The Abergavenny Mail

I Furniture, 1 Floor Coverings, B and all I Furnishings. Hereford's Leading Furnishers I LINDSEY PRICE, Ltd. (LA,-m HOLLOWAY & WEBB), I 8 16, COMMERCIAL ST., HEREFORD. I I An Immense Selection I IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. I CARRIAGE PAID. I r 1

LEDBURY BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Ledbury Board of Guardians was held at the Board-room of the Uni.)D' Workhouse on Tuesday morn- ing. There were present—Mr W L Pritchett (Chairman), who presided, Revs A G Jones, F C Lynch, A H Knapp, and A E Green-Price. Miss Holland, Alderman J Riley, Messrs S H Bickham, L J C Riley, J J S Powell, T A Ped- lingham, H Bray, A G Buiin, J C Davies, W S Lanes E T Lane, J Parry, T S S Gardner, T W Holds, and W Drew, with the Clerk (Mr R Homes), the Relieving Offioers (Mr A G Smith and Mr T Thompson), aad the Master (Mr J Kendrick). THE WORKHOUSE. The Master reported the number of inmates in the house last week as 86 agaiast 78 for the corresponding period last year, an increase of 8. During the fortnight 2M tramps were relieved as against 230, an increase of 4. He alao reported the gifts of papers for the inmates fl8m Miss Holland and Miss Martin, Linden Iuse. FINANCE. Mr Bickham stated that the balance ia the bank was £1.836 Is 3d. j VALUATION OF THE WORKHOUSE AND GROUNDS UNDER THE FINANCE ACT. OBJECTION TO THE SITE VALUE. The Clerk reported that he had received a long tetter from the land valuation officer, enclosing the valuation of the workhouse and grounds. The building were valued at £ 7,605, and the site value at £395, a total of £ 8,000. Alderman Riley suggested no one would give £ 8,000 for the place. Mr Bickham It is a gross mistake to keep the site value too low. If ever this property was sold we should have to pay one-fifth of any increase that we obtain over the present valua- tion. The Clerk We paid something like E300 for the garden. Mr Bickham I am very strongly of opinion that the site value is too little and we should object to it. Mr Bray quire agreed with Mr Bickham that the site value was too low. Mr Davies raised the question as to whether they had not to pay land tax and income tax on the valuation, and the Clerk said they had to pay income tax, but Mr A G Smith said no taxes had yet to be paid on the valuation. The question was asked as to who made the valuation, and the Clerk said the land valuation officer. Mr DLv-tes Under Lloyd George's dictation. We are allowed to protest against this. The Chairman Do you think any representa- tion should be made in the matter ? Mr Bickham Yes. Mr Holds May I suggest a committee deal f with this matter ? Alderman Riley We should object. The Chairman said they could give notiee of objection to the valuation officer within 60 days from the receipt of the valuation. Mr Holds I move that the Clerk be instructed to forward a letter giving particulars with regard to the value of the land irrespective of bhe buildings. It transpired that the area of the workhouse and grounds was three acres and three roods. Mr Bickham .said if they had a plot of land and they had no expectation whatever of selling it, or their descendants ever wishing to sell it, then the idea was to value it as low as they possibly could. But if there was the slightest possible idea that it might eventually go into the market then they should value it as high as I they could. The site value placed on the Work- house and grounds was £ 395, and if the Work- houses were to be done away with and the site sold and it fetched, say 2600, they would have to pay one-fifth of the increase between J3595 and JS600 to the Government. If there was a possibility of the place being sold they should have it vaiued as high as they possibly could. Mr Davies suggested that they should not get the valuation too high, as they would have to pay land taxes on that valuation. Mr Smith pointed out that there was nothing to pay as yet, and it would be a year or two before any was paid. Mr Bickham suggested that it should go to the Assessment Committee to be dealt with, and this was agreed to. APPOINTMENTS. I In accordance with notice of motion the Rev A E Green- Price proposed, the Rev A H Knapp seconded, and it was carried, that Mr H G Smith, porter at Ampthill Workhouse, be appointed porter at the Workhouse in succession to Mr H B Batchelor, at a salary of 225 per annum, with board, lodging and washing. The Chairman reported that Miss Holland and himself arranged to interview Nurse Jaakson, of Birmingham, with a view to her appointment as nurse and assistant-matron at the Workhouse, and they attended at the Work- btmse for the purposes of the interview, but Nurse Jackson did not arrive and next day he received a letter from her stating that she had changed her mind and did not wish to proceed with her