The Abergavenny Mail

IThe I?NDIA &CHINA TEA Co. I ?l Erocefs and Ppovision Dealers, and Wine and Spirit Merchants. I jj LOCAL BKANCH -MARKET PLACE, LEOBURY. B  -IY&W!e.i!r.jl" FOR THE NEW YEAR. Diaries. j Almanacks. Account Books. Calendars. Pocket Books. Farmers' Account Books. Xmas Crackers. Whist Prizes. Xmas Tree Prizes. Bookbinding. Prize Books. The Ledbury Almanack is now ready. TILLEY & SONJ The Library, LEDBURY. W. F. WEST, Gi eengir ocer & Fruiterer, 38, Homend Street, Ledbury. All kinds of English and Foreign Fruits in season. ORANGES, 30 and 40 a Shilling. DATES. PRUNES. FIGS. LEMONS, Monkey and Tiger Nuts. Freeh Vegetables of all Kinds Daily. Good Assortment of Brushes & Baskets Good Selection of Artificial Wreaths and Crosses at reasonable prices. WREATHS and CROSSES Made to Order nt the Shortest Notion J gent for CARTER'S Tested FLOtVER and GARDEN SEEDS. THE JEWEL BOX KI8 BEEN FOUND IN j WESTGATE STREET, i Gloucester. FULL OF PRESENTS 1 FOR ALL. A. A SHORTHOUSE, Ltd., MEAS & CATTLE SALESMEN, City Meat Market, BIRMINGHAM. All kJutfs of Cattle Sold on Commission. TJTMFFAONB—53 MIDLAND. TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS 'MEAT" BIRMING'M. Mole Skins Wanted. <4rflHE FURRIEfiS OF THE WEST."— i. AUGUSTUS iC. EDWARDS and SONS, HEREFORD, are paying highest prices ever kwown. Largest buyers in England. Write or particulars Mary had a little com Upon her little toe, But Cornex took it right away In a couple of days or so. — MINCHIM", Chemist, 15, Westgate, I .Gloucester. Local Agent MB. MEACHAM, jCbemintf jUedbory.

HEREFORDSHIRE TEACHERS' I STRIKE. Notices, to Expire next Week. I By the end of this month unless new I offers are made, a large number of teachers employed by the Herefordshire Education Authority will come out on strike in accord- ance with their notices handed in on October 30. Over two hundred teachers, it is said, are due to leave the schools between now and January 31. The strike is the result of the Education Committee refusing to grant a higher scale of salaries demanded by the National Union of Teachers, and is regarded by the union as a test fight. in respect of half a dozen other counties. Although the caunty .authority has been taking steps to fill the posts, the announce- ment of only a few such appointments has been made. The authority declares, how- ever, that it has. many many suitable applica- tions for the positions. The Bishop of Here- ford and Archdeacon Winnington-Ingram are trying to arrange a conference between the county authority and ..be teachers. The National Union of Teachers declares that it will not be satisfied unless a scale is granted and says it cara.n>r, recommend teachers to accept a suggestion that they should take temporary appointments at school until the strike is settled.

