The Abergavenny Mail

I KING & SONS' 1 GREAT Winter Clearance I SALE I Now Proceeding ■ And Continues for 21 days. I pP- GREAT REDUCTIONS IN EVERY DEPARTMENT. I DRAPERS, MILLINERS, I COSTUMIERS, I LONDON HOUSE, HEREFORD

COLWALL PARISH COUNCIL. The usual monthly meeting of the Colwall Parish Council was held at the Workman's Hall on Wednesday evening. Mr Fred Ballard (chairman) presided, and also present were Miss Holland, Messrs T A Pedlingham, J Pedlingham, G Johns, A G Allen, G Jenkins, H E Hanson, together with the Clerk (Mr G H T Foster), the Clerk's Assistant (Mr Thomas), the Building Surveyor (Mr T J Cawsey). EYENDINE SPRING. The Inspector reported that nothing further had been done in connection with the Evendine Spring. He stated that a sample of the water had been taken and that it was somewhat better than the one previously taken. Miss Holland said she still thought that the water was contaminated from the spring above. The Inspector said he thought the people themselves contaminated the water. The last sample was taken before buckets were put in. All sorts of buckets were lowered into the spring and it was quite possible that this was the cause of the pollution. Mr J Pedlingham also expressed the opinion that the people themselves contaminated the water. The Inspector said he thought a notice should be erected to the effect that the water was not to be used for drinking purposes. Mr Allen said he would propose that a notice be erected and that the tender of Mr James for the top of the spring to be put in proper order, be accepted. Miss Holland seconded and the proposition was carried. LIBRARY REPORT. The Library report was presented and adopted.

Parochial Committee. The Parochial Committee was subsequently held, at which Mr T A Pedlingham presided. WYOHE CRESTj DRAINAGE. A letter was read from Mr W James, the con- tractor in connection with the sewerage scheftie to the effect that Messrs Canning and Canning regretted the decision of the Council in not see- ing their way to meet them in respect to the cost of that portion of the drainage which was situated outside their property, as this was con- trary to the usual practice of the Council in such cases, and in the case of the Brockhill property, which practically adjoined Wyche Crest, the Council not only laid the sewer up to the boundary but continued it for a consider- able distance beyond the boundary on private ground, thus relieving the owner of considerable expense. Why not assist Messrs Canning and Canning in laying a drain on public ground and which would ultimately become a public sewer ? Plans were enclosed showing proposed drainage at Wyche Crest. The Inspector was instructed to see Mr James as the plans did not comply with the bye-laws. THE SEWERAGE CONTRACT. I A report was submitted from the Engineer to the effect hat the contractor made a start with the sewerage works on December 8th. The work was proceeding satifactorily and the engineers mentioned the fact that the con tractor, Mr James, was entitled to the snm of £200 on account. The Committee decided to recommend the District Council to pay the above sum. This closed the business of interest.

