The Abergavenny Mail

THE TEACHERS V. COUNTY I EDUCATION AUTHORITY. The gap widens. The Local Education Authority, by adopting the report of the Committee appointed to investigate the matter of teachers' salaries, have refused to accede to the request of the National Union Teachers, in whose hands the teachers have placed themselves, to provide an adequate scale of salaries for the teachers of the county. The National Union of Teachers' reply: after consideration, was to the effect that only a satisfactory scale of salaries would bring the present dispute to a close. So the gulf is gradually becoming wider. At this juncture our readers, we feel sure, weuld like to become more fully acquainted with the pros and cons of the question. A special pen has therefore been requisitioned to write an article or two, dealing with the situation, from many points of view. It must, however, be distinctly understood that the views expressed are the personal opinions of the writer, and the editor in no way holds himself responsible for the statements made. Figures can be made to talk," and they confuse the minds of those who wish to get a clear issue. For instance, the teachers started the campaign by comparing the average 01 the headmasters' salaries through- out the country ( £ 177) with those of Herefordshire ( £ 111). According to the Local Education Authority these and other figures of the Union were misleading and deceitful. The teachers should have ex- cluded London and the industrial centres. This the teachers did, and the result was  ?,,ovr for the other £ 14(i, as against £ 111. Now for the other side. The Local Education Authority are proud of the fact that they are paying 2d per child more in Herefordshire than the average. This sounds well. But, mark, they have included all those places which they said the teachers should not have done. The teachers therefore say that this is not fair, inasmuch as if the industrial centres are included a fair average is not struck, as it is cheaper, on the average, to administer education to large numbers than to small. Thus the teachers turn the arguments of the Local Education Authority against itself. In further illustration the Union has shown that this 2,1. per head is not so good as it appears, because as Hereford is a county of small schools, and the cost of providing so many certificated teachers is consequently high, therefore Herefordshire should hold a position much above the average in this respect, and this position it does not hold. It is therefore quite plain that although figures are most useful they need very care- ful perusal, and the question wants looking at from other points as well. The great body of the ratepayers have the first say in the argument against the teachers. Rates are increasing so rapidly that they will not bear additional burdens without I kicking against them. They must be kept as low as possi ble. The cost of maintaining the roads increases at an alarming rate and every effort to economise seem3 to be thwarted. But there is one rate which can be kept low —the education rate. A large section of ratepayers in such an agricultural district cannot see the value of education. The section may easily be divided into sub- divisions. There are first of all the farmers, who cannot see the necessity of educating the labourers' children. Why do they need education ? We want labourers on the farms, they say, and they need very little knowledge and the less understanding and reasoning power they possess the better, for then they will be contented with their work and wages. This education drives all labour from the land and is therefore useless to us as farmers. Now this is the reasoning of a great section of the farmers, as farmers and business men, and therefore they fight against the teachers' request for a reasonable salary as compared with others in the same profession. As men they believe in educa- tion, for they see that their sons and daughters receive a good education. It may be good business, but not good citizenship. Again there are some tradespeople (only a small minority) who believe in well educating their own children, but grumble when they have to pay out, for the children of those who are less blessed. Looking at it from a business standpoint, it is hard—the business people are ever the worse off as far as rates and taxes are concerned. They forget, how- ever, that the schools are open to their children also, if they choose to send them. Both these sections view the matter from a very selfish standpoint indeed. The children of the workers are flesh and blood like better class people's children an 1 have the right- an equal right—as English children, to as good an ed ucation as can be procured for them. If the farmers' and tradesparsons' children need education so do the working men's children. The only difference is the former have a duty to perform, seeing that they have been endowed with a greater amount of worldly goods-the duty of help- ing their less fortunate brethren. Now the teachers have a big say in the matter. They have worked patiently for many, many years helping the children of the working classes to give to their work a greater intelligence, and to become better citizens, always patiently waiting for the recompense they knew was theirs by right, but which has been witheld by the cheeseparing Committee whose chief duty seemed to be keeping down the rates rather than providing the best education for the working man's child. They have always considered the applications on their merits, mark that—their merits—yet it has taken 10 weary years and a threat to stop work, on the part of the teachers, to obtain the admission that the teachers have been underpaid. What about the back work ? All those years of patient work on behalf of the Herefordshire children practically unrecognised by the Committee, some of whom would count the teachers' work by the number of hours they put in under the roof of the school. Five hours a day, five days a week, and 10 or 11 weeks' holiday a year as well. What a fine time teachers have to be sure Ye gods what an argument. 'Tis not the educationist who argues thus-not the man who knows, not the man who cares to know. Why blame the teachers for that over which they have no control ? Assuming that, as these gentle- men say, they have short time, who pre- scribes it ? Not the teachers. There is not one teacher but would jump for joy if the 5-1 hours' duty at school closed the day's school work. Now for the financial argument. Look," says one man, what that teacher earns out- side school hours." See," says another, this man and his wife earn a tidy penny together." What do they want more money for ? Now the answer to this is Does the teacher do the work as well as his or her co-worker in other parts ? If not, why are not their serv ices dispensed with ? If they do why are they not paid equally and in the same manner as their omrades elsewhere. No! I grant they should not be paid in Hereford- shire as well as in London or Lancashire, but I do say they ought to be on an equal basis and in like manner to Hereford city teachers. Why should a teacher serving the county well, receiving good reports, be penalised because be or she lives outside the boundaries of Hereford city ? If the great majority of the authorities of this country think it advisable to pav by scale, why not Herefordshire? I suppose there are diiffculties. I can hear the argument of small schools being roared forth with tremendous force. This does not alter my opinion. The schools should be graded and the teachers given a chance of knowing to what maximum they are able to attain. The other argument that the good and bad are paid alike, scarcely needs speaking about. It is too ridiculous. The annual increments of course are withheld when proof is forthcoming that the teacher's work is not what it should be. If a teacher does a satisfactory year's work that work should be recognised until the maximum is reached. The Committee have always the power of extending the scale in exceptional cases. Of course the real reason for opposing a scale is that the rate would go up immediately (I expect about 1 id) but whose fault is that? If the Local Education Authority had done its duty, years ago, the rate would gradually have gone up and no one 'would have grumbled. Now there are arrears due to the teachers and the ratepayers will, of course, see the justice of their plea and put the blame of this increase in the proper quarter-for the action of the Local Education Authority is a typcal example of false economy. The teachers have right upon their side and it may be taken for granted that a present rise of a few pounds without the certainty of future increases will not satisfy them. If satisfactory increases had been granted as they were deserved there would have been no threat to strike," and Herefordshire's lowly position on the education ladder, from whatever standpoint it is looked at, proves the teachers in the right. The sooner the Local Education Authority recognises this and adopts a satisfactory method of payment of adequate salaries to the teachers, the sooner will the dispute be at an end. J.BS.

