The Abergavenny Mail

KING & SONS, | DRAPERS, MILLINERS, COSTUMIERS, SPECIAL SHOW OF New Spring Goods IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. DRESSMAKING: Style and Fit Guaranteed. SEE WINDOWS. COMPARE PRICES. IV LADIES ARE INVITED to walk through the Premises and inspect the NEW FASHIONS and STYLES in the various Departments. No solicita- tion to purcame will be made. — LONDON HOUSE, HEREFORD

LEDBURY AMD NEWENT FREE CHURCH COUNCIL lecture on "The Pilgrim Fathers." In connection with the local Free Church Council the third of a series of lectures on Free Church Principles was delivered in the Baptist Church on Thursday last by the Rev Stanley E Cox, of Goraley, on The Pilgrim Fathers." Mr A Warren, President of the Council, presided, and expressed his pleasure at being present at a Free Church meeting. If the Free Churches were still governed by the great principle of the free leading of the Spirit they would take second place to Done as true disciples of Christ. Mr Cox aaid he valued the privilege con- ferred on him in being asked to give the lecture that evening. It had done his soul good to go again into the wonderful story of these men to whom faith and liberty were so real and dear. The sailing of the May- flower in 1620 was an event which to-day made the pulse beat faster, was one of the landmarks of British history, although those exiles, never dreamed that they were spreading seeds pregnant with life. Pointing out that at the time when the Pilgrim Fathers lived England was in the birth throes of mighty and far-reaching move- ments, the lecturer proceeded to describe some features of the struggle for liberty which was then taking place. They who now enjoyed those liberties should remember who won them. It was for these principles of freedom that the Pilgrim Fathers con- tended and died. The beginnings of their movement were at tho village of Scroobie. This place where lovers of God and liberty met for devout worship was a small village, but it had an ancient fame. He went on to speak of some of the men who led the movement and of their experiences both in England and on the continent, where for a time they sheltered. Among these men who left all for Jesiii' Eiake, were men whose intellects were of the highest order. While many bright features distinguished their life in the low lands, some other conditions were unsatisfactory and longings for a Puritan colony where they might practise their religion in freedom and still be Englishmen grew stronger and stronger. After a time, it being impossible to return to England, they decided to turn their thoughts to a new land. The greatest venture of all was now to be taken, but no peril was too great if liberty might be won for them and their children. The wrench from friends and home was a very Peal thing, but on a day in July the Pilgrims started out on their journey to Southampton, where the gallant Mayflower" awaited them. Great storms had to be faced in the second half of their journey over, but God preserved the Mayflower and the men of the Mayflower." They braved the ocean and then they had to brave an unknown land. They landed and were without shelter on the bleak New England coast in the middle of winter, yet amid the storms they sang and the stars heard and the sea heard their songs of liberty. These great men just braced themsel ves and faced the struggle with nature and human nature. They were attacked by Indians and attacked by sick- ness, and early in their new life were mourners at the graves of the departed pilgrims. But the Spring came and the sun shone and the birds sa.ng and the new hope came into the pilgrim hearts. Success attended their efforts and struggles, though it was impossible for the speaker to follow in this lecture the various stages in the development of their life and their worship, which they pursued with such faith and zeal. Their experience showed the stuff these men were made of, and though they seemed hard in their deals, whatever they were it should be remembered, and never, never, forgotten, what they suffered for their most holy faith. Even their narrowness had depth and on it arose the pillars of freedom. They carried out their dreams across the sea and built a free colony, they were the fathers of their descendants' faith. The purpose of his lecture, Mr Cox said, was that they in this day might be encouraged to stand for their principles whatever the cost, to demand a pure and holy sacrament, to work for God and man with faith and zeal such as was shown by the men of the Mayflower." The Chairman expressed the hearty thanks of the meeting for the powerful, interesting and instructive lecture they had listened to. Mr Cox in return thanked his audience for thoir close attention. Mr Lewis Jones also thanked the lecturer, saying they wanted the young people to learn these great truths, of which they had been reminded.

EASTNOR. MARRIAGE OF MR Toit WARREN.—From "The Pickering News," Ontario, Canada, of February 6, we cull the following, which will be of interest to our Eastnor readers :—" A very pretty wedding was solemnised at the residence of Mr Somers-Cocks on Thursday, January 29, when Miss Mabel Upton and Mr Tom Warren were joined in bonds of matrimony by the Rev W A Pippen. The service was commenced with the hymn, Love Divine, all love excel- ling. After the ceremony Mrs Somers-Cocks sang O Father all creating.' Mr and Mrs Warren left on the evening train for a western trip, followed by many good wishes.tdr Warren will be well romemberedasan Eastnorite, and accompanied Mr and Mrs Percy Somers- Cocks when they went to Canada. vs sent to the Reporter Office, Ledbnry, will ensure a copy of this paper being sent post free every Friday evening,for a quarter (13 weeks).

