The Abergavenny Mail

SECRET COMMISSIONS AND BRIBERY. 1 To the Editor. Sir,-What is known as the Canteens case, after protracted proceedings at Bow Street and at the Central Criminal Court, has resulted in the conviction of all the seventeen defendants who were tired. One of the accused has been sent to prison for six months, two have been fined the maximum amount, £500 one, £100; and four, B50 each the others being bound over to come upsfor judgement if called upon. Mr Justice Darling, in passing sentence, said it was a very common thing to blame a system when people got into trouble. There was no such thing as a system unconnected with individual vaen. Addressing the noncommis- sioned Officers, his Lordship added that from this moment onwards, now that in a public Court it had been brought home to every one serving in the army that to take a tip from a contractor admitted of no excuse in law, it must be distinctly understood that the day of leniency was past, and that every one wearing the uniform appearing before a civil Court would be sent to prison. In his opening, statement at the trial, the Attorney-General observed that tfhe principal witness for the Crown had been sent to the Secret Commissions and Bribery Prevention League—a body which exercised itself to see that corruption, which was so destructive of commercial principles and integrity, should be £ ut down-and it investigated the matter. The LeaKue then communicated with the War Office, which made a further investigation of its own, and the present prosecution was eventually started." And in his final remarks, Sir John Simon impressed upon the jury the fact that this was a case where they had cast on them a duty which, if it be discharged, may do some- thing to make the reputation of English commercial life better than it is." There can scarcely be two opinions as to the importance of the Canteens case, or as to the good effects which it must have and, as,members of the Executive Committee of the League, we wish to point out that had it not been for the Leaguei it is very improbable that the prosecu-, tions would have been instituted. The League, notwithstanding many difficulties and much private opposition, is attempting to carry out what should be regarded as a national work. Although it has upwards of 400 members comprising many leading commercial firms and public and professional men, it cannot be said to receive adequate support in its efforts to educate public opinion and enforce the observ- ance of the Prevention of Corruption Act. We desire very earnestly, however, to urge all those to join the League who agree with the late Lord Russell of Killowen that this business of corrupt bargains is a malignant canker, affecting honesty in all relations of life. That the Prevention of Corruption Act is not a dead letter is largely due to the League, whose usefulness might be greatly increased if it had that national support which was hoped for but is still lacking. It would be absurd to expect a deep-seated evil like bribery could be eradicated within a short space of time, and as Sir Edward Fry, the President of the, League, has observed: "To cleanse the Augean stable required the strength of a Hercules to cleanse our commercial and professional life of the foulness of bribery and corruption will require patience on the part of the League and the co-operation of all men who love pure and clean hands. The active work- ers in the League are patient, but they feel it would be a great national advantage if they had more of the co-operation mentioned by Sir Edward Fry. It is worth noting that the Geruft4 anti- bribery society, which was formed on the lines of the English League in 1911, has now some 1,500 members. All Communications addressed to the Secretary of the Secret Commission and Bribery Prevention League, Incorporated, 9, Queen Street Place, London, E. 0., will be carefully considered and regarded by him, if desired, as strictly confidential. We are. yours faithfully. DAVID HOWARD. T HAMILTON FOX. A B LAMBERT. G H LONGMAN. STANLEY MACHIN. FRED A OETZMANN. HAL WILLIAMS. ■ ■ '■

1st Battalion Herefordshire Regiment. "C" (LEDBURY) COMPANY. Parade.—There will be a parade for N.C.O.'s and men to-day (Friday) at 8 p.m. Dress, drill order. Musketry.—The Sergt-Instructor will be on the 30-yards' Range on Thursdays and Saturdays during the afternoon. All N.C.O.'s and men are requested to fire part 1 as early as possible. Clothing.—Any N.C.O.'s or men in possession of clothing, viz. (service dress jacket, trousers and putties), which require changing, are warned to return same to the Drill Hall at once. A. V. HOLMAN, Captain, Commanding C Company. • — 1/8 sent to the Reporter Office, Ledbury, will ensure a copy of this paper being sent post free every Friday evening or a quarter (12 weeJul.