LEDBURY AND DISTRICT AIR-RIFLE LEAGUE. LEAGUE TABLE TO DATE. Shot Won Lost Tied Afisrrgt Pts Fox 13 13 0 0 ;3088 26 White Hart. 13 10 3 0 3015 20 New Inn 13 9 3 1 3014 19 Putley 14 9 4 1 3121 19 Biddulph 14 9 5 0 3162 18 Yew Tree. 13 9 4 0 2962 18 Nondescripts 13 7 5 1 2969 15 Talbot 13 5 H 1 29.32 11 Wellington Hth 13 5 g 0 2851 10 Bell 14 5 9 0 3157 10 Prince of Wales 13 4 9 0 2898 8 Wellington 12 4 8 0 2031 8 Plough 13 1 12 0 2711 2 Ledbury W.M.C. 13 0 13 0 2547 0 MONTHLY LEAGUE MEETING. It is notified for the information of clubs that the monthly League meeting will ba hpld at the headquarters, New Inn Hotel, Ledbury, on Saturday, January 3rd, at 7-30 p.m. NEW INN v PUTLEY. Shot on the former's range aud won by the homesters by 9 points. Score New Inn-W Howells 30, W Dowding 31, F Smith 30, J Smith 30, C Jessett 27, F Drink water 28, A T Jones 28, W Pitt 29tot&1 233. Patlpy-C 29, L Preece 29, K Good- 27, G Evans, 27, C Taylor 29; A H Wilson 26, J BIDDULPH ARMS v BELL. Shot on the former's range and won by the homesters by 8 points. Scor:- Biddulph Arms-C Smart, senr., 29, T Porter 29, C Smart, jllDL" 29, W E Hyde 29, J Potter 29, W Price 28, A Wadeley 26, G Chadd 26 —total 225 Bell-J Vicarage 25, W Hodges 26, G Lloyd 27. W Davies 27, J Hodges 30, B Morris 26, F Lissimore 27, H Griffiths 29-totftl 217.

