The North Devon Herald from Barnstaple, Devon, England • 8

THE NORTH DEVON HERALD THURSDAY APRIL 24 1902 8 Qidtnrt fntdltgmrr WESLEYAN BAZAAR AT APPLEDORE Barnstaple and the Coronation Provision for ihe Ola People A meeting of the jaint -qaorts and general committee in connection with the celebrations of tlic Coronation at was bold tn the You Want a mild and gentle remedy for Habitual Constipation Sluggish Liver and other disorders arising from the Liver Stomach and Kidneys CALIFORNIA SYRUP MESH AW The usual periodical auction was held at the id-ley Arms on Wednesday last when Messrs Black-iord and Son had on offer 135 sheep 40 bullocks and 12 pigs There was a large attendance of dealers and others and biddings throughout were of an extremely brisk character resulting in almost all the stock being quickly sold at enhanced pricer PARRACOMBE At a Parish Council meeting on Monday Mr Tom Lock was appointed chairman Mr John Smyth vice-chairman and Mr A IJelbridge clerk Messrs Smyth Bray and It Crocombe were re-appointed overseer and Messrs and A Smyth assessors The clerk was instructed to write the District Council calling attention to the length of time that elapses before the books are audited A The crowded audience which assembled iu the Bible Christian Chapel yesterday we-k to hear the rendering of oratorio Paradise by the choir under the leadership of Mr Darch were not disappointed Although the oratorio contains forty-two parts and the choir had secured no outside assistance the whole programme was performed in an excellent manner The solos were well render the choruses well balanced and in perfect fiarmrny Mr Darch keeping the pcrformeis well in throughout Among those deserving special mention are Mrs Thorne Misses Thorne Miss Dart Messrs and Thorne (solos) Misses and Dart (organ) and Mr Stacey (violin) The Rev Jenkins gave a short address durii the interval and at the close thanked Mr Darcli and his ciioir lie hoped they would consent to render it again at some other chapel in the Circuit A well-patronized coffee supper-brought an enjoyable evening to a close HIGH BICKINGTON Captain Speke win commanded the Active Service Company of Devon Volunteers at the front has just been presented by the farmers of Higli Blekiiigton with a handsome keitle stand Captain sin he is held in high esteem by the farmers of the High Biokington country over which he hunted for several years with Mr Eyton and afterwards as sole master of the Barnstaple and North Devon Harriers Some months ago he married and took up his residence at Iiminster At the Barnstaple County Petty Sessions yesterday William Slee butcher ol High Biekmgtou did not appear to answer a charge of lurious driving at Tawstock on the 11th inst PC Cousins alleged that defendant was driving at tiie rate of 16 or 17 miles an The Bencn lined defendant 10s and costs or 14 days Following the hearing of this caso a telegram was received from the defendant which the Chairman read as follows Very sorry missed train young horse hard moutn (Laughter) FREMINGTON The Baud of Hope in connection with the Bicking- Congregational Chapel ended their session by a very successful entertainment on Wednesday the 16ih inst The Rev Dukesell presided over a rowded attendance The chief item on a large and well arranged programme was ail earnest address by Mr Wm Dobbs of Barnstaple on Why I bo-e tree a total The Secretary gave a very encouraging report showing over 70 members and a balance in the treasurer's hands An excellent programme of music and recitations was rendered the choir performing most creditably Miss Stacey sang a -olo and recited and recitations were also given by Mr Stacey Miss Brady Ethel and Will Chilcott and- Fred Joslin and groups of boys and girls BRAYFORD At a meeting following a public lei at the Baptist Chape! oil Wednesday in last week the Rev Breewood (who has been the resident minister for nearly seven years and is leaving for the past orate of Niton in the Isle of Wight) and Mrs Breewood were presented with a handsome green onyx clock with ormolu mounts of striking appearance and a purse of gold The presentation wa3 made by Mr Burge who expressed the regret felt by all at Mr departure who with his wife has leen extremely popular not only in the neighbourhood but at Barnstaple and other places in North Devon where Mr Breewood has proved a successful evangelist The clock which was supplied by Mcasis Morrison and Chapman of Barnstaple bore the following to the Rov and Mrs Breewood from members of the church at Bravford Bratton Fleming Stoke Rivers and Stow-ferd April 16th SOUTHMOLTON Several Southmolton reports appear on our 6th pegs Lieut Day presided at a meeting of the mem- bers of the shooting club ill connection with the local company of Volunteers The committee for the ensuing year was appointed as follows: Col-Sergt Palfreyman S-ergt-Instr Ford Sergts Tali and Whittle Lce-Corpls Moore and Merson Ptes Bulled and Green and hon member Crocker It was decided that the rules of the club be the same as last year and to hold the first oom-petition as soon as the new targets have been passed by the District Inspector of Musketry Lieut Day -toted that he would give £5 to be applied as prize money or in any other way that the committee might determine (Hear hear) Last year he gave that sum ill aid of the ammunition fund but as the club had now a good balance in band he thought