I LOCAL WEDDINC. I I Cab:; -Richardson.. I Yesterday (Thursday) morning, at the Parish Church of St Botolpb, Shenley, Hert- fordshire, the marriage was solemnised of Mr Percy Cotterell Gabb, of High-street, Ledbury, eldest son of Mr and Mrs W A C Gabb, of Ledbury, and Miss Rosetta Richardson, fourth daughter of Mr and Mrs Thomas Richardson, of London-road, Shenley, Hertfordshire. The bride, who was given away by her father, were a dress of champagne colour, with black bat and lancer plume, and carried a bouquet of red roses. She was attended by her sister, Miss Nellie Richardson, as brides- maid, who was attired in a dress of powder blue, with black hat, trimmed with bunches of flowers, and carried a bouquet of pink carnations. Mr Robert Lvne, of the Shenley Stud Farm, Shenley, attended the bride- groom as best man. The Rev D Gatto (Rector) was the officiating clergyman. After the ceremony the wedding breakfast and reception were held at the residence of the bride's parents, and the newly-married couple left by 1.47 p.m. train from Radlett for Boscombe, where the honeymoon is being spent, at the conclusion of which Mr and Mrs Percy Gabb will take up their residence at No. 7, High Street, Ledbury. The bride's travelling dress was a navy blue costume, with burnt straw hat, trimmed cornflowers and blue ribbon. A number of congratulatory telegrams were received during the day. THE PRESENTS. I A large number of handsome presents were received, including the following :— Bride to bridegroom, gold sleeve links and dressing case. Bridegroom to bride, cheque Mrs W A C Gabb, oak bedroom suite and furnishing of bedroom complete, and cheque (to bride) Mr and Mrs Thomas Richardson, cheque Miss N Richardson, slrer candlesticks Mr and Mrs Hy. Field (Redditch), silver tea tray Miss May Thomas (Redditoh), silver fish knives and forks Mr and Mrs, Jack and Harold Hickman, silver salad bowl m Miss E Thomas (Redditch), pair oil paintings Mr W Thomas (Redditch), needlecaee, &c. Mr and Mrs A G Smith, silver entree dishes Mr and Mrs C T Smith, silver cake basket Mr and Mrs T Howell, silver tea service F. and M. P., silver flower centre Mr C E Davies (Highbury), silver biscuit barrel Mr and Mrs Harry Gunter (Ross), silver flower centre Mr and Mrs C L Berkley, silver fish servers Mrs and Miss F Fardon, silver toast rack Mr and Mrs F Cowell (Aylton), silver toast rack Mrs Bennett (Ledbury), silver cake knife Miss Thomas and Mrs Pugh (Ledbury), silver knife rests Mrs Symonds (Monmouth), silver salts. Miss Fardon, silver pickle fork and spoon. Mrs Beedles, silver pepper pourer. Mrs Pitt and Mrs Barson (Eastnor), silver bread fork. Mr and Mrs Robert Preece, silver sugar basin and scoop. Miss May Cobb (St. Leonard's), silver salts and sugar dredger. Miss Geiger (Mill Hill), silver and cut-glass marmalade jar. Mr W L Pritchett, silver serviette rings. Miss Hill, silver nutcrackers. Mr T E Jones (Dymock), Spaniel puppy Mrs Pullen (Ledbury), clock and ornaments Mr and Mrs Val Palmer, case meat carvers Mr S W Mills, oil painting Mr and Mrs Harris (Bosbury), cushion Mr A Stevens, oak and silver bound writing cabinet Mr F W Juckes, carpet sweeper Cook, brass candlesticks Mr, Mrs and Misses Cobb, cushion Mr and Mrs J Barnett (Dymock), fire screen Mr and Mrs and Miss Pudge (Welland), smoker's cabinet. Mr and Mrs H Thacker, silver-mounted silk umbrella. Mr and Mrs J Bache, silk umbrella. Mr and Mrs R Lyne (Shenley), handbag. Miss Bartlett (New Southgate), cushion. Mr and Mrs Bartlett (New Southgate), brass crumb tray and brush. Messrs Reid, Wright & Co. (London), cheque. Nurse Laxton, pair brass spittoons. Mr and Mrs Walsingham (Shenley), cut-glass salad bowl. Rev A H Knapp, picture A Friend, silver sugar sifter

