtures with a view to opposing Mr Eyres- Monsell during the time of his chairmanship of the Gloucestershire Farmers' Union. Mr Ing enquired if it were material whether Mr Ellis was a Liberal or Socialist. They were not discussing his politics, but the subject of his resignation. Mr Rymer said that immediately they lent themselves to party politics the union would come to the ground. He moved that the union dissociate themselves from Mr Ellis' action. Mr E W Walker, in seconding, said the farmers in the Wincbcombe district were of the opinion that Mr Eyres-Monsell was one of the best friends to agriculture whom they bad in the House of Commons (Hear, hear.) Mr Benjamin Read said none of them regretted more than he did that Mr Ellis should have felt it necessary to oppose one of the best friends agriculture had. (Hear, hear.) He did not think, however, any harm would be done if they could prevail upon Mr Ellis to continue his chairmanship. Mr Ellis said be wanted the question put to the vote. He did not desire the members to study his personal feelings in the least; he wanted them to study the union. With all due deference, however, to Mr Rvmer and Mr Walker, he was not out to fight Mr Eyres-Monsell, but to fight the policy of security of the tenant farmer and everything else appertaining to agricultural interests. (Hear, bear.) The point having been raised that the subject had not been placed on the agenda, its decision was left over until the next meeting of the executive. Mr Ellis presided during the succeeding portion of the meet- ing.

PROFITABLE POULTRY CULTURE. By RALPH R ALLEN. Lecturer to the Herts County Council; Editor of Monthly Hints on Poultry, &c. (All rights reserved.) A SUCCESSFUL BREEDING SEASON. (CONTINUED.) [Readers are particularly requested to note that this series of articles commenced with the first issue in January. In order to obtain their full value, the earlier articles should be read in conjunction with the current one.] REGULATION BEFORE COMMENCING INCUBATION. It is most important to ascertain that your machine is properly regulated and PERFECTLY STEADY before placing your eggs in the egg- chamber or drawer. Every machine has its own specific instructions for regulation; these should. be closely followed, and it is an error on the right side to allow the machine to run at the required temperature, empty, for three or even four days, rather than? fill it with eggs immediately it reaches its heat. Mention may her& be made that in the case of a new machine, or the first time an incubator is used during the semork, it is really essential to run it empty for a few days. It requires thoroughly warming damp to a greater or lesser extent has got into the machine, and it is advantageous to dry it out in order to secure even runimimg. CARE, OF THE LAMP. Readers must almost be weared by my continue! insistence on the necessity of attention to detail, yet without it saecess cannot be expected. The lamp must receive attention daily. I grant you many will burn for forty-eight hours or even more, but my advice is, see to it daily-it will not then be forgotten-and, further, have a regular time for attending to it. Personally, saine are always trimmed in the morning. If they are done at nighty to my mind there is a danger of them increas- ing their fliante, and, owing to the operator having retired, this might escape attention; the danger, however, is remote. Trimming a lamp is quite a acienee the first particular to remember is scrupulous cleanliness. Never over-fill the lamp reservoir, never cut the wick, rather pinch it off, removing every particle of burnt material. Employ only a high-grade American oil cheap oils are disastrous and even constitute a distinct danger Use a new wick for every hatch, rernerabering it is advantageous to purchase special wicks rather than the common material frequently sold by Italian warehousemen. In good machines the consumption of oil is very small-this is more noticeable still in hot-air machines-this implies that a small Same only is necessary. So after attending to the lamp, see that it is burning brightly and clearly, and just sufficient to keep up the required temperature. Carelessness in this direction, employ- ment of inferior grade oil, neglect in trim- ming and draught are the principal causes of chimneys smoking; a smokey chimney means an accumulation of soot, and, in turn, the presence of soot implies the inability to keep up the required temperature. If the trouble should happen by any cause, I can- not too strongly atvise you to cease opera- tions until such time as the soot is entirely removed. The presence of soot is also a menace to safety, sooner or later it will ifre, and such a danger, perhaps in the middle of the night, is a serious one. The obnoxious effluvia from a smokx chimney ,or a dirty lamp is only of secondary importance, none the less it frequently appeals to one before the more serious reasons here detailed. A final word on this subject; the attention the lamp receives should be such that the incu- bator could remain throughout the hatch in your living, or even bedroom, without caus- ing annoyance. SELF-FILLING LAMPS. I have used these, and willingly concede that great improvements have been made in them during recent years; at the same time I greatly prefer to use the ordinary lamp. A self-filling lamp may act perfectly for years, but sooner or later it will fail, and that failure probably involves the loss of the hatch. Yes, there is also the attendant risk in an ordinary lamp, but inasmuch as that receives attention every twenty-fours hours, against twenty-one days on the other hand, that risk is greatly minimised. Naturally, opinions differ on this point, and should you determine to use a self-filling lamp, be care- full to buy a good one, and from a reputable firm. (To be continued.) [Any enquiries concerning poultry- keeping addressed to our expert, Ralph R Allen, Sawbridgeworth, Herts., will be answered through these columns free, but those requiring a postal answer direct or sending birds for post-mortem examination must remit a half-crown postal order.]

