The Abergavenny Mail

LEDBURY WORKHOUSE INMATES9 I ANNUAL ENTERTAINMENT. The inmates of the Ledbury Union were given tb ir annual entertainment on Wed- nesday evening in last week, when the dining hall of the institution was the scene of much mirth and gladness on the part of the inmates. Even the old and grey inmates bad smiles on their wrinkled features, while the children enjoyed themselves im- mensely. The programme proved to be one of the b* st that has been given there, and this achievement was due to the untiring efforts of the Master and Matron (Mr and Mrs J Johnson), who are to be congratu- lated on the result of their organisation. The hall was decorated with mistletoe, evergreens and artificial roses. The stage looked very picturesque, and this was also hung with roses. The inmates were assem- bled in the dining hall, and also attending the concert were:—Mr and Mrs A G Smith, Mr and Mrs A Carless, Mr A J Chadd, Mr T W Hunt, Mr F James (Eastnor). Rev 0 F R Strickland (chaplain), Mrs T Pedling- fcam, etc. The Chairman of the Board (Mr W L Pritchett) was unable to attend owing to indisposition* Mr Bonn addressed the inmates and said that Mr Pritchett had not been well, and it would not have been wise for him to come that night. He (Mr Bunn) would do his best to carry through the business that Mr Pritchett would have done. He went on to aay that it was a proud elevation to him to ethnd before them to receive their applause. He was sure be should feel pleased, and he would try and eujoy himself, and they wonld go on the best way they could. (Applause). After the Chairman's introductory re- marks, Miss F Fardon, with her usual skill, gave an excellent pianoforte solo. Miss Jessop saog a selected song. which was well received. Miss Hilda James appeared on the stage in gentleman's evening dress, and dang a humorous soug entitled My Bas- soon," which was encored. A comic song, Three o'clock in the morning." by Mr D G Quin, was received with applause, and he •ana as an encore The wedding of McKnabb." Mr A Greenfield gave a humor- ous song, The miserable man," attired in a very appropriate dress, and he also re- ceived an encore and sang 14 Jean, Jean, of Aberdeen." Mr J Huish received an encore for his comic song, entitled It's nice to get up in the morning." The best comic of the evening was that in which Mr Greenfield and Mr Quin took an equal share in 44 Alice." These two, undoubtedly, were the stars of the evening's performance. At the interval tea and sugar were handed to the women, and tobacco was given to the men, and light refreshments were given to all the inmates. It was understood that the toys upon the Christmas tree are to be dis- tributed later on. All these gifts are of course provided by Mr and Mrs W A H Martin, of the Upper Hall, Ledbury, as for many years past. On the resumption of the programme the opening number was a humorous song, "The Life Guardsman," given by Mr A Greenfield, who gave a clever skit of a general riding a donkey, and went careering round the stage, much to the delight of the youngsters. The next item on the pro- gramme was a song 44 Stone-cracker Bill (encored), by Mr It J Carless. Miss Hilda James' 44 Regimental Pet" was quite a succesf, and she appeared instead of her sister, who was unable to attend. Mr Quin again delighted the audience with a comic, H I'm on my honeymoon." Some more local talent was g iven in a duet, entitled A short cut," by Miss L Lloyd and Mr R J Carless, and Mr E W Reed, dressed as a Iljrl, gave a very humorous song Isn't that like a inau ? Miss R Pritchett was unable to atteu and her place was filled by Mr Greenfield,, who rendered "Little Willie's Woodbinesin most pathetic ? style. Mr J I Huifch gave a humorous song, 41 Saturday t afternoon till Monday morning," and an amusing monologue was given by Miss Hilda James, 4411-69 express," in place of a song. Mr Quin, with his usual smartness, rendered a humorous song, 44 I'll be going home now." The last item on the pro- gramme was a sketch entitled The Area Belle," the characters being taken as fol- lows Mrs Croker (the mistress), Nurse Hall; Tosser (in the Grenadiers), Mr R J Carless; Pitcher (a policeman), Mr H Batchelor; Mr Walter Chalk (a milkman), Mr R A Paul; Penelope (maid), Mr E W Reed. The Chairman tendered a very hearty vote of thanks to the artistes. He was sure it had been a very enjoyable evening, though they bad been minus their Chair- man. who would have enjoyed it as they had done. (Applause). All those who had entertained them so well had the best thanks of all of them, and they had enjoyed it extraordinary well. (Applause). Three cheers were aiven for the Chair- man, the Master and Matron, the Chaplain and Miss Fardon, and with this the evening terminated.