BOSBURY CONSERVATIVE I LEAGUERS. Social Evening and Whist Drive. I At the Parish Hall, Bosbury, on Monday night, there was a very pleasant and enjoyable function heltl under the auspices of the Bosbury and District Lodge of the National Conservative League, which took the form of a social evening with which was associated a whist drive. Owing to a number of counter-attractions in the district the attendance was not so large as it otherwise would have been. Nevertheless about 20 tables were used, and when the totalling- up" of marks in the whist drive had been completed it was found that many of the players ran each other very closely. Mr W S Lane was the M.C. for the evening, having as his stewards Mr E G Shew and Mr J J Tilley. The Committee who were responsible for the very satisfactory arrange- ments were Messrs W S Lane, E G Shew, C Bosley, E B Thompson, W B Collett, J Bosley, P Taylor, and H Lane, whilst to Mr A G Parmee fell the onerous duties of hon. secretary. Altogether the social proved to be a most enjoyable affair, the pleasure afforded being enlivened bv vocal items contributed by Mr G Jones and Mr H B Why Id, piano solos by Miss Taylor (The Birchend), who also played the accompaniments. Light refreshments of the best quality were served by Mr and Mrs Parmee, ot the Crown Hotel, Bosbury, to whom a meed of praise is due. There were several ties in the play. Miss Isabel Russell and Mrs W S Lane tied for first place for ladies, Miss Russell cutting for first and Mrs Lane second. Mrs F W Taylor, Led- bury, and Miss Taylor. Birchend, tied for third ladies' prize, the latter securing the prize allotted. The following were the prize winners :— Ladies—1 Miss I Russell, 167, travelling case 2 Mrs W S Lane, 167, bag 3 Miss Taylor, 165. tea cosy booby prize, 137, Miss E M Harring- ton, musical clown. Gents-1 Mr G Jones, 173, writing case 2 Miss A Mason (playing as a gentleman), 169, clock; 3 Mr J W Wilkes, Ring of Bells." Ledbury, 168, thermometer booby prize, Mr Essex Potter, 145, horn. Ladies' hidden prize, Miss Lewis, 155. candle- stick; gents' hidden prize, Miss Terry (playing as a gent) 153, electric pocket lamp. Stickfast prize, Mrs J W Wilkes, Ledbury, brass inkstand. Married couple's prize, Mr and Mrs Sivel Lane, 318. thermos flask. VOTES OF THANKS. I Mr W S Lane said they were indebted to several kind friends who had so kindly given the prizes. Amongst the generous donors was their old friend and parishioner, Major Mynors, who had been a most liberal contributor. (Applause.) They were all indebted to him for the interest he had always taken hi the parish of Bosbury. He had sent the Committee a very uice letter, saying how sorry he was he could not be present that night to distribute the prizes, which they had asked him to do. He was the donor of the first, second, and third prizes for the ladies. ^Applause.) Mr Crane very kindly gave the married couple's prize, and other prize givers were Mr John Tilley, Mr S Bradburn, and Mr C T Smith. (Applause.) Mr Lane went on to propose a vety hearty vote of thanks to those kind donors of prizes, which were certainly very handsome, and which he was sure would be greatly appreciated by the recipients. Before he concluded his remarks he also desired to thank very much those who had attended this very pleasant social gathering likewise to thank those who had taken part in the musical programme. He would call upon Mr Jones to reply for the prize winners. Mr Jones replied on behalf of the recipients of prizes. He thanked the Committee for organising such a pleasant social, and also the donors of prizes. Mr Philip Taylor said they would be lacking in their duty if they did not show their appre- ciation of the services of their Chairman, Mr W 8 Lane. (Applause.) He (Mr Taylor) was a member of the Committee, and could speak from personal observation of the good work: and energy displayed by Mr Lane, who had done everything to bring about a success that evening. Therefore he would propose that their hearty thanks be given to Mr Lane for all his kind services. The motion was carried with cheers and musical honours, the cheers being repeated for Mrs Lane. Mr W S Lane, in response, expressed the thanks of Mrs Lane and himself for such a cor- dial reception of the motion. If he had omitted to mention anyone who had assisted in any way to provide for their entertainment that evening he was very sorry. He could say that to him it had been a most enjoyable evening. He felt personally that his thanks were due to Mr Tilley for his assistance in arranging that social gathering—he did not know what he should have done without him. Therefore he wished to propose a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr Tilly. The vote of thanks was heartily accorded, and Mr J J Tilley, in responding, said that what he had been able to do afforded him one greatest pleasure. Nothing made him enjoy himself so much as when seeing others enjoying them- selves. The happy proceedings terminated with the singing of National Anthem, the party dispersing for their various homes in a slight snowstorm.

DEATH AND FUNERAL OF Mft I RICHARD HICKMAN. An old resident oLt ht- town passed away on Wednesday in last week in the person of Mr Richard Hickman, who since 1900 had been an inmate of one of the almshouses at St Catherine's Hospital, Ledbury. Mr Hickman enjoyed fairly good health until last June, when he had a seizure, but recovered sufficiently to get about. Shortly before Christmas, however, he had another seizure, which was followed by a third, and from these he never rallied, anet gradually growing weaker passed away on Wednesday, the 14th inst., at 10.15 p.m. Dr McKean was his medical attendant. The late Mr Hickman had reached the advanced age of 77 years. He was a native of Bosbury, being the son of a farmer, and was himself a miller. He had resided in the district all his life and at one time was in business at Clencher's Mill, Eastnor. Subsequently he kept the Brewery Inn, in Bye-street,' Ladbury, and in 1909 became an inmate of St Catherine's Hospital. Possessed of a kind, genial spirit, he was universally liked and respected by all who knew him. His wife died 20 years ago and he leaves no family. The interment took place at the Ledbury Cemetery on Saturday last, the first portion of the burial service being conducted by the Rev Canon Bannister (Master of St Catherine's) in the chapel adjoining the almshouses, at which all the tenants who were able to attend were present. The committal portion of the burial service at the grave-side was read by the Rev 0 F R Strickland (curate). The mourners were Mr Lawrence, Birmingham (step-son), Mrs Firkins and Miss Lilley, who nursed him in his last illness. Wreaths were sent by Mrs Payne and family, Bosbury Mrs Hooper, Dymock and Miss Lilley. The funeral arrangements were conducted by Mr F W J uckes. The coffin was of polished elm with brass furnishings, and bore the inscription on the breastplate :— "Richard Hickman, died January 14, 1914, aged 77 years."