I I LEBBURY FARMERS' UNION. I Annual General Meeting. II The Teachers' Salaries Question. The annual general meeting of the Ledbury and District Branch of the South Herefordshire Farmers' Union, which is affiliated with the National Farmers' Union, was held at the Feathers Hotel Assembly Room, Ledbury, on Tuesday afternoon. Mr John Parry (Chairman) presided over a small attendance, which included Messrs W L Pritchett, R W Hamar and A G Bunn (vice-chairmen), E B Thompson (hon secretary of the Branch), J P Griffiths (organis- ing and general secretary), J C Davies, H J Stedman, A Dawe, J S Dawe. H Powell, T A Pedlingham, Henry Weston, Watkins, J Prosser, A W Taylor, R W Barrett, G Cobb, E W Soone, J Williamson, J Cotton, A J Goodwin, L E Fowles, W D Blandford, and J E Craddeck. II THE LATE MR ROBINSON, J.P. The Chairman said before proceeding with the business he would like to allude to the great loss the district and that Branch of the Farmers' Union had sustained by the death of one of its most influential members, in Mr William Robinson, of Redmarly. He thought they would agree with him that it was very difficult to find a more genial, kind-hearted, better dis- posed man than their late member, whether they looked upon him as an agriculturist, a sportsman, or on his many good qualities. They would agree that there were very few men who came up to his standard. He would particularly like to allude to the fact that he was one of the few farmers who had been honoured by beingmade a Justice of the Peace, and that showed he was well qualified and a gentleman very highly respected. The least they could do was to send a letter of condolence to the family and he felt it his duty to propose that that be done, with an expression of their high appreciation of his many abilities, and especially as being a mem- ber of that Union. (Hear, hear.) Mr Pedlingham seconded, and the resolution was carried in silence, the members sbanding. I PROGRESS. Mr Griffiths reported that they increased their membership from 198 in 1912 to 201 in 1913. In the Hereford branch there were 486 members, an increase of 22; Ross branch 284, an increase of of 391;: Longtown 107, an increase of 19. The total membership for the South Herefordshire Union was 1,079 (and that did not include 73 members oF the Pandy branch, who were becoming part of the new Monmouthshire* Union), an increase of 97. He thanked all the delegates for what they had done during the past year, and asked them to get subscriptions in early in the year. The work during the year had altogether been of an encouraging nature. The legal side was an enormous one, and they were doing a great service for farmers in that respect. There might be-a little more enthusiasm, for the Union in the Ledbury district. The Union was going ahead throughout the county, amd in Monmouthshire,, and in Breconshire aiid> Radnorshire they had doubled their member- ship. The Union was now recognised a9 the one farmers' organisation that could speak with- authority on the needs of farmers, and without such an organisation they could have no reals power. What they must do was to bring all farmers into it. t ELECTION OF OFFICERS. I The Chairman expressed a hope that they would have a gQod increase of members during the eurrent year. He thanked the members for the able way in which they had supportedi him during his 2h years service as their Chair- man, and he was very much obliged to the four members who had been elected on the Executive Committee of the South Herefordshire Union, for their attendance. They had supported him well and attended the meetings regularly Taking all things into consideration he thought things were looking up- a bit. Mr Davies proposed the re-election of Mr Parry as Chairman. He had done the work very well, and had worked hard. Mr Cobb seconded and Mr Bunn supported, and the resolution was carried unanimously. Mr Parry said he was much obliged to them for the honour, but he would rather have stood aside for someone else. He would accept the office on the distinct understanding that it was only for the present year. Messrs A G Bunn, R W Hamar and W L Pritchett were unanimously re-elected Vice- chairmen on the motion of Mr Stedman, seconded by Mr Pedlingham. The Chairman proposed the re-election of Messrs H Weston, A G Bunn, T A Pedlingam and J H Walker as the representatives of the branch on the Executive Committee of the South Herefordshire Union, and this was seconded by Mr Davies and agreed to. 1 ANNUAL DINNER. On the motion of Mr Cobb, seconded by M.r Pritchett, it was decided that the annual dinner of the branch be held on the corresponding date to that ot last year, on a Thursday, ind that the sub-committee be re-elected to make necessary arrangements. I THE TEACHERS' SALARIES QUESTION. The Chairman said at the Executive Com- mitttee meeting of the South Herefordshire Union last week the offer of the County Council to the school teachers of Herefordshire to increase their salaries was approved of. Being a school manager himself he would rather not make any remarks upon the matter. Mr Griffiths said he felt that the Farmers' Union was really an Agriculturists' R itep--tyers' Association, and the feeling was that the farmers ought to have an opportunity of stating their views on the question. Certainly the farmers had to help to pay the salaries. Public opinion was a great arbiter on these' questions. When it came to a question of a strike in the public service public opinion had a tremendous influence, and the party that had not public opinion behind it could not win. He thought the opinion was that the branches should be left quite free to express an opinion one way or the other on the question. He had drafted a resolution to the effect that "this meeting