The Abergavenny Mail

"THE Rouf) TABLE."—"The Round Table is a quarterly review of the politics of the British Empire, published by Messrs Macmillan and Co., Ltd., at 2s 6d. The March number is to hand and contains a comprehensive review of Imperial politics, entirely free from the bias of local party issues. As an instance the number under review deals with the Irish question, the South African Strike, education and the working class, the new autocracy in China, and the Kikuyu controversy. After these general articles follow interesting chronicles of the politics of the four Dominions during the preceding quarter, viz., Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. To every man who would look at politics dis- passionately and free from party bias this is the ideal review, and it would do some of our party politicians good, too. if they would peruse it. WINTER EGOS.In view of the widespread interest now centred in the American intensive system of poultry farming, the publication of "Winter Eggs," a book giving the fullest details of the system, is timely, and will certainly meet a big demand from all owners of poultry. Winter Eggs is frum the pen of Major E 0 Wathen, who has made a careful theoretical and practical study of the subject, and those who wish to test the intensive system will find the book a thoroughly practical guide. Briefly stated, the American system enables an enormous reduction to be made in the space required to keep the birds, and claims to reduce the cost of production, so that satisfactory profits can be made even when large quantities of food have to be bought, whilst it is further claimed to be the best systems for winter egg production. In all there are over 200 pages, bound in an attractive cover, and all interested in the American system will find it a wonderful shillingsworth of information. It is published by the "Mark Lane Express," 3, Wellington Street, Strand, London, W.C., price Is, or by post Is 21-d.

I PROFITABLE POULTRY CULTURE. By R ALPH R A LI.F.N. Lecturer to tlif Flirts County Council Editor of Monthlv Hints on Poultry, &-c. (All rights reserved.) I A SUCCESSFUL BREEDING SEASON. (CONTINUED.) [Readers are particularly requested to note that this series of articles commenced with the first issue in January. In order to obtain their full value, the earlier articles should be read in conj unction with the I current one.] I NEST BOXES-HOW TO CONSTRUCT. Though not imperative, 1 have always found next-boxes most satisfactory; about 15in square, and the same height, with solid top, sides, and back, wire-netting floor (if rats are prevalent), and the front one-third wood, the remainder being either wire- netting, or, for preference, sacking. Three or four lin holes in either side under the top for ventilation complete the nest-box, which can be readily constructed and at very little cost. The interior should be lime- washed, the liquid being applied hot; it is an excellent piecaution against vermin to repeat this process once or twice during the hatching season. The box should be firmly placed on the earth, but if the building selected has a brick or boarded floor it will repay the trouble of making an earth bank to the depth of lOin. or 12in. for their accommodation. I THE NEST ITSELF. A spadeful of earth in the nest-box, patted with the hand till it assumes a slight con- cave shape is the finest nest I have used. Hay, chaff, straw, bracken, have all been used with more or less success, but the best results are usually obtained from a plain earth nest, and undoubtedly it is the nearest approach to Nature. If the box has been placed on earth, as already suggested, the nest retains its moisture; but there is a danger of it becoming very dry if the nest- box is placed on a boarded floor only. TO DETECT A BROODY HEN. I It seems almost superfluous to draw atten- tion to this It is so apparent. The pro- longed attendance at the nest daily until it culminates in remaining there altogether; the immediate return after feeding; the dis- turbed condition if approached, and the general dulling of the plumage and loss of brilliancy in the comb are all signs that the hen desires to sit. When this condition is observed, place a few dummy china eggs under her for a couple of days in order to ascertain she means business and that it is not merely a passing whim. Having done so and found everything desirable, remove her, for preference after sunset, to the pre- pared nest, after most carfully dusting her with insecticide. HOW TO USE INSECTICIDE. I Insecticide is sold in the form of a powder; there is also an admirable little instru- ment, known as the Jumbo Powder Gun, for disseminating the powder. Charge the gun, and, holding the hen by the legs, head downwards, thoroughly force the powder through the plumage. Providing the insec- ticide is of good quality, this will thoroughly free the bird from all vermin. And here I would remark that I have seen more disas- trous results in hatching through the ver- minous condition of the hen than from any other cause. Last season I was told of several deserted nests, the farmer coolly remarking that the hens were infested with vermin because the weather was too hot. Five minutes' attention and the outlay possibly of a penny would have prevented several failures in hatching. Now that gentleman will probably join the ranks of those who reiterate Poultry don't pay." It is a custom with many, and one to be commended, to again dust the hen with insectide when removing her to feed about the eighteenth day. This renders her free from vermin prior to hovering her chicks, thus giving them a fair start without these Dests. THE nEST SITTEn. Everv lipn rliiit. becomes broody may Mot make a desirable sitter or a good mother. I prefer a Bhort-Ie^ed bird of cobby size and of quiet disposition, one that will not make a fuss when handled. You can nearly always detect them, though it is difficult to describe them on paper. The description might almost be summed up as those possessing a motherly appearance. Of bref ds I prefer the Orpingtons, Wyandottes, Rocks, and Games; the Old Sussex also make excellent mothers. Dorkings, on account of the fifth toe, are clumsy with their young. JBrahmas and Cochins, though frequently broody early in the season, are generally very clumsy. (To be continued). [Any enquiries concerning poultry- keeping addressed to our expert, Ralph R Allen, Sawbridgeworth, Herts., will be answered through these columns free, but those requiring a postal answer direct or sending birds for post-mortem examination must remit a half-crown postal order.]

