The Abergavenny Mail

01/1 40410, U"v The INDIA & CHINA TEA Co. erocers and Provision Dealers, and Wine and Spirit Merchants. 1 LOCAL BRANCH-MARKET PLACE, LEDBURY. | 8DI

HEREFORD HORSE SALES. I The opening Prize Sale of Horses was con- oducted by Messrs Jackson and McCartney in Hereford,Market on Saturday last. The sale from every poiut of view was an unqualified success. Prior to commencing the sale the Mayor (Mr G B 'Greenland) in a few introductory remarks spoke as to the benefits to be derived by the establishment of horse sales in the city of Here- ford, and congratulated Messrs Jackson and McCartney upon the strong support they had received from the farmers in being able to bring; forward so magnificent a show of horses for the ifirwt AA10. Mr HS. McCartney, responding upon behalf of the firm, commented upon the excellence of Hereford as a centre for horse sales and thanked the farmers for their generous support, stating that there, were horses there that day from eight counties. There was no reason why Hereford should not be second to none as a horse market in the West of England. Upwards of 400 horses of all classes were catalogued and it was universally the opinion of buyers that they, comprised the finest show seen in any saleyard for many years. A large number of'buyers were present from all parts, including London, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Crewe, Feltham (Middle- sex), Maidstone, South Wales, Cardiff, Swansea, Canterbury, Wolverhampton, the Potteries, &c. The Continent was also strongly represented, also several co-operative societies and corpora- tions, including Hereford Corporation. Excellent arrangements had been made and the sale passed off with great expedition, the whole of the horses having been offered by 3.30 p.m. :£50 in prizes was offered by the auctioneers for competition in various classes, the whole of which were keenly contested. The judging was most satisfactorily carried out by Messrs D P John, Stanton Lacy, Ludlow, and Mr R Davies, Exall Hall, Wellington, Salop, in the heavy horse section, while Messes C B Roberts, Burley, Craven Arms, and F Tocakins, Brimfield Court, officiated in the light horse claaees. In class I a silver cup value £10 was offered for £ he best cart gelding or mare. Mr James Davies, Newchurch, was placed first in a very strong class with a mamsive dark brown gelding, for which an offer of 84 guineas was afterwards refused. Mr John Lewis took the second prize fora gelding sold to Mr J Cadwallader, Liverpool, for 75 guineas. Third prize went to Mr E W Langfoti, whose roan gelding realized 66 guineas to Mr Lane, of Mansell Lacy. Mr James Davies, Newchurch, took the reserve,ard, while Mr H J Morris's (Wormbridge) brown gelding was highly commended. Upwards of 38 horses fMuraded before the judges, in class 2. for the best cart gelding or mare not exceeding 16 hands higb, the judges' task in this case being by no means an easy one. Premier honours were awarded to Mr BGGodfrey, Brierly, Leominster, for a .smart b&y gelding sold to Sir A Rouse Bougkton, Bart., for 62 guineas the second prize went to Mr J G T Morgan, Cas?le Farm, Raglan, for a bay gelding which realized 49 guineas1^ third prize to Mrs Havard and Son, Lower Pandre, with v. bay mare reserve Mr S Goodwin, Pervin, wiill a black mare; highly commended Mr James Powell, Terrace Farm, Woolhope, In the class for the best foackney, gelding, or mare, 15 hands or over, && excellent selection passed before the judges, who subsequently awarded the first prize to Mr H Heath, Lower Bogmarsh, for & chestnut gelding second, Mr A S Gale, Mathern, Chepstow, for a chestnut gelding third, Mr T Price, Llwynbirried, Hay, for a chestnut gelding reserve, Mr D Pritchard, Llangwenda, for a chestnut mare; highly commended, Mr T W Jones, Llanfillo, wih a bay gelding. An excellent clearance was effected. The trade for heavy horses, although some- what easier than that of spring last year, was better than had been anticipated. The best horses were eagerly sought after and practically the whole changed hands at satisfactory prices, second class animals also selling well at propor- tionate rates. 68 cart horses were disposed of at an average of 46 gns. The light horse trade showed signs of improvement, a large number finding purchases at better prices. The following are a few of the prices realised, with vendors names :-In the heavy horse ring -Mr J Lewis, bay gelding, 75 gns Mr H J Morris, brown gelding, 64 gns Messrs J and S Williams, three mares, 127 gns Mr J Jeffries, Hyde, two geldings and mare, 120 gns; Mr J H Skyrme, two geldings, 98 gns Lieut.-Col. R Bourne, two geldings, 93 gns; Mr J W Robinson, gelding and mare, 91 gns; Mr T Gittins, two geldings, 90 gns Mr F S Edwards, gelding and mare, 89 gns Mr S C Jones, maro and gelding, 84 gns Mr S W Maddox, two mares, 82 gns Mr J Maddox, two mares, 80 gns Mr J Apperly, two geldings, 78 gns Mr B G Godfrey, bay gelding, 62 gns Mr W J Oliver, bay gelding, 62 gns; Mr J Powell, black gelding, 52 gns Mr G Vaughan, black gelding, 52 gns Mr P G Andrews, bay mare, 50 gns Mr S Goodwin, black mare, 50 gns; Messrs J S and E F Ricketts, chestnut mare, 50 gns Mr E Morris, bay gelding, 49 gns Mr A Hancorn, brown mare, 49 gns; Mr J G S Morgan, -bay gelding, 49 gns Mr N Crump, brown gelding, 49 gns; Mr L Shuker, bay gelding, 49 gns Mr T Edmunds, brown gelding, 48 gns Mr T Harris, bay gelding, 48 gns Mr E Prothero, chestnut mare, 48 gns Mr E Cave, bay mare, 47 gns; Mr S A Pearman, roan gelding, 47 gns Mr G Pitt, brown gelding, 47 gns Mr T G Dew, bay gelding, 45 gns Mr E