NEW SERIAL.—See page 2 for the opening chapters of a grand new serial: For Love and I Honour,"

I LEDBURY POLICE. I WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31. Before Alderman John Riley (in the chair), Mr W A H Martin, Mr Spencer H Bickham, Mr Fred Ballard, Mr R Buchanan, and Mr E H Hopkins. I CUT-OUT CASE. William George Proberts, of Birmingham, was summoned for ridiag a motor-cycle with the cut-out" open in Worcester-road, Ledbury, on November 30, 1913. Defendant did not appear, but was repre- sented by Mr Coles, Hereford. P. S. Brierley said he saw the mofcor-cyele start from the Royal Oak Hotel, Ledbury, and when it got 15 to 20 yaris up Worcester-road it started making a very loud noise, which he should say was caused by the cut-out being open. It went on up the Worcester-roail making a very loud noise, whereas when it passed him the machine was going quite quietly. John Reginald Denslow, cycle agent, Homend-street, Ledbury, said he was coming down Worcester-road on the day named and just opposite Ledbury Park he saw a motor- cycle with side-car, with a lady in the side-car, come round the corner from the Southend quiet enough, but as soon as it got opposite him the motor-cycle began making a loud noise, caused by the "cu-out" being open he should say. The noise began quite suddenly. When he got to the bottom of the Worcester-road Sergt. Brierley stopped him, which was rather un- fortunate for him, as he was in the same line of business. Mr Coles said the machine defendant was rididg was an "Ivy" of this year's pattern, made since the cut-out order came into force, aud it had no "cut-out on it. Defendant had ridden the machine for four months in and and around Birmingham and this was the first complaint that had been made. He handed in a letter from the makers and a sketch of the machine. Fined 59 and 15s 6d costs. I STRAYING DONKEYS. Uwen Davies, of Woolhope, -was summoned for allowing a donkey to stray on the highway at Woolhope on Decem ber 18. Defendant did not appear. P.C. Bowen proved the case, and said the donkey was a mile from home and a mile-and-a- half from Broodmoor Common, where it was turned out. Mr Ballard What limit is there off the Common ? Witness None that I am aware of. Fined 5s. Henry Holbrook, of Woolhope, who is tho parish constable, was summoned for a similar offence on the same date. Tlais defendant also did not appear, and P.C. Bowen again proved the case. The donkey was with the one referred to in the previous case. Mr Ballard Th-3>e are a lot of donkeys about Woolhope, aren't there ? Witness Yes, there are. (Laughter). Fined 78 6d. I ANOTHER CHANCE. Thomas Taylor, a casual labourer, hailing from Worcester, was summoned for stealing a fowl from Callow Hills, value 2s 31, on Dec 24, the property of Henry Cowell, farmer, his employer. Henry Cowell said he had lost a Plymouth Rock fowl similar to the one produced. Mr Ballard Lost any by foxes lately ? Witness Yes, but foxes don't usually put them in a bag. Mr Bollard No they don't wait for that. Mr Cowell said he did not wish to press the case. The man had worked off and on for him for 12 years, and he had al ways found him honest. This fowl strayed from the others, and he thought perhaps it was a temptation to him. P.S. Brierley said he met prisoner on the Little Marcle road, carrying a sack, and in reply to questions the man said he had a rabbit and potatoes Mr Cowell had given him for a Christmas-box. He turned out the rabbit and potatoes, and witness then looked in the sack and found the fowl produced. In reply to questions, he said he found it dead in the orchard along Falcon Lane and hid it under a tree until he returned from work. Supt Williams said on Christmas Day he took defendant his tea in the cell, and he told him that the fowl was with three or four others in Mr Cowell's wain-house, and he threw a stone at them and killed this one, Mr Ballard Did you warn him J Supt. Williams No. There was no necessity. This was a voluntary statement. Defendant pleaded guilty and said he threw a piece of hop-pole at the fowl and lamed it. He didn't like to take it back as he thought Mr Cowell would get on to him, a"d he killed it. In reply to the Magistrates' Clerk (Mr C B Masefield), Mr Cowell said he was willing to employ the man again. He had always found the man honest, and he could etra as much as most men on piece work. The Bench decided not to record a conviction, but, Taylor was ordered to pay 10i towards the costs and bound over for six months. A sum of 5s due to him from Ml Cowell was pud in and a fortnight was allowed for payment of the remaining 5s. A LENIENT VIEW. Joseph Wilkinson, a strong, well-built man, an Army reservist, was brought up in custody charged with destroying his clothes at the Workhouse that morning. H J Batchelor, porter at the Workhouse, said prisoner did his task tho previous morning and that (Wednesday) morning at 8 o'clock when he went to discharge him he found ho had torn his clothing to shreds. He spoke to the man about it, and he said he could not get work in the clothes he had. If the man had mentioned to him about his clothes he would have found him some, as they usually gave old clothes to casuals in need of them. Prisoner sail he had come from the North and had tried to find work and get off the road, but no one would employ him in tho clothes he had. He was making his way to South Wales, where he could get work. Ho had asked at the various casuals wards he had stayed at for some clothes, but he always got the usual reply "No." Prisoner's insurance card, was produced and the stamps showed that he was a workman. He said lie had been on tramp since November 27, when he left Manchester. Mr Ballard Didn't you apply to the labour exchange in the North ? They would have transferred you ? Prisoner They will on some work, but not on ours. Prisoner's papers showed that he was an Army Reservist. The Chairman told the man he was liable to imprisonment for such stupid conduct. It. was very foolish of him, but they would let him go this time.

