The Abergavenny Mail

Topical Tattle. I The schools re-opened on Monday, after the strike and the closing the schools for measles, but I believe there is still a good deal of illness about, and two young children died yesterday (Thursday). At the girls' school I hear 80 odd children are being taught by one teacher in a classroom which accommodates 45. The space and desks which half of these children usually occupy remain unused in another rooom. What must the atmosphere be like ? And this after an epidemic which has resulted in the death of eiyht or ten young children. This is an urgent; matter and demands immediate attotit ioa. Monday night's meeting of the Urban Council was one of the mobt lengthy, and at the same time, the most interacting meeting of that body we have had for some time. The ball was started rolling at question time when Mr Davis wanted to know about the assessment of the Picture Palace. Of course the Royal Hall assessment is included in that of the Royal Oak Hotel. The question of the assessment of the machinery there is, after all, but a small matter, but what does matter is this When the assess- ment of the Royal Oak and the hall was made the hall was not in daily use as it is now. It was empty then for months at a time, but now that it is let practically permanently one natur- ally infers that there is a case for a re-assessment. If rumour is correct the rent of the Hall is not far short-if it is short at all-of double the assessment of the hotel and hall, and as trades- men are always assessed on improvements and increased rent, the overseers should certainly look into the matter. I invite their attention to it forthwith. What makes this matter loom somewhat largely in the public eye at the present time is that the local Company of Territorials were within an ace of taking over the new Drill Hall on their own with the object of letting it for dances and whist drives. The point that effectually put a stopper on the project was that they were told-rightly or wrongly-if they did so it would be assessed at 280 and they would have to pay rates on that amount. As a War Office building, used solely for the purposes of the local Territorial Company, it is not called upon to pay rates, and naturally the local Territorial leaders could not see their way to saddling themselves with an expenditure of not less than £ 20 a year in rates, without a definite prospect of being able to raise that amount by rents received for letting it. It was good news to hear that the general district rate is to come down from Is 4d to Is in the £ and thus equalise the increase of 4d in the poor-rate, which we ratepayers have had to pay recently. Our local Chancellor of the Exchequer seems to be of opinion that the poor rate will come down to its old basis of Is 6d. Naturally I hope it dees, but, like Mr Preece, I have my doubts. If it does come down, well and good, but all students of local government know that county rates—which are included in the poor rate-have a distinct tendency to advance, and I fail to see how the county can expect to reduce their call. Every ratepayer hopes that they will be able to do it, but there is a very distinct and big if about it. I only hope I am wrong in my view that the rate will stop at the figure it has been for the last six months. Then again, the water charge is to be reduced from 2s 6d per thousand gallons .to 2s, and the minimum charge will be correspondingly re- duced from 7s to 6s (including hire of meter). For my part, I have long been of the opinion that the Urban Council were charging far too high a price for water, and though 6d reduction is something to be thankful for, yet I think they might just as well have taken a shilling off and thus have given a reduction which would have been really felt. Still, I suppose we must be satisfied with small mercies. » At last, after years of correspondence between the Urban Council and the Building Society, with reference to the taking over of the Bank Crescent-road by the Council, representatives of the two bodies have met, and the question is now settled and done with on the Building Society paying over 2160 to the Council. What years cf correspondence could not accomplish, a conference has brought about, so who shall say that conferences between aggrieved organisa- tions should not take place ? And the public swimming bath scheme has got a move on it, even at the eleventh hour. Surprising how things can be shoved on a bit when there is an election looming not far ahead. I don't blame any of our Councillors for it, not me, because after all it is merely human nature. But it is worthy of the atten- tion of some deep thinking ratepayer to take stock of the unusual activity of councillors just before an election. I don't refer to this election approaching particularly, but to every election when you hear of a likelihood of a contest. And by all accounts, we shall have an election this time, a real tip-topper, if all I hear of the pros- pective candidates is true. Mr Lawrence has my sympathy over his resolution with regard to the need of a recrea- tion ground for Ledbury, which is a subject that has been repeatedly referred to in these columns in years gone by. We are all agreed that the youngsters should have a recreation ground, but in the present land-locked condition of Ledbury where is the land coming from, at a reasonable price? And that is the great, unsurmountable difficulty Mr Lawrence and Mr Warren will have to face. # I never knew till this week that the Union Jack of old England was once the flag of Napoleon But by the placard at the Picture Palace I am asked to believe that this is so. TATTLER. I

