The Abergavenny Mail

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10. 1914. Topical Tattle. The Ledbury Urban Council sat for just one hour on* Monday night, and in that time tbey managed to get through a good deal of business, despite the fact that correspondence toc k up H large part of the time. There is no getting away fiom the fact that in the act lied disposal of business our local parlia- ment is very prompt and methodical, even if they do occasionally make mistakes, which happily occurs but seldom. The question of the taking over of the Bank Crescent Road seems to drag on, and really it does seem a pity that the Council and the Building Society cannot hit upon some method whereby the question can be settled once and for all and the road taken over by the Council. I cannot help but think that the Bniiding Society made a big mistake in not adopting the plan they followed in relation to Woodleigh-road, that is, to have made a good road at the outset when the estate was opened out, and have asked the Council to take over the road there and then. It would have saved them not a little money, and a good deal of valuable time. Most of us are aware that the Building Society has done a great work for Ledbury, but that is hardly a sufficient reason why the Council should take over a road that requires a good deal of money spending on it, unless it is first put in proper repair. It does appear on the facts that the Society have spent money at various times on the road, which bad it all been spent together would possibly have put the road in such a state of repair as would guarantee the Council taking it over. The directors now suggest a conference with the Council on the spot, and in the present state of affairs this seems about as sensible a suggestion as could well be made. Let us hope that it will result in a settlement of the question. The electric lighting project is now an accomplished fact, and in due course the troubles and difficulties of the company re- sponsible for the promotion will come to an end when the provisional order, which is now being sought, is an accomplished fact. The Urban Council have given their official bless- ing to the application for the provisional order, and anybody who would like to have electric light will be able to have it in future. There is nothing like competition, and the town and its inhabitants will reap the benefit of it in due course. The Ledbury Guardians have decided to introduce a little variety in the tea dietary for the inmates of the House, and one can readily realise that it will be warmly welcome by both old and young who will participate in it. The substitution of cake for bread and butter on two days a week for the old people, and the added variety to the dietary of the youngsters it can readily be imagined will be bailed with delight, and the Ladies' Com- mittee can at least point to this as an instance of their work. Let us hope they will continue to make as helpful suggestions in the future. The fancy dress ball promoted by the Women Liberals of Ledbury on Wednesday night was a great success in point of num- bers, though one could have wished that there had been more fancy dresses worn. There is no doubt the judges of the gentle- men can take to themsel ves the flattering thought that they gave satisfaction and the three prize-winners, as a group, were really as good as one could wish to see. Mr Jack Huish as the Dame was positively great, and and the appearance of Mr Victor Gabb as the girl of the two Babes in the Wood, gave him an opportunity to show once again bow successfully he can carry off female impersona- tion. The outfit and appearance of Mr E W Reed as the boy was none the less well done, and both individually and as a group the trio were unbeatable. # The judging of the ladies' costumes is always a thorny job, and I was struck with the almost remarkable absence of what one might term novelty in the ladies' dresses, while the bulk of the ladies who should have been made-up to a certain extent to be in keeping with the characters they represented seemed to have left this branch of their accoutrement severely alone. I noticed this defect also at the other fancy dress ball last Spring promoted by the Unionists. I hope this reminder will not be lost upon the young ladies, and that they will remember that make-up goes, or should do at least, a long way in the successful portrayal of certain characters. The recent fancy dress balls at Ledbury and Colwall have served in some degree to bring this journal very pointedly before the notice of those present at the functions. The Ledbury Reporter costume on Wednesday night, is, of course, not a new one, and has been seen out before, as it were, and without being accused of laying on the batter, I can at least say that the costume reflects credit on the lady who so admirably designed and thought out the various details, and the young lady whose proud privilege it has been to wear it has certainly carried it off to great ad vantage. But it is not at Ledbury alone that this journal has formed the title for a novelty dress. At the dance at the Hill Institute, Colwall, last week, one enterprising young man succeeded in inventing an original and successful character, borrowing from the columns of this paper the title of Topical Tattle." He certainly made Tattler's heading into a. cartoon itself. Dressed as a broken down farm labourer in the char- acteristic dress of'fifty years ago, with smock frock and drab cloth leggings, etc., the tattle" of the day was represented by patches sewn on his smock and written on accordingly. These included such subjects as "1914," "income tax," "small holdings," Council houses," "'hard times," "minimum wage," etc. In his button hole was tied an ordinary luggage label which contained the address "Back to the land and he wore an old felt bat trimmed with the peeling of a mangold wurzel, with pheasant feather plume. Carrying in his hand a bundle handkerchief well stuffed with what the label described as "rare and refreshing fruit," this young man was seen to be after- wards giving away tasty and juicy apples, though these had been originally hid under a cover of turnips from the field. This young man must really pend a photograph of himseJHn the costume to TATTLER, I