DYMOCK. New and Second Haud Cycles for sale or hiro. Pram Tyres wired on. Electric Pocket Lamps and Refills in stock. Motor Cycle and other Tvres and Outfits.—W. Dud-field, Cycle I Agent, Dymock.

BOSBURY. BOY .SCOUTS.—In aid of the funds of the Bosbury Troop of B.P. Scouts, a combined dramatic entertainment and concert will be given in the Parish Hall, Bosbury, on the evenings of Friday and Saturday, January 2 and 3, with a matinee tn the last-named dtty at 2 45 p.m. Two comedies, "The Collaborators and "Packing Up" will be given by Mr and M'ss Brander, and other artistes will be :— Pianist, Miss Cureton violinist, Mrs Huxham Mr E S Lilley (songs), Noverings Songsters (cosrume songs), and at the matinee a great attraction will undoubtedly be the recital of babies' troubles by the Bosbury infants. Tickets are now on sale, and can be obtained from Mrs Buck, Noverings; Miss Manning, Parish Hall, Bosbury and Mr C A F Stewart, Bank Crescent, Ledbury.

1/8 sent to the Reporter Office, Letlbxii Y, willI ensure a copy of this paper being s-mt post free I every Friday evening for a quarter (13 weeks).

CRUELTY TO CHILDREN AT MUCH MARCLE. Parents' Disgraceful Negiect. Police Court Proceedings. On Wednesday at Ledbury Police Court, before Alderman John Riley (in the chair) and other magistrates, a shocking case of neglect of children by parents was told, when Frederick James Taylor and Florence Taylor, husband and wife, of Much Marcle, were charged with cruelty to their children. Mr H W Orme (Messrs Russell and Co.) appeared for the prosecution. Defendants elected to be tried by the magistrates. Mr Orme said the case was one taken up by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and was in respect of the four children of the defendants. The cases of neglect that these children had suffered would be shown to be really wicked in the case of the male defendant. The defendants had been under the eye of the Society since 1909. The four children were Frederick, aged 7 years and 10 months,George, 6 years and 4 months, Cyril, 3 years, and Catherine, 7 months. He went on to describe the visits of Inspector McKee, of the N.S.P.C.C., to defendaiats at various times since last September. Their household goods consisted of three tin plates, two cups and a jam-pot. On December 18 defendants had taken up their abode in a hovel at Caerswall, Much Marcle, an did disused cottage with no windows in, with a hole in the roof, and the family living in one room. The place was devoid of household furniture or bedding, there- was no food in the house, and the children were actually eating raw turnips. In consequence of the condition of the children Dr. Harrison was wired for and the children and the mother were admitted to the Workhouse on December 20. He gave details of previous warnings during the past four years. Mr Ballard But we are dealing with this case now. Mr Orme Yes, but I am entitled to put in evidence of previous conduct, to show that the case is not a momentary one, but of long duration. He went on to say that the Society pressed for a heavy penalty on the man, but as regards the woman she was probably more sinned against than sinning. Inspector G McKee, of the Hereford and County Branch of the N.S.P.C C., said he visited defendants at Hall Court, Much Marcle, where they were working in the hop-yard, on September 18. The children were fairly well nourished, but their clothing and boots were poor. The whole family were living with a family named Barnett in a two-roomed cottage. In October he visited defendants at a barn at the Firs, Much Marcle, where they had been living for three weeks, and there was no furniture or household goods in the place. The children were pretty well fed, but their clothing was ragged and dirty, and insufficient, and their boots were fairly good. He advised Taylor to get regular work, take a cottage and settle down. On December 18 he visited defendants at a disused cottage at Caerswall, Much Marcle, the windows of which had been covered with sacking and there was a hole in the roof. There was no furniture or bedding except old sacking and straw, and the cooking utensils were a few old black tin cans. In company with P.C. Hayward he examined the children, and then wired for Dr Harrison. Speaking generally the children were in a very neglected state, clothing ragged and insufficient and verminous, and b )ots in a very bad state. Their condition was such as would cause unnecessary suffering. The j baby Catherine was cleaner than the others. On Decem ber 90 he got an order for the removal of the children to the workhouse, and the mother accompanied them. The defendants were warned at Luadington in February and April this year, twice in 1910, and once in 1909. Defendant said there was clothing for the baby. Mr Bitllard (from the Bench): You say there were 11 people living in two rooms in Septem- ber. What steps did you take ?