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LEDBURY POLICE. I WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22. I Before Alderman John Riley (in the chair), Mr Spencer H Bickham, Mr R Buchanan, Dr M A Wood, and Mr J W Hewitt. Mr H Thacker took the oath and his seat on the Bench by virtue of his office as Chairman of I Ledbury Urban District Council. APPLICATION. Mr M J Powell, of the Horse and Groom Hotel, Colwall, was granted an extention till 12 en May 11 on the occasion of a female Odd- fellows' tea and dance. Mrs K Jones, of the Yew Tree, Colwall, was granted an extension of one hour on April 30 on the occasion of a dinner of the Air-Rifle Club. NO LICENSE. George Henry Stallard, farmer, of Dingwood Park, Ledbury, for whom Mr H W Orme (Messrs Russell and Co) appeared and pleaded guilty, was lined jS7 and 10s costs for removing 11 pigs within 28 days without a removal licence on April 2, 1914. Supt Williams proved the case, and Mr H W Orme, fur the defence, stated that Mr Stallard acted unthinkingly in allowing the pigs to be removed withiu 28 days of their arrival there. It transpired that Mr Stallard had also been summoned in respect of these pigs, which were removed to Radmarley,atLpton-on-Severn Petty Sessions yesterday (Thursday) and the Magis- trates' Clerk (Mr C B Masefield) said he would write to the Magistrates' Clerk at Upton and inform him that Mr Stallard had been con- victed here. DECISION DEFERRED. James Wood, of Bishop's Froome, was sum- moned for driving a locomotive and waggon without having a communication cord attached at Tarrington on August 6 last, and Edwin Turbot, of Alfrick, was summoned for a similar offeuce on the same date. These cases were heard last; summer, when the defence was that they were not liable to the bye-law under which the proceedings were taken and the cases were dismissed. The County Council successfully appealed and fresh summonses were issued. P.C. Matthews explained that the scuffle and harrows, in respect of which the first sum- mons was issued, were both on wheels for conveyance on the road. Mr Orme said it was laid down in the ruling of the King's Bench Division that if the impli- ments were placed on wheels for travelling on the road then they were to be classed as vehicles. Mr Hewitt (from the bench) said a scuffle travelled on wheels when in use, but harrows did not. James Wood, of Bishops Froome, one-af the defendants, in reply to questions from the Bench, said that the harrow had three wheels, which were permanently fixed. When they were travelling along the road the wheels were raised, on a crank. The wheels were used for steering. Mr Orme said now that Mr Wood had explained it strengthened the case considerably. He left their Worships to come to what decision they likgd. Instead of separate wheels it had wheels of its own, but not always in use. There were axles attached permanently. When the harrows were on the land the wheels were taken off. But immediately the wheels were attached it became a vehicle. If the wheels were permanently attached for the purpose of scuffling or harrowing, as the case might be, he suggested that they were not vehicles. He asked the Bench to come to the conclusion that they were not vehicles. The Bench decided that they would give their decision that day fortnight. CRUELTY TO A BULLOCK. Nicholas Price, drover, of Malvern Link, was charged with ill-treating a bullock in the Ledbury Cattle Market, on the 7th April. Inspector Lewis, R.S.P.C.A., of Hereford, said that he was at the Ledbury Cattle Market, during the early part of the sale on April 7. He saw defendant trying to get eight or ten cattle out of a pen into the sale ring. He had great difficulty in doing so. Defendant was standing in the ring with a big ash stick in his hand and was beating the cattle unmercifully. One of them had a great weal on its side. After thp. cattle had passed through the pen he followed the defendant and demonstrated with him. Ex-Sergt. Lloyd could corroborate him. John Lloyd, County Court bailiff, said he was present at the time, and his attention was called to the incident by Inspector Lewis. He noticed several weals on the right hand side of some yearling beasts. There was several ridges upon the beasts made by the stick. Defendant had a butt ash stick. Defendant said he had been a drover for 6 years, and had been at the market a good many times. He had never been summoned before and had not a stain on his character. The Chairman iutlicted a fine of 10s and 14s costs and defendant was given a month to pay. Defendant paid 6s down. ASSAULT AT HAMBROOK. James Prosser, of Hambrook, Ledbury, was summoned for assault on Honor O'Shea, also of Hambrook, Ledbury, on April 4. Complainant said she lived with Prosser at the time of the assault on April 4. He had been to his employer for his money, and some time later he came back and went to hit her on the head. She put up her arm and received three blows on the arm. A woman at Wallhills dressed her arm and said that there was a clot of blood on her arm. She could not do any work at present. Defendant: Didn't you get up on Sunday morning and curse me when I was under the doctor's hands ? You drove me out of the house and when I came back you cursed me again ? Is that right ? Complainant No; it is quite wrong. Defendant: I have never hit that woman in my life. Prosser pointed to his eye and asked com- plainant hoiv long she bad cut it open. She replied that it was nine years. Ernest Prosser, of Hambrook, said that his mother went to Ledbury on Saturday night and when she came back into the house Prosser started swearing at her. He also hit witness across the shoulder, and he hit his mother as hard as he could. Defendant Did you throw a stone at me that night ? Witness No, I did not it was my brother Stanley. Prosser, on entering the witness-box, said that when complainant came home on Saturday night she started swearing at him. He went out and she followed him to a building. She had got a stone in her hand. -When he came back into the house she started swearing again and kept it up till 11 o'clock. Defendant was ordered to pay 10s and was bound over for 12 months in the sum of £5. CHILDREN'S- COURT. I Herbert Hopkins (9) and James Davis (9), both of Yarkhill, were brought up on remand from the last court charged with stealing two motor-car head lamps, one generator, one watch, one jack, one leather glove, and one tumbler glass from a motor-car, the property of Rev E W Randle, Vicar of Stretton Grandison. Frederick James Hall. chaufleur to Rev E W Randle, said he was driving the car when it broke down. He put it inside a field by the road When he went to take it away on the 26th of March he missed several articles to the value of j37. He had not seen the articles since. Questioned by the Bench as to the security of the generator witness replied that it was fastened by thumbscrews and the watch was screwed into the dashboard, and the jack was- light enough to be carried by any of the boys. By the Bench Do you think these lads could carry away the whole of the things ? Witness If they had something to put them in they could. Father of Hopkins: Do you think the children could do such a thing ? Witness I could not say. The Clerk read out the evidence given by the police at the last Court, and asked Hopkins if he was still of the same opinion that the case should be tried by jury at Hereford ? Supt. Williams explained the time and trouble it would cause to the parents, and Hopkins elected that the children should be tried forthwith. Both young defendants pleaded not guilty and Herbert Hopkins said that Davis took the lamp, and then burst out crying. Hopkins said he did not believe the children had taken the things. He thought that Davis had been put up to saying what he had by the police. The Bench retired to consider the case, and on returning decided to give the children the I benefit of the doubt and dismissed the case.

I NEWENT. I PARISH COUNCIL.—The usual monthly meeting of the Parish Council was held on Monday evening, Colonel W F N Noel presiding.—Mr Douglas gave notice that at the next meeting he would move that Esther's Savern's Charity be considered at the following meeting.-A, letter was read from Mr W H Price with reference to the income tax on the Town Hall, and the matter was allowed to lie on the table.—Mr Phillips wrote again as to the football being kicked into his garden on Good Friday and damaging his crops and hedge.—Complaint was made of some person playing golf on the Recrea- tion Ground to the danger of the children.—Mr Douglas reported that the County Rate basis reduction for Newent was £ 1,004, which was considered very satisfactory.—Mr Bidmead's estimate for repairs, etc., at the cemetery, and at the caretaker's house (£4 12s 6d), was accepted.—Mr 0 T Price produced and read through the deeds relating to the conveyance of the Town Hall to the Parish Council, which were signed by Col. Noel, Miss Hutchinson, and Mr B Holloway.—Cheques were signed for F70 16s 6d.—Colonel Noel was re-elected Chairman and Mr W H Martin Yice-Chairman, and the old Committees were re-elected.-lt was decided to insure the Town Hall and the fire engine against fire for j3500 and 2100 respectively.—Mr Douglas proposed that there should be six overseers instead of four. The proposition found no seconder, and therefore fell through. The following were elected over- seers:-Messrs P Winfield, P Penwarden, Brian (The Green Farm), and C Newman (&Iderleys).-Precepta were issued for £ 40.— Summer lighting was agreed to on the same terms as last year (27 2s 6d.)

I -Visiting Cards printed at the Reporter' Office.

LEDBURY PARISH CHURCH. I Annual Easter Vestry Meeting. I On Friday night last the annual Easter Vestry meeting of the Ledbury Parish Church of St. Michael's and All Angels was held at the Church Room. The Rector (Rev F W Carnegy) presided, and also present were Messrs C H Bastow and W P Barry (churchwardens), Mrs Carnegy, Mrs Gardiner, Mr and Mrs W T Watkins, Mrs Barnham, Mrs Dale, Mr and Mrs B Chadd and Miss Chadd, Messrs C B Masefield, F W Wade, Henry Garrood, W II Horton, J J Tilley, J F Low, A J Cbadd, T Chadd, W N Powell, T W Hunt, A Howard Smith, H I J Pritchard, S Clarke, W Clarke, W Man- sell, S W Mills, G W Paul, G Henner, etc. THE CHARITY ACCOUNTS. I The Charity accounts for the year were first submitted by Mr Bastow (senior church- warden). On the Drummond Hay Fund account there was a balance in hand of 153 Id, after needlework prizes to the amount of £113 4d had been given. On the Grammar School Charity account there was a balance in hand of 112 4s 9d, due to the fact that they had not had any boy at the school during the last year. The reason for that was that they got behind in their payments to Mr Wade (the headmaster), and repairs were needed to one of the cottages, and for that reason they did not send a boy to the school last year. They would be having a boy commence next W term. The cottages from which their income principally came had been insured for .£400. They were formerly insured for £ 2'50, but they thought that hardly sufficient, Mr Garrood What proportion of the fees do we pay for a boy ? Mr Bastow: Half; it comes to between £ 5 and -66 a year. Mr Garrood Do you confine yourself to one boy ? Mr Bastow: Oh, no; we have had two there but we can't afford to keep two there regularly. Mr Bastow added that with regard to the Baylis and Parsons' Charity account, from which the expenses for the Sunday School were paid. they had five dividends this year, owing to Easter being late, and there had been no difficulty in meeting the expenses for the Sunday School. On the motion of Mr Sidney Clarke, seconded by Mr A J Chadd, the accounts were passed. CHURCH COLLECTIONS I Mr Bastow, in submitting the church collections account, said these were simply a case of cross entries. Societies had had L84 189 8d, sick and need v £ 52 8s 2.1, parochial fund Y,10 13a 9d, and there was a balance for the Diocesan Fund of < £ 5' 4k 5d. They would keep that in hand until they knew what they bad to find under the new scheme of finance. He was very pleased to say that the offertory on Good Friday of £2 118 7d, was £ 1 10s more than it wa& last year. The payments were:—Sick and needy, per the Rector, Z2 8i 2d Parochial fund, ClO 13s 9d Curate fund, £ 12 3's 4d Agricultural Benevolent fund, L5. 5s Cot- tage Hosital, £ 19 9s; Society Propagation Gospel, LS lis Clothing Club, Jb3 2d Coal Club, £ 3 9s 2d Church of England Waifs' and Strays' Society, £û: 7a 6-1; Nursing fund, LO 7s 7d Church Missionary Society, 17 2s fid Boot Club. £4 18i 5d St.. Martin's Home, L2 lls 7d balance (Diocesan f tind), L5 4a 5d total, JS148 Oa 7d. CHURCH EXPENSES ACCOUNT. I This account Mr Bastow described as the most important account. The receipts were :—Balance, church expenses, Eister, 1913, Y,2 9s 3d balance, repair fund, £:30 63 4d; balance, improved lighting, £ 10; balance, choir fund (with choir sec.) £ 2 14s 9d, offertories, choir fUI1(I,.£ 10!1 &I- L5 5s 3d; offertories, church expenses, Y,194 Is 10*1; subscriptions, church expenses, £41 18s; churchyard account, 13; donations, improved lighting, £ 25; visitors' box, for repair fund, £2l 14s 3.1 total, 1333 14s lid. The payments were: Salaries, £ 103 68 10.1 heating account, £ 27; lighting account, gas, £ 23 1 Is 5d, candles, 94 163 3d— £ 28 10s 8d fire insurance, £ 13 4s; stationery and printiug, 9s 9d belfry account, E4 17s Sd church- yard account, 126 4s 81; choir expenses, J:3 19s 9d, balance with choir secretary £ 1 5s 6d— £ 5 53 3d washing surplices, &c., £ 3 lis 101 general necessaries and sundries. £1-1 12s 2d pension account, £ 6 17s 6d; Curate fund (transfer from sub- scription account) £ 10; repairs from repair fund, JE36 14s Id balance, improved lighting, £ 35; balance, repair fund, JE15 6s 6d balance, ch urch expenses, F-2 14s total £ 333 14s lid. Commenting upon the accounts, Mr Bastow, said the offertories of £ 194 Is lOd included a donation of LIO, whiebl was put into the offertory on Easter Sunday morning. They had 37 offertories against 32 last year, by reason of Easter being later tnis year. The average offertory was L5 43 lOd, but if they excluded the donation of LIO, it was only £4 199 8,1, against £ 5 4s 5d last year, and Y,5 9s 2d the year before, a still further fall in the average offertory for church expenses. If the offertories continued to keep falling like this, something would have to be done, as they could not go on like that. He really thought they ought to keep the offertories to over £5 5s, as they could not go on under. The vestry would notice there was a balance of £ 2 14s. but thu wis reilly due to the kindness of different ladies and gentlemen who had subscribed, and he would like to take that opportunity of saying how thankful the churchwardens were for the generous response to the appeal they made. The response was everything that could be desired, but in his opinion there ought not to be any need for it, they should be able to pay from the offertories for the expenses of the church. The heating account was more than last year, but that was accounted for by the fact that they had to continue heating the church after Easter last year owing to the very cold weather. With regard to the lighting account they used 116,000 feet of gas against 113,400, and this was accounted for by the late Easter this year. The fire insurance was L13 4s against £ 3 163 6d last year. The year before last finished up their seven years' premiums, and the new premium became due and had to be paid after Easter last year and owing to Easter being late this year they had had to pay another premium, so that they had really paid two premiums in their financial year. In the account for repair S.28 7a was for the church- yard paths, which were a great improvement, and would last for many years with simply a coat of tar occasionally put on. The nave and tower, everything except the chancel, was insured for £ 11,350. The amount from the visitors' box was about the same, and subscriptions for the churchyard account were £ 3 against .£4, as one regular sub- scriber had died and they lost 11 subscrip- tion. Mr Garrood What is the rate per cent of the insurance premium? Mr Bastow: Is 6d per cent. in the ecclesiastical office, and 5 per cent, of the premiums goes in grants. The Rector, commenting on the accounts. said the offertory on Good Friday was the best they had ever had in the Church. As regards the Diocesan Fund every parish would be asked to contribute something to a central diocesan fund, and that would be the case in every parish in every diocese. What that something was they did not know, and would be decided upon by the Board of Finance. As regards the donation foi improved lighting, Miss Bickham passer over a sum of money to his care as a result of The Pied Piper entertainment, and ht gave 125 of it to the improved lighting of the church fund, and as he already had Y,10 in hand that made X35 towards improved lighting. With regard to the fire insurance he hoped the churchwardens would be able to pay the seven years' premiums, and thus gain a year's premium. He would be very glad if it could be arranged, although it was a big thing to pay Z2S to £ 30 for fire insurance in one year. Mr Bastow had referred to the subscriptions received for church expenses, and it was gratifying to know that when the old church wanted a little, extra money there was really no oifficulty in getting it. A good deal depended upon the way the money was asked for, and Mr Bastow asked for it in such a way that it could not be refused. The average of the offertories had gone down and he was sorry to say so. There was no reason for it, as congregations were keeping up, and increasing he believed. The average of the offertories was the lowest since 1909, when it was E4; lis 6d. On the motion of Mr Mansell, seconded by Mr Howard Smith, the accounts were passed. THANKS. I The Chairman proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the two retiring churchwardens. He must say how much he appreciated all the help they had given to him during the last year, how much he had leaned upon them, how ready they had ever been to keep themselves in the background for the service of the church. They had been a great help and support to him on many occasions, and had given him good advice from a business point of view. They had managed the finances in an exceedingly capable manner, and had brought a balance on the right side. He did not think they could come across in the diocese a better kept church than Ledbury Church, both inside and outside. He was rural dean of this rural deanery, and he knew of no church better kept than Ledbury Church, which was something to say, as it was a building of unusual) dimensions. Their churchwardens gave a kindly welcome to any strangers coming into the church and made them at home. Beyond it all they looked upon their work as churchwardens from the highest point of view, regarding the position as an honourable one, and no post could be looked upon by them as a higher one to fill. He proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Churchwardens for their exceedingly good work. (Applause) Mr T Chadd seconded, and the resolution was unanimously carried. Mr Battow thanked the Chairman for his remarks, and said be looked upon the office of churchwarden as the most honourable office a layman could hold ia< the church, and he also felt it to be a. very high honour. He had the greatest pleasure in doing what- ever he could for the good of the church. Whatever position he might be in, whether churchwarden or not, he should always- do his best for the church. He thanked them very much. (Applause). Mr Barry said he could only reiterate what Mr Bastow bad said. It was a real pleasure to him to work for the church, aad he thanked them very much. Mr Barry proposed a vote of thanks to the sidesmen. He did not know where the churchwardens would be if they had not such a good body of sidesmen at their back They gave Mr Bastow and himself every assistance. One or two of them bad assisted Captaih Nash in that room, and it was really such an excellent work that they could not begrudge them being there. He thanked all the sideamen for the excellent support they gave the chutch. Mr Bastow, in seconding, said, as church- wardens, they felt particularly the help of the sidesmen. They were always at hand, and when there was anything special oa they were there to help them. The Chairman associated himself with the vote of thanks. He thought the parish was happy in being represented by two such ch urch wardens and s idesmen. The vote was unanimously accorded. Mr Bastow proposed a vote of tbanks to the hou. auditor, Mr F N Wheaton, who had again audited the accounts. Mr Masefield seconded, and the resolution was carried unanimously. ELECTION OF OFFICIALS. Mr Sidney Clarke said it was impossible i to find two gentlemen to carry out the duties of churchwarden better than Mr Bastow and Mr Barry, and he had great pleasure in proposing their re-election. Mr A J Chadd seconded. Mr Horton: And I am sure all church. people support it. The re-election was carried by acclama- tion, aud both gentlemen briefly replied. The Chairman said the Vestry had done exceedingly wisely to re-elect the gentlemen, and they would have done foolishly had they not done so. He looked forward to a happy, prosperous and hopeful year for the church, with two the churchwardens. The retiring sidesmen were Messrs W T Watkins, T Chadd, A G T Binks and H Vernon Smith, who were not eligible for re-election this year, and a fifth sidesman was required in place of Mr W J Dawe for one year. Messrs. P Perkins, A G Smith, H R Cotton and Henry Garrood were elected Ridesmen for three years, and Mr A J Chadd for one year. On the motion of Mr T Chadd, seconded by Mr A G Smith, Mr F N Wheaton was re-appointed auditor. VOTES OF THANKS. Mr W N Powell proposed a vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs T W Hunt for the very able manner in which they had kept the church during the past year. They were also very pleased to see Mrs Hunt with them again (Hear, hear). Mr G W Paul seconded, and the vote having been unanimously accorded, Mr Hunt briefly returned thanks. Mr Wade proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman, and said whenever the Rector took the chair his conduct was always characterised by great courtesy and his practical knowledge of business habits in the way of conducting a meeting. (Applause.) The vote having been carried by acclama- tion, the Chairman thanked Mr Wade for his kind expression. He had not been rector of a parish w here a rector was so backed up by the people of the church aa at Ledbury. the work became easy when, one bad at one's back such a body of laymen and one's work was made happier. It was vastly different from the old days when the clergyman did everything. What he had tried to teach them since he came there was that the Church was their Church and God's Church. The laity had been the strength of. Nonconformity, not the ministers, and the weakness of the Church had been that the clergy were not disposed to take the laity nto their confidence. (Hear, hear.) But hat was all being changed now, and it was a change for the better. (Applause.) This concluded the meeting.

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FROOME'S HILL. ENTERTAINMENTS.—T*o capital entertain- ments were given at Froome's Hill School oik Friday afternoon and evening by local amateurs. On such a fine afternoon a full house could hardly have been expected, but there was &. fairly good attendance, and in the evening. when the programme was delightfully informal,, the audience was too large to be accomodated with comfort in the room. The proceeds are to- go towards payment for a new piano which was recently purchased for the schoolroom. A eouple of amusing sketches were performed, I I A, serious laughing matter" and H Our at 'bme day." The former deals with the trials of a well-naeaaing, but slatternly Irish washer- woman, cleverly acted by Miss Holloway, whose attempts to conduct a laundry in England eaeet with dire results. Miss Pudge, as her daughter Nor ah-, looked very well and assumed the Irish brouge with good effect. There was not much scope for Miss Rogers, who took the part qf Miss Thomas, one of Mrs O'Brien's long- suffering customers, or for Miss Griffin in the character of the servant, Susan, but both of them contributed largely to the fun. The second sketch shows how the social aspirations of Henrietta Snobson are doomed to failure, but hints as to the possibility of a "nice young man," who is mentioned but does not put in an appearance, becoming enamoured of her, when, we are lefc to imagine, local society will be a secondary consideration. Mr Holloway, who had to take the part of Mrs Snobson at very short notice, gave an excellent impersonation of that much-tried woman, putting on a plaintive falsetto voice, which, with the aid of an effective make-up, made it difficult for the audience to realise that the actor was not of the" hir sex." Miss Holloway acted the part of Henrietta iu a natural manner, and Miss purlge was capital as the grubby maid, Sabina. Miss Miy Pudge's recitations and 'cello solos were equally enjoy- able. Miss Taylor contributed a well-played piano solo, and Miss Lulu Parker waa responsible for several charming songs. Mr Hoult's solos were highly appreciated. Miss G Grove Harris sang two dainty Irish songs in costume, given in excellent style. Miss Pippen Shew, a youthful, but graceful dancer, was heartily applauded for her dances, and Mr C Davies's comic songs were also very popular. Special mention must be mtde of Mr George Brodie, whose songs and genial manner con- tributed so largely to the success of the evening evening performance.

I CODDINGTON. FUNERAL OF MAJOR MAI:TTINDA LE: -VALE. On Monday, the 20th inst., there was laid to rest in Ooddington Churchyard the mortal remains of the late Major Henry Edward Martindale- Vale, late Worcestershire Regiment and D.L. for the county. The service was most impressively taken by the Rev Canon Bulkeley, Rector, the commital portion at the graveside being taken by the Rev Canon Pitts, son-in-law of the deceased. The church was filled with the most attentive and reverent congregation. Very many lovely floral tributes were sent by the parishioners, tenants and relatives. The late Major was a son of William Vale, Lieut. R.N., J.P., D.L., of Mathon Court, Worcester- I shire. He will be much missed, having lived at the Court for the long period of sixty-three years. He was a keen follower of the Ledbury Hounds in the time of the late Mr J C Thack- well and Mr T M Talbot. A muffled peal was rung at the conclusion of the service. CAMPANOLOGY.—On Monday last at All Saints' Church, Coddington, a muffled quarter peal of grandsire doubles 1,260 changes, in 45 minutes was rung by the following :—C Greening treble, H Webley 2, R Thomas 3, C Webley 4, W Greening 5, H Thomas tenor. Conducted by C Webley. The peal was rung as a last token of respect to Major Martindale- Vale, of Coddington Court, who died April 16, 1914, and was buried on Monday.

4 ATI OH AL CONSERVATIVE LEAGUE. [ Ledbury Lodge Hold a Suooessful I Gathering. On Saturday night the members of the Ledbury and District Lodge held a most success- ful gathering on the occasion of their monthly meeting and smoking concert, held at the lodge room at the New Inn Hotel, Ledbury. The Worthy Master of the Lodge (Bro WL Pritchett) presided, and was supported by the Deputy- Master (Bro J E Craddock), Bro Henry Garrood, Bro H R Cotton (chairman of the Executive Committee) and the lodge officers. At the business meeting nine new members were elected, including one or two who have hitherto been identified with the Radical Party. CONGRATULATIONS, I Bro John Preece said he would like to' congratulate the mern-bers of the Lodge upon the improved position that they placed their Depttty M .ster on the poll at the recent election, and it «■. satisfactory to-state that he attained a tikore I..minent position. He would like to congratulate the members of the Lodge and the Deputy-Master on that achievement. Bro Preece also drew attention to the fact that the registration work would be coming on shortly and the necessity of holding themselves ready for a, General Election in the near future. (Applii-i,e-) Subst gently the business meeting closed, and theiu was a very large attendance of members for th* smoking concert. During the evening the Worthy Master said they could congratulate themselves on again augmenting their numbers. They had made nine members that night and that was a very respectable number for any meeting. (Applause.). He called upon Deputy-Master Craddock and Bro Cotton to report to them on the proceedings at Grand Lodge, Deputy-Master Craddock first of all thanked1 them for the vote they gave him on Monday, April 6; in placing him fourth on the list at the Urban Council Election. (Hear, hear.) He felt that they had some confidence in him in placing him fourth on the poll out of nine candidates. He could assure them that he would do his best for the welfare of the town of Ledbury. (Hear, hear.) Personally, he felt he could almost call himself a native of the town, as next February he would have been there for 20 years. (Hear, hear.) Referring to his visit in company with Bro Cotton, to Grand Lodge in London on April 1, he must say he was somewhat disappointed. Last year they had some extraordinarily good; speeches from some very learned men, but on this occasion owing to the disturbed condition of politics he thought their brethren at Grand' Lodge refrained from speaking as they would have done under other circumstances. He thought they were waiting for a lead, and they did not care to committ themselves. They simply explained to the delegates what they had seen in the papers- the question of the Army versus the nation. He sincerely hoped this cloud that was hanging over them would soon be dispelled. (Hear, hear, and applause.) GRAND- LOD&E DOINGS. I Bro H, R Cotton said having been a, oo. delegate with the Deputy-Master to Grand Lodge it was his pleasing duty to give them some impressions of his visit. As regards the ofifcers uf Grand Lodge he was pleased to tell them that all the officers had bee-n re-elected. The Duke of Somerset was again Grand Master, and he had promised' to assist the Lodge considerably next year. He was unable to do so during the last year owing to pressure of business in other ways, but he had promised to take a personal interest in the League during the ensuing year and he thought they might rightly expect good things of him. The National Conservative League was still doing a great and good work. (Hear, hear.) They had increased their membership and now had 125 lodges and a total membership of 10^624. They had during the past year opened up 13 now lodges, chiefly in the county of Durham., and they were led to understand that further lodges would be opened, up in the course of a few weeks in the same county. Durham had hitherto been a strongly Radical county, and they were hoping to return a very strong and good Unionist member for the county next lime. The Worcestershire brethren had also been working very keenly, and had increased their membership from 1.200 to 1,601. He thought they ould run them pretty close in Herefordshire, especially as regards their own lodge. The Deputy-Master We are above Worcester- shire. Bro. Cotton, continuing, said special uaentio-a was made in the report of Grand Lodge to the work done by different Members of Parliament, and among them was the Member for that division, Captain Clive—(anplause)—who knew what a valuable asset the National Conservative League was to him at election times as well as at other times, and it no doubt caused him to take a keen interest in it. There was also special mention made of four secretaries of lodges who had rendered valuable service to the Grand Secretary. Next year a larger means of finance would be at the disposal of the League so that further work could bo done in the opening of lodges. There were places where other lodges could be opened and a special effort would be made so that more funds could be raised and the work of the League carried still further than it had been done. Regarding the speeches which they genorally heard at G rand Lodge from the big men of the party he must say, with their Deputy-Master, that they were extremely disappointing. The position in the country was somewhat critical and they did not know how far to go to be safe. There were some curious things being said about that time, and the speakers were very tentative in their remarks, and rightly so, as the crisis was at that time too serious for them to touch upon. (Hear, hear.) As showing the interest which Captain Clive took in the League, he was present at the meeting and the luncheon afterwards. One point in the report that he would mention was that one member of a lodge in Kent had been instrumental in making 130 new members, and great credit was due to that man for the work he had put in to attain such a result. (Applause.) Turning from matters concerning the Grand Lodge, Bro. Cotton reported that he had received a letter from Bro. H Yoxall, secretary of the Sir Richard Temple Lodge, inviting the brethren of the Ledbury Lodge to pay them a return visit to Worcester on Thursday, May 7. Ho hoped the brethren would make a note of the date, make an etfort to accept the general invitation, and insure a good attendance. As regards the numbers of their own lodge in reference to the other lodges in the league he could not give them the exact figures, but they were an equal second in the tribute they paid to Grand Lodge. Deputy-Master Craddock added a few words with reference to tke forthcoming visit to Wor- cester on Thursday, May 7. The Worthy Master announced that at the next meeting of the Lodge, which would be the last of the session, Captain Clive would pay them a visit. (Applause). The meeting would be on Thursday, May 28, of which due notice will be given. Bro. Hy. Garrood proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the entertainers, and referred to the excellent judgment of Bro W G Witham in securing the services of such an excellent artiste as Mr Harry Nickson, the principal entertainer that evening. He also emphasised the great services rendered at the lodge U smokers" by Bro E W Reed at the piano. (Applause). Bro Reed briefly acknowledged the compli- ment, and said the entertainers were only too pleased to do what they could to entertain the brethren. The Worthy Master was cordially toasted on the call of the Deputy-Master, and in replying, the Master referred! to the fact that Bro A Short was a new member, and they cordially wel- comed him-(applause)-which the new brother briefly acknowledged in a few words. The musical programme was an exceedingly good one, the chief contributor being Mr Harry Nickson, oomedianj of Hereford, whose songs and patter proved exceedingly to the liking of the members, and he was vociferously encored. Mi-kado," "The Silent Magician" and Japanese conjurer, also added to the programme with a clever exhibition under difficulties. Bros David Smith and E Godsall contributed enjoy- able songs, and the instrumental trios by Bros. C W'Jessett, G F Palmer and Mr R Summers were most popular. Bro. E W Reed was, as usual, at the piano, and rendered his customary excellent service. The proceedings concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.

I, LEDBURY URBAN COUNCIL. I I Annual Meeting. I I Mr Herbert Thacker Eleoted I Chairman. The annual meeting of the Ledbury Urban District Council was held on Friday night last at the Barrett Browning Institute, when the whole of the members were present. Prior to the statutory meeting an informal meeting: of the members was held. Mr E H Hopkins (the retiring chairman), presided, and the other members were Messrs C H Bastow, A Carless, W G Davis, S Clarke, H Thacker, F W Juckes, T S S Gardner, W L Tilley, J Preece, J E Craddock, A C Lewis,. R Lawrence, A Warren, and the Rev Father Lynch, together with the Clerk (Mr Reginald Masefield). r ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Mr Davis proposed that Mr Thacker be appointed Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year. Since he had been, elected, to the Council Mr Thacker had been very attentive to his duties, and had served 12: months' apprenticeship as Chairman .of the Sanitary Committee, and this being the, third year of his second term oE office as a member of the Council, he thought it would be very complimentary to appoint him as their Chairman. Mr Warren seconded. There was no other proposition, and- oa being put to the vote eight voted for and two agamst. and the resolution was there- fore declared carried. Mr Hopkins then vacated the chair in favour of Mr Thacker, who on taking the position,- sii.I he would endeavour to do the best he could for the ratepayers of the town, and give independent decisioos in his ruliagp. He hoped he would have the support of all the members of the Council and hA would endeavour to conduct the business to the best of his ability. (Hear, hear.) Mr Bastow said he could say on his part that so fas as he was concerned be would be loyal to the Chairman. Mr Gardner: We shall all be loyal; we always have been. (Hear, hear.) I THANKS TO THE RETIRING CHAIR-I MAN. The Chairman said he wished to propose a hearty vote of thanks to their retiring Chairman, Mr Hopkins. Although things had not been so pleasant as they might have been, yet he hoped they would be forgotten, and that all of them would let bygones be bygones. (Hear, bear.) Mr Bastow seconded, and said as chair- man Mr Hopkins had carried out the business of the Council in a thoroughly proper manner. (Hear, hear.) The resolution was carried unanimously and Mr Hopkins briefly acknowledged the compliment. I APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES. I The Committees were elected as follow Finance Committee-All the members of the Council except Mr Carleas and Mr Juckes. Streets Committee—The whole Council. Sanitary Committee-The whole Council. General Purposes Committee—The whole Council. Joint Darial Board Committee—Messrs Hopkins, Gardner, Clarke, Warren and Juckes, r,he latter taking the place of Mr Davis, who said he thought it about time the Committee considered the question of fees, and when the question arose Mr Juckes with his experience would be most useful. This concluded the business of the j meeting.

MUNSLEY. VESTRY MEETINH.-At Munsley the Rector (Rev L G Hunt) stated that there was a balance in hand of £ 12 14s lid. Mr E Pritebett retains the post of churchwarden.

PUTLEY. IN NEW ZEALAND. Mr George Preece, formerly of Putley, writing from Peebles, via Oamora, New Zealand, to his brother, Mr L 0 Preece, Putley, states that there is plenty of work at good wages in New Zealand, and that. he would not care to work fin the old country now, where he terms the wages as 44 starvation wages. Printed and Published for and on behalf of the EXECUTRIX of the late TnoMAs V A UGH AW,  by WILLIAM S. BOWES. Manager, at the I Printing Works, New Street? Le?bmy, in the County of Hereford.