TERRITORIALS' WEEK-END UNDER CANVAS. One of the best week-end camps spent under canvas was experienced at Leominster, when the 1st Battalion the Herefordshire Regiment pitched tents in a field adjoining the Station. The Battalion only mustered 100 men, and the absence of such a large proportion was perhaps owing to the announcement being given only two days previous to the commencement of the camp, and most of the men had no doubt arranged to spend the Whitsun holidays elsewhere. Amongst the officers attending were :—Capt. and Adjutant Prince, Colonel Harris, Capt. A V Holman, Lieut. Speer, Lieut. Caple. The fatigue party started out on Friday for the purpose of erecting the tents, and the following day (Saturday) all the tents were occupied. Nothing was done that day, only by those who arrived early on the Saturday morning, and were taken out to do some firing practice. Early Sunday morning everybody was busy cleaning their scarlet tunics, for it was announced that an inspection was to be held at 10.15, which was to be followed by a church parade. Breakfast was leady by 8 o'clock. After the inspection the Battalion fparaded to the Parish Church, preceded by a bugle band, and at the commencement of the service the National Anthem was played by the organist, the congtegation standing. At 12.30 the Battalion marched back to camp, whfere they were regaled with roast beef, potatoes and peas. After dinner they were at liberty. On the following morning (Whit-Monday) camp was astir at 5.30 getting ready for a two hours' drill in the adjoining field, at which several N.C.O.'s who were in for promotion were instructed to, put the men though the movements. Breakfast was then partaken of, and at 9.30 a shooting competi- tion was held on the Leominster range, at which all the N.C.O.'s and men competed. None of the three local men were fortunate in winning anything, though Sergt. Howard was leading by three points half-way through. After dinner the men were paid off and returned te their different destinations after an enjoyable week-end being spent.

I CANON FFROME. I GARDEN FETE.—A great attraction is an- nounced for Thursday, June 25, at Canon- Ffrome Court, when a garden fete will be held in the lovely grounds of the Court, the proceeds being in aid of the District Nursing and Ash- perton Church Funds. The full Regimental Band of the 1st Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry has been specially engaged, by the kind permission of the Colonel and officers, and will play during the afternoon and evening. Further particulars will be announced later. i

LEDBURY POLICE. WEDNESDAY. Before Alderman John Riley (in the chair), Mr Spencer H Bicham, Dr. M A Wood, Mr Fred Ballard and Mr H Thacker. TRANSFER. On the application of Mr H W Orme (Messrs Russell and Co.) the license of the Horse and Groom Hotel, Colwall, was temporarily transferred from Martin James Powell to Albert George Parmee, of the Crown Hotel, Bosbury. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. George Mills, a labourer in the employ of II the Ledbury Urban District Council, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in I High-street, Ledbury, on May 30. P.C. Wm. Barrell said that at 10 20 p.m. on Saturday last he saw defendant in High- street staggering drunk. He asked defend- ant to go away and be quiet, but he would not go, and came up to witness in a fighting attitude and pushed his fist up iato his face. He pushed defendant away and he fell down. Witness picked him up and again asked him to go away, but he refused, although he gave the man every opportunity, and he then locked defendant up. Defendant admitted the offence and said he would leave the matter with the Bench. SuptfcWilliams said he had nothing to say against the man when he was sober, but on Saturday night when he got drunk he was a nuisance, especially with the younger members of the force, of whom he tried to take advantage..Had it been am older man he had no doubt defendant would have gone home quietly. Defendant handed in his army discharge, and previous convictions were proved. Defendant was fined 5s and 8s costs, and allowed a fortnight for payment. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. I William Trigg, labourer, of Lyne Down, Much Marcle, was summoned under the school bye-laws in respect of his children Francis (13), Samuel (9) and Christopher (9). There was n. appearance. Herbert Wm Hayter, school attendance officer and clerk to the Ledbury Rural Dis- trict School Attendance Committee, gave the necessary evidence, and a fine of 7s 6d was finflicted in the case of Francis, and 2s 6d i. the case of Christopher. Walter Baker, labourer, of Marcle Hill, was -similarly summoned in respect of six of his children, viz., Ernest (12), Mary (11), Felix (13), Herbert (10), Jane (8), and Tracy (7). Defendant did not appear, and AIr Hayter, in his evidence, stated that the three younger children bad not been to school at all. Fines of 2s 6d each in the case of the three elder children, and Is each in the case of the three younger children were imposed. AFFILIATION. I Victor John Meese, an Army Reservist, and railway porter, of Bristol, was summoned by Elizabeth Lambeth, single woman, of Yew Tree Terrace, Colwall Green, to show cause, etc. Mr H W Orme (Messrs Russell and Co) appeared for the plaintiff, and stated that the child, a boy, was boy born on April 13, and died on May 26. He asked the Bench to make an order for maintenance of the child during the period it was alive, which was exactly six weeks,and for the expenses of the birth and funeral. Evidence having been given by the com- plainant and Mrs Wharton, who had be- friended her, the Bench made an order for XI lis 6d expenses of birth and funeral, 18d six weeks' maintenance, 10a 6d advo- cate's fee, and 10a 6d court fees. 00 defendant's application he was allowed a month for payment.