the pre-scut donation might be put in tho hands of the committee to be used in any way they thought best Hon member Crocker also intimated his willingness to give £1 TAWSTOCK The interment of Mr Richard Keyie who died at the North Devon Infirmary through injuries sustained at Tawstock Court whilst- at work on the electric light works took place in the churchyard on Sunday afternoon widow mother and sister were the chief mourners The service was taken by the Rev A Wrev As a young man named Lemon was cycling from Barnstaple to Tavstoclc the other day he lost control of his machine when descending Shorleigh Hill and on nearing the foot was thrown into the farmyard of Mr George Smallridge a height of nearly 12 feet from the road Fortunately the rider was not hurt but the machine was wrecked At the Parish Council meeting on Saturday there were present the Rev A Wrey and Messrs A Trickey John Dullam Delve Smallbridge Dennis A Symons Gill and Is was unanimously resolved that Sir Bourchier Wrey Bart should be chairman for the ensuing year Mr John Dullam was elected vice-chairman discussion took place as to the second delivery of letters and also with regard to the telegraph service and the clerk was directed to write inquiring when the latter would be started A Mr Charles Carpenter who lias been tiie agent for the Prudential Assurance Company at Ncrtham for two years has been promoted to assistant-superintendent and stationed at Tavistock He is the son of Constable Carpenter of Northam On Friday evening merry peals were rung on the Parish Church hells to welcome home Captain Edward Wren Burrough Northam who has been absent from home ten years He was with the 1st Devons at Ladysmith and after 2 years service in Africa returned to India Special sermons were preached in connection with the Missions to the Jews in the Xortliam Parish Church on Sunday by he Rev Storm Bel! He also gave a lecture on Monday evening showing the progress of the Mission in Jerusalem Rev Dimond-Churchward presided At Hotel Bideford yesterday Messrs Barrett and Perrin of Barnstaple offered for sale thj private residence known as Rock House Northam lately occupied by Mr Lawman There was a fairly large attendance but the biddings failed to rise above £850 at which sum the property was withdrawn It was generally thought that there would be no difficulty in securing a purchaser as the premises arc very desirable ones and a large sum of money has been recently expended in improving them The auctioneers declared the reserve to be £1159 Mr A tSeldon cf Barnstaple was the vendor's solicitor BRAUNTON A lantern lecturo was given by Capt Hall CA last Wednesday at Knowie The lecture was much appreciated by a large attendance The cricket club in connection with the St Bran-nock's Young Bible Class will begin to practice shortly a field near the vicarage The Rev Lamb the late respected vicar of Heaiiion is on a visit to North Devon and has been cordially welcomed by his many friends Tenders for building the Church Rooms have been advertised for anu a meeting of subscribers will be held when they are received to decide which offer shall be accepted A parish meeting has been called by the Vicar as chairman of the Parish Council for Monday evening next io consider how the Coronation may be be-t celebrated in the parish The meeting which will doubtless be well attended is to be held in the Parish Room It is proposed to form a young and club in connection with the St male Bible class in the autumn the headquarters to be the new Church Rooms The services of the Church Brigade band will be probably retained in connection with the club BISHOPSN YMPTON The annual meeting of the Parish Council was held on Wednesday evening when most of the members were present The Rev A Lester was unanimously re-elected chairman and lie overteers Messrs Ayre Baker Crang and Verney were also re-appointed KENTISBURY A meeting of the Parisli Council was held last week with Mr Iovehand Smyth in the chair Mr Rickard and Mr A Richards were appointed overseers for the ensuing year It was decided to cal i public meeting lor the following week to co' filer what steps should betaken to celeLrate the coronation CLOVHLLY ic annual meeting of the irisli Council has bc i held at Clovelly when lie following mcm-liei were present: Mr IJainlyn (chairman) the Rev Simkin Messrs Cleave John Jewell Jewell lell'ery and Seldom Mr Thomas Cleave of Dyke Faria and Mr Moss of the Red Don Inn were unanimously elected overseers It was d- eided tiiat a new assessment of the parish should be made in accordance with the basis suggested by the Assessment Committee of the Union DOLTON Mr Lyne presided at the annual Parish Council meeting on Monday evening when there were also present Messrs Down Piper Hutchings and Hancock It was resolved to call a public meeting to consider the best way of celebrating the coronation Mr Lyne was re-elected chairman and Mr Friend vice-chairman for the ensuing year Mr Heaman said he would put the door of the well in Cleave Hill in a safe condition It was resolved to write the Rector (Rev Law) a-king him to give a detailed account of parociiial charities with list of recipients also resolved that the lectures on hy the County Council lecturer lie accepted Messrs Budd and Holwil! appointed overseers WESTWARD HOI General Sir II Gordon KCB Vice-President of the Council of the Secretary of State for