The Abergavenny Mail

CYCLECAR AND MOTOR CYCLE NOTES. [By CELERITER. ] ON THE ROAD AT EASTER. SNOWDON CLIMBED BY MOTOR- CYCLETTE. Easter generally signals the commence- ment of the English touring season, especially when it comes late, as it did this jear. Machines which went through a Beason's hard work in 1913 were brought out on Good Friday, many of them only leaving the repairer's or enameller's hands on the very eve of the holiday, bright and shining in their coating of new enamel and veneer of plating. Many old crocks which had only a few days before changed handt were brought out by their new owners, proud in their possession of a motor cycle, though it was an old crock, and what a lot there were of this type on the roads at Easter. I don't think I ever saw quite so many old machines in one week-end before. On one well known hill, not far from a big Midland city, I saw at least a score of old motor cycles with sidecars attached being rushed or pulled up the long, steady rise which bad been too much for these veterans of a more exciting age. Possibly many of these machines were in the hands of riders who ware only trying their prentice hands on some old crock preparatory to buying an up- to-date mount for Whitsuntide perhaps. This is a plan worthy of every consideration providing the old crock can be bought for an old song and sold again without much loss, for one can learn more in a day with an old machine than would be learned in a month on a modern no worry" machine, though perhaps there might come a time with the latter when a little experience gained from an old crock would be worth pounds. There are many club competitions, reliability trials, hill climbs, rallies and tours organised at Easter; prominent among these is the Motor Cycling Club's annual run from London to Land's End and back for the Jerrott Cup. Being in Dorset I saw many of the competitors in this trial coming up from the West on their homeward journey. They had done nearly 150 miles, so had had plenty of opportunity to get dusted up and they were dusty with a vengeance. Old friends came and almost passed by before one could recognise their features through the dust and grime, yet they were all enjoy- ing the fun, and many came up the hill on which we had planted ourselves, whistling and singing at the top of their voices. Getting dusty is one of the privileges of the trial ride, and no self-respecting rider would think of having a wash anywhere on the long journey except at the lunch stop. How this dust effects the lungs one cannot tell, but it must be injurious for a time at any rate. Though the competitors in the M C.C. trial were smothered in dust almost from the commencement, those who rode in the Birmingham Weymouth and back trial, another big Easter event, were wallowing in mud. Of the two the dust is preferable, for it is less dangerous to a solo rider who is liable to skid in the mud, and it is also less harmful to the machine than rain and mud, which get into the working parts. Both dust and mud play havoc with the appear- ance of either a motor cycle or cyclecar, and the machines that look smartest at the end of a long trial are those finished in grey or light fawn, either of which almost match the dust or mud. When will makers of enamel turn out a grey which will stand up as well as the black at present almost universally used ? It is hoped soon, for the pleasures of dusting a black machine after a long run of a dusty or muddy road are none too great. One thing that struck me particularly this Easter was the ever increasing number of sidecar machines met with everywhere solo machines seem almost non est where holiday touring is concerned. I was also'rather surprised at the number of big Indian twins which are to be met with everywhere down in the West. Light cars of all kinds are now getting into every part of the country and amongst those seen in quantities were the following :—" Perry," Singer," Swift," "Humberette," "Enfield" and Morris- Oxford." One of the latter I found in a Hotel Garage on Easter Sunday morning with the cylinders removed and its owner standing near by in a boiler suit looking very glum, I ventured to suggest that he had found trouble by way of a prelude to asking what was the matter, but as I was informed that the engine bad merely been dismantled for fun I decided that the owner- mechanic was not in a joyful mood, so retired thinking how often I had made similar replies to those foolish people, who, on seeing one with the inner tube removed, come and ask if the tyre is punctured. Light car owners have in many cases had a good schooling in motoring matters with the aid of a motor cycle, and are therefore ready and able to tackle almost any adj ust- ment or repair necessary. It is a natural sequence to graduate from a cycle to a motor cycle-from a motor cycle to a lightcar, and from a lightcar to a heavier one and so on as funds permit. This being the case we shall soon have an army of motorists