— Witness I warned this ram and told him to take a house of his own and get regular work. I told the woman who lived at the cottage she must not allow them there. Did you tell the Sanitary Inspector ?—No, the people went away from the cottage and there was no necessity. It was more a question of housing than feeding ? —It was a want of cleanliness, and vermin. The children and their clothes were filthy. The tenant of the cottage told me, when I spoke to them, that they would not keep them there any linger, and all a matter of fact did not do so. III cases where I think it is necessary to call in the Society Inspector I do so, but in this case it was no; necessary, as the Taylors left the hOll<;FJ. Who were,they working for?—-Mr Powell, of Chandos. I don't think he knew these people were living there, as when I told him about it he said he did not know they were there, and would have them !?ot out. The Magistrates' Clerk (Mr C B Masefield) He had turned them out once before. In reply to Mr Buchanan (from the Bench), witness said the man was quite indifferent about the condition or the children. When he pointed out their condition to Taylor he took no notice. Mr Oi-iiie Even if they were living in a barn i hey eould keep them clean ?— Witness Ytia. They could keep them clean and keep the lice off them. He is a young man and there are plenty of young farm labourers who have com- fortable homes and keep thore children well-fed and well-clothed and clean, and he could if he would. Dr Harrison described his visit to the cottage k1 which the Taylors were living on December 18. The rooms were in a filthy condition, there was no bedding or beds, no furniture with the exception of a few old tins and no cooking utensils. The boy Frederick was fairly well nourished, but he had a dirty coat, no waist- coat, a piece of filthy sacking for a shirt, the inside of which was ccfcored with vermin. His trousers were filthy and torn, and he had no stocking on the left, leg, and his boots were full of holes. The boy George was fairly well nourished, but his clothes were torn and dirty. His shirt covered his chest and he was covered with vermin. His hair was filthy dirty and verminous, his stockings full of holes, as also were his boots. Cyril was fairly well nourished, hair dirty and full of vermin, and body covered with vermin. His clothes were dirty and full of holes. The baby Catherine was of very poor development, had an unhealthy look, was very dirty, had no warm clothing and was indiffer- ently clad. The child was in a very dirty condition. He considered the children were very neglected, and their surroundings were such as to cause them unnecessary suffering. He advised all the children be removed to the Workhouse. Defendant said he had got furniture, but could get, no one to f¡<t.ch it. Mr Orme In your opinion was there an absence of that reasonable care which an ordin- ary parent would have used for the care and protection of his child?—Dr Harrison Yes. P.O. Hay ward said he accompanied Inspector McKee on his visits to defendants, and cor- roborated hi!1 evidence. Mr Ballard (from the Bench) Are there any houses in the parish ?—Witness Yes, there are plenty of houses down the Rye Meadows he could have taken. The male defendant No, sir I tried, but could not get one. Mr Bickhaiu (from the Bench) Could the man have got work ?—Witness Yes, but they won't let him have a house. Mr Martiu (from the Bench): What is the reason he can't get a house ?—Witness He has no furniture. Mr Martin Yes, but what is the reason — I don't know, sir. The male defendant said he got work and what money he earned he spent on the children. In reply to Mr Martin, P.C. Hay ward said the man would not stick to his work. He could get work and often got work, but he would not get there in the morning. Asked if she hid anything to say the female defendant said she did her best, and she could not do more. The Bench retired, and, on their return, the Chairman said it was a very bad case. The male defendant had evidently not carried out his duties as a parent with regard to the children. It was his duty to see that these children were properly nourished and their clothing clean. He had neglected his duty, and had allowed them to be very much neglected. This being the first time he had been brought up, he would be sentenced to six weeka?' hard labour. Mrs Taylor might have kept the children clean-not even the baby was kept clean, which might at least have been expected. Considering the fact that the Society did not desire the Beach to punish her she would not be punished on this occasion. Let that be a warning to her. If she came again she would get the same punish- ment as her husband had got, and Taylor himself, if he came there again, would know what to expect. Mrs Taylor then stood down, and as her husband left the dock in charge of the police, he turned to his wife and said, Well, so long," and went below.