India has joined the Board of Patrons of the United Services College Westward Ho as alsO-tmve Lieut -General Sir Le Geary KO Governor of Bermuda and Admiral Sir Seymour KCB At the examination for Sandhurst in November last the follow ing students of the College were successful I Ilogg 6454 mark 2nd attempt Gribbell 6152 marks 1st attempt II Hastings 5725 marks 2nd attempt A Hagger 5267 marks 2nd attempt The last two were called in The habit of being called in at preliminary trial is much to be deprecated TORRINGTON A representative meeting was held in the Town Hall on Monday night to receive (lie report of the collectors appointed at the last meeting to obtain funds for the Coronation celebrations- The Mayor (Major Mallet) presided and stated that up to the present £110 had been collected After discussion it was resolved that two festivities lie held and that the proceedings be on the lines of the Diamond Jubilee of 1897 Letters were read from tiie Temperance Societies in the town asking that intoxicants should not be provided at the dinner Resolved that there be a dinner on the first day for he men with sports a bonfire and dancing and on the second day' a tea for women and children sports and dancing Committees were appointed to make the necessary arrangements and the meeting was adjourned I EFO Bideford annual regatta has been fixed for July 26th Mr Wilcox won ten guineas and a diploma in a measuring competition in the Tailor and Cutter last week He has worked tor 13 years for Mr Frank Trapnell Mr George Turner Prouse solicitor son of Mr James Prouse of High-street Bideford has purchased the practice of Mr A Lawman at Bridge-land-street Mr Prouse was articled to Mesrs Bazeley Barnes and Bazeley and under the terms of his indenture he was debarred from practising in this district Messrs Bazeley Baines and Bazeley however hare very kindly withdrawn this stipulation On Monday evening at the Wesleyan Assembly Hall Bidoford Mrs Dymond presented the prizes and certificates to the successful candidates at the recent scriptural examination in connection with the Bideford and Torridgo District Sunday School Union Rev Barker presided and was supported on the platform by Revs Reed and Roberts Messrs A Meredith A Goaman and Blackmore Before the Mayor (Mr Tattersill) and Mr Hey wood on Fiiday Thomas Dennis ganger of Bideford was charged with being drunk and disorderly ill MiH-street on the previous day at 11-59 pin Defendant wa fined 10s inclusive or 10 imprisonment On Monday at the same court a temporary transfer of the license of the Tuns was granted from A Westlake to Samuel Hopkins on the application of Mr Seldom A public meeting of the Bidoford Amateur Photographic Society was held in the Town Hall on Friday evening the Mayor (Mr Tattersill) president occupied the chair In opening the meeting the Mayor said the Society lies been formed for amateur photographers so that they might mutually assist each other in the pursuance of lie art and to make themselves as proficient as it was possible to he The Secretary (Mr Clngwin) stated that classes would be held for instruction and rambles would he taken together Demonstrations would he given and it was thought an exhibition of their work Forty members had been enrolled (he annual subscription being 2s 61 It was intended to have a dark room where members might develop their negatives etc instead of putting up with all sorts of inconveniences at home Mr Chcgwin tiien gave a demonstration on enlarging and produced two beautiful pictures which were greatly ad mired APPLEDORE On Monday evening an entertainment was given in the Bible Christian Chapel over which Mr Harvey of the Rest presided The attendance was good and the proceeds were devoted to the Wesleyan Day School funds The annual meeting of the Cricket Club was held on Wednesday eveningof last week and was well attended Mr A Cole was re-elected captain Mr Pike (Westloigh) vice-captain and Mr Westcott secretary and treasurer Practice lias commenced and the secretary will be glad to arrange dates with other clubs During the past week notices have been served on householders respecting the bringing of the water into their houses and a start will shortly bo made to connect the houses with the mains As the contractors undertake to connect something like 200 per month it is hoped tliat the majority will he done before the dry weather sets in and so avoid another water famine The annual meeting and entertainment of the St Church Band of Hone was held on Friday last in the schoolroom The Vicar took the chair The report showed that there were 113 hoys and 109 girls on the books making a total of 222 Tiie Chairman gave a brief account of the work during the past winter and urged the parents and elder brothers and sisters to do their part in encouraging the members to keep tiieir pledges and in every way to show themselves examples of good conduct in the parish The following programme was then capitally performed hy the children: loaf of tiptoe cradle song A bunch of little and the Cantata Fairy Hearty thanks were accorded to Mrs Goldsmith Miss Lane Miss Perring nnd Mrs Spring who had traiued the children and made the costumes At the Baptist Chapel on Tuesday morning by the Rev David Harris (pastor) Mr Thomas Henry Brooks of Newport (Mon) was married to Miss Sibyl Harris daughter of Captain Harris of Appledore The bride who was given away 