HEARSON INCUBATOR for 5I~ a year A GO-Egg Hearson costs ES 8 6 complete and carriage paid, and will hatch every fer- tile egg for upwards of 25 years, therefore the initial outlay works out at less than 5/- per annum; thus it is the poultry rearer's aost profitable investment. May we send you a free copy of "The Prob- lem Solved," which is published at II- ? Proprietors SPBATTS PATENT LTD., 24-25, Feachnreh St., London. E.C. Read POULTRY The only papar that matters to tna poultry-keeper. —— The World's Best and Oldest Paper. ASK YOUR lizws- Every Friday, One Penny AGENT FOR IT. very rl ay, IlC e1l11Y Specimoo ropy free frnm- 'Paultry' (Dept. HI), 10, Essex St., Strand, Landan, W.C. HATCH NOW TO SECURE WINTER LAYERS 51 Sittinra of Xegs from mr tu-.t,?d Strains mm £ 5 < R ? Winter LMy*rK 15 Ef? to the oitting. no 5 /6 I U replacements carefully packed, carriace for- ™ ward. Buff, White and Black Orpingtons, White Wjamlotteo, White. Black and Brown Leghorns, Gold and Silver Campines. Rhod* Island Beds, Croad Langshans, Anconos. RALPH R. ALLEN. SAWBRIDGEWORTH, HERTS. axxrara CHOLEUL CUBE. Price 2/1, peø8 paid. A positive Care for Cholera, Bowel Trouble, Indigestion, Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Ac. Used occasionally in the drinking-water the year round it will effectually prevent diseases of the digestive organs. HLEV'8 GAPE CU?E. Price a?l, poet paid. "WiH sorely rid your birds of this d&n?er?ua disease if need as directed. Fun instructions with every Box. AJULE? S TONIC CAMUM?a. Price 1'6 per Box of 36, post paid. The Fancier's Friend. Immediately a bird is noticed off-colour a capsule (iron, quinine, and cod-liver oil) might and morning will speedily put it right. For a day or two before and after shows they are invaluable. .M.M:JrS VEB.MXK DE8TROTEX. Price 1/9 per Large Tin, post paid. The W who 11-. r Bock shoald be dusted octasiocally every Broody Hen before entrusting her with a setting of eggs. BALPH X. ALLZN. Sawbriftowwth, NA*-Uo. No Dead Chicks.—Success in Chicken Rearing can only be obtainei by using the most reliable Food. For best results start them on ARMITAGE'S BEST DRY CHICK FOOD. In bags, 4d, 8d, Is 4d, 2s 6d, etc. Manufactured by ARMITAGE BROS, Ltd., Poultry Food Specialists, Nottingham. Sold by —F W TAYLOR, High-street, Ledbury; C THURSTON, Cheapaide, Newent, &c. No Dead Chicks.—Success in Chicken Rearing can only be obtained by using the most reliable Food. For best results start them on ARMITAGE'S BEST DRY CHICK FOOD. In bags, 4<1, 8d, Is 4d, 2s 6d, etc. Manufactured by ARMITAGE BROS., Ltd., Poultry Food Specialists, Nottingham. Sold at Abergavenny by :—Jeffreys & Son, Frogmore-street; W J Day, Frogmore-street; T Rees, 16, Cross-street Saunders & Co, 50, Cross-street; W T Stoneham, Argyle Stores A J Wibberley, 5, Lion-street. EGGS, EGGS, EGGS. Increase the laying qualities of your Hens by using the Vick Egg Produce Meal; one 911 paeket sufficient for 6 birds for 40 meals two packets 1/4- carriage paid. Give it a trial itnd prove it for yourself. Obtainahle only direct from the n&anafaeturer, Alex Vick, Miller, Gloucester.