HEARSON INCUBATOR. for 5/" a year! A 60-Egg Hearson costs ES 8 6 complete and carriage paid, and will hatch every fer- tile egg for upwards of 25 years, therefore the initial outlay works out at less than 51. per annum; thus it is tke poaltry rearer's most profitable investment. May we send you a free copy of The Prob- lem Solved," which is Published at 11- ? Proprietors: SFKATTS PATENT LIRD.. 24-25, Feactaarek St., Loadon. E.C. FINAL REDUCTION FOR SITTINGS m I Thar* la (till Um to Mt en* few lifht WmIi ■ I 4/0 8Iw.ø .f lm &? m? K"-t-" atntbu 41 ■ 01 Winor U Sam &0 the .UUal.. T mlaf anta, aataftdly paetad. carrUga forward, Whit* Black and Brawn Lachorru, Ctold and MItk Caaivbaa, Pure-bred Day-old Chicu of abore breeds, 121- dome. RALPH 8. ALLEN. UWIRIDGEWORTH. HERTS. ULZir'l CHOLERA. CUBE. Price 3/1, post paid. A positive Core for Cholera. Bowel Trouble, Indigestion, Diarrhoea, Dysentery, &e. Usea occasionally in the drinking-water the year round it wIHetrectuaJly prevent diticases of the digestive organs. OAJ?E CURE. Price Z?. post paid. Will surely rid your Mrde of this dangerous disease if used as directed. Full instructions with every Box. "■r.rtf'B TONIC CAPSULES. Price 1/6 per Box of 36, post paid. The Fa.ncier's'" Friend. Immediately a bird is noticed of-colour a. capsule (iron, quinine, and cod-liver oil) night and morning will speediiy put it right. For a day or two before aDd after shows they are invaluable. AXIOM'S VERKIH D TROYMIL. Price 1/3 per Large Tin, post paid. The whole nock should be dusted occasionally; every Broody Hen before entrusting her with a setting of eggs. mAXPX IL AlAEIf. Sawbrldgewarth. Nort46 No Dead Chicks.-Success in Chicken Rearing cm only be obtained by using the most reliable Food. For best results start them on ARMITAGE'S BEST DRY CHICK FOOD. In bags, 4d, 8d, 1.. 4d, 2s 6d, etc. Manufactured by ARMITAGE BROS, Ltd., Poultry Food Specialists, Nottingham. Sold by: -F W TAYLOR, High-street, Ledbury; C THURSTON, Cheapside, Newent, &c. No Dead ChickSi-Snecess in Chicken Rearing can only be obtained by using the most reliable Food. For best results start them on ARMITAGE'S BEST DRY CHICK FOOD. In bags, 4d, 8d, Is 4d, 2a tfa, etc. Manufactured by ARMITAGE BROS., Ltd., Poultry Food Specialists, Nottingham. Sold at Abergavenny by :-Jetfreys & Son, Frogmore-street; W J Day, Frogmore-street; T Rees, 16, Cross-street; Saunders & Co, 50, Cross-street; W T Stoneham, Argyle Stores A J Wibberley, 5, Lion-street. EGGS, EGGS, EGGS. Increase the laying E? qualities of your Hens by using the Vick Egg Produce" Meal; one 9d packet sufficient for 6 birds for 40 meals two packets 1/4 carriage paid. Give it a trial and prove it for yourself, Obtainable only direct from the manufacturer Alex Vick, Miller Gloucester.