LEDBURY YOUNG FARMERS' CLASS. I Visit to Hope End Home Farm. I Inspection of Herd of Shorthorns. Gn Moedav afternoon last the members of the Ledbury Young Farmers' Afternoon Class, conducted by Mr John Porter, agri- cultural organiser to the agricultural depart- ment of the Herefordshire County Council, on the invitation of Mr J Wilfred Hewitt, of the Hope End Home Farm, Wellingtoa Heath, paid a visit to the Home Farm for the purpose of witnessing a demonstration on the examination of horses by Mr George Firkins, of Paunton Court, Bishop's Froome, and also of going over the famous herd of Hope End shorthorns. There was an excellent attendance of young farmers, and they were joined by a number of older farmers, among whom were Mr John Parry (Mitchell), Mr John Parry (White House) Mr J Edgar Hartland (Preston). Mr Teakle (Eastnor), Mr G Fenwick-Fenwick (The Verzons), etc., etc. The afternoon's class commenced with the examination of horses by Mr George Firkins, who proved to be a moat capable lecturer, and as one heard him explaining points about the animals under notice, even a mere journalist may be forgiven the expression What Mr Firkins doesn't know about horses isn't worth knowing." The examina- tion took place in one of the ample fold-yards attached to the farm, and the animals examined were three mares, respectively 14 years, 7 years, and 4 years. The various good points and slight blemishes in the animals were very clearly brought out by Mr Firkins and eagerly grasped by the pupils. Then came the inspection of the bulls. First of all the two stock bulls were brought out, accompanied by two young bulla barely a year old. Of the two stock bulls one is that kept for beef-producing purposes, a Scotch shorthorn, and the other was a stock bull from a noted dairy strain. After the points of the two stock bulls had been explained by Mr Firkins and Mr Hewitt, two more young bulls were brought out, and the students took a hand at judging three of the younger animals. An interesting period followed, after which Mr Firkins explained the best methods of feeding calves. A move was then made from the Farm to adjoining pasture ground, where the cows were grazing, and here was pointed out one cow in particular which combined the qualities of a good milker and a good feede. This animal was undoubtedly a good speci- men of the dual purposes cow, which one gathered was rarely met with. Another walk was made to where the yearling heifers were grazing, and then the party returned to the Farm, where the cow-sheds were visited, and the young calves inspected. Here the students had ample opportunity of viewing model cow-houses, well lighted and ventilated, but free from draught, and scrupulously clean, the whitewash brush evidently being freely used at this farm. Along the full length of the main cow-house, prize cards denoting awards secured by this well-known herd were displayed, and here the students also saw the register of milk from the various cows. Altogether the afternoon proved to be most interesting, and at the conclusion Mr and Mrs Hewitt invited the party to tea, which proved most acceptable after a fairly busy afternoon, and the thanks of the company was expressed by Mr Porter for Mr Hewitt's kindness. «

I MATHON. CO.-iCEItT.-On Tuesday last a concert was given in the Schoolroom, Mathon. by the now well-known West Malvern Male Quartet, prize winners at the Worcestershire Musical Competi- tions. The room was crowded with a most appreciative and enthusiastic audience. The programme was very varied. Eight Quartets were rendered, showing well the perfect balance and blend of this Quartet Party, especially in such favourites as Annie Laurie," and "The Banks of Allan Water," whilst the humorous quartets, "The Tack" and Green Pills," excited much amusement. Humorous songs by Mr A F Evans were vociferously received, Noah Moore creating roars of laughter. A special feature was the musical monologues The Caretaker and "The single hair by Mr Frank Adams. Mr Adams responded to vigorous encores with a couple of funny stories, creating much merriment. Mr Holbrook's The Scout and Jolly old Bachelor were given with fine feeling, and Mr Tippetta, in "The King's Own," sang with culture and refinement. The whole concert was a marked event in Mathon and hopes were expressed for a speedy repetition. The programme was as follows :—Part I—Quartet, Possum song, "The Scout," F Hoibrook Quartette, "The Goslings" song, Mary Ann," A F E/ans quartette, Allan Water"; monologue, "The Caretaker," F Adami; song, "Noah Moore," A F Evans; duet, "The Battle Eve," Messrs Holbrook and Adams; quartet, "The Tack." Part II-Quartet, Sally in our Alley song, "The King's own," F Tippetts song, If the Missus says," A F Evans; quartet, Three Chafers"; monologue, "The single hair," F Adams; song, "Jolly old Bachelor," F Holbrook; quartet, "Green Pills": song, "The Bassoon," A F Evan*; quartette, Departure God Save the King." «

STAMPED STATIONERY.—Stamped stationery is a big line at the Reporter office, Dies cut to suit customers' requirements ADVERTISEMENTS received for London AL and Provincial Newspapers at the Reporter Office, New Street. Ledbnry. 1/8 sent to the Reporter Office, Ledbary, will ensure a copy of this paper being sent post free every Friday evening for a quarter (13 weeks).

