The Abergavenny Mail

LONDON HOUSE, HEREFORD KING & SONS, DRAPERS, MILLINERS, COSTUMIERS, ARE DAILY RECEIVING Early Deliveries OF Spring Goods. SEE WINDOWS.

DYMOCK. I DANCB.—A. dance was held in the Rifle Hall, Dymock, on Thursday in last week, the proceeds being for the Ledbury Cottage Hospital. There WM a poor attendance. Mr W Baldwin's band rendered splendid music, and after expenses were paid the promoters of the dance were able to haud over the sum of 153. Mr Hutchins kindly give the room and provided lights and piano.

FORMER MUCH MARCLE POSTMAN IN CANADA. The Unemployment Question In the Dominion. We have received a letter from Mr Sam Croker, formerly a postman at Much Marcle, who left England on April 10, 1912, for Canada, in which he describes his itinerary from the day he landed at Portland, Maine, U.S.A., te the date of his letter, January 20 last. He gives some very interesting details as to his subsequent journeyings, in the course of which he arrived at a place called Hagerville, 40 miles from his destination, and here he had a wait of 24 hours before he could proceed. He found an hotel, and proceeds :—"Most of the people here were Indians or half-breeds. When I got to the hotel the fellows wanted to know all about me. One said" You English?" I said "Yes," and then another said "I suppose you are a good fighter ?" I gave no answer to that, and then one said Have you ever used the gloves ? "Just a little," I replied. That was enough. They went after the gloves, but when they came back Sam was missing. I knew I should get the worst end of the stick, as there was quite a bunch of them in there. An Indian is as quiet a fellow as you wish to see when he is sober, but you meet an Indian when he is the worse for drink-I would sooner meet a wild animal any day." Mr Croker eventually reached his destination, Brownville, which he describes as a place about the size of Dymock. He was booked to go on a farm but as luck would have it the farmer got tired of waiting for him, so hired someone else. Mr Croker continues: But r soon found a job. I tried a cheese factory for about six months, which I was forced to leave, as the factory closed for the winter months. My wages in the factory were 17 dollars a month, with board, but I had to do my own washing. I tried the farm all the winter. It wasn't too bad but talk about work-I certainly had it here all right. The hired girl and myself had to look afcer 20 cows, half as many horses, a dozen pigs and draw milk every morning to the condensed milk factory. We got up every morning at 5 o'clock, fed the stock and milked before break- fast. After that I had to draw the milk, and it took me the rest of the day to put things straight for the night. Some days I cut wood when I had time, but I could never get through till 7.30 or 8 o'clock at night. Sunday was the worst of all, and we were working till 11 in the mornin"g, and then from 3.30 to 7 or 7-30 at night. Further describing Canadian farm life, he says the hired hand is treated as one of the family is treated well in the house, has a good living, but the life is deadly dull. A break in the dullness is described by our correspondent, in the shape of a dance, at which he states, every man is as good as another in this country." Proceeding, the former postman states that he went back to the cheese factory in April last year, and in the meantime his wages rose from 16 dollars to 23 dollars and all found. He stayed in the factory till October, and then went to work in a condensed milk factory employing 100 hands, half of which were girls. He has only lost one day's pay since he arrived in the country, and his wages are still rising. He now gets 42 dollars, a month, but has to board himself, for which he pays 16s a week, and Is for laundry. Mr Croker concludes Tillsonburg, where I live, is a small town of about 3,000 inhabitants, about 100 miles from Toronto. It is a pretty place in the spring, and is reputed to be one of the best dairy sections of Ontario. It is in Oxford County. I would just like to write a few words about the unemployment in this country. It has been the worst that ever I witnessed thousands are out of work. Even in this small place 200 to 300 are out and have been for months. Toronto alone has 20,000 out of work. I know families here, in the same street as I am living, are starving. I tell you men, this country is overstocked with foreigners, that is where the fault lies, and I have found out that we green Englishmen mostly have the worst jobs. You never see a foreigner go on a farm that is left for the Englishmen to do. I have never been up West yet, but may this Summer but I advise any young man at home if he has got a good job to stick to it he is a fool to leave a good job to come over here. Don't believe all you hear about big wages. The most a man gets on a farm the first year he is out here is 22 a month with board, and you are lucky to get that.

