The Abergavenny Mail

WELLINGTON AIR-RIFLE CLUB DINNER. On Thursday night in last week the first annual dinner and smoking concert, promoted by the members of the Wellington Air-Rifle Club, took place at the Wellington Inn, Colwall, and proved a most successful function. The committee responsible for the arrangements are to be congratulated on the success which attended their efforts. As this is the first year of the newly-formed club the members are to be congratulated on their first venture. In the first place an excellent range is provided at the headquarters of the club, the Wellington Inn, by the respected host, Mr IVadley, and the club is also fortunate iR securing the services of Mr W H Lane as captain and Mr F J Brake as the energetic hon secretary. The utmost keen- ness also prevails among the members. In the Ledbury and District Air-Rifle League the club occupy a very favourable position, and their aggregate compares very favourably with teams above them in the table. The club has participated in several close matches, but perhaps the most notable one was the match with the Fox," the champions of the League, which was shot on the Fcx range, and created a record in the league; the two teams totalling the highest aggregate in any match yet shot in the league. Mr J Hollings (Fox) who has for three seasons been the champion shot and is leading this season, achieved the feat of scoring a possible," the first since seven shots came into force. F Reeves, of the Wellington, scored 34 and two other marksmen in J Brown (Fox) and W Line (Wellington) each scored 3?. In all 48 bulls were registered out of 112 shots to count, a record for the league. The Fox eventually won the match by 1 point. Taking all things into considera- tion the club has reason to be proud of its first season's achievements. Mr and Mrs G Wadley, the respected host and hostess, placed on the table an excellent cold collation, which was admirably served by the Misses Wadley and Mrs W Lane, and was much appreciated. Mr C Thomas presided, and amongst the company present were Messrs G Wadley, G Wadley, jun.. W H Lane, F J Brake, C Moss, J Hunt, H E Hanson. B Lea, P George, T Cotterell, T Hill, G Moore, H Burford, H Innes, C Bickerton, W Jones, W Harford, W Spencer, C Webley, H Moore, Herbert Moore, W Harford, Smith, W Squires, H Butcher. A Goodwin, S Hart, T W Davis, B Voller, J Powell, A Birchley, G Williams, etc. After full justice had been done to all the good things provided, a most enjoyable evening was spent under the chairmanship of Mr C Thomas. During the evening the toast of Success to the Wellington Air-Rifle Club was pro- posed by the Chairman, in the course of which he referred to the successful season, the first of the club, which they had had. This was chiefly due to the excellent officers they had. In Mr W Lane they had an excellent captain, who was a thorough sports- man and an excellent shot, and he bad given them a good example. Mr Brake had also carried out the duties of hon. secretary in a very able manner, and their best thanks were due to him for his services. The mem bers had also stuck loyally together and he had much pleasure in submitting the toast of the Wellington Air-Rifle Club, coupling with it the name of Mr F J Brake, the hon. secretary. Mr Brake, in reply, said that it gave him great pleasure in submitting to the company tne accounts for the past season. The receipts were as follows :-Members' Sub- soriptione; L2 13s, shots sold £1 lis 8d, entrance for members 148 6d, total £4 19a 2d. The general expenses were 11s 3d, to expenses of dinner X,3 5s. honorarium to officers 15s, balance in hand 7s lid, total £4 19:1 2d. He wished to thank the members for the support they had given him and he was very pleased with the year's working. Mr C Thomas proposed the toast of the "Visitors," and said that he was pleased to see amongst them the Captain of the Yew Tree club. It showed that good-fellowship existed between the two clubs. Mr G Moore replied, saying that it was a pleasure to him to come to their first dinner, and he thanked them for acknow- ledging his presnce. The toast of the Host and Hostess was given in eulogistic terms by Mr Brake, in the course of which he referred to the kind- ness of Mr Wadley in driving them to the out-matches. Mr Wadley, in reply, said that it gave him great pleasure to see them all present and enjoying themselves. What he had done for the club bad given him great pleasure and he could assure them of his support in the future. The following contribnted to the harmony of the evening:—Messrs D Smith, A Birchley, C Bickerton, A F Goodwin, B Lea, W Lane, G Williams, J Powell, etc. Miss E Wadley was the accompanist. The proceedings closed shortly before 12 with the singing of the National Anthem.