LEDBURY ADJOURNED LICENSING I SESSIONS. The adjourned annual licensing sessions for the Petty Sessional Division of Ledbury were held at the Police Court, Ledbury, on Wednes- day. The justices present were :—Alderman John Riley (in the chair), Mr Spencer H Bickham, Mr J Wilfred Hewitt, Mr R Buchanan, Dr Miles A Wood, Mr Fred Ballard and Mr E H Hopkins. TRANSFER. I The license of the Biddulph Arms, Ledbury, I was temporarily transferred from Thomas Porter to George Henry Toone, of Southampton. I THE ROYAL OAK HOTEL, LEDBURY. I The Chairman said he wished to make reference to a statement he made at the last meeting with reference to the Royal Oak Hotel, Ledbury. He made a statement that Mr Hopkins had not kept to his agreement in regard to a door being kept locked leading from the Royal Hall. He found that he made that statement on insufficient evidence. The premises having been altered the justices no longer thought there was any necessity to keep that particular door locked. He wished to make that statement publicly in fairness to Mr Hopkins. Mr Bickham said he wished to corroborate the Chairman's statement, he being a party to the original agreement. I THE BUTCHERS' ARMS, WOOLHOPE. I The consideration of the Butchers' Arms, Woolhope, was first taken. The teaant is Mr E T Finch, and the owners the Alton Court Brewery Co., Ltd. Mr H W Orme (Messrs Fredk. Russell and Co.) was for the tenant and owners. Supt. Williams said there was a private room 16ft by 15ft 6in., tap-room lbft by 13ft, cellar 16ft by 13ft. There was a pantry, a wash-house and coal-house outside that was used as a rifle range. The house was situate on the main road through Woolhope. The nearest public-house was the Crown Inn, Woolhope, which was 663 yards away. The Butchers' Arms was a beer- house, the tenant being Edward Thomas Finch, who had been there since March, 1913. The owners were the Alton Court Brewery Co., Ltd., Ross. The population of Woolhope was 554, and including the Butchers' Arms there was a fully-licensed house and two beer-houses, the other beer-house being Gurney's Oak, two miles away. The house was assessed for poor rate purposes at j312. He had also taken particulars of the Crown, a fully-licensed house, in which there was a large room divided by a movable partition, 30ft by 18ft 6in., bar 6ft by 6ft, and taproom 14ft by 12ft 6in. From Winslow Mill to the Butchers Arms there were nine inhabited houses, and in the immediate neighbourhood of the Crown there were 15 houses. In his opinion the license was not necessary. Mr Orme If a petition; is put in signed by 163 persons that the license is necessary would you back your opinion that the license is not necessary against theirs I—Witness I should not be surprised at anything now-a-days. By Mr Orme There was no licensed house between the Trumpet and the Butchers' Arms. There was a fair amount of traffic through the main road at Woolhope. There was no public- house at Putley or Little Marcle, and the nearest licensed house at Much Marcle was the New Inn. The district was sparsely populated. There was a good deal of timber hauling and felling at Woolhope and on the Much Marcle side of the Butchers' Arms. The only hop- picking was at Mr Thompson's, The Hyde, and Mr Gibbons', Bent Orchard, but the picking at the latter place would be done by home pickers and was not very much. The Trumpet was nearest Putley. He did not see that the fact of the Crown being opposite the Church made any difference, and the proximity of a church made no difference to a well-conducted house. He did not think there would be over much trade for one house at Woolhope. The accommo- dation at the Crown was far better than at the Butchers' Arms, which he did not think did a very big trade. Public-houses had a way of doing a good trade at a time like this. This was all the evidence against the renewal of the license. Mr Orme, in reply, said there was really only two public-houses in the village, as Gurney's Oak was on the borders of Brockhampton parish, and was mainly used by the people of that parish. The trade done at the Butchers' Arms was a sufficient argument for the reten- tion of the license. There was no public house on the Putley and Marcle side of the Butchers' Arms. With reference to hop-pickers, it was well-known that the more they congregated in licensed houses, the more difficult they were to handle. If they did away with the Butchers' Arms they would increase the trade at the Crown and the Trumpet, the I vtter of which already did a very heavy trade. Mr Hewitt: That argument applies in every case where you close a house. Mr Orme said that was so in the case of houses in thickly populated districts, but in country districts the argument did not apply so strongly. He then proceeded to give particu- lara of the trade done at the house during the last three years. During the eleven months the present tenant had been there his total trade amounted to RZ85. The rent of fche house was B15 a year, and before the present owner bought the house it was kept by Mrs Hodges for between 30 and 40 years. Edward Thomas Finch, the tenant, said in addition to the house he had two acres of land, for which he paid a separate rent. He had stabling for two horses and a shed. His cus- tomers were chiefly farm labourers, waggoners and small farmers, and hop-pickers and fruit- pickers in the season. The house was chiefly a house of call, and that constituted the bulk of the trade. His taking were J3585 since last March, and he sold over 1,000 gallons of cider and between 240 and JB50 worth of tobacco. He went round with a petition and got 163 signatures in favour of the license. He made a good living there, and considered it would be a hardship to the people to do away with the house. Mr Orme then put in the petition, and the witness, in reply to Mr Ballard, said some of the signatures were signed at the farms and others in his house. Mr Bickham What profit do you make per barrel? Witness: I could not say I have never worked it out. Mr Hewitt: Perhaps Mr Wooler can give it us. Mr Wooler said he could not give it off-hand. Mr Hewitt It is no use your saying you sell so many barrels and make a good living, unless we know what profit you make per barrel. Mr Orme said that had been brought up at Quarter Sessions, and the Chairman had al ways ruled it out. Mr Bickham: We can get it at Quarter Seaions if we want it. Mr Orme said it was hardly fair. Naturally brewers and tenants did not desire that the general public should know the profit on each barrel Mr Orme said Mr Wooler would work it out roughly. Evidence in favour of the retention of the license was given by Edward Gibbons, farmer and hop-grower. Bent Orchard George Brookes, fanner and haulier, Lower Buckenhill William, Powell, farmer and., threshing-machine pro- prietor, Woolhope, who said they required a policeman in the parish and had petitioned for a constable to be stationed there, but the petition was refused, and if this license was done away with they wouid be bound to have one. The Chairman Then if this license is done away with and you get a constable, you will be satisfied. (Laughter.) Further evidence in support of the retention of the license was given by Andrew Da vies, timber dealer, Woolhope, who said the Butcher's Arms was more handy for waggoners with teams. Louis Upton Wooler, manager of the Alton Court Brewery Co, Ross, the owners of the house, said in 1911 they supplied 83 barrels (36.galls) of beer and 192 dozen bottled beers and stouts in 1912 gli barrells and 210 dozen in 1913 118 £ barrels and 372 doz. In addition there were 80 dozen minerals in 1913, and the tenant bought cider where he liked. He pro- duced figures of the profit on a barrel of beer, which were handed to the Bench. By the trade done at the house he should say the license was required. The Bench, after consideration, decided to renew the license. THE CROWN. COLWALL. I After the luncheon adjournment the objection to the Crown Inn, Colwall,* was taken. The tenant is Mrs Emily Elizabeth Horton, the lessees Messra Ind, Coope and Co., Ltd., and the owner Mr Chas Pullen, Colwall. Mr H W Orme represented the parties interested. Supt Willfems gave particulars as to the dimensions of the house, which is a beerhouse. He explained that there was a back entrance to the house leading from Crescent-road, the front of the house facing the main road. The popu- lation of Colwall was 2,010, and there were four fully-licensedhousesand three beerhouses-includ- ing the Crown. The nearest house to the Crown was the Colwall Park Hotel, 82 yards away. At this hotel there was a second class bar. The Horse and Groom Hotel was 528 yards away, and there was an excellent accommodation there with good stabling. There was a fair popula- tion surrounding the Crown, but he thought the house could be done without very well. There were quite sufficient licensed houses without this, and he did not consider it required' in the interests of the public. By Mr Orme The fully-licensed houses were the Colwall Park Hotel, the Horse and Groom, tha British Camp and the Wellington. The two last-named houses were some distance away, as also was the Chase beerhouse, and the Yew Tree beerhouse was about a mile away. There were four race meetings a year at ColwaJl, and the police were pretty busy on those days. Mr Orme And you like to get the people spread about ? Witness We like them to clear off as quickly as pegsible. (Laughter.) By Mr Orme He did not know that people put up their horses and traps at the Crown when driving to the Station to go off by train. By Mr tbewitt: There was splendid stabling at the Cblwall Park Hotel, and also at Mrs Powell's at the entrance to the station. P.C. Knight said he had known the house for 5 years and, visited it frequently. There seemed to be a very good trade there. Mr Orme said there could be no better guide as to whether a house was required or not than the trade figures. As a matter of fact there was a good trade done there. The particulars as to the trade done there were:—1911, 1721- barrels of beer and the equivalent of 34J barrels in bottled beer and stout 1912, 174 and 42i barrels 1913,189 and 48i barrrls. In addition the tenant sold 213 dozens of minerals and on an average from 25 to 26 hogsheads of cider, in addition to S40 to j345 worth of tobacco and cigars. Mrs Hortou's mother kept the house for 20 to 25 years and on her death the license was transferred to her husband, and sub- sequently transferred to Mrs Horton about five years ago. The house had been in the family for 30' 11 years or more. He put in a petition signed by about 140 residents in favour of the retention of the license. William Horton, husband of the licensee, said he paid £40 ,) year rent and the house was assessed at £ 49 a year for inhabited; house duty. The figures given by Mr Orme as to trade in bulk were correct. The trade included all classes, hut chiefly the working class. Samuel Millard, Western representative for Messrs Ind, Coope and Co., Ltd., Bu-rton-on- Treat, also bore out the figures m to trade in bulk. The trade was very good, for a country house. The Bench decided to renew the license, but the Chairman added that they were still of opinio-a that the gate at the back should be kept locked. THE BROOK INN, BOSBURY. I The license of the Brook. Inn, Bosbury, was next considered. The owners are Mrs Homes and Miss Inett, the lessees the Royal Well Brewery Co., Ltd., and the tenant Mr E C Reynolds. Mr H W Orme appeared) for the brewers and tenants, and Mr C A F Stewart (from the office of Mr C E Lilley, Ladbary), appeared for the owners. Supt. Williams said the Brook Inn was a beerhouse, containing tap-room 14ft by 10ft 6in, sitting-room 10ft 6in by 10ft, back kitchen lift 6in by 10ft, and cellar 16ft by 13ft. There were four bedrooms. There was some land and outbuildings with the house. The poor-rate assessment was £ 22:109 gross and j313 nett, and the land JB18 gross and £ 16 nett. There were two fully-licensed houses in the village and four beerhouses including the Brook. The population was 852. The distance from the Brook to the Bell was 770 yards, from the Bell to the Crown 132 yards, and in that distance there was a beerhouse, the New Inn. There were 12 houses in the vicinity of the Brook, and 32 near the three licensed houses in the village itself. The present tenant was the second since witness came into the Division. He did not consider the house was required in the interests of the public. By Mr Orme The Oak and the Old Country beerhouses were at the extreme ends of the parish and were 2! miles apart. On bhe north side of the Brook the nearest house was the Wheat Sheaf at Froome's Hill. P.C. Douglas Evans, now stationed at Pontrilas and formerly for 11 years stationed at Bosbury, said the Brook Inn seemed to do the average trade of a country public-house. There was no necessity for this license, as half-a-mile away there were four public houses in a radius of half-a-mile with under 30 male adult house- holders. On the Evesbatch-road there was no house for over a mile it was a very barren, sparsely populated district. There were no hopyards on the road past the Brook. The place was nob necessary for the hop-picking season, and in fact was a particular nuisance, as hop-pickers turned out of the village in a drunken condition would eventually find their way up to the Brook and the soberest of the party would get drink there. The tenant had done his best to stop it, but he could not always manage to do so. By Mr Orme He was of opinion that the New Inn could very well be done without in preference to the Brook. Mr Orme said so far as the situation of the Brook Inn at Bosbury, it had a better right to have the license renewed than either the Bell or the New Inn. He put in a photograph which was taken at closing time one Sunday afternoon at the request of the landlord, which showed that there was a very respectable crowd I there. The trade done was not such as a man could make his fortune there, but there was a good living for a man. He had a petition signed by 204 people in favour of the renewal of the license. Edward Reynolds, tenant of the Brook, said he had 10 or 11 acres of-land, and catered for lodgers. He had on an average four or five lodgers a week throughout the year, and for 15 months had eight staying there per manently. He had people put up there, and supplied a good deal of bread and cheese to people coming from Froome's Hill and Evesbatch. Last year he sold 11 hogsheads of cider, about 230 worth of tobacco and cigars, and about two barrels of beer per week. He was leaving the house, as he wanted one without land and was going to one at Malvern. He paid B15 a year rent. Wilfred Thomas Bexon, of the Royal Well Brewery Co., Ltd., said in 1911 they supplied 72 barrels of beer, and the equivalent of 9 barrels in bottled beer and stout; in 1912 82 and 11; aad in 1913, 87 and 8. In the latter year also they supplied 42 dozen mineral waters. The trade of the house had been gradually rising for some years. Thomas Bosley, farmer, Bentleya, said his farm was haH-a-mile past the Brook, and he thought the house should have a license. It was used as a calling place. Allen Fletcher, farmer, Long Acre, Bosbury, aaid he found the house a convenience to him- self. The Bench decided to refer this house to the compensation authority.

The "LEDBURY REPORTER." The People's Paper. Everybody reads It.

HEREFORDSHIRE TEACHERS'STRIKE SENSATIONAL REPORT CONCERNING A LEDBURY TEACHER. A final settlement of the teachers' strike in the county has now been effected, and the teachers will return to the schools at once. At a meeting of the Herefordshire Educa- tion Committee on Wednesday the report of the Special Sub-Committee was adopted by 16 votes to 9. This agreed to the scale of salaries agreed upon, and to the reinstate- ment of teachers. The proceedings were conducted in piivate, Colonel Decie stating that in order to place the matter fully before the committee be must refer to confidential communicationeo. These, it would seem, were letters from the Board of Education and a report of Colonel Decie's interview with Mr Pease, President of the Board of Education. The report was passed by sixteen votes to nine, and in the course of the debate the Bishop of Hereford again advocated the claims of the teachers. Most of the fifty schools which have been closed for a month will be reopened immediately, the N.U.T. having wired the the teachers instructing them to resume work. Teachers appointed temporarily will leave, but in regard to those who have been perma»: "iy appointed further arrangements will hav • to be made. The itcule agreed upon is not so high as the teachers originally asked for, bat is much higher than the local authority offered, and the increases in salaries will eventually amount to nearly YI,CtOO,. The chief object of the N.U. P was to obtain a definite scale with a,. tual increments for efficient service, and thw^e they have secured. After the meeting Mr Peggram, the teachers' representative in Hereford, stated that the Union was, arranging for the teachers to resume their duties immediately except at schools where the strikers' places had been filled. For the extraordinary expenditure entailed by the strike it is believed that the county rate will be increased this year by one penny. TBE REPORT OF THE SPECIAL I SUB-COMMITTEE. The report- of the Sub-Committee, which was arlopted, was as fellows :— Your committee have to report that not- withstanding the increase of nearly Y,1,300 to head teachers' salaries approved at the last meeting of the Education Committee and an assurance that the salaries of all teachers would reconsidered annually with- out waiting for a recommodation from the managers, the teachers were not satisfied and a considerable number of head and assistant teachers ceased work at the expiration of their notices on January 31st, 1914, and, over 50 schools had in conse- quence to bo closed. The Sub-Committee advertised for new teachers, received a large number of applications, and proceeded with as little delay as possible to arrange for restaffing the schools. Seeing that some of the schools would necessarily have to be closed for some time the Board of Education were approached with a view of having such closures treated as unavoidable in conformity with Article 45 of the Code. The Board replied that they could only judge each case on its merits at the end of the year and suggested that as there was little di&ereDce between what the teachers wanted and the Committee was willing to concede that a conference should be held. A conference accordingly took place, when it was found that the demands of the teachers were so high that they could not be entertained. later, it was made clear on behalf of the teachers that the terms put forward at the conference were not, as the Committee were at first led to believe, irreducible. This being so, further Conferences were held and the following terms agreed upon, which your Sub-Committee now recoup mend for appoval. MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM SALARIES SUGGESTED. FOR CERTIFICATED HEAD TEACHERS. Avge. Men. Wonten. Attend. £ £ £ £ Grade I 1 to 50 100 to 120 90 bo. 100 Grade II 51 to 100 110 to 140 9(Ho 120 Gf.\de I I I. 101 to 120 120 to 150 lUUo 130 Nine schools 121 and over to be treated individu- ally with a minimum of X140 for men and X120 for women. FOR CERTIFICATED ASSISTANT TEACHERS. Masters £ 85 to £ 130 Mistresses £ 75 to £ 110 All Head Teachers to be raised to the minimum on the 1st April, 1914, and thence forward the salaries to be recon- v sidered annually, and all teachers below the standard for the year to be eligible for an increment, but those above the standard to mark time till the standard overtakes them thus 1914 1915 1916 1917 191S 1919 1920 £ E 4 £ £ £ £ 1 Teacherat £ 115 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Teacherat £ 133 — 2 5 5 5 The above is not an automatic scale of salaries, but it is understood that if a teacher's work and conduct have been satisfactory throughout the year an increase of Y,5 will be granted each year up to the maximum according to grade. No teacher is to suffer loss by reason of this scale or by reason of transfer from one grade to another. The Education Committee will budget each year for the provision of such funds as may be necessary to cover the increases indicated by the standard. No head teacher te be prej udiced on account of the strike." All teachers whose places have not been filled to have the option of returning to duty as far as the Local Edu- cation Authority are concerned. Imported teachers who have been' appointed tempor- arily to lea-ve as soon as can be conveniently arranged those appointed permanently to remain in office. Only those teachers appointed as certi- ficated asssistants to be paid according to the above scale for certificated assistants. The making of new appointments in Council Scho >ls to cease as from the 16th February, 1914. The Authority to agree to the displaced teachers resuming work immediately the newcomers go and to raise no question of notice by the teachers who have been brought in. The present salaries of head teachers amount to £ 20,873 (see report of the Salaries Committee dated 15th December, 1913) and the effect of accepting the above arrangements will be to increase this amount by.9409 on the first of April, 1914. Should it happen that every teacher is found to deserve an increase of salary each year up to the maximum, and should there be no change of teachers during the next seven years, the amount of annual increase would be as follows:— I 1915. 1916. 1917. 1 f440 £5.53 f675 1918. 1919. 1920. E721 « f 139 £ 450 The m i n i miim an d The minimum and maximum salaries for the Head Teachers which were adopted by the Sub-Committee in December, 1913, were as follows Avge. Men. Women. I Attend. £ £ £ £ Grade I 1 to 50 90 te 100 80 to 100' Grade II 51 to 100 100 to 130 90 to, 115 Grade III. 101 to 150 120 to 150 1H30 to 130 I Six schools over 150 to be treated individ- j ually. I And it was decided to reconsider tke salaries of all teachers each year in March. Should all teachers have deserved an in- crease, and should there have beeR no change of teaehers until the maximum salaries were reached, the amount of annual increase would have been 1915. 1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. 1920 1921'. 1922. £ 166 £ 338 jE385 £470, E380, £ 275- £ 15 JEM so that the difference between what the Com- mittee were willing to give and the teachers to receive was only a sum of X1643, spread over a period of seven years. Signed R, PREWOT. DEcir,. Chairman. Shirehall, Hereford, 21st February, 1914.

IS THIS VICTIMISATION ? Certificated Assistant to be Reduced ? Mr E H Hopkins, the local representative on the Hereford County Council, yesterday sent a verbal message to Mr C E Bker, late certificated assistant at Led bury Boys' School, by Mr E W Reed. another teacher on strike, that if he (Mr Baker) wished to return to the Ledbury Schools, he must take a position as an uncertificated assistant, as the County Council would not appoint certificated assistants here. The announcement has caused the utmost indignation and disgust in the town, for the action of the County Council (if it is really their intention of doing this) has all the appearance of dealing spitefully with the teachers, after a guarantee has been given no obstacles should be put in the way of reinstating the teachers. Should this unj ustifiable action be carried out, Mr Baker would lose L35 per annum in salary, and it cannot be claimed that the school is going to, cost more in consequence of the strike, for the only immediate increase is £ 10 to Mr Paul, who did not strike. Mr Baker's first increase is due in 1917 under the new scale, so that he gains no immediate benefit from the fight and now looks like losing his place. Mr Baker's work in Ledbury is well known. His ability as a teacher needs no comment.; the managers, the parents, scholars, and old boys can all speak of that. In the last Government report his was the only class in the school up to the average, and he and Mr Reed were spoken of in the following terms — "The senior assistants are earnest and capable men," and this is the man they think of shifting. We can hear the. parents, and those who care for the education of Ledbury children speaking with no uncertain voice on this matter, for the school is sufficiently, large to justify the inclusion of at least one fully qualified assistant. Mr Baker tells us that many times, before he struck he was told that if he did so he would never be allowed to go back in his old position, and it seems, if this message from Mr Hopkins is true, that the threat is being put into action.

LEDBURY POLICE. I; I WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25th. Before Alderman, John Riley (in the chair),. Mr Spencer H Bickham, Mr J Wilfred Hewitt. Dr M A Wood, Mr Fred Ballard, and Mr R Buchanan. I AFFILIATION CASE. John James,, blacksmith, of Woodleigh-road, Ledbury, was summoned by Kate Davis, widow, of Happy Land, Ledbury, to show cause, etc., in respect of her illegitimate son, born 17h December. 1912. Defendant did not appear. Complainant said defendant had been con- tributing 2s 6d per week since the birth of the child under an agreement which he signed. He was now 15s in arrears. He had lost his work, and was out of employment now. The Bench made an order for the payment of 28 6d per week until the child is 14 years of age. I STRAYING HORSES. I Reginald Betteridge, haulier, of North Malvern, was summoned for allowing two horses to stray on the highway at Colwall village on February 16. Defendant did not appear, and P.C. Knight proved the case. The horses were 4 miles from defendant's residence. Fined 10s including costs. Frank Gwynne, butcher, of North Malvern, was summoned for a similar offence at the same time and place. Defendant did not appear, and P.C. Knight said four of defendant's horses were straying. The horses were three miles from defendant's residence. Fined 14s inclusive.

Stories of the In his interesting book, "Stories of the Bench and Bar," Mr. Arthur H. Engelbach tells a story of Sir George Jessel, Master of tha Rolls, who was one day having a point prossed upon him by a barrister named Oswald, who cited words in support5 of his point from a reported judgment of the Master of the Rolls. Mr. Oswald," interposed Jessel, I could not have been such a fool as to have said that." "Oll, yes, my Lord," re- torted Oswald, you were, my Lord, vou were." Another story of bright repartee has been attributed to the same counsel, Oswald. A Judge who was himself not ever refined eaid to him one day, "I may teach you law, Mr. Oswald, but I cannot teach you man- ners." No, my Lord," was the quick r-e- joinder, "I knew you cau't." The school-children had learnt Eugene Field's poem, Wynkin, Blinkin, and Nod," and one afternoon, for the entertainment of some visitors, the teacher had them repeat it. Thinking to display how well the children comprehended -the meaning of the poem, she began to ask questions about it. "And what were the two little eyes and the little head doing in their little boat that was a trundle- be,i? she said. No hand came up. "What happens when we go to sleep? she went on. Still no sign. ''Why, children, can't any of you think what you do when you are sleep- ing?" Up came the hand of a tiny brown- eyed maiden. W ell, Dorothy, you tell us." In the sweetest lisp came the answer — "I tlinore." «

I Hereford Cathedral. Thirteen and a half miles from Ledbury by G.W.R. )ne of the most ancient Cathedrals in Great Britain having been in existence previoua to 610. I Dog Hill. I I n -'I I I « • • I I J A Joity emmence just aoove tne uaurcn, ana overlooking the town, giving a clear view of the Marcle Hills, and a panoramia view of the country this side the hills. There are I.hreo jubilee seata placed on the top The place car be approached from Church-street or through the ci irchvard.

I HEREFORD MAHKfT. (Special Farmers' Union Repo/t). There was a rather short supply of stock irrl the market to day, and prices were correspond-^ irigly high. CATTLE. There was a good supply of store cattle, for which there was a good demand at recent rates. BEEF. Moderate supply, for which trade was again very firm, best bfief making upwards of 8d per lb. Best beef 1¥1 to 8d per lb. Other qualities 6'id to 7|d. Fat ealres lOd to lid. SHEEP. A very short supply. Store sheep sold very well. E-wea and lambs (couples) SGs to 65s per couple. On> account of the closing of the Wor- cestershire area, 114 to 1s was iBade in many eases for fat sheep. Best teg mutton lOd to lid per lit. Best wether rnuttcm 9d to lOd. Other qualities, 8d to 9d. PIGS. A small supply of stores which sold very well. Pork and bacons dearer. Pbrks, 7d to 8d per lb. Small Bacons 6d to 7d. Heavy-weights to 6d. COltN. A quiet market with prices practically un- changed. Wheat per 62 lbs, 3s lid to 4e. Id. Oats per 40 Ibs, 26 6d to 3s. Malbing barley per 56 lfea, 5s 6d to 4s. Grinding barley per 56 lbs 3s to 3s 6d. Beans per 65g lbs, 48 to 4*3 2d. BAY TRAD-S. Quotations are for good quality in stack, seller to deliver on rail. Best hay 50s to 55s per ton. Second quality hay 45s to 50s. Clovers (good) 50s to 55s. Good wheat straw 50s to 60s.

KYNOCH'S CARTRIDCES 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' Cartridges (Curtisl" & Harvey's Loading), 9/6 per 100. C=e]Hill &Sone, Q9 The Crm, LE DBURYE, Printed and Published for and on behalf of the EXECUTRIX of the late THOMAS VAVGHAW, by WILLIAM S. RmVES, Manager, at the Printing Works, New Street, Ledbury. ia the County of Hereford.