BOSBURY. WHIST DRIVE-A. whist drive will be held in the Parish Hall, Bosbury, on Tuesday, February 24, the proceeds being in aid of the Bosbury Men's Club. The drive commences at 7.30 p.m., and light refreshments will be pro- vided. CINDERELLA DANCE.—A Cinderella dance will be held in the Parish Hall, Bosbury, on Tuesday next, from 7.30 p.m. till midnight. Miss Fardon will provide dance music, and tickets, which include light refreshments, may be had from any member of the committee. SCHOOL TREAT.—For many years past there has been a Christmas treat given to the school children of the above parish by Mrs Buck (Noverings) and Mrs Emberson (The Grange). Owing, however, to illness amongst the children the treat could not be given early in the new year, as was at first arranged, but on Monday afternoon Mrs Buck and Mrs Emberson visited the Boys' and Girls' Schools and distributed the presents, which under more fortunate circumstances would have been the fruit of a Christmas tree. The gifts gave great pleasure to each recipient and much care and thought had been expended on the choice of each present. Many exclamations of satisfaction were heard, proving that the gift was a suitable and coveted possession. Each infant girl had a beautifully dressed doll, whilst the infant boys had mechanical toys, drums, trumpets, balls, and various other things delightful to the heart of small boys. Each teacher, too, received a present. Cake and sweets were handed round afterwards, and Mrs Buck promised the children that they should have the postponed tea-party later on at the Noverings. Hearty cheers were given for the two ladies by excited children, who then hurried home to show.,their treasures to their parents. m

LEDBURY POLICE. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11. Before Alderman John Riley (in the chair), Mr Spencer H Bickham, Mr R Buchanan, Dr M A Wood, and Mr Fred Ballard. THE NEW DRILL HALL. The music and dancing license hitherto held for the old Drill Hall was transferred to the new Drill Hall, and Mr P C Gabb, of No. 7, High-atreet, Ledbury, was granted an occasional license from 9 p.m till 3 a.m. on February 19 on the occasion of the annual Territorial Ball. STAGE PLAY LICENSE. l The stage play license at the Hill Institute, I Colwall, was renewed for another month. ROW AT A LODGING-HOUSE. Thomas Blythe, labourer, of Ledbury, was summoned by Arthur Griffin another labourer, for alleged assault at Ledbury on January 31st. Prosecutor said on the night of January 31st he went to bed at Mrs Masterson's lodging- house on the bridge at Ledbury, and found defendant in his bed. He told defendant that was his bed and he had paid for it, but defendant caught hold of his boot and struck him two blows with it on his head. He went unconscious and when he came to, found that he was bleed- ing at the head at the places where the plasters were. Defendant said prosecutor shoved him off the bed, but witness denied that he laid a hand on him. Defendant: Was you sober or drunk ?— Witness I had had drink, but I was not drunk. Defendant admitted the assault under provoca- tion. He had worked in the district for six years, and had always conducted himself properly. He paid for the bed, and was told to go to that particular bed. Had prosecutor given him time to get his watch and his money and his waistcoat there would have been no trouble. Witness said he offered defendant a part of the bed if he had not got another bed, and he then struck witness on the head. William Clements, deputy at the lodging- house, said he let defendant a bed on January 31 and showed him up to bed. He heard nothing of the row, but was told of it. and went upstairs and saw Griffin's head bleeding. The bed was a double ene, and both could have slept in it comfortably. One had as much right there as the other. Prosecutor It is not a double bed it is about a three-quarter bed. Defendant I have slept three in a bed many a time in a bed the size of this. (Laughter.) Supt. Williams said he thought it was a drunken squabble. The Bench ordered defendant to pay 5s of the costs and gave him till Saturday to pay. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS ACTS. I Harry Fisher, 19, labourer, of Mathon, was charged with stealing a bicycle lamp, value 3s., the property of Albert Allen, of Colwall, on January 24. Prosecutor, an engine-driver, said on January 24 he went into the Free Library at Colwall at 9 p.m., leaving his bicycle outside. He left the Library shortly before ten o'clock, and the lamp had disappeared. He identified the lamp, an oil one, as his property, which be valued at 3s. P.C. Knight, of Colwall, said he saw defend- ant on January 25 at Mathon. At first he denied any knowledge of it, but later said his little brother, aged 10, took the lamp off the bicycle. He questioned the boy in defendant's presence, and he said defendant took the lamp off the bicycle, put it under his coat and took it home and put it in the rag-bag, where witness found it. He thereupon charged defendant with stealing it. Defendant, who is very small for his age, elected to be tried at that Court, and expressed his sorrow for the offence. He had a fit and didn't know what he was doing. A letter was read from someone who takes an interest in the youth, explaining that he was subject to fits, and at such times was not responsible for his actions. Defendant was admonished by the Bench and was bound over for six months in the sum of 1£5. WARRANT ISSUED. -i William Ratcliffe, of Much Marcle, was charged with stealing a threshing machine driving belt, value 25, the property of Leonard Powell, of Much Marcle, on January 20. When the case was called, there was no answer on the part of defendant. Mr Ballard Is this another casual labourer ? Supt. Williams Oh, no; the man is some- thing better than that. He is a single man from Worcestershire, and is interested in threshing tackle. He is a join' and carpenter, and has been working at Much Marcle. He is a responsible man and apparently a straight man. The Bench issued a warrant for defendant's arrest. I BOUND OVER. William Wheeler, of Bosbury, was charged with stealing an iron furnace value 5s, the property of Robert Buchanan. of Bosbury House, Bosbury, on July 19, 1913. William James Link, bailiff for Mr R Buchanan, of Bosbury House, said in May last year they were engaged in whitewashing the outside of cottages on the Bosbury estate. A man named Richard Hill had an order from witness to take out an old furnace at Winserdine Cottages to mix whitewash in. He fetched the furnace early one morning, and used it for the purpose of mixing whitewash at Broad Oak, and went from there to Yew Tree Cottage, where witness last saw the furnace in June. About six weeks ago he wanted the furnace for Winserdine Cottages, but could not find it. Oa February 1st he saw part of a furnace hid under some rubbish at Stoneyartl Green, where defendant lived. Defendant had been engaged on the estate whitewashing. He identified the furnace produced as the one lost. The hole in the bottom was only a small one when they used it. In company with a policeman he went to defendant, who admitted taking the furnace from Yew Tree Cottage, and that he knew it was Mr Buchanan's property. P.C. Campion, of Bosbury, bore out the latter part of the previous witness's evidence as to seeing defendant and recovering the furnace. He saw defendant, who was working on the Grange Farm, and asked him to account for the possession of the furnace in his garden. Defend- ant said "It is only an old one," and later admitted taking it from Yew Tree Cottage on the Bosbury House Estate, that he had no per- mission or order to take it, and that he knew it was Mr Buchanan's property. Defendant was charged and elected to be dealt with summarily, and pleaded not guilty. Giving evidence on oath, defendant, who is a young man of very respectable appearance, said he was a general labourer. He took the furnace from the Yew Tree Cottage because the woman living there said the children got in such a mess from the whitewash. He had to mix whitewash overnight to use at the cottages where no one was living, and he mixed it at home in the furnace up to about four months back. He worked on the Bosbury House estate up to a month ago, and when he left gave up all the implements and utensils he had belonging to Mr Buchanan, but forgot about the furnace. In reply to the Bench the witness Link said he discharged defendant because he found tools belonging to Mr Buchanan on defendant's premises. By Mr Ballard When he first missed the furnace he did not raise a hue and cry nor did he ask defendant, as the man who last used the furnace, where it was. He would do so under ordinary circumstances, but he had his reasons for not doing so in this particular instance. The Bench said there was no doubt defendant did steal the furnace, but as it was his first offence, he would be bound over in the sum of j35 to be of good behaviour for six months, and would have to pay the coats j31 3s. Mr Buchanan did not adjudicate in this case.