HIGH STREET, LEDBURY. W. H. HORTON'S GREAT WINTER SALE, Will Commence on MONDAY NEXT, Jan. 12th, And will Continue during the month, when practically everything will be reduced. Winter Coats, Costumes, Blouses- And WARM UNDERCLOTHING of all descriptions, all reduced to clear quickly. About 70 pieces TWEEDS, SERGES, etc., will be marked regardless of cost. BLANKETS, DOWN QUILTS, SHEETS, TABLE COVERS AND HOUSEHOLD LINENS. Of every kind will be sold cheap. HOSIERY, GLOVES, SCARVES, LACES and all FANCY GOODS remarkably cheap. A quantity of REMNANTS — All Bargains. W.H.H. would point out to ladies that this is a good oppui r,unity to replenish their stock of Household Goods, as his stock is heavy and remarkably cheap.

OUR WEEKLY CALENDAR. Events advertised in these columns or for which we have received printing orders. TO DAY (FRIDAY)- Sale of 21,500 Hop Poles, for Mr E Holland, at the Bush Farm, Coddington, by Messrs. Pope, Smith and Anthony, at 2-30 p.m. Picture Palace, Royal Hall, Ledbury, 8 p.m. TO.MO]tR(-)W (SATURDAY)- Annual Meeting Ledbury and District Lodge National Conservative League, New Ina Hotel, Ledbury, 8 p.m. Football Matches (see Fixtures). Picture Palace, Royal Hall, Ledbury, 2-30, 6.30, and 8.45 p.m. SUNDAY- Church Services. Ledbury Brotherhood, Town Hall, Ledbury, 3 p.m. MONDAY- Picture Palace, Royal Hall, Ledbury, 8 p.m. TUESDAY- Ledbury Branch Farmers' Union, Annual Meeting, Feathers Hotel, Ledbury. Ledbury Stock Market. Picture Palace, Royal Hall, Ledbury, 8 p.m. WEDNESDAY- Annual Christmas Tree and Concert at Led- bury Workhouse, 6 30 p.m. Ledbury Police, 11 a.m. Ledbury School Managers, 5 30 p.m. Colwall Parish Council, 7 p.m. Picture Palace, Royal Hall, Ledbury, 8 p.m. THURSDAY— Quadrille Party, New Inn Hotel Assembly Room, Ledbury, 7-45 p.m. Picture Palace, Royal Hall, Ledbury, 8 p.m. FRIDAY- Unionist Meeting at Workman's Hall, Colwall, at 8 p.m. Picture Palace, Royal Hall, Ledbury, 8 p.m. SATURDAY— Football Matches (see fixtures). Picture Palace, Royal Hall, Ledbury, 2-30,. 6-30 and 8-45 p.m. FORTHCOMING EVENTS. January 19 National Conservative League Social Evening and Whist Drive at Parish Hall, Bosbury. January 29-National Conservative League Ball at Feathers Assembly Room, Ledbury.

THE PICTURE PALACE. On the first two nights of the week the programme at the Picture Palace, the Royal Hall, Ledbury, was a very strong one, and included the Vitagraph production of Charles Dickens' "Tale of Two Cities," the Bison film, Mosaic Law, a very strong picture of Western life, and two comedy pictures. For the week-end the great attraction is "Cleopatra," by the Helen Gardner Picture Players, with Miss Gardner herself in the title role. This film is 6,000 feet long in five parts and cost 910,000 to produce. It should not be missed by any means. Two fine programmes will be screened at the Palace next week. The first half will include three star films by three of the leading producers, i.e., Subterranean Town," by the Urban Co., Vampires of the Desert," by the Vitagraph Co., and Saved by his Child," by the Gaumont Co., so with a combination like this the programme is bound to be of the best. The programme on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, will contain a film that no one should miss seeing, as it was one of the greatest successes of 1913. This is Protea," by the Eclair Company. This film has probably caused more admiration than any other production of late months, and was only secured by the management as a special favour at high cost. •———+ .——.——.