1 her brother Mr Walter Harris of Pontypridd wore a costume of cream brochis silk trimmed with chitfon and glace silk with a white picture hat She was attended by Miss Ada Harper as bridesmaid whs was attired in pale blue crepe do Chine trimmed with cream silk and white hat trimmed with chiffon The present to the bride was a gold bracelet set with diamonds and to the bridesmaid a gold bangle Mr John Tamlyn acted as best man The presents which were numerous and handsome included a silver teapot and butter disli from the fellow Sunday School tesehers Tho bridecake was the present of Mr Walter Harris Mr and Mrs Brooks left in the afternoon for Lynton At Bideford County Sessions on Tuesday before Mr Hamlyn (in the chair) Messrs Carnegie Smith El -Tattersill and Col Wiaterscale Chas Schillers of Appledore leaded not guilty to using obscene language iu arket Street Appledore on the 5th PC Wright said he heard defendant using very bad language at 1120 pm It was too filthy to repeat in court Defendant said he would deny using bad language and called Ellen Curtis who said he never heard defendant make use of bod The policeman asked her what he said and she told him she did not remember In defence Schillers denied that he ever said any such thing as alleged He was simply having a quiet conversation with three other young men The thing was he was not favoured because he did not give away plenty of whisky the same as others The Chairman said the case would be dismissed and as regards the constable he certainly ought to have brought witnesses as he said he had The Constable They have gone away td eea sir i With the object of clearing off the debt- of £120 incurred by alteration' to the Wesleyan day school and class room at Appledore a bazaar was held in the schoolroom yesterday For some time past a band of Willing workers has been getting things together and their efforts were yesterday reeu to have been most successful a very tine assortment of useful and fancy goods having been made and collected These were di played with considerable taste oil the various stalls The sale was opened at noon by Mr Tattersill JP Mayor of Bide-ford who was supported by Revs Barker and Nowell (circuit ministers) Summers (CougrcgatiouaJist) II Harris (Baptist) Messrs Hoy-wood Methi'iell Kelly etc Devotional exorcises having been conducted Mr Tat-torsiil gave a short address alluding particularly to the Education Bill and then declared the bazaar open On the motion of Mr Hoyvvood supported by Mr Kelly he was heartily thanked for his attendance A further portion of the opening oere-mouy was the unveiling of a portrait of Mr Brownscombe JP Mayor of Maidstone in his robes of office This function was performed by Mr Matthews who alluded to the fact that Mr Brownscombe was the first pupil teacher of the Wesleyan school He had attained his present position by study and diligence and his example should stimulate the present pupils in their studies The sale then proceeded and things sold rapidly from the first and it is hoped a good sum will be raised An attractive concert arranged by Mr Hewlett of Bidefoni will be given for the same object this (Thursday) evening ILFRACOMBE ITEMS Primrose Day was duly observed at Ilfracombe The Constitutional Club ttie Kursaal on the Pier and the porch of the Ilfracombe Hotel were prettily decorated and the favourite flower was most extensively worn by visitors and residents The appointment of Mr Lake as chairman of the Urban District Council appears to have given general satisfaction all round For many years this gentleman was chairman of the old Local Board so that his business qualities have already been well tested He is also a County Councillor Justice of the Peace for the County and also of the Borough of Barnstaple and the chairman of the Ilfracombe Gas Company It has now been definitely decided to commence tho building of the proposed new St Church Messrs Britton and tender lias been accepted of about £8000 but at present the Committee only contemplate building the nave and transepts at a cost of about £5100 leaving the chancel until more funds are accumulated unless a generous donor should xt once step into the breech and supply the necessary funds The church when finished will lie a handsome structure and will accommodate about 600 persons Coast scones overlooking the Bristol Channel are one of the features of the exhibition of the Royal Society of Painters in water colours For the moment the reaches of the Wye have been deserted in favour of the locality which Mr Albert Goodwin (of Ilfracombe) lias so ofti painted This highly imaginative artist has sent beautiful drawing of Ilfracombe seen with a long expanse of coast line and sea and his delight in the charms of this watering-place is evidently shared by Mr Eyre Walker who also exhibits several views of the Bristol Channel On Sunday last the Rev Wood late Missionary in Ceylon preached at SS Philip and in aid of the funds of the Church Missionary Society On Monday evening the annual meeting of tho local branch was held in the Town Hall when there was agood attendance Prior to lie meeting a number of Missionary hymns were sung hy thechoir under tile direction of Mr Sidney Bridgeman The Rev Hanlmry Barns presided and among those present on tho-platform were the Revs A Co-Hinson A Walker Wood and Jones the lattir from West Africa The two last gentlemen gave interesting