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NEWENT POLICE COURT. YESTERDAY (THURSDAY.) Before Mr B St. John Ackers (in the chair), Colonel Nowl, Mr G L Acsvorth, Mr E E Evans, and Mr J L Sfcelfox. THE NEW YEAR. Before the business was proceeded with the Chairman hoped that all who had business at that Court would have a successful year, and the less people had business at that Court the better. APPLICATION. I Mr Wm Harry, of the Red Lion Hofcali Huntley, was granted an extension until 3 a.ni..1 on February 5th, for a dance in aid of the I Huntley Cricket Club. I AFFILIATION CASE. I George Henry Taylor, painter, of Ledbury, was summoned by Alice Norah Turner, single woman, of Tiller's Green, Dymock, to show cause, etc, in respect of her illegitimate ehild, a boy born October 8. Mr A Lionel Lane (Gloucester) appeared for the complainant, and Mr H W Orme (Messrs Russell and Co.) for defendant. Complainant, in her evidence said about a week after the child was born, defendant said the baby was like him, and offered to. settle the case for 2n 6d per week, or a lump sum down, but her father said he could afford 3s a week. He asked what they were going to call the child, and they told him William George, and he asked them to call it George Henry, as that was his name. They eventually called the child John Henry. After hearing further evidence, the Bench made an order for the payment of 3" per week until the child is 14 years of age, and costs. DRUNKENNESS. I Thomas Sparrow, of Dymock, was charged I with drunkenness at Dymock on December 6. Defendant was cautioned and ordered to pay 3s 6d costs. DISMISSED. I Percy Savage, farmer, of Rymes Place, Malswick, was summoned by George Buckle, carter, now of Stroud, for wages due, 19, 6d. The case was dismissed. NO LIGHT. I William Dudfield, of Corse, was summoned for driving without lights at Corse on December 8, and was ordered to pay 3s 6d costs. William Martin Gardner, of Gorsley, was summoned for driving without lights at Newent on December 24. Fined 5s rmd 6. costs. Ernest Voyce, of Redmarley, was summoned for driving without lights at Corse on November 22. Fined j31 and 9s costs. A CAUTION. I Robert Evans, of Newent, was charged with cruelty to an horse at Newent on Deceraeer 2.4. Defendant was cautioned and ordered to pay I 33 6d costs. OBSTRUCTION. I Arthur Beard, of Glasshouse Hill, Taynton, was summoned for causing an obstruction with a waggon at Huntley on December 5. Finod 2s 6d and 6s costs.