all able to do their own repairs. What will the garages do then they will have to put up the price of petrol still more, and charge more for storage. Then everyone will do without storage as much as possible and use Benzol. Motoring is not very costly in itself-I mean motoring with a motor cycle and sidecar or in a lightcar. It is the accessories which run away with the money. When touring, if one turns up in a smart lightcar to a hotel for lunch or tea, the porters and waiters all make a fuss and expect good tips if staying the night the price of a bedroom mysteriously increases in proportion with the size of the car one is driving and so on. How soon will hotel proprietors and garage owners realise that by charging exhorbitent prices for each and everything a motorist takes or uses, they are only acting against their own interests, and deterring many would-be motorists from becoming motorists in actual fact. Touring the British Isles by motor cycle, cyclecar or big car is becoming more popular every year. The hotels have all benefitted by it, and if they charge high prices, then the time is coming when the R.A.C. and A.A. must publish a list of farm houses, or country appartments suitable for motorists where they can obtain raasonable fare at reasonable prices. Until this list is published, motorists who desire to take advantage of such places should procure the free list published by the various railway companies. SNOWDON CLIMBED BY MOTOR- I CYCLETTES. On Good Friday Mr W G McMinnies, a London motor cyclist, succeeded in climbing to the summit of Snowdoc on a Calthorpe- Precision motor cyclette. On Easter Monday, two Midland motor cyclists, Messrs F Shakes- peare and S Hall, did the same thing on O.K." junior motor cyclettes. The former machine was rated at 2-h.p., and took 31 hours to make the climb, whilst the latter machines were rated at 1-1-h.p., and took 1-21 hours to reach the summit. Full details of the performances are not to hand at the moment of writing, though I understand one of the machines was geared down to 26 to 1. Too much importance should not be attached to such performances as these, and amateur riders would be foolish if they attempted to climb similar stretches on their own machines. In the first place it must be borne in mind that these riders had the machines they used placed at their disposal by the makers, and it did not particularly matter to anyone whether the machines were ruined by the time the summit was reached or not, so long as the climb was completed-that was all that was required. Of course, the climbs may have their lessons to the makers, although they do not convey anything so far as the power of the machine is concerned. Seeing what very low gears are used, they show that even with the engines turning over at such high speeds as must have been the case, and generating enormous heat, there was not sufficient over-heating to pre- vent the climbs being made. It would be interesting to know how much oil was used in each engine, what the petrol consumption was, and now many valves were broken- both makes of machine had four-stroke poppet valve engines. Another point to be borne in mind when considering the per- formance is the fact that the machines all had very low riding positions, so that every opportunity would no doubt be taken advantage of for foot-slogging," which would help the engine very considerably. No doubt now that Snowdon has been climbed by motor-cyclettes, someone will make an attempt on Ben Nevis. To my mind, however, to be of any real use, such a trial should be officially observed, and there should be as few stops as possible from I start to finish. Petrol and oil consumption I ')'I.ld h? carefully b?p? M-i<1 a!! '?th?r • .i )7.,?. ti 1 poillirt CiiirMUtlv M;iinirii. -1111, lll trial would have DO very rpal sigii i ficance, and a bench test would reveal far more to the encino designer than a dozn climbs up Ben Nevis or Snowdon. As a freak per- formance, the climbs are worthy of note, but as a lesson as to the qualities of these particular machines, one can hardly attach any importance to the climb. If a series of teste of this description are officially carried out with a number of different types and sizes of engines, then some very interesting figures and facts would be available. It is unlikely, however, that makers will ever be II persuaded to enter for a trial of this I description.

FOR CHEAP AND QUICK DELIVERY. ■ A re YOU uiing mod ern delivery ■ « methods ? —" Quick Delivery. you ■ ■ know means satisfied custom, perms- ■ ? nent custom, !ncre?*ed custom. ■ E -If not. don't detmy !-?et a "JAMES I U Carrier Vehicle—it wHt repay its cost I ■ many times over by laZ?4.yd use fu l I ■ ervice. I ■ *??e TO-DAY for the "JAMES" ■ ? Carrier Booklet Mo d wn DeHvefy II I Met h o d t m THE JAMES CYCLE Co.. Ltd.. t ■ LONDON; AND BIRMINGHAM. M 'no "JAMES" Carrier Sicyclo. No. Cl. 17 15 0 Local Agent—H. C. CECIL Swan Cycle Works, Homend-street Ledbury.