The position at Ledbury. I Two Mew Headmistresses Appointed. Eleven Teachers resigning. I On January 31 no lesq than eleven of the teachers engaged at the three Led bury schools, boys, girls, and infants, down books" in connection with the threatened strike. The only teachers on the whole staff who have not resigned are Mi--G'W!Paul, headmaster of the boys' school and his daughter, X-is., riiiii, who is also engaged in the 'boys' school. Mr C E Baker (certificated), Mr E W Reed and Mr F M Draper (un- certificated), assistants at the boys' school, sent in their notices, which expire on January 31. A new teacher, Mr Burston, appointed by the County Council, commences duty as am uncertificated assistant at the boys' school, on February 1st, but this is not a strike vaeancy, and has existed -since October, when three uncertificated assistants resigned in order to enter college, and only one teacher was procured despite weeks of ad vertising for teachers to fill these vacan- cies. Miss Paul filled another of these, and Mr Burston completes the trio. On February 1, therefore, there will be a headmaster and two uncertificated assistants to do the work of a headmaster one certificated and three uncertificated stants. Iu the girls' tichool the teachers whose resignation* thke effeet on January 31 are Miss Henley, headmistress Miss Hartland, certificated assistant Miss Hart and Mise Lloyd, uncertificated assistants. One uncer- tificated assistant, Miss Ballinger, of Here- ford, who took up her duties as recently as Monday to fill an ordinary vacancy, is not coming out on strike. Official notification was received by the Correspondent, Mr H Vernon Smith, on Thursday noon, of the appointment by the County Council of Miss Fernie, of Stirling, as headmistress of the girl's school at a salary of £ 120 per annum against the old salary of .£100 paid to Miss Henley, and raised to £ 110 under the recent increases. In the infants' school the resignations which take effect at the end of the current month are those of Miss Adams, head- mistress Miss Lee, certificated assistant, who is absent on leave at present; Miss Hardwick and Miss Underwood, uncertificated assistants-the whole staff of the school. At present, the only appointment made by tke County Council to fill these four vacancies is that of Miss Senyard, of Staines, at a salary of £ 100 per annum, against the old salary of .£110 paid to Miss Adams, since increased to .£115. The teachers of Ledbury are very loyal to the Union, and it is unlikely that there will be any waverers amongst the eleven prospec- tive strikers."

I MUCH MARCLE. I JUMBLE SALE.—A jumble sale in aid of the funds of the Much Marcle Football Club will be held at the Schoolroom, Much Marcle, on Satur- day, February 7, at 3 p.m. There will also be a provision stall. An invitation Long-Night Dance will be held in the Much Marcle Schoolroom on Friday, February 13, 1914. Dancing from 8 till 2. This dance is being held in place of the Cin- derella Dance, previously arranged. H 8 Powell and W White, joint hon. secretaries.- Advert.

[ KEMPLEY. I WHIST DRIVE.—An invitation whist drive is to be beld in the Kem pley Parish Hall on Wed- nesday, January 28, at 8 p.m. The Committee who have the arrangements in hand are Messrs W J Brooke, M C Cowie, R F Stuart, E Pullin, t and J If Walker.