expresses its sincere regret at the friction that has arisen between the Herefordshire school teachers and the County Education Committee, and is of opinion that the recent offer made by the Education Committee is a fair basis for a settlement of the same." Mr Pedlingham said at Colwall they had something over 200 children attending the schools, and they were paying for the education of those children between j3650 and 2700 a year. And yet there were six boys going out of Colwall parish now to be educated in Worces- tershire elementary schools. The question was—why were they going out of the parish ? It was something for the Education Committee to enquire into. Why were those children pay- ing railway fare and going out of the county to another elementary school ? What had they got with regard to education now ? Mr Davies Wasting money. Mr Pedlingham: What are we wasting all this money for ? If we had efficient teachers there would the farmers have so much cause to grumble ? Could not the farmers send their children to these schools up to the age of 12 to 14 years ? Are the schoolmasters and school- mistresses of Herefordshire up to the mark ? Why are Colwall children sent into Worcester- shire for elementary education ? Mr Pedling- ham went on to say that he had considered whether he was right in voting for the resolu tion last week at Hereford. The education question was something for them to think about. The Chairman Are you a school manager ? Mr Pedlingham Not for the boys' school for the girls' school. Mr Bunn said that at Hereford the previous Wednesday he said he did not think the decision of the Herefordshire Education Com- mittee was altogether fair. In some cases they had not considered some of the teachers what- ever, and nearly 50 had not been considered at all* That being the case, and so far as he understood it, he thought a scale for teachers should be considered. It was not an ex- travagant request either. They did not exactly understand what a scale was, nor would they until it was introduced. He saw the County Council were now advertising for teachers to till the vacancies on a scale. They had a scale offered to them by the National Union of Teachers, which he believed meant that all teachers would be considered and paid for their services according to their merits. When the Inspector came round if a teacher did not merit mention he or she would not get it, but if they did they would get it. There would be a chance for teachers to work their way up, and eventually they would reach the maximum. To his mind the decision of the Education Committee was not a satisfactory one. Mr Davies said Mr Bunn had said all teachers had not been considered, but that was totally wrong. They had not only been considered, but the Education Committee were bound in future to consider the case of the teachers every year. It was open for any managers to bring a case before the Committee and they will con- sider it, and make any fair increase of salary they may consider necessary. What was wanted was more straightforward dealing. Colonel Decie told them at the County Council meeting on the previous Saturday, that the case had been grossly misrepresented. With the exception of three Socialist members of the County Council the Council agreed that the Education Committee had done everything they could in the matter. If the teachers did strike the County Council had done everything they could to obviate it, and they were handling the question as it should be handled. He thought they should do all they coulat to support the the County Council. They never heard anyone get up and say anything about a minimum price for the farmer. He was a thing to be kept down and kicked as much as they could. He would sooner see his rates go up, and the schools shut up and the children have a holiday. (Laughter.) Mr Weston said the Education Committee went through the list and gave increases where they thought they were deserved. He thought the farmers would be lacking in their duty if they did not support the Education Committee. Mr Pritchett said the sympathies of every- body who had had anything to do with teaching would be with the teachers, because of all professions that of teaching was the most exacting. There was not a ratepayer among them but what would like to, see every school- schoolmaster properly paid. He believed in preference to a scale that the proposals of the Education Committee were undowtedly the best, and those were to pay the teachers on their merits. He hoped that eventually the school teachers would see sense, and take the positions at the salaries which had been, granted. He moved that the Union support the Education Committee in their action. Mr Thompson seconded. The Chairman said Mr Bunn seemed to forget that the Education Committee-was elected and nominated by the ratepayers- and there were facts before them that the out&ide public heard nothing about. If there was any deficiency in the teaching in the schools it was- the duty of the School Inspector to report it to the Education Authority. Mr Buon desired to speak again, but was called to order by the Chairman. He, however. stated that he did not believe the Farmers' Union had! anything to do with it. The resolution was carried unanimously. FARMERS' UNION CANDIDATE: FOR NORTH HEREFORDSHIRE. The Chairman said the next business on the agenda was the question of the proposed Farmers' Union Candidate for North Mereford- shire. They all supported what had taken place there with regard to the candidature of a Farmers' Union candidate. They in the South must try and use their influence with their friends in the North, and they must do all they could to back them up. It was no good them going on as a Union unless they could get someone