The Abergavenny Mail

CLEARANCE WILL COMMENCE TUESDAY NEXT, Jan. 13th, And Continue Throughout the Month. Seasonable Stock such as Furs, Costumes, Coats, Millinery, etc. Will be Reduced to the Lowest Possible Price to effect a Speedy Clearance, and a General Reduction in Prices will be made in all departments. SPECIAL PURCHASES HAVE BEEN MADE Household Linens and Curtains SPBCIAL FOR THIS SALE. madb pr- BETTER VALUE CANNOT BE PURCHASED ANYWHERE. -«| uotLse, Xiedbiupy. I The INDIA CHINA TEA Co. I S Grocers and Provision Dealers, and Wine and Spirit Merchants. I ? LOCAL BRANCH -MARKET PLACE, LEDBURY. I TRANSFER OF BUSINESS I T. ASTON, Butcher, HIGH STREET, LEDBURY, Begs to thank his numerous customers for the patronage extended to him during the past eleven years, and respectfully informs them that the business will hanceloq6th be carried on by, M. S. SARLUIS, who has had a life-long experience in the High-class Meat trade. l ONLY THE BEST ENGLISH MEAT Of the very Finest Quality will be supplied, and with strict and prompt attention to all orders, with up-to-date methods, Mr. SARLUIS hopes to secure that confidence and support which has hitherto been given to this firm.

CONCERTS AT BOSBURY. In aid of the Boy Scouts. I I A series of three most successful concerts were held in the Parish Hall, Bosbury, on Friday and Saturday in last week. The three perform- ances were largely attended and on Saturday afternoon the newly formed troop of Boy Scouts from Putley, in charge of their Scout-Master, were invited. The entertainments were in-aid of the Bosbury troop of boy scouts and towards which Mrs Buck (Noverings) and Miss Beith contributed equal shares in the arrangement of the concerts. Amongst those who attended the performance were :—Rev T W Harvey (Vicar), and Mrs Harvey, Rev Parmenter (Curate) and Mrs Parmenter, Mra Fenwick-Fenwick (the VerzoDs) and party, Mrs Emberson and Miss Ballard (the Grange), Mrs and the Misses Manning, Mr and Miss Richardson (the Frith), Miss Passingham (Berrow), the Misses Harring- ton and Miss Holloway (Millend), Mrs Lane and the Misses Lane (Old Court), Mr and Mrs Lane (the Farm), Mr and Mrs Sivell Lane (Staplow), Mr and Mrs and the Misses Bosley (catley Cross), Mr E G Shew, Mr J K Job, Mr T Green, Mr Collett, etc. The accom- paniments were shared by Miss Cureton and Miss Beit.. The performance on Saturday evening opened with an amusing duologue entitled" The Collaborators," in which Mr and Miss Brander kept the audience continually in ecstacies. Mr liilley was undoubtedly the star of the evening. and contributed six songs and a monologue entitled Herr Cohen's first telephone call." Mr Brander and the Noverings songsters gave a costume song, For Months and Months and Months," in which Mr Brander took the principal part dressed up as a yokel at a minutes notice, owing to Mr Foster being unfortunately taken ill, who would otherwise have taken the part. A piano and violin selection Patriotic Airs," elicited much applause. The Bosbury Troop of Boy Scouts gave jan ambulance display, in which the follow- ing took part:—Fireman's lift, by Scout S Bufton model. Scout J Evans; broken forearm, Patrol, Leader G Pttt and. Scout L Bufton; model. cout A Powejl; ?drowning (1st aid) Patrol der- G Powell j and D_id Parker ?; ? EL* model, 2nd L Harrington broken thigh, Patrol Leaders G Powell and David Parker Seconds, L Harrington and W Bufton model, Scout L Bufton. On Saturday afternoon in addition to the foregoing, displays were given as follows Broken collar bone, Patrol Leader D Parker model, 2nd W Bufton and broken arm, Scouts A Powell and J Brown model, Scout W Morris. The ambulance display was neat and quick, and undoubtedly gave credit to the Scoutmaster. Mr Peters and the Noverings songsters gave another costume song entitled Hi, hi, hi, Mr Mckie," which was encored. Mr Lilley's ragtime song Dixie," called forth rounds of applause, aud he could only appease the audience by giving Nursery Rhymes in Ragtime" as an encore. The costume song "The tin gee-gee," was given by Mr Arnold, Scout J Evans and Noverings songsters. A humorous song When Richard III sat on the throne," was given by Mr Lilley, who gave as an encore 44 Herr Cohen's first telephone call." His other humorous song was When I was a boy at school which received an encore, and he sang Meynell Hunt," The evening concluded with an amusing comedietta, "Packing up" by Mr and Miss Brander. «