VISITING CARDS.-Ladieg or Gentlemen V requiring Visiting Cards should send their orders to the "Reporter" Printing Works, Ledbury. "LOHDOVOS" datmy- u. Tenaio eompl.tel, end ■ £ V_ J M all;. 1/ 2/- aDd 81- tins tram ■ 9 m all chemists or I f 1 1 1 Lendsa Hygienic Chemical C. I I V I PV 1 86. W»ibi ook, London, X.C. A? E ?. ,? D E $ ,T- I R OY E D,?i B Y Suid by A. STKYENS, Chemist, Ledbury.

HEREFORDSHIRE TEACHERS' I DISPUTE. Two Fresh Appointments. f Further developments occurred in the crisis now going on among the Herefordshire teachers, two fresh appointments being made for headships in the Ross girls' and infants' schools in the places of Miss Crabtree and Miss Evans, the beads in those respective departments. Mr F S Collins, the chairman of the Ross managers, also a member of the County Education Authority, coafirmed the statement in an interview, and said the persons appointed were Miss Anna B Gilbert, a Scottish lady, who had the highest possible testimonials, including one from a lord- lieutenant 'and one from the Edinburgh University, and Miss Mary H Goddard, who also had some most excellent testimonials. In fact," continued Mr Collins, I think we are very fortnnate i obtaining the services of two such ladies at such a time as this." From enquiries made it appears that these appointments have been made over the heads of the Ross managers, some of whom have expressed great surprise at this, whilst the news was received with a certain amount of indignation by the members of the union, although they expressed themselves as fully confident that we shall win in the end, even if the county authority make thirty or more appointments, for we have the Board of Education with us." On Saturday morning a largely attended meeting of the head and certificated teachers of Ross and the district was held at Ross, when Mr W A Nicholls, the representative of the union for the county of Hereford, was present. The meeting was a private one, but our representative was informed that the chief business under discussion was the resolutions passed at the meeting convened by the Bishop of Hereford a few days previously. The chief resolution dealt with reads as follows :— That should the dispute not be amicably settled bJ J anurry 31. the managers are recommended where possible to make temporary arrangements with the existing teachers rather than fill their places with strangers. After giving the matter full consideration, the members present expressed themselves as entirely in sympathy with the idea conveyed in that resolution, but they un- animously decided not to accept it, and furthermore resolved that they should remain loyal to the union. The question of calling a public meeting of the ratepayers as a protest to the action of the Education Authority was also discussed, and it was provisionally arranged to call a meeting of the ratepayers in the near future.

NEWENT. I CHILDREN'S UNio.-i.-A. meeting of the Children's Union is connection with the Con- gregational Church was held on Monday evening when there was a large number present. The Scripture portions having been alternately said and the roll called, solos, duets, and trios were sung, and instructive recitations were given by Florie Lewis, Olive Ford, Eleanor Butler, Gertrude Green, Rose Manning, Gladys Dowell and Vera Jones. The Pastor gave an address on "Five Minutes; and what to do with them.