I ACROSS THE TABLE. I The death of the Duke of Argyll brings tftw amnber of widows in the immediate RoyaE circle up to five-rather a curious fact when* one remembers that there are no widowers in the list. Of Queen Victoria's children, the- two daughters now surviving—Princess Louise and Princess Beatrice—are both widowed,, while another case is supplied by a daughter- in-law in the Duchess of Albany. Then there are Queen Alexandra and her eldest daughter, widowed by the death of the Duke of Fife. It is strange that the same thing was to be- observe"! in the last generation, for Queen Vieto" was a widow for forty years. Her eldest aughter, the Empress Frederick, was a witknv for thirteen years; the Queen's mother, the Duchess of Kent, had a very long widowhood; and there was also Queen Ade- laide, widow of William IV. The succession of the new Duke of Argyll adds another to the list of unmarried Dukes, the f,f: ler two being the Duke of St. Albans and j" Duke of Leinster. Some of those who are married have no heirs in the direct line: these include the Duke of Westminster, whose only son died some years ago, the Duke of Sutherland, the Duke of Newcastle, and the Duke of Somerset, apart from the Duk*- of Rothesay, who is the Prince of Wales. The marriage of one of the late Duke of' Argyll's brothers occasioned a classic in- stance of things which might have been ex- pressed differently." When the wedding was announced, says Grant Duff, a certain Duke remarked to the Prince of Wales: "What queer people Argyll's 'sons do marry to be sure," and received the laughing reply: "I am sorry you think so badly of my sister. "I had quite forgotten," said the offender, afterwards, "that Lome had married the Princess Louise." Anecdotes of the late Mr. Danckwerts con- tinue to be told in the Common Rooms. Here is one relating to his habit of resuming his seat whenever the Judges of the Divi- sional Court conferred together while he was arguing. Go on, Mr. Danckwerts. go on." sa,id the presiding Judge on one occasion. "Do I understand," asked the sarcastic ad- vocate, rising to his feet, that I am per- mitted to interrupt your Lordships' conver- sation ? t Ur. Danckwerts was never particularly concise in argument. I admit your skill, Danckwerts, very much, but you differ from me in one important particular," a leading advocate in the Commercial Court once re- marked to him. I choose my best point to rely upon, but you take your stand on all your points-good, bad, and 'indifferent." Quite right, my dear —— replied Mr.. Danckwerts, but you practise in the Com- mercial Court, where the Judges know some- thing of the law, while I practise chiefly in1 the Divisional Court, where I usually find my worst point to be the most successful." This is how the schoolboy did it when asked to explain the three creeds, says tho Daily Ohronicle: "First of all, there was the Apostles' Creed. But they found there were some people who didn't believe in that. So then they made the Nicene Creed. But there were still some people who wouldn't believe in that. So at last they made the Athanasian Creed, which nobody could possibly help be- lieving." In the United States the revenue auihorifciea have found that people deliberately over- assess their incomes in order to gain social prestige in the local plutocracy. This is reminiscent of Mark Twain's tale of the kind stranger who congratulated him on his books and asked him how much he made for such brilliant work. Mark was delighted, and let himself expand, and found out only in the next day or two that the polite stranger had carefully noted his statements, and, being a tax collector, had assessed him as he deserved. Fortunately the author had a knowing friend, to whom he took the terrible papers. The friend started making deductions," and by the time he had finished Mark Twain found that the United States owed him several hun- dred dollars, and that he really had no in- come