LIBERAL FANCY DRESS BALL AT j LEDBURY. j On Wednesday night the annual fancy dress ball (fancy dress optional), promoted bv the Ledbury Women's Liberal Association was held at the Royal Hall, Ledbury, and proved to be a great success, being attended by between 270 and 280 people. The arrangements throughout were excellent in every way, and by all appearances the large company spent a very enjoyable time. The hall had been effpctively decorated by several members of the Committee and others, including Mr C R Croad, Miss D Croad, Miss L Hodges, and Mr L P Roulfc and Mr A Twelvetree also lent valuable assistance. The stage was utilised as the band staad, and the proscenium was relieved with ever- greens and foliage plants nicely arranged, while the bareness of the operating box had been taken off by a liberal use of flags and bunting. The extra accommodation in the way of dressing rooms, refreshment room, etc., provided by Mr and Mrs E H Hopkins, host. and hostess, was excellent in every way. The committeee responsible for the arrangements were :—Messrs C Baggett, C R Croad, J Chadd, W G Davis, G Haines, W C Hamblin, J Jessett, T Lame, snr.. T Lane, jnr., A G Maddox, W Taylor, C Taylor, J Webb, H Davis (Newent), P Lewis (Colwall), with Miss L Hodges as hon. secretary. The stewards were Messrs H Davis, P Lewis, H Jessett, and T Lane, jur., and the M.C.'s were Messrs J Jessett, G Haines, W C Hamblin and J Webb. Mr W G Davis's band provided excellent dance music, and dancing commenced at 8.30 p.m. and was continued to 3 a.m. THE FANCY DRESSES. It cannot be said that there was a super- abundance of fancy dress, especially amongst the gentlemen. Prizes were awarded, three for ladies and three for gentlemen, for the best and most original fancy dresses, and the ladies' class took a great deal of discrim- inating. The judges were:—Ladies, Mrs Allen and Mis C Taylor; aud gentlemen, Mr A Carless and Mr H Thacker. Amongst the fancy dresses we noticed the following LADIES. Miss L Hodges, Spanish Dancer. Miss A Juckes, Spanish Dancer. Miss Pedlingham, Indian Maid. Miss M Coldrick, Quaker Girl. Mrs P Watkins, Night. Miss C Vaughan, Ledbury Reporter. Miss D Croad, Spanish Dancer. Miss V Croad, Pierrette. Mrs F A James, Quaker Girl. Miss Lee, Folly. Miss H Lee, Daffodil. Miss Ivy Chadd, Swiss Maid. Miss Morgan, Pierrette, Miss Nancy Morgan, Gipsy. Miss Clayton (Colwall), Superstition. Miss Lewis, Gipsy Fortune Teller. Miss Barbara Hewias, Canada. Miss May Jones, Fairy. Miss E Haines, Gretchen. Miss D Haines, Fairy. Miss Ruby Davis, Indian Lady. Miss Mamie Davis, character from "The Pied Piper. Miss Thacker, 5 o'clock Tea. Miss Gladys James, French Artist. GENTLEMEN. Mr J Huish, Dame. Mr Y C Gabb and E W Red, The Babes in the Wood. Mr W Lewis, The Mad Hatter. Mr Harold Lewis, Cowboy. Mr E Sansom, Hamlet. Mr E G Morris, Footman. Mr C Smart, jnr, R-Agtijiie. Mr E H Hopkins, jnr., character from "The Pied Piper." Master Stanley Lewis, Boy Scout. Master Caleb Haines, Sir Alec. THE PRIZE-WINNERS. I The awards of the judges were as follows:- Ladies—1, Miss A Juckes, Spanish: Dancer 2, Miss Ruby Davis, Indian Lady 3, Miss D Haines, Fairy extra prize, Miss May Jones, Fairy. Gentlemen—1, Mr J Huish, Dame 2 and 3 respectively, Mr V C Gabb and Mr, E W Reed, The Babes in the Wood. The prizes were distributed during the interval by Miss Parish (sister of Mr Clement W Parish, the prospective Liberal candidate for the division, who was unable to be present), who was accompanied by Mr George Parish. At the conclusion of the distribution Mr Carless moved a vote of thanks to Miss Parish for her attendance and for distribut- ing the prizes, and this was seconded by Mr G Haines, and carried by acclamation, Miss Parish briefly replied.