ACROSS THE TABLE. The discussion) in one of the newspapers oaf whether one should use the word, "woman' or lady," and how one is to tell the differ- ence, haa been enlivened by this story: Twca charwomen were discussing somebody else. Yuss," said one, she's a lydy she is. Wheus she gits drunk she can take a cab 'ome." In the potteries, as in Lancashire mill towns, m.anners are democratic, and "swank" is nob spared. A visitor to a pottery works was being shown, round by a foreman, who was Anxious to impress him. Passing by one of the workers, he picked up a piece of ware just finished. and, holding it up and looking at it. critically, he said: "You must do better thau this, Tom; this is too thin." TorpL replied: "I think you must be trying to show off, Mr. Jones; that's one you made yourself." It's going to be war to the knife." de- clared the suburban man, who was .feeding his chickens. "What now?" asked the friend. Why. Blinks sent me a box of axle-greaae and advised me to use it on my lawn-mower." Well? Well, I sent it back and told him to use it off his daughter's voice." Mr. John Terrill, the veteran CanadiatT, deceased, is said to have taken charge of the Royal Standard" during the late King Edward's journey through Canada, and hoisted it on the Prince's arrival anywhere. It may be doubted, comments the Pall Mall Gazette, if a Royal Standard was to be found among the equipment of the tour. A standard is a long and narrow flag, with the lower edge horizontal and the upper edge slanting from the staff to the end, which has a small slit in it. What Mr. Terrill-hoisted was probably the Royal Banner of Arms. It is the Royal Banner of Arms which is hoisted over Buckingham Palace when the King is there, but folk will persist in calling it tha Royal Standard. Sir Herbert Tree's sixtieth birthday reminds a contemporary of the following story. It was at a rehearsal of "Julius Caesar" that the eagle eye of Sir Herbert. detected a super who was not taking the faintest interest in the proceedings. He pro- ceeded to lecture the lethargic one, explain- ing the situation which had then been- reached. Now, remember," he concluded, "you are very angry with Brutus, and you're going to his house to kill him. Has that reached your understanding?" The under- standin' returned the man, his face lighting up for the first time, were eighteenpence night. In the week before Christmas the wife, as is the custom of wives, felt the need for more money. She went tø, her husband and asked for the loan of a sovereign. But you'll never pay me back," protested the husband. "I've lent you money before." "I'll bet you two, shillings I do in January," said the wife. "Right," said the husband, leaping at this sporting offer. January came. One, morning the wife came sorrowfully to her husband. Dear. I've lost that bet. Here'. your two shillings. What, asks a Manchester paper, would the members of the Tarporley Hunt think of this story which .111 China missionary sends us? A brother missionary when home on furlough brought with him a young Chinese servant, Sing Ong. He was a handy lad, not quite twenty, of excellent disposition, and, as tlm sequel will show. not a bit afraid of hard work. The missionary went to stay with some relatives who lived in a hunting county, taking Sing Ong with him. A meet of the hunt took place not far away, and the mis- sionary took his children to see the show, and Sing Ong went, with thorn. Sing Ong asked many questions,, and was particularly struck that so many horses aud so many hounds should be- used to catch one fox. The next morning Sing Ong was not to be found. He turned up after breakfast, however, triumphantly bearing i i his hand the corpse of a fox. See, he said; "I've caught the fbx all by myself. I went out into the woodfl over there and got him all by myself &ntl killed him. I did not want all those doge and horses to kill one fox." The missionary called' on the M.F.H. and explained matter*, lit was not easy. It is extraordinary how many virtues science has recently discovered in the can- nii)al,. Firt, came the learned doctor who found out that eating one's feUow-ereaturea was the ideally-nourishing diet, then an ex- plorer informs u. that the Congo men-eaters rival aJI the other African tribes in fondnese for their children and, finally, we learn that no self-respecting cannibal will devour woman. But this abstention appears to be- due, comments the Globp. to the fact that in cannibal circles all the work is done by the female of the species, and a continued diet of- potage bonne fomnie would comnel t-he eatejr- to exert himself. Every year, about this season, the polar- bear at the Zoological Gardens gives birth to. one or two cubs, who. however, invariably die from pneumonia after a few days. The experiment has been made more than once of handing these cubs over to female dogs to bring up, and the bear, who is an excellent, affectionate mother." is said this year to have lamented her loss with dismal, sor- rowing roars." The cubs have died as usual, and we are told that the longest time that. a. cub has been kept alive is three weeks, and "that was achieved by Barbara herself." We certainly think, says the Animals'' Friend. the cubs might be left with their own mother as long as they live, a.nd we suggest that the keeping of animals under such abnormal con- ditions is tyrannical and cruel. Mr. Street's letter explaining that he is not a Censor but a Reader of Plays is a curious instance of our fondness for calling things by, their wrong names, says the Manchsxtrr Guardian. There is no Censor, strictly speak- ing, in England, for the Lord Chamberlain, in relation to the theatre, is Licenser, while the original holder of the office was really Master of the Revels. Mr. Gladstone was & great stickler in such matters. He had to give evidence in a trial, and was asked whether he was First Lord of the Trea- sury." He demurred at once to this descrip- tion. and explained that be w:is one of the Commission for executing the office of Lord High Treasurer, and I believe my name stands first in the list." In the same way one could argue that Mr. Gladstone was never Prime Minister, for that office was first recognised officially eight years after his death. Walpole was constantly explaining to the House of Commons that he claimed no such title, and North would not permit its 11" even in his own family. On the oilier hand, some great personages are habitually shorn of their full honours. The Lord High Chancellor rarely obtains his full title, and the frequent description of the Archbishop of Canterbury as the Primate" ignores the Archbishop of York. who also claims that title as "Primate of England." A school inspector, a lady doctor, has been inveighing against the use in schools of Bibles of small type. The evil is widely spread. Some persons seem to consider that there is a special virtue in putting the whole Bible before a child. Ecclesiastes. Esther. and all, and a whole Bible, if it is not to be a very large and bulky book, must be printed on thin and expensive paper or ill very small type. The same predicament occurs in the case of Shakespeare, though there is not quite the same prejudice aganst cutting the playwright up into his component parts. In public and preparatory schools the authorities have long since solved the difficulty by using abbre- viated Bibles, greatly to the advantage not only of the boys' eyesight, but of their appre- ciation of the "Book of Books." This ex- ample, declares the Evening Standard, should permeate all State schools.