into the House of Commons to inltucnce the agricultural question from the tenant farmers' point of view. They would all be very pleased if North Hereford had the honour of electing the first Farmers' Union candidate in the country. They should support it all they could. Mr Bunn said he hoped eventually Mr J M Parry would become the Farmers' Union candidate when the time came. He considered, however, that mistakes of policy had been made. The Chairman' said they were very much indebted to Miss Radcliffe Cooke for her very able letter on the question to the press, show- ing up the party system. Mr Griffiths said it was important that they should say nothing against either political party In North Hereford they wanted a Farmers' Union candidate with the consent and approval of the party that had a majority of votes in the constituency. They were asking the Conserva- tive Party to consider the question of allowing them to bring forward Mr J M Parry, and that a typical representative of the farmers should be allowed to go to Parliamentas the representa- tive of the Farmers' Union. In reply to a question by Mr Davies, Mr Griffiths said Mr Parry was agreed that in any question of Tariff Reform the position of agriculture mujt be considered. Mr Pritchptt moved a resolution to the effect that being convinced that farmers should have a fully practical man of their own class to repre- sens them in Parliament, "This meeting ex- presses the hope that a representative of the Farmers' Union would be returned for the North Herefordshire constituency at the next election." He said he was very glad indeed to move that resolution, because he had always thought it was the most important point in connection with the Farmers' Union. ( Hear, hear). The Union had already performed good service for the tenant farmers of this country, but they had yet to send a representative to the House of Commons. He had on more than one occasion heard it expressed that if they had a representative in the House of Commons, that it would not mean that they were going to have an agricultural party there, but he, for one, did not see why they should mot have such a party, as other industries and professions had one. The balance of power in the House of Commons had really been in the hands of an Irish Party, and if the farmers had such a representation in the House of Commons as they ought to have, a Member for every county, they would be able to turn the scale. Since the Farmers' Union had been in existence there had been eleven measures introduced in the House of Commons dealing with agricultural subjects which they had failed to carry to a successful issue. One of those was the Pure Beer Bill, or the Hop Substitutes Bill, and that had been in the hands of many people. Even the Minister for Agri- culture had had it in his hands, and he could make nothing of it. If they had had a Farmers' Party in the House of Commons that Bill would have gone through and would now have been on the Statute Book. (Hear, hear.) They in Herefordshire fortunately at this moment had a very good opportunity to place a man in the House of Commons. They had found a candi- date and there was a very good hope that at the next election, if thab candidate stood and there was not too much opposition, that he would become Member for the North. At the present time the Conservatives had a candidate of their own in Captain Ward-Jackson. He had every sympathy with that gentleman, as probably he would win if nominated, but he could only hope that when Captain Ward-Jackson saw the strength Mr Parry had behind him he would have the good grace to retire. If they had a fight between Mr Parry and another candidate he had no fear but that they would have the honour of sending the first representative of the farmers to the House of Commons for North Herefordshire. He remembered the days of Mr Duckham, who did a great work single- handed, and so also did the late Mr Radcliffe Cooke, who was a great authority on agriculture. If they could get more men like those in the House of. Commons they might get some of their grievances redressed. There were measures which required introduction to the House of Commons and until they got Farmers' Union men there they would not get them. One point in particular he might mention and that was that when the County Councils were formed they had an Agricultural Rates Relief Act. Rates had since gone up by leaps and bounds, but the money received from that Act was still of the same amount. That, he thought, would be one of the first things Mr Parry would be instructed to act in when he got to the House of Commons. Mr Pedlingham seconded the resolution aad said he would do all he could when the time came en the Cradley and Malvern side of the division. Mr Davies supported, and hoped the farmers in the North would give more support than farmers usually did to a fellow farmer. He hoped the day would come when they would have a chance to run Mr Pritchett, and if there was a constituency handy he heped they would not lose sight of him. The resolution was carried unanimously. AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. Mr J Porter, agricultural organiser under the County Council, attended and explained that if there was a demand a class for young farmer a in the Ledbury district would be held near laedbury. He also stated that requests for a premium bull by a combination of farmers in a district should be made at once. He also briefly referred to the County Council orchard competitions. Mr Davies said some of them had been disposed to apply for a Polled Angus bull. He thought sufficient students could be got for the class referred to by Mr Porter. A vote of thanks to the Chairman, moved by Mr Pritchett, concluded the proceedings.