BOSBURY. I OCLAr, EVENING.—The Bosbury and District Lodge of the National Conservative League are promoting a social evening, to be followed by a whist drive, at the Parish Hall, Bosbury, on Monday, January 19th. Further particulars will be announced later.

DYMOCK. I New and Second Hand Cycles for sale or hire. Pram Tyres wired on. Electric Pocket Lamps and Refills in stock Motor Cycle and other Tyres and Otitfits.-W. Dudfield, Cycle Agent, Dymock.

» The "LEDBURY REPORTER." The People's Paper. $ Everybodv read. it. •

LEDBURY BOARD OF GUARDIANS. j The fortnightly meeting of the Ledbury ?oard of Guardians was hei? at the Board-room of the Union Workhouse on Tuesday morn-! ing. There werelpresent-Mr W L Pritchett (Chairman), who presided, Mr J A Thompson (Vice-Chairman), Revs Father Lynch, A E Green-Price, and A H Knapp, Miss Holland, Alderman J Riley, Messrs S H Bickh?m, J Parry, H Weston, T S S Gardner, L J C Riley, A G Bunn, F Innes, F J V Hamilton, H Bray, J J S Powell, W S Lane, T A Pedlmgham, J C Davies, H Cowell, A A Yapp, with the Clerk (Mr R Homes), the Master (Mr J Johnson), and the Relieving Officers (Mr A G Smith and Mr T Thompson). THE WORKHOUSE. The Master reported that the inmates in the House the last week numbered 98, against 01 for the corresponding week of last year, an inorease of 7. The vagrants relieved during the fortnight numbered 73 against 131 last year, a decrease of 58. He reported the receipt of gifts for the inmates' Christmas treat, as given in our last week's issue, also that the Rev 0 F R and Mrs Strickland entertained the children to tea and a Christmas tree on Boxing Day, and the Rev F W Carnegy entertained the children to tea on New Year's Day at the Church Room. He had also received 5s. from the Rev A E Green-Price towards the inmates' annual new year's treat. The annual new year's treat would be held on Wednesday next, January 14, at 6-30 p.m. The Rev Father Lynch said there seemed to be a very beautiful spirit and feeling amongst the people towards the inmates of the House, and he moved that the thanks of the Board be tendered for their kindness. Mr Thompson seconded, and the motion was carried. I FINANCE. Mr Bickham reported that the balance in the bank amounted to f,745 13s lOd. The cheques signed that day amounted to £ 1,128, and if those were all paid they would be overdrawn about j3580 to £400. He suggested that cer- tain of the cheques, such as for lunatics, £378 for Hereford, and j528 15s for Worcester, be deferred, and also one or two of the larger tradesmen's bills until they got a sufficient amount paid in to pay for them. The Ledbury Urban call was due on the 15th and amounted to about J5600, and when that was paid in they would be able to meet all the cheques. THE HOT-WATER SYSTEM. Toe Clerk read a letter from Mr R G Gurney, surveyor, enclosing his certificate for JB68 13s 8d, for the installation of the hot-water system. In reply to questions, the Master said the system was working very well. CHILDREN'S CARETAKER. The Clerk announced the receipt of two applications for the post of children's caretaker and needlewoman, as follows :—Miss Letitia Timbrell, 30 years, of Upton Park, London Miss D Bearman, 26 years, recently engaged as needlewoman at Hemel Hempsted Union. It was decided that neither applicant was suit- able, and to advertise again. THE TEA DIETARY. I The Chairman reported that the House Com- mittee met that morning, and took into con- sideration the recommendations of the Ladies' Committee as regards the alteration in the dietary table ia relation to the inmates' tea. They came to the conclusion that they could very well vary the tea, and decided to recom- mend that cake should be substituted for bread and butter on two days in the week. In the cise of children they recommended that on three days in the week they should have bread and butter, two days in the week bread and jam or bread and treacle, and for the other two days cake. The weight of eike allowed by the Local Government Board in the dietary table was not so much as the bread and butter, which was 8 ozs. for men and 6 ozs. for women, and cake was 6 ozs. and 4 ozs. respectively. Mr Thompson In the case of large children it would be 6 ozs. of cake, and for small children 4 ozs. The Chairman said the cost would be practically the same. If they carried out the suggestion of the House Committee the difference would only be 3d per meal for the whole house. Mr Thompson proposed that the recommenda- tions of the Committee be adopted. The cost was practically the same, and the variety and change for the inmates would be a considerable treat. There was a specimen of the cake (pro- duced) which was provided for the children's treat for New Year's Day, which cost-3d per pouud, and anyone who like to sample it would agree it was very suitable for anybody to eat. It was suggested at first that tenders for the supply of the cake should be asked for, but as they could procure it at 3d per lb; they thought it unnecessary to advertise for it until the next contracts were entered into. The Rev A H Knapp seconded. He believed Miss Holland raised the question of the provision of uniforms for the indoor staff at the same time that the tea dietary was raised, and he asked if the question was likely to be gone into or was it in abeyance. lie would vote against it if it did come up. The Chairman You had better let sleeping dogs lie. The question was not gone into. The recommendations of the House Committee were adopted. A NEW ORDER AND A NEW ACT. I The Clerk reported that he had received copies of the new order to Poor Law Guardians, and as it was rather important he suggested that it would be advisable to procure a copy for each member of the Board. The Clerk was instructed to do this. Miss Holland mentioned that the Mental Deficiency Act weuld come into force in April and it would be advisable to procure copies of the Act for the members. This concluded the business of the meeting.