WEEKLY MOTOR NOTES. THROUGH TUNIS BY CAR. Tunis is the motorist's Eldorado. The roads are newly built, straight, with a perfect surface; bills are few-except in Kroumirio; dust, nails and loose flints are conspicuous by their absence. The Arabs, who seldom shoe their horses, prefer to keep to the softer tracks which run by the side of the roads, with the result that the auto- mobile has the road proper practically to itself. Police-traps and fines are unknown petrol, except in the extreme South, is cheap; there are excellent garages and Michelin tyre stocks in the capital and all the large towns; the dry climate is most favourable for carburation. What a change for the poor motorist who has always been used to the conditions existing in England and on the Continent! And if the motorist be something of a poet at the same time, or simply a tourist with an eye for the beauties of nature, what attractions this land of peace and light must have for him, with its ever-changing horizons, its new impressions, its clear sun- shine, and its visions of antiquity. Moreover, in Tunis the automobile is not simply a sport or a luxury it is a necessity or, better still, an economy. For the rail- ways are few, the distances from town to town enormous, and journeys on horseback or by diligence become monotonous and painful. If the second officer of the boat is amiable you can get your car landed immediately on arrival, and make uee of it to run up to one of the many hotels. Once arrived and installed at your hotel, you must explore the Arab town of Tunis. Here the motor will not be of much use, and the best way is to leave it at the Porte de France while you go on foot through the ancient and tortuous streets. It is well worth the trouble, for the sake of its dimly-lighted souks, its arched doorways studded with great nails, its watch-towers, and its Moorish cafes where antique apparitions crouch around the little garden of sweet smelling thymes and mints. Then there are delightful excursions out of town. To begin with let us visit the Saracen ramparts the holy village hanging like a flake of sno R above the lake of Sechoumi; the Bardo, the ancient Versailles of the Beys; Cassr' Said, where the French protectorate treaty was signed; that immense orange and lemon orchard, the Manouba; then the Marsa, the French Minister's summer resid- ence, hidden away in the gardens which are perhaps those of Megara; Sidi-bou-Said, looking like a cluster of doves on the cliff side; and finally Carthage, with its sacred hill where to-day the very site of the Acropolis and the Temple of Eshmoun is occupied by a cathedral, a museum, and a hostelry—an assortment to suit all tastes. (To be continued.) BIBENDUM. I

NEWENT. I FUNERAL or MRS. G. H. Davis.—On Satur- day afternoon, amid many tokens of deep regret and genuine sympathy, the mortal remains of Mrs Harriet Davis, the wife of Mr G H Davis, of Little Ford, a deacon of the Congregational Church, were interred in the Newent Cemetery. Deceased, who was 75 years of age, was an old and highly respected inhabitant of this district, and was for many years a member of the Con- gregational Church. Prior to the burial a service was held in the church conducted by Rev L Kenfig Morgan, pastor, who after the hymn Peace, perfect peace had been sung, spoke of the fortitude and sterling Christian character and influence of the departed sister, who would be greatly missed. Miss M E Douglas presided at the organ, and played 0 rest in the Lord," and the Dead March in Saul." The committal rites having been per- formed at the graveside, the closing prayer was offered by the Rev W Pontifex. At the memorial service on Sunday evening, the Pastor preached from Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." Favourite hymns of the deceased were sung, the accompaniments being played by Miss A E Gurney.

HEREFORDSHIRE EXPENDITURE. ERECTION OF THREE NEW INSTITUTIONS PROBABLE.—At a meeting of Weobley Board of Guardians, on Monday, Sir John Cotterell, the chairman, referred to the growing expenditure in the county, and said that the provision of three large buildings loomed before the ratepayers. It would be necessary to provide for the isolation of infectious diseases on an extensive scale, and also a sanatorium for consumptives, and a building for mental deficients. One of the workhouses might be used for the latter. The cost of these buildings would be very serious, and he did not know where it was going to end. Mr Parry said the mental deficients would be worse off if put into one large building.—It was reported that the asylum authority, had raised the weekly charge for inmates from 10s 6d to 10s 9d.

Ledbury Produoe Market. I There was a moderate attendance, and not much produce on offer. Prices Butter (wholesale), Is 3d. „ (retail) Is 4d and Is 5d per lb Eggs (wholesale), 16 for Is. (retail), 14 and 15 for Is Fowls, 48 6d to 5* per couple Rabbits, 8d and 9d each. Potatoes, lOd to Is per peck. Apples, Is per peck.

M A D E A BY OONSULTING. I an introductory journal fmU of GENUINE IIdvertisements a/ppefeiing to all classes of Ladies and gentlemen desirous of marriage. No Exorbitant Fees. M. Poet Free in Sealed Envelope. EWtor, 18, EFogarth Road, Earl's Court.