ADMISSION TICKETS in Rolls; any number; very cheap invaluable for Fete.. Entertainments, Athletic Meetings, etc. Obtain- able at the" Reporter. Printing Works, Ledbury.

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DOUBT CANNOT EXIST. I INVESTIGATION WILL ONLY I STRENGTHEN THE PROOF WE GIVE. How can doubt exist in the face of such evidence? Read here the endorsement of a representative resident of Ledbury. On February 15, 1910, Mrs E Morris, of 32. Lower Road, Newtown, Ledbury, said I was troubled with dull, aching pains jnst in the small of my back, and I always felt tired after working a few hours. When the pains were very bad I had a h.-rd job to keep myself erect. I also had pains in my head like neuralgia. Some months ago when I was particularly bad I was advised to try Doan's backache kidney pills. I didn't feel any benefit until I had taken several doses, but after that I was bound to own that they did me good. Then I began to mend; the backache gradually wore off, and now I am feeeling ever so well. Doan's pills seemed to put new life into me I can now stoop and do my work without any backache or headache. I think they are wonder- fully good pills, and I am glad to recommend them. (Signed) E Morris On August 15th, 1913, OVER THREE YEARS LATER, Mrs Morris said :—" I always speak well of Doan's pills that did me so much good. I am keeping splendid now I am pleased to say. If I ever get any sign of the trouble a few of Doan's pills soon put me right." Price 2/9 a box, 6 boxes 13/9; of all dealers, or from Foster-McClellan Co., 8, Wells-street, Oxford-street, London, W. Don't ask for backache or kidney pillll.-ask DISTINCTLY for DOAN'S backache kidney pills, the same as Mrs. Morris had.

HEREFORD CRICKET CLUB'S FINANCES.-At the annual meeting of the Herefordshire Cricket and Tennis Club on Saturday, Mr H L C Burdon, secretary, reported that the club had reduced the deficit by half to jM4, new members bringing in about JB50. There was a slight de- crease in membership, bnt the ifnances had been considerably helped by tennis tournament profits, fewer crickot matches, and economies and generous aid by several of the cricketers. The Earl of Chesterfield was re-elected president, on the motion of Sir Geoffrey Come wall, Bart., Mr C L Blew was appointed captain, Mr H L C Burdon was re-elected hon. secretary and treasurer, and Mr W Brocklehurst was re-appointed tennis hon. secretary, The club had an excellent season last year.

FENN'S NERVINE A Specialist's Prescription for Nerve Troubles, Invaluable to ALL who suffer from Depression, Headache, Worry, Irritability, Neuralgia, &c. It tones and braces the system, comforts the nerves, and imparts a feeling of energy and fit- nest for life's duty. Write for Bottle to-day, 2/8 post free- A. 0. FENN, 38, Arnold St., Lowestoft ♦ 18 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).