MUCH MARCLE. I DEATH AND FUNERAL OF MR JOHN PROBERT. -Mr John Probert, head cowman for Mr H Weston died at the Watery Lane, Much Marcle, on Saturday evening last, at the age of 51 years. He leaves a family of six sons and four daughters to mourn his loss, three of whom have not yet left school. Much sympathy is "felt for them in their sad trouble, as it is less than a year since the sudden death of their mother. He had been in the employ of Mr Weston for the past fourteen years, and was highly esteemed by both his employer and fellow workmen. The funeral took place at the Parish Church, Much Marcle, yesterday (Thursday;. The bearers were Messrs J Evans, A Daniels, T Layton, B Thorne, E Turner and R Whittaker (employees at The Bounds). The mourners were :—Mrs Price, May, Ethel, and Mabel (daughters), Jack, Isaiah, Willie, Harry and Clarence (sons), Mestirs James and Thomas Probert (brothers), Mr Geo Price (son-in-law), Mrs J Probert, Mr M Alexander and Mrs Barnett. There were also present at the funeral, Mr Hubert Weston, (Caerswall), Mr Stafford and Misses Weston (The Bounds), Mis Evans, Mrs Layton, Mrs Thorne, MissWhittaker, Miss Clara Forty, Mrs R Whittaker, and Mrs h Meredith. Mr Tom Cox had charge of the funeral arrangements.—A large number of floral tributes were sent, as follows:— In loving memory of dear father, from his sorrowing children with deepest sympathy, from Mrs Probert and family (Hereford); with deepest sympathy, from Mr and Mrs Alexander and family with deepest sympathy, from Mike in loving remembrance and with sincere sympathy, from his fellow-workmen; with sincere sympathy, and in remembrance of a faithful servant, from Mr and Mrs Weston and family with deep sympathy, from Mr and Mrs Hubert Weston with deep sympathy, from Mrs Probert and Winifred with heartfelt sympathy for the bereaved ones, from C and L Jones (The Village); with loving sympathy, from Mr and Mrs Gammond (Hill Cottage); in loving memory, from Mrs Bailey in kind remembrance, from Clara Fortey (The Bounds) with deepest sorrow, from Mr and Mrs Sam England and family; with deepest sympathy, from Mrs Cox and Mrs Symonds. i ■>'

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LOCAL NEWS. I Chas. Hodges' Bread, Standard or White, purity a.nd quality guaranteed. Daily deliveries.—42, Bye Street, Ledbury. NEW MAGISTRATE.—Mr Henry Weston C.C., The Bound*, Much Marcle, has just been appointed a Justice of the Peace for the Ledbury Petty Sessional Division. WESLEYAN CHURCH.—The Rev T Ferrier Hulme, M.A. (Chairman of the district) will preach at the Wesleyan Chapel, Ledbury, on 1 Sunday, Maich 15 at 10.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Carpenter's Ltd. Ales and Stout are always reliable. Brewed for family con- sumption only.—Ledbury AgentW H Alleyne, New-street. FRUIT TREE SPRAYING.—On Monday after- noon in Lord Biddttlph's orchard adjoining the Worcester-road, Ledbury, Mr A J Manning, horticultural instructor under the Herefordshire County Council, gave a demonstration in fruit- tree spraying, etc., to the Ledbury young farmers' afternoon class, there being a fair attendance. Three different washes were used —lime, lime and liver of sulphur, and a patent wash. I. John Haines and Sons, Practical ) Chimney Sweeps, Homend Street, Ledbury. All Orders Promptly attended to. Distance no object. Established 1830. Spectacles and Eyeglasses. We test the sight scientifically without any charge and supply the exact glasses necessary in well- fitting frames at very moderate prices. Spectacles from 2/6 per pair. Satisfaction guaranteed.— MINCHfN, Chemist and Optician, 15, Westgate, Gloucester. BULL FIGHT AT LEOMINSTER.—At Leominster Stock Market, on Tuesday, a Hereford bull and a Shorthorn bull fought for some time over the prostrate body of Mr F Riley, a well-known farmer of Great Marston, Pencombe. Mr Riley had led his bull into the sale ring, and it was sold, but before he could lead it out a second bull was allowed to enter the ring unattended. The new-comer at once attacked the bull held by Mr Riley, and the ring was speedily cleared of buyers and others. Unfortunately Mr Riley failed to escape to safety. Not only had he his own bull on lead, but he is paralysed on the one side of his body and one arm hangs helpless by his side. The force of the charge of the second bull was sufficient to knock Mr Riley's bull against him, causing him to fall. The bulls then fought over his body, and it was some time before Mr Riley could be rescued from his perilous position. He received numerous serious injuries, including two broken ribs. HUGHES' TOBACCO STORES. The largest stock and variety in the town. See the windows. High class Hair cutting and Shaving Saloon. Razors ground and 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. George Lloyd (late James Lloyd), Chimney Sweep, Church Lane, Ledbury. Distance no object. Prompt and personal attention to all orders. HEREFORD HORSE Snow.—The annual meeting of the Hereford Horse Show Society was held at Hereford on Wednesday, under the presidency of Captain E L A Heygate. The report stated that the gate money from last year's exhibition showed a decrease of jMO as compared with the previous year. There was a loss of J35 on the show, and the balance at the bank was reduced to £ 64. —Mr T Goodwin said the following rule had been evaded: All exhibitors must be members of the society, but teaant farmers, occupiers of less than 2100 rateable value, may become members of the society at an annual subscription of 10s 6d., and may exhibit their first entry free, and for every additional entry 5s." Several members who were not eligible had exhibited. He moved that the secretary be instructed to write these gentlemen asking them for the extra half-guinea to make up the guinea subscription really due from them for last year.—Mr Burdon seconded, and the motion agreed to.-It was decided to ask Mr WAS Hewins, M.P., to become president, in suc- cession to Captain P. A. Clive, M.P., and in the event of his not being able to accept the office to invite Mr Logan Kidston, M.F.H.