LEDBURY ELECTRICITY SUPPLY. I A Visit to the Power Station. I It is now some two or three years or so since the possibility of an electricity supply for Led- bury was first mooted, and since Christmas week it has been an accomplished fact. It will be remembered that the first firm who came to the town did not proceed with their expressed intention, but another firm, Messrs Edwards and Armstrong, electrical engineers, of Bristol, approached the Council a matter of a little over twelve months ago, and early showed that they were out for business. A canvas of the town was made by this firm for prospective consumers, the initial operations were put in hand, and eventually a provisional order applied for. Meanwhile Messrs Edwards and Armstrong were pushing forward the necessary arrange- ments for the building of a power station and the requisite wiring, etc., and now the Ledbury Electric Supply Co., Ltd., is in a position to supply electric current for all purposes to any private or business establishment in the town and its outskirts. Messrs Edwards and Arm- strong, Ltd., have carried out the whole of the work themselves, and it is interesting to note that they were the contractors for the electricity supply works at Chippenham, Melksham, Trow- bridge, Cirencester, Abingdon, Tewkesbury, Ludlow, Leominster and Talgarth on similar lines to those followed at Ledbury. The power station is situate in Bye-street, Ledbury, facing the Gloucester Branch G. W. R. line, and the site is part of the Brewery Orchard. The architect was Sir Frank Wills, of Bristol, and the contractors Messrs David Smith and Son, builders, Ledbury. The building includes engine-room, about 36 ft by 24 ft., storage battery room, office, and one end of the building is utilised for the suction-gas plant aud as a coal- house. The engine-room contains a 68 h. p. Fielding suction-gas engine, laid down by the contractors. The fly-wheel is of rather a heavier type than usual in order to get a steadying balance. The engine is worked on a throttle governor which goes to msvke for steady running. One feature of the engine is that in blowing up to get ready to start there is no possibility of any foul gas getting into the engine-room, this being of course a great advantage, and does away with any danger from the fumes. The starting apparatus, too, is very interesting, and is done on ideas of the firm's own, the storage batteries being utilised, this disposing of the compressed air starting usually adopted. The dynamo is a Crompton, with a capacity of 250 volts, 140 amps., and there is a booster with direct coupling to a motor, also a Crompton, the booster being utilised for starting the engine from the batteries. The switch-board is a 4-panel marble one, the panels being feeder panel, dynamo panel, booster panel and battery panel. The record- ing meter indicates all that actually happens in the town as well as the batteries. Its true value is for registering the intake of the charge and discharge of the storage batteries. Over it is the regulator, giving a voltage regulation over 21 cells, so that there is ample margin for any reasonable amount of current. On another panel is an automatic blow out, which comes out on any irregularity in the town. There are three feeders to different parts of the town, each of which is isolated one from the other, so that if one circuit was damaged it would not interfere with the current on the other two circuits. Pilot volt meters show the voltage in the town. The battery is a 15 plate Premier with a 600 amperes per hour capacity. Outside the building are the lightning pro- tectors, rather an important matter to consumers, these protecting the wires and the dynamo. The suction-gas plant is in a separate portion of the building at the rear, which is very well ventilated, thus minimising the danger of "gassing." Provision is made in the engine room for another engine to be put in if necessary, and it is probable that there will be an oil engine as a stand-by. There is ample storage for coal in case of a railway or coal strike. Outside the building are eight 200-gallon tanks for cooling. The exhaust will probably be improved upon yet. The Company have at present 50 consumers, mostly at business premises, with the addition of a few residential houses. At most of the business premises which have been connected requests for additional lights are coming in, which seems to show that electric lighting is proving a success. The system of overhead wires has been adopted, and when the Provisional Order is got through the Company will have power to open up the roads for the purpose of laying cables to supply additional consumers it is impossible to reach by the overhead system. It is worth recording that the whole of the work in connection with the installation has been carried out by the firm of Messrs Edwards and Armstrong, and apart from the actual erection of the building no part of the work has been sub-contracted.

DEATH AND, FUNERAL OF MR. W. HEATH. We regret to record this week the death of Mr William Heath, of York House, Homend- street, Ledbury, which occurred suddenly at his residence at 3.15 on Friday morning last. He retired to rest as usual on Thursday night and was apparently sleeping peacefully, when he .had a sudden seizure and expired almost im- mediately. He had been medically attended by Dr. McKean, who was summoned, and certified the cause of death to be heart failure. The late Mr Win. Heath was born at Bradlow, .near the town, and for over 30 years he was coachman to the late Mr Hopton, of Canon Froome Court. He returned to Ledbury about ten years ago, and since that time he had resided at York House. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters, and was also one of the first members to join the Ledbury and District Lodge of the National Conservative League when it was formed. Mr Heath leaves a widow and family of two sons and four daughters JO mourn his demise, and with them the deepest sympathy is expressed. One daughter, Miss Frances Heath, resides in Bermuda, and of the others one is married, another resides at. Clevedon, and the fourth lives at home. The two sons live respectively at Swindon and Hartpury. THE FUNERAL. I The interment took place at Ledbury Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon, the first portion of the burial service being conducted in the Parish Church by the Rector (the Rev F W Carnegy ), who also officiated at the graveside. The mourners were :—Mrs Heath, widow Mr Albert Heath (Hartpury), Mr George Heath (Swinden), sons Mrs Hodges (London), Miss Florrie Heath (Clevedon), Miss Constance Heath, daughters Mrs Albert Heath, daughter- in-law Mrs Gardiner (Southend), Mr W Hodges, Mr H W Wildman and Mr E W Reed. Wreaths were sent by the widow George, Florrie and Connie Mr and Mrs Albert Heath Mr and Mrs Hodges, London Frank, Bertie and Mabel, Penge Frank and Bess. Penge H W Wildman, E W Reed, H Cox and F M Draper Ledbury and District Lodge National Conservative League Mrs Gardiner, Flo and Reg Mr and Mra David Smith The Arches, Clevedon Mr Peart, Canon Froome Mr and Mrs H Morris; Miss K Wargent, Canon Froome Mrs K Walker Bert. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr David Smith, and the coffin was of polished elm, with brass furnishings, the inscription on the breastplate being :—William Heath, died January 16, 1914, aged 73 years.