addresses on the Mission work they carried on in their respective spheres of labour Urgent appeals for increased support were made and a collection was taken at thj close of the meeting A towns-mecting las been called for tills (Thursday) evening by theChairman of he Urban District Council to discuss and arrange the steps that shall be taken to celebrate the Coronation in June COMBE MARTIN NOTES The adjutant Captain Campbell paid a visit to the Co 4th VBDU on Thursday evening and gave the Company ahighly interesting lecture on Outpost Lieut Manning Colr-Sergt Pugs ley Sergts Berry and Trewetk were also rresent Colr-Sergt Dennis of the 1st Devon 'iegiment took over the duties of Instructor on Monday The first shooting competition of the Club for the season took place on the Hangman Range on Tuesday afternoon when besides everul money prizes a medal was competed for presented by Mrs Fleming of Higher Leigh The first meeting of the Street Improvement Committee for the season took place in the school on Friday evening Mr John Dovell senr was re-appointed chairman and the other officers were also re-elected The Rev Toms asked whether there was a possibility of having a watercart of tiieir own for watering the streets instead of hiring one as they were obliged to do last season A discussion followed a few of the members thinking that perhaps as the present term of office will expire in about a year it might be thought desirable to hire the cart again It was proposed that applications be sent to three or four of the principal Sanitary Authorities in order to ascertain whether any good second-hand two-wheeled water-wagon of not less than 150 gallons capacity was for disposal A discussion then took place in reference to the sweeping of the streets It was proposed by Mr If Isaac that notices be prepared stating that the Committee were prepared to receive tenders for working the water-cart as well as for the sweeping and cleaning The next meeting was fixed for May 2nd The many friends of Mr Berry and his family will regret that he is leaving Combe Martin this week for Crediton where lie and his son have together purchased a business Mr Sydney Berry will be much missed in connection witli both the Volunteers and the Church Brigade But it is however understood that he will still remain attached to the Company 4th BBR The best wishes of all who know them will accompany them to their new home THE PLEASURE GROUND A meeting was held in the Schoolroom on Monday evening to consider what steps should be taken for the purpose of purchasing the Diamond Jubilee Pleasure Ground by the ratepayers and make it parish property to instruct the Parish Council te acquire the above ground to adopt if necessary the Public Improvement Act 1860 and to apply to the Board of Agriculture for poweis to sell the Pleasure Ground on the Common The chair was taken by Mr Richard Clogg The schoolroom was filled to overflawing with ratepayers special care having been taken not to admit anyone not eligible so as to avoid any dispute iu tho recording of The Chairman stated tliat the meeting originated from a resolution carried at a public meeting on April 7th in favourof purchasing theDiamond Jubilee Pleasure Ground liy the ratepayers of Gombe Martin from the Trustees as a permanent memorial of tho Coronation The opinion was that if such was carried out under the Public Health Act 1875 whereby land would contribute only one-fourth in the pound of any rate made the occupiers and owners of land would not feel the burden to be a very heavy one The general feeling of the habitants of Combe Martin Was in favour of the purchase thus making the grounds parish It was proposed by Mr James Irwin (Dolphin Inn) seconded by Mr Win Gralton (Nutts Farm) and supported by Mr John Dovell senr that the ratepayers of Combe Martin purchase the Diamond Jubilee Pleasure Ground for a parish recreation ground for the sum of An amendment was moved hy Mr John Turner seconded hy Mr John Witheridge and supported by Mr Wm Ley that the parish have nothing to do with the Diamond Jubilee Pleasure The number of persons voting for the amendment was 23 and against it 127 The amendment was therefore lost and on the resolution being put there were 117 for it and 15 It was then proposed by Mr Win Cutcliffe (Rosea Bridge) seconded hy Mr James Passmore that application be made to the County Council and to the Local Government Board for sanction for a loan of £500 for the purchase of the Diamond Jubilee Pleasure This was carried by 103 to It was proposed by the Rev Toms seconded by the Rev Ewens application be made to the Board of Agriculture for powers to sell the pleasure ground on Knapp Down aad to apply the proceeds towards the purchase of the Jubilee Pleasure Ground or to Us An amendment was moved by Mr George Robins seconded by Miss Jane Willis and supported by Mr John Turner that the pleasure ground on the Common be not The amendment was lost and the resolution carried by 89 to A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings Guildhall on Tuesd presidency of the May Various sub-commit ha the list of events and will be called together Sums were allocated to ii: it was decided to set a purl trinution among tin tigi strongly urged by Mr wh cli wilt per: each Mr A Gaydon was appointed to act as joint bon secretary with Mr Jordan of Ihe sports arrangements and Aid Young was asked to act as