Panniers, black mare, 45 gns Mr D J Thomas, bay gelding, 45 gns Mr J H Powell, brown gelding, 45 gns Mr E E Morris, chestnut gelding, 45 gns Mr H Clark, bay gelding, 45 gns Mr J G Powell, bay gelding, 45 gns Mr A Addis, brown gelding, 45 gns Mr R B F Matthews, black gelding, 45 gns Mr S H Wilkins, brown mare, 44 gns Mr A Moses, bay gelding 43 gns Mr A Wood, brown gelding, 42 gns Mr D W Parry, bay gelding, 42 gns Mr E Morgan, brown gelding, 42 gns Mr J S Ward, bay mare, 41 gns Mr A W Foster, black gelding, 40 gns Mr A W Watkins, chestnut gelding, 40 Mr J Allman, brown mare, 40 gns Mr R Thomas, roan mare, 40 gns Mr T Price, brown mare, 40 gns Mr T Price, brown gelding, 40 gns Mr S Brimmett, brown mare, 40 gns Mr L Evans, chestnut gelding, 40 gns Mr J Morris, brown gelding, 40 gns Mr Jones, brown gelding, 40 gns Mr E J Price, chestnut mare, 40 gns. In the light horse section—Mr H Heath, chestnut gelding, 50 gns; Mr W B Collett, roan gelding, 40 gns Mr P Holloway, brown imare, 36 gns Mr T Morgan, bay gelding, 34 gns; MrWBradley, black gelding, 33 gns; Mr H Lickfold, brown gelding, 33 gns Mr J J Davies, brown gelding, 32 gns Mr S Kerr, feay gelding, 32 gns Mr H Cresswell, chestnut gelding, ,32 gns. The next sale takes place on Saturday, 21st March.

LEDBURY LIVE STOCK IMPROVE- MENT SOCIETY. further Promotion Meeting. I At the Royal Oak Hotel,Ledbury, on Tuesday afternoon a meeting of farmers was held for the purpose of forming a Society for the purposes of a scheme promoted by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, for the improvement of the breeding of cattle in the district by the provision of a high class bull or bulla. The main object of the scheme is to afford means of demonstrate ing to groups of farmers, especially small farmers, that it is sound economy and of pecuniary advantage to use only sound and high class sires. Mr Henry Weston, C.C., presided and those present included Mr F Webber (Board of Agriculture and Fisheries), Mr W Nixon (of the Board's University at Bristol), Mr E H Pritchett, Mr E T Lane, Mr J Parry, senr., Mr J Parry, junr., Mr H Cowell, Mr T Calder, Mr J H Powell, Mr Geo Cobb, and Mr C Hill. Mr Nixon, in explaining the object of such a Society, observed that preference in the assistance contemplated was intended to be given as far as possible, to occupiers of agricul- tural holdings, which either did not exceed one hundred acres in extent, or if in excess of that acreage, were of an annual value for the purposes of the income tax not exceeding 2100. The assistance would take the form of financial heip for the provision of high-class sires at thesamelow fees as were usually charged for the use of an inferior type of sire. It was prescribed by the conditions attached by the Developement Commissioners to the grant that, whenever possible, the provision of bulls should be made through the medium of Societies, as the Com- missioners considered that the promotion of Societies would afford the best means of enabl- ing farmers to realise the advantages of co- operating, and of securing thereby, the services of high class sires, which as isolated individuals they might not be able under existing circum- stances to obtain. It was recognised that in some districtG it might not be possible at once to form Societdes for the provision of bulls, and where this was found to be the case, grants might be offered to individual breeders who were willing to place approved bulls at the disposal of their neighbours. Proceeding, the speaker said 10 members were required to form a Society. Out of the grant of 215 allowed S;3 could be retained for the working expenses of the Society. Mr Parry Shall we be at liberty to draw up our own rules ? Mr Nixon We ask you to sign the rules framed by the Board. The Chairman They can be altered to meet the requirements of the. district ? Mr Nixon Yes. Proceeding, Mr Nixon said Mr Parry, jun., had made them an offer of a bull for the next twelve months, which offer had been accepted I subject to the animal passing the necessary test. Discussion took place with reference to the I need for more grants in the neighbourhood and I Mr Nixon promised to give attention to the matter. Mr Parry, sen., moved that application be made for a horse, and this was seconded. It was further decided to make application for two more bulls. Mr Webber remarked that when applications were made for more bulls the Board always inquired into the membership of the Society, therefore it was to the advantage of the Society to do everything possible to in- crease its membership. The Chairman observed thac they would do everything they could to increase the mem ber- ship of the Society. No doubt Mr Nixon would do all he could for them and if it was possible for them to get more bulls they would be very glad of his assistance in that direction. The question of the provision of a shorthorn bull was introduced by Mr Cobb and Mr Nixon promised to give attention to this matter. Mr Parry, jun., proposed that a small com- mittee of management should be formed. The motion was seconded and Messrs Cobb, Powell, and T A Pedlingham (Colwall), were elected to serve. This concluded the business and the Society was declared to be in working erder. They were now only waiting for the grant. Mr Pritchett moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Weston for the able manner in which he had presided. The motion was enthusiastically carried and Mr Weston briefly replied. -»

J. W. STEPHENS, collector of FINE, ANTIQUE FURNITURE, China, Plate, etc. -26, Church Street, Hereford Near Cathedral North Porch).

