The Abergavenny Mail

Numerous Applications for Vacancies. It is sated that numerous applications have been received for the headmasterships of schools in Herefordshire which will become vacant this month through the teachers' strike and resignation. The post at Walford, near Ross, value Y,130 per annum, has been filled by the appointment of a National Union member. Mr Nicholls, repsenting the National Union of Teachers in Hereford, says he is sure no reputable members either inside or outside the county will consent to supplant members of their own body. He knew teachers in the county occupying com- paratively bumble berths, though excellent teachers, had refused tempting offers from the local Education Committee to fill some of the vacancies which were likely. te be created. The committee had endeavoured to show that the granting of the increased salaries bad no connection with the threatened strike, but he pointed out that, although the teachers had been asking in vain for the last nine years for increases, the committee would not recognise the fact until now thaMhe salaries in Herefordshire were lower than in other similar counties.

Mary had a little corn Upon her little toe, 'I' But Oornex took it right away In a couple of days or so. 7id.-MINC £ lN, Chemist, 15, Westgate, Gloucester. Local Agent MR. MEACHAM, Chemist, Ledbury. i

LEDBURY COUNCIL SCHOOLS. Meeting of Managers. The monthly meeting of the Ledbnry Council Schools managers was held at the Barrett-Brown- ing Institute on Wednesday evening, when there were present :-Messrs Spencer H Bickhaiii (chairman) presiding, the Rector (the Rev F W Carnegy), the Rev Father Lynch, Messrs J Parry, E H Hopkins, and It Lawrence, together with the Correspondent (Mr H Vernon Smith). SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. Mr Hopkins reported on the attendance for the month of December, as follows :—Boys' school, average percentage 91 girls' school, 88.3 infants', whole school 81, over five years of age 83. GIRLS' SCHOOL STAFF. A letter was read from Miss Charlotte M Page, of Ledbury, applying for one or two months' training as a teacher in the girls' school. Miss Page has had some little training as a teacher, and is desirous of being appointed as an unpaid teacher for one or two months for the purpose of training. The managers decided to accept her on those terms. An application for the appointment of uncertificated assistant teacher in the girls' school to fill the vacancy caused by the resigna- tion of Mis Gibson, was received from Miss Edith Frances Ballinger, 19 years, of Hereford, and she was appointed at a commencing salary of 250 per annum, her duties to commence next Monday. REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS. A letter was read from the County Education Committee stating that on Saturday, March 7 they would consider what repairs and renovations were required in the schools, and the managers were requested to see what was necessary niid inform the Committee. It was proposed to have all such work done during the Summer holidays, and this was the only period of the year when the question of repairs and renova- tions would be considered. The remaining business at the meeting had reference to the appointment of an assistant at the boys' school, arising out of the resignations of the assistants in connection with the strike, and a discussion which was introduced by the Rector on the question of the strike. This will be found under a special heading.

BOUQUETS. WREATHS. CROSSES. Harps, Anchors, Sprays, or any other design made up by expert hands with the choicest Flowers in season, at reasonable prices. Carefully packed and sent to any part of the British Isles at short notice. VIOLETS A SPECIALITY. I have 4,000 plants of Double and Single to pick from, from now till April. Also a splendid lot of Chrysanthemums and other Flowers. Boxes of Cut Flowers Sent post free for Is 6d, 2s 6d, and upwards. Fruit Trees, Roses, Shrubs, Herbaceous Plants, Alpine Plants, and Spring Bedding Plants, at reasonable prices. Silver Sand, Peat, Loam, Charcoal, Mats, and all requisites for the garden supplied at cut prices. New Gardens laid out, old ones renovated. Tennis Courts, Croquet Lawns, Bowling Greens, and Cricket Grounds. A trial order solicited. Satisfaction Guaranteed. W. BUNN, Nurseryman, COLWALL. I I DAVID SMITH & SON Monumental Soulptors, LEDBURY. MONUMENTS, TOMBS, HEAD- STONES and CROSSES of every description, in Marble, Granite and Stone, fixed in any part of the kingdom. OLD MONUMENTS RENOVATED. Designs and Estimates sent free on application.