COLWALL N-E-WS. I THE LINER DISASTER. 11 Apprehension for the safety of Charles Wilkes had been felt since the disaster to the liner, The Empress of Ireland." His name appears amongst the list of persons drowned whose bodies have been identified. He had written I to Miss Ballard telling her that it was his inten. tion to visit this country with the Salvationists, he being in the band. His father emigrated after a long period' of employment with Mr Ballard but had not been long in his adapted country before meeting with his end through the kick of a horse. His mother met with a tragic death just before the family went abroad, being cut to pieces on the railway at Colwall Station, j Up to the time of emigration Charles Wilkes I was a promising scholar of Colwal Free School. His late school friends regret his early and tra- gic end. DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION. To fill the casual vacancy on the District Council two nominations have bpen sent in, the names being Mr. Roberts, of Quarry berg, and Miss Lake, of Brook House. The first public meeting in the campaign was bell on Saturday evening by Miss Lake's suppors. Amongst those attending were the Rt. Hon. J. W. Wilson, M.P. (who was voted to the chair), Mr. and Mrs. E. Ballard, Mr. and Mrs. S. Ballard, Miss A. Ballard, Mrs. W. Plowman, Miss Holland, Miss Boyce, Miss Griffin, Mr. and Mrs. W. Allen, Mr. A. Allen, Mr. J. Armstrong, Mr. C. Hinett, Mr Hanson, Mr. W. James, Mr. H. Hanson, and others. The Chairman, who was supported by Mr. E. Ballard, stated that the meeting had been called by the supposters of Miss Lake, to take what steps they could to secure her re- turn to the seat on the Council. At the same time, he should be pleased to see the expense of a contest avoided, if possible. He pointed out that it was only fair and right to give a proportion of the representa- tion on local Councils to ladies, and he sug- gested that a committee be elected to canvas the pariah, and press the candidate's chims, and to call a further public meeting if re- quired. Mr. E. Ballard, Miss A. Ballard, Miss Holland, and Mr. Alien spoke in favour of that course being adopted, and the follow- ing were elected: Miss A. Ballard, Miss Holland, Miss Boyd, Messrs. J. W. Wilson, E. Ballard, A. Allen, Wilfred Allen, W. James, J. Connop, and H. Hanson. Mr. Stephen Ballard suggested that the commit- tee meet at once, and see what steps could be taken to avoid a contest. The Chairman accordingly adjourned the meeting, thank- ing the audience for their unanimous support, which spoke well for the return of their candidate by a good majority-if it should to a poll. Mr J R Roberts, of Quarryberg, had this week issued his address to the electors, and the election will take place on Monday, June 15, at the Temperance Hall, Colwall, the hours of polling being from 12 noon to 8 p.m. Mr R Homes is the Returning Offioer.