THE PICTURE PALACE. I There was a very fine programme of pictures at the Picture Palace, the Royal Hall, Ledbury, the first half of the week, and good houses were the rule. "The Accusing Hand and Ashes of Three together with two good comic features and three other Interest" films form quite a strong pro- gramme at the Palace today and tomorrow. The early half of next week's. programme contains Vitagraph's famous Napoleon in two reels, viz :—1st Part :-Depicts the life drama of Napoleon and Empress Josephine 2nd Part :—Portrays Napoleon-the Man of Destiny- after the Battle of Waterloo seeing his marvellous past in a series of tragic visions. A film of this type should certainly prove very attractive, especially as it is backed up with other good pictures. The latter half of the week's programme gives us another famous film in the "The Duke's Heiress and the remainder of the programme will be equally good. Monday, March,16th, should be a red-letter day at the Palace, as many will be pleased to greet Fantomas" once more in "Fantomas IV" —"The Tradgedy of the Masked Ball," said by many to be the best of the series. Let us hope he manages to escape again so that he can entertain us with more adventures.

COL WALL NEWS. I PRESENTATION. I On Saturday last a farewell smoking concert was held at the Chase Inn, when a presentation was made to Mr J Pritchard, who for 13 years has been employed by Mr Fred Ballard as blacksmith, on his leaving the village. Mr E Whatmore presided, and a capital programme of harmony was contributed, as follows :—Song, My Bonny Yorkshire Lass," Mr J Pritchard march, Marching Home," Colwall Brass Band song, Mr G Williams; song, "The Village Blacksmith," Mr C Tudge song, "Comrades," Mr F W Hayes; valse, "Dreaming," Colwall Brass Band; song, "Tom Bowling," Mr F Rowberry song, Money," Mr G Hill; march, Red, White and Blue," Colwall Brass Band song, "Genevive," Mr T Bridges. During the evening a presentation was made to Mr Pritchard, by Mr J Woodyatt, on behalf of the members of the Colwall Brass Band, of which Mr Pritchard has been a member, of a briar pipe in case and pouch with tobacco. Mr Pritchard briefly returned thanks, and the pro- ceedings closed by the Band playing Auld LangSyne.