ADMISSION TICKETS in Roils; any number very cheap invaluable for Fetes. Entertainments, Athletic Meetings, etc. Obtain- able at the I I Reporter" Printing Worke, Ledbury.

THE TEACHERS' STRIKE. 1 There is practically no change in the dispute between the teachers and the Local Education Authority. Up to the present the National Union of Teachers have banded in 227 resignations. It was stated last week that several withdrawals had been made, but the Union declare that they were made quite early in the dispute, prior to the present action of the Union. A statement has been made this week at the Hereford office of the Local Education Authority that further withdrawals of resignations bad been received, and that a considerable num- ber of applications had been received for vacancies. It is, of course, obvious to all that the Local Education Authority will make all the use it can of any applications received, in order to shako the confidence of the teachers in their Union:; but it is equally obvious to all that no teacher of any si aud ing whatever, or any grain of honour, would take the place of one of his fellows in such a dispute as this, and it is my opinion that if the teachers will only stand firm they cannot but win. The position is like this Herefordshire, as well as many better paying authorities, has been advertising a very long time in vain for teachers to fill vacancies, and occasional vacancies have only been filled by taking those who chose to apply. Ledbury is an instance at hand. Three teachers left the Boys' School in September. One vacancy was filled in October and another (a lady teacher, which points to a scarcity of male applicants), in November, and the third vacancy has not yet been filled. Now we are told there will be no difficulty in filling all the places. Don't you believe it. The teachers who are apply- ing will, I am sure, be such that the parents would rather not have teaching their chil- dren. They certainly will not be of much class if they come into the county just now. Stand firm, I say to the teachers. There is another point, too, about the appointments. The Local Authority has not the power to appoint in the majority of cases, if at all. The Voluntary School Managers, by law, are endowed with the power of appointing their own teachers and although the Education Authority sends teachers into the schools, the Managers need not accept them unless they wish, and very many Managers know that it would be a disastrous thing for them to lose trusted and earnest teachers, and they alone have the power of appointment, the authority only having the power of dismissal or refusal to sanction appointments on educational grounds. So the teachers have a great deal in their favour. With Managers of Council schools the position is somewhat different, but as they advertise and appoint teachers, and are a party to the agreements, so I learn, it would appear that they, too, can refuse to accept any class of teacher whom the Council wish to thrust upon them, and it seems to me the parents will have something to say if good and trusted teachers are thrust out and a poorer class substituted. The quarrel is not with the Managers, and if they refuse to accede to the wishes of the Council, and they have some power, of course, it will not be such an easy matter to carry on the schools after all. The Union is confident that the vacancies cannot be filled, and the unity of the teachers is much stronger than could have been anticipated. In fact, I hear further resignations are likely. Several rumours have been floating round, and I have discussed some of them with the teachers, who by the way are to be susten- tated at the increased rate offered by the Local Education Authority. It has been stated that if the strike occurs, which I hope will be avoided by the parties coming to terms, that teachers will be offered posts by the Union in any part of the country the Union chooses to send them, and if they refuse Ito go. pay will immediately cease. The teachers say that such a notion is entirely wrong. The Union will sustentate its members in Herefordshire for a period of 5 years at full pay, but they may choose other posts if they wish. Having asked what the teachers would be satisfied with, I was told that the teachers were out for reasonable comparative