I MR. CLEMENT PARISH AT LEDBURY I Tories auwi a Caneral Election. The monthly meeting of the Ledbury Women's Liberal Associalian was held at the Town Hall, Ledbury, on Wednesday night, when there was a crowded attendance, presided over by Mr W G Davis, who was supported by Mr Clement Parish, prospective Liberal candi- date for the Division. During the course of the evening Mr Parish delivered a trenchant address on the present political situation, and a capital programme of songs and recitations was contributed by a number of young Liberals, with the addition of the local female im- personator known as Victoria," Miss Enabling, of Gloucester, Mr R J Cariess, Miss -Ethel Haines and Miss D Croad. Miss Fardon and Mr Harold Lewis were the accompanists. The Chairman briefly welcomed Mr Parish to the gathering, and expressed the hope that they would rally round him when the time came for him to;solicit their active support. I LIBERALISM IN GOOD CHEER. Mr Parish said he brought them a message which ought to be very encouraging indeed. He had come down from London that day and took the trouble to make enquiries of Members of Parliament as to what the feeling was with regard to the Liberal Party. He found it was never better. (Applause.) The feeling of good cheer and encouragement and loyalty to their great leader, Mr Asquith—(applause,)—and devotion to the other members of the Cabinet was never stronger than it was to-day in the Liberal Party in London. (Applause.) If that was the position in London it should be the same-in Ledbury. (Hear, hear, and applause.,) He could say they were getting on very well in the constituency. Mr Davis had referred to a General ielection, and if he (Mr Parish) was to address them on the political situation he eotlld I not do so without referring to this question of the GENERAL ELECTION which-the Tory Party had brought to the front ,once, more in the last two days. No doubt they had seen from placards about and in the Tory newspapers that there was going to be a General Election in a few days. They had heard that yarn at various intervals since December, 1910, and in fact ever since 1906 they had been told that a General Election was certain and the Government could, not go on more than a few weeks. (Laughter,) They were now told that a General Election was certain before June. Why were their friends on the other side so very amrious that there should be a General Election very soon ? The Tory Party had everything to gain by a General Election and nothing to lose. Their position could not be worse in the House of Commons than it was to-day. They were disorganised, without a policy, practically without a leader, could not command any .respect, and had no influence in the House of Commons. To-day the Tory Party, the heaven-sent rulers of the country according to themselves, were in a most deplorable and despicable condition in the House of Commons, and they had everything to gain by a General Election and nothing to lose. The pretence for all this talk of a General Election was that Home Rule should be submitted to the country before it was placed on the Statute book. In recent bye-elections they had had every opportunity for testing the feelings of the electors on Home Rule. How had they proceeded to take the opiaion of the electors on that question.? His answex to that question was: By ATTACKING THE INSURANCE ACT. They had tried to get the opinion of the electors on Home Rule by misrepresenting the Insurance Act. They (the Tories) said Home Rule had never been before the country at all and should be submitted to the electors. That he characterised as a most absurd contention. They had only to turn up old speeches of leaders on both sides to realise that the electors know at the last election that the election was a Home Rule election. Lord Lansdowne, the leader of the Tory Party in the House of Lords, made two speeches previous to the last election and said the first thing the Liberals would do when returned to power would be to deal with Home Rule. It was obviously wrong to say the question was never before the elec- torate at the last election. So much for those Tory forebodings of a General Election. It was never safe, he knew, to attempt to prophesy, but he would tempt fate and' prophesy that there would be no General Election this year- (applause)-and he would go one better than that and say that it was his considered and decided opinion that there would be no General Election before July of 1915. In his opinion the next General Election would be between hay-making and harvest of 1915. But they could only "wait and see "—(laughter)—though he did not think himself that he was very far wrong, and he expected that frequently during the next few months they would be told a General Election was imminent. He asked them to consider for a moment what he thought would be the position when they came to the summer of next year, and not only was it his opinion, but that of the Prime Minister and Members of the Govern- ment. To begin with the Home Rule Bill would no longer be a Bill. It would be an Act upon the the statute book, and the Parliament which was lost to Ireland in 1800 would be restored to her, and Home Rule, which had BLOCKED THE PATH OF ALL PARTIES would be cleared