I COLWALL PARK RACES. Midsummer conditions of the very best sort prevailed at Colwall Park on Monday, and it was a large crowd which assembled on this most pictusesque of courses to witness some enjoyable sport. Although there was a field of but three for the Led- bury Selling Hurdle Race, backers got into a tangle over it, as they were fairly spoofed into betting slight odds on Celtic King to beat Sea Kid and Band Box, only to see him gradually recede into third position in the quotations. The rather hard going soon found out the weakness of Mr Beauchamp's horse, as he broke down after going half a mile, and left the other two to fight it out. This they did in most sporting fashion, Sea Kid, who started favourite, winning by a length. Mr John Sheldon could not elicit a bid when the winner came up for sale. In the Stewards' Hurdle Race, Gentilhomme was backed as though confidently expected to improve on his third to Phidias at Cheltenham, and he managed to do so, but without winning outright, as Atteloigna succeeded in making a dead-heat of it with him. and a division was agreed upon. As odds of 11 to 8 were betted on the favourite, his backers were slight losers by the trans- action. There were one or two recent winnners in the field for the Colwall Park Maiden Optinnal Selling Hurdle Race, and one of them, Acutissima, was made favourite, but met one just a bit too good at the weights in Amerongen, the only other one backed as though fancied. When the Here- fordshire Open Hunters' Steeplechase came up for decision backers were again at fault in a field of three, as Balsham, who was made favourite, utterly failed to stay the three miles, and Chellow easily accounted for Ragged Robbin. A typical sportsman, Mr George Edwardes exploits all sorts of races, and with Bill Smoggens he captured the Barton Court Maiden Optional Selling Steeplechase. Odds of 6 to 4 had to be betted on Bill," but they were never in doubt, and it is almost needless to say that neither the second nor the race fund benefited by his victory, as the optional con- dition was taken advantage of. The punters managed to score in the final event, the British Camp Steeplechase, but the best they got about Skylark VII. was even money, and not many of them would win on the day.

WELLINGTON HEATH. FUNERAL.-On Thursday afternoon, April 9, the funeral of the late Walter Herbert Bowers (who met with his death as a result of an accident in Gloucester on the previous Saturday) took place at Upton St. Leonards, amidst manifestation of sincere sympathy, the church being practically filled with mouners and friends. Canon Brewster, the Rector of the parish, conducted the service. The coffin was made of polished elm, with oak mouldings, and brass furniture, and the breastplate bore the inscription Walter Herbert Bowers, died April 4th, aged 38 years." The principal mourners were the Widow, Mr T Davis, Long- hope (father-in-law), Mr and Mrs Howes, Steen Bridge (brother-in-law and sister), Mrs Greville, Cheltenham (sister-in-law), Mr F Davis, Long- hope (brother-in-law), Mr Lee, Ledbury, (brother-in-law), Mrs Scott, Gloucester, (aunt), M A Scott, Gloucester, (cousin), Mr W Howes Steen Bridge (nephew), Mrs F James, Ledbury, (niece), M G Wilson, Churchdown, (cousin), Mrs G Worley, Gloucester, and Miss Maynard, Gloucester. Members of the Committee of the Birchall Memorial Institute, who acted as bearers, were Messrs E Davis, J Millard, A C Townsend, T Scholar, W Smith, H Moss, Sergt.- Majors Toms and W Browning. Other members of the Committee present were Mr J D Birchall (president), J Morris (trustee), S T Davies (hon. secretary), and F Gengo. Others present included Col. F K S Metford, V. D. (the deceased being an ex-Sergt. in the Volunteer Artillery), J Cromwell, H Turner, Sergt.-Major Bruton, A Thomas, W Mathias, W Avery, C Riches, J Mornby, Dyer, and Tucker. The Wesleyan and General Office was represented by Mr J E Kearsey, W Barrett and H Dredge, E Hughes, H Holder, J Stevens, Griffin, and many others. The hymn, Rock of Ages "was sung duriug the service, and as the cortege was leaving the ohurch, Mr F Genge, the organist, played the Dead March in Saul." The following sent wreaths The widow and family Sister and family (Wellington Heath) Emmie and Charlie (Cheltenham) Sister and family (Ledbury) Sister and family (Steen Bridge) Frank and Ella (Ledbury) Ruth (Cheltenham), Aunt Mary Scott; Edward and Bate Gertie and Arthur Committee and Members of Birchall Memorial Institute; Superintendent and Agents of Wesleyan and General, Gloucester District Mr and Mrs Wilson Mr and Mrs Moss, Mr and Mrs F Genge Neighbours and Friends; Tuffley; Sergt.-Major and Joe Cromwell; Gloucester National Reserves and Comrades Mrs Philips (King's Head, Upton); Mr and Mrs Wanklyn; Mr and Mrs Allen; Mr and Mrs Seargent; Miss Maynard and Elsie Mra Dobhs Mrs Wrathall Messrs Franklin Mr Graham and Mrs Wooley. The funeral arrangements were in the han4a of Walter Webb, Barton-street, Gloucester. «

[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] BIBLE STUDIE1 CONDUCTED BT PASTOR RUSSELL. HEAVENLY INTEREST IN SINNERS. I The Lesson: Luke xv. 1-10. The Text: "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."—Verse 10. Bible students should always seek to view the jewels of the Lord's Word in the set- tings in which they have been placed. To neglect this is to lose a portion of the lesson intended. The Scribes and Pharisees held themselves aloof from the common people- the Scribes because the masses were illiter- ate, and the Pharisees under the claim that the people were sinners, cut off from re- lationship to God, and therefore not proper to be recognised by the holy of humanityr which they claimed to be. Jesus, however, received the common people, even the publicans, acknowledged sinners. His superior knowledge did not make him haughty, and his superior righteousness did not make him proud and unsympathetic. He has set his followers a good example that they should walk in his steps. The more closely they follow him, the more pleasing they will be to the Father, and the more ready for a share in the Kingdom for which we pray, "Thy Kingdom come." Our lesson tells us of how the Pharisees and Scribes murmured against Jesus, charg- ing against him as a sin that he received sinners and ate with them. Whatever did not harmonise with their standards they could only contest. Their difficulty in part was that they had too high an opinion of themselves. Their spirit in this matter was an evil one, begotten of the Adversary. Hence Jesus sometimes spoke of them as being children of their father, the Devil, because his works they did, and his spirit they had, but even this would not signify that the Pharisees were beyond" hope of salvation. Did not Jesus address St. Peter on one occasion, saying, "Get thee behind me, Satan" (adversary). He was an adver- sary, had the adverse spirit, at the time; but corrected in harmony with the Lord's spirit, everything was changed. THE HEAVENLY NINETY AND NINE. Jesus, knowing the thoughts of the Phari- sees, and perhaps noting their gestures and looks or hearing their words, answered them in a parable. saying. "What man of you, having a hundred sheep and having lost one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost until he find it?" Then, find- ing it, he lays it upon his shoulders rejoic- ing, and tells the fact to his neighbour ex- ultantly. This course of the shepherd, Jesus declared, illustrates the attitude of God and all the holy angels associated with Him. They have a special feeling of in- terest in those who have strayed, and espe- cially rejoice in the recovery of such. How encouraging it is to know that this is the sentiment of Heaven, and that the fall of man and our imperfections do not stand as a perpetual bar to recognition by the Lord, if we return to Him! He is merciful, and will abundantly pardon, and will re- move our sins from us as far as the East is from the West. MANKIND THE LOST SHEEP. Many apply this parable inconsistently. They seem to think of the whole world of mankind as representing the flock of a hun- dred sheep, and the one straying sheep as representing the sinners of earth, compara- tively few. Surely this cannot be the true interpretation? Rather, as the Prophet has declared, "All we like sheep have gone astray." "There is none righteous, no, not one. Let us rather interpret the parable on a broader scale, in comportment with the facts and with the Scriptures. Let us under- stand the one straying sheep to represent Adam and his family; and the ninety and nine just persons needing no repentance as representing the holy angels. To this view every feature of the parable inclines. The Good Shepherd left the Heavenly flock and came to earth to find, to redeem, to recover, the lost sheep; and there is more rejoicing in Heaven over human recoveries from sin and alienation from God than over the holy ones themselves, who have never been thus alienated, never been redeemed with such a price and never have been recovered. The lesson to the Pharisees is plain. They had a different spirit from that of the holy ones. Theirs was an earthly view, selfish, proud, and haughty. out of accord with the Divine Spirit. Jesus would have all his dis- ciples copy God. "Be like unto your Father which is in Heaven." "He is kind to the unthankful." "His mercy endureth forever "—to a full completeness. His mercy sent His Son, the under-Shep- herd, to be our Redeemer, and to help us back into His favour. His mercy will pursue the lost sheep until every member of Adam's race shall have been brought to a knowledge of the Truth and to a full oppor- tunity of returning to the fold of God. To this end the Messianic Kingdom is to be established. To this end also is the present call for the Church, to be a Roval Priest- hood, that under the guidance of the great Deliverer, they may with him carry the mes- sage of God's grace to all of Adam's family. THE GOD OF LOVE. "Oh, how different is this view of .our lov- ing Creator from that one which was handed down through the Dark Ages! How diffe- rent from the one which represented the Almighty as angry in a vicious sense: as having prepared in advance a place for the eternal torture of the human family, except a few who would have the hearing ears, and happen to hear the message in the present life. On the contrary, we find that God.s, loving provision In only beginning to be mamiested, in His favour toward Christ and the Church; and that ultimately the know- ledge of the glory of God shall fill the whole earth, until every knee shall bow and every tongue confess, to the glory of God. In proportion as we become Godlike we have an interest in sinners—especially in those who through heredity or evil environ- ment are more ueeply steeped in sin, igno- rance, and superstition. Having God's spirit, we are glad to do anything in our power to reach these sinners- Nevertheless,, we are not to be wise above that which is, written. We are not to expect to find all the sheep. Itather, we are to prepare as many as the Lord our God shall call and draw, to be associated with the great Chief Shepherd in the work which he shortly will institute, the work of seeking the lost sheep, finding it and restoring it-all the willing and obedient. "The Son of Man came to seek and to save (recover) that which was lost." The race was lost, not merely the few, the Church; and the recovery is to include all that was lost. This does not signify univer- salism, but will be accomplished in bring- ing every member of Adam's race ta a full knowledge of God and to full opportunity of recovery from sin and death.—1 Tim. ii. 3-4. THE LOST COIN. Jesus gave another parable of similar im- port, to illustrate the same great truth from another angle. It was the custom among Jewish women to wear on the fore- head a fringe of coin bangles. The loss of one of these coins would represent more than its intrinsic value, for its absence marred the beauty of the bangles. The search for the lost coin would mean that, instead of its being abandoned as not worthy of considera- tion, it would be hunted for diligently until found. The female neighbours would learn of the loss, and also learn if it were found, and would rejoice with her greatly. This is another illustration of joy in the pre- sence of the angels of God over one repen- tant sinner. Let each put the question to himself: How do I ir nifest this spirit of God toward my fellow man?

I ACROSS THE TABLE. Although the prospective and possible* trouble in Ireland is no matter to be lightlyt, talked about, we cannot refrain, says the, Queen, from printing a concise description of the Irish situation as told to a correspondent. of ours up in the North by a genial Irishman. There is some truth underlying the apparent absurdity. "The trouble," he said, "with us Irish people is that ha'f of us are Protestants and ha'f of us Catholics if only we were alt Atheists we could live quietly together like Christians. Remarkable candour characterises the- appeal of the gentleman whose brains and body" are for sale, according to a per- sonal" advertisement in the Times. "I want to make good," he says, after living idly for twenty-six years, and working for two." He has owned seven motor-cars, and still pos- sesses one, but cannot afford to run it. Pos- sessing tact and adaptability, he appeals to a lady or gentleman having recponsibilities that I can carry to our mutual benefit." If Mr. Thornton patronisingly decle.rett that our Tube railways compare quite favourably with the New York underground lines,. another American railwayman finds our express services as nearly perfect as they can be." This is Mr. F. W. Whitridge, presi- dent of the Third Avenue Railroad, New York, who, it is interesting to notice, is of opinion that there is nothing in the Unitedi States to approach the workmen's traffic at. Liverpool-street. Mr. Whitridge also prefers. our system of handling luggage to the much- vaunted American baggage check," whoseo drawback is that when you want the bag- gage back again in a hurry you are lucky if you get it. A man called on the jury at Salford Ses- sions objected to serve, as he was a Socialist, and did not believe in the existing system of trying prisoners. The chairman (Mr. Yates, K.C.) told him that ff he had a conscientious objection to taking, his part in the work of the Court he would have to sit in the waiting jurors' gallery until the Sessions were over, 80 that he could see how the business was- conducted. His name would be called from time to time in order to make sure that he was in attendance. The juryman took the oath and stayed in the box. In the window of a small general shop in South London may be observed a card bear- ing this inscription. Workmen called early in the morning. Terms moderate." Such a. notice is rarely to be seen in London nowa- days, though the custom is an old one, and was much in vogue previous to the invention of the cheap alarm-clock. The individual en- gaged in the "calling" is known as a. "knocker-up," and a favourite method of awaking the would-be early-riser is by rap- ping on the bedroom window-pane with a stick or by throwing up small stones- In the North of England: the "knocker-up." is still a familiar figure. A certain motor- tourist has a small car with an ingeniously contrived luggage-carrier be- hind. Unfortunately, the carrier will hold other things besides luggage. When the tourist had got twenty miles on his Easter journey and stopped for refreshment he found that an urchin had taken a free ride in the carrier. Had the boy been twelve years old the matter would easily have been settled. The trespasser might have been punished just by allowing him to walk home again. But. what was to be done with a child of eight* The motorist took him to a station and put him into a train for his home. He declares that the imp's grin of delight when he saw that a free train ride was to follow the free motor ride was the most exasperating sight of his life. An important person was. discoursing loudly- to a friend in the tram about his programme for Easter.. Never go away on Easter Mon- day. Such vulgar crowds, i just potter about; my garden." A voice came from the back of the car: "Bill, what are you doin' on Easter Tuesday?" "Just potterin' about my gar- den. What are you doin' Easter Wednes- day?" "Just potterin' about my garden." By the time the programme had reached Saturday the important gentleman had de- sided to alight from the car. Public interest in the plumage question has increased so greatly since the introduction of the Government Bill gave hope of practical dealing with the matter that ma-ny persona will be glad to find a good report of the debate- on the second reading of the bill, with the- division list, in the Spring Number of Birõ- Notes and Neics. Many other expressions of opinion. on the matter from representative- men and women and from scientific societies, also given, indicate the strong feeling that exists i.n favour of decisive legisla-tioai- Lady Bountiful: "Oh. Rector, I thought- you would like to know that old Jones is laid up with rheumatic fever." Rector: "Thank you so much, I'm so glad to hear of a sick parishioner." —Bystander. Now that the "Lib. Imps." have folded their tents, many of them within the present Cabinet, Lib.-Lab." and I.L.P." seem to be the only popular contractions in use for party names nowadays, writes a; (foirresperh- dent. Another, however, which may become customary as indicating a very aggres-sive political force, was overheard at Liverpool the other day on board one of the Atlantic liners from the lips of a very voluble lady who had come to see a friend off. She was expounding the difficulties she had encountered in getting a pass for admission to the vessel. "The trouble I've 'ad. my dear.ine> began, "you'd 'ardly believe. "Says I to the ole chap be'ind the counter, I wants a pass for the Lucy.' ("Lucy," it may be explained to an inland-dwelling people, is short for R.M.S. Lusitania.) Can't 'ave one/ says reo wily not?' says L 'Oh,' says 'e, 'there's too many of these 'ere suffragettes about- 'He,' says I, 'take me for a bloomin' suff., do you ? Look 'ere. young man.' says I—I called him 'young man.' but he was bald as a turnip, my (lea-r-' look 'ere.' says I. 'T may not he one of your educated women (and no more I am, my dear), 'but I'm a woman as "as "ad to work with the sweat of 'er 'ands. and none of your suffs.—disgraces to their seetses/ says I. '■Well." says "e, "ow many of you's go ill'?" say- 1. and 'ere II am, my dear." "■ Gentlemen," said the chairman of the> Did RollicRers' monthly dinner. if I break this bone in two. whom would it represent?'" Not many gnes^es came. for the maforitv of the guests were past riddles at that time of the evening." Wfsh'bon-e," boisterously suggested one merry gent. "Bonaparte bone apart! Seel" cor- rt-eted the chairman. The merrv gent in question was particularly tickled at the answer, and having reached his residence at 2 a. m., a Her various wanderings, woke his good lady to impart to her the excel- fence of his latest quip. That- dame, w:t'h indignation in every hair of her liead. faced her recalcitrant spouse. "If I had a bone, and broke it in half, whom would it represent? he spluttered. "Worm she gasped, and indignation stopped further utterance. No. Napoleon, my dearr"" he said. tri- umphantly. A tragedy h-as to be recorded in the art, world. It concerns, says the Daift/ Mi rror, si valuable miniature- and a somew hat "fresh" assistant to a firm of art dealers. A client brought in for sale the miniature, which w.-vs. that of a (-harming woman painted on ivory without glass. It looked a ]itt\e dustv, and. thinking that it could do with a cleanins, the assistant, who was a trifle short-lighted, breathed somewhat strenuously unon it. and thou proceeded, to the horror of the client, and before he eon Id he prevented, to run it vigorously with a haudkere;-f. The larr^nt- auk and awful result was that beautiful face was almost entirely ribbed dr. A chim was at once put in. and the accident lia:i cu.-zt tl\.(, firm quite a ltt.lÐ SUIll. the- firm quite a nice htt.Ie sum.

DYMOCK. New and Second Hand Cycles for sale or hire. Pram Tyres wired on. Electric Pocket Lauipe and Refills in stock Motor Cycle ard otliT Tyres and Outfita.-W. Dudfield, Cycle Agent, Dymock.

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I LIBERALISM AT BOSBURY. I Visit of Mr. C. W. Parish. At the Bosbury Schoolroom, on Friday evening last a public meeting was held in connection with the visit of Mr C W Parish, the prospective Liberal candidate for South Herefordshire. He was also accom- panied by Mr Fred Ballard, of Colwall. Mr A G Bunn presided over an average attend- ance. I CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS. The Chairman said he had been asked to preside again that evening, rather at the last moment. Mr Webb was fixed at the Forest of Dean, and they had one of his friends who would represent them as well as would. They were very pleased to meet Mr Parish, their prospective candidate. (Applause.) He (the Chairman) bad met him on many occasions, and he was sure they would be ably represented when the time came. He felt it would be shirking the interest of the party if he had not come. As they knew their country was never in a better position. The returns of the exchequer this year were far in excess than ever before. When they considered the advantages to the working men, especially to the poor and to the inflicted, they would support their Liberal candidate, who was doing his best to advance the welfare of the country and the people. (Applause.) I MR. C. W. PARISH. Mr Clement W Parish, who was received with loud cheers, said it gave him very great pleasure to come to tfosbury to meet them that evening and share a friendly discussion on the politics of the day. He had fought for Liberal politics, and fought for Colonel Alan Gardner, and the last two elections he had fought for Mr Webb. He was proud of the Liberal Party's magnificent record and also of the great promise that had been set down in the programme. For nine years they had kept the flag of Free Trade flying. (Hear, hear.) Look at the trade of the country booming, look at their exports sent all over the world. Let them call to mind all the cartoons published by the other side of the ruined factories. Look at the ruined factories working overtime to send their goods all over the world. He had the privilege of speaking to a big shipbuilder three weeks ago, who said that be was booked up for seven years to come. The Tariff Reformers said that agriculture alone could be saved by food taxes. And if the Conservative Party were returned to power they would insist upon a food tax. The farmers would get nothing more. Upon that programme they bad hoped to win the votes of Parliamentary electors. It was in- credible that Mr Bonar Law was in favour of the food taxes some time ago. Now he had completely changed round, and in a speech at Edinburgh he said that if they returned his party to power they would put new taxes upon the people. They had got Free Trade and everything was on the increase. In all directions there were outstanding examples of the great work of Liberalism. They granted Home Rule to South Africa, and they had no better or more loyal colony than that. They had reduced the power of the Honse of Lords by the Veto Act, and under that Act three other Bills would go through. (Hear, hear). The Home Rule Bill was going to go through, and the Welsh Disestablishment Bill would go through, anil with it the Plural Voting Bill. In regard to the In- surance Act, they were told they would not get sufficient doctors to work it. They had 78 panel doctors in Herefordshire last year and 79 this year. During this year 56 men and women suffering from consumption, in Herefordshire had been sent to a magnificent sanatorium in the Cotswold Hills, and a number had been sent back cured. Then again they had paid out one million in maternity benefits. There bad been a land inquiry held recently, the result of which showed that the position of the labourer was not what it should be. The miners had got a mimimum wage of V,2 10s a week. During the last 60 years no im- provements had been made f r the labourers. Since 1881 labourers had b en emigrating, and soon there would not be any labourers left. The average wage of the labourers in the whole country was 14* 61, and in Here- fordshire 13s lid. It was not a living wage. The result of the Board of Trade inquiry into the housing of the labourer was that some of the labourers were living in cottages not fit for human habitation. Tim Liberals proposed that they should build cottages where they were wanted, not by the County Council, but by the Government. They were going to build 12,000 cottages, and the money would come from the reserve funds of the Insurance Act. These funds were built up by the labourers themselves, and it was only right that they should reap the benefits of their investment. (Applause.) With regard to the minimum wage women in a certain lace factory were receiving 6s per week. They were not satisfied with this meagre sum and sent their representati ve to see into the matter. They met the representatives of the employers and after considerable discussion their wages were raised to 128 per week. Of course, they could not double the wages of the labourers, but they could increase them. The labourers would also do a lot better work. They were also going to improve the condition of the farmer by guaranteeing him absolute security of tenure. The farmer would then put more capital into his land and improve it in every way. Under this proposal his wage bill would increase, for be would have to pay a minimum wage, and if he could not pay his rent,thecommissioners would see that the rent was lowered. What the labourers wanted was a living wage, and that and a cottage was guaranteed him uader the Liberal proposal. The land question affected every one who worked upon the land, and he wanted them to support him and keep the flag flying. (Loud applause.) MR FRED BALLARD. Mr Fred Ballard, who was also received with loud cheers,said there was little for him to say. Before they voted at the next election they must judge the parties very carefully. He did not believe in turning everybody into soldiers; sold iers, were, unfortunately necessary, but when they were put in shackles in this way it would be a bad day for this country. Mr Parish had spoken on Free Trade. He purchased a bath the other day which cost 50s and used to cost X5. When the Germans got to know they flooded the market and thereby reduced the price. He,could not think that the farmers were so daft as to believe in the Tory policy. Lie did not believe for one moment that the farmers would suffer by giving their labourers a higher wage. With regard to the hours of labour, they were long hours. He had worked from 6 in the morning till 6 at night and the last half-hour he had felt tired. And so he had let his men off half-an-bour earlier. He had also given them the half-day on Saturday. He hoped that they had not said anything that night to displease the farmers. (Applause.) The Chairman thanked Mr Parish and Mr Ballard, and after a few questions had been asked the meeting concluded.

'????r?.??9?'? ÙI!J;il W • r S. i < ■. !•" (i0)camp h<vTK»fro:n ■! -.i sr- <• h'> sa « ■>. \>r-h a, w-s; n » rpo "• !CH-S LJ i ♦<>pamt ni vi h'me-?.«' :,y ;¡,i:!):1.¡:/1;!1'IÜ,l: c f:?i nwsn.  ?-. 'I{':1ne:nle rmc'djt! c'n:ç r- Ine oaAxl the 8orrnct'- a'i i; -tti?,?ii. The disc.r.e k«vt l T., r (, ,cling until I used vi • Z.-un-Biik. This i:eh: b-tlia !-i "I'c'severuiieevriihi.am-B'ik Kj ■ r- • r«-rticv«Hl ev«rv and itfi p ?-?'iit:):'<-dScph'-ttct'ini. ?, ■ ■ V'A SepII TI bend i-wwt ttaa I'i to Za ii-Buk." •V; ?.?? ?%? c??.?. ?7h.?v i-?'?, ? v » ■«" aW T school again, thanks or.i*v t?. J V' mww tbU- nidii> (he .rtalmetii <*( fei k ecZ'm'. rtmtrprm, ttnl-p fou». FV ?? 'i -J Zntu-Bttn Mtdic-nil Saavinw r'j ? ~S' matory a.nk;to.  and oilier /•<•«(? ciui Sal LEDBURY POSTAL GUIDE. Postmaster—Mr. J. BELL. Counter Attendance:—8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Week-days; 8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sundays. Money Orders, Savings Bank, Inland Revenue Licenses, &c., Government Life Insurance and Annuity and Telegraph and Express Delivery Business, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Week-days. Sale of Stamps, Registration of Letters, Issue and Payment of Postal Orders, and Delivery of Callers Correspondence, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Week-days. Sunday-Sale of Stamps, Registration of Letters, Delivery to Callers, and Telegraph Business, 8.30 a.m to 10 a.m. Telegrams can be forwarded on Payment of extra fees after close of office up to 9 p.m. on Week-days, and between the hours of 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays, notice being given. On Bank Holidays the public counter is closed at noon for all business excepting Telegraph business, Telegraph Money Order business, Express Delivery business, the Reception of Parcels, the Sale of Postage Stamps, and the Registration of Letters. Country Letter Carriers go out as on other Week-days, and return earlier. Telephone Call Office: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. week-days. 8-30 a.m. to 10-30 a.m. Sundays. The Letter Box remains open at all hours for the posting of Letters. LETTERS. PARCELS ?.S? DESPATCHES-WEEK DAYS ^pLH™ Pbsting. DZSPATCHRO-WEEK DAYS. Posting 7.30 a m. Birmingham (delivery noon), London and Midlands, and North No generally (London delivery, 4.15 p.m.), Worcester, Malvern, Parcels. Gloucester and Hereford 9.45 a.m. Gloucester (delivery 1 p.m.), London, South and West of England 9.40 a m. (London delivery 5.15 p m.) 11 a.m. Birmingham (delivery 4 p.m.), London (delivery 7.15 p.m), Mid- 10.50 a.m. lands and North of England 1 p.m.] Birmingham (delivery 4 p.m), Malvern (delivery 4 p.m.), Midlands 12.55 pm. and North, Gloucester (delivery 4 pm.), South and West of England and London (London delivery 9.15 p.m.), Hereford and Worcester United States and Canada (Saturdays only). 4 p.m Gloucester (delivery 8 p.m ) and all parts. 3.55 p.m. 6.45 pm. Birmingham, Midlands, Malvern and Worcester. 6.40 p.m. (None of the foregoing Mails are despatched on Sunday or Bank Holiday^ 7 p.m. Ireland, Scotland, and North of England < -aerally.- 7 p.m. .8.30 p.m. London, Birmingham, Gloucester. Flerei id, Malvern, Stafford, 8 p.m. Worcester, Midlands and North of England, and West of England. (General night mail). Letters can be registered up to half-an-hour before the despatch of any Mail on the prepayment of fees of 2d., &c. SUNDAYS. 6.45 p.m. Birmingham, Malvern, Worcester, and Midlands, and North of England I 7.45 p.m. London, Gloucester, South and West of England No parcels are despatched on Sunday. DELIVERIES. Town.—Week-days.—Letters and Parcels are delivered, beginning at 7 a.m., 12-15 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. on Week-days, and Letters only at 7-30 EUD. on SUNDAYS. RURAL DISTRICT.—Week Days. Latest time of (Letters and Parcels). Posting 6 a.m.—All parts. 12.10 p.m.—Bosbury, Castle Frome, Fromes Hill, Coddington. 12.45 p.m-&ahporton, Canon Frome, Putley, Trumpet, Munsley, Eastwood, Lower Eggleten, Little Marcle, Stretton Grandison. 3 p.m.-Ross Road, Leddington, Greenway, Donnington, Haffield, BroomsgreeB, Parkway Berrow Bromesberrow. 4.45 p m.-Eastnor, Holly Bush, Wellington Heath. SUNDA.YS.-(Letters only). 6 a.m.—Broomsgreen, Parkway, Donnington, Eastnor, Bosbury, and places on Main Road from Ledbury to Canon Frome. Homend Street Town Sub-Office. —Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sale of Stamps, Parcel Post, Money Order, Postal Order, Savings Bank, Annuity and Government Stock, Licenses, &c., business. Newtown Town Sub-Office. -Open from 8 a.m. to 11-30 a.m., and 3-15 p.m. to 7-45 p.m. for sale ol Stamps and sale and payment of Postal Orders, Registration of Letters, and Parcel Post business. Express Delivery.—Letters and Parcels up to a weight of 51bs. are accepted for delivery immediately, at a charge of 3d. a mile, at the Head Office and at Telegraph Delivery Sub-Offices between the hours of 8 a. m. and 8 p.m. on Week-days. Town Collection from Sub-Offices and Wall Boxes on Week-dayg for relative Despatches and Deliveries from Head Office. a.m. a.m. a.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. pm. Homend Street Town Sub-Office 5-45 9-30 11-40 — 3-40 4-25 6-45 7-50 Homend Terrace Wall Box 5-40 9-25 11-25 3-35 4-20 6-40 7-45 High Street Wall Box 5-50 9-35 1150 12-55 3-45 4-30 6-45 7-55. Newtown Town Sub Office. — 9-5 11-30 3-15 6-30 .„ 7-45 Southend .„ — 9-40 11-55 12-50 3-50 4-35 6-50 7-46 OatIeys Road. 5-30 8-50 11-15 — 3-0 — 6-15 740 NO COLLECTIONS ON SUNDAYS. Adjoining Villages with their Post Towns. Ashporton-Ledbury Avlton—Ledbury Birtsmorton- Tewkesbury Bosbury-Ledbury Bromesberrow-Ledbury Bromesberrow Heath—Dymock Canon Frome-Ledbury Castle Frome-Ledbury Coddington—Ledbury Colwall—Malvern Donnington-Ledbury Dymock-Gloucester Eastnor-Ledbury Eggleton (Upper)-Ledbury Eggleton (Lower)—Ledbury Leddington-Ledbury Little Marcle Ledbury Much Marcle—Gloucester Mathon-Malvern Munsley- Ledbury Parkway—Ledbury Pixley-Ledbury Putley—Ledbury Stoke Edith—Hereford Stretton Grandison-Ledbury Tarrington-Hereford ?"?- {Pp:^iba Hereford Wellington Heath-Ledbury Yarkhill— f ?ari Ledbury a i-Part Hereford Yatton-Roso

Ledbury Produoe Market. There was a moderate attendance, and not much produce on offer. Priees:- BuLter (wtioiesale), lis Id. It (retail) 18 2d peT lb. i Eggs (wholesale), 15 for Is. (retail), 14 for Is Fowls, 4s 6d to 5i per couple Rabbits, 8d and 9d each. Potatoes, lOd to Is per peck. Apples, Is per peck. ♦

Ledbury Corn Market. The markets are very dull, and no samples were on offer. Quotations :— Wheat (new), 38 lOd to 4s Od. Beans, 3s lOd to 4s Od Peas, 3s 9d to 4s 3<1 Vetches, 4s 6d to 5s liyCj 4s Oats (old), 22s to 28s per qr. n (new), 20s to 22s per qr.. Fiour, tirm., x Maize, 25s to 27s per qT. English Barley, 28a to 32s. Foreign Barley, 22s to 25s 400 f.o.r. Sharpness. Bran, jE6 per ton.

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I FOOTBALL NOTES. [BY "THE TYKE."] I Ledbury Town, on Saturday last, met Hereford City on the Edgar-street ground in the re-play of the Hereford Chalenge Cup final. Because of what was at stake there was a keen contest and Ledbury lost by one goal to nil, scored half way through the second half. Ledbury took the same team to Hereford as on Monday last with thA exception of Hoult. Teams:- Herefoid City-Hedges; Lucas, Sutton; Taylor, Moseley, Qfjixley Watkins, Shepperd, Williams, Bentlev, Heywood. Ledbury- J Vicarage; H Smith, J Partridge; W Powell, R Powell, J Griffiths; C Pudge, J Watts, H Cale, J Taylor, A Goodwin. An early attack by the homesters was easily repulsed, and Rodney Powell stopped p certain goal with his back. The game was evenly contested and for a time neither side could show much effect on the defence of the other. The play was mostly in mid-field. Harry Cale seemed likely to get through but Lucas cleared. After a good bit of combination by Hereford the ball was centred but Williams shot wide. Hereford had a narrow escape later on when Watts passed out to Pudge who centred and within a yard off goal the whistle blew for offside. Smith stopped a run down with a timely kick, and Vicarage was called upon to defend. Pudge drove in a good centra but Sutton sent out to the left, and Heywood tricked Smith but Rodney Powell came to the rescue. Half-time came with the scores at par. The second half opened in tame fashion, and the Town soon had to play on the defensive. Ledbury got to the other end, and Cale missed a good opening. At the other end Williams tested Vicarage, but found him safe. Cale soon after scraped the cross-bar with a shot. Hereford began to steadily press, and Watkins shot in, but Partridge cleared. It seemed as though Ledbury were going to draw first blood. The ball went out to Goodwin, who cleverly got through the defence, and within a yard of the goal fell to his knees. Hedges immediately pounced on the leather and rolled on it, with the Ledbury forwards on him. Tho referee bounced the ball and Hereford cleared. This seemed to put Hereford on their mettle, and Shepperd shot the only goal of the match. Ledbury tried hard to equalise, and Pudge and Goodwin individually once or twice came up the wing but all efforts proved futile, and the game closed with Hereford winners 1-0.

The "LEDBURY REPORTER." The People's Paper. Everybody reads it.