OUR WEEKLY CALENDAR. Events advertised in these columns or for which we have, received printing orders. »» ""j TO-DAY (FRIDAY)- Sale of Cattle, Mare, Poultry, Hay, Out-door Effects and Household Furniture at the Brook Inn, Bosbury, far Mr E C Rey- nolds, by Messrs. Pope, Smith and Anthony, at 2 p.m. Picture Palace, Royal Hall, Ledbury, 8 p.m. TO-MORROW (SATURDAY)- t Monthly Meeting Ledbury and District Air. Rifle League, New Inn Hotel, Ledbury, 7-30 p.m. prompt. Picture Palace, Royal Hall, Ledbury, 2-30, 6.TO, 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 Stock Market. Picture Palace, Royal Hall, Ledbury, 8 p.m. WEDNESDAY— Ledbury Police, 11 a.m. Colwall Parish Council, 7 p.m. Ledbury School Managers, 5-30 p m. r National Hunt Steeplechases at Cheltenham. Picture Palace, Royal Hall, Ledbury, 8 p.m. THURSDAY— Sale of stock-in-trade of China and Glase, Garden Seeds and Household Furnitmre at 3, High-street, Ledbury, for Mrs Parr, by Messrs. Pope, Smith and Anthony, at 1 p.m. Sale of Horses, Cattle, Poultry, Hay, Imple- ments, Household Furniture, etc., at. Upper House, Ash per ton, for Executors ff the late Mr G Summers, by Messrs.. Bentley, Hobbs and Mytton, at 11 a.m. National Hunt Steeplechases at Cheltenham. Quadrille Party, New Inn Hotel Assembly Room, Ledbury, 7-45 p.m. Picture Palace, Royal Hall, Ledbury, 8 p.m. FRIDAY— Picture Palace, Royal Hall, Ledbury, 8 p.m. SATURDAY- Monthly Meeting Ledbury and District Lodge National Conservative League, New Inn Hotel, Ledbury, 8 p.m. Football Matches (see Fixtures). Picture Palace, Royal Hall, Ledbury, 2.30, 6.30, 8.45 p.m. FORTHCOMING EVENTS. March 17—Sale of valuable freehold Meadow, Building Site in New-street, and six Cot- tages in South Parade, Ledbury, at the Feathers Hotel, Ledbury, by Messrs. Pope, Smith and Anthony, at 3 for 4 p.m. March 17-Sale of three pairs of semi-detached Villas, situate near Colwall Stone, at the Feathers Hotel, Ledbury, by Messrs Pope, Smith and Anthony, at 3 for 4 p.m. March 17—Sale of compact Estate, Arable Land and 4 Cottages, situate at Rytou, Dyrnock, at the Feathers Hotel, by Messrs. Pope, Smith and Anthony, a, 3 for 4 p.m. March 21-Prize Sale of Horses at Hereford Market by Messrs. Jackson and McCartney. March 2.1-Colwall Park Steeplechases. March 24—Sale of Bank House and grounds and offices, Homend street, Ledbury, at the Feathers Hotel, Ledbury, by Messrs Pope, Smith and Anthony, at 3 for 4 p.m. March 25-Sale of Herd of Dairy Cattle at Bar- ton Farm, Colwall, for Mr G Wadley, by Messrs Pope, Smith and Anthony.

DYMOCK BUTCHERS' AFFAIRS. Foreign Meat Competition. At the Gloucester Bankruptcy Court on Mon- day, before the Registrar (Mr E Sidney Hartland), Albert Mayo, butcher, of Dymock- whose statement of affairs estimated gross liabilities at E376 18s 7d, of which E341 6s 3d was expected to rank for dividend, and JB511 16s 5d to be the amount of deficiency- attributed his failure to bad trade.—Mr A Lionel Lane appeared for debtor. The Official Receiver (Mr Charles Scott) remarked that trade fixtures estimated to be worth 212 10s had actually realised 214 10s. There would be next to no dividend, but these might, perhaps, be some. Debtor stated that he was 35 years of age, and had worked for his father, who was a farmer and butcher, until 1905, when his father handed the business over to him. He started for himself without any cash capital, but he had been working a little farm on his own, and his father took over the stock, and afterwards sup- plied him with cattle to an equivalent value. He had about E50 from his wife with which to set up the farm in the first place, but he was not quite sure of the amount. He had a bank account, which was overdrawn but guaranteed by his father-in-law, and the bank also held debtor's life assurance policy as security. The furniture was his wife's property, it having been given to her by her relations. They had been married 16 years. The Official Receiver remarked that most of the furniture appeared to have been given or bought in 1903, and asked debtor the reason for that; but he replied that he could not remember. The Official Receiver You do not know any more about that than about your business, apparently. Mr Lane Hence his appearance here. Debtor said he had been thrown out of a trap a few years ago and injured the back of his head, with the result that his memory had been impaired. The Official Receiver: You ought to have handed your business over to your wife, and to have done what she ordered you. Debtor, continuing, said he had made an arrangement to turn his business over to his wife, through her father, Mr Baglin. His bad trade was due to a large extent to the com- petition of foreign butchers, who could sell small joints at 2d to 3d a pound cheaper than he could sell English meat at. The Official Receiver: It amounts to this that they could sell the best meat cheaper than you could. Mr Lane Nonsense. The Official Receiver They tell me they buy it because they like it better. Even farmers' wives will buy Canterbury lamb if their husbands are not about. Mr Lane And will buy butter in Gloucester, make it up, and send it into town again as farmhouse butter. Debtor said his wife took what she wanted for household expenses, and he did not know how much that was. Debtor was allowed to pass on the usual terms. ————- —————

REDMARLEY. LECTURES.—Mr Udale, Chief Horticultural Instructor of the Worcestershire County Council, is giving two lectures on March 16th and 17th nst. in Lowbands School. J. t.