away. The Welsh Church Bill would be on the statute book too, and the Plural Voting Bill. (Loud applause.) All those three great measures would be signed, sealed and delivered, and would be lock, stock and barrel locked up in the statute book out of the way, and would have been for some little time, for the Plural Voting Bill would be done with this year. That would give the Government time to perfect their land policy and lay it before the country in a thorough, proper and complete manner, so that it would be thoroughly under- stood, and it would be upon that land policy that the next General Election would be fought. Consider what the position of the Tory Party would be. As to whether they would have a programme or not he would not attempt to prophesy. He could make a pretty shrewd guess as to the line they would take. They would begin by claiming credit for giving Home Rule to Ireland. He (Mr Parish) had a great attack made upon him in the Ross district by a certain Captain Allen because he calied attention to a remark made at Colwall by Captain Clive making a claim for the Old-Age Pensions Act by saying the Tory Party had done all the ground work for the Act. Captain Allen said he was ignorant, and he (Mr Parish) wrote to the Hereford Times to show that it was not he who was ignorant but Captain Allen. He admitted "-he Tories had appointed committees to enquire into it. Mr Chamberlain promised old-age pensions, but because of that he (Mr Parish) held that the Tories did not do the ground work, as the Liberal Party gave the pensions and that was the ground work. He went on to refer to the comments of Lord Pembroke in 1909 on the demoralising effect of old-age pensions, and Captain Clive in 1914 said the Tory Party did all the ground work for this GREAT AND GOOD AND GENEROUS MEASURE. To-day on the Home Rule Bill they had speeches being made exactly like Lord Pembroke's, in most forcible language, and just as in 1909 nothing was bad enough for the Old-Age Pensions Act and now the Tories claimed they did all the ground work for the Act, so in two or three years time they would have Captain Olive getting up at Colwall and saying that the Unionist Party did all the ground work for Home Rule for Ireland. (Loud laughter.) He was quite sure the Tories would not do anything alarming when the time did come for them to do anything. He would like to touch upon the position of Ulster under the Home Rule Bill to-day. On Monday Mr Asquith was going to make a statement— generous and fair to Ulster in keeping with the principles of Home Rule, safeguarding Ulster and inviting her to co-operate with the rest of Ireland. If that offer was accepted by the Unionists all this talk they heard of civil war would end in nothing. If it was not accepted there would be no excuse for civil war, aad their blood would be upon their own heads if civil war did come to pass. All thoughtful men would agree that the Tory leaders would be well advised to accept this offer which was to be made to Ulster. It was quite possible it would be accepted, bat the position of the Tory leaders was a very difficult one and was rendered more ,difficult by the INSANE TALK OF SIR EDWARD CARSON and his supporters, and again rendered still more difficult during the last two days by the pronouncement of a solemn league and covenant by a number of elderly Tory gentlemen, which the ha'penny Tory papers have invited every- body else to sign. These people were some twenty in number, including Lotd Roberts and Lord Milner, who considered themselves and were considered by some to be men of great ability. These twenty men who had got out this solemn league and covenant said this was a non-political league. All the twenty he thought without exception were the most bigoted Tories it was possible to imagine, so of course, it was non-political. The first signature was that of Lord Roberts, who was 82 years of age, fourteen of the others were over 60, and surely in these days of too old at 40 they ought to be sitting in their clubs or safe at home, and not come out and make themselves ridiculous by propaganda of this sort at a critical time in the fortunes of their own party. He asked them not to be at all. alarmed by the action of these old gentle- men. They had done it before. Nearly all of them were die-hards in 1911 when the Veto Bill was before the country, but they were still alive, and after Home Rule had gone through they would be out again, probably on the question of Land Reform. They would pass that solemn league and covenant against the minimum wage for the agricultural labourer, supporting the idea of the sacred right of paying the lowest possible wage that could be paid, and of accepting the lowest possible wage that could be accepted. The position of the Liberal Party was entirely satisfactory from whatever position they regarded it, either from the present position in the political arena, or from the point of view of Free Trade, for trade was increaing by leaps and bounds and Tariff Reformers were in a worse position than ever they were. As regards the Insurance Act Mr Bonar Law had this week made one of the striking pronouncements for which he was becoming so justly famed. In the House of Commons this week there was a debate upon the compulsory