NEWENT. i INQUEST.—On Tuesday the Deputy Coroner (Mr M F Carter) held an inquest on Annie Maria James, the wife of William James, County Council roadman, of Church-street, Neweat.— Dr F H Smelt's evidence was to bhe effect that deceased died from apoplexy, and the jury found in accordance with the medical testimony. The Coroner and jury expessed their sympathy with ¡"decease.'s relatives.

r, NORTH LEDIURY PUPPIES. f Future of the Hunt. The annual pnppy show in connec- tion with the North Ledbury (Mr. J. F. Twinberrow's) Hunt took place at the Ken- nels on Wednesday. There were 11-2 1 couples for Mr. M. C. AlbriV)t (Master of the South Hereford) and Fred llavan (huntsman of the North Hereford) to judge, The entry con- sisted of six couples of dogs and 5| of bitches. The awards were:—Dogs: Sailor (Tyre- dale Simon-Saintay), walked by Mr. S. Brad burn, Colwall, 1; Workman (Simon -Warble), Mr. E. Potter, Starford Court, 2. Bitches: "Velvet" (Simon-Vanquish), Mr F. Clift, Luslev Court, 1; Marvellous (Simon—Mazurka), Mrs. Spencer, Swan Inn, 2, Couples: "Warden" (Simon-Warble) and Playmate (Cotswold Chorister—Pas- time), walked by Mr. Clews. Yearsett Court, 1; Pitiful and Patrick (both Cotswold Chorister—Pastime), Mr. F. Gwynn, West Malvern), 2. THE LUNCHEON Among those present at the subsequent luncheon were The Master (Mr J F Twin- berrow) who presided, Mrs Twinberrow, the Rev T B and Mrs Wilson, Mr 0 N Holt Needham, Captain Heygate (former Master of the North Hereford), Miss B Blarney, Mr H M Chamberlin, Mr H Hadden, Mr M C Albright, Mr F H and Mrs Matthews, Mr and Mrs John Walker, Mr T Lawson Walker, Miss D Walker, Mr G Onley Prattenton, Mr E J Onley Prattenton, Mr H S Phillips, Mr and Mrs F Gwynne, Mr and Mrs Smith, Mr and Mrs T Pedlingham, Mr J S Twinberrow, Mrs Holmes, Mr F E Johnstone, Mr A Arnold, Mr and Mrs .p C Clews, Mr and Mrs Griffiths, Mr and Mrs T Godsall. Mr and Mrs E Potter, Mr and Mrs F P Clift, Mr and Mrs R G Lawrence, Mesdames E Evans, W Banner, Speucer, S J Lawrence, Misses Parker. E Bosley, E Hollaway, F P Robinson, Messrs W Cooke, F Bevan, H Jones, T Yates, J Godsall, P Taylor, J T Rogers, J T Rogers, jun., J Sherwood, T „Chapple, W Tudge, J J Pope, J E Preston, J WiHiams, J Coles, W P Pope, C Went, G R Lawrence. A Sherwood, H M Lewia, W Her- riott, H N tVilJiams, W J Homes, T W Green, W Parker, H C Andrews, W EUiott, W Banner, W Jorden, G Reynolds, S Meredith, W Ranford, G Nott, W Clews, T H Roper, G E Hollo way, L Green, G H Collins, and many others. "THE PUPPY WALKERS." I After proposing the health of "The King, the Queen, and the rest of the Royal Family," whieh was loyally honoured, the Chairman gave "The Puppy Walkers." He was genuinely thankful to the eompany for their presence that day. In that country the idea was that hounds should find their fox, hunt him, and account for biro. He coupled with the toast the names of the prize-winners. Mr Gwynne had never won a prize before, but he had stuck to it well and always walked well. He would not forget the ladies. They were most import- ant. If they did not receive the puppies with open arms, he did not know how, the puppies could do so well. (Laughter and applause.) Mrs Twinberrow presented the prizes. Mr Clews said that the more they had to do with puppies, the more they liked them. They still had foxes in the North Ledbury country, and a home-bred Master. (Applause.) The other prize-,winners also replied. The Rev T B Wilson proposed The health of the Judges." Mr Albright said judging was rather a difficult business. He was very glad to hear that Mr Twin berrow was breeding for work. Mr Bevan said to show there was no favour- itism, before starting he asked Mr Twinberrow to cut out the names of the walkers from the catalogue. (Laughter.) SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENTS MADE Mr Lawson Walker proposed the health of Mr and Mrs Twinberrow. (Applause.) The arrangements for the future of the Hunt had been satisfactorily settled. He thought that they had a unique little country. It had an admirable Master, it was well supplied with foxes, and an excellent lot of landowners and farmers supported it in every way. (Hear, hear.) They had been told that they had a home-bred Master. Both his father and grand- father were excellent sportsmen, and were beloved by everyone, and Mr Twinberrow was walking in their steps. The toast was drank with musical honours. Mr Twin berrow, on behalf of his wife and himself, said he was very much obliged for the kind way in which they had honoured the toast. It was a labour of love to hunt the North Ledbury. They had had a fairly successful season. They killed 17 brace, ran 15 bsace to ground, killed two badgecs, and were stopped three times by frost, He thought that that was as much as they could expect from the country at present. Mr Twinberrow said when he retired from the Mastership of the Teme Valley hounds two years age and took over the mastership of the North Ledbury, the Ledbury Hunt Committee guaranteed 2200 per annum to- wards the expenses of hunting the North Ledbury country, and subscriptions were paid to the Ledbury Hunt account. The Led- bury Hunt were unable to continue their guarantee, and as he was continuing the mas- tership of the North Ledbury he understood that all subscriptions which were given by that hunt would now be payable to the North Ledbury Hunt fund, and they hoped they would be sufficient to enable him to continue to hunt the country as he had done during the past two years. He might say that the finds and poultry claims came to aboat 2100 per season, so that they would understand that there was a great deal of money to be found, as it cost quite £600 to hunt the country. That did not include the kennels or the hounds, which were his own. He was perfectly willing to continue to go a good way towards the expense, and hunt on such two days a week as would meet the convenience of his followers. Mr H S Phillips proposed The health of the Huntsmen, J Sherwood, and J Palmer." Mr Cooke, of The Venn, gave a couple of hunting recitations, whieh were much appre- ciated.

THE PICTURE PALACE. I For the closing week of the season the Picture Palace at the Royal Hall, Ledbury, has been well patronised, and on Monday especially there were crowded houses. The pictures were only four in number, the two star fflras being "The Burning Train," an Itala film of an exciting character, and A Fight for a Fortune," a Vitascope picture, which included more sensationalism than we have seen before. Two comedy pictures completed the programme. For the week-end programme the attraction is "The Derby," showing scenes at the famous Epsom meeting, and the start and finish of the great race. Another good film is The Cameo Ring," by the Centauro firm. When Soul met soul is an Essannay film of an unusual type, and is exceedingly well produced. Two nights on the Atlantic is a two reel film showing the working of secret service agents. The comedy pictures were very good, undoubtedly the best being The Autocrat of Flapjack Junc- tion," a Vitagraph film showing the irrepressible Johm Bunny and "Flora Finch. Supper for Three" (Crystal) and The Troublesome Mole" (Biograph) are the other filths. After the second house on Saturday the Palace will be closed, and the new Picture Palace in Homend-street will be opened under the management of Mr L P Hoult on August Bank Holiday. Work is proceeding at a good pace on the new building. »

CASTLEMORTON. IN»HCENT LANGUACE. — Walter Drinkwater and Agnes Drinkwater, both of Sastlemorton, were charged at the Upton-ou-Severn Police Court yesterday (Thursday) with using indecent language at Castlemorton. Defendants said they were provoked. fThey were fined 2s 6d each and costs, 4s 9d.