ODDFELLOWSHIP. I Half-Yearly District Meeting. I The half-yearly meeting of the Malvern District of Oddfellews was held at the Institute, West Malvern, on Wednesday. Prov. G.M. R 0 Allen occupied the chair, and there were present: Prov. D.G.M. C Davies, Prov. C.S. T Norris (secretary), I.P.P.G.M. S W Pugh, and delegates from the various Lodges, including Cradley, P.G.'s H Bullock, E E Prosser, and Per.Sec. J H Hopkinson Perseverance, P.P.G.M. H W Allen and P.G.'s H Hitchings and T Berry; Bright Female Lodge, P.G. Mrs E ( Kite, Per. Sec. Miss A Corfield. The Prov. G.M., in opening the meeting. gave a hearty welcome to Bro. Rev. A F Robson and Hon. Bro. A 0 Bridgeman. He said It is with great pleasure I welcome you here to the St. James's Lodge, and I take this opportunity of conveying to you not only my own, but cordial greetings and sincere good wishes for your happiness and prosperity in the New Year, from the Grand Master of the Order and Mrs Wright. I am sure you agree with me when I say we very much appreciate the kind thought of the Grand Master of the Order, in remembering his brethren of the Mal vern District. The number of candidates nominated for the various offices in the District is, in itself, sufficient proof that the general interest in Oddfellowship is not waning. I am glad to say the gentlemen of the Mal vern Medical Council have agreed to take the uninsured members, subject to the 1160 income limit, at the capitation fee, therefore there is no need to continue the pooling system, which was adopted as a temporary measure. At the same time, I much regret the action of the medical profession in severing their con- nection with the juvenile branches and only attending them professionally as private patients. In reference to the returns asked for in reference to sick pay paid out by lodges, it was thought it would be a guide to District and Lodge Officers, and we find that three lodges in particular have a very excessive sick rate, but nothing in particular to cause alarm. Whether in these par- ticular districts, where two or three doctors are situated, the panel doctors are too easy, we do not know, but we have our doubts, and I think if it continues it is a matter for serious enquiry. The Rules Committee, which you appointed at your last meeting, have had several meetings, and the results of their labours are now before you for consideration. I am glad to say, as you will see by the Auditor's report, that we are still making progress. In reference to State work, you may be gratified to know that the Prov G.M. and Prov C.S. have been appointed on the local District Committee. The speaker went-on to give the figures for sickness and maternity benefits paid during the past and previous year, as compiled by the Prov C.S. Sick benefits paid to members during 1912 amounted to £ 2,016 118 7d. The amount paid from the Independent Section during 1913 was C2,650 10s 10d. Sick benefits paid from the State Section to members who reduced their contributions by 4d, Y,172 5s 6d. Sick benefits paid to members from the State Section only was 11,399 12s 5d. 120 members had received for maternity benefits the sum of £180.. Several recipients of State benefits bad already drawn six months' full pay, and he contrasted their position with the Post Office depositor who could not draw anything beyond the contributions paid by, and on their behalf. They would welcome Post Office depositors who would join the Manchester Unitv. P.P.G.M. A E Pen fold read the Auditor's report as follows:—The sum of £112 10a has been paid in funeral benefits for five members and five members' wives, being a decrease on the previous half year of £ 52 10s. The numerical strength of the district on the Independent Side is 1,696 A call of 6d per member on the Independent Section, and 3d per member on the State Section will be required from Lodges for management expenses for the ensuing half year. The gross membership of the district is as follow Independent members only, 603; State and Independent members State members only, 2,040 total member- ship, 3,735, being an increase on the year of 226. The report and balance sheet for the half- year were adopted. Bro Rev A F Robson and Hon Bro A 0 Bridgeman acted as tellers. Prov. D.G.M. C Davies was appointed Prov. G.M. for the ensuing year. P.G. T W Staples of St James's Lodge, was appointed Prov. D.G.M. P.P.G.M. A E Penfold, Audi- tor; P.P (x.M. H T Kuowles and F C Hem- ming, Special Lodge Auditors; P.G.M. Preston, Examining and Relieving Officer; and P.P.G.M. G Mason, for photo in the Oidfellows' Magazine" Nine members were elected as the District Management Committee, and six as Lodge Book Examiners. Six delegates were appointed to attend the Midland Counties Conference to be held at Hereford in May next, namely. Hon. Bro A 0 Bridgeman and P.P.G.M. H W Allen, C A Burston, G Mason, A E Penfold, and W Evans, together with the delegates to the A.M.C. Prov. G.M. R 0 Allen was unanimously elected as the paid delegate, and Prov. C.S. T Norris, P.P.G.M. T Leech, and H T Knowles were granted certificate* to attend. The reports of the District Management Committee and Social Evening Committee were adopted. The Management Committee was instructed to make arrangements for a visit to the District of the Grand Master of the Order. A grant from the District Distress Fund was made to a brother, and his case is to be sent to the next A.M.C. for further assistance. The Revision Committee submitted a complete set of new rules for the Male Lodges and for the District, which, with a few alterations, were accepted. Other ordinary business having been done, votes of thanks were rendered to the Tellers, to the St. James's Lodge, and to the District Officers for their services at the meeting.