principle of the Act. It had been maintained throughout that the COMPULSORY PRINCIPLE WAS NECESSARY. If insurance was voluntary there would be an inducement to employers to employ uninsured men and thus save the insurance contribution. It meant that when two men applied for a job the man who was not insured would get the job. He himself had the privilege of hearing the speech of Mr Lloyd George—(applause)—in the House of Commons on this question, when up jumped Mr Bonar Law and said under the Tories' voluntary scheme of insurance they pro- posed that the employer should al ways pay his share of the contribution, whether the workman was insured or not. The Blouse of Commons rocked with laughter when Mr Bonar Law said that, because it was a perfectly absurd remark to say that employees should pay whether the workmen were insured or not. As Mr Lloyd George said, the debate proved .more interesting than was at first thought possible, as it showed the position of the Tory scheme QÍ insurance as expounded by Mr Bonar Law. In conclusion Mr Parish appealed to the Liberal men to take a leaf out of the Liberal ladies' book and do some active work to foreward the cause they had at heart. It was a policy worth working for, a policy which carried a message of hope, particularly to their agricultural labourers up and down the country side, and it was only by their work and their help that those views could ever be realised. He hoped they would put their shoulder to the wheel and see if once for all they could not win the seat back to Liberalism. (Loud applause.) A vote of thanks to the entertainers, proposed by Mr Warren, and seconded by Mr Parish, concluded the proceedings. — I

HUNTING. WITH THE LEDBURY. The fixture of Friday last at Staunton Swan attracted a large field, included Sir George Bullougb (the Master), Mr and Mrs A E Whalley, Mr and Mrs Blew, Mr M C Albright, M.F. H. (South Herefordshire), Mrs Hawker, Miss Thomas, Miss Barker, Mr Lakin, Mr G L Acworth, Mrs Masefield, Capt Phillips, Mr T W S Smyth, Mr Robinson, Mr G Hunter, Miss de Montgeon, Mr E Conder, Mr Morris, The Right Hon W J Wilson, M.P., Col Holland, Mrs Bennion, Mr A Bartleet, Mr T Molesworth, Dr Wood. Mr C W Bell, Messrs T J Poiner, C Ireland, T E Jones, W Browning, E H Owen, H J Beaumont, W J Pitt, H Guilding, etc, etc. Hounds were first taken to Fosoombe Roughs, where reynard soon showed himself. No time was lost on these banks, our pilot going away by Foscom be House, pointing for Ashleworth. Bearing left-handed over the Berew and Hill Farms for Hasfield, leaving the Court on the right, he went on to the Firs. Running the whole length of these, he hroke away at the far end, pointing for the Canning Aims. After travelling the Gloucester-road for some distance he turned over the bank by Foscombe House, and was pulled down in the new cover atter a very nice hunt. A small spinney near Hasfield Court supplied our next fox, that went away at a freat pace lor Corse Grove, passing out over Tu ley Court meadows, then swinging to the lft and crossing Corse Hill. Bearing right-handed a beautiful bit of country was travelled for Eldeistield. Turning left-handed over the Hawthorns, hounds raced him along by the Swan as though making for Gadhury. A drain on Mr Holds' farm appeared more inviting, and he popped in. A stone s ab was removed and reynard allowed another start, but hounds quickly pulled him down. Finding again in Corse Grove, a lot of persuasion was required to shift our pilot over Tirley Court. First he pointed for Berth Hill, but after going two three fields circled back through the Roughet to the Grove, where there was no scent, and he had to be given up. During the day Mr Harry Guilding sustained a very serious accident. Falling at a fence, his horse put its foot right on Mr Guilding's face. I hear that though badly damaged he is going on as well as can be expected. On Saturday Eastnor Village was the trysting place. Hounds were taken to the Conigree, where the morning was spent in a' woodland hunt on a very poor scent. Things changed later in the day, when on going to Clencher's Mill Wood they found a fox at the lower end that made off through Hacklers for Howlers Heath. Circling round by Hill End, which was passed on our right, Gold Hill was crossed as he made his way for the top corner of Clenchers Mill. Leaving on the Woolpits side he led us over Dingwood Park, the Noad and Argus Farms for Eyebridge. Crossing the river and railway the Leddington was reached, and here in the buildings around Upham he beat us, after an hour abd 20 minutes. Highleadon Green on Monday attracted a large field. Hounds found at once in Highiam and ran their fox toward Tibberton, back through Highnam, to and through Pipers Grove, pointing for Overbridge, where a hollow tree provided a refuge. On going to a small spinney at Tibberton a fox jumped up in a hedgerow and ran by Bulley Bank, then turning right-handed passed Tibberton Court. Bearing right-handed at the lower end of the village, he passed through Tibbertoa Wood to the Pinetum, where a sharp 30 minutes ended his travels. Another good woodland hunt of an hour followed, but though reynard was viewed several times dead beat just ahead of hounds, they were unable to get up to him. I FOR'ARD ON.

I HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. LEDBURY. The Meet to-mornw (Saturday), March 7th, is altered from Putley School to British Camp, at 11 s. m. Saturday, March 7-British Camp, at 11 Monday, March 9-Upleadon Cioss Roads, 11-30 Tuesday, March Mense, at 11-30 Friday, March 13—Down House, Redmarley, at 11.30 Saturday, March 14—Oak Inn, Staplow, 11-30 NORTH LEDBURY. Tuesday, March 10—Wooferwood Common, at 11-30 Friday, March 13—Stafford's Bridge, at 11-30

NEWENT ADJ BURNED LICENSING SESSIONS. I YESTERDAY (THURSDAY). Before Mr T H Hi.ils (in the chair), Messrs E E Evans, J L Stelfox, and C Ackers. There were five objections to licenses, all in Newent, viz., The Anchor Inn, The Bull, The Nag's Head, The New Inn, and The Plough. THE NEW INN, The case of the New Inn was first taken, Mr A Lionel Lane appearing on behalf of the owners, the Stroud Brewery Co., Ltd., and the tenant, Mr Thomas. D.C.C. Harrison said the distance from the New Inn to Nag's Head was 265 yards, to the Plough 354 yards, to the Red Lion 3e5 yards, to the Anchor 240 yards, and to the Kings' Arms 200 yards. He gave particulars of the accommoda- tion and said there had been no conviction for the last five years, and two transfers had taken place during that period. In the Newent light- ing area there were four ale-houses, five beer- houses (on), one beer-house (off), and two grocers' licenses. The population of the Newent lighting area was about 1,600. By Mr Lane He did not know that through- out the county the proportion was one license to 140 persons. The population of the parish of Newent was 2,485. The New Inn was the least congested house in the town. If this license were done away with there would be a street 554 yards long without a public-house. The sanitary arrangements were good. Improvements had been made in the premises during recent years. Sergt. Clutterbuck corroborated the evidence of D.C.C. Harrison, and added that the house was fairly well frequented. By Mr Lane The class ef custom was rather low class, some not being very respectable. There was no room for waggons to draw up, and consequently they did not allow them to draw up there. He knew the tenant .followed no other occupation and made a good living, and conducted the house-very well. In his opinion it was not required. By the Bench The people living on each side of the house used it, and the people from the alitishomises -fetch,.d'beer from there. This closed the case against the renewal of the license. Thouuis Edward Thomas, tenant of the New Inn, said be had been there nearly two years. He followed no other occupation, and msde a good living. He had let rooms to lodgers. W J J Cook, baker, Broad-street, said he had known the house all his life, and he considered it was a necessity in their street. Similar evidence was given by Harry Eaves, grocer, Broad-street, and Francis Chamberlain, market gardener, Broad-street. Mr Lane then addressed the Beneh, and said his case was considerably strengthened by the frank admissions of the police as to the trade done aud the condition of the house. THE BULL INN. The objection to the license of the Ball Inn was then Laki-n, Mr Lane again appearing for the owners, Messrs. Arnold Perrett and Co, Ltd, and the tenant Mr F Smith. D.C.C. Harrison said the distance from the Bull to the George was 66 yards, to the Black Dog 190 yards, to the Red Lion 35 yards, to the Nag's head 80 yards, to Mr Thurston's shop (grocers' license), 28 yards, and Mr Warner's shop (grocers' license) 28 yards. He gave particulars of the accommodation. The sanitary arrangements were fair, but the back was dark and badly ventilated. There was stabhng for seven or eight horses, but it was seldom used. There were two cottages which opened straight on to the Jicensed premises. There had been three transfers during the past five years, but no conviction. The house was extensively used on market days (fortnightly). Seigt Clutterbuck corroborated as to the distance from other licensed houses, and said that a fair trade was done at the Bull on market day. There was not a lot done other days. Cross-examined by Mr Lane He did not con- sider that this house did the best trade in Newent on the market day. Fred Smith, the landlord, gave evidence to the effect that he had doubled the business since he had been at the Bull-about 12 months. Thomas A Curtis, representative of the firm of Arnold, Perrett and Co, gave particulars of the trade done at the house during recent years, which showed a remarkable increase during the past 12 months. Mr Lane addressed the Bench and said that the graac increase in the amount of trade was the best evidence that the licence was required. THE PLOUGH. I D.C.C. Harrison gave the distances from the Nag's Head 89 yards, Red Lion 129, New Inn 354. He described the accommodation in the various rooms. The sanitary arrangements were too near the back door. There was stabling room for two horses. There had been no conviction during the past five years. Most of the customers were of the working class, and the house was situated close to a common lodging house. Cross-examined by Mr Peicy Haddock, of Cheltenham, who appeared on behalf of the licensee, witness said that there had been no conviction with regard to the house. It was the last house out of Newent leading to Huntley. The house was not quite so clean as it might have been when he visited it. Serge. Clutterbuck corroborated the evidence of the previous witness. The customers from the lodging house were catered for in a separate room. The bar trade was a respectable trade. Cross-examined by Mr Haddock I should say that the amount of trade done at the house was as much as that at any other house in the town. Albert Fletcher, the licensee, said he made a good living at the house and did no other work. He produced a statement showing that during the past three years he had had a very substantial turnover. He also produced a petition signed by 166 customers asking that the license should be renewed. H G Lyne, manager for the