application. He instructed the Clerk to advertise again for a nurse and they had already eleven or twelve applications. The Matron was managing without a nurse at present with the assistance of the children's caretaker. They had only had a few children i. the house recently and the caretaker had been able to devote her time to the duties of nurse. Credit was due to the Matron for managing them without getting help from out- side. Applications for the position had to be aent in by Thursday, the 18th inst., and he suggested that a committee should meet to go through the applications and select three of the likeliest candidates to attend at the next Board meeting for an interview, with a view to the appointment being made at that meeting. On the trotion of Mr Davies, seconded by the Rev A H Knapp, it was decided that the House Committee should meet on Friday, the 19th nst., at 11.15 for the purpose meatioued. It was also decided that the Boarding Out Committee should meet 09 Friday, the 19bh inst., at 10.30 a.m., to consider the question of the removal from the Workhouse of all children ever the age of three years. THE MENTAL DEFICIENCY ACT. The Clerk read a letter from the Worcester- shire County Council stating that a conference would be held at the Shire Hall, Worcester, on June 26, with reference to the Mental Deficiency Act and asking the Board to appoint three members to attend that conference. Miss Holland, Mr J A Thompson and Mr T W Holds were appointed to act as Board delegates. EXTENSION OF OLD-AGE PENSIONS OPPOSED. The Clerk read a circular letter from nhQ Wand. worth Union enslosing a resolution which it was asked the Board should support, to the effeet that in view of the fact that the cost of living, rents, etc., especially in large towns and cities, had increased by more than 15 per cent since old-age pensions came into force, represen- tations should be made to the Government by which the maximum of 59 per week should be raised to 7s 9d, and that the age limit should be reduced to 65. Mr Bickham said he had the greatest possible objection to it and he would propose that the Clerk write back and say that they did not agree with the resolution. The Act had done a great deal of good up to the present time, but he did not say that it required extending past the 5a per week and the age limit of 70. This was agreed to.

J. W. STEPHENS, collector of FINE, ANTIQUE FURNITURE, China, Plate, etc. -26, Church Strps-t. Hereford, Near Cathedral North Porch) ■ ■ I I

HEALTH REPORT OF THE LEDBURY RURAL DISTRICT. From the annual report of Dr H E Jones, Medical Officer of Health for the Ledbury Rural District, we extract Phe following particulars:— POPULATION. The population of the Ledbury Rural District at the census of 1911 was 9,059, a decrease of mine from that recorded in 1901. The estimated population at the middle of 1913, and upon whidh the figures in this report are based, is W. W. I BIRTHS. There were 197 births registered ia the Ledbury Rural District during 1913. The births of three boys and two girls were transferred to the district by the Registrar-Gen oral. With this adjustment the total number of births was 202 (94 boys and 108 girle) giving a birth-rate of 22.3 per 1,000. This rate is 0 9 pr 1.000 above that of 1912. The bicth-rate in Rural England during 1913 was 22.2 per 1,000. I ILLEGITIMATE BIRTHS. During 1913 there were registered in the Ledbury Rural District 9 illegitimate births, and the Registrar-General transferred 4 illegiti- mate births to the district. At the census of 1901 in the Ledbury Rural District the proportion of illegitimate births per 1,000 of unmarried women and widows between the ages of 15 and 45 years was 11.3, compared with 11.6 per 1,000 in the six combined Rural Districts. I DEATHS. The number of deaths registered in the Ledbury Rural Diatriet during 1913 was 107. Sixteen Ledbury residents died outside the district and one non-resident died in the district. After mriking the neoessary adjustments, the number of deaths among residents in the Ledbury Rural District was 122 (61 males and 61 females), equal t. a daaeth-rate per 1,000 of 13.4. This rate is 1.2 per 1,000 above that of 1912. The death-rate standardized for sex and age was 11.4 per 1,000'. The standardized death-rate in Rural England in 1913 was 12 1 per 1,000. In the parishes of Castle Frome, Coddington, Donnington and Little Marcle with an aggregate population of 532, no deaths occurred in 1913. I INFANT MORTALITY. The amount of infant mortality is measured by stating the number of children who have died under one year old within a certain period in proportion to 1,000 births during the same period. In the Ledbury Rural District during 1913 there were 202 births and 19 children died under 12 months old. The infant mortality rate was thus equal to 94 per 1,000 births. Illegitimate Deaths.