NEWENT. I PETTY SESSIONS.—Thursday.—Before Messrs T D Grimke-Drayton and Charles P Ackers. William Jones, alias William Smith, was brought up on remand charged with being found on certain enclosed premises in a garden in the occupation of Mrs Sarah Hill, Baaconshill House, Dymock, with the intent to commit a felony on Sunday, January 11th. P.C. Crook and Miss E Hill stated the facts, and the prisoner was sentenced to one month's hard labour.

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CANADIAN NEWS JOTTINGS. I (I'"ROM omi OWN CORRESPONDENT.) I MONTRKAL, January 10th, 1914. A f.stern man has been lavishing much praise ,»ti t,h<- rimmier in which the survey of Western i ;ii.»,<(. iiMN »»<■<*» carried out. Ata. recent banquet I), til-- I nrt.ilii.ui Society of Civil Engineers in < -i. I r. S. Den IN. whos-e father was the first Surveyor- Genera! of Canada. Hpokeinan interesting of rlui experiences ot the pioneer surveyors who laid out the land divisions west of Winnipeg. You can count upon the fingers of one hand the number of law "Ult" that have arisen out of dis- putes concerning line surveys in Western Canacla," said lie. J II fptte of summer heats and winter blizzards, the danger of attack by wild beasts and Indians and almost, incredible difficulties of trans- port, the pioneer parties achieved extraordinarily accurate and careful work. CANADA'S FIRST 8 2111 PTURE SHOW. I To come from pioneer surveying to modern art, present III Toronto the other day at a most -i.ug exhibition of his work by a British ,r., It was the first exhibition solely of .(Ilk, thut has ever been held in Canada, and utirely the work of Mr. Frederick Lessore, has Oeen entrusted with a number of Can- .11 commissions. One of the principal works exhibited was a magnificent bronze blist, of Lord Mount Stephen. The bust was done as an original sketch from life, as a study for the colossal statue of Lord Mount Stephen which has been erected ia the C.P.I i. station at Montreal. This, by-the- bye, is nine feet in height, and is the most im- portant statue of its kind of a living man ever sent from England to Canada. Another beautiful bust is of a second grand old man of the railways, Sir William Van Home, while other portrait busts included Sir George Ross, Sir Rufus Isaacs, Sir William Collin*, the great English surgeon, Matthew Mariti aud the late Father Stanton. Iteoides these portraits were numerous other sub- jects, notably a beautiful Pan, which is perhaps the best thing Mr. Lessore has ever done. Aprop-os Lord Mount Stephen's statue, the remarks of its subject when it was shown to him are rather interesting. In the first place he was strongly a.Hvr«e to the statue, being erected. My opinion," .».• x.ii t, is that such things should be reserved for i in- •emetery. The real monument that should be ,1. Uh to a Luau is hid work." THE "H. C. OF L" I flw high cost of living, frivolously ealled the 11. C. o. 1, is now the subject of Parliamentary euniiii v. A departmental committee, which is in- vtih,,iga; mg it, has now been sitting for nearly a Meek, hut so far none of its tielibei-ations has been iiuuit; pub-two So far, indeed, the work of the com- mutes lias chiefly been a review of a mass of !>ta.ti>i!<tk*t and information for the labour Depart- ment bearing oil the subject and for some time the gathering aud studying of information will be eon- LiflAtek). Jutit how far the Commission will go in it." investigation is not yet known, uor has any oectHioti been reached on the question of asking ftw* power to summon witnesses to take evidence oath. To collie extent, in fact, the Com- uiiKHtou is feeling its way. The chairman has auiu» iMeed that the one thing they wanted to do W.A., to find exactly what the cost of living was now anii how it had increased during recent venrs. Tliat being decided, the cause of the increase can then be investigated and steps can be tu.n'ii to remedy such as are remediable. At pre- sent there are almost as many opinions as to the ad there ure people to express them. Some poople blame the aheged widespread extravagance • •t Lite people and sas, in fact, that it is the cost of high lmng and not the high cost of living that is tue trouble. Oihers blaine every imagiuable k ,t! of tiusL and combine. The transportation IlUíHlllics, r,he cold storage houses and others, Itit-ink- election times, of course, both the niiical parties blame one. another. The com- .HiiU'i;, It is to be hoped, will give some authorita- ¡,\l.; lor luiure discussions. I OVER THE BORDER. Oue cause of the increased price of iiieat r(cen-li"-y i; < u the American tariff revision. The moment .ii.iii.ei•«, became easier for cattle, there was an iijuii >us rush of live cattle and of dressed meats .i .in Canada across the border to the States, i>ur:ng October alone, no less than 35,000 of live cit.t.tic and 6,000,000 pounds of dressed meat crossed ttie border, and during November an almost equal quantity went over. While this was very excellent for the farmer and titock breeder, it has meant a higher price for meat for the ordinary consumer. 