vice-chairman of the bonfire committee It was also decided to confine the celebrations to one duv veiling under the Mr 0 Brown) 1 re appointed to settle The Moon Eclipse as Seen at Barnstaple Curious Sunset effects The total eclipse of the moon on Tuesday evening was seen under favourable circumstances at Barnstaple Those who were on the look-out at sunset for the rising of the moon witne vsed an unusual and interesting sight writes a correspondent The full tide was just on the ebb when a low-lying mass of cloud rolled up the river obscuring the declining sun and breaking in stinging squalls over the surface of the water Just as the heaviest rain was falling over Barnstaple the sun cleared lew down in the west and a magnificent rainbow was formed with a distinctly complete but fainter second bow above only with the colours reversed This unusual spectacle lasted two or three minutes both bows being complete the under and more pronounced remaining fixed for over ten minutes Mr Ridd the science master at the Barnstaple Municipal schools had obtained permission to use the largo telescope in the Athenseuni and at eight the science class assembled on the Athenieum lawn the telescope was placed in position and Mr Ridd patiently waited until the moon had climbed up above the roof of the Imperial Hotel By this time the eclipse had entered upon its final phase and after all had satisfied themselves as to the circular character of the dull grey shadow which obscured the higher portion of the surface Mr Ridd gave an interesting explanation of the causes etc of an eclipse Later when the noon was free from the eclipse the curious white threads called rills running from given centres notably that known as Tycho on its sort hern surface were noted Mr Ridd st ting that these were only seen when the me on was at its fill 1 Some of the latest scientific theories in regard to the moon were discussed and Mr Ridd pointing out the different stars delivered a little lecture on astronomy The telescope was not- sufficient to disclose the fct that Castor was a double star and it would be an excellent investment if the directors of the Athenaeum would invest in a larger and more up-to-date instrument and afford more frequent opportunities for the use of it A few experimental lectures such as that given bn Tuesday evening would do much to popularise the study of astronomy in Barnstaple NATIONAL DEPOSIT FRIENDLY SOCIETY The Barnstaple Districts At the Parish Church Rooms last evening the members cf the Barnstaple district of tho above society held their seventh annual tea and meeting and they were joined by the members of the more recently established St branch la their preliminary announcement the Barnstaple committee summarised the business of their branch during the year ended December 31st last as follows 21 new members were admitted 30 hast been transferred to other districts and 10 from other districts to Barnstaple leaving the membership ae icst year 231 The monthly contributions of tho members amounted to £239 8s being £6 Is more titan last year Tho amount paid by members to their deposits was £75 lcs 3d it being £12 5s 5d less than the previous year The amount withdrawn bv members from their deposits was £73 3o 8d as compared with £20 8s 6d last year 62 members received sick pay to the amount of £104 14s 86 members lecened medical pay amounting to £oo 18s td The and depositors' account showed balances brought forward si6I4 fcs Id and present balance £699 7s 2d Over 100 members sat down to a meat tea tho arrangements being made by members Mr It Charity catering in a very efficient manner while the attendance also was excellent Rev Dr Newton (vicar of Barnstaple) made a genial chairman and read a letter from Mr boares MP who regretted his Parliamentary duties prevented his being present and heartily wished them a very pleasant evening Alter proposing tho loyal toast the Chairman gave "The speaking of the pride which they aroused and of tne splendid exhibition they had given in the South African war After referring to tho grand work of tho Colonial contingents Dr Newton hoped they were near tho conclusion of the war and urged that they should do ail that they could to make the Boers their friends He mentioned the astounding fact that not only word we looking after the wives and children of the men who were fighting against us in the concentration camps but we had sent out school teachers to instruct the children a unique occurrence in the annals of warfare His son had written home expressing tho astonishment of the Boers at such treatment which he felt sure would promote good feeling and help to cement a good understanding between the two races when peace was declared The Chairman then proposed the toast of the National Deposit Friendly Society with great heartiness ns it promoted thrift and they believed that if they were to banish poverty they must have men who were healthy and rtrong and had plenty of work and this with a practical education was the best protection against the competition foreigners There were nearly 300 members in Barnstaple and he hoped such thrift aid societies ould continue to increase in the town Mr Cotterill (divisional secretary) responded in an interesting sp3eoh giving reasons for feeling pride in the society They had confidence in it feeling that ihey had the genuine thing and they' had also the satisfaction of