—There were 3 deaths in the Ledbury Rural District during 1913 among illegitimate children under 12 months old, giving an infant mortality rate of 230 per 1,000 I illegitimate births compared with 84 per 1,000 in- the case of legitimate births and deaths. { INFECRIOUS DISEASES. Scarlet Fever.—Of the 38 cases 15 were removed to hospital, 12 to Hereford and 3 to Mfelvern. They all recovered. In no parish were more than three households affected. Diphtheria.—The 24 cases occurred in five parishes. Two terminated fatally. Seven eases were removed to the Isolation Yard of the Ledbury Workhouse. Typhoid Fever.—No cases were reported. Measles was prevalent in Little Marcle and Wellington Heath. There were no deaths. German Measles was prevalent in Sastnor in May and June. There is no isolation hospital in the Ledbury Rural District. Twelve cases of scarlet fever were sent to the Hereford Rural Hospital and three to the Malvern Urban Hospital. The cost to the district of the cases sent to Hereford was £ 166, Seven cases of diphtheria were removed to the Ledbury Workhouse. The question of arranging with the Hereford Rural District Council to take cases of infectious disease from the Ledbury districts into the Hereford Rural Hospital has been discussed between the Ledbury Urban and Rural Councils and the Hereford Rural Council. No definite arrangement has yet been arrived at. The five deaths from phttiisis-3 males and 2 females— were among residents from the parishes of Ashperton (2), Colwall, Eastnor, and Eggle- ton. The ages at death ranged from 21 to 54 years. Twenty-eight cases were notified under the Tuberculosis Regulations. The 11 deaths from cancer—one male and 10 femaleRoccurred among residents in the parishes of Bosbury, Colwall (2), Eggleton, Ledbury Rural, Mathon, Much Marcle (2), Pixley, Wellington Heath and Yarkhill. The ages at death ranged from 22 to 82 years. I HOUSING. There is no overcrowding of houses on area and very little overcrowding of p J: sons in houses. In the census report for 1911 it was recorded that there were 55 houses in the Ledbury Rural District with more than two occupants per room, a number equal to 2.6 per cent of the inhabited houses of in the district. In the same report it is stated that there were 27 houses with only one room 119 with two 294 with three and 599 with four rooms. From the inspections made under the Housing Regulations it has transpired that 11 per cent of the houses inspected have only one bedroom 42 per cent two 31 per cent three and 16 per cent four. A fair proportion of the houses have been built some years and, in consequence, require to be frequently repaired and if they are to be kept in a habitable condition. Thatched roofs are giviilg place to those of tiles or slates and brick walls are superseding those of half-timber. There are a good many cottages in every way suitable for the neods of the working classas, and many others which can be made suitable at a very small expenditure. From a return furnished by the Parish Councils in 1912 there is said to be a want of houses in the following parishes: Bosbury, Colwall, Pixley, Tarrington, Woolhope, Yiirk- I hill. The Colwall Parochial Committee proposed a scheme for the erection of eight semi-detached cottages, and purchased land for the purpose. The Local Government Board, after a local inquiry had been held by Mr Leonard, one of the Board's Housing Inspectors, sanctioned a loan for £ 1,200. I consider it is very desirable that more cottages should be provided in other parts of the district. During 1913 thre have been erected 17 now houses. During the yeirg 1901 to 1913 in- clusive, 186 new houses have been erected. At the census of 1901 there were 2.001 inhabited housus, and at the census of 1911, there were 2,081. At the latter date there were 2,121 families or separate occupiers. Building by-laws are in force in the parish of Colwall, but not elsewhere in the Rural District. SEWERAGE AND DRAINAGE. I There is combined drainage in the parishes of Colwall, Eastnor and Bosbury, and to a limited extent in Tarrington. Elsewhere, the drainage from residential houses discharges on to adjoining land or into watercourses. In a favr instances filtration (contact) beds have been formed. Slop drains from cottages dr tin into roadside ditches, a practice which should be dis- continued. Farm houses and cottages are provided as a rule with privy middens, though earth closets are being increasingly adopted. Very few pail closets are in use. HOP-PICKERS. I The question of adopting by-laws for securing the decent lodging and accommodation of hop- pickers, &c., has been considered on various occasions by the Council. The following report on the accommodation provided for hop-pickers was presented in September, 1913 On August 21st, 