at all. There is a barber in the hairdressing saloon of one of the great London railway stations who looks suspiciously at all customers who ask him for a particularly close shave, says the Daily Mail. Recently a man of a sport- ing type came into the saloon, sat down in his chair, and asked to be shaved. The expert handled his razor lightly and featly. But the sportsman put a ruminating hand under his chin, and Not close enough," he said. Carefully the barber lathered again and shaved his best and nearest. Good," said the patient, but not quite close enough yet. Just here and here there is a shadow of something left, and I must have it absolutely smooth for this evening." Then the barber bent over the chair and took the head into chancery. He scraped, he rubbed, he touched, he flicked, he hovered, he almost breathed with the razor. He practically leant upon his patient in the process, such pains did he take. At last he stepped aside; the sportsman now could have no more been shaved further than an egg. Quite right this time," said he as he rose from the chair. He pressed a sixpence into the barber's hand and hurried out. Ten minutes later the barber missed his watch and chain. No man has a better appreciation of effect than Mr. Roosevelt. He always lives up to his reputation as a strenuous man, but he was "had" once. A party of delegates called on him at his country home at Oyster Bay. The President being warned appeared to greet them coat.less, collarless, and apparently per- fpiring from recent physical labour. Mr. RooreVclt was, as usual, "delighted to see" them: "You've caught me hard at work put- ting my hay in the barn. gentleman," he a(lri(,d. ,Just come along there-with mo and tnIk as I work." and he led the way through the farmyard, picking up a pitchfork as he went along. But when they reached the barn and there was no hay on the floor, Roosevelt was perturbed. "John, John," he cried, "where's that hay?" And a vo;ce from the loft replied. Sorry, sir, but I ain't had time to throw it back again since you threw it up last time gentlemen called, sir." The do. putation smiled. A benevolent old gentleman went into a hosier's shop and asked to look at some ties for evening dress. The assistant produced made-up bows. My dear fellow," said the benevolent gentleman, "I want those I can tie myself. A ready-made bow makes one look like a sliop assistant." Then he realised the awful thing he had said and became abso- lutely «peechle.ss. He is still searching for the form of apology which would quite fit the occasion.

THE BIBLE IN 456 LANGUAGES.—It was stated at the annual meeting of the British and For- eign Bible Society, in London, on Wednesday, that during the year no less than 8,958,000 vol- umes of the Bible had been sent out in 455 lan- guages, of which the complete Bible was in 112 languages, Testaments in 111, and at least one book of the Bible in 233 more. The society also issued the Bible in embossed type in 35 clitfereut languages for the benefit of the blind. LEDBURY POSTAL GUIDE. Postmaster-Mr. J. BELL. Counter Attendance:—8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Week-days; 8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sundays. Money Orders, Savings Bank, Inland Revenue Licenses, &c., Government Life Insurance and Annuity and Telegraph and Express Delivery Business, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Week-days. ,oA i Sale of Stamps, Registration of Letters, Issue and Payment of Pbstal Orders, and Delivery of Callers Correspondence, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Week-days. Sunday—Sale of Stamps, Registration of Letters, Delivery to Callers, and Telegraph Business, 8.30 to 10 a.m. Telegrams can be forwarded on Payment of extra fees after close ol office up to 9 p.m. on Week-&yo, and between the hours of 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays, notice being given. On Bank Holidays the public counter