1 io\> e.ver, a lot of extra money has been brought into the country, and no doubt in the spring the niocK ii.criiers will increase their herds and mullets adj ust themselves. ANOTHER RVILWAY. I he u-of a new railway development down in the .\ia>-iiwi<e L'r».viiices. Mr. A. R. Oould, the presi- -i.-IIL ot the St. John Valley Railway Company, a ;,ixt i,ailway in New Brunswick, se.tu eii a iranchise for a new short line con- • i etm,( i he Maritime Provinces with Quebec. The ,i erv.-u.jg feature about the new franchise and is til at the line will, it is believed, be ,i, ilie service of other railways. That is to t-.at •ttiier lines will be granted running rights HIT t ie new railway. Another interesting fact :!I.-it -A IAR^E portion of the line, at least, it Je<i to make use of electrical power. ..<■>atioiia are t. begin on the road this present iar.'at'd a* the.ru arc no very difficult engineering o ir-fcicwM, it wii! probably be very rapidly con> lJ. MIXED FARMING CAR. I I have tlit-eadv spoken of the "Demon. stratum Trains'' which are of suoii practical u^ lo our farmers. The latest of these is a "Mixt i Fa'iaiug Car"' which has started to make ;i lour iiii-i' the Canadian Pacific Railway and the ('a.jadi.n Northern Railway in Manitoba, »nd vh;eh will continue its beneficent travels utiii tue fjmni This car is authorised by the Manitoba i>epurti<»enc fof Agriculture, and will be directed from tue Agricultural College at Winnipeg. ItwiU be fitted with weed samples, samples of all the ollicial grades of grai n and grasses. Each car will have a lantern, which will be used in illustrating tIle various lectures. The slides to be exhibited will include the views of the foundation animals of the various breeds of live stock, together witb the vi'csciit-dav champions at the 1Q.-ø, 64xhihitiona

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[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] BIBLE STUDIES CONDUCTED BY PASTOR RUSSELL. "HIS SERVANTS SHALL SERVE HIM." The Lesson:—Luke viii. 1-3: ix. 57-G2; I x. 38-42. The Text:—"Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these My brethren, even these least, ye did it unto Me."—Matthew xxv. 40 (R.V.). The opening verse of this Study furnishes us the key to all the preaching that Jesus did, so far as the record goes. His one mes- sage was the Good Tidings of the Kingdom of God. This is still the good tidings; and any of the Lord's people who have not yet learned that the Kingdom of God is the very centre and essence of the hope of the Church and the world, have not profitably read and believed the Bible. The Jews, not being ready for the Kingdom, were rejected as a nation from being Messiah's associates in that Kingdom. But not all were re- jected hence we read that to as many as re- ceived Jesus, to them gave he power to be- come sons of God—by the begetting and anointing of the Holy Spirit which firfct came at Pentecost. It is these sons of God who are, if faith- ful, to be with Jesus by and bvheirH of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ their Lord to this Heavenly Kingdom. Their honour and blessing shall be great; for they shall be like their Master, see him as be is and share his glory. But this will not be all. If they develop his spirit of love, they will thereby be qualified for association with the Master in his great work of blessing mankind, rolling away the curse and uplift- ing humanity out of sin and death condi- tions. Surely this is good tidirHf. as stated in the lesson; and the same good tidings were heralded by those angels who proclaimed the Master's birth, saying. "Behold, we bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people." Thus far it has been good tidings only to God's servants and handmaidens, the Church. But it shall be good tidings to ALL, when all the deaf ears shall be unstopped and all the blind eyes shall be opened, and they shall see the glories of Messiah's Kingdom. While Jesus was thus declaring the King- don, he was not begging his way. We have no suggestion that he ever took up a collec- tion or in any manner solicited money. Many think this a suggestion that the fol- lowers of Christ should likewise make no ap- peals for money, but merely use of their own substance and such other money as shall voluntarily be given into their posses- gion. However, this is for each to decide for himself. Amongst the hetiled ones was Mary of Magdabi, out of whom the Lord had east seven demons. In other words, the poor woman was in the condition in which many are who are now in. insane asylums. Her trouble was not organic, but caused by the harassing of the seven