Eirtbe, fibarriaoes, attfc IDeatbt;. BIRTH. BICKHAM.—On the 14th inst., at The Hill Top, Ledbury, the wife of Harry S H Bickham, of a daughter. DEATHS. DAVIS.—January 8, at Newtown, Ledbury, Elizabeth Davis, aged 67 years. BOTFIELD.—January 8. at Warners, Mathon, Charles William Botfield, aged 17 years. BRAZIER.—January 9, at the Lodge, Much Marcle, Mary Brazier, aged 86 years. DA VIES.—January 10, at Bargains Lane, Little Marcle, Joseph Da vies, aged 70 years. HICKMAN. --Januar 14, at St Catherine's Hospital, Ledbury, Richard Hickman, aged 77 years.

MR. HARRY DAVIS defire? to return .-n- sincere THANKS to many kind sym- phatbisers in his beieaveiaent; also for kind enquiries made. Newtown, Ledbnry. ARTHUR J. VIRGO. MONUMENTAL WORKS, Oathedral Oloso, Hereford Memorials in Marble, Granite or Stene. Designs Furnished. Brick Vaults & Steen Graves Country Work a Speciality. b, TTu Oldsit Busmem in Henjortu

J. A. ISAAC'S CLEARANCE SALE!  I NOW PROCEEDING! ¡.. And will Continue Throughout January. Seasonable Stock such as Furs, Costumes, Coats, Millinery, etc. Will be Reduced to the Lowest Possible Price to effect a Speedy Clearance, and a General Reduction in Prices will be made in all departments. H  n ins SPECIAL PURCHASES HAVE BEEN MADE Household Linens and Curtains ?? PUASTWISHXE.BEEN MADB pr- BETTER VALUE CANNOT BE PURCHASED ANYWHERE. Warwick: House, Xiedbiwy. "L0 C A C E:N T S The INDIA & CHINA TEA Co. I Grocers and Provision Sealers, and Wine and Spirit Merchants. I LOCAL BRANCH :-MARKET PLACE, LEDBURY. S TRANSFER OF BUSINESS! T. ASTON, Butcher, HIGH STREET, LEDBURY, Begs to thank bis numerous customers for the patronage extended to bim during the past eleven years, and respectfully informs them that the business will henceforth he carried on by M. S SARLUIS, who has had a life-long experience in the High-class Meat trade. t ONLY THE BEST ENGLISH MEAT Of the very Finest Quality will be supplied, and with strict and prompt attention to all orders, with up-to-date methods, Mr. SARLUIS hopes to secure that confidence and support which has hitherto been given to this firm. CHOICE PRESEN'TS! W. C. MANN'S Stock is complete with a Superb Collection of DIAMOND ORNAMENTS GEM JEWELLERY. SILVER PLATE. And Inexpensive Novelties, SPECIALLY SUITABLE FOR PRESENTS. W. C. MANN (Member of the British Optical Association), Chronometer, Watoh and Clock Maker, Goldsmith, Jeweller, Optician, &o., 1:111 CROSS, GLOUCESTER Telephone 98. &P%El BY CONSULTIXG an introductory journal full of GENUINE advertisements a.ppeoling to all classes of ladies and gentlemen desirous of marriage. No Exorbitant Fees. 6d. Pest Free in Sealed Envelope. Editor, 18, Hogarth Road. Earl's Court. T. F. DAVIS, ORGANIST, TEACHER of the PIANOFORTE and HARMONY, U CLAREMúNT," COLWALL, MALVERN. Pupils Prepared for Examination. Pianofortes Tuned & Repaired. Pianofortes by all the Best Makers to order. DET ACHED PIANOLAS suitable, for placing, M my Piano. <

THE PICTURE PALACE. I The programmes at the Picture Palace, the Royal Hall, Ledbury, this week have been excedingly good. In the first half of the week there were three star films, the finest production of the three undoubtedly being the Vitagraph 41 The Vampires of the Desert. The Gaumont I drama, Saved by his Child was another good tihn. and "Subterranean Town" by the Ur- banora Co., was most exciting. The comedy pictures were excellent. Nobody should miss seeing the great film Protea," by the Eclair Co., which is un- doubtedly the finest picture shown in the hall since pictures have been shown here. It is un- doubtedly a great production. Next week will see an excellent programme at the Picture Palace the first three nights of the week, paiticulars of which will be found in the advertisement. For the following week the famous Attract- ive*" Comedy Costume Party, direct from the principal London Halls and leading Pier Payilions has been engaged. There will be an entirely diff- erent show each flight, which will include songs, dances, original concerted items, sketches and burlesques. Fur further details see next week's announcements. I We hear that on January 24 Madame Ivy Pell, who has been the pianist at the hall for some considerable time, concludes her engagement, and is striking out in the cinema line herself at New. ent and Wincheomhe. Patrons of the Palace will wish her well in her new venture, as Madame Pell's brilliant work at the piano has certainly added to the enjoyment of the pictures during her con nection with the local cinema. » —

MUCH MARCLE. 1 JUMBLE SALE.—A jumble sale in aid of the funds of the Much Mitrele Football Club will be held at the Schoolroom, Much Marcie. on Satur- day, January 24, at 3 p.m. There will also be a provision stall.

THE TEACHERS' STRIKE. I Disousslon by Ledbury School I Managers. Rector of Ledbury Supports the I Teachers. At the monthly meeting of the Ledbury School Managers, held on Wednesday night, Mr Spencer H Bickham presiding over a full attendance, the approaching strike of Hereford- shire teachers cropped up on several occasions, and gave rise to discussions, while at the close of the meeting the Rector (the Rev F W Carnegy) boldly essayed to tackle the whole question, but was ruled out of order by the I Chairman, the Rector eventually handing a statement he had prepared to the press. ADVERTISEMENTS REFUSED. I A letter was read from the Schoolmistress I and the Teachers' World refusing advertise- ments for teachers required on the ground that I the teachers had decided to cease work at the I end of January, and hoping that the difficulty ( would soon be settled. EDUCATION COMMITTEE APPOINT I TEACHER FOR THE BOYS' SCHOOL. I A letter was read from Mr A H Burston, of Radstock, Bath, who applied for one of the vacancies on the staff of the boys' school some t.4ane ago, but was too late, again applying for the position and stating that he would be at liberty on February 1. This application was sent on to the managers by Mr J Wiltshire, County Education Secretary, who stated that the Education Committee had appointed him to the position. The Rector Can the Education Committee appoint an assistant teacher without any authority from the school managers ? Mr Hopkins: Oh, yes with County Council Schools the County Education Committee can appoint any person whom they think fit. They cannot in a case of provided schools. The Rector But the present staff hold their appointments on agreements between the school managers and the teachers themsel ves. Mr Parry Are there any more applications ? The Correspondent: Not for the boys' school. The Chairman The point is, is Mr Wiltshire in the position of being able to offer a place to any teacher who applies ? The Rector It makes us in the position of registering clerks. Mr Lawrence: We have al ways made the appointments and they have confirmed them at Hereford. The Chairman The agreements have been between the managers and the teachers. Mr Hopkins As representing the County Council. He went on to say that the matter had been before the Staffing Committee and the decision arrived at was that as far as the volun- tary schools went it left the appointment in the hands of the managers. So far as the County Council schools went the managers were the representatives of the County Council, and the power of appointments was not on all fours with that of the provided schools. At the present time the County Education Committee were living in extraordinary times and they were commencing to-day what was done in other counties in normal times. The same thing would apply with regard to headmistresses for the girls' and infants' schools. When the matter was considered at Hereford the item on the agenda was to consider the desirability of appointing teachers in Council Schools direct in order to avoid delay in the appointments." He moved that Mr. Burston's application be ac- cepted. Mr Parry seconded. It was an exceptional case and they should take that into consideration. Father Lynch Is it necessary He has really been appointed by the County Education Au- thority. We can't object to him educationally. The Rector I shall not vote on the resolu- tion. I should not like to take the responsibility of appointing a teacher in .that way. If the Education Authority have the power to send us a teacher then they have the power and there is an end of it, but I don't wish to take the respon- sibility of voting either for or against. If they can send this teacher to us then they will in spite of us. Father lnynch Is there any neccessity for us to pass a resolution ? The Rector Quite so. They will send the teacher whether we pass a resolution or not. Mr Lawrence We may as well not sit at all. Father Lynch It will bust" up the thing altogether. Mr Hopkins said that was not the question at all. The Education Committee were living in extraordinary times. The Salaries and Stafting Committee had been deputed to go into the matter and they had power to provide teachers for the schools, and they said that for the present, in order to avoid undue delay that particular Committee should proceed with the appointment of teachers. Father Lynch They would not do it in ordinary cases. Mr Hopkins No, no it is only during this position of affairs. Mr Parry: The fact that we make the appointment shows that we still have the authority. The Rector This man has been appointed to the school ? Mr Hopkins Yes. The Rector Then it is done, then. All we can do is to acccept him. Mr Lawrence Mr Wiltshire's telegram shows it. Father Lynch This man's certificates are very good. The Chairman There is no necessity for a resolution at all. They have a right and they have excercised their right. We have nothing to say against the man at all. Mr Lawrence I don't think so, either. REFERRED TO THE N.U.T. I The Correspondent reported the receipt of I communications from the County Education Secretary announcing that the salary of Miss Adams, headmistress of the infants' school, had been increased from :£110 to 2115, and that of Miss Henley, headmistress of the girls' school, from £100 to CllO per annnm, asking that the mistresses be informed of the ineresaw, and that i the County Education Secretary should be notified within seven days if they would with- draw their resignations. The Correspondent further reported that he notified Miss Adams and Miss Henley as directed, asking if they desired to withdraw their resignations. Miss Henley replied that the matter was in the hands of the N. U. T. and only through that body could she honourably withdraw her resignation, and Miss Adams replied that her case was in the hands of the N.U.T., and a reply to the letter would be sent to the County Education Authority. RESIGNATIONS OF TEACHERS. I The Chairman reported that he had received ( the resignations of all the assistant teachers with the exception of Miss Paul and had forwarded them to Mr Wiltshire, the County Education Secretary. The Rector said he would like to express his opinion on the matter, and he did not like to allow the resignations to be sent on to Hereford without offering any opinion at all. He did not think they should accept the resignations of their assistant teachers without expressing their opinion. The Chairman: Do you wish to move a resolution ? The Rector. I propose to express certain opinions and then to move a resolution. If you think this is not the place to go into this matter I will obey your ruling and simply move my resolution. Mr Hopkins Can you propose a resolution on the matter ? The Rector I should suggest in my resolution that we hand on the resignations under protest. In fairness to myself as a manager and to the teachers I should like to suggest that we pass on these resignations under protest. The Chairman Why do you say under pro- test ? The Rector We dislike doing it exceedingly. I am in utter dismay and distress that we as a body of managers with three as valuable staffs as three schools could possess, should have to receive their resignations. Father Lynch We can't protest. The Rector We can protest, but it may have no result whatever. I wish it to be understood that we think strongly on this matter. The Chairman Whatever my own views may be I don't think this is the proper time to air them. Mr Lawrence I entirely associate myseif with the views of Mr Carnegy and I should have liked to have seconded his resolution. The Chairman You have heard what I have said with regard to it, and I consider it very undesirable that we should discuss it. The Rector; You don't think we should express our views on the question, and let the authorities know what we think about it ? The Chairman I don't wish to express any sympathy for or against in any shape or way, but I think it will be better if, as a body of managers, we do not discuss it. The Rector If we don't express our opinion the Education Authority will not know what we think. Mr Hopkins They know already. The Chairman How do they know ? Mr Hopkins This sort of thing is always expressed. We have had it every meeting. The Chairman I am sure you have not heard any expression of opinion from me. Mr Hopkins agreed. The Rector They don't know what we think and they ought to know. Mr Lawrence I should like to see a resolu- tion sent to the Board of Education about the matter. The Chairman I have ruled already we will not discuss it. The meeting then closed and the Rector handed the following statement to the press We allowed the resignations elf our head teachers to be forwarded to the Hereford Educa- tion Authority without offering any opinion on the matter at all. I do not think that we ought to pass on the resignations of the assistant teachers, which have now been sent in to us, without expressing our opinions, either unitedly as a Board, or individually as managers, upon the crisis that has arisen. I confess it is with feelings of unmixed dismay that I see that we, as a Board of Managers responsible for the good management of the three schools in this parish, are face to face with the possible loss of the valuable and efficient body of teachers, which, at present, constitute the staff of the three schools. These teachers have our fullest confidence. There is not one of them who is not doing excellent work, and in whom we do not put our complete trust, and I repeat that it fills me with distress to feel that we are in danger of losing their services, and we certainly ought not to allow this to happen, without expressing our opinion. In my opinion it will be a disaster of the first magnitude if all schools are deprived of their services, not only on account of their capability as teachers, but also on account of the good influence they have upon the children, and because of the excellent example which they set before them. It may be said, in reply, that the teachers have brought this unhappy state of things upon themselves that the solution of it lies entirely with them. Strictly speaking, no doubt, that may be correct, but I, for one, would like it to be known that lam one of those who think that if a little more sympathy had been shown them, if there had been a little more readiness on the part of the Education Authority to meet the reasonable requests of the teachers for an increase of their small salaries in the past, this deplorable controversy would never have arisen, and I am bound to say that in my opinion, at any rate, the balance of responsibility which has brought about this crisis lies at the door of the Education Authority, and not with the teachers, and I have reason to think that I am not alone in my contention. The question of a scale, for which the teachers are standing out, is, perhaps, not for us to discuss, though personally I think it a most reasonable request, and I believe that this unhappy controversy will not be settled until it is settled right, that is, by giving a fair and just scale to them. The Education Authority have tacitly allowed that the teachers have a grievance which required immediate remedy, as they have to some small extent, very hurriedly, increased the salaries of a few of the head teachers, but, even so, these increases do not seem to have been very wisely made. For the present, I suppose there is nothing else for us to do, as a Buard of Managers, than to forward these resignations to Hereford, but if we could at the same time do so under protest and with real regret, I think we should only be letting the authorities in Hereford know what we feel about the matter in Ledbury, and that we feel very strongly on the question. Personally, as a manager, I shall feel myself quite unable to take any responsibility in appointing any new teachers to fill the places of those who have resigned. I do not suppose that my few remarks will have much weight, but I feel it is due to the schools, of which I am a manager, to the teachers who are doing such excellent and steady work in those schools, and also to my- self, to express the great dislike I have even to forward these resignations to Hereford, and if, as a Board of Managers, we are against attaching our strong protest in doing so, I hope that the Correspondent, when he writes to the Authority, will, at the same time, make it quite clear that I, at any rate, regret the line of action that they have seen fit to take, and how much I hope that even at this eleventh hour they will reconsider the decision at which they have I arrived. -♦

THE POSITION UNALTERED. I Althpugh many interesting things have happened, and many pertinent speeches made since I last wrote, yet the position remains prac- tically unaltered. If anything there seems a likelihood of the door being opened again by the Local Education Authority, for Colonel Decie, after slapping the N U.T. in the face, said the Committee would see the representatives of the teachers if they wished. So perhaps a conference will come—as it must come sooner or later-and sweet reasonableness will prevail, bringing peace at tie eleventh hour. But I cannot anticipate a weakening on the part of the teachers, for it seems that things are going their way. There seems to be no end to the blunders of the Committee, for they are advertising widely (in Scotland for Church of England teacheis), for teachers at much higher commencing salaries than they are giving their old tried and trusted servants. For instance Ledbury Gills'and Infants' schools are amongst the laigest in the County and the salaries since revision are X110and X115 respectively. Now the advertisements 8tate several heidmistresses are required at commencing salaries up to £ 130. Mark you the N.U.T. demands are sure to be greater when they know that the Committee are advertising at higher rates, for it once again proves that the Committee are in the wrong and are trying to wriggle out. The best way to wriggle out is "by compromise,and there can be no real objection to a scale after all, since this same Education Committee has adopted a scale for its uncertificated assistants and for the clerks in the education offices. It was certainly strange for Sir James Rankin (whom we all revere and respect) at the County Council meeting last week, to show that he thoroughly misinterpreted the meaning of a scale of salaries, but such was the case. It is nor nfecessary for me to again dwell upon it. February I is drawing near and it is well known that the advertisements have not brought in the number of applications anticipated, so the crisis is close at hand. Of local events the Farmers' Union meeting calls for just a note. I was struck by the calmness of the deliberations, the evident desire for a settlement, and the respect for the teachers. Mr Bunn showed a thorough grasp of the situa- tion, especially the application of a scale, which so many have failed to understand but it was the worthy chairman of the Guardians (Mr W L Pritchett), who pleased me most, for he proved beyond doubt that he knew of the teacher's work, troubles, and drudgery. Had he been fully cognisant of the whole situation I feel sure he would have gone a little farther, for the full study of the subject has opened my eyes very considerably. The Managers' meeting proved a very import- ant one. I caanot understand the Chairman's desire to avoid a discussion upon this subject, but as he ruled the matter out of order, the teachers looked like being done out of a good deal of support. However the Rector of Led- buiy, as befits his position, has handed in a copy of his intended remarks to our representative, as gopd and straightforward a statement as I have yet seen, for managers seem afraid to speak out their minds. Mr Lawrence strongly seconds the Rector's statement. But the "tit-bit" of the meeting was the appointment of a new teacher, This is of vast importance to parents. The Local Education Authority has deputed to the man- agers of Council Schools the appointment of teachers, and the agreements are between the managers and the teachers, yet without notice the Local Education Authority appoint a teacher to the Ledbury schools and, I suppose, expect the local managers to sign the agreement and be responsible. 1 admire the Chairman for Ins action. The patents I consider have a voice in the appointment of the teachers of their children through the managers. It seems that any class of teacher could be foisted upon the school, and no one is to say nay. Were I a manager I should absolutely refuse to be a party to any agreement without the right of appointment, which right has been deputed to them. This is just the time when care in the appointment of teachers is necessary, for we know that no teacher with a grain ot honour, being fully cognisant of the situation, would apply for a post in Hereford- shire. One of the stalwarts in this campaign has been the Rev George Morgan, of Stoke Lacey, who is most anxious to avoid the pending cessation of work and has endeavoured always to bring about peace. He is very strong upon the point that the managers of the non-provided schools should use their powers to the utmost. At a meeting of these managers held this week under the Bishop, strong resolutions were passed, the trend of which was to bring the parties together in conference. The Local Education Authority have nothing to fear, for the money they are offering in new salaries I feel convinced would more than set up a scale. Mr Rhys Nicholls in a well contributed article to a contemporary sets out the new grant system of the Government, and points out that Hereford- shire will get hardly anything out of them unless it does more fer education, and the recent return of the Local Government Board shows that Herefordshire is very much behind on the basis of expenditure per head of the population. Look at it how you will, Here- fordshire is much behind, and Colonel Decie was certain!) Not tactful in his remarks on Saturday, when he said that the N.U.T. had grossly and habitually misrepresented the facts of the case, because it is so palpable that the Committee has been so inert 10 the past in dealing with the vexed question of teachers' salaries. Well: there let the matter rest. The position remains much about the same, the gain probably being on the side of Lhe teachers. Of this I'm certain, the longer a conference is delayed the greater the trouble will be, and the stronger will the teachers' position become. J.B.S.