I FOOTBALL NOTES. I [BY THE TYKE."] Ledbury Town paid their return visit to West Malvern on Saturday last and were beaten 3—1 in a game which thev should certainly have won. The Town turned out the same side that played such a fine game against Stourport and the respective sides were as follows:—Ledbury Tewn—Vicarage; H Smith, Partridge; W Powell, R Powell, Griffiths; Pudge, W Smith, Cale, Taylor. Watts. West Malvern—Pitt; Evans, Lloyd Tadge, Evans, Bowen; Cotterell, Evers, Bannister, Walford, Rodway. Mr W Batchelor, of Worcester, was the referee. Partridge won the toss and made a bad choice in electing to face the wind, and moreover the goal he chose to defend was in a terrible state, being practically ankle-deep in mud. From the kick-off the West had the best of the opening exchanges, but the visitors were not long before the asserted themselves, and Pitt was called upon and cleared well. After a time the West began to attack persistently, and from some neat passing the ball came to Tudge, who scored with a shot which gave Vicarage no chance. Ledbury were not long in arrears and Watts made a fine dash up the left wing and got across a beautiful centre. The back, Pitt, and Cale all went for the ball together, but Cale was the first to get his foot to it, and as the three men came down together the ball went into the net. ♦ With the teams level, there was some sprightly play, but the West again took up the attack and Vicarage was called upon but proved very safe. In a mix-up in front of the Ledbury goal W Powell received a nasty blow from Vicarage as he was clearing, and the young half-back appeared dazed for some time. During this period the Malvern left broke away, Powell was at fault and the result was that Rodway scored. Another attaek by the West saw the ball slowly trickle by the post; a narrow escape for the visitors. At half-time the West led by 2—1. On the resumption of play Ledbury kept up an incessant attack for some time. Some feeling was introduced into the play, which became rather rough. Cale and W Smith both called upon Pitt, and Pudge on the right got across good centres, but too straight for the inside men to take full advantage of, the goal-keeper generally clearing el before they could reach them. Taylor, with a terriffic shot from about 25 yards range, struck the under side of the crossbar, and the ball appeared to drop over the line before rebounding out. Ledbury appealed strongly for a goal, but the referee refused the point. After this the West broke away and Bannister increased their lead. A good deal of mid-field play took place in this half. Ledbury spoilt very good openings owing to the inside men getting offside. The final whistle went with West Malvern winners by 3—1. It was about the most unsatisfactory result of a match the Town have played this season. The old weakness of lack of scoring power was manifest, and to this alone the Town must attribute the loss of a good many valuable points this season. Their midfield work was convincing, but when it came to scoring goals the West were quicker to seize their chances than were the Town forwards. The West halves backed up their forwards wonderfully well, and as soon as a back ad vanced to tackle the Led- bury forwards, the whole line was usually thrown off-side, tactics which one was much surprised to see the Town did not grasp. H Smith was hardly in his best form, though he got in some powerful kicks, but Partridge is evidently improving in his length of kicking, while his tackling, as usual, was very hot. Griffiths was the best half-back on the field, and the way in which he both tackled and provided for his for- wards was worth watching. Rodney Powell, as usual, worked tremendously hard, but his younger brother suffered somewhat by the knock he received in the first half, but at the close he was playing as strongly as ever. The forwards showed good passing, and W Smith was very persevering, and altogether played a much improved game. The wing men were generally too speedy for their opponents, but they would persist in shooting at the goalkeeper instead of a timely back centre, which would have given their inside men a far better chance of scor- ing than they had. Vicarage could not be blamed for the defeat, as two of the goals were scored from close in the first was a beautiful drive, which would have beaten any goalkeeper. On the winners' side Pitt was resourceful in goal, and was well covered by a vigorous pair of backs, who did some tremendous kicking. Their halves are a weighty trio and did not hesitate to use it, and at the same time took a band in testing Vicarage. The forwards seemed to play in snatches; the wing men were not often in the picture, and the inside men were the best of the line. But one thing the West did know and that was the whereabouts of goal- hence their victory. • On Saturday last, at the Burst Meadow, Colwall engaged Stoke United in a league match. Colwall unfortunately had a very poor team, and at the beginning of the game only nine were fielded. Stoke was also in the same boat ° for some of their best men were off. The following are the teams — ColWall — Spills-bury Barnett, Rogers Other, Andrews, Evans; Cotterell, Taylbr. Young. Green, Willis. Stoke—Slater; R Barker, F Barker Sparks, Duggan, Adams Crowther, Smith, Frver, Matthews, Valender. it With the wind, in their favour Stoke kicked off, bringing the ball at once in Colwall's quarters and Spillsbury in goal was kept rather busy till Bamett cleared. Cotterell swung the ball into centre and the home forwards tried' their hardest to get it near the goal. but the right back came to the repcue. The game then ensued in the Colwall territory and after numerous attempts the ball was netted through the tricky inside- left (Smith). From the kick-off Colwall made a valiant effort to equalise, and they would have done so if it had not been for erratic shooting of the forwards. Smith, of the visitors, combin- ing with his outside man, cleverly manoeuvred within ten yards of Spillsbury and centred, but the inside-right kicked over the bar. The homesters were penned in their own quarters up tillbalC-tirne; only getting through once or twice, while the visitors had undoubtedly left their shooting boots at home. At the interval the score was still 1-0 in Stoke's favour. Both teams commenced the second-half with more spirit and at times some really good football was seen. The homesters started the pressing and missed a fine opportunity, Taylor breasting the ball half a yard outside the post. After the) goal-kick the ball went to the Stoke left-wing, and I again the pair showed some clever combined tactics, and Smith scored his second goal, giving Spillsbury not an iota of chance. End to end play then followed, both teams trying some long range shooting, but nothing came of it. After a rush up by Stoke, Spillabury had a hot time and only just managed to push the ball round the post, and getting his wrist kicked for his trouble. Rogers, who came up in the forwards in the second half, tried an individual effort, but the backs were too good for him. Barker scored the third and last goal, Stoke thus winning by 3-0. Spillsbury undoubtedly played a fine game, and the three goals that Stoke scored would have beaten the best of goalkeepers. Rogers at back played a good defensive game, but he was out of his position, and in the second half went to the forwards. Barnet was also great at back, and it was through him that Colwall came off light. Andrews played well in the halves, helping the forwards considerably. The quintette of forwards played rather poorly at the start, but improved later on. The Stoke goalie had very little to fear in the first half, but when called upon was always ready. The brothers Barker played well at back, but Fred went up into the forward line in the second half, and no doubt improved it. The halves played a good game and well backed up their for- wards. The two wing men were best of the forwards, and all through played a splendid game.