PROFITABLE POULTRY CULTURE. BY RALPH R ALLEN, Lecturer to the Herts County Council; Editor of Monthly Hints on Poultry, Ac. (All rights reserved.) A SUCCESSFUL BREEDING SEASON. (CONTINUED.) [Readers are particularly requested to note that this series of articles commenced with the first issue in January. In order to obtain their full value, the earlier articles should be read in conj unction with the current one.] PERIODS OF INCUBATION. I The period of incubation is determined by the freshness of the egg and the applica- tion of the hen a new-lai l egg with a close sitter will frequently hatch out on the nine- teenth day, whereas a comparatively stale egg and poor sitter may take twenty-two days to produce the chick; the average, however, is twenty to twenty-one days. It might prove useful here to mention the periods of incubation with other varieties of domestic and wild fowl. Ducks, twenty- seven to thirty days, excepting the Muscovy, which takes up to thirty-five days, Muscovy Cross varying from twenty-eight to thirty- five days, according to the amount of Muscovy blood. Geese, thirty to thirty-one days. Turkeys, twenty-eight to thirty days. Guinea fowls, twenty-six to twenty-eight days. Pea fowl, twenty-eight days. INCUBATION OF DUCK EGGS. I The foregoing remarks are equally applic- able to duck eggs; ducks as a rule are good sitters, but fail as mothers, consequently it is advisable to set the eggs under a hen. The location of the nest should be a damp one, and it has been found beneficial towards the end of the hatch to sprinkle the eggs with warm water, when the hen is off feed- ing, as the inner membrane becomes very tough when dry, preventing the duckling from breaking through. GEESE EGGS. I It is the practice with many to allow geese to incubate their own eggs if this is done it is advisable to allow the goose a compartment at least 21 feet square, where she is protected from the gander and the other geese. Attention must also be paid at hatching time to remove the sheila of the birds first liberated, so that they cannot cap the other eggs, rendering it impos- sible for the later ones to hatch. The eggs are often placed under hens, but in my opinion a turkey hen forms the ideal setter for geese eggs. TURKEY EGGS. The best location for a turkey to sit is the original nest in which the eggs were laid. It is advisable, therefore, to remove the first few eggs she lays, replacing by dummies, until the hen becomes broody. Always hatch turkey eggs under turkey hens if possible. The young poults are much more difficult to rear than chicks; they require a turkey mother's direction as regards feeding, and further, they require brooding for a con- siderable period after an ordinary hen usually forsakes her youngsters, whereas a turkey hen will brood them until half-grown. CUT GRF.FA* BONE. kill,it ilf I I. t n^C'StM.v «)') for Green 'lourjs, i f. fr<»sli b ) ti i i i t) i 11 t-, Ili e a finely ground IU a bom mill, are the cheapest food obtainable, and very valuable for pro- moting growth. The mineral matter in the bones adds growth of frame and supplies lime for the egg, whilst all meat is rich in albuminoids, and helps to provide a well- balanced ration." Such is the opinion of the Rev T W Sturges, M.A., as expressed in The Poultry Manual," an opinion with which practically all experienced poultry-raisers agree. But it is not convenient or even economical for poultry-keepers who are only in a small way of business to acquire a bone-cutter, and the query is frequently addressed to me: Where can this product be obtained, of good quality, guaranteed fresh, and at the right price? Readers are referred to Mr F B Longley, Letchworth, Herts. I have had experience of this product, further it is sold with his guarantee, "Fiesh and Sweet." Seven pound boxes are only eighteenpence, carriage paid, so that it is within the reach of all, and its judicious use, either with growing stock or the laying hen, is a good investment. [Any enquiries concerning poultry- keeping addressed to our expert, Ralph R Allen, Sawbridgeworth, Herts., will be answered through these columns free, but those requiring a postal answer direct or sending birds for post-mortem examination must remit a half-crown postal order.]