COLWALL WOMEN LIBERALS. I Members of Association Celebrate I First Birthday. The Colwall branch of the Women's National Liberal Association held their first birthday party on Wednesday, when members gathered, at the invitation of Mr and Mrs Fred Ballard, at The Winnings, and held their annual meeting —the branch is just one year old-and were entertained to tea. The meeting took place in the top floor of the model dairy, which had been prettily decorated. Miss Boyd presided, and was supported by Mrs Fred Ballard (hon. secretary), Mrs Norman (hon. treasurer), Mrs John Hosking, and Miss Ada Ballard. Many others were present. Mrs Ballard's co-secret- ary, Mrs Tom Pedlingham, was unable to attend. Mrs Ballard revealed the healthy state of the branch in reading the balance sheet and report. She said 14 new members had been gathered during the year, and the total was now 90. There was a balance in hand of 23 18s lid. The Chairman observed that that was a very satisfactory state of things. Mr Ballard, sen., was re-elected president, the Chairman saying that although she was prevented often from attending, there could be but one wish, that she should remain in office. (Applause). Miss Boyd, Miss Drysdale and Mrs Wickham were elected vice-presidents, Mrs Norman hon. treasurer, Mrs Fred Ballard and Mrs T Pedlingham hon. secretaries, and the committee were appointed as folows Mesdames H Pedlingham, Johns, Wickham, T Pedlingham, P Lewis, Taysum, Smart, Misses Ballard, Simpson, Underwood, Armstrong and Jones. Mrs F Ballard's suggestion that each year the two members of the committee who had at- tended least meetings should retire and not be eligible for election for 12 months was well received and unanimously adopted. The object of the alteration, it was explained, was to give everyone a chance of serving on the committee. Miss Boyd and Mrs Wickham, the branch's delegates to the W.N.L.A. Conference in Lonnon, gave their reports. Mrs Wickham gave the members much interesting information on the new amendments to the Insurance Act so far as they would be likely to affect the mem bers. JjASTD QUESTION. I Mrs John Hosking addressed the audience mainly on the land question. She congratu- lated the Colwall branch upon the result of their first year. She thought it was in the most flourishing condition, and was one of the most promising she had ever visited. Dealing with the land system she told the company of its history, how in the eleventh century and onwards people held land for some service done the King, but attached to it were many respon- sibilities as well as privileges. Now, she said, the people with the land had increased the privileges and dropped the responsibilities. The Liberals did not qaarrel with these people, they quarrelled with the system, and the Government had drawn up a programme by which the land monopoly would be controlled —not confiscated. The French revolution ended in the complete confiscation of the land from the upper classes, and if the present cam- paign ended in the same way it would not be the fault of the Liberals—it would be the fault of those who turned a deaf ear to the cry of justice. (Applause.) SPEECH BY MR C W PARISH. I Mr Clement Parish, prospective Liberal can- didate for South Herefordshire, arrived with Mr Fred Ballard, when the meeting was well in progress, and Mr Parish followed Mrs Hosking with an able little speech. He said he was glad to renew his acquaintance with the Winnings, which he visited a couple of years ago. It was a fine thing that the great traditions so long set by Mrs Ballard were being carried on by Mrs Fred Ballard in the fine and fearlesa work she was doing in Colwall for Liberalism. (Loud applause.) The Land policy was the outstanding feature of the Liberal programme-it was an essential part of the forward movement which was the life-blood of Liberalism. It was terrible to know of the overcrowding which took place as the result of the present land system. In congested districts there were known to be 400 houses to the acre, while in the country they found one house to 400 acres. Labourers were taking a great interest in the new land proposals, the farmers were coming in to the meetings, and he had every hope that landlords would come too, and hear the policy which helped the majority and did injustice to nobody. (Ap- plause.) The Tories were indignant at the success of the campaign. They had no answer to it, however, and it was very awkward to be without an answer. (Laughter.) The Tories wanted a general election, but they would not get it. The engagement of the Liberals was not up till next year, and it would be shirking their work if they were to abandon their post before that time. Before then they were going to pass three great measures-Home Rule, the Welsh Church Bill, and Plural Voting. (Applause.) He felt he would have a much better chance of being returned to Westminster than any previous Liberal candidate because of the abolition of the plural voting. (Applause.) He urged them at ColwaIl not to cease active preparation, because only by hard work they could win. (Hear, hear.) Then they would send one more to Westminster to help to carry on the great work of Liberalism. Tlie hand of Liberalism was upon the loom of history it was cutting out some ugly threads; greedy interests and stubborn prejudices were going and in their places they saw the spinning of a now material, the weaving of a new fabric. (Loud applause.)

Corn Famine in Gloucestershire. Cornex has made Corns scarce. No Pain. 7id. -MINCHIN, Chearist, 15, Westgate, Gloucester. Local Agent MR. MEACHAM, Chemist, Ledbary. BOUQUETS. WREATHS. IT CROSSES.! Harps, Anchors, Sprays, or any other design made up by expert hands with the choMeat Flowers in season, at reasonable prices. Carefully packed and sent to any part of the British Isles at short notiee. Bedding Plants A SPECIALITY. ANY QUANTITY AT ALL PRICES. Lists on application. Boxes of Cut Flowers Sent post free for Is 6d, 2s 6d, and upwards. Fruit Trees, Roses, Shrubs, Herbaeeons Plants. Alpine Plants, and Spring Bedding Plants, at reasonable prices. Silver Sand, Peat, Loam, Charcoal, Mats, and all requisites for the garden supplied at cut priees. New Gardens laid out, old ones renovated. Tennis Courts, Croquet Lawns, Bowling Greens. and Cricket Grounds. A trial order solicited. Satisfaction Guaranteed. W. BUNN, Nurseryman, OOLWALL. I I DAVID SMITH & SON Monumental Sculptors, LEDBURY. MONUMENTS, TOMBS, HEAD STONES and CROSSES of every description, in Marble, Granite and Stone, fixed in any part of the kingdom. OLD MONUMENTS RENOVATED. Designs and Estimates sent free on application. )————————"

JBivtbs, dDarriages, Dcstbs. MARRIAGE. GABB—RICHARDSON.—On June 4th, at St. Botolph's, Shenley, Percy Cotterell Gabb, of High-street, Ledbury, eldest son of William Armell Cotterell Gabb, of Ledbury, to Rosetta Richardson, fourth daughter of Thomas Edward Richardson, of London-road, Shenley. DEATHS. FAWKE,-May 27,t Foley Cottage, Tarrington, Ann Fawke, wife of Edward Fawke. aged years. LEWIS.—May 29, at New House,J Strettoa Grandison, Anne Lewis, widow of Thomas Lewis, aged 85 years. MATTHEWS.-June l,at The Green, Ashperton* Agnes Matthews, wife of George Matthews, aged 57 years. IN MEMORIAM. WILSON.—In loving memrry of Joseph Alfred Wilson, who died June 8th, 1913, aged64ye&M His memory is as dear to-day As in the hour he passed away. From his daughter Liszie.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. I INCOME TAX DANGER OF DELAY. To the Editor. Sir-Every year since the earned rate has been in force we have found that very large numbers of Taxpayers have been required to pay Income Tax at the unearned or higher rate for the simple reason that they have neglected to make the Return for Assessment to Income Tax which is now due to be made. In the case of persons whose incomes do not exceed j31,009 the earned rate is 9d in the 2, but if they neglect to make a Return and to claim the earned rate b.efore the 30th September they will be charged at a higher rate and the tax payable liay be nearly double. Let your readers make their jReturns at once, the difference is worth saving. Yours, etc. THE INCOME-TAX ADJUSTMENT AGENCY, LIMITED. E. MONTAGUE, Secretary. 9-11, Poultry, London, E.C.

The Genuine jp 1914 EMll PERFECTION JB|fg|aB& (Blue Flame) COOKER. 1 Our brand new, up-to-date stock has just arrived, still more improved. Call in and have their marvellous powers explained and demonstrated to you. The fixed lowest prices are:- Single Burner, 22/- Glass-fronted Oven, 10/- Two Burner, 32/- 2) „ „ 11/6 Three Burner, 42/- „ „ ,,11/6 -We deliver immediately anywhere in the district, and start the stove at work for you in your own home. SPECIAL BONUS OFFER: With the first 12 sold from to-day we give FREE a 2-gallon strong Can, filled with Bee.t Paraffin. Easy Payments arranged for. We stock Wicks, Burner Tubes, Tanks, Grids, in fact all renewal parts which are required, and fit promptly at lowest prices. If you have one of these stoves or one of any other make-which needs repair, let us know, we will call for it, repair it at once, and returrf without any charge for delivery. GeomeHill & ,Son.<;1 I vgs/ The Cross. LEDBURY

STAUNTON. TECHNICAL OFFENCE.—At the Upton-on- Severn Police Court yesterday (Thursday), William Harrison, Staunton, who did not appear, was summoned for failing to deliver tip a pig license. Defendant admitted the offence, and was ordered to pay costs.

ARTHUR J. VIRGO, MONUMENTAL WORKS, Gathedral Close, Hereford Memorials in Marble, Granite or Stone. Designs Furnished. Brick Vaults & Steeu Gnrt Country Work a Speciality The Oldet.t Butinest in Hertjord* r