HOW TO BECOME RICH!. £ 10,000 ALKJ5AD V DISTRIBUTED. WHITE AT OXCi: ÁXD FIX" OUT HOW 2 6 MAY BE TURNED INTO Al 01000, PRESS OPINIONS ON THE TOTALISATOR: John Bull"It is a genuine business concern. The Totalisator is quite bona fide." Daily Express The thing will be straight." II Licensed Victuallers' Gazette :—" Subscribers are certain to get their money if they win." London Mail" :—" The ouly firm we can recommend." Sporting Times The Totalisator seems to have become more popular than ever this year." Jockey :—" The Lucerne Totalisator can be relied npon." People :—" Absolutely fair. Backers are assured of payment." Sporting Life The Totalisator has returned some wonderful prices." Address THE TOTALISATOR, LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND. Postage Letters 2 £ d., Postcards Id. Established 1908. AGENTS WANTED. MENTION THIS PAPER.

WORCESTER & DISTRICT LEAGUE. I Division I. LKAGUE TABLE TO DATE. PI'd won lost drn for a,-st Pts Hereford City .19.16. I 2.72.14.34 Badsey Rangers .20.15. 3. 2.55.16.32 Stourport Swifts .19.13. 3. 3.53.25.29 Droitwich United 15. 9. 3. 3.48.23.. 21 Evesham United .20.10. 9. 1.51.37.21 Stoke United .20. 9.11. 1.34.43.19 St Clement's R'ng'rs 17. 7. 6. 4.42.37.18 Norton Barracks .18. 7. 9. 2.42.51.16 Ledbury Town .1. 5.12. 2.31.45.12 West Malvern 19 4.11. 4.26.50.12 Young Liberals. 18. 4.12. 2.. 34.58.10 Evesham Wanderers 19. 4.13. 2.19.53.10 Colwall .19. 3.13. 3.16.69. 9

Ledbury Corn Market. I The market at the Feathers Hotel Corn Ex- change on Tuesday was very fairly attended. There is plenty of stuff on offer, but the markets and trade are very slow. Any amount of clover seed was on offer at from 4dto 8dper lb, butsaraples were rather neglected. Seed spring beans were from 4s 9d to 5s per bushel; peas, 4s 6d to 5s and Garton's Abundance Oats 28* to 303 per quarter. Generally seeds are firm. Quotations Wheat (new), 3s lOd to 4s Od. I Beans, 3s lOd to 48 Od Peas, 3s 9d to 4s 3J Vetches, 4s 6d to 5s Rye, 48 Oats (old), 22,; to 28a per qr. (new), 20s to 22s per qr. Flour, firm. Maize, 25s to 27s per qr. English Barley, 28a to 32s. Foreign Barley, 22s to 25s 400 f.o.r. Sharpness. Bran, XG 10s per ton. j