is closed at noon for all business excepting Telegraph businees, Telegraph Money Order business, Express Delivery business, the Reception of Parcels, the Sale of Postage Stamps, and the Registration of Letters. Country Letter Carriers go out as on other Week-days, and return earlier. Telephone Call Office: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. week-days. 8-30 a.m. to 10t-30 a.m. Stukbtys. The Letter Bra remains open at all hours for the posting of Letters. LETTERS, PARCELS °f DESPATCHES—VEEK DAYS.  of 7.30 a m. Birmingham (delivery noon), London and Midlands, and North No generally (London delivery, 4.15 p.m.), Worcester,. Malvemv Parcels. Gloucester and Hereford 9:45 a.m. Gloucester (delivery I p.m.), London, South and West of England 9.40 a m. (London delivery 5.15 p.m.) 11 a.m. Birmingham (delivery 4 p.m.), London (delivery 7.15 p, m), Mid- 10.50 a.m. lands and North of England n. 1p.m. Birmingham (delivery 4 p.m.), Malvern (delivery 4 pim.), Midlands 12.55 p m. and North, Gloucester (delivery 4 p.m.), South. and West of England and London (London delivery 9.15 p.mi), Hbrefosdi andi Worcester United States and Canada (Saturdays only). 4 p.m Gloucester (delivery 8 p.m ) and all parts. 3.55 p — 6;45 pm. Birmingham, Midlands, Malvern and Worcester. &.40 p. (None of the foregoing Mails are despatched on Sunday or Bank Holiday). 7 p.m. Ireland, Scotland, and North of England generally. 1 p.m. 8.5< p.m. London* Birmingham, Gloucester, Hereford, Malvern, Stafford*, 8 p.m. Worcester, Midlands and North of England, and West of England. (General night mail). Letters can be registered up to half-an-hour before the despatch of any Mail on the prepayment of fees of 2d:, &o. SUNDAYS. (v.45 p.m. Birmingham, Malvern, Worcester, and Midlands, and North. of England 7.46 p.m. London, Gloucester, South and West of England No parcels are despatched on Sunday. j DELIVERIES. T,own.-Wee"y&-T,otters and Parcels are delivered, beginning at 7 a.m., 1246. pm., 5 p m 7 p.m. on Week-days, and Lettera only at 7-30 a.m. on SUNDAYS. RURAL DISTRICT.—Week Days. Latest time, of (Letters and Parcels). Pasting 6 a.m.—All parts. 12.10 ptm.—Bosbury, Castle Frome, Fromes Hill, Coddington, 12.45 pim.—Ashperton, Canon Frome, Putley, Trumpet, Munsley, Eastwood, Lower Eggtetoa* Little Marcle, Stretton Grandison. 3. p.m.-Ross Road, Leddington, Greenway, Donnington, Haffield, Broomsgreen, Parkway Borrow Bfomesbe rrow. 4.45 pm.-Faugnor, Holly Bush, Wellington Heath. SUNDAYS.—(Letters only). 6 a.m.—Broomsgreett, Parkway, Donnington, Eastnor, Bosbury, and; places- on Main Boad INIa Ledbury to Canon Frome. Homend Street Town Sub-Office. -Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sale of Stamps, Parcel Poet. Money Order, Postal Order, Savings Bank, Annuity and Government Stock, Licenses, &c., business. Newtown Town Sub-Offwo. -Open from 8 a.m. to 11-30 a.m., and 3-15 p.m. to 7-45 p.m. for sale of Stamps and sale and payment of Postal Orders, Registration of Letters, and Parcel Post bnsinesB. Express Delivery. -laetters and Parcels up to a weight of 51bs. are accepted for delivery immediately, at a charge of 3d. a mile, at the Head Office and at Telegraph Delivery Sub-Offices- between the hoars of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Week-days. Town QoHacttsn from Sab-Offices and Wall Boxes on Week-days foe relative Despatehee and Deliveries from Head Offlee. a.m. a.m. a.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. pm. Homend Street Town Sub-Offioe 5-45.- 9-30 11-40 — 3-40 4-25 6-45 7-50 Homend Terrace Wall Box 5-40 9-25 11-25 335. 4-201 6-40 7.4s High Street Wall Box 5-50.- 9-35 1150 12-55 3.45. 4-30 6-45 7-56 Newtown Town Sub Office. — — 9-5.- 11-30 3-15.