Cheltenham branch of Messrs Flower and Sons, Ltd., the owners of the house, said that the average value of ale and stout supplied during the past three years was XZ14 Os 9d. Last year it was 9532 13s. That was far above the average for a beerhouse. F Parr, a director of Messrs Flower and Co., gave evidence of the expenditure of £ 131 19s 9d in improvements in the house after suggestions were made by the Bench some time ago. Mr Haddock addressed the Bench, and said that the great increase in the amount of trade done at the house was the best proof that the license was needed. THE ANCHOR. I D.C.C. Harrison gave partiaufers as to the distances from other licensed houses and dimen- sion of the rooms. There was ample room for lodgers. There was stabling for two horses. No conviction had been recorded during the past five years. Mr H W Orme for the licensee, cross-exam- ined witness, who said that it would be dangerous to the public if teams were drawn up in the road- way in front of the house. Sergt Clutterbuck corroborated the last wit- ness's evidence. He did not think the house was required. Cross-examined by Mr Orme I should say a fair amount of trade is done there. Mrs Goodway, wife of the licensee, put in a petition which in a week had been signed by 138 customers who visited her house, in favour of the renewal of the license. The licensee, James Goodway, next gave evidence, and said he did a respectable class trade at the bouse. He made a living out of the business. C H Bastow, member of the firm of Messrs. Lane Bros and Bastow, gave evidence of the average barrelage supplied. When he called on a surprise visit recently he was greatly surprised to see so many carters and such like call at the house and have ale and bread and cheese. Arthur Savage, stationmaster at Newent, said that he considered the license was necessary. A large number of people came from the Redmarly district to the station with teams, and there was no licensed house between Newent and Red- marley. James Parry, representative of Lane Bros and Bastow, produced a petition signed by 29 farmers in the Redmarley district in favour of the continuance of the license. Evidence in favour of the license was given by E C Foid (fruit grower), Henry Nash (grocer), Frank Jenkins (blacksmith), aad W Perkins (Sandy Way). Mr Orme addressed the Bench at some length and spoke of the close proximity of The Anchor to the station. The license was an absolute necessity because people were entitled to reason- able refreshment. The amount of trade was the best criterion as to whether the house was wanted or not. THE NAGS' HEAD. Mr Frank Tressure, junr., (Gloucester), appeared for the licenses (Charles J Dee). In his evidence D.C.C. Harrison admitted that the Dooms at the Nags Head were roomy and very lofty, but the house was very close to four other houses. When he visited the house he did not find the rooms downstairs so clean as they might have been. The licensee gave evidence and said he made a good living at the house. Samuel Millard, district manager for Messrs Ind, Coope and Co., said the trade had increased during the past three years. The Bench retired and on their return the Chairman said :-The magistrates have unani- mously decided to refer all these five licenses to the Compensation Authority.

I VOTES FOR WOMEN. To the Editor. Sir,—The Suffragist meetings held at the Town Hall on Thursday last deserved the support of far larger audiences. Personally, I have heard few speeches to equal those delivered by Miss Fraser. Such eloquence and such passionate sincerity would soften the heart of the most stubborn opponent, and the long array of facts and figures, together with the ]<>gi<a,l and: well reasoned arguments that, Miss Fraser made use of, certainly placed the Suffragist case in a most unassailable position. I devoutly hope that future meetings of the kind will receive more attention from the townspeople generally. The Suffragist Movement has come to stay. Year after year its growth is greater. The weapons of the opposition have been beaten down and blunted. The one great obstacle remaining is the apathy of the people, and in this regard the "militants" iind their chief justification. The" militants" claim that the only effective way of awakening public interest is by" sta.ggar- ing humanity," as it were. Upon this point opinions differ. Naturally, it pains us to hear of mansions being burnt, golf links destroyed, letter boxes tampered with, politicians assaulted, and the like. But, after all, there is something ludicrous in the behaviour of those persons who so furiously rage against the occasional lawless- ness of a few wild enthusiasts, and at the same time with so much complacency tolerate the awful waste of human life and health and happi- ness that results from the hideous social evils which Suffragists are so anxious to help in ex- terminating. To the militants the public can make but one reply. Speak to us and we will listen; teach us and we will learn argue with us and we will reason fairly." The N. U. W.8 S exists, I believe, to talk, to teach, and to argue on behalf of the cause its members have at heart. To such methods of propaganda there can be no possible objection. As a male supporter of Suffragism, I wish every success to the efforts that are being made to advance the movement in this locality. I PATH FINDER.

I COLWALL GIRLS' SCHOOL. I To the Editor. Sir,—I beg to inform you that the report headed School Childrens' Strike at Colwall in your last week's issue is entirely incorrect. The strike of Herefordshire teachers ended on Thurs- day. Miss Stokes was in charge of the infants' department as usual. Miss Smith, head mistress, was absent owing to illness. Her post was ably taken, temporarily.by Mrs Lyne,under whom the older girls were working steadily, and there was and never has been any disturbance or attempt at a strike. I should be oMiged if you would insert this letter.—Yours faithfully, JULIA HOLLAND, Correspondent Colwall Girls' School. Brand Lodge, Upper Colwall, March 5, 1914.