EASTNOR. CONCERT.—Owing to the energetic organisa- tion of Mr T A Warren, of Eastnor, a successful concert was held at the new village Club-room, Eastnor, last (Thursday) night, in aid of the Eastnor Cricket and Tennis Clubs. Mr C W Bell (Chairman of the Eastnor Castle Cricket Club) presided over a very large attendance. During a break in the programme Mr G Mullins tendered thanks on behalf of the Cricket and Tennis Committees, and himself, to Mr Bell for so kindly taking the chair that night, and also to the performers. He knew that many of the performers came at a great inconvenience to themselves and he was very grateful. He said it was one of the best programmes that they had had in Eastnor. (kpplause.)-Appentled is the programme:- Part I-Overture, Pupchin Two-Step," Miss Down's Orchestra song, "The Temple Bells," Miss Hazel James; humorous song, "The Appetite (encore), Mr Arthur Caiger p" iccol* solo, Mr E J Hall; song, The Dawn (en- cored), Miss Dora Luckin sketchy trifles and paper tearing (encored), Mr Arthur Caiger; song, Here's to the year that's awa' (en- core), Mr S S Snell; Indian Club display (encored), Mr H Barnard; -rocit;ttioii, "The House that Jack built (encored), Mr Arthur Caiger humorous spng In beautiful working order," Mr H B Why Id. Part II.—Selection, "Smiles, theta kisses," Miss Down's Orchestra song, "When the heart is young," Miss Hazel James humorous reading, The Cheese," Mr F W Wade song, Honour and Arms," Mr S S Snell; selection, The Lost Chord" (cornet soloist, Mr C W Jessett), Miss Down's Orchestra; song, Kathleen Mavourneen, Miss Dora Luckin humorous song, "She was" (encored), Mr H B Whyld duologue, 44 Gen- erally Useful," Mr A F A Chamberlain and Mr F Kendrick "God Save the King." The proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to Mr Warren for arranging the programme.

GIFTS TO THE COTTAGE HOSPITAL.—In the list of gifts to the Cottage Hospital in December, published last week, the following gifts from Mr and Mrs T Molesworth were omitted :— Box of crackers, box of preserved fruits, box of dates, and oranges. FOOTBALL BETS CHARGE.—POLICE RAID OX HEREFORD OFFICE.—Following a raid by Here- ford police on premises occupied by Mr Leonard Lane, at 13a, Victoria-etreet, Hereford, on Wednesday, his two clerks, William Jauncey and Clifford Davies, were remanded on bail at the police court on a charge of assisting in the conduct of an office for the purpose of raising money in relation to betting. Police-Sergeant Munn stated that he seized a large number of papers relating to betting on football and hOrge, racing.