NEW SERIAL.—See page 2 for the opening chapters of a grand liev serial H For Love and I Honour.'

11 DEATH AND FUNERAL OF MR I RICHARD SPENCER, OF MUNSLET. I A venerable figure, well-known in the district, passed away on Christmas eve in the person of Mr Richard Spencer, of the Royal Oak Inn, Munsley, who died about 6 o'clock on the even- I ing named, at the advanced aged of 82. years. I  Mr Spencer had enjoyed fairly good health, despite his great age, until about eight months ago, when he shoived signs of that decay which accompanies old age, and he gradually grew weaker, the cause of death being senile decay. He was attended throughout his illness by Dr Harrison, of Ledbury. The late Mr Richard Spencer was well-known in the district, and his tall, spare figure will be much mtssed. Ho was a native of the (1 inuict, and was the youngest of ten children. Fur many years he farmed the Felt House, Preston, which had been in the family over 100 years when he gave it up. He was married at Bosbury over 50-years ago, for 60 years he had lived at t.he Royal Oak Inn, Munsley, where his wife died about six years ago on a Bank Holiday at the age of 76 year's. Mr Spencer leaves no family. I THE FUNERAL. The interment took place on Monday after- I noon at Preston. Churchyard, the burial service being conducted by the Rector (the Rev Dixon). The chief mourners were:—Mrs Spencer, Alfrick (niece),. Mr William Spencer, Samson House, Welland (nephew), Mr Frank Spencer, Wolverhampton, and Mr John Spencer, Alfrick, (nephews), Mr Win Spencer, Hereford (nephew), Mr Tum Calder, Cayion Froome Mr Penry Lloyd (representing the Canon Froome Estate), Mr Eil.'Hi' liartlanu, Preston Court Mr C T Suiith, Ledbury, etc. THE WREATHS. A. number of floral tributes were se-ut, includ- ing from the following :—Mr Wm Spencer, Mrs Spencer (Alfrick), Mr Spencer (Hereford), Mr and Mrs Clark, Mr F Spencer, Mrs Jriuncey, etc. The coSin was of polished elm, with brass furnishings, and the inscription on the breast- plate read :—" Richard Spencer, died December 24, 1913, aged 82 years." The hearse aud mourniug coaches were from the Feathers Hotel, Ledbury.