118 sent to the Reporter Office, Ledbary, will ensure a copy of this piper being sent, post free every Friday evening for a quarter (13 weeks). j

HEREFORDSHIRE ASSIZES. I The Herefordshire Assizes were held on Mon- day and Tuesday at Hereford, before Mr Justice Scrutton. By a majority the Grand Jury decided in. favour of retaining the grand jury system. ROSS PARENTS BOUND OVER ON I CHARGE OF RECEIVING. A case from Ross aroused considerable interest. The prisoners were Ernest Wm. Lydford, an errand boy, and his parents, Charles Wm Lydford and Harriet Amelia Lydford. The lad was charged with stealing a wallet containing a cheque for;C2 lis. and two postal orders of the value of 24s., while the parents were charged with receiving the property.-The jury found, the man and woman guilty, and the Judge bound them over as first offenders. The lad was sent to a home of detention, his Lordship ordering. him to be whipped should the Court of Appeal allow it. BURGLARY. Richard Smith, an elderly farm labourer, was sentenced to 21 months' hard labour for breaking and entering a dwelling-house at Leinthall Starkes on the night of January 23.-The Judge said prisoner had been convicted nine times for burglary, and had served 34 years in prison. THEFT. I Donald Stuart, alias Betrand Edward Piper, a butler, pleaded guilty to stealing various articles belong.ingto Major Dixon, of Treaco.-Pri-,oner, it was stated, obtained the situation by means of a fraudulent letter, and was under notice to leave.—Sentence of four months' hard labour was passed. ALLEGED POACHING AND ASSAULT. Three men were charged with poaching and assault on the gamekeepers at Orcop. Two of them, Henry White and Frederick Davies, farm bailiff and blacksmith, living at Garway, were said to be under the influence of drink, and it was alleged that the affair was a practical joke. Jeremiah Castree, the other prisoner, was proved an old offeader, and he used a bludgeon on one of the keepers. Evidence was called to show that White and Davies had had drink, including rhubarb wine, elderberry wine, and whisky at Whitens house, and they had both heard the keepers boasting of their security against poachers. Prisoners merely intended to frighten them. White had a gun and several shots were heard. Davis carried a bag, in which the prosecution alleged were pheasants. There was a scuffle when the men got face to face, but no capture was made until the prisoners were retreating. Couoael said nobody would be such a fool as to carry out a practical joke at nearly three o'clock in the morning. All the prisoners were found guilty, and Cas- tree was sentenced to four months' hard labour, White to two months in the second division, and Davies to six weeks. I" HEREFORD FARMER TO PAY £ 50 DAMAGES. I SUED BY SERVANT'S FATHER. A case of seduction was heard, the damages claimed being 2250, and M for loss of services and medical expenses. Louisa Phelps was the plaintiff, through her father, Charles Phelps, of Ham Green, and the defendant was Eustace Felix Smith, a farmer, of Upton Bishop, near Ross, his mother being joined as his guardian. The girl was in service at the farm. Defendant, when threatened bastardy pro- ceedings, paid S120 in settlement. The claim now made was based on the legal fielion which enabled parents to obtain redress for the lost services of his daughter, owing to the seduction, the girl having every alternate Sun- day off, and doing various duties at home on those occasions. Mrs Smith's counsel contended that this holiday was subject to the mistress's permission, but the jury found otherwise, and awarded;E50 damages. The seduction was originally denied. An appeal is threatened, and stay of execution was granted. =====

I HEREFORD MARKET. (Special Farmers' Union Report). The irarket to-day was well attended and trade was brisk throughout. CATTLE. There was a good supply of store cattle, which made very satisfactory prices. BEEF. A moderate supply, for which trade was again ( very firm. Best beef 7d to 8d per lb. Other I qualities 6d to 71d,. Fat calves lOd to lid. SHEEP. I Moderate supply. Store sheep very dear. Fab sheep rather easier. Best teg mutton 9d to lOd per lb. Best wether mutton Sd to 9d. O ther qualities, 7d to Std. | PIGS. n, I A good supply. stores very aear. irorics I and bacons in good demand. Porks, 7d to 8d per lb. Small Bacons 6d to 7d. Heavy-weights I 5d to 6d. CORN. I A quiet market with prices practically un- changed. Wheat per 62 lbs, 3s lid to 4s. (Hd. Oats per 40 lbs, 2s 6d to 3s. Malting barley per 56 lbs, 3s 6d to 48. Grinding barley per 56 lbs, 3s to 3s 6d. Beans per 65! lbs, 4s to 4s 2d. HAY TRADE. Qaotations are for good quality in stack, seller to deliver on rail. Best hay 50s to 55a per ton. Second quality hay 458 to 50s. Clovers (good) 50s to 55s. Good wheat straw 40s to 45s.