LEDBURY BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Ledbury Board of Guardians was held at the Board-room of the Union Workhouse on Tuesday morn- ing. There were present-Mr W L Pritchett (Chairman), who presided, Revs A E Green-Price, Father Lynch, and A H Knapp, Miss Holland, Alderman J Riley, Messrs T S S Gardner, L J C Riley, H Cowell, J Baughan, T Calder, J C Davies, H Weston, H Hodges, J J S Powell, A G Bunn, W Drew, T W Holds, J Parry, W S Lane, E T Lane, T A Pedlingham, 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 105, against 94 for the corresponding week of last year, an increase of 11. The vagrants relieved during the fortnight numbered 170 against 153 last year, an increase of 17. He reported that the cases of measles were all better, and submitted copies of tenders for goods required during the next six \nd twelve months. TENDERS. On the suggestion of the Rev A H Knapp, it was decided that with regard to the meat tender it be a condition that humane slaughtering be employed by butchers tendering. The Master submitted a tender for seed potatoes from Mr J C Pudge, Hawthorn, Berrow, at 5s 3d per cwt for 10cwt delivered, and the Chairman said he had a tender from Messrs W H Wallis and Co., Evesham, for seeds one year from Scotland at j34 per ton, delivered. The tender of Messrs Wallis and Co. was accepted. FINANCE. The Clerk reported that the balance in the bank amounted to £2,650 17s 4d, and cheques irawn that day amounted to £2,040 15a 3d. When those were paid the balance in; the bank would be j3610 2s Id. The principal cheque was for 21,944 5s for county rate. They would have to make an estimate at the end of the month for the half-year. Rev Father Lynch said that at the Urban Council meeting the previous night it was decided to reduce the rate by 4d in the j3. It was suggested that it was robbing Peter to pay Paul. Would it be possible to reduce the poor rate 1 Mr Bickham I can't possibly give an opinion until we know what the county rate will be. If I knew what.the county call would be I could tell you in a few moments.. We shall not know until early in April. If what Father Lynch said was true they might be able to do with less, but he would not say they would be able to do so. LADIES' COMMITTEE. I Miss Holland reported on the ladies' commitee meeting, and said the question of uniform for the women officers was again discussed, and the secretary was instructed to bring forward the question again, as the work of the women officers, especially the nursing, should be done in washing dresses. They considered this could be done at a cost of j52 per head for the first year and 91 a year' afterwards. As there were only four women officers it would mean j68 for the first year and 94 a year afterwards. The Committee reported that they found the house in good order, the food well cooked and of good quality, and the change of diet was appreciated. They also recommended certain alterations in the laundry, and suggested the question be referred to the House Committee. It was agreed that the matters raised be referred to the House Committee. MENTAL DEFICIENCY ACT. The Clerk read a letter from the Hereford Board of Guardians suggesting that a conference of Boards of Guardians in the county should be held to consider the provision of a separate place for the county for mentally deficient persons under the Mental Deficiency Act, and asking that the Board would appoint two representatives to attend the conference. The Chairman said it was certainly a question they would have to go into. Separate provision would have to be made and it would be better to do it with other Boards than on their own. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman were appointed, and failing either being unable to go the Rev A E Green-Price was appointed.

COLWALL AND LEDBURY WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE SOCIETY.—The following telegram from Lady Henry Somerset, President of the above Society, was read at the meeting at the Town Hall last Thursday evening, and was received with hearty applause, viz:—"To Miss Holland, Brand Lodge, Malvem.-Please explain to meeting at Ledbury my sincere regret at not being present. I wish you success with all my heart in a cause which is bound to succeed, but which needs every loyal woman to help it forward and every strong man to stand by it,—ISABEL SOMERSET."

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I BROMESBERROW. REDMARLEY AND DISTRICT FLOWER SHOW.— The third lecture in conjunction with this show was held at Bromesberrow on Wednesday and was given by Mr D Manning, Assistant County Instructor for Gloucestershire, this being the first of a course of four lectures on gardening. The Rev W Wynn Lloyd was in the chair, and there was a fair attendance. The Lecturer took for his subject The Soil," including deep and light or shallow cultivation, giving diagrams on the black board illustrating the right and wrong way of digging, showing 8 inches deep with a sloping spade and 12 inches when done in a proper way. He spoke also on trenching and double digging, 'which he strongly advocated as it greatly increases the crop and pays well, or otherwise market growers would not do it. He deprecated the use of a rake, but strongly recommended the use of the hoe, and moving the surface soil, against drought, and he advocates not removi all the stones on brashy ground. Dealing with manures, he said the best for all purposes was farmyard manure-horse manure for heavy land, cow manure for light land, and other manures, such as pig manure, were dealt with. Fowl manure was to be kept dry, as it is very soluble, and if left outside was soon all washed into the ground. Drainage was also gone into, and the reason of waterlogged ground being colder than drained ground explained as where there is all water there is no air. Evapo- ration by the sun would also cool the ground. He went on to deal with the use of soot, and the way to test bought soot explained. Lime was also taken into account, and it was not to be mixed with soot, except as an insectside, as the lime frees the nitrogen. He also gave an illus- tration of testing soil to see if it contained lime. The soil was put on a shovel and put on the fire till red hot. When cold a small quantity of spirit of salt should be poured on it, when it would effervesce, according to the quantity of lime it contains and this was demonstrated. —The next meeting will be devoted to the culti- vation of vegetables, potatoes, etc., The lecturer had all attention, and a vote of thanks, proposed by Mr W Trotter, and seconded by Major Webb, brought a very instructive lecture to a close.

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