HUNTING. WITH THE LEDBURY. These hounds met on Friday last at the Canning Arms, Hartpury. The field, which was a large one, included the Master, Sir George Bullougli. Lady Bullongh, Miss de Montgeon, Miss j, Lher, Mr and Mrs Blew, the Misses Strickl. Mr Vincent Yorke, and the Hon. Mr« Yoi K •, Miss Holland, Mrs Masefield, Mrs Maovker, Mr G S Albright, Mr M C Albright, M F. U., Mr V Powell, Mr G L Acworth, Major ThackweJl, Mr A E Whalley, Mr P Harrington, Mr Terry, Mr R Canning, Mr Ireland, Mr J Pearce, Mr D Pearce, Mr H Surman, Mr T E Jones, Mr H W Smith, Mr E H Owen, and a strong <• outingent from the Gloucester side of the countrx Before proceeding to draw, a cap was tak n for that very worthy institution The Hunt Servants' Benetit Society," after which a move was made for Limbury. Finding at once, our fox went straight away for the Leadon. Being headed lie turned sharp right-handed and ran by Hill House Farm and Corse Church towards Foscombe. This, however, was not his point to-day, for turning left-handed over the road near Brierley Grange, he went on to the Leadon river for the Osiers Beds. Here he bore left-handed to Upleadon. Without a check hounds hunted him through Colin Park and Madam's Wood to and through Castle Coppice. Going away at the lower end he passed through Mr Holloway's cellar, and on to the Newent Road, where some farm buildings again attracted his notice, and accounted for a short check. Batchelor soon realised our quarry had not halted, and casting hounds forward they quickly hit off his line, and led us on to Pauntley village. Again he crossed the river and headed straight for Darcombe, aud gamely went away for Ketford. Here he turned right-handed for Ryton Firs, where a graud run of 2 hours 15 minutes came to an end, our gallant pilot having run hounds out ot scent. School House cover was blank, and a fox found late in the day at Maisemore had to be given up on account of darkness coming on. Monday, Barbers Bridge.—Lassington produced our first fox that went away over Lassington Hill, through the park, and crossing the Westbury-on- Severn road, piloted us away to Piper's Grove. Leaving at the far enj, he set his mask for Highnam, ran straight through and went on to Tibberton Woods. Doubling sharp back for the Huntley Road, he was viewed making tracks for Westbury-ou-Severn, but was given up after a good woodland hunt of 1 hour 10 minutes. Find- ing again in Highnatn, our fox took us by the Pinetum towards Lissington, Here he turned left-banded over the railway, swain the river, ran through Bingham's Osiers, passing by Hartpury Ludge for the School House covers. He was viewed leaving just ahead of hounds, but he was a staunch leader, and leaving Hartpury village on the light he pressed away for Catsbury, Mount Oliver, and Limbury. A swing to the right and Corse Church was passed, and bearing right- handed again reach Mount Oliver, going to ground at the lower end after a grand hunt of 1 hour 35 minutes. FOR'ARD ON.