payment based upon the system of increments. They would not divulge figures, leaving that to the two parties when they come together. Al- though some member i of the Local Education Authority say there will be no conference, yet I, for one, believe that as a whole the Education Authority has not said this and that much good would come from such a proceeding, remembering that the teachers have not yet been heard officially. They inform me, however, that they would not be satisfied with any system which did not give a definite minimum and maximum, the latter to be reached by reasonable periodical in- creases. They point out that the Local Educa- tion Authority retained all its power, because if the teacher proved inefficient the increment would be witheld. They also point out that they are not out for equal payment for all schools, which would have to be graded according to numbers, and salaries fixed accordingly. This seems a reasonable demand, but I am afraid that the Local Education Authority got its back up at the start because they were threatened. It was not a wise attitude to take up, for the day baa come- when employers must meet the representatives of their employees on questions of this kind. The Committee has condemned itself. It has shown that in previous years it has not done its duty and therefore it would be wise on their part to codfer with the National Union of Teachers before the month is out, and attempt to come to an amicable settlement. J.B.S. I

HUNTING. I WITH THE LEDBURY. I Following a week of enforced idleness these I hounds kept their appointment at Eastnor on Saturday last. Finding in the Sitch, reynard crossed over to the Ridgeway, and going on through Bircham, and over the park to Castle Coppice. Turning left-handed, he passed through Newers Wood and the Ridgeway for Ockeridge Farm. Swinging round by the Upper Lodge he ran the hills to the Holly Bush. Here he again circled to the left for Castle- morton Common. At the Gullet Quarry he perched upon a ledge of rock, from which he took a good deal of moving. When he did so hounds raced him through Newers Wood and Bircham, and across the park to Bronsil, where a good woodland, though hilly, hunt of one hour 35 minutes ended in a kill. Monday.—The fixture was Upleadon. Several small spinneys were tenantless, but a brace were soon afoot in Castle Wood. Settling down to one of them forced him away to Madam's Wood and Colin Park. Leaving at the lower end by Upleadon Court, he got to ground under an old ash tree. Finding again 10 Ryton a good fox went away by Mr T Lane's, Ketford, for Lintridge. Turning right-handed for Red- marley Village, he passed through Robinson's Wood, Laith Wood and over the Chapel Farm, pointing for the Down House. Swinging right- handed over Hart's Farm he gained Colin Park. Without a tarry he went through and on by Pauntley Court for the Herridges. Bearing right-handed he ran the river bank to Peyford Bridge and on to Redmarley Village, seeking shelter in some ivy on a house. On the approach of hounds he jumped down, and getting view of him, hounds coursed him back towards Robinson's Wood, pulling him down on the outskirts. Time 45 minutes. A chapter of accidents marked the doings of Wednesday last. During the run a young man received a nasty fall, and was taken to Gloucester Infirmary, where it was found necessary to amputate one of his fingers. At the close of the day Mr F Harvey was going home when his horse slipped, and in falling Mr Harvey's head struck a post with great force, and he had to be conveyed home in a motor. Then to wind up the day the hound van skidded in one of the narrow lanes in returning home, landing them in a deep ditch. With the assistance of six horses and a cart load of timber the car was released; and hounds and huntsmen reached home somewhere near midnight. Now for the gallop. Finding in Clay Wood, our pilot led us for Ockle Street Station and followed the railway side for some distance, then away over Wolmer Common until Mr Lever's farm was reached, and again getting to the railway, ran alongside for Bird Wood. Turning right- handed he skirted Mr Harvey's cover and took a beautiful line of country for the Gloucester Turnpike. Bearing right-handed over Ockle Street he went on for Tibberton and Piper's Grove, where he was lost.