A HEARSON IN CUBA TOR. for 5/- a year I A 60-Egg Hearson costs ES 8 6 complete I and carriage paid, and will hatch every fer- H tile egg for upwards of 25 years, therefore ■ the injtial outlay works out at less than H S/- per annum; thus it is the poultry H rearer's most profitable investment. B May we send you a free copy of "The Prub- 9 lem So??d," which is ?M&M?/ted at ?/- ? I Pro rieters: SPRATT S PATENT LTD., II 24 2S. Fencbnrcb St.. London, E.C. ^eSPOULTRV The only paper that matters — to the poultry-keeper. —— The World's Best and Oldest Paper. AGBNT FOR IT Every Friday, One Penny Specimen ropy free 1rom- •Poultry' (Dept. 211), 10, Essex St., Strand, London, W.C. HATCH NOW TO SECURE WINTER LAYERS 516 ittinp of Ec" f? mr zmamvtt?d "ArainR £ ■ j 5 16 °* Wint?,r L" 15 Feg, t. th? iUi,,C, no 5 /6 replacement*, carefully packed, c:arria¡re for- ward. Buff. White and Black Orpingtons, White Wyandotto*, Whit. Black and Brown Legbomii. Gold and Silver Campinea, Rhode Island Beds, Croad Langahana. Anconas. RALPH R. ALLEN. SAWBRIDGEWORTH. HERTS. AXUNRA CHOLERA CUBE. Price a/1, post paid. A positive Cure for Cholera, Bowel Trouble, Indigestion, Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Ac. Used occasionally in the drinking-water the year round it will effectually prevent diseases of the digestive organs. AJUUSN'S OAi-E CUBE. Price 2/1, post paid. "Will surely rid your birds of this dangerous disease if used as directed. Full instructions with every Box. IT.T.BWB TONIC CAPSULES. Price 1/6 per Box of 36, post paid. The Fancier's Friend. Immediately a bird is noticed off-colour a capsule (iron, quinine, and cod-liver oil) night and morning will speediiy put it right. For a day or two before and after shows they are invaluable. AXI^N'S VEBMIN DESTROYER. Price 1/3 per Large Tin, post paid. The p whole flock should be dusted occasionally; every Broody Hen before entrusting her with a aeitinjr of eggs. RALPH R- AXXaEM, Sawbridgeworth. Herts. No Dead Chicks.—Success in Chicken Rearing can only be obtained by using the most reliable Food. For best results start them on ARMITAGE'S BEST DRY CHICK FOOD. In bags, 4d, 8d, Is 4d, 2s 6d, etc. Manufactured by ARMITAGE BROS, Ltd., Poultry Food Specialists, Nottingham. Sold by: -F W TAYLOR, High-street, Ledbury; C THURSTON, Cheapside, Newent, &c. No Dead Chicks.—Success in Chicken Rearing can only be obtained by using the most reliable Food. For best results start them on ARMITAGE'S BEST DRY CHICK FOOD. In bags, 4d, 8d, Is 4d, 2s 6d, etc. Manufactured by ARMITAGE BROS., Ltd., Poultry Food Specialists, Nottingham. Sold at Abergavenny by :—Jeffreys & Son, Frogmore-street; W J Day, Frogmore-street; T Rees, 16, Cross-street; Saunders & Co, 50, Cross-street; WTStoneham, Argyle Stores A J Wibberley, 5, Lion-street. 17JGGS, EGGS, EGGS. Increase the laying 12A qualities of your Hens by using the Vick Egg Produce Meal; one 9d packet sufficient for 6 birds for 40 meals two packets 1/4 carriage paid. Give it a trial and prove it for yourself. Obtainable only direct from the manufacturer, Alex Vick, Miller, Gloucester.