fallen angels who had taken possession of her. Whoever believes the Bible message must believe that there are fallen angels—spirit beings who have a malevolent influence upon humanity to the extent that they can gain control, and who must be resisted with the will. Mary, ap- parently. was a woman of wealth. Released from the power of the demons, she was so grateful to Jesus that she did her best to serve him on every occasion. Other honour- able women are mentioned as contributing to the Lord's support. I- THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP. some were attracted to Jesus, evidently. with the thought that one so gifted and so well supplied with the necessities of life must be wealthy. One such said to the Lord, "I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest" but apparently his ardour was cooled when Jesus informed him that he had no home of his own, iltlioiigh there were numerous homes to which he was welcome. Foxes have holes of their own. and birds have nests of their own, but the Son of Man had no home to call his own. one but the very sincere would likely be attracted to follow a leader under such circumstances. Wealth attracts many. poverty attracts few. Another said to Jesus in substance. Lord, you may count me in as one of your dis- ciples; but I have a father, and I fed as thou I must stay with him until his death. The reply of Jesus shows us the im- portance which he attaches to every service ve can render to the Father's cause. He said, "Let the dead bury their dead, and go thou and preach the Kingdom of God." The whole world is already dead from the Divine standpoint. The sentence of death that passed upon Adam involved all of his children. The only ones whom the. Scrip- tures rt-cognise as possessed of life at the present time are those who become related to the Life-giver, Jesus. The Master inti- mates that all such should take a different view of life from others. There are plenty in the world who can attend to the earthly things; few who can attend to the more im- portant work of proclaiming the Kingdtom and gathering the Kingdom class. Another came to Jesus, saying. T will follow thee; but I wish first to go and hid farewell to those who are at home. T will spend a little time with them; and before long I will he with thee in the work. It was not heartlessness on Jesus' part that sug- gested the answer: "No man, having- put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God." According to these searching words, who then. even amongst the Lord's consecrated people of to- day. are fit for the Kingdom? LOVE MANIFESTED BY ZEAL We arc not to judge others, hut each is to judge himself. Yet, in a general way. are [ we ant confident that many are not only looking back and making special provisions for the social anwniticH of life.. but addi- tionally are plunging into many of the luxuries, pleasures, and frivolities of the world? The question is a searching one. IIow many of us will the Lord consider fit tor a place with himself in the glorious Messianic Empire, which we- trust is nigh- at the door? There seems to be a principle involved. Those who are not absorbed with interest in the Kingdom, desiring its bless- ings and a share in conferring blessings upon others, would probably not be qualilied by the resurrection change to accomplish the work which God lias designed shall bo done for humanity. The story of Martha and Mary concludes the lesson." Both loved the Saviour, but they manifested their love differently. Jesus did not disapprove of Martha and her care- fulness in providing for his conifort; biit lie specially appreciated the spirit of Mary, which drew her to his feet to hear the won- deriul wcrds of life. llers was the letter part, Jeims said. So then in our service for the Master let us have this in mind, that he is specially pleased when we give earnest attention to his words and seek to be filled with his Holy Spirit. To-day's Study represents special services which were rendered at different times during our Lord's ministry. Acceptable ser- vice. like acceptable praise, must come as a fruitage of love to the Lord. He who loves much will serve much. Salaries cannot pur- chase this kind of service, and persecutions cannot hinder it. Whoever was privileged to serve the Lord Jesus personally was cer- tainly highly privileged; and yet we may be sure of the general principle laid down in our text, that whoever serves any whom the Lord classes as his brethren are really serv- ing him. He accepts the same as service to himself. How precious this thought! and how valu- able it is What wonder that all who truly believe the Lord's Word should be zealous in service for their brethren As the Apostle suggests, we ought also to lay down our lives for the brethren, even as Christ died for all.

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