WESLEYAN HOME MISSIONs.-The annual sermons on behalf of Wesleyan Home Missions will be preached in the Ledbury Wesleyan Church on Sunday, February 1st, at 10.30 a.m. ahd 6.30 p.m. by the Rev A Jones, of Hands- worth College. On the following Thursday, February 5, the annual home missionary meet- ing will be held, when the chair will be taken by Mr H Bray, J.P., at 7.30 p.m., and the deputation will be the Rev Benj. Lowe, of the East Ham Mission. Collections will be taken on behalf of Home Missions.

LEDBURY BOAnD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Ledbury Board of Guardians was held at the Board-room of the Union WorVhouse on Tuesday morn- ing. There were present—Mr W L Pritchett (Chairman), who presided, Mr J A Thompson (Vice-Chairman), Rvs A G Jones, A E Green-Price, and A H Knapp, Miss Holland, Alderman J Riley, !Vujssrs S H Bickham, J Parry, H Weston, T S S Gardner, L J C Riley, A G Bunn, D A G Birchley, H Hodges, W S Lane, T A Pedliugham, J C Davies, A A Yapp, with the Clerk (Mr R Homes), the Master (Mr J Johnson), and the Relieving Officers (Mr A G Smith and Mr T Thompson). THE WORKHOUSE. I The Master reported that the inmates in the House the last week numbered 103, agaipst 93 for the corresponding week of last year, an increase of 10. The vagrants relieved during the fortnight numbered 161 against 127 last year, an increase of 54. He reported that the inmates annual new year's treat was given on the previous Wednesday, when the Guardians present were Mr A G Bunn and Mr J J S Powell. The men received 4 ounces of tobacco and the women 4 ounces of tea and 1 lb sugar, the gift of Mr and Mrs W A H Martin. The distribution of toys given by Mr and Mrs Martin to the children had to be postponed owing to an outbreak of measles. The staging for the enter- tainment was kindly lent by Mr George Hill the footlights by Mr Val Palmer screens by Mr F W Juckes and a large curtain by Mr T Howell, the Feathers Hotel. Mr Bunn proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs W A H Martin for their gifts, to the performers at the annual entertainment, and to the tradespeople in the town who had been good enough to lend them things for the annual entertainment at the Workhouse. It was very kind of the tradespeople, many of whom were present, and helped to make a very enjoyable evening. Everything went off excellently, and the entertainment was a great success, although they were minus the children. The performers were in good trim, and expressed themselves as particularly glad that they were able to come and entertain the old people. He had great pleasure in proposing the vote of thanks. Miss Holland, in seconding, said she would like to include the Master and Matron for the excellent preparations and decorations they carried out. The resolution was carried unanimously. The Master reported that he required some more firewood, and Mr E E Bill. New Mills, had offered to supply 30 cords at 10s 6d per'cord. They also required some lime for the garden, and Mr Bill would supply five or six tons at 16s per ton. It was decided to purchase the 30 cords of firewood at 10s 6d per cord and two tons of lime at 16s per ton. FINANCE. I Mr Bickham reported that the balance in the bank amounted to 92,294 15s 6d. The cheques signed that day amounted to J3106 15s 4d. When those were paid there would be a balance in the bank of £1,724 2s 5d. That, he thought, might just carry them through, if they could rely upon one or two of the collectors paying in a little bit earlier than the 15th March. They had an order made upon them for no less than £ 1.944 5s from the County Council, which had to be paid on March 1st, and of course they had not at the present time sufficient in the bank to meet it. He did not think the payments, judg- ing by the last year or two, between now and March would be large, and if they could get Mr Mills to assist them by paying in earlier as he did last year they would be able to meet their bills up to that time. CHILDREN'S CARETAKER. I The Clerk reported that there was only one application in response to the advertisement for children's caretaker and needlewoman, from Opengates, Salop, and the application was left in the hands of the Chairman to make enquiries into the suitability of the applicant, failing which t,) endeavour to procure a suitable person through the medium of a registry office. This concluded the business of public interest.