HEREFORD HORSE SALES. Messrs. Jackson and McCartney held their April sale at Hereford on Saturday last, when they had 200 horses of all classes stabled. Buyers were in attendance from all parts of the United Kingdom, including London, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Bristol, Cardiff, &c., and the trade throughout foJ both heavy and light horses was much keener and a great improvement on previous sales. A capital clearance was effected, and the majority changed hands at highly satisfactory prices. The auctioneers offered 950 for com- petition in prizes, and the judging was ably carried out by Mr D Davies, of Pembroke, and Mr E Roberts, of Longville, Craven Arms, whose awards were as follows :— Class 1.—For the best cart gelding or mare, suitable for town work, 4 years old or over. 1 (Champion Silver Cup), Mr G S Price, The Homme, Ross, with a grand upstanding chest- nut gelding, the same gentleman also taking the 3rd prize with a powerful bay gelding 2, Mr A W Foster, Brockhampton, with a bay geld- ing reserve, Mr J J Jones, Wellington Court, Hereford, with a bay gelding, and highly com- mended with a bay mare. Class 2.—For the best gelding or mare, suit- able for light carter or van work, not exceeding 16 hds. 1, Mr C L Coxon, of Webton Court, Hereford, with a grand upstanding grey geld- ing 2, Mr J D Owens, The Grove, Pembridge, with a brown mare 3, Mr A Hancoin, West Hyde, Hereford, with a bay mare reserve, Mr J Lane, The Hill, Bishops Froome, with a bay gelding highly commended, Mr J Jones, Wellington Court, with a black nrtre. Class 3, -For the best hackney gelding or mare, 15 hands or over. 1 Mr E Pritchett, The Castle, Munsley, Ledbury, with a very smart bay gelding; 2, Mr H Woolridge, St. Owens-street, Hereford, with a chestnut mare reserve, Mr G Price, Balance FarlD, Titley, with a bay gelding highly commended, Mr F W Jones, Talgarth, with a bay gelding. The following are a few of the principal prices realised in the heavy horse section :— Mr G S Price, 3 geldings, 174 gns Mr J J Jones, gelding and mare, 109 gns Mr C H Rowberry, gelding and mare, 105 gns; Mr G Price, gelding and mare, 96 gna Mr J Gittens, two mares, 76 gns Mr A W Foster, bay gelding 65 gns Mr T L Walker, bay gelding, 57 gns Mr T H Griffiths, chestnut mare, 56 gns Mr G J Gittins, bay gelding, 55 gns Mr S Birchley, bay gelding, 48 gns Mr G Pritchard, roan mare 47 gns Mr J Davies, brown gelding, 46 gns Mr J Lane, bay gelding, 45 gns Mr A Hancorn, bay mare, 45 gns; Mr King well, brown mare, 45 gns; Mr J D Owens, brown mare, 42 gns Mr H Williams, brown gelding, 42 gns Mr S Pitt, grey gelding, 41 gns Mr J Jones, chestnut gelding, 40 gns Mr R W Hamar, brown gelding, 38 gns Mr J Meredith, brown gelding 38 gns Mr C Ed wards, brown mare, 37 gns Mr Watkins, bay mare 36 gns, etc., etc. In the Light Horse Section :—The Board of Agriculture, two mares, 56 gus Mr G L Hinton, gelding and maro, 52 gns Mr E Pritchett, bay gelding, 37 gns Mr W P Lewis, grey mare, 37 gns Mr E Williams, bay mare, 33 gns Mr H Sharp, bay gelding, 32 gns Mr W Davies, roan mare, 31 gns Mr J R Harris, chestnut mare, 30 gns Mr J E Jones, grey gelding. 29 gns Mr E Hancorn, chestnut mare, 26 gns Mr R Wood, chestnut mare, 25 gns, Mr G Price, bay gelding, 24 gns Mr T A Lock, bay mare, 21 gns Miss Roberts, bay mare, 20! gns Mr R Gwilliam, bay gelding, 20 gns, Mr J H Yarnold, bay mare, 20 gns; Mr B P Jones, chestnut gelding, 20 gns Mr F Lloyd, chest- nut gelding, 20 gns, etc., etc. The next sale takes place on Saturday, May I 23vd.