COLWALL PARISH COUNCIL. I The monthly meeting of the Colwall Parish Council was held at the Workman's Hall, Colwall, on Wednesday night. Mr Fred Ballard (ehairman), presided, and also present were Miss Holland, Messrs T A Pedlingham, D A G Birchley, 0 N Holt-Needham, M J Powell, G Johns, S Pugh, H W Jones, F H Rudgard, A G Allen, W Webb, J Pedlingham, together with the Clerk (Mr G H T Foster), the Clerk's Assistant (Mr Thomas), and the Building Surveyor (Mr T J Cawsey). A SCHOOL MATTER. I Mr John Pedlingham proposed "that the Parish Council strongly objects to the attendance of children suffering from any notifiable or infectious disease, including tuber- eulosis in any form, at any school in the parish of Colwall, for which they are the minor authority and that they approve the action their representative has taken in the matter, and that a copy of the resolution be sent to the Local Education Authority and the Rural District Council.- A lengthy discussion took place on a case of a reported consumptive girl which gave rise to the resolution. Mr J Pedlingham's resolution was carried by 6 votes to 3. OTHER MATTERS. I The Annual Parish Assembly was fixed for Wednesday, March 18, at 7 o'clock. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr T Pedlingham, the Library Committee s report was adopted. Mr T A Pedlingham drew the attention of the Council to the fact that of late considerable damage 71-, I been done to the trees, and said that n^» -;3 than Xvof them from the Factory upwards Uad been chipped, and also near the HIQrbd and Groom Hotel, and in this case he had found, out who had doae the damage, whieh was three girls-attending the girls' school, so he immediately went to the school, and severely chastised them,, pointing out to them the seriousness of the thing and trusting that they would all take a- warning awl not let it occur a^ nin. That was last week, and in spite of that warning. he had received information that yet another tree, only the previous after- noon, had been badly damaged, by two more girls attending school. He was of opinion that stringent measures would have to be adopted to stop the wanton mischief. The Chairman suggested that the offenders be prosecuted. Eventually Mr John Pedlingham undertook h am undertook to interview the children's parents and point out to them the seriousness of the case.

Parochial Committee. I Mr T A Pedlingham presided over the usual I monthly meeting. THE SEWERAGE CONTRACT. I The Chairman reported that the Committee who had charge of the work of the sewerage contract, met a fortnight ago and sanctioned two 6,inch junctions to be put in. That was all that had been sanctioned this month. Mr Birchley mentioned in connection with the work that there was a length of pipes where 12-inch pipes ran into 9Linch pipes. Why was that ? The Chairman said they would bear it in mind when the engineer came down. Mr Birchley mentioned another point, which it was decided should be brought to the notice of the engineer. Mr Birchley Is this the same system they had at Newcastle f Mr Ballard I don't know it is supposed to be. Mr Powell said it was the same. The Clerk read the report of the engineer on the work in connection with the sewerage con- tract, which detailed the work done. They understood the work was proceeding satisfac- torily, and that the Parochial Sub-Committee were inspecting the work. They proposed to inspect the work during the next month. Mr Ballard said that was not a majority report. He was not satisfied at all. Money was being thrown away on the work. Miss Holland; We should have seen to this before. It was agreed that the specifications were seen by the members. Mr Ballard There has been some alteration somewhere. The line of pipes has been altered* I am confident. And if on& thing is altered other things may be. Mr Johns We have got a copy of the specifi- cations. Mr Ballard Then I say they are not the 6 san e as the original. The plans were asked for, and the Clerk said the engineer had the plans. They had not got them. Mr Ballard There you are. The Councillors agreed that they wereK^cf blame for not seeing into the matter, and it was decided that the whole of the Committee should be notified when the engineer was coming down. WAYLEAVES-A BREEZE. The Chairman, referring to the wayleave over Hardwicke Meadow in connection with the new sewer, proposed that they pay Dr Bright £40 for way leaves.«- Mr Allen secoilded. ? Mr Ballard said they had no right as a public authority to fritter public money in this way. "You all know it is a preposterous charge," said Mr Ballard, warmly, an outrageous charge." If the wayleave was based on what they had paid before to the Bright estate they could not on any basis of calculation on what they had in the past get it to anything like £40. If they frittered away the ratepayers' money like this without making a feeble effort then all he could say waS" tfyey ..were wasting the money. He would suggest they pay 210 into Court, and if Dr Bright preferred to fight it let him fight it. They had absolutely no evidence to fight a case on. Look at what they proposed ? They actually proposed to pay way- leaves on land they had a lease on, and where they had got to pay for the next 12 years, and yet the members of the Committee had the infernal audacity to pay JMO 6n land they., already had on lease. The thiqg was prepos- j terous, and he never in his life heard of such, a case. The Chairman said he was doing his duty. They had got the amount,rp$ijced by$25, Mr Ballard Yes, but this is on a„ rate than any others. We are paying -tent ODd this, and then you propose to pay wayleaves on it." Mr Johns: That's rotten: The Chairman^: You will have to tfp' ib?n "12 ? years. years. J? Mr Johns Paid they had done nothing ? the j CMe of Mr C!ee, and untH; th6f had settled with him they ought not to settle with Dril Bright. The only reason Mr Clee sticks out j was because Dr Bright was having this amount.1 Mr Allen said he quite realised the force of Mr Ballard's arguments. If they did hot do it ( now they would have to do it in 12; yeaca* £ in^e, j and they ought not to leave to posterity to do what they ought to do that night. He was not looking at what it would cost tlwrw now; but what it would cost posterity. Mr Ballard But we are leaving it to Jpos- terity. The loan on the sewerage contract is for 30 years. We are taxing the unborn*, the lease run out first. I am not so !i>pcLof landlords, although I am. one myself.Tha. value of land in Colwall has dropped nearly 30 per cent. Mr Powell Yes, 50 per cent. — Mr Ballard again pointed out that 1 it. 'was ridiculous to propose to pay a. way leave on fond they already leased. Mr Birchley suggested they, adjourn, the matter. Eventually it was decided to write ta the, agents and offer 210 in full settlement. This concluded the business. t 