knowing as the result of 34 years' experience that the payments made had been just double what had been required (Applause) Last figures not yet placed in the hands of the members showed that the contributions paid to the common sick fund had amounted to £76196 and the sick and medical claims amounted to £19200 and when the management funeral and old-age fund claims had also been deducted all of which they could call on the members to pay in addition to their ordinary contributions but they had never been required there remained a balance of £35155 which was placed to deposits with nearly £4000 interest There was no need for a reserve fund in their society as each liabilities were met out of the year's contributions and the members got the benefit at once of the surplus that remained (Applause) Another fact that made for vhe safety of their society was the really exceptionally low sick rate only 2j days per member last year and their society was also so progressive At the end of 25 years their membership stood at 11500 but within the next eight years it had increased until now it stood at between 80000 and 90000 a really marvellous growth (Loud applause During the five months of this year 90 new districts had been opened and 12000 fresh members enrolled or more than their total at the end of the first 25 years (Applause) This enormous influx of new members most of them healthy and young paying ill regularly their contributions to the common fund and drawing little in sick and medical pay meant that the contributions of the older and loss strong members were proportionately lower and more returned to the deposit account These were some of tho reasons which made him think it was to be the society of the future for this rush of new mem bers proved that the public had realised that they had got hold of a good thing and were satisfied that the advantages it claimed were genuine Therefore he was proud to belong to such a society and to respond to tho toast (Applause) APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS Mlj Handing was re-elected president and Mr Clarke chairman of the Barnstaple branch while a poll for the four vacancies on the committee resulted in the election of Messrs Ward Stacey Sampson and Rossiter Oliver Priscott Ford Sampson and aid were elected on the joint Hospital Com mittee Mr Bale presented the report for the St branch which showed that the membership had grown from 18 in 1900 to 30 in 1901 and now stood at 47 and they hoped to do even better in the remaining months of the Dr Newton was ro-elected president of the branch and Mr Ei ans chairman of the committee which was also re-elected with the addition of Messrs Cock-ram Gaaland and Wood A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Dr Newton for presiding and then Mr A Foster' ot Chestwood delighted the company for over an hour with his magnificent gramaphone the select tions given including some of Dan songs when he appeared recently before the King a march by Sousa famous American band and solos by the leading vocalists and instrumentalists of the A vote of thanks to him at the close was enthusiastically accorded a a OF FIGS Trade Mark the surest and most agreeable pleasant to the taste prompt and gentle in action Every package bears Name and Trade Mark CALIFORNIA FIG SYRUP CO Of all Chemists iij i'y Depot: 3a Snow Hill Lor i on EC (5594 SPORTING NOTES Last week when the otter hounds were in full cry at Braunton several old hands suspected that there were two otters stirring between the upper and lower look-outs one otter which was roughly handled getting away almost simultaneously with a tally at the lower stickle Tbe-e wily ones held that it was impossible that it could have covered the distance in the time Eventually a male otter was taken but nothing fuither was noticed although the river was kept quiet for an hour Two days later a female otter was found dead not 30 yards away evident the one that was first tackled by the pack Mr Richmond is in no way displeased that two such unwelcome neighbours have been removed from the iciiiiy of his lisli pond The London paper still continues its little fables at io the Barnstaple bass and mullet fishing in the Taw and the mythical 41bs fish caught near Barnstaple fome fine sport however may be had between Weare Gififard and Bideford where many bass up to 2ibs have been taken but the quality of the spoit depend? on the state of the tides I overheard near some rather strong during the month of fish in a large wi a railway carriage last week remarks as to the salmon killed One of the speakers a breeder iv declared that he had seen a salmon that day which was quite unfit- to be taken and that others landed were only well mended kelts Among some fishermen there is an antagonistic feeling about spring salmon but whether this is due to a spirit of jealousy or not 1 cannot say but I know if I had had the luck to gaff some of the salmon 1 have seen I also should be delighted to keep them There is a prospect that in some districts fish will be tcirce this year One well-known river which has been re-opened after being closed to give the fish a chance is the hippy hunting ground of a notorious old otter which was seen three times in one week and twice the next not a cheery prospect unless the otter hounds have a day tlie-e Trout fishermen were much interested in the last meeting of the Conservators