- 6-30 7-45 Southend n — 9-40 11-55 12-50 3-50 4-35 6-50 7-45 Oatleys Road. 5-30 8-50 11-15 — 3-0 6-15 740 NO COLLECTIONS ON SUNDAYS. Adjoining Yillagee with their Pott Towns. Ashperton—Ledbury Little Marcle Ledbury Aylton-Ledbury Much Marcl&-GIoue"ter Birtsmorton- Tewkesbury Mathon-Malvern Bosbury—Ledbury Munsley-Ledbtiry Bromesherrow-Ledbury Park-way-Ledburv Bromesberrow Heath-Dymock Pixloy-Ledbuzy Canon Frome-Ledbury Putley-Ledbttry Castle Frome—Ledbury Stoke Ed-ith-Igereford Coddington-Ledbury Stretton Grandison—Ledbury Colwall-Malvern Tafringtoa—Hereford ? ??? Iedbury Donnington-Ledbury Woolho {Part Ledbury Dymock-Gloucester 1'8 Part Hereford Eastnor-Ledbury Wellington Heath—Ledbury ?? Ledbury Eggleton (Upper)-Ledbury yarkhil,_ J Part ^^bury Eggleton (Lower)-Ledbury ( Part Hereford Leddington—Ledbury Yatton-Ross

REVIEWS. BLAKE'S BURDEN," by Harold Bindloss (Ward, Lock and Co., London, 69 nett.) This latest novel from the pen of Harold Bindloss presents another of those graphic descriptions of Canadian life for which be has become so famous. It is an entrancing story be has to tell, of the fine spirit shown by a young officer in one of the Indian frontier "scraps," his self-effacement, his struggles and hardships in Canada, and his final triumph over unscrupulous foes. Inter- woven with these pen pictures of Canadian and English country life, is a love story of absorbing interest, and there is not a dull page in the book. Those who have read and enjoyed the previous nove)s of Mr Bindloss should lose no time in procuring a copy of this, his latest effort. One thing to be said about Mr Bindloss and his books, is that there is a healthy. vigorous tone about them which does one good to read, in preference to the namby-pamby volumes which one meets with everywhere. MUNSEY'S MAGAZINE" for May is a par- ticularly attractive one. The long, complete novel is The White Hope," by P G Wode- house, and is a most readable one and likely to be popular. An article on Alaska: Land of opportunity," is a well-written, and profusely illustrated, and other articles and abort stories abound. Munsey's Magazine is a mammoth sixpenny worth, and a marvel for the money.

DYMOCK. I New and Second Hand Cycles for 8"le or hire. Pram Tyres wired on. Elecc Pocket Lamps and Re6Ha in stock. Motor Cycle and other I Tyres anti Ontfit&-W. Dudfleld. Cycle Agent, Dymock.

NEWENT. PMUSB COUNCIL.—A monthly meeting of the Newent Parish Council was held at the Sessions Court Room on Monday night.—Col W F N Noel presided and there were also present Miss Hutchinson, Messrs Douglas, Holloway, W Bourton, E F Bellamy, W Akerman, and II Laneaste,r.-A cheque for Ell 14s 6d was drawn in favour of Mr J J Clark for furniture, gas brackets, etc., in the Town Hall.—It was announced that the poor rate for the ensuing half- year would be 2s 8d in the JB. and that there would be a special sanitary rate of 6d., Mr W H Price to collect the latter for £10. CHANGE RINGING.-On Saturday, in three hours, a peal of Bob Minors, 5.040 changes, being seven 720's called differently, was rung by John Cooper 1st, W. J Roberts 2nd, A. Martin 3rd, A S Boar 4th, ex-Sergt J Williams 5th, and J T Dyke 6th. Conducted by J T Dyke. On Sunday, in 2 hours, 17 minutes, a peal of Grandsire doubles, 5,040 changes was rung by the following on hand- bells at the residence of ex-Sergt. J Williams: ex-Sergt J Williams 1-2 J T Dyke 3-4 and W J Roberts 5-6. Conducted by J T Dyke First peal rung on handbells in Newent. Umpires A Martin and J E Roberts. WKSLEYAN CHURCH.—The Sunday School anniversary services at the Wesleyan Church were held on Sunday last, and were a complete success. The morning service was taken by the Rev G Oyston, and the night service by Mr James Fielding. In the afternoon a children's service was held, and a short address given by Mr Oyston. The prizes were presented to the children by Mrs Pen warden, who complimented the scholars upon their good attendances during the year. The beat attendance wag that of David Bidmead, and Edith Carter came first amongst the girls. Special hymns were sung. The children were trained by Mr Wicklen, and Miss L Wicklen presided at the organ. SCHOOI MANAGERS.