BIRTSMORTON. V GOSPEL CAR Viisrr.-The Rev Evan Jones, the popular Welsh Revivalist, is visiting Birtsmorton for a week, commencing Sunday next, and will hold special services in connection with his gospel car visit. The Sunday serviee.i are at 11 a.m. and 6.50 p.m., and the wepa, night services at 7.30 p.m.

HEREFORDSHIRE STRIKE. ) Teaohers to be Evicted. ( At a meeting of Union teachers who are 00" strike, held in the Hereford Town Hall, on Saturday, there was an attendance of 1250i. and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. All parts of the county were represented. A, resolution was passed thanking the Union for its action and expressing loyalty and firmness to abide by decisions of officials. In the course of an interview, Air Nicholls, who is in charge of the Union's affairs at Here- ford, said that ha had had applications for Here- fordshire teachers on strike from many counties, including Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Durham, but at present, they would not be.. advised to apply. Interviewed as he left: Saturday's meeting of1 the special committee of the Education Com- mittee, Colonel Prescott Decie, Chairman of the County Council, said that the Education Committee did not intend to budge. They were filling the vacancies as rapidly as possible and would re-open the closed schools as-quickly as they could, It is certainly not a fact that we have asked the Board of Education to intervene," added the Colonel. "We do not want their intervention at all." Mr Wiltshire, Secretary of the Education Committee, laughed at the idea that the Board of Education had arranged an inquiry in Herefordshire. On the question of the number of appoint- ments which had been made by the' Education Committee during the week he was silent We have made appointments, and some to-day," was all that he would say. Mr F R James, solicitor, Hereford, attended Saturday's meeting of the Education Committee, and it is stated that he has been instructed to institute legal proceedings with a view to obtaining possession of the Council scnool houses at present held by strike teachers. SIR JAMES YOXALL'S REPLY., I Sir James Yoxall, M.P., secretary of the National Union of Teachers, is still ready to negotiate with the education committee. We are prepared," he said in an interview, to go into the question of facts and figures with the committee at any time. No one deplores the present state of affairs more than I do, but the alternative of leaving the schools to be filled up with the flotsam and jetsam of the profession is a very much worse prospect for all concerned. With regard to the schoolhouse difficulty, he said it arose owing to the action of the committee in advising school managers and others to secure, the ejectment of teachers. In many cases the wrong persons were directed to take action., The teachers are prepared to hand over their houses whenever a legal demand is properly made. The National Union contemplates contesting cases to see whether a special education com- mittee have the powers of a full committee. In a Government return just published Here- fordshire is the lowest of all the English coun- ties in regard to its rate for elementary educa- tion and even if the additional 4d. was included the total rate would still be considerably below the average of the other counties. OVER FIFTY SCHOOLS STILL CLOSED, Although the Education Committee have had.1 over three months to think about appointing headmasters in place of those resigned, their efforts have been singularly unsuccessful. Out of the 58 .schools which the county education secretary admits were closed last Monday week, only five reopened on, Monday, and one school has been closed. Nothing has been done to supplement the many schools working with insufficient teachers. Six, at least are without headmasters, supplementary, or uncer- tificated women being in charge in several schools. The average attendance is very much lower than usual, parents still objecting to old teachers. being superseded by strangers. As to what other appointments are likely, to be made, the education authority is silent. All that can be got from them is a statement that they are filling vacancies as rapidly as poss- ible." A few more resignations have been received, including some more head teachers. One of the most amusing incidents since the commencement of. the strike is-the request made by the Vicar of Strettcn Grandison to the master out on strike. When the newlyrappointed vicar heard that Mr Osbocn had resigned he wrote a letter saying he was sorry, they would not be working together, and asked whether, as he was bringing his own master and (mistress from. Upper Sapey, Mr Osborn would, as a" fellow North Countryman,, get out of the schoolhouse as soon as possible. This story has caused much amusement, but Mr Osborn adds, with a smile, "they cannot get me out of the house for months yet, so we shall see what happens. Many actions to, get the teachers out of the schoolhousea are expected, and they will be fought by the National Union. The houses attached to some of the church schools are trust property, or belong to private indi- viduals. Anyway the suggested, evictions have done the committee no good, for teachers are determined on the point, and, the general body of ratepayers are not in, favour of such high- handed proceedings. I COLONEL. DECIE: IN LONDON People are beginning to wonder how much longer, the deplorable position, of education in the county is to be allowed to. continue. The Education Committee meet once a week as if nothing uncommon was going on, and are appar- ently waiting; for outside teachers to apply for the schools, That applications are few is evident from. the extraordinary appointments made. Some of these teachers, since their last active work in the profession, have filled such 'varied occupations as those of a market gardener and an asylum attendant, while one head mistress is the wife of a farmer and another of a station- master. Again, the "emergency" teachers are receiving salaries higher than those paid to the old ones—in some cases by as much as 230 or £ 40 a year. Colonel Decie, ohairman of the county council, was- in London during the week on a visit connected with the education crisis and the hope frequently expressed by the managers of the schools that he will see the Board of Education officials. Unless Government intervenes, the struggle will go on indefinitely. Leintwardine School was closed on Tuesday, making the total number now closed 53. There is no change in the position at Ledbury. and both boys' and girls' schools are likely to be closed owing to illness. A Miss Wilmshurst has taken the place of Miss Dunk at the girls' school.