LEDBURY RURAL DISTRICT I COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Ledbury Rural District Council was held subsequent to the Guardians meeting, when the Rural Councillors present at the Guardians meeting attended, and the officials present were the Clerk (Mr R (Homes), the Highways Committee's Clerk (Mr H W Orme), and the Sanitary Inspector (Mr T J Cawsey). Mr W L Pritchett presided. HIGHWAYS COMMITTEE. I The minutes of the Highways Committee were read and confirmed, the following being included:— A meeting ef the Highways Committee was held on January 6. Present: Alderman J Riley (in the chair), Messrs W L Pritchett, H Weston, F Inne-4, J C Davies, H Cowell, J Parry J A Thompson, T A Pedlingham, and the Rev A E Green- Price. Finance.—The Committee recommend the Couneil to pay the Clerk the sum of E300 on account of roads. The following sums have been paid by the Clerk out of the roads account during the past month Manual labour—Main roads f52 4s 5d, dis- trict roads £79 10s lOd. Team labour—Main roads JE8 4s 3d, district roads £13 5s 7d. Materials—Main roads jE48 10s 2d, district roads jC76 6s lOd. Tradesmen's Bills and improvements—Main roads 8s 9d, district roads lis 6d. Steam Roller-f42 3* Sd. National Insurance—Main roads 16s 2d dis- trict roads JE1 5s 6d. The following sums have been received from the respective parishes in respect of calls due during December 15 :-Aabperton £ 20, Aylton £9, Bosbury 957, Canon Froome £12. Castle Froome jE14, Coddington £ 10, Colwall £176, Donnington 916, Eastnor £ 47, Eggleton E7, Little Marcie £ 8, Much Marcle £ 45, Munsley £ 34, Pixley £ 24, Putley iC16, Stretton Grandison JE60, Tarrington £61, Wellington Heath JE18, Woelhope £ 33, Yarkhill E32. The sum of X27 4s 6d has been received from Mr R Buchanan fot pipes and hire of roller. Colwall Park Quarries.—The Committee, in pursuance ot a request from the County Council, recommend the Council to pay to Messrs Russell and Co. f39 6s 8d out of pocket payments and solicitor and client charges in this matter, and to Mr Gurney X25 for expenses incurred and extra time engaged in getting up evidence. Ledbury Electric Lighting Co.—The Committee recommend the Council to consider the Company's draft provisional order. Rollers.—The Surveyor reported that new bushes had been put in the front rollers and to the link gears, and new keys on the back axle of RoUer No 2, and that the leaking between the boiler and the steam chest of Roller No 1 appeared to be no worse, and that it would probably finish the season's rolling without repairs. Monthly Accounts.—The Committee recom- mend the Council to pay the following accounts Team labour-A Bengry £31 5s 8d A G Cox £26 10s 3d; E Goodwin and Son, £ 21 13s and X15 10s 2d materials—George Gardiner XIS 5s 3d Clee Hill Granite Co. jC54 15s 5d; Clee Hill Dbu Stone Co. X73 8s 7d; Field and Mackay f246 ]3s 2d: sundries—Geo Hill and Sons f.33 6a; roller, etc—F C Swift and Co. X19 18s lOd; Bomford and Evershed £20 10s. INSOLATION HOSPILAL ACCOMMODA-I TION AND SANATORIA. The Clerk announced the receipt of the following communication from the County Council The interim report of the Committee appointed to hold the local inquiry into the question of isolation hospital accommodation in the rural and urban districts of Ross, Ledbury and Lsominster, pursuant to the Isolation Hospitals Acts, 1893 and 1901, had reported as follows The Committeee who were appointed by the Council at the meeting in Ootober, 1912, held a local inquiry at the Shirehall on the 9th December, 1915, having previously given the necessary notice as required by the Statute. At the inquiry evidence was given by Dr. Gold, the County Medical Officer of Health, in favour of the establishment of isolation hospitals for the districts concerned, and evidence was given from each of the districts mainly against the proposal. After carefully considering the position in regard to the rural and urban districts of Ross, Ledbury, and Leominster, the Com- mittee are unanimously of opinion that it is necessary that reasonable provision for isola- tion accommodation shall be made in these districts, and they have resolved to defer proceeding further with the duties imposed on them by the Statute until the 1st of June next, to afford the districts concerned the opportunity of giving full consideration to this resolution. The Committee have had before them the letter from the Local Government Board (19th August, 1913), suggesting that a Central Isolation Hospital might be provided and furnished with additional pavilions for the treatment of tuberculosis, towards which the Board would make grants both for capital and maintenance, and also the resolution of the Bromyard Board of Guardians, referred to them by the Council, as to provision being made for the treatment of uninsured persons suffering from tuberculosis. The Committee have resolved to recommend the Council to establish a Hospital for Tuber- culosis for all cases in the county, if satis- factory arrangements can be made wiuh the Insurance Committee. They have also appointed a Sub-committee to select pro- visionally a site for such hospital. Dr Jones said that so far as the Council was concerned the position was not altered. They had agreea to sena patients to tne neretord Rural Hospital on payment of a retaining fee. Everything had been held in abeyance until this report came out. Mr Thompson Hereford has taken no steps as regards the offer made buy us ? Dr Jones No, they can't as yet. Mr Thompson Do you suggest a conference again ? Dr Jones My view is to have a conference of the whale of the authorities in the county. In reply to Mr Thompson, Dr Jones said he did not think all the authorities would fall in at once. Alderman Riley I gather from this report there are only three defaulting authorities and that the others have made their arrange- ments. Dr Jones There are six Two each for Ross, Ledbury and Leominster. Then there are the two at Bromyard make 8, and Hereford and Weobley make ten, and that would only leave about four. The Chairman There is no probability that they will erect another pavilion in this county ? Dr Jones I think they ought. The Chairman I understood the probabilities were that they would net, and that we should be forced to provide our own isolation hospital. Mr Weston Have you heard what they have done at Ross ? Dr Jones I heard they had made some arrangement about a cottage. Mr Weston I think it a good idea. Dr Jones The project is absolutely hopeless —an impossible idea. Mr Davies said he agreed with Dr Jones that they ought to have a conference and find out their position. He pointed out that they had' to deal not only with infectious deseases, but also a sanatorium. The Local Government Board had asked them that and they would find part of the expense. The administrative build- ings for doctor and staff would serve two purposes-infectious diseases and sanatoria. If that was the case a conference of the districts interested might be of some use if they could get some information from the head authority as to what the Insurance Committee would do. He was against hospitals for rural places. He always held that they could deal with their cases and isolate them in the cottages. Then if they got diphtheria patients none of these hospitals were provided for diptheria. They had nine cases of diphtheria recently in their Union isolated hospital, and they were dealt with at far less expense than they would have been at another isolation hospital. As time went on the Government would do all they could to push them into a sanatorium by offer- ing them so much money. He thought they would find this hospital much more expensive to them acting independently and they should combine. He propose that they call a con- ference and invite Dr Jones and the Chairman of the Insurance Committe to be present. Mr Thompson said he gathered from the letter that the County Council would see that proper isolation accommodation was provided in the county for infectious diseases. If the authorities responside for that would not do so the County Council would step in and do so. The County Council were not desirous of doing that provided the authorities responsible for providing the isolation hospitals would do it and carry out their duties, and the County Council gave the authorities till June 1 to see what steps they could take in the matter. He thought it was advisable to have a conference for both infectious diseases and sanatorium. He suggested that the authorities be written to asking them to nominate two members to meet in conference to see what could be done. The Rev A E Green-Price seconded. Mr Davies suggested they should invite the Chairman of the Insurance Committee and Dr Gold. Dr Jones thought they should keep the Ceunty Council out of it. Mr Thompson agreed and said it should be a matter for the districts. Mr Davies said he thought they should have the opinion of the Chairman of the Insurance Committee, which was a Government depart- ment. Mr Thompson said he would agree to that. The Chairman Do you think we should get a delegate from Ross now that they have made some arrangements. Mr Weston I don't know. Mr Thompson If we went into it properly we should find that the cost was less. Here's a cheque to-day forj348 for one month for isolation hospital accommodation. It was decided that a conference of the authorities concerned should be called, and the Chairman and Vice-Chairman were appointed the two delegates for the Council. This concluded the public business of interest.