LKa-BURY BEAGLE-MARRIERS. I On Tuesday afternoon a meeting of the com- mittee of the Ledbury Beagling Glut) was held at the Feathers Hotel, Ludbury, to consider the question of riding. The question has arisen owing to a desire on the part of some of the supporters of the elub t.o ride on farms where riding is allowed, and thus get over the objections of followers to riding to a pack of beagles. It was eventually decided, after a somewhali lengthy discussion that the name of the pack be advertised as the Ledbury Beagle-Harriers, members and farmers over whose land the pack hiuits over. being allowed to ride where riding is allowed by the farmer, due notification t j be given in the meets by the letters M. R., signlfying that members are allowed to ride. Supporters of the pack who wish for riding buttons are requested I to apply for them to Mr R Homes, The Union, Ledbury.

HCTNTING APPOINTMENTS LEDBUKY. Monday, Jan 19 -Holly Bush, at 11 Wednesday, Jan 21—The Kennels, at 11 Friday, Jan 23 -Green Dragon, Corse Ltwn,ll NORTH LEDBURY. Monday, Jan 19-Prockiiill Bridge, at 11 Wednesday, Jin 21-Steens Bridge, at 11 Saturday, J n 24 -Buchetors gridge, at 11. NORTH HEREFORDSHIRE. Saturday, Jan 17—The Trumpet, at 11 Mouday, Jan 19-Docklow, at 11 Thursday, Jan 2:3-High Town, Hereford, at 11 Saturday, Jan 24-Kennels, 11 SOUTH HEREFORDSHIRE. Saturday, Jan 17—How Caple Grange, at 11 Tuesday, Jan 20-Ruckhall Mill, at 11 Thursday, Jan 22—The Batcho, at 11 Saturday, Jan 24-Glewstone Court, at 11 LEDBURY BEAGLE-HARRIERS. Thursday, Jan 22—Canon Froome, at 11 a.m. (Weather permitting). M. R. ROSS HARRIERS. (Weather permitting). I Monday, Jan 16-Trecilla House, Llangarron, at 11. Friday, Jan 23-Kyrle House, Peterstow, at 11 I