OPEN LETTERS. r TO THE LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY. 1. cannot quite understand your attitude. Have you given unlimited power to Colonel Deoie and his party ? It seems that this small committee can use the ratepayers' money as if it were water and there's no one to say them, nay. Why, they have called in solicitors now Have you granted permission ? If not why not ?' La'w is dear and the ratepayers will hold you responsible. Remember it is said you cannot I\íff..d more than you offered to the teachers, but vqq, are allowing these few to spend: un- limited sums. Put au end to this disgfacefal business and show yourselves business men. Most. the teachers on an equal footing and come to some arrangement. Our children demand it yottTB are all right—they do not attend the eleftientary schools. Good-bye. bet a bit of coflamon sense prevail. 1* "?  ?-?-s-

TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE. Your stubborness surprises roe. What have theoe men and women done to deserve such treatmeab:kk your hands. They asked, pleaded, entreated, or better treatment—all to no pur- potfe. Y< I acknowledged their claim and tried to pat tl.01Ù off with a libtle-and promises. That's not business. Come, now, what are they asking' for ? Market value; that's all. Your Qommitlee is practically the only one under which the cost of education has decreased in the past five years. You know in yoivr hearts that they have ft right to ooaaideratioa, 4md yet you, would rather. givov increases to. strangers.. Shame on you The whole country is against you. Why this attitude ? Because you will not be threatened. You do not like the word Union. Isn't that it? Those, days are past, y(-tir servants have a right to be hemd, and their representatives*, too. The rate will Im up twice or three times, as much as would completely satisfy these people. I hear some of you people will be glad and will, put it upon the teachers. Always remember you have not yet tried to meet the teachers. You offer a sum and take it or leave it is your cry. That's not the 20bh century way, you, know. There is-no dishonour in compromise. It has been demonstrated that it will be a long- time before you can staff Herefordshire—and what sorry stuff you have imported. Welli; Well If yo)u.e"ill,t iiianage it without all this waste come out and let somebody else have gP., J. B. B.- ".V0 THE RATEPAYERS. Iin. sorry for you, my brothers. We arfe* being let in for it very nicely, These teachers, on the one side and the Local Education, Authority on the other. Why, I can see a. shilling rate in no time if> the strike does-imfe end soon. The Local Eduoation Authority are endeavouring to break down, the strike. A, pretty mess they are making of it, and a pretty penny it is going to cost before it is over. We. all know the rate must go up, and if the-. teachers had h id a compromising we should havtt heen better offl Are you going to Bit down l*rJ.Jd hear it without a word? I know some of you don't want to pay increased teachers' salaries, but listen and I'll tell, you. something. Actual offers. Old salary. Ti)- new comers. £ £ 1 115 170 90 50s per week, and 100 140 expenses* 100 140 7 10s 45 These are actual cusea. -which can be verified, and from what I hear the County would be better off without these oowly-appointed.people. I said once before Con you expect people of honour to come and take the place of a person out for a market value wage ?" Advertisements and lawyers' fees will act be small bills. It is about time you made yourselves felt. It is not the teachers who have refused arbitration—- remember that. Ton have got to pay in any case. Blame yourselves if you allow it to dally on, for every day taeans an increased rate. It is not what is being spent, but what is being, wasted and lost Íft grant. Speak lbad now, oc- pay more. J.B.S. I TO* THE TEACHERS. Downhearted yet ? You have no cause to be. What do you thank of those who ro-saain at work, whilst you show a brave front in. the trenches-? I hear more ace to reinforce you in time H. cannot conceive a member of your Union hesitating for a moment just at ifeis time. How they can let you fight their battle and not help I cannot imagine. Be patien-wiser counsels. will prevail 3oon. J. B.& TO TflE PAFJOTS. You have my sympathies. You and your children ase the real sufferers in this quarrel. Although schools are opau, the work being done is practically nil on aosount of the shortage. Unless yoia get the matter settled your children will lose part of their rights and suffer in Suture in consequence. Demaudi a settlemenb. You have the right. If YOUI have any cam for the education of your children,, see that thay get it and waste no time abt4t. it. J.B.S.

KYNOCHS CARTRIDGES =" MAD-T 8/6 per 100. 9/6 per 100. 10/6 per 100. ELEY'S CARTRIDGES Smokeless 8/6 100.. (Pink Case). Diamond Grain 10/6 „ (Blue Case). 'Smokeless Diamond' Caftridiges., (Ourtiss & Harvey's Loading)., 9?/6 per tOO? ? The C?LEiSS!?

MUOH MARCLE. FOIOCBALL.—Much Marcle are at hooile to Ross St. Mary's to-moraow (Saturday), ia the Ross and District Leag,ue. The kick cif is fixed for 3,p.m. in the Walwya Meadow, and the Marcle selected team is :r—F Baldwin S Davis, R Whittaker W Pbweil, J Partridge, R Baker C Pudge, W Hodgea, R Powell, J Taylor, C 'Taylor. Resoffves^ Geo. SusiAh and Bert Whittaker.

THOMAS JONES, MONUMENTAL amd t BUILDING MASON, 1 IN A Stona, Marble or Granite tt Monuments Cleaned and Repaired. jfljl Works— G.W.R. Station, Malvern Wells and Belmont, Malvern, Link., Private Address- Taynton House, Lower Wilton Rd. Mnlvo, —JUWW ■■■!■ I,| I p Printod and Published for and oa behalf of the JBSECUTRIX of the late THOMAS V AUGHA. by WILLIAM S. BOWES, Manager, at the Printing Works, New Stre^tj, Ledbury, ia the Couaty of Herefo^

I LEDBURY LIBENSINC SESSION. I WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11. I Before Alderman John Riley (in the chair), I Mr Spencer H Bickham, Mr R Buchanan, Dr I M A Wood, Mr Fred Ballard. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT. I The report of Supt J H Williams was as follows Gentlemen,—I have the honour to lay before you a list of public-houses, beer-house, etc., in this division. During the past year they have been regularly visited and generally well eon- ducted. I have had occasion to summon one license-holder for an offence against the tenure of his license, viz., Sidney Francis Allen, of the Talbot Inn, Ledbury, for refusing to admit the police to his licensed premises, for which he was lined 22 and costs. Fifteen persons (three of whom were residents and twelve non- residents) have been proceeded against during the year 1913 for drunkenness, an increase of one as compared with 1912: and a decrease ef eight as compared with 1911, thirteen being convicted as against eleven is 19121 There are no new applications to come before you. The Chairman said it seemed a very satisfac- tory report. The Bench then retired to consider the renewal of the licences, and on their return the Chairman said with regard to these licences, they had considered the question of renewal of licenses, and they had decided that the licenses of the Brook Inn, Bosbury Butcher's Arms,. Woolhope and Crown,.Colwall, required further consideration. For that purpose they objected to their renewal that day in order that objection notices might be served. With regard to the Royal Oak, Ledbury, he wished to point that the door leading from the Royal Hall to other licensed premises, which it was agreed with the magistrates should be kept closed, was not kept closed, and he wished to call the attention of the licensee to the fact that that particular door must be kept closed. He also wished to remark upon the method of keeping books of accounts for licensed premises. No doubt it was one of those things which happened to all traders,, but it was important that all traaers should keep good and correct aceounts and in a goed manner so that their accounts could be easily gone into. With regard to the rest of the licenges they would be granted. The magistrates were, how- ever, of opinion that the number of licensed houses in Ledbury Urban was still in excess of the reasonable requirements of the place.