LOCAL NEWS. t Chas. Hodges' Bread, Standard or White, purity and quality guaranteed. Daily deliveries.— 12, H, e Stlcet, Ledbury. MEN'S SERVICE.—At the monthly -meeting of men, held at the Parish Church on Sunday afternoon last, promoted by the C.E.M.S., an interesting address was given by the Rector (Rev F W Carnegy). HUGHES' TOBACCO STORES. The largest stock and variety in the town. See the windows. High class Hair-cutting and Shaving Saloon. Razors ground ant: 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. C.E.M.S.—At the monthly meeting of members and associates to be held on Tuesday night the Vice-president (Dr. A R Green) will read a paper on "Microbes and Microbic Diseases. MR G W SUTER'S WINTER SALE.—Look out for Mr G W Suter's great winter sale which commences at his establishment at High-street, Ledbury on Saturday next, the 17th inst. The circulars will be issued next week, and the sale will continue for 21 days. GREENLAND* GREAT DRAPERY SALE.—The great drapery sale at the well-appointed premises of Messrs Greenlands Ltd., Hereford, is now proceeding and will continue throughout the month. This week's special bargains include a special silk sale, particulars of which will be found in the advertisement. George Lloyd (late James Lloyd), Chimney Sweep, Church Lane, Ledbury. Distance no object. Prompt and personal attention to all orders. G. W.R. STAJT CHANGES.—The following staff changes are announced in this month's issue of the G. W.R. Magazine ":—Passenger Depart- ment-Clerks removed, A H Ayers, Ledbury to Pontrilas; E J Jakeways, Kidderminster to Ledbury A T Browning, signalman, Dymock to Brimscombe. Signal department-M J Downs, linesman, Ledbury, to Newton Abbot. Mr. 0. W. Jessetfs Band (violin, cornet and piano), Open for Engagements for Balls, Dances, Parties, Social Gatherings, Concerts, etc. Moderate Terms.—Apply, Mr C W Jessett, 22, Church Street, Ledbury. WINTER CLEARANCE SALE AT LONDON HOUSE, HEREFORD.—The well-known firm of Messrs King and Sons, London House, Hereford, announce that their great winter clearance sale will commence on Wednesday next, the 14th inst., and continue for 21 days. Great reductions will be made in all departments. The establish- ment will be closed at 2 o'clock on Tuesday next, for re-marking goods. FIRE AT THE SHOP or A FORMER LEDBURIAN. —About one o'clock on Tuesday morning there was an outbreak of lire at the shop of Mr H G Berkley, jeweller, etc., of Dursley, and formerly of Ledbury. Mrs Berkley awoke to find the premises in flames, and in response to cries for help assistance soon came. The fire was located in the shop, and as soon as the occupants of the rooms above were got out in their night attire, Mr Berkley and others began playing on the fire with buckets of water, with the result that when the brigade arrived the flame was subdued. Everything burnable in the shop was consumed. Are Your Eyes Right? We test them without charge and supply the exact glasses you need at very moderate prices. Spectacles and Eyeglasses of the latest patterns. Rimless and Semi-rimless patterns almost invisible. Glasses are not recommended unless actually required.— MINCHIN, Chemist and Optician, 15, Westgate, Gloucester. John Haines and Sons, Practical Chimney Sweeps, Homend Street, Ledbury. All Orders Promptly attended to. Distance no object. Established 18.10. MR. AND MRS. HUGH CROFT'S KINDNESS.— On December 23, Mr and Mrs Hugh Croft, of Pye's Nest, Ledbury, entertained about 33 men of the Parkway district at their residence, th9 billiard room being decorated for the occasion. All sat down to a substantial supper of roast and boiled beef and mutton, with a plentiful supply of vegetables and 3ther good things, including plum puddings. A very happy time was spent in harmony and games. Mr F A Hobro, Mr Victor Gabb (character vocalist), Mr W G Witham, Mr Hugh Croft, Mr Webb and Mr Smith (residents of Parkway), each sang songs. The jollity was kept up for over three hours. Before the guests departed they raised lusty eheers for Mr and Mrs Croft and family, and the greetings for a Happy Christmas were given in the time honoured manner. It might be mentioned that the previous Christmas Mr and Mrs Croft entertained the mothers and children in the parish. J. W. STEPHENS, collector of FINE, ANTIQUE FURNITURE, China, Plate, etc -26. Church Street, Hereford Near Cathedral North Porch). PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN IMPEY.—On Wed- nesday night in the Church Room, Ledbury, there was a large gathering of persons inter- ested on the occasion of the presentation, of a leather fitted travelling case, a small- purse of money and a framed and printed illuminated address to Captain Impey, of the Church Army, who leaves Ledbury to-day (Friday) on the completion of his two years' work in the town. The presentation was made by the Rector (the Rev F W Carnegy) who referred in warm terms to the excellent services Captain Impey has rendered during the course of his stay in Led- bury. Mr F W Wade, who supported the Rector, also spoke, and Captain Impey, in accepting the gifts, expressed his heartfelt thinks to the subscribers for their kindness. He said the first nine months' of his work was very hard, and he was disheartened at the time, but latterly he had watched the attendances at the Sunday evening services at the Church Room gradually increase Sunday by Sunday. He trusted they would extend to his successor, Captain Nash, who would commence his duties on Sunday, the same kindness as they had ex- tended to him.—The presentation originated from a small committee of the Church Room, and was arranged by the men who had attended the services in the Church Room to assist Captaim Impey, Mr A Moss and Mr M Smith acting as hon secretaries.—The address read as follows ;—" Presented to Captain Impey, together with a fitted dressing case as a token of appreciation of his services during his two years' mission work in Ledbury and District. Jan- uary 9th, 1914. Then followed a list of I ttubecribers, numbering over 100.