— The monthly meeting of the Managers of the County Group of Schools was held at Mr 0 T Price's offices on Tuesday. Mr H Davis (vice-chairman) presided, and the other Managers present were Miss Hutchinson, the Revs C L Whatley and Kenfig Morgan, and Messrs Goulding and Pen- warden. The School Attendance Officer repor- ted the attendances for the past three weeks as follows: Picklenash boys 94 1, the girls 88.8, infants 86 Clifford's Mesne £7 2 Gorsley 91; total 91.4— Mr H Davis gave the visitors' re- port, and the Visiting Committee were instruc- ted to carry out the necessary repairs, etc.— A circular was read from the Education Committee as to repairs, painting, etc, of the schools. It was agreed that the Surveyor should inspect and see what was required to be done.—Mr Davis was instructed to procure a new cord for the flag staff.-The clerk was in- structed to ask for a pair of Hatherley steps. D Trubshaw and L K Neale were appointed as monitors from May 1st, 1914.-The Clerk was instructed to ask and fill up the religious exam- ination.—It was agreed to form a committee of ladies to carry out medical treatment of school children.—The Empire Day celebrations will be held on May 22ad at 11 o'clock, Colonel Noel to be asked to give an address at Picklenash, the Rev Dixon at Gorsley, and the Rev C L Whatley at Clifford's Mesne. « —

118 sent to the Reporter Office, Ledbury, will ensure a copy of this paper being sent post frea every Friday evening or a quarter (13 weeks).

SOOTH WORCESTERSHIRE. [ The Prospective Liberal Candidate and I Agrioulture. A special meeting of the General Council of the South Worcestershire Liberal Associa- tion was held at the Town Hall, Evesham, on Friday, to meet Mr W Pearce Ellis, who was recommended as prospective candidate. Mr Ellis, who was born at Hampton Bishop, Hereford, in 1867, is a tenant farmer at Maisemore, Gloucester. He is a chairman of the Gloucestershire branch of the National Farmers' Union, a member of the Gloucester- shire Light Horse Breeding Committee, and vice-chairman of the Gloucester Milk Depot. Mr J E Newman presided at the meeting. Mr Pearce Ellis said he should fight the division on strong Liberal principles, and on the question of agriculture he should be entirely free of any party whip. He was out for the benefit of agriculture and for the people generally. He wanted to see agri- culture pot in such a position that every farmer had secqrity of tenure and the labourer also had security in his home. He did not think Mr Lloyd George at Bedford went far enough when speaking of security of tenure. He was in favour of a minimum wage for agricultural labourers, and he thought there should be wages boards in different districts. He was in favour of the disestablishment of the Church. He spoke against Tariff Reform, and said there would be no civil war in Ulster. Home Rule would make the Irish a happy people. Replying to questions, Mr Ellis said he f should like to see an elective Second Chamber. He was opposed to conscription, and in favour of the nationalisation of rail- ways. I f f.. M Ell' A resolution in favour of inviting Mr Ellis j to become the prospective Liberal condidate was passed, on the motiou of Mr H J Smith.

Ledbury Produoa Market. I There was a moderate attendance, and not much I produce on offer. Prices Butter (wholesale), lid and Is It (retail) 18 Id peT lh Eggs (wholesale), 15 for is. t. (retail), 14 for Is FOWIB, 48 6d to 51 per couple Rabbits, 8d and 9d each. Potatoes, lOd to Is per peck. Apples, Is per peck. ) t

1, Ledbury Corn Market. I The markets are very dull, and no samples I were on offer. Quotations Wheat (new), 3s lOd to 4s Od. Beans, 3s lOd to 4s Od Peas, 3s 9d to 48 3<1 Vetches, 48 6d to 5s Rye, 4s Oats (old), 22s to 288 per qr. „ (new), 20s to 22s per qr. Flour, firm. Maize, 25s to 27s per qr. English Parley, 28s to 32s. Foreign Parley, 22s to 25s 400 f.o.r. Sharpness. Bran, £ t: per ton.