UPTON BISHOP. OBITUARY.-We regret to have to record the death of Mr Thomas Powell, of the Woodcock?, Kenopley Green, who had been woodward and keeper for the Horn me House Estate, Much Marcle, for a number of years. The death took place on January 2nd, after several months ill- ness, at the age of 67 years. The deceased was of a quiet unassuming manner, and was known as an upright man, and much respected by those who came in contact with him, and much sympathy he felt for his six sons and two daughters. The funeral took place at Much Marcle Churchyard on Wednesday week last, and was attended by a large number of relatives IInd friends, the service being impressively con- ducted by the Vicar, the Rev C L Money-Kyrle. The principal mourners were the deceased's six sons, viz., Messrs E Powell, J Powell, R Powell. T Powell, Edgar Powell, and H Povre1! Mrs Wadley, Mr W Bailey, Mr W D Neale, Mrs E Powell, Mr R Powell (brother), Mr W Powell (nephew). There also attended Mr aud Mrs J Jones, Miss Hodges, Mrs Hodges, Mr W Hodges, Mrs Baker, Mf J Griffiths, Mr G Chapman, Mr J Jeynes, Mr W A Smallman, Mr J Howley, Mrs Perigo, Mr J Clinton, Mr E Mason, and many others. The wreaths and floral tributes included the following :-Hubert Polly, Rose and Walter, Geo. Smallman, E Mason, and Mollie, Tom, and Gladys, Mr and Mrs Apperly, Jim, Fan and the children, Edgar and Maude, Mrs Archer, Lizzie and family (The Glen, West Malvern), Rev A Pope, Mrs Pope and family Will and Clara, Ernest and Cilfa, Bob and Emily, Mr and Mrs Sim England, Mr and Mrs J Jones, Mrs Hodges and Walter, Tom und Lottie. The coffin, which was of elm with brass fittings, was made by Mr D Fawke, Much Marcle. A

N.C.L. ANNUAL BALL.—The Ledbury and District Lodge of the National Conservative League have arranged to hold their annual all- night ball at the Feathers Hotel Assembly Room on Thursday, January 29.

HIGH STREET, LEDBURY. S U T E R' S GREAT Clearance Sale OF DRAPERY Will Commence Saturday, Jan 17 TO MAKE ROOM FOR SPRING GOODS. ALL GOODS GREATLY REDUCED. SPECIAL OFFER -OF MANUFACTURERS' SAMPLES OF GLOVES Less than Half-price AND LADIES AND CHILDREN'S UNDERCLOTHING.

TARRINGTON. I MEN s "OCIAL CLUB.—A whist drive and dance will be lu ll at the Parish Hall, Tarrington, on Thursday, January 29th, the whist drive com- mencing at 7.30 p.m., and the dance being from 10.30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets may be obtained from the Foley Arms, the Post Office, Stoke Edith Railway Station, and members of the Committee, and the proceeds are in aid of the funds of the Tarrington Meu's Social Club.

HEREFORD MARKET. (Special Farmers' Union Report). There was a good supply of all kinds of stock in the market to-day, and a large attendance of the general put)lie. CATTLE. A good supply of store cattle met with a fairly good demand, an improvement in the trade being to some extent due to the presence of the Earl of Coventry as a buyer. BEEF. A good supply met with a rather irregular trade, best quality making up to 38s. per cwt live weight. Best beef 7d to 7H per lb. Other qualities 6d to 7d. Fat calves up to lOd. SHEEP. Prices were lower by about 2s per head on the week and inferior qualities were cheaper. Best teg mutton 9d to ijld per lb. Wether mutton 81d to 9d. Ocher qualities, 7!d to 8id. PIGS. A small supply of stores in fairly good demand, porks and bacons down on the week. Porks, 6d to 7id per lb. Bacons 5d to 6|d. Heavy-weights 5d to Sid. CORN. A well attended market, with little change record. Wheat trade dull. Inferior barley a very slow trade. Wheat per 62 lhe, 38 to 4" 0 tts per 40 lbs, 2s 6d to 3s. Malting barley per 56 lbs, 38 6d to 4s. Grinding barley per 56 lbs, 3s to 3s 6d. Beans per 65-31 lbti, 4s t,o 4s 2,1. WHOLESALE HAY TRADE. The hay trade shows no improvement, and is slow at present quotations. Best hay 50s to 55s. Second quality 45s to 50s. Good clovers 50s to 55s. Good wheat straw 459 to 50a.