LEDBURY BOARD OF GUARDIANS. Appointment of Master and Matron. The fortnightly meeting of the Ledbury Board of Guardians was held at the Board-room of the Uniin Workhouse on Tuesday morn- ing. There were present-Mr W L Pritchett (Chairman), who presided, Mr J A Thompson (vice-chairman), Revs A G Jones, A E Green- Price, Father Lynch, and A H Knapp, Miss Holland, Alderman J Riley, Messrs H Bray, S H Bickham, J Baughan, W Pitt, J C Davies, A A Yapp, D A G Birchley, H Weston, T S S Gardner, L J C Riley, H Co well, J J S Powell, A G Bunn, W Drew, T W Holds, J Parry, E T Lane, F J V Hamilton, T A Pedlingham, with the Clerk" (Mr R Homes), the Master (Mr J Johnson), and the Relieving Officers (Mr A G Smith and Mr T Thompson). THE WORKHOUSE. I The Master reported that the inmates in the House the last week numbered 101, against 83 for the corresponding week of last year, an increase of 18,. The vagrants relieved during the fortnight numbered 202 against 192 last year, an increase of 10. He also reported that the Matron left the service of the Guardians on Monday, the 23rd inst., and that he proposed to leave on Monday, April 6. It was decided to procure tenders for two tons of potatoes. The Master asked that the Board would grant the Matron and himself a testimonial for the time they had been in their service. The Board unanimously agreed. FINANCE. Mr Bickham reported that the balance in the bank amounted to E2,058 18s\7d. Cheques drawn last week for the quarter's bills and that day amounted to £914.19s lid. THE OFFICERS' MEAT. I Mr Lane said he wished to point out that they should abolish the contract for best joints of meat. In the forequarter of beef they had the best parts of the ribs, and in the buttocks the rump steak, while in the sides of mutton they li4d the shoulder and leg. They could not requir any better joints than those. Mr Weston pointed out that best joints should be lefr in, as the officers required a change, such as a jdint of veal or lamb. Tlio Master said that was so, and with the consent of the contract or they had poultry occa- sionally. SELECTED CANDIDATES' EXPENSES. I Mr Bickham said that he wished to sign the cheques for the selected candidates' expenses. The expenses for the couple from Brecon were £110s 4d, Chni jEl 17s 4d, Manchester 23 Is 2d, and East Howden B6 12s 4d. In regard to the latter, the fares to Ledbury were £ 1 12s 2d, and £1 12s 2d back, 6s cabs, and personal expenses JS5 2s. (Laughter). The Master said Mr Higgiira told him he paid 19s for supper, bed and breakfast at the Feathers Hotel, and he expected to pay the same that night. It would be reduced JB1 if they could get back to Howden that night. It was agreed that the bills be paid. MENTAL DEFICIENCY ACT. The Clerk read a circular letter from Mr F Goldingay, Clerk to the Visitors of the Here- ford County and City Asylum, stating that at a recent conference held in accordance with & resolution of the Herefordshire County Council. the question of the appointment by the local authority of a Committee for the care and con- trol of mental defectives was considered. It was decided at the conference that Unions within the county should be represented on; that committee, and it was resolved that the Boards of Guardians should hold a joint con- ference and nominate four of their number, not. members of the County Council, to serve on the foregoing committee, and that their names should be forwarded to the Clerk to the County Council previous to the meeting of the Council on April 11. A further letter was read from Mr R Moore, Clerk to the Hereford Union, stating that a. conference of delegates from the various unions in the county would be held on Wednesday, April 1st at 2 p.m., at the Board-Room, thtt Union Workhouse, Hereford, to consider th) provisions of the Act. The Chairman and the Vice-Chairman, and failing either being unable to attend, the Rer A E Green-Price, are the Board's delegates. THE CHILDREN'S ACT. A circular letter from the Ethan Union, Folkestone, was read, enclosing copy of e.. resolution, which they asked the Guardians tt* pass, as follows:—"That the Local Govern- ment Board be informed that in the opinion of the Guardians of this Union the Children's Act should be so amended in the provisions of P,rf& 1 that they would apply to persons who under- take by the day the nursing of children under seven years of age." The letter was laid on the table. APPOINTMENT OF MASTER AND MATRON. The Guardians then proceeded to the appoint- ment of a new Master and Matron of the Work- house, rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr and Mrs John Johnson, who have been, appointed to similar positions at Cambridge. The positions at Ledbury carry a commencing joint salary of jB80 per annum, with board, lodging and washing, rising by annual incre- ments of £ 5 to JS100 per annum, and JS2 to each official in lieu of beer. The selected candidates were as follows :— Mr Robert J Higgins (30) and Mrs EliM. Ann Higgins (32), Master and Matron of Howden Workhouse, East Yorks. Mr Jos Kendrick (32) and Mrs Alice M Kendrick (35), Master and Matron of Cluu Workhouse, Salop. Mr and Mrs J Ronald Long (both 30), Master and Matron of Brecon Workhouse. Mr George E Ryder (28) and Miss Annie Cook (29), Assistant Master and Assistant; Matron of Chorlton and Manchester Work- house, Ancoats, Manchester. The applications and testimonials of each couple were read out prior to being interviewed by the Board. Each couple was then proposed and seconded and the voting took place with the following result:—Mr Ryder and Miss Cooke 10, Mr ainl Mrs Kendrick 11, Mr and Mrs Long 3, Mr and Mrs Higgins 1. Mr and Mrs Long and Mr and Mrs Higgins were elimiated on the second vote, which resulted Mr and Mrs Kendrick 13. Mr Ryder and Miss Cooke 9. Before the second vote was taken three supporters of Mr Ryder and Miss Cooke had left to catch the train, or the voting would probably have resulte4 in IV tie. Mr and Mrs Kendrick were called before the Board and informed of their appointment, and Mr Kendrick briefly thanked the Board on behalf of his wife and himself.