COLWALL NE WS. The Reporter is now on sale at the shop of M I H Malt, hairdresser and tobacconist, near the Stone, Colwall. WHIST DRIVE. I A whist drive in aid of the funds of the Colwall Cricket Club will be held at the Hill Institute, Colwall, on Thursday next, commencing at 7.30 i p.m. Tickets may be had from the Committee, or Mr E Woodhead, hon. secretary. HILL INSTITUTE. I The annual general meeting of the members of the Hill Institute was held at the club room on Monday nightJ. Amongst those present were Messrs W H Lawton, G Hill, C Hughes, S Roberson, W Johnson, G Grundy, H Taylor, R James, S Jones, C Norman, R Oliver, W Houldridge, A Evans, G Williams, T Taylor, F Rawlings, A Clements, A J Manton (hon. sec.), etc.—Apologies for absence were received from the Rev W Johnson, Mr B L Mitford, and Mr C Hyde. —Mr W H Lawton was unanimously voted to the chair.—The report and balance-sheet was submitted by the Chairman, who is the Hon. Treasurer, and in the former it was stated that the committee in presenting their third annual report and balance-sheet, once more wish to express their grateful thanks to all those ladies and gentlemen who have so greatly assisted them by giving books and newspapers, by providing concerts, supplying refreshments, and otherwise contributing to the welfare and enjoyment of the members. They also wish to thank the honorary members and subscribers for their very generous support. They are pleased to note a considerable increase in membership this year, but hope for continued support and for the introduction of new members. The ordinary membership has been up to the average, but they would much like to see this increased. During the year there have been, as usual, several very successful smoking concerts, lectures, dances and whist drives, and these with the billiard table fees, have been the chief source of income. It will be noticed the year has closed with a small balance in hand, but the Committee wish to point out that there is still a considerable sum owing for the billiard table, which they are most anxious to pay, so that the club may be quite free from debt. The hon. secretary will be pleased to receive the subscriptions, which are now due. The club is open every evening from 6 till 10, and during the winter months can be used in the afternoon. Visitors are admitted on payment of 2d per night. The balance-sheet for the year ending December 31 was as follows :—Receipts— Hon. members' subscriptions, X8 lis 6d yearly members' subscriptions, aC2 14a quarterly members' subscriptions, 92 28 6d smoking concert (January 27), 7s Id whist drive (April 24), X2 2s Id smoking concert (October 6), 4s 3d whist drive (October 16), 16s 8d; dances (November 20, December 4 and 18), X2 4s Id; smoking concert (December 15), 4s; air-rifle shots, 13s 4d billiard table fees, jE8 3s lOd Mrs Summerfield for gas used at S.P.G. sale of work, 2s 6d Mrs Summerfield for Daily Mail," 2s 6d sale of waste paper, 4s lOd visitors' fees, 3s 4d a total of A:28 16s 6d. Expenditure—Balance from 1912, £1 12s 7d firing, £ 7 8s 8d water, 6s 8d gas, £5 12s; W James, repair to path, £1 15s M T Stevens, printing, 9s 6d G Pearce, tea urn, El 123 6d caretaker's salary, 95 Ledbury Reporter," printing, 5s lOd A Oxley, timing piano, 5s W H Grundy, brooms, mantles, etc., 15s lOd carriage on book box, 3s 5d sub- scription to Worcester Union of Institutes, 10s ping-pong balls. Is; stationery and stamps, 5s 9d evening papers, 12s 9d; balance in bank, A:2 a total of t28 16s 6d. The accounts have been audited by Mr W L Bridgman, of the Capital and Counties Bank, and certified correct. — On the motion of Mr R Johnson, seconded by Mr S Jones, the report and balance-sheet were adopted.—The officers elected for the season were :-President, Rev Dr C Harris; vice- president, Rev W Johnson hon. treasurer, Mr W H Lawton hon. secretary, Mr A J Manton assistant secretary, Mr R James committee, Messrs F Rawlings, A Evans, G Hill, A Clements, C Norman, G Grundy, S Jones, H Taylor, R Oliver. It was moved by Mr S Roberson, seconded by Mr T Taylor and canied, that the club continue to subscribe 10s towards the Worcester Union of Institutes. —Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to Mr W H Lawton (hon. treasurer), and Mr A J Manton (hon. secretary), for their past services, and a vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the meeting.