CLEANLINESS AND CIVILITY. LONDON CENTRAL MEAT Co., Ltd., THE MODERN HIGH-CLASS MEAT PURVEYORS, Will Open a Branch Shop at BROAD STREET, NEWENT, Friday and Saturday Next, Jan. 30 & 31 With a Large and Choice Consignment of PRIME OX BEEF and their PRIME SELECTED MUTTON. OUR PRIME NEW SEASON'S LAMB Is now available at all our Branches. We therefore ask you to give us a Trial Order so that we may demon- strate to you the superiority of our LAMB. Many years experience has shown to ns the faults of the old-fashioned and out-of-date system of business carried on in the Meat Trade of this Country. OUR BRANCH AT BROAD ST., NEWENT, is fitted up, and our Business conducted there iu such a style as to practically meet every evil with a remedy. Our Meat is now free from all bad effects of wind, dust, etc., which formerly destroytd the best nutriment and flavour which it should contain. The Public have also the satis- faction of knowing that our Meat has not been handled by any other persons except those in charge of the Branches. THE PRICE OF ALL MEAT SOLD IS MARKED IN PLAIN FIGURES, and weighed with Scales and Weights which everyone understands, before customers' eyes, thus preventing short weight and overcharges. You can therefore see that you get HONEST WEIGHT FOR YOUR MONEY. MAKE A NOTE OF THE ADDRESS- THE LONDON CENTRAL MEAT Co., Ltd., BROAD STREET, NEWENT.