TERRITORIAL BALL.—The annual Territorial Ball held by C (Ledbury) Company of the 1st Battalion the Herefordshire Regiment atr, their new Drill Hall in New-street, Ledbury, prtoed such a tremendous success, that tl e Committee are promoting another invitatioit- ball to be held in their new hall on the night of Easter Monday, April 13. Miss Fardon's band has been engaged, and tickets may be obtained from Sergt-Inst-Crine, Cdl- Sergt E G Morris, Sergt E Howard, Sergt H Brookes, Corpl C Fardon, Corpl G Dalley, Corpl W Chadd, Corpl W Huish, Pte P Taylor, and Sergt G Maddox, the hon secretary. WESLEYAN CIRCUIT GATHERING.—The annu tl circuit gathering of the Ledbury Wesleyan Circuit will be held on Good Friday, April 10, at the Wesleyan Church, Ledbury, when Dr Tasker, Principal of Hands worth College, will preach at 4 p.m., his subject being The Imi- tation of Christ." Tea will be provided at.. 5.15 p.m., to be followed by a public meeting at 6.30 p.m., when an address will be yiveu by Dr Tasker on Spiritual Advance." The chair will be taken by Mr C Cloke, who will be suL-- ported by the Circuit Ministers, and collect i. i will be taken afternoon and evening f,-r i, » Circuit Fund. BOXING.—On Easter Saturday, April 11.. committee of "0" (Led bury) Company. 1 i. Battalion the Hereforshire Regiment, aiv 1, moting a series of boxing bouts at the new l). t Hall in New-street, and have arranged for ilio following contests :—Private Jack Vicarage, "f the local Company, heavy-weight champion "F the Midlands, and Ted James, of Merthyr, the middle-weight champion of Wales, will box 1& 3-minute rounds for a purse and sidestaku. The men have met twice before, and each can claim a victory, so that there should be a good contest in -this, the third encounter. H Devereux; a local boxer, will meet F Hales, of Cheltenham, in 10 3-minute rounds for a purse, and two local exponents in Private Joe Brooks and Alby Davis, will box 6 3-minute rounds for a purse. Other bouts have also been arranged. Owen Moran, the well-known Worcester boxer, and ex-light-weight champion of England, will act as referee, Captain A V Holman will be timekeeper, and Mr F Norman Whratoa and Mr W W Skittery will act as judges. First bout* at 8 p.m.

MUCH MARCLE. SOCIAL AND WHIST DRIVE.—The Committee of the Much Marcle and Yatton Flower Show Sports are promoting an invitation social and whist drive, to be held at the Much Marcle, Schoolroom on Wednesday, April 15, com- mencing at 7.30 p.m. Tickets may be obtained of Mr W M Price (Yatton) and Mr F Taylor (Much Marcle), and the proceeds will be in aid. of the Spoits Fund and the Nursing Fund.