and could hardly believe the good news that something at length is to be done lor them in regard to re-stocking the waters It was cheery to see hew common-sense prevailed over the suggestion to appoint watchers Whit the good of watchers when there are no trout to protect? The arguments advanced only thinly disguised the anxiety of the salmon fishers to take the money from the trout- licenses to pay bailiffs to protect the salmon which ruin or largely interfere with trout fishing I hear the usual gang of poachers are busy at work with the help of the moonlight and it would be good news if the local or county police effected a capture The heavy rains of this week served to freshen up the rivers and good baskets should result in several cases this has already happened I have found in April the 1 1 hackle tike well and I hope to be able to use it this month and so take a good string of sterling old-fashioned golden sides Sp't in the Devonshire rivers during the past week says a correspondent- of the Field better than in the previous week The northern rivers have been yielding be-t In the Torridgo Mr Smyth-Osbourne jun following up his previous success landed some half-dozen salmon averaging 10)b Major Hopkins Ins also been fortunate Most of the fish were taken on what is known as the Butcher fly The creels of trout have also been good The best flies used were the hare's ear flax palmer uprights and March brown In many places the cuckoo has been heard during ihe past fortnight and swallows are skimming over the meadows by the hundred but I have not yet heart! of the advent of the landrail or butcher bird Breeding birds are an interesting study and I have heard of one large nest of pheasant egga Young dippers thrushes robins blackbirds and wrens are plentiful the latter tiny feathered birds being seen in every hedgerow almost while whoatears furze chat goldfinches and skylaiks are laying their plans and selecting suitable spots wherein io build their summer homes to rear their tiny offspring Frank Stockton the well-known American author whose regretted death has been announced this week tells somewhere a good fih story A gentleman asked a question of a boy who was fishing The boy mumbled an indistinct response Why you speak said ihe gentleman have you in your Winns wums for answered the boy "That was the first instance I ever remarked Mr Stockton in telling the story anybody really speaking with baited BLUE UPRIGHT WAGES AND TAXATION THE DRINK BILL Some Remarkable Figures The debate on the imposition of a duty on com and flour as proposed by the Government produced some striking speeches from both sides in the House of Commons on Tuesday On the Opposition side Sir Henry Fowler called for the removal of the which he described as tho moanoit tax a nation of the boundless wealth of Great Britain could Tobacco beer or income-tax should in his opinion furnish the necessary funds Sir Michael Hicks-Beach in relation to the last declined to tax a single ciass of people out of existence Tho right bin gentleman mentioned the following remarkable facts and figures which made a great impression on the House: Tobacco is not a growing revenue and last year yielded less than was expected by £800000 Consumption cf beer is decreasing Duties on foreign wines are very heavy but added the Chancellor of the Exchequer there is no corresponding duty on wines manufactured in tills country The statement provoked laughter but Sir Michael dryly remarked that only experts could tell the difference Neither Mr Cobden nor Mr Briglft ever objected to the registration duty now to be revived and Mr Gladstone saw nothing protective in it In parts of South Essex the quartern loaf was sold at 3d and there and in other low-priced districts the consumer would have to pay more because of the increased cost of other ingredients than flour the proposed duty merely affording tho opportunity for a rise In other instances the advance in the price of the loaf would prove temporary When the tax formerly existed the price of wheat was twice what it is now The labouring class has enjoyed a greater advance in comfort and means fhau sther classes and bread was no longer the only thing the wage-earner ate In 1861-2 indirect taxation was 617 per sent Diroct 383 per oent Last indirect taxation 477 per cent Direct 523 per cent Indirect taxation per head 1861-2 27s 3d Indirect taxation 1901-2 29 4d Direct taxation 1861-2 16s lid Direct taxation 1901-2 32s lid Increase of wages in 40 yea: 33 per cent Increased purchasing power 50 per cent Increase per head indirect taxation 2s 8d Alcoholic drinks in 1861 13s 6d Alcoholic drinks per head in 1901 18 6d Drinking habits of the people produce increased revenue of £7293000 If the working classes can expend so much on drink this tax on coni could hardly produce for them a future of poverty It was never complained of when it existed and added the right hon gentleman when it was abolished in 1869 not a soul was benefited Feeding-stuffs are to pay 3d as against 5d on the higher class meal fh le Com Tax with this alteration was agreed to For 283 Against 197 Majority for the Government 86 ITCHING HUMOURS Rashes and Irritations instantly relieved and' rpeedily cured by hot baths with Cuticuka Soap gentle applications of Citiclua Ointment ana laild doses of Cuticuka Resolvent race Tut Set Sa or Suer li VTMEWT 2i-6di test 2t fti Sold by all Chