The Abergavenny Mail

Furniture, Floor Coverings, and aM Furnishings. Hereford's Leading Furnishers LINDSEY PRICE, Ltd. (LITE HOLLOWAY & WEBB), 16, COMMERCIAL ST., HEREFORD. An Immense Selection IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. CARRIAGE PAJD.

LEMURY AND DISTITICT MR- I RIFLE LEAGUE. Annual Dinner and Presentations. OaFriday night last a large company asaem- loled at the New Ion Hotel Assembly Soon, Ledbury, on the occasion of the annual dinner promoted by the Ledbury and District Air- Riie Leagae, which was succeeded by a mmok- ing concert, at which the presentation of the shield and medals won in competition during the last season, was made. Captain A. V Holman presided, with Mr Mr C G Carnock in the vice-chair, and amongst those present were Sergt-Inat Craue, Messrs W S Bowes (Chairman of the League), A T J one. (hon. .secretary), W G Marklove, T G Drew, E W Reed, R A Pawl, S Bowen, W Pitt, W Gardiner, J W Teague, J Pitt, G Wadley, W H Lane, B J Voller, F J Brako, C Moss, C W Jakeman. C Fardon, T Phillips, E Howard, J Hollings, E G Morris, J Huish. C Curnock, P Adams, F Reece, J Brown, G Bayliss, G Hulls, J Godwin, C Smart, J Potter, C W Smart, J Hodges, W Hodges, W Davis, J Davis, J Jones, E Gibbons, H Mitchell, B Dalley, A J DdW, C W Jessett, R Summers, W C Chadd. etc., etc. Host and Hostess E W Palmer placed a most appetising cold collation on the tables, to which full j ustice was done. After dinner the Chairman gave the loyal toast iÐ the time-honoured fashion—" Gen- tlecoen-the King," and a verse of the National Anthem was stuog- Mr E W Reed, in proposing the toaat of the "Imperial Foreea," said it was their Navy—the finest in the world-that any iavader would have to deal with first. Their was a small army, but it was not nimberS that counted, it was quality, and they bad quality. They were not always in England, and they could not be called together at any moment, so they would have to turn to the last hope-but not least-the auxiliary forces. They had a splendid leader, locally in Capt. HolmaB, and be would ask them to drink to his health. (Applause). The toast was drunk with great fervour and to the singing For he's a jolly good fellow. Captain Holman, in response to the toast, said that the auxiliary forces were a fiae thing, and he bad no doubt that when the time came the auxiliary forces would do all they could. (Loud applause). Mr W S Bowes -aid it gave him very great pleasure once again to riae aod sub- mit to them the toast of The Champions," who were once again the iuvincible team known as the Fox-(applause)-alid the Runners-up," the White Hart. (Applause). He was glad to see a fresh team as runners- up. one so valiantly led by Mr C Fardon. Referring to the champions, one could only express the admiration which be was sure I every man that had shot under thp auspices of the Ledbury and District Air-Rifla League bad for the winning team-the Fox. He thought that the Fox had demonstrated to the whole of the teams what could be done by perseverance and sticking together. (Applause). He believed that once again the whole of the records were held by the Fox team. They bad in their ranks the two champion shots in the league in Mr E G Morris and Mr J Boilings. (Applause). Mr Hollings, as they knew. was the ouly man out of between 200 and 300 mfn, who had shot in the league last season, to score a possible. (Applause). And he had also scored a 34, which as only one short. With regard to the runners-up, one could congratulate Mr Fardon upon the excellent team that he had got together. (Applause). The season before he badly wanted Mr Fardon to get a team together, but he could not see his way clear, and he could only suggest that it was a good job for the Fox that he didn't. (Laughter). 'I hey might have run the Fox closer last season than they did. They were the only team to have beaten the Fox, and it was only right that they should be the runners-up. He did not think he could say any more, except to express his hearty congratulation (Ap- plause). Next year he hoped they would have another couple of teams champions and runners-up, providing, of couree, it would be possible to get them. He coupled with the toast the names of Mr Morris and Mr Fardon. (Applause). Captain Holman then presented the championship shield to Mr E G Morris, the captain of the Fox. This is the third season the Fox have held it. Medals were also presented to the winning team, as followh:- Messrs E G Morris, J Hollings, G Walters. J Brown. J Huish, F Reece, G Bayliss, G Hulls and A Hampton. Medals were pre- sented to the following members of the White Hart team as "runners-up "Messrs C Fardon, E Howard, C Curnock, T Phillips, J Smith, H Smith, W Connop and P Adams. The following individual trophies were also presented by the Chairman :—Best aggregate during season (medal presented by Captain Holman), Mr E G Morris (Fox); best average shot during season (medal presented by Mr H C Cecil), Mr J Hollings (Fox); highest individual score (a possible ") in a match (medal presented by Mr W G Davis), Mr J Hollings; second highest individual score (34), in a match (silver spoon presented by the B.S. A., Ltd., through their Ledbury agent), Mr W H Lane (Wellington), who tied with five other shooters and won in the shoot-off. At the conclusion of the distribution of the sb ield and medals, Mr Morris thanked them very much for coupling his name with the toast He hoped the Fox team would stick together in the way they had done and run a good team next year. They had been chaffed a lot about being beaten, but they had managed to come out on top. (Applause.) Mr Fardon said he thought Mr Morris bad said more than he could sav. All that he could say was to thank them for all the nice things they had said about the runners-up. When they started the team he did not think they would get so close as they did, but be hoped to get closer next year. (Laughter and applause.) Mr Bowes submitted the toast of The Chairman," and said it gave him great pleasure to propose the toast of Capt. Holman's health. They all knew what he had done for the local company of Territorials. (Hear, hear.) He had gone to a great deal of trouble in coming there that night and they were always pleased to see him among them. (Applause.) Capt. Holman, in responding, thanked them very much for the way they had drunk the toast. He thought air-rifle shooting was a very fine thing indeed. It gave them a sense of good comradeship. The shooting had also a tendency to keep them steady, and it was undoubtedly a fine thing. (Applause.) Mr Curnock in proposing Success to the Ledbury and District Air-Rifle League," said that the League had been in existence for four years. It had been a very successful four years, which was no doubt due to the officials, the Chairman, Mr Bowes, and the secretary, Mr Jones. That was his opinion. (Hear, hear.) He asked them to drink to the continued prosperity of the Ledbury and District Air-Rifle League, and he coupled with it the name of Mr A T Jones. (Loud applause.) Mr Jones briefly responded and said he was very much obliged to them. He was also grateful to the visitors for the way they bad shown up. (Applause.) Mr T G Drew,, in proposing the health of the Vice-Chairman, aaid after the great success that had attended the Air-Rifle season he thought it would be an excellent idea if they could get in Ledbury a miniature rifle club. Personally, he would' only be too willing to join such a club and he trusted that some steps would be taken to bring about its formation. (Applause.) Mr Curnock briefly responded. The last toast was the Host and Hostess," given by Mir W S Bowes, and responded to by Mr Palmer. Daring tbe evening an excellent pro- gramme of harmony was contributed by the following :—Songs, Messrs H B Whyld, E W Reed, T G Drew, C Smart, J Huish, G F Palmer,. David Smith, jun.. and AT Jones; a duet by Messrs E W Reed and T G Drew and recitations by Mr A Rudall. Mr E; W Reed was the accompanist.

cl3000 Guaranteed on the ROYAL HUNT CUP. "JOHN BULL" sayg :—"The Totalisaftor Gl&ar- ig.it edged." "LON,DOV MAIL- wws:- Pit oldy Firm we cAn lafommend." The following is the or :— £ 5000 paid W- E. Farmer, Newbeld Beeches, Leenmiagtoa Spa. AIOOO paid to- W McIntyre, Taiko* Sugar Refinery, Hong Keng. &500 paid to- A Newbeuld, 102, Eiel-sfcreet, Bradford. ) CXther Starters dividp ASOO. Non- atarters divide .£2008 aad 200 £ 5 Prizes. Fall Terms Fres on application, melMtion- ing this paper to THE TOTALISATOR LUCERNE, Switzerland. ManagitigDirecto-r-M. CULLBRNB-BOWN.

THE COODINGTON FATALITY. I Inquest and Yerdlot. On Friday last at Coddington Farm, Cod- dington, Mir T Hutchinson (coroner), con- ducted an inquiry into the death of Mr George Price, fanner, aged 62 years, who was killed1 on the previous Wednesday afternoon under circumstances reported in our last issue. Mr James Ward was foreman of the following jury :-Messrs J Hill, D' Smith, H Mitchell, H Dawson, T Payne, ? Drew,. R Thomas, H Webley, R Lawrence, J Thomas, and H Bond. William Ernest Price, deceased's son, of the Mill Farm, Colwall, said his father was 62 years of age. On Wednesday witness assisted his father to do some rolling with a Cambridge roller. They bad three horses, two young horses in the traces and an old horse in the shafts. They finished rolling about two o'clock and were returning home. Deceased was in charge of the leading horse, and witness was leading the shaft horse. The roller made a noise as they came through the gate-way and it startled the second horse. They bolted and deceased was knocked down by the front horse. The roller passed over his head killing him on the spot. Witness epdevoured to stop the horse but failed. Dr A R Green, Ledbury, said that he was called to deceased's house on Wednesday.. Deceased was dead. He had received exten- sive injuries to the head and death was duer to a fractured skull and laceration of tke brain A verdict in accordance with 'the medical evidence was returned, and the jury passed a vote of condolence with the bereaved family.

r NEWSNT eOUITY CtJBIT. I Monday East.—Before his Heour Judge I A. B Ellicott. ADMINISTRATION ORDER. An administration order was granted to Arthur Turner, Church-Street. Newemt, who offered Tia 6d in the £ at 28 6d monthly on debts amounting to L18. 19s. 2d. GOODS SOLD. I Allan T. Lane sued Walter Sands for 13s. 10s., goods sold and delivered and wrongful use of horse and cart. A counter-claim for wages (14s.) was put in.—Mr F. P. Treasure (Gloucester and Cirencester) appeared for the plaintiff.—Judgment for plaintiff on the claim and counter-claim. BREACH OF WARRANTY. I Henry Jinks, Hewell's Farm, Broms- berrow Heath, sued William Bishop, Broms- feerrow Heath, to recover 120 damages for breach of warranty. Mr H W Orme; (Messrs Russell and Co Ledbury), appeared for defendant.—A Jury was 6mpauelledito try the ease. Plaintiff said that on January 28th he bought an iron grey horse from the defen- dant, who warranted it sound and free from aide-bones. He used it on the land plough- ing, harrowing, etc., up to March 28th, when he had occasion to send to Djrmock Railway Station, and it went very lame whilst on the road. He sent it to the black- smith to h shod and have its feet examined, and he I it bad side-bones. Henry Efardman, living with plaintiff, said he was present when the defendant said to plaintiff that the horse was perfectly sound and free from side-bones. Two days later the same conversation took plact. The first time it was used on the road (March ?Sth) it went very lame, George Cooper, Ryton, in the employ of plaintiff, said he took the horse to Dymock Station on March 28th, and it went very lame coming back. Thinking that perhaps there was something in his feet he took it to the blacksmith to have it examined and shod. W J Boyd, veterinary surgeon, Ledbury, said he examined the horse on April 9th for Mr Jinks, and found it had side-bones in both fore legs, and was lame. The side- bones were well marked and could easily be discerned. In all probability the horse would go lame directly it was worked on the road. The horse would not be worth £ 28 to work only on the land. The defendant said he did not warrant the horse sound and free from side-bones. Plaintiff only asked if the horse had been bad, and be (defendant) said no. The horse had never been lame whilst he bad it. Over two months elapsed before plaintiff wanted him to have-the horse back. Jinks then said that the horse had side- bones. He replied Yes, I know it has." Arthur Porkins, farm bailiff; spoke as to the horse being a good worker. He had used it for six weeks. W Watkins,roadman, and JhmesHill, road- man. both said they had used the horse on the water cart when road-making, and it was a good worker. It did not show any lame- ness whille> they used it, which, was different dates. William Hodges, of the BfellUnn, Ledbury, said he. heard Bishop say to Jlinks that it was a good' working horse. Alice Dennett, Bromsberrow. said she heard Jinks-say to Biahep some time afterwards that he was pleased with the horse. George Bishop, ChurchiFiwrn, Berrow, said be. knew the horse as a good worker, though it bad side-bones. The jury foundfo* thedefendant, and judg- ment was entered accordingly with costs. uiasier schedule A.

A NEW DIVORCE BILL.. [ Sexes Placed on Equality. j The text was issued on Tuesday of the. Bill introduced into the House of Lords by Lord Gorell, formerly President of the Divorce Court, to give eimect to the findings of the Royal Commission on Divorce, so far as they were common to the majority and minority report. The principal enacting clause pro- vides that Any married person may apply to the Probate, Divorce, and Admiralty Division of the Ii 6h Court of Justice (hereinefter called the High Court) to dissolve his or her marriage on the ground that since the celebration thereof the other party thereto has committed adultery. Any of the following are to constitute an absolute defence to any proceedings for I divorce (a) That the facts alleged are denied. (b) That the applicant has been accessory to or conniving at the adultery alleged. (c) That the applicant has condoned the adultery alleged. (d) That the application is made or prose- cuted in collusion with any defendant or co-defendant. Provided an agreement honestly and properly made as to the course to be taken in any proceedings shall not be treated as conclusive proof of collusion, if there existed previously to such agreement any adequate and good ground for divorce. A discretionary defence to any proceedings may be provided by any of the following circumstances I (a) That the applicant has during the marriage committed adultery. (b) That the applicant has been guilty of cruelty towards the defendant. (c) That the applicant has deserted the defendant. (d) That the applicant has been guilty of unreasonable delay in presenting or prosecuting the application. (e) That the applicant has been guilty of such wilful neglect or misconduct as has conduced to the adullwry alleged. I It. is further provided that the High Court may pronounce a decree for a judicial separa- tion on the ground of habitual drunkenness. A decree for nullity may be granted if the defendant was at the time of marriage of un- sound mind or in a state of incipient mental unsoundness, which has become definite within six months of the marriage, or was at the time of the marriage subject to epilepsy or to recurrent fits of insanity. A decree nisi may be made on presumption of death, and seven years' absence is to be primi-facie evidence of death. Additional powers are taken to make separation and maintenance orders, to deal with co-defendants, and varying the rules of evidence in matrimonial cases to make a decree nisi absolute in a shorter time than six mont hs if the court shall so decide and declaring that non-compliance with a decree of restitution of conj ugal rights shall not be deemed to be desertion. Habitual drunkenness includes intoxication by drugs.

Corn Faminein Gloucestershire. Oornex has ma.de Corns scarce. No Pdin. Tid. -MINCHIN, Chenist, 15, Westgate, Gloucester. Local Agent MR. MEACHAM, Chemist, Ledbury.

HEREFORD HORSE SALES. A Keen Trade and a Record Clearanoe. What was perhaps the most successful of the series of sales conducted by Messrs Jackson and McOartney this Spring was held in the Cattle Market on Saturday last. Being the fourth sale this year it would not have been surprising had the entry of horses diminished in number, but this was not so, upwards of 250 being catalogued to pass under the hammer. The trade was undoubtedly the keenest yet experienced this year, all classes of animals changing hands at prices in favour of the vendor, a record clearance being effected. A. large number of buyers assembled from London and the principal provincial centres, English and foreign army contractors being strongly represented. The auctioneers had again brought forward an attractive prize list amounting to £ 35 in silver cups and cash awards, competition in the various classes exciting keen interest. The *udgo" in the heavy horse section were Messrs J K Hyslop, of Ivington Courr, Leominster, and G J Gittins, Woofferton while Messrs J Wilson, M.R.C. V. g., Nantwich, and Luke Cox, London, officiated in the light horse classes. The owners of the prize winners were as follows :—Best heavy cart gelding or mare (silver cup value £ 10), 1st prize, Mr G S Price, Homme Farm, Ross, who also took the second award. Smaller types of cart horses suitable for lighter work, 1st and 2nd prizes, Mr C H Matthews, Townsend Farm, Brampton Abbots, Mr E Lewis, Hill House Farm, Bromyard, being placed reserve, and Mr J R Hill, Orleton Manor, highly commended. For the best ride or drive horse over 15 hands (silver cup value £ 5), Mr E E Andrews, Sutton, Hereford, was awarded 1st prize 2nd, Mr M A Daw, Orchard Farm, Mordiford, Mr W Crump, Barnt House, Monkswood, being reserve, and Mr J H Yeomans, Withington, Hereford, highly commended. The following are a few of the prices realised in the heavy horse ring, with names of the vendors :—Mr C H Matthews, three geldings, 163 guineas; Mr G S Price, brown gelding, 71 gs; Mr J Lewis, brown mare, 58 gs Mr A B Brain, brown gelding. 53 gs Mr W G Farmer, brown gelding, 52 gs Mr J Joiltes, brown mare, 48gs; Mr M Matthews, bay gelding, 48 gs Mr F W Barling, bay gelding, 48 gs; Mr E Lewis, chestnut golding, 45 gs Mr A Reese, brown gelding 45 gs Mr J R Hill, bay mare, 44 gs Mr W James, bay mare, 44 gs Mr E P Bennett, brown gelding, 42 gs Mr H J L-tne, bay gelding, 42 gs Mr W E Taylor, brown mare, 42 gs Mr C F Goodwin, brown gelding, 41 gs; Mr J P Hill, brown mare, 41 go Mr W Griffiths, bay gelding, 41 gs Mr W J Brown, grey gelding, 41 gs Mr J Apperley, 1 r >wn mare, 41 ga Mr W Dale, bay mare, 40 gs Mr J H Powell, brown gelding, 40 gs Mr T C Bosley, brown gelding, 40 gs Mr H W hherratt, brown mare, 39 gs Mr W Crump, brown mare, 39 gs; Mr W E Winney, brown mare, 3B gs Messrs M and P Perkins, bay mare, 38 gs Mr W H Pinches, black gelding, 37 gs Mr F Cotton, brown mare, 36 go Mr W Teague, black gelding, 35 gs &c. In the light horse section :—Mr E C Andrews, bay- gelding, 45 gs 'Mr A Dawe, bay mare, 38 gs Mr A Haines, bay gelding, 34 gs Mr T J Eaton, bay gelding, 34 gs Mr W G Dale, roan gelding, 33 gs Mr E T Cave, brown gelding, 30 gs Mr W A H Rudge, cream mare, 251 gs Mr A Trumper, chestnut mare, 25 gs &c., &o. «

HEREFORD MARKET. (Special Farmers' Union Report). > There was a rather short supply of stock in the market to-day, and trade was rather better on the week for all classes, except fat ewes and other inferior mutton. CATTLE. A small supply of stores, for which recent prices were well maintained. Store calves as dear as ever. BEEF. A rather small supply. Best quality in good demand. Cow beef a dragging trade. Best beef 7d to 7!d per lb. Other qualities 6d to 7d. Fat calves, not so dear, 9d to lOd per lb. SHEEP. A moderate supply. Best quality sold well. Ewe and other inferior mutton cheaper. Fat lambs a better trade. Best teg mutton (shorn) 8d to gid per lb. Other qualities 6!d to 8d„ Fat lambs lOd to lid per lb. PIGS. A moderate supply. Store pigs in good demand at recent prices. F-tt pigs up to lis per score. Porks, 6d to 7d per lb. Bacons 5d to 6d. CORN. A moderate amount of business doing. Prices very firm in sympathy with the improved price of foreign grain. Wheat per 62 Ihs, 4s 2d to 4s. 4d. Oats per 40 lbs, 2s 9d to 3d 3d. Malting barley per 56 lbs, 3s 6d to 4s. Grinding barley per 56 lbs 3s to 38 6d. Beans per 654 lbs, 4s 2J to 4s 4d. HAY TRADE. Slow. Quotations -are for good quality in stack, seller to deliver on rail. Best hay 458 to 50s per ton. Second quality hay 40s to 45s. Clovers 45s to 50s. Wheat straw 458 to 50s. WOOL. Trade firm. A moderate amount of business doing. Best Herefordshire fleeces up to 14d. per lb.

1st Battalion Herefordshire Regiment. "C" (LEDBURY) COMPANY. Parades.—The parade for to-day (Friday) 22nd, is canoelled. There will be a parade on the 29ttf iust. at 8 p. m. Dress, drill order. Recruits' Drill.-Titere will be a parade for' Recruits on Tuesday, 26th last, at 8 p.m. Dress, drill order. Musketry.—The Se rgt. Instructor will be on the 30-yards' Range on Thursdays and Saturdays during the afternoon. All N.C.O.'s and men are requested to lire part I as early as possible. A. V. HOLMAN, Captain, Commanding C Company. Printed and Published for and on behalf of the EXECUTRIX of the late THOMAS VAUGHAN, by WILLIAM S. BmvEs, Manager, at the Printing Works, New Street, Ledbury, in the County of Hereford.,

I LEDBURY BOARD OF GUARDIANS. j The fortnightly meeting of the Ledbury Board of Guardians was held at the Board-room of the Unkn Workhouse on Tuesday morn- ing. There were present-Mr W L Pritchett (Chairman), who presided. Mr J A Thompson (vice-chairman), Revs A G Jones, FC Lynch, AH Knapp, and A E Green-Price, Miss Holland, Alderman J Riley, Messrs S H Bickham, L J C Riley, J J S Powell, T A Pedlmgham, H Bray, A G Bunn, J C Davies, W S Lane, E T Lane, J Pairrv, junr.. F J V Hamilton, T Calder, T S S Gardner, T W Holds, H Cowell, with the Clerk (Mr R Homes), the Relieving Officers (Mr A G Smith and Mr T Thompson), and the Master '(Mr J Kendricfel). THE WORKHOUSE. I The Master reported the number of inmates in, the house last week as 77 against 74 for the .corresponding peiiod last year, an increase of 3. Dicing the fortnight 199 tramps were relieved as against 169. an increase of 30. He also reported the gifts of papers for the inmates from the Chairman, Mr Gardner and the Rector of Ledbury (the Rev F W CA negy), The Master asked if the Guardians would kindly allow tea and sugar after dinner fer the aged and infirm inmates. The application was granted. FINANCE. I Mr Bickham stated that the balance in the bank was f,1,366 17s 3d, and there were only two small cheques outstanding. The accounts for payment amounted to JE68 93 6d. THE G.W.R. ASSESSMENTS AND THE I RE-ADJUSTMENT OF THE RATES. Mr Bickham reported that the Finance dommittee mat on the previous Tuesday; when resolutions were passed "that in the opinion of this Committee the figures as given by Mr Homes are correct and that any further applica- tion for adjustment should he made to the Local Government Board after the audit," and that the Clerk write to the overseers of the ten parishes affected by the adjustment of the rates after the recent reduction in the railway assessment, asking them to, apply to the County Council to refund the excess." Mr Thompson moved the adoption of the report. They found when they came to go into the figures that the largest amount to be returned was due not only from the County but, also from the high way authority. It affected the whole of the ratepayers and the application to the County must come from the overseer3 themselves to the County Council. In Hereford the Clerk assisted the overseers to recover from the County, and they (the Ledbury Guardians) wished their Clerk to assist the overseers in the same wAy. It was only just and right and their duty to assist in getting the readjustments made on an equitable basis. (Hear, hear.) Mr Bunn seconded and the report was adopted. Mr Davies said supposing there was such a thing as the County Council would not alo". this return the parishes that would be called upon to refund the amounts would not have to refund the whole-it would be made up through- out the whole district. The whole of the district had been receiving the benefit from the parishes through which the railway runs and if the parishes were placed in the difficulty of having to refund the money it was for the whole district to assist them. He believed the County Council were not bound to make it up. The Chairman It is the duty of the County Council to make it up, and it does apply to the whole of the parishes unfortunately. Mr Thompson said the point was raised last week at the Finance ;Committee. Mr Homes (the Clerk) produced a letter from the auditor, and that was why the report stated that it should remain until after the next audit. If they could legally do it the whole union would bear a share. Mr W S Lane How is it that it is not a uniform rate throughout the Union ? The levies are the same all our money goes into one -ron,mon fund, and why is our rate at Bosbury moc the same as at Woolhope and other places ? The Clerk There are special receipts in some parishes, and special payments in others. The parishes which have collectors have a separate charge. Mr Thompson pointed out that at Woolhope they had the expense of their school. They spent B70 and asked that the payment of the amount should be spread over two years. That made their rate at Woolhope higher than some of the other parishes. They would find that in some parishes there were extra payments, to what there were in other parishes. Mr Holds said different parishes had different precepts issued on them. At West Malvern they had to pay a levy to the Hills Conservators, which Colwall and Mathon also had to pay, and it was only through the poor rate that that obligation could be discharged. Then there was a contribution for higher education. The amount of the rate rested upon the charges on the parishes. Mr W S Lane said he was quite satisfied with the answer to his question, but it was not the answer he expected. He was expecting to hear something about the balances overseers had in their hands. Mr Bickham I was going to say that is the reason why some rates are higher than others. OFFICIALS. I The Chairman announced that there were two applications for the vacant position of nurse and assistant matron rendered vacant by the resig- nation of Nurse Hall. The applications were from Miss Hannah Elizabeth Riley (25), nurse at Prestwich Union, Manchester, and Miss Edith C Jackson (44), of Birmingham, who had held various appointments as nurse and matron. It was decided that Miss Jackson was the most suitable candidate, and that the Chairman and Miss Holland should interview her, and they were empowered to m'ke the appointment at their discretion. The salary is E50 per annum, with board, loJgin^s, washing and uniform. The Clerk read a letter from Mr Batch elor, porter at the Workhouse, tendering his resigna- tion, as he had been appointed Master's Clerk at Cambridge Union, where the late Master and Matron of Ledbury Workhouse, Mr and Mrs Johnson, are Master and Matron. The Chairman said he also had received a letter froKuthe Porter, asking to be allowed to leave a week before hia notice expired, as his annual holidays were now due, and also asking for a gratuity for acting as Master of the Work- house for three weeks during the time they were without a master. It was decided to allow the Porter to leave as. desired, and an allowance of two guineas was voted. The Chairman announced that he had received an application for the position of Porter from Mr Harold Gordon Smith (27); at present porter at Ampthill Workhouse, who was engaged to Miss Pedley, the cook at Ledbury Workhouse, and as the application was in every way a suit- able one, it would be advisable to appoiat Mr Smith. The Rev A E Green-Price gave notice that at the next meeting he would move that Mr Smith be appointed. LOCAL TAXATION AND THE NEW I BUDGET. The Clerk announced the receipt of a circular letter from the Derby Union, enclosing copies of resolutions respecting the final report of the Departmental Committee on Local Taxation, as affeeting Poor Law administration, asking that the Board would support such resolutions, which were:—(1) That this Board views the recommendations of the Departmental Com- mittee on local taxation, in so far aa its pro- posals affect the Poor Law, as highly unsatis- factory, and the increased grants in it suggested as inadequate, in view of the importance of the administrative work of the Poor Law. (2) That in view of the Committee's report regard- ing rating, and the speech of the Chancellor of the Exchequer in introducing the Budget, and his proposals to transfer the assessment for rating purposes from the local authorities to a Government department, it is desirable for Boards of Guardians to be alert when the Rating Bill is introduced by the Government. (3) That the Poor Law Unions' Association be requested to give the proposals of the Depart- meatal Committee earnest consideration at an early date, and (4) that the Board of Guardians throughout the country be forwarded a copy of the foregoing resolutions with a request that, if in agreement therewith, they will support any action by the Poor Law Association thereon. The Chairman expressed the opinion that the effect of the resolutions was pretty much the same aglthat passed by the Board that day fortnight, though they did go a little further. Mr Davies thought they ought to support the Derby Board. No harm could be done. They ought to keep an eye on the Government in these proposals, and he moved that they sup- port the resolutions. Mr Thompson pointed out that the proposals of the Departmental Committee would lead to an enormous amount of change. The Unioq Assessment Committees would be abolished altogether. The County authority was to be the authority, with district committees. Officials would be brought in who would have consider- able authority, and there was a lot of points to consider. There was bound to be a considerable amount of reform and probably the report would be the form in which the reform would be established. They did not want to get the assessments in the hands of officials too much. (Hear, hear.) He did not believe in. the country being governed by its officials. (Hear, hear.) Practical business men had a more com- plete knowledge of the value of property than simply one paid official who had to cover an enormous area. They must have a certain amount of reform in the question of assessments of property and especially if they were likely to have other property than real property brought into the question of locil taxation, which was increasing, aud they would have to have other property than real property brought in to bear the cost of local government and administration. They required to be very much on the alert as to what was being done. Agriculture had been hardly dealt with in the past-even the Chancellor of the Exchequer admitted they had been taxed on their stock-in-trade. They had been overburdened and they must see in the future that they were not unjustly dealt with. The food-producing industry had been hardly hit by taxation in the past, and they must see that that did not occur in the future. (Hear, hear.) He did not wish to make a political speech, although If he went on he might do so. (Applause.) He seconded the motion that they support the resolution. This was carried unanimously. ADDITIONS TO COMMITTEES. i On the motion of the Rev A H Kaapp, seconded by Mr Bray, Mr T A Pedlingham was elected a member of the Assessment Committee in place of Mr J Powell (resigned), and Mr T Calder was added to the Visiting Committee and the Asylu m Committee. LEDBURY NURSING ASSOCIATION. A letter was read from Miss K H Martin, hon. secretary of the new Ledbury Nursing Association asking for a subscription from the Board, and pointing out that the nurse attended all patients attended by the parish doctor. It was decided to subscribe two guineas. This concluded the business of the meeting.

YATTON. ENTERTAINMENT.—An entertainment will be given in Yatton Schoolroom on Tuesday, June 2nd, the proceeds being in aid of the church choir treat.

CANON FFROME. I GARDEN FETE.—A great attraction is an- nounced for Thursday, June 25, at Canon- Ffrome Court, when a garden fete will be held in the lovely grounds of the Court, the proceeds being in aid of the District Nursing and Ash- perton Church Fnnds. The full Regimental Band of the 1st Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry has been specially engaged, by the kind permission of the Colonel and officers, and will play during the afternoon and evening. Further particulars will be announced later.

I BIRTSMORTON BLACKSMITH'S FAILURE. l Taking Land Without Stock. At the Worcester Bankruptcy Court, on Tuesday, before Mr Registrar Allen, the public examination took place of Arthur William Griffiths, blacksmith, of Birts- morton, who returned his liabilities estima- ted to rank for dividend at Y,118 173 Id., with net assets .£19 7 s 7 d., leaving a de- ficiency of .£99 9a 6d, Mr Horace Foster attended on his behalf. Questioned by the Official Receiver (Mr A S Cully), he said his profit on tjhe black- smith's business for 12 months was Dot, more than £ 2 and his gross takings were C6 10s. That was because his trade fell off through having bad materials supplied to him, after which he went in fcr general farm labouring. He denied that he neglec- ted the blacksmith's shop. During the last 12 months his deficiency had increased from Y,68 to X99, and be felt now that he ought to have filed his petition a year ago, but he wished to save that trouble. Since 1907 he had been Clerk to the Parish Council at a salary of £5 a year. In April last be was found to be deficient above £40, having been using the Council's money for about 9 months. To refund it he borrowed 118 14s. 7d. from his father, and paid it to the Auditor. He had lost money on land. He took two acres of pasture land, although he had no stock, and two acres of arable, which was so foul that he had to let it be fallow for a year. The Official Receiver said he could not un- derstand why the debtor took the land. The Registrar said that debtor could not be working the land if he was attending..to his blacksmith's business. He elicited from the debtor that be started the blacksmith's business because there was not another of of the kind within a mile and a quarter, and he suggested to debtor that that was too near for him to achieve success but the debtor said he did well at first. Some of his customers helped him in ploughing and planting the land. The examination wascloeed. » —

DEARTH OF SCHOOL TicAciacps.- Difficulties have arisen in the schools of the Forest of Dean owing to the dearth of elementary teachers. Although vacancies have been extensively adver- tised in the professional papers no replies have been received. There has been a further meet- ing of the managers of council schools at Cinderford, at which a reply was read from the county education authority to the letter of the managers pointing out the continued shortage in the teaching staff. Mr Household, the county secretary, said that Gloucestershire was not peculiar in this shortage. There were no certificated teachers available. Mr S J Elsom said that if the teachers were more generously treated the difficulty would end. The matter then dropped.