COLWALL NE WS. The Reporter is now on sale at the shop of M H Malt, hairdresser and tobacconist, near the Stone. Colwall. G.F.S. The members of the local Branch were enter- tained to the annual Christmas party on Wednes- day evening. Tea was served at 5 30, and afterwards various indoor games and dancing were indulged in, and also dips from the bran tub and songs were given at intervals. Light refreshments were served before the close, and a very pleasant time was spent. Amongst those present were Mr and Mrs Burroughes, Rev Dr and Mrs Harris, Mrs Ryan, Miss Foulkes, etc. SCHOOL TREAT. The Christmas treat of the departments of the Sunday School, in connection with the Parish Church, was held on Saturday, at the Girls' School. After a good tea Miss Ryan pre- sented the prizes to the girls, and Miss Chorley to the boys. A lantern entertainment was given, the first consisting of Bethlehem scenes and the second on ants and their ways. The Rector described the pictures, and Mr N Harris manipulated the lantern. The children on leaving were presented with branges and crackers.

N.C.L. ANNUAL BALL.—The Ledbury and District Lodge of the National Conservative League have arranged to hold their annual all- night ball at the Feathers Hotel Assembly Room on Thursday, January 29. 1/8 sent to the Reporter Office, Ledbury, will ensure a copy of this paper being sent post free every Friday evening for a quarter (13 weeks).

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 Apiil. 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 DAVID SMITH "SO Monumental Sculptors, LEDBURY. MONUMENTS, TOMBS, HEAD STONES and CROSSES of ever y description, in Marble, Granite and Stone, fixed in any part of, ] kingdom. OLD MONUMENTS RENOVATED. Designs and Estimates sent free application.

JSfrtbs, flDarrfaoes, anfc IDeatbo. MARRIAGES. MEDDLICOTT-FOWLER-January 21st, at Munsley Church, by the Rev L G Hunt, William Meddlicott, of Worcester, to Frances Emily Fowler, of Waller's Green, Ledbury. DEATHS. HEATH—January 16, at York House, Ledbury, William Heath, aged 73 years. HARWOOD-January 16, at West Malvern, Anne Harwood, aged 85 years. BIRCHALL.—January 16, at Blackhill, Colwall, Kate Birchall, aged 79 years. EDMUND.—On January 17, at Swansea, Henry Edmund (late of the Grovesend Colliery), aged 82 years. LAW-January 18, at Woodcroft, Woolhope, Mary Ann Law, aged 81 years. CLARKE.—January 21, at New Street, Ledbury, Milbrow Alice Clarke, aged 52 years. IN MEMORIAM. DUGGAN.—In loving memory of my husband, Richard Duggan, who passed away January 21st, 1911. Three years have passed but still I miss him Friends may think the wound is healed, But they little know the sorrow That is within my heart concealed. From his wife.

MRS. HEATH AND FAMILY desire to i Tm. return their sincere THANKS for the many kind expressions of sympathy in their sudden bereavement. ARTHUR J. VIRGO. MONUMENTAL WORKS, Cathedral Close, Hereford Memorials in Marble, Granite or Stone. Designs Furnished. Brick Vaults & Steea Grvres Country Work a Speciality. TAs Oido&t Bw*wm M Bvrijvr*,