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. I LEDBURY. Saturday, Jan 10 —The Trumpet, at 11. Monday, Jan 12-Barbers Bridge, at 11 Wednesday, Jan 14-Preston Cross, at 11 Friday, Jan 16—Pheasant, Welland, at 11 The Master of the Ledbury Hounds regrets to announce that, owing to a very virulent type of distemper which has attacked the whole, and already proved fatal to a number of this season's entry, he is reluctantly obliged, as the result of consultation with three well-known veterinary surgeons, to hunt onty three days a week until further notice. NORTH LEDBURY. Tuesday, Jan 13-Avenbury Cross, at 11 Friday, Jan 16-Halesend, at 11 NORTH HEREFORDSHIRE. Monday, Jan 12—Bredenbury Court, at 11 Thursday, Jan 15-Canon Froome at 11 Saturday, Jan 17—The Trumpet, at 11 SOUTH HEREFORDSHIRE. Tuesday, Jan 13-Pontrilas, at 11 Thursday, Jan 15-Callow Pike, at 11 Saturday, Jan 17-How Caple Grange, at 11 WORCESTERSHIRE. Saturday, Jan 10-Bell Inn, Pensax, at 11 Monday, Jan 12-Feekenkam, at 11 Wednesday, Jan 14-Crowle and Pershore C:oss Roads, at 12 (Collection for R.A.B. Society). Friday, Jan 16-Hanbury Wharf, at 11 Saturday, Jan 17-001 bersley Court, at 11 CROOME. Saturday, Jan 10—Plough and Harrow, Drakes Broughton, at 11 Tuesday, Jan 13-Storridge School, at 11 Thursday, Jan 15 — Wheelbarrow and Castle, Radford, at 11 Saturday, Jan 17—Puckrup Hall, at 11 LEDBURY BEAGLES. Thursday, Jan 15-Rose and CrowD, Redmar. ley, at I I a.m. (Weather permitting). ROSS HARRIERS. (Weather permitting). Saturday, Jan 10—Royal Hotel, Ross, at 11. Tuesday, Jan 13-Pencoyd Court, at 11 Friday, Jan 16-Michaelchurch Court, at 11

Carpenter's Ltd. Ales and Stout are always reliable. Brewed for family con- sumption only.—Ledbury AgentW H.Alleyne, New-street. MR J A ISAAC'S CLEARANCE SAii.- This is the period of the annual winter sales of the drapers, etc., and locally none has proved more popular in past years than that of Mr J A Isaac, of Warwick House, Ledbury, whose annual sale commences on Tuesday next, and will continue throughout the mouth. All seasonable stock, such as furs, costumes, coats, millinery, etc, will be reduced to the lowest possible price to effect a speedy clearance, and a general reduction in prices will be made in all departments. In household linens and curtains special purchases have been made for this sale, and the bargains must be seen by &U prudent housewives.. ia