HEREFORD MARKET. I (Special FAriners' Union Report). I There was very libtle in the way of store stock in thb market to-day, but of fat stock there was an average supply. Probably there would have been a larger supply if the roads had not been slippery with the frost. CATTLE. I A small supply of stores, and not much, doing f except for milch cows, which are itx good I demand. BEEF. f A moderate supply and. fairly good, tradsv which improved towards the close of the mar- ket. Best beef 7d to 7M per lb. Othfer I qualities 6d to 7d. Fat calves 8d to 9d. SHEEP. I A moderate. supply of stores soM well, and fat sheep were very dear. Best beg wiatton (or lamb) Oa li to lOd per lb. Wither mutton 9d to 9id. Other qualities, 7d to 8d. PIGS. I Very few stores on offer, for which there was a good domand. A full supply of fab pigs and trade very good. Porks, 7d toSd per lo. Saiall I Bacons M to 7d. Heavy- wai'ghts 5id to 6d. CORN.. I Aii average amount br bysjness .done, with wheat slightly easier. Wheat per 62 lbs, 3s lid to 4s. Oats per 40 lbs, 2s 6d to 3s. Malting barley per 56 lbs, 3s 6d to 48. Grinding barley per 56 lbs, 3s to 3d 6d. Beans per 654 lbs, 4s to 4a 2.1. HAY TRADE. I As yet there is no improvement to record. Hay 45q to 55s. Clovers 50s to 55s. Wheat I straw 45s to 50s. WHOLESALE FRUIT. I Mes&,? Meats had Meats had a few lots of I fruit Oil Jffer. which sold well.

Mary had a little corn Upon her little toe, nut Cornex took it right away In a couple of days or so. Westgate, -7d.-M.INCHIN, Chemist, 15, Westgate, Gloucester. Local Agent MR, MEACHAM, Chemist, Ledbury.

UPTOM BISHOP: iN.C.L.-Tiio nl,)-tittily i-iaetitig )f the Uptom Bishop and District" Lodge of the National Conservative League was held at the lodgeroom, Crow Hill, on Saturday niht. The members were honoured with a visit from Captain P A Clive, M.P. Amongst others present were Captain R W Allen (worthy master of tho lodge), Bro. T A Powell (deputy master)* Bra, C Hitehings (hon. treasurer), Bro. H J Marshall (formerly worthy master), and W A Smallman- (hon. secretary). The business of the lodga- having beau, transacted, Cliwe, addressed the company at considerable length, comparing the Acts fit the last Unionist Govern- iii-inr. with Iho.se of the present one. Referring to Home Rule for Iralan l, Captain Clive said the iiNijoiity of the present Ministers never mentioned Home Rule at the last General Election. In conclusion, Captain Clive asked all present to support the Unionist party at the next election, and be no longer dictated to by Mr Lloyd George and Mr John Redmond. On the proposition of Bro. H J Marshall, and seconded by the Chairman, a vote of thanks- was unanimously passed to Captain Clive for his speech. Captain Clive briefly returned, thanks, and the remainder of the evening was spenti in harmony, songs being sung by Bros. Weaver. Thomas, and Husbands. Mr G F Lyndon, jOun.. kindly presided at the piano.

j KYMOCHS CARTRIDGES 8/6 per 100. KYKOCH M^DE 7R; s J 9/6 per 100. 10/6 per 100 ELEY'S CARTRIDGES Smokeless 8 6 100 (Pirik- Cttse). Diamond Grain 10/6 „ (Blue Case). CeoigeHill&i^ons 'I"h-. Cross. LEDBURYE, Printed and Pu blished for and on behalf of the EXECUTRIX of the late THOMAS VAUGHAN, by WILLIAM S. TIOWES, Manager, at the Printing Works, Nevp Street, Ledbury, iiit the County of Hereford,