MUCH MARCLE. An invitation Long-Night Dance will he held in the Much Marcle Schooh'oom on Friday, February 13, 1914. Dancing from 8 till 2. This dance is being held in place of the Cin- derella Dance, previously arranged. H S Powell and W White, joint hon. secretaries.- Advert.

KYNOCH'S CARTRIDCES 8/6 per 100. 9/6 per 100. 10/6 per 100. ELEY'S CARTRIDGES Smokeless 8/6 100 (Pink Case). Diamond Grain 10/6 „ (Blue Case). CeoiaeHill &iSoaq (? T?CrossLEDBUKY? Printed and Published for and on behalf of the EXECUTRIX of the late THOMAS VAUGHAW, by WILLIAM S. BOWES, Manager, at the Printing Works, New Street, Ledbury, ia the Coiinty of Hereford.

LEDBURY POLICE. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14. Before Alderman John Riley (in the chair), Mr Spencer H Bickham, Mr R Buchanan, Mr J Wilfred Hewitt, and Mr E H Hopkins. TRANSFER. The license of the Royal Oak, Munsley, was temporarily transferred from Richard Spencer, deceased, to Andrew R Bengry. APPLICATIONS. I Mr T Howell, Feathers Hotel, Ledbury, was granted an extension till twelve midnight on January 22 on the occasion of a Cinderalla dance; and nntil3 a.m. on January 29t;h on the occasion of the National Conservative League Ball. Mr M J Powell, Horse and Groom Hotel, Col- wall, was granted an extension till 2 a.m. on February 4th on the occasion of an Oddfellows' Ball. NO APPEARANCE. I James Soley, Mathon, was summoned for assault on Annie Merrick, of Mathon. When the case was called there was no appear- ance, and the Magistrates' Clerk (Mr C B Hasefield) said he had received a letter from the complainant stating that she wished to withdraw the summons, and enclosed the cost, 4s 6d. The Bench expressed the opinion that this was an objectionable practice, and in future cases these summons must not be withdrawn without the consent of the Bench. WAS IT A PRACTICAL JOKE? I William Danielp, roadman, of Ashperton, was charged with stealing a bicycle lamp value 7s 6d, the property of Frederick Parsons, Bosbury, on December 25th. Mr H W Orme (Messrs Russell and Co.) was for the defence. Prosecutor said he was a gardener and lived at Staplow. On the night of Christmas Day he went to the Cro vn Hotel, Bosbury, and left his bicycle outside the hotel with a lamp on it. At 9.15 p.m. the lamp was gone, and he gave imformation to the police, who later brought the lamp back to him. He identified the lamp produced as his. Alfred G Parmee, of the Crown Hotel, Bosbury, said prosecutor came to the 0ouse about 9 p.m. on Cristrnas Day. He had some refreshments and left at 9.15. When prosecutor came he saw he had a bicycle with a lamp on it. P.C. Evans said on December 25 at 9.30 p.m. prosecutor reported the loss of the lamp. On December 26 witness went to Ashperton and later saw defendant at Newtowu, Yarkhill. He taxed defendant with the theft of the lamp, and he at first denied it. He told defendant he was confident he knew something about it and that he was going to apprehend him, and defendant said, I have a lamp, hut someone must have put it on my bike." He went with defendant to his home at Ashperton and there received the lamp produced. By Mr Orme: He knew that Daniels, and other men named Whiting and Alford had been to Bosbury playing football on that day, and that they had been at the Brook Inn for some time. Mr Orme pleaded not guilty, and that in this case a practical joke was played on defendant and on Parsons as well. A football match took place at Bosbury between Ashperton and Bosbury on the afternoon of Christmas day. and later had a convivial evening at the Brook Inn. Daniels walked with others to the Crown, where they had some refreshments, leaving the bicycles outside the Crown. When Daniels went into the Crown he was never out of the company of Whiting. It was not until Daniels was riding home without a light that he found the lamp was on the machine. Defendant then went into the box, and said he was in the employ of the Ledbury Rural District Council as a roadman, and had been in the employ of the Council for 12 or 13 years. On Christmas Day he went with a football team ftom Ashperton to the Brook, Bosbury, where they played a football match, and after the match they stayed at the Brook Inn until after 8 p.m. Four of them, including Whiting, Alford and witness, then went to the Crown at Bosbury, all of them walking except Alford. At the Crown they had some drink. He was never out of the company of Whiting while they were at the Crown. About 9.30 Whiting, Alford and witness set off home, the two former lighting their lamps, and Alford going first. When he rode up opposite Whiting he saw by the light of Whiting's lamp and there was a lamp on his machine, and he said Hullo, aomebody has put a lamp on my machine." He tried to borrow a lamp at the Brook Inn, but could not. When he saw the lamp on his machine he took it off, and then tried to put it back on the bracket but could not and so put it in his pocket. When he got home he put the lamp on the bicycle again. By Supt Williams He admitted it was to his advantage to have a lamp when he left the Crown, bur- he never lighted the one he found on his bicycle. He was fairly sober and could ride his bicycle. By Mr Orme Someone had played a practical joke on him, for which he believed Bosbury was known. Harry Whiting, labourer, of Woodsend, Ash- perton, bore out defendant's version, and said defendant was never out of his company from the time they left the Brook until they left the Orown. Daniels never touched another bicycle or any lamp while at the Crown. Ronald George Gurney, surveyor to the Led- bury Rural District Council, said he had always found Daniels very trustworthy and reliable uring the 11 years he had known him. The Chairman said there was so much doubt the case that it would be dismissed. Defendant thanked the Bench. SKID PAN ON TIMBER CARRIAGE. I John Jones, of Woolhope, was summoned for riving a timber carriage with the wheel locked ithout a skid pan on at Cam Wood, Woolhope, n December 30. Defendant did not appear, and P.C. Matthews proved the case. Fined 10s and costs lis. Alderman Riley and Mr E H Hopkins did not adjudicate in this case. NO CONVICTION. I Alfred jDavis, Mathon, was summoned for keeping a dog without a license. Mr E Arnold Wabkins (from the County I Council Oiiiee, Hereford), appeared to prosecute. P.S. Howard said on November 23 last (a Sunday) he saw defendant shooting, and a sheep dog working the bushes. Defendant said he had a gun license, but said he had not a license for the dog, bat had an exemption. The dog worked the bashes ten minutes or a quarter of an hour. He told defendant he should have a license for a dog. used for sporting purposes, and defendant said he was not aware of it. Mr Watkins pointed outtha t on the exemp- tion paper it stated that the exemption void if the dog was used for rabbiting. Defendant said the dog never put up a rabbit. He only shot once that morning and that was a hawk. Defendant went into the box and said he was a stockman and shepherd, and on this particular morning his employer's son told him to take-the gun and try and shoot a hawk as he was going round the stock. A rabbit did jump up aod naturally the dog jumped at it. He took the dog with him in the exeeution of his duty. The Bench ordered defendant to pay 5s towards the costs, and recorded no conviction. Mr E H Hopkins did not adjudicate in this case. A FELT HAT. Harry Hope, of Ledbury, was charged with stealing a felt hat value 3a 6d, the property of William Nelson, of Wellington Heath, on January 3. Prosecutor,, who said he was an agricultural labourer, said on January 3 on the invitation of Mr W L Pritchett, the workmen had a supper at Prior's Court. Witness left his hat on a. petrol tin apart from the others. He came out on two occasions and saw the hat still there, but when he came out at 11.45 his hat was missing. Search was made by witness and several other workmen, but they could not findi it. Defendant left before witness did. William Walker, waggoner, of Lower Suffield, said his hat was by the side of Nelson's hat on the night in question, and his hat was there at 11.45,. whea he went for it. Nelson's hat was there at that time, and he saw defendant by the door then. P. C. Evans said on January 4 he visibed defendant's home with reference to the hat, aad defendant admitted he had the hat and said someone put it in my coat pocket last night." He brought the hat to witness. Defendant elected to be tried summarily, and pleaded not guilty to the charge. He said he did not know he had the hat in his coat poeket until he got to Chestnut Villas on his way home. He intended taking it back the next morning, but P. C. Evans was at his house rather early. The Chairman said the case would be dismissed.

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 Outfits.-W. Dudfield, Cycle Agent, Dymock.