COLWALL NE WS. The Reporter is BOW on sale at the shop of M H Malt, hairdresser and tobacconist, near the Stone, Colwall. AN EARLY LAMB. The first Iamb of the season was born on Monday. It is the property of Mr Samuel P Pedlingham, Glover's Farm, Colwall Green. UNIONIST MEETING. On Friday evening next a public meeting will be held at the Workman's Han, Colwall, under the auspices of the Col wall Branch of the South Herefordshire Unionist Association, when Captain Clive, M.P., will address his constituents, and Mr WAS Hewins, M.P. for the city of Hereford will also speak. The chair will be taken at 8 o'clock by Mr 0 N Holt- Needham. BOWLING CLUB. A meeting of members of the above Club was held at the Workman's Hall on Wednesday night, for the purpose of devising means to wipe off the debt of C2 63 lid on the Club, and it was resolved, on the motion of Mr A T Waters, seconded by Mr A J Manton, that the Hon. Secretary be asked to start a subscription list to discharge the outstanding debt, and that the meeting stand adjourned till a date later in the year. The sum of 15s was promised towards the list at the meeting. TREAT. The girls of the Wyche Free Church Sunday Sehool were entertained to their annual Christ- mas Treat on Wednesday evening. The children, together with a large number of parents, were provided with a substantial tea., which waS thoroughly appreciated. Afterwards the Christ- mas tree was relieved of its large assortment of toys, etc., the children being at lowed to choose one themselves. Prizes were also presented by Miss Ada Ballard for regular attendance and good conduct. At the close buns, oranges, sweets, etc., were distributed to the children, and all appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. CHOIR SUPPER. Ab the kind invitation of the Rector and Mrs Harris, the adult members of the choir of the Parish Church, together with their wives and friends, were entertained at the Rectory on Monday night. The party, numbering about 30, assembled at the Rectory at 8 o'clock, when a substantial supper was provided, and after- wards a very convivial evening was spent. Numerous indoor games were indulged in, and at intervals songs were given by the Rector and Mr C Pedlingham, and pianoforte solos by Mr T F Davis (organist). The choir also rendered carols. At the close a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Rector and Mrs Harris for their kind hospitality, on the motion of Mr C Pedlingham. The Rector, in reply, said that he was pleased to see them all present and hoped they had had an enjoyable time.

BOUQUETS. WREATHS. CROSSES. Harps, Anchors, Sprays, or any other design made up by expert hands with the choicest Flowers in season, at reasonable prices. Carefully packed and sent to any part of the British Isles at short notice. VIOLETS A SPECIALITY. I have 4,000 plants of Double and Single to pick from, from now till April. Also a splendid lot of Chrysanthemums and other Flowers. Boxes of Cut Flowers Sent post free for Is 6d, 2s 6d, and upwards. Fiuit Trees, Roses, Shrubs, Herbaceous Plants, Alpine Plants, and Spring Bedding Plants, at reasonable prices. Silver Sand, Peat, Loam, Charcoal, Mats, and all requisites for the garden supplied at cut prices. New Gardens laid out, old ones renovated. Tennis Courts, Croquet Lawns, Bowling Greens, and Cricket Grounds. A trial order solicited. Satisfaction Guaranteed. W. BUNN, Nurseryman, COLWALL. I DAVID SMITH" SON Monumental Sculptors, LEDBURY. MONUMENTS, TOMBS, HEAD. STONES and CROSSES of every description, in Marble, Granite and Stone, fixed in any part of the kingdom. OLD MONUMENTS RENOVATED. Designs and Estimates sent free on application.

Mirtbo, Marriages, Deaths. DEATHS. PROBERT.—Jan 2, at Dugiuore, Eastnor, John Probert, aged 74 years. SMITH.—Jan 6, at the Green, Colwall, George Albert Dyke Smith, aged 11 years.

ARTHUR J. VIRGO, MONUMENTAL WORKS, Oathedral Close, Hereford Memorials in Marble, Granite or Stone. Designs Famished. Brick Vaults & Steen Graves Country Work a Speciality. Thi Oldeit Bvuintm in Htrvwo.