MALVERN RESIDENT'S GRATITUDE. I Purely out of gratitude, and with the wish that otheis may profit by his experience, a resi- dent of Malvern authorises the publication of the following:— Mrs M A Turner lives at 8, Gordon Terrace, Malvern Wells, where she has resided for twenty years. She says:—"When I got up in the mornings my back used to be very stiff and pain- ful, and I could hardly stand upright. I have nearly fallen down when I have turned so dizzy in the garden. I had headaches badly, too, and there were touches of rheumatism in my shoulders. "The urinary system was very bad at times, but I am pleased to say that Doan's backache kidney pills put me right again. They gradually took away the pains in my back, my htad was better, and I soon became right in other respects. Doan's pills are a splendid kidney medicine. I always speak well of them, knowing the benefit I have received from them. (Signed) 11 A Turner." Price 2/9 a box, 6 boxes 13/9; of all dealers, or from Foster-McClellan Co., i, Wells-street, Oxford-street, London, W. Don't ask for backache or kidney pills,—ask DISTINCTLY for DOAN'S backache kidney pills, the same as Mrs. Turner had.

The Worcestershire Beacon. I The highest of the Malvern Range, 1,396 feet high. Immediately overlooking the town of Malvern, 8 miles from Ledbury. From the top, when a clear day, may be seen the Bristol Channel, Worcester (8 miles), Gloucester (20), Cheltenham (22), Tewkes- bury Abbey (14), Hereford Cathedral, Evesham (21), the Wrekin, Clee Hills, Radnor Forest, May Hill, the Cotswolds, Edge Hill, etc., etc. A series of carriage drives to the top of the hill has been con- structed, and affords easy access to visitors either on foot or by carriage. As a permanent memorial of her late Majesty's long reign, the Diamond Jubilee Committee of 1897 set apart from the subscriptions it received several hundred pounds for the erection of an Indicator, which occupies the site of the great bonfire on the summit of the hill, On a marble base and truncated pillar, bearing the appropriate inscription, The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof," is fixed a circular plate of phosphor bronze, protected by a thick sheet of plate glass. On it is engraved a map of the surrounding country for a distance of 66 miles, Round the margin is a reproduction of the most salient features of the landscape, with their names and distances in miles. Places actually visible under favourable condi tioiis. and whose direction merely is shown are indicated by different kinds of type.

Hereford Cathedral. Thirteen and a half miles from Ledbury ty G.W.R. One of the most ancient Cathedrals cf Great Britain having been in existence previous to 610.

—————————— 11 f EEr cyclists naturally prefer those cycle tyres which ffllilllik yield them the most profitable return: profitable return: Cycle Tyres. The explanation of this exceptional value is very simple: Michelin quality is not surpassed by that of the ljigh-st-priced cycle tyres, while Midielm prices for a Roadster Cover, any size, are u. J- a &3.' 0   ?'?ed Beaded Other manufacturers are fcrtvd to higher prices by the greater cost necessarily incurred by the production ol Severn! qualities. Michel in prices are what t!ipv are. simply by virtue of the enormous Michelin lesounes and the cost-saving Michctin poiicv of produr- no- One Quality Only-the Best. TUBES. TO MOTOR CYCLISTS. Why 6:?. ??.. ??. tutus n?. s?. 36 MC?. /p? T;- e I it Cover is essmtia!/v ?? cover for n"hy buy t7<(I 1!f'Œ' tlll.h'S at, say 3;6 each, fO, l,h;¡!!7t":i:J¡t.'i'" ittid /r?<? of /iM?y everv Co7.,ei, r' A .1 1 1' clie l lii R,, ? 7'  C every C„ over r A Michelin ?n? .Ar '?,?, r 7?.? ?.?-.??. /?,.? ? ? ? 1, 14,?9), is li¡;hÚr at 5/6 will outlast two f;?<'?,tt;!?S?M ?'?'?'?'.?'?'?.'?\/?'ft'?fr/??;.?.;?? 6u" Cmf lie:  IoU' Prices you 6??'. ??'? ??' ?'?.?'? '? ?// sK.es at prop ?-/to;t??