BOSBURY TROOP OF BOY SCOUTS I Visit of Major-General Sir Elliott Wood, K.C.B., and Captain Slingsby. On Monday evening last a successful meeting was held at the Parish Hall, Bosbury, of the friends and supporters of the Bosbury Troop of Boy Scouts. Major-General Sir Elliott Wood, K.C.B., took the chair and was supported by Captain Anthony Slingsby, Major Wood-Roe, Major Essell, Mr R Buchanan, J.P., and Rev T W Harvey (Vicar). There were also present :-Mr and Mrs Karslake, Mrs and Miss Buchanan, Mrs Buck, Miss Beith, Miss Hopton, The Misses Riley, Mr and Mrs W Lane, Mr and Mrs E T Lane, Miss Lane, Mrs and Miss Wood-Roe, Mrs Emberson Herbert Lane, Mr E B ThoncpBon (Temple Court), Mr and Mrs E G Shew, Mr Manningand the Misses Manning, Scoutmaster C A F Stewart and the Bosbury Boy Scouts, Scoutmaster Callaghan and a detachment of the Putley Troop of Boy Scouts, Mr Collett, Mr and Miss Bosley, Mr W Parker and others. Major-General Sir Elliott Wood said it gave him the greatest pleasure to come to Bosbury. He was most interested in the Boy Scout movement, but they had one amongst them who could tell them more about it than he could. Generally speaking, of course, they all knew that the objects of that great movement were practically three essential points. The first of all was to improve the character of the boys to make better citizens of them and next to improve their efficiency and their resourcefulness. And in work they ought to give them every opportunity. The great success of this movement depended upon the Scout-Master. He wanted the boys to understand that it was not a game to take up and leave when- ever they liked; it was not all sugar and plums, butitwas good, honest, and self-denial. Their present Scout-master had a very difficult task be bad a long way to come, and did his work freely and generously. (Applause). He hoped the parents of the lads would help and support them as much as they possibly could. The other expenses, such as camp, the richer amongst them would help. They were going to have down there the 1st City of Westminster Scouts, and he might say they were one of the finest troops in the world, and he bad the privilege of being the Hon. President. They did not want to make soldiers of the boys, but to make them good citizens. They had got I amongst them that night the Organising Secretary for the North of England, who was scout-master of one troop in the slums of London. He hoped they would pay attention to the words of Captain Slingsby, who was one of the best sportsmen, and he would appeal to the sporting boys. {Applause). Captain Slingsby, organising secretary for the North of England, and a member of the Headquarters' Staff, said he was glad to find that they bad got a County Commis- sioner there. Somebody said what was the good of making all the boys soldiers; it seemed silly. That was not their aim. He was recently preaching a sermon in a Noncon- formist Church in Lancashire, and the con- gregation was composed of all Socialists, who believed that war should be abolished. He asked bis audience if he thought he would go to that place and talk about scouting if he was going to turn the boys into soldiers. He was going to turn their boys into some- thing greater than that-to turn them into good citizens—that was the great aim they were out for. He was at a town in South Wales, when someone asked him why he came to wear his brother's trousers ? They thought the uniform was simply to be looked at, but it was not. The trousers were for knocking about; they were made for rough wear, and the hat was to keep the sun off them in summer. They did not wear it purely and simply because they had taken a promise it was the most conveni- ent thing to wear for that reason and others. He gave a humorous explanation of the old and the new system. In the old system if oue saw a naughty boy tying a tin can on a poor dog's tail, he would go up to him and tell him to come along with him and preach a sermon to him. In the new system the scout would go up to him and call him a "silly little ass," and tell him he did not know how to do it. He would catch hold of the string, tie it to the tin and then round the boy's neck. He went on to say that their fla-the Union Jack-was not to remind them of the great and glorious wars of the past. It was to remind them of the fact that it stood for liberty and justice. (Hear, hear, and applause). The badges on the scouts' arms were milestones down the road of life. They started a scout as an ordinary boy and turned him into a perfect scout. Sometimes they took the poor London scouts to training farms in the country. That reminded him of a time when he was inspecting a training farm, where there were two boys from London. One was a scout who was sent to milk a cow, and he had not seen a cow before. He found the cow and half-an-hour later came back with a pint of milk in his bucket. The farmer did not say anything because he knew the boy had tried. The other boy was sent otit and after half-an-hour's time the farmer went round to see what he was doing. He found the boy asleep on a bench and a bucket was put under the cow. The farmer shook the boy and asked him what he was doing, and the boy replied that he had put the bucket under the cow and was waiting for it to lay. (Laughter.) That was the difference between the scout and the ordinary boy. He said a scout seemed really brave, but he was not, and the reason was that the scout was ready to cope with any emergency. He also told them of the Daily Mirror's "own scouts and of the heroism displayed on the deck of the sinking ship, bow one of the boys who bad charge of the ship, when he found out the danger, helped them all into safety but was too late himself, and his body was found when they lifted the ship out of the sea. This boy was told he was to show the boys by his example what should be done, and he was last seen helping his comrades to safety. The scouts weie always willing to follow good examples—whether at work or play- -if only a man would lead. (Loud applause.) Major Essell, of Bromyard (District -Commissioner), said that their Commissioner had done him the honour of making him commissioner of that district. He was going to work conscientiously and he hoped they would have no cause for regret. He wanted the people of Bosbury to help him all they could. The scouts were a very smart lot and they ought to be proud of them. The scout movement endeavoured to teach the boy something useful to him in after life. He wanted those present that night to assist him not only in keeping the scouts but to increase them, in numbers and efficiency. (Applause.) Mr R Buchanan, J.P., on being called by the Chairman, said that he admired the courage of the Committee who arranged that meeting. It was good to have such a move- ment as that. Mention was made of Captain Scott and Captain Oats in their search for the South Pole, aud of the awful hardships they had to go through, and the speaker said the scouts should look up to that as a fine example. He wanted them to support the Boy Scout movement with all their power. He had very much pleasure in proposing a hearty vote of thanks to Captain Slingsby for his address. (Applause.) Major W B Wood-Roe, who was received with applause, said that after what had been said by Mr Buchanan, there was very little for him to say. The question of discipline was a very serious one. It made the teachers work very hard to enforce it. He might say that the system adopted among the boy scouts was far better than any other. They were left on their own honour. (Hear, hear.) He noticed that they were not being trained for soldiers but if they were going to be so much the better. He (the speaker) was in favour of compulsory service—(hear, hear,) —and he thought there were many in that room who were also in favour of it, but that question could not be discussed. He had great pleasure in seconding Mr Buchanan's proposition. (Applause.) Captain Slingsby briefly responded. Rev T W Harvey (Vicar, and President of the Bosbury Boy Scouts' Association), said he bad been asked by the Committee of the Bosbury Boy Scouts to propose a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding. Many of them there that night knew that that was not the first occasion on which they had been indebted to Major-General Sir Elliot Wood. He went on to say that the boys were not only trained to be good citizens, but something more. It was their duty to God to be pure in mind and body. He proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Major-General Sir Elliot Wood. This was seconded by Mr Karslake and on being put to the meeting, was carried with loud cheering. The Chairman thanked them for the very kind way they received the resolution. He also expressed his thanks to Mrs Buck. (Applause). They would not have been there if it had not been for her. The meeting concluded with the playing of the National Anthem by the newly-formed Bosbury Brass Band, under the conductor- ship of Mr Fred Jessett, of Ledbury.