22nd and 23rd, and Sept 1st, accom panied by the Inspector of Nuisances, I visited 60 hop-farms, on which we f mnd it was expected there would be housed 967 roadsters and 3,034 hired pickers. There is an adequate supply of water near the pickers' quarters at all the farms. The privy accommodation on a few farms is very good, but at others little attention has been paid to it, and at the time of my visit no provision at all had been made at ten farms, though those occupiers I was able to see assured me they wotild make :batter provision. My suggestion that a soreeaed-off latrine should be provided on those iarmg where men aro em- ployed has been acted upon by a few hop growers, but was received with disfavour by others. At each farm there was some covered place, usually an open cart-shed or cattle feeding shed, available for oooking, and at 37 farms there was in these sheds one or more fixed fireplaces with chimneys. Elsewhere moveable iron devils were provided. At several farms a free supply of coke for cooking, &c., is provided, and at all the farms there is available for the pickers fuel in some form, usually wood. Straw or other bedding is supplied at each farm. By-law No. 2 (VIII) of the model series of the Local Government Board requires the occupier to remove from time to time all accumulations or deposits of filth or any noxious matters from the sleeping places and from the land immediately surrounding the sleeping places or adjoining them. If this by-law had been in force in the Ledbury Rural District it would have been complied with at the following 39 farms:- Showle Court, Yarkhill; Whitwick Manor, Yarkhill; The Grove. Yarkhill; Garford farm, Yarkhill White House, Canon Froome Birchend, Castle Froome; Hill farm, Castle Froome; Moorend farm, Castle Froome Frogend, Castle Fraome Millend, Castle Froome Suffield, Castle Froome Upper Court, Munsley; Mainstone, Munsley Moorend, Munsley Pawnceford Court; The Grange, Bosbury The Slatch, Bosbury Hill House, Bosbury Temple Court, Bosbury The Farm, Bosbury The Nashend, Bosbury Upleadoo Court, Bosbury Juggs Green, Wellington Heath The Rea, Wellington Heath Moor Coart, Eggleton;; Upper Eggleton Court; Pridewood, Ashperton Leys farm, Tarring- ton Eastwood, Tarrington Little Tarrington Townsend, Stretton, Grandison Stretton Court, Stretton Grandison Lower Town farm* Ashperton The Court, Pixley Priors Court, Aylton Aylton Court, Aylton Lillands, Little Marcle Brook farm, Little Marcle. At the remaining 21 farms most, though not all, of the occupiers I was able to see undertook to remove the accumulations of manure, cVc., before the arrival of the hop-pickers. The same hy-law requires the walls of every sleeping place to be lime washed at least once in every year. If this by-law had been in force in the Ledbury Rural District it would have been complied with at the following 27 farms Whitwick Manor, Yarkhill; The Grove, Yarkhill Girford farm, Yarkhill The Castle, Yarkhill The Court, Yarkhill Birchend, Castle Froome Frogend, Castle Froome Millend, Castle Froome Suffield, Castle Froome Town farm, Castle Froome Upper Court, Munsley Mainstone, Munsley Moor- end, Munsley The Grange, Bosbury Temple Court, Bosbury Priors Court, Wellington Heath Moor Cjurt, Eggleton; Pride wood, Ashperton; The Court, Pixley Poolend, Pixley Priors Court, Aylton Aylton Court, Aylton Brook House, Little Marcle Juggs Green, Wellington EDbath Monksbury Court, Yarkhill Washington Court, Ashperton Tuston, Ashperton. At the remaining 3;5, farms where I was able to see the occupiers many of them undertook to have the lime washing done. A few either refused or were disinclined to do it. The lighting of the sleeping places was good at 42 farms, fair at ta and bad at six. The ventilation of the sleeping places was good at 35 farms, fair at 13 and b\d at 12. The last include two farms at which pigstyes are used for sleeping- places. As far as I was able to ascertain without seeing the sleeping places occupied, provision was to be made for separating the sexes at all the farms and there was everywhere an allowance in the sleeping places of at least 16 square feet for each adult occupant. (This is the amount required by the model by-laws). There are special buildings exclusively used as sleeping places at Showle Court, Yarkhill; Upper Eggleton Court, Eggleton; Eastwood, Tarrington The Court, Aylton Nashend, Bosbury The Fiirm, Bgsbucy; M-irley Hill, Ledbury Rural Townsend, Stretton Grandison The Leys, Tarrington. Special buildings in addition to farm buildings are in use at White House, Canon Froome Redcastle, Canon Froome The Court, Stretton Grandson Whitwick, Yarkhill; Garford, Tarrington Alders End Little Tarrington Moorend, Munsley Tke Park, Pixley Court y- Park, Pixley; Hill House, Bosbury; Cold Green, Bosbury; Sufleld, Castle Froome; Upper Court, Munsley. Elsewhere there are used as sleeping places stables, cowsheds, barns, granaries and pigstyes. The conclusions I have drawn from the inspections are that the majority of the hop- growers are acting in accordance with the provisions of by-laws if there were any in force in the district and that it will not be possible to ensure the accommodation in the farms occupied by the minority being brought up to the same standard unless by-laws are made and enforced. I strongly advise the Council to proceed with the adoption of by-laws. I SANITARY INSPECTORS' REPORT. I The report of the Sinitory Inspector was as I follows:— HOUSING REGULATIONS. I During the year I have inspected 415 houses, the total nnrnber of inspections and re-in- spections being 1,425. In many cases it has been necessary to make from six to eight re-inspactions owing to the work specified being carried out at different periods. Seventeen new houses have been erected during the year. WORKSHOPS, BAKEHOUSES AND SLAUG HTE RHOUSES. I have visited the workshops, bakehouses and I slaughterhouses periodically during the year, and when necessary called on the occupiers to I cleanse and whitelime their premises. j DAIRIES AND COWSHEDS. I There is only one dairy within the Ladbury Rural District and that one is situated at. the Winnings Farm in the parish of Colwall. It is a Model D'iiry Farm, kept in a sanitary and clean condition, every utensil being cleansed by steam. The water supply is of the purest, samples of which I take periodically. The cow- sheds and dairy are kept up-to-date on this farm. During the year, by appointment, I have met owners of the property (whose tenants are purveyors of milk) on the premises and suggested that good cement concrete floors to cowsheds, a footway outside the cowsheds laid with the same material; at least. six feet wide, would greatly improve and add to the cleanliness of the cowsheds. The owners readily com- plied with my suggestions. Five owners pf farms, the tenants of which are purveyors of milk, have improved their cowsheds in this manner. Dairymen and cowkeepers within the district seem to be anxious to comply with the regulations under the Dairies, Cowsheds and Milkshops Order. FRUIT AND HOP-PICKFRS' QUARTERS. I During the season I have, with the Medical Officer of Health, inspected these places, full I particulars of which will appear in the report of the Medical Officers of Health. WATER SUPPLY. I During the year, 26 additional houses situated I in the parish of Colwall, have been connected with the Malvern U.D. Council's Water I SuPPly. U. INFECTIOUS DISEASE. I Sixty-five oases were notified during the year. I investigated and reported upon them, and also upon suspicious cases to the Medical Officer of Health. In many of these cases the M.O.H. accompanied me in my investigations. Twenty-two patients were removed to isola- tion hospitals during the year. To Hereford Rural Isolation Hospital 12 cases, to Ledbury Workhouse Isolation Ward 7 cases, and to Malvern U.D. Council's Isolation Hospital 3, making a total of 22. I personally attended to the removal of these patients and immediately after removal disinfected the houses. Disinfection has been carried out at 71 houses, seven schools and two shelters. PIGS' COTS. I The majority of pigS.ooti within the district I arj very badly constructedi and therafore in an insanitary condition. Complaints I receive under this heading, I must admit not without cause, make me think some alteration is needed as regards keeping swine. Who knows but what the insanitary state of pigs' cots are the cause of swine fever ? I made a report on pigs' cots in 1903 and then suggested they should be constructed on sanitary principles. Floors and runs should be laid with good cement concrete with gutter at lowest end of run made out of the same concrete, all laid to a fall of li inches in 6 feet. Walls should be constructed of the same material or else of good brick the roof could be made of concrete. A catchpit or old furnace fixed at outlet of gutter if construcbed as above, they could be quickly and easily cleansed. Some people think that any old cot will do for a pig. Such is not the case, if it has to be kept so as not to be a nuisance. Another point to bear in mind is that the door of the pigs' cot should be facmg south or south-east. A good system for the parish of Colwall would be to erect pigs' cots in groups six or twelve together with store room for feeding stuff and boiler and furnace attached and worked on the co-operative principle. These could be erected on allotments within the parish. It is im- possible to carry out my duties if proper pigs' cots are not provided. I would suggest that no one should be allowed to keep swine unless a sanitary cot was provided for keeping such without causing a nuisance.

COLWALL PARISH COUNCIL. 1 The monthly meeting of the Colwall Parish Council »HS held at the Workman's Hall, Col wall, i Wednesday night. Mr Fred Ballard (Chairrii ), presided, and also present were Miss Holland, Messrs 0 N Holt-Needham, J Pedlingham, F H Rudgard, G Johns, S W Pugh, A G Allen, R 0 Alien, H E Hanson, W Webb, together with the Clerk (Mr G H T Foster), and the Clerk's Assistant (Mr Thomas). CASUAL VACANCY. I Thert, was a casual vacancy on the Council caused Ly the resignation of Mr G Jenkins, and the Chairman asked for a nomination. Mr J Pedlingham proposed Mr D A G Birchley, and Mr Pugh seconded. Mr R 0 Allen proposed Mr Montagu Taylor, and Miss Holland seconded. On being put to the vote five voted for Mr Birchley, and six for Mr Taylor, who was accordingly declared elected. PRECEPT. I A precept of a penny rate for Library purposeel was issued on the overseers. INCREASE IN THE RATE DUE TO THE I G.W.R. RE-ASSESSMENT. The Clerk reported that the overseers had met to fix the rate for the next half-year, and as they doubtless knew there was a considerable increase in the rate caused by the reduction in the assessment of the G. W.R. It was a complicated matter. The difference between the present assessable value of the G. W. R. and the late assessable value was £ 1,644. That meant that they had obtained a reduction to that amount, and for the past four half-years they had paid their rates on the old assessment. Therefore they now claimed from the overseers of Colwall the sum of B850 8s 8d which the overseers would have to repay to the G. W.R., this being the difference in the rate on the old assessable value and the new assessment as agreed upon. The reason why the repayment was necessary for the last four half-years was that that was the date when they first appealed against the assessment. A rate of 2s 9d in the S last half-year brought in £815, but owing to the decrease in the rateable value caused by the reduction of the G. W.R. assessment it would only produce about £600 this half-year. To meet the extra call upon them it would' be necessary to make a rate of 3s Id in the £ for the present half-year. Regard- ing the amount they had to refund to the G.W.R. the parish was entitled to a rebate of 9140 8s 6d, which they had overpaid to the common fund of the Union, and that amount had been credited to them in the precept which had been served on the overseers. They also were credited with 921 on the highway call, and the two together amounted to about a 3d rate, and but for that the rate would have had to be increased at least 6d. Then they had to contribute a very considerable sum to the county rate, which was included in the poor rate. The county had their own assessment, and they levied on the county rate basis, which was totally outside their own assessment for poor rate pur- poses. It was suggested that the overseers of the various parishes through which the railway ran, about ten in number, should make applica- tion to the county authority for a return of the extra amount which the parishes had paid in respect of the county precept. That the over- seers had done, and the Colwall clnim on the county was for £ 318 10s 61. He did not think there was a chance of the parish getting that amount, as it was in respect of the past four haif-years, and he did not think the county had any authority to do that. He had a letter from the Clerk to the County Council, in which he appears to favourably consider the idea of a rebate beyond the current half-year. The over- seers had looked after the interests of the parish and done what they could as far as they had power. A rate of 3s Id in the £ had accordingly been levied, which the ratepayers would have in due course and what he had said explained what many people would want to know, the reason for the increase in the rate. In the future it would affect the rate because they had a lower assessment on the parish, and the rate must increase to make up the deficiency in the reduction of the G. W.R. assessment, and they would be affected in the common fund charges. The Chairman Yes, it affects us all round. Miss Holland: Are we paying the whole of the rebate ? rhe Clerk Yes, we are paying for the four half-years. They have been paying on their old assessment from the time of their appeal, and they claim it back from the parish. Miss Holland And after this is pai i back shall we still have to pay an additional rate ? The Clerk Yes, we worked it out thoroughly. Mr Pugh And we get back what Ledbury has received, but it is doubtful if we shall get what Hereford has received. The Clerk Yes, it may come off. After a further short discussion the matter closed after the Chairman had expressed the thanks of the Council to the Clerk for his statement.

Corn Famine in Gloucestershire. Cornex has made Corns scarce. No Pain. 7id. —MINCHIN, Chemist, 15, Westgate, Gloucester. Loca l Agent -liMn.; MEACHAM, Chemist, Ledbury. Hollybush Quarry. SECOND BROKEN STONE, suitable for private, farm and bye roads, concrete and other building purposes :— Small Quantities 3/- per ton. 50 Tons and over 2/9 100 Tons and over 2/6 SECOND ROUGH STONE, suitable for bottoms of roads, filling in fold yards, etc •— Up to 100 Tons 1/4 pe/tou. 100 Tons and over 1/2 „ GRAVEL or Chippings (Unscreened), suitable for facing roads and paths Small Quantities 23 per ton. 50 Tons and over 1/9 100 Tons and over 1/6 GRAVEL or Chippings (Screened), excellent material for concrete Small Quantities 3/- per ton 50 Tons and over 2/6 „ 100 x ons and over 2/3 WASTE, suitable for filling in, etc :— 6d. per ton. I EASTNOR CASTLE ESTATE OFFICE, NEAR LEDBURY.

LEDBURY RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Ledbury Rural District Council was held subsequent to the Guardians meeting, when the Rural Councillors present at the Guardians meeting attended, and the officials present were the Clerk (Mr R (Homes), the Highways Committee's Clerk (Mr H W Onne), and the Sanitary Inspector (Mr T J Cawsey). Mr W L Pritchett presided. HIGHWAYS COMMITTEE. The minutes of the Highways Committee were read and confirmed, the following being included A meeting ef the Highways Committee was held on May 26. Present: Alderman J Riley, (in the chair), Messrs W L Pritchett, J C Davies, J A Thompson, H Cowell, E T Lane. J Parry, T A Pedlingham, and the Revs A E Green-Price and A G Jones. Finance.—The Committee recommend the Council to pay the Clerk the sum of 925-0 on account of roads. The following sums have been paid by the Clerk out of the roads account during the past month Mannal labour—Main roads £ 68 7s 9d, dis- trict roads 982 13g lid. Team labour—Main roads 5s 3d, district roads £21 2a Od. Materials —District roads f,5,6 19s 4d. Tradesmen's Bills-Main roads £ 5 12.i 21, district roads £ 5 18 7d. Steam Roller-E38 9s 9d. National Insurance—Main roads 14s 9d, district roads £. 1 8s Od. Monthly Accounts.—The Committee recom- mend the Council to pay the following accounts Team labour -R G Hill £38 7s 9d; A Bengry £17 163 3d; tiatterials-Ciee Hill Dhu Stone Co, E171 9s lid Clee Hill Granite Co, Ltd., JEU1 8s 8d roller, etc—J Meates and Sons, Ltd., X38 Is Id Bomford and Evershed £ 22. The following sums have been received Mrs Harrington, hire of roller, 7s 3d Mr Benyon, for coal supplied and hire of roller, 10a; Ledbury Urban District Council, hire ot roller, £9 19:5 6i Herefordshire County Council, balance due on main roads (except No 5) to 31st March last, 9519 7s lid. The Committee recommend the Council to pay to the Clerk the sum of JB20 for petty cash, to the Clerk the sum of E50 for half-year's salary and to the Surveyor the sum of 250 for quarter's salary both due June 24th. Extraordinary Traffic Action. The Clerk reported that judgment had been given in favour of Lady Henry Somerset in the action against her for extrordinary traffic expenses, and he read a letter from the Clerk to the Hereford County Council requesting the Council to authorise the issue and service of the necessary notice of appeal. Drains at Yarkhill.—The Surveyor reported that he had seen the two drains at Yarkhill and that by placing proper connections to the lower drain an improvement might be made at a cost of only a few shillings. The Committee have authorised the carrying out of the work. Donnington Footbridge. The Committee have authorised the Surveyor to repair the foot- bridge carrying the footpath from Upham to Donnington on the underatanding that the Newent District Council pays one-half of the cost, which is estimated at about £7. Road Board.—The Surveyor reported that after consulting with the County Surveyor he had included the following roads in the return to the Road Board fhich was due in on the 18th instant :-lst class roads—Chances Pitch, Jubilee Drive, and through to the Royal Well Brewery.-2nd class roads :—Much Marcle and Dymock,Much MarcleviaRushall to Poolend, Fownhope and Woolhope to Hallend, Much Marcle, Ledbury and Little Marcle, Colwall and Cradley, Colwall and Bosbury, Ashperton School past Cold Green, White House Lane, Canon Froome, and Vicarage Road, Castle Froome. The Jubilee Drive was included with the consent of the Chairman of the Conservators. Alderman Riley proposed and Mr Bunn seconded the adoption of the foregoing minutes which was carried. Alderman Riley said he thought they would fall in with the wishes of the County Council and give notice of appeal in the case of the Holly Bush extraordinary traffic action, and ou the motion of Alderman Riley, seconded by Rev A E Green-Price, it was decided that notice of appeal should be lodged.

Parochial Committee. I The monthly meeting of the Colwall Parochial Committee was held at the Work- man's Hall, Colwall, on Monday evening. Mr T A Pedlingham (chairman) presided, and also present were Messrs Fred Ballard, D A G Birchley, J Armstrong, A G Allen, J R Roberta, S Pugh, and W Webb. PLANS. I Plans of proposed alterations to Perrycroft I were submitted for the Right Hon. J W I Wilson, M.P., and were passed. SEWERAGE MATTERS. I Mr Armstrong's account of 7s for cleaning and repairing sewer in Crescent-road and Rogers' Meadow was recommended to the Ledbury Rural District Council for payment. THE SEWAGE WORKS. I The Sewage Sub-Committee reported that tbev had visited the works on the 28th May and f mnd everything was proceeding satis- factorily. The engineer's monthly report, dated June 6th, was read, giving full patticulars of the progress of the work sinca the last meeting and enclosing a certificate entitling the contractor to payment of a further sum of £ 175. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Arm- strong, seconded by Mr G Johns, that the Ledbury Rural District Council be recom- mended to pay the contractor that amount. Mr Rushforth's account of 112 14s 6d as clerk of the works, was recommended for payment. A letter was read from the clerk of the works stating that the completion of the sewerage scheme was expected to be about the end of July, and tendering his resigna- tion as clerk of the works, and also stating that it would be necessary for the committee to engage a man for about 31 days per week to supervise the working of the scheme, and that be would be pleased to instruct him as to the mode of working. The Clerk was instructed to reply thanking Mr Rushforth for his letter, and to state that the committee would be pleased to release him as soon as the work was finished at the end of July, and would be very glad for him to instruct the man engaged by the com- mittee as to the carrying out of the works. It was resolved on the motion of Mr A G Allen, seconded by Mr Johns, that a notice be fixed on the board at- the Stone to the effect that a man would be required at the end of July for about 3l days per week to supervise the working of the new sewage scheme. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES. A letter dated May 19th was read from Messrs Sturge and Son, solicitors, formally claiming on behalf of Dr. Bright, the sum of £40 for damage done to his land by the laying of sewers and construction of the manholes, and stating that unless this amount was agreed to, they would proceed to appoint an arbitrator to deal with the matter. It was decided on the motion of Mr Allen, seconded by Mr Armstrong, that Mr W 0 Thorpe, surveyor to the Malvern Urban District Council, be appointed to advise the committee as to the claim of Dr. Bright for compensation in respect of the sewerage scheme, and that Messrs F Ballard and T A Pedlingham be appointed a sub-committee to meet Mr Thorpe and give him the necessary information. A BILL OF COSTS. A letter was read from Messrs Ballard's solicitors with reference to their costa as vendors' solicitors in connection with the conveyance of the land for a site for the new works, agreeing to reduce their bill to .£19 108. Mr Pugh proposed, Mr Ballard seconded, and it was carried, that the various bills of costs in connection with the Colwall sewerage scheme be taxed by the Clerk of the Peace for the county of Hereford. This concluded the/ business of the meeting.

PUTLEY. Boy SCOUTS.—The Putley Boy Scouts went through their first course of firing on Saturday, June 6, on the range at Ledbury, which they considered a very good range. Patrol Leader E Taylor made 25 out of a possible 30, and Scout G Baggott 26 out of a possible 30. There are also nine Scouts out of the Troop who have passed for the Ambulance Badge, and were marked \>ry good by the examiner, who con- gratulatel I Scout Master Callingham on their smartnes-i. There are two or three Scouts who will have the all round card.

I HEREFORD MARKET. (Special Farmers' Union Report). The market to-day was rather poorly at- tended, owing to the Show at Malvern, and both beef and pigs were poor supplies. I CATTLE. I Not many on offer, most of which were sold I at recent rates. BEEF. A small supply. Beef sold about ld. per lb. dearer for best quality on the week. Fat calves sold well. Best beef 7td to 8!d per lb. Other qualities 6id to 7Jd. Fat calves 9d to lOd per lb. I SHEEP. A fair supply. Prices well maintained. Best teg mutton 9d to lOd per lb. Oher qualities 7!d to 9d. Fat lambs up to 101d per lb. PIGS. A smell supply. Porkers sold well. Stores dear. Porks, 6!d to 7d per lb. Bacons Sid to 6d. I CORN. Trade quiet. Wheat per 62 lbs, 4s 2d to 4s. 4d. Oats per 40 lbs, 2s 9d to 3s 3d. Malting barley per 56 lbs, 3s 6d to 4s. Grinding barley per 56 lbs 3s to 38 6d. Beans per 654 lbe, 4s 2d to 4s 4d. I HAY TRADE. Practically nothing doing. Quotations are fot good quality in stack, seller to deliver on rail. Best hay 50s to 528 6d per ton. Second quality hay 45s to 50s. Clovers 50s to 52a. 6d. Wheat straw 458 to 50s. I WOOL. I Best Herefordshire fleeces up to 14d. per lb.

1st Battalion Herefordshire Regiment. "C" (LEDBURY) COMPANY. Musketry.—The Sergt-Instrnctor will be on the 30-yards' Range on Thursdays and Saturdays during the afternoon. All N.C.O.'s and men are warned to fire part I as early as possible. Clothing.—Any N.C.O.'s or men in possession of clothing, viz. (service dress jacket, trousers and putties), which re irp- changing, are warned to return same to the DriH Hall at once. A. V. HOLMAN, Captain, Commanding C Company. Printed and Published for and on behatf of the EXECUTRIX of the late. THOMAS VAITGHAN, by WILLIAM S. BOWES, Manager, at the Printing Works, New Street, Ledbury, ia the County of Hereford.