/? low /'ncfs JUJI:1 any 0' the-undermentioned Agents. I Ask any of these Agents for ell interesting free booklet on 0, and Motor Cycle Tyres: •Slocked bv Allcott & Wilson, The Central Cycle Stores, 6, Cross- Cook's Cycle Works, Kington. street, Abergavenny. j Fryer, Ltd., Progress Motor Works, Kingtome Abergavenny Cycle Co., Abergavenny. (Motor cycle tyres). County Cycle Stores, Abergavenny. G Hopkins & Sons, New-street, Ledbury. (Motor L Argent & Co., 80, Winchcombe-street, and 317, High- cycle tyres) street, Cheltenham. < W L Tilley, High-street, Ledbury. B Blissett, Norwood Road, Cheltenham. A C Beechus, Culvert-street, Newent. J Brunskill, 94, High-street, Cheltenham. R C Jenkins, New-street, Newent. S A Sperry & Co, 264, High-street, Cheltenham. •

LEDBURY RURAL PARISH COUNCIL. [ Mr W S Lane Elected Chairman for I the 20th time. The annual meeting of the above body was held at the office of the Clerk (Mr S W Mills) on Friday evening. Those present were Messrs W S Lane, J E Craddock, H W Croft, T S Fowler, J Beaumont, G Cobb, S H Bickham, J Parry, R W Hamar, J Low, and the Clerk (Mr S W Mills). The first item on the agenda was the election of Chairman for the ensuing year. Mr Bickham, in proposing that Mr W SLane be re-elected, observed that Mr Lane had acted in that capacity for the past twenty years, and those present would agree with him that it would be exceedingly difficult to find a gentleman better fitted for the position. They were very grateful to him for the services he had rendered. Mr Fowler seconded and the proposition was carried unanimously. Mr Lane briefly replied, thanking the members for the compliment they had paid him. There appeared to be a certain amount of competition for similar posts on other public bodies and he wished more of that spirit prevailed as far as the Rural Parish Council was concerned. APPOINTMENT OF OVERSEERS. I The next business was the appointment I of two overseers. Mr Cobb proposed that Mr Croft should I be appointed one of the overseers. He (Mr I Cobb) believed Mr Croft was the only member of the Council who had not yet occupied the position. Mr Croft I am afraid I shall be away a great deal during the summer. What is the salary ? (Laughter.) The Clerk The duties are very light. Mr Croft consented to act in conjunction with Mr Pitt, who has been overseer for one year. On the motion of Mr Craddock, seconded by Mr Fowler, the present members- Messrs S H Bickham, H W Croft, J Parry, W S Lane and J Low-were unanimously re-elected the Council's representatives on the Burial's Joint Committee. Last year's members of the Charity Joint Committee, Messrs S H Bickham- and J Parry, were re-elected. The statement was made that the duties attached to this office were very light. The Committee was only appointed in case anything important cropped up. The Clerk said he had received from Mr R Homes (Clerk to the Ledbury Rural District Council), a letter which the latter had received from the Local Government Board. The communication asked for an answer to the following questions :—(1). Is there a dearth of cottages in your parish ? (2). If so, how many would meet the deficiency ? (3). Are there any available sites for the erection of such cottages ? The Clerk stated that a similar com- munication came before them about two years ago, when the Council replied to the effect that it had not come to the knowledge of the Council that there was a scarcity of cottages in the parish for the housing of the working classes. Mr Craddock, who moved the resolution on the previous occasion, said he thought the same thing applied at the present time. They had not received any application for cottages, and he would move a similar resolution, as he took it that the same thing applies now. The resolution would be to the effect that a letter be sent stating that as there had been no applications the Council saw no reason to alter the opinion previously arrived at. Mr Parry seconded, and it was carried unanimously. The accounts of the past year were passed.

IW Will Secretaries of Cricket Clubs please forward their lists of fixtures for insertion in these columns. PRINTING of all kinds executed in best style J. at the "Reporter" Printing Works, Led- bury. OFFICIAL DEPOT FOR GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, &c. "HIS MASTER'S VOICE." I R. J. HEATH & SONS, SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE AGENTS FOR THE CELEBRATED BECHSTEIN PIANOFORTES" (HORIZONTAL GRANDS AMD UPRIGHTS). Also BLUTHNER, BROADWOOD. STiiCK, WALDEMAR, ORCHESTRELLE PIANOLA CO. THE ONLY FIRM in CARDIFF & DISTRICT from whom the NEW MODELS by these CELEBRATED MAKERS can be obtained. New Pianofortes from 15 gns. Cash, or 10s. 6d. Monthly. 76, Queen Street, Cardiff; 70, Taff Street, Pontypridd; Stanwell Road, Penarth; and Station Road, Port Talbot. Nat. Tel. Cardiff 2199. Pontypridd 21.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN AND 1 AROUND LEDBURY. Dog HHL A lofty eminence just above the Church, and overlooking the town, giving a clear view of the Marcle Hills, and a panoramic view of the country this side the hills. There are three jubilee seats placed on the top The place car be approached from Church-street or through the ci irehyard. Bradlow Knoll. About 1 mile from the town, and a pleasant walk to the summit. Extensive views can be obtained when the atmosphere is bright. Gloucester Cathe- dral tower is plainly seen with the naked eye, and also the white cliffs above Cheltenham. In the west may be seen the Black Mountains, and May Hill in the Forest of Dean, to the south-west. Eastnor Castle. I A little over two miles from Ledbury. The Castle is a fine baronial mansion, with massive towers, and is partly surrounded by a fine sheet of water. Inside the Castle are fine works of art, by the best masters, some beautiful specimens of tapestry, and an inter- esting collection of armour. Bronsil Castle. From Ledbury 21 miles. Once the residence of Lord Beauchamp, Lord Treasurer to Henry VI. Encompissed with a deep moat, overhung with ancient yew trees, supposed to be four centuries old. It is now in ruins. The Raggedstone Hill. i am nils for the curse, which, accordmg to an old legend, rails on all who come beneath its shadow. The curse is the legacy of a monk of the ancient Priory ■ >f Little Malvern, whose penance consisted of the daiiv ascent of the hill on all fours." I The Obelisk. I On the Malvern Range, overlooking Bronsil I Castle. It is 90 feet high and was erected in I memory of Lord Chancellor Somers and various members of the Somers family. I The Jubilee Drive. A beautiful drive along the west side of the Hills, from the Wyche to the British Camp. Most magnifi- cent views are obtained from it. Cyclists will find it one of the finest drives in the neighbourhood, the gradient being easy and the road bed well kept. The Herefordshire Beacon, or British Camp 1,09b feet high. Four miles from Ledbury. Some very magnificent views may be obtained from the summit of this eminence. Beyond the Beacon are the Midsummer and Hollybush Hills, whose sum- mits are also crowned by another ancient fortress and camp. The Camp forms one of the most inter- esting and attractive objects in the district. The summit of the hill is crowned by one of the most ancient hill fortresses or camps in the kingdom The trenches vary from six to twelve feet deep, and in some places 30 feet wide, and are capable of COll- taining an army of 20,000 men. The citadel is about 50 yards in diameter, and consists of a thirk stone wall, covered with moss, earth and turf, ô!d defended by a deep ditch. This almost impreg- nable fortress is 1,100 yards in length, and 2,970 i u circumference, and covers an area of 44 acres. In addition to its historic interest a magnificent panor- amic view is obtained from its crest. Wellington Heath. Ibis lovely hamlet lies about 1; miles north-west of Ledbury. It is somewhat of a miniature Mal- vern, standing on hilly ground, though it is hid from view from the town of Ledbury by the Frith Wood, behind which it is sheltered from the north. The houses are dotted here and there between the two hills. The road leading to the Heath is rather hilly in parts, and its undulating formation gives it a romantic touch. Hope End, once the residence of Elizabeth Barrett- Browning, the poetess, is close to the village, but the building afterwards gave way to a modern mansion, built by the late Mr C A Hewitt, who was unfortunately compelled to leave the place owing to it being gutted by fire. From the top of the Heath some lovely landscapes are obtained.

s u BY OONSULTING E .,MATkI MO an introductory journal full of GENUINE advertisements appealing to all ol asses of Ladies and gentlemen desirous of marriage. No Exorbitant Fees. 8d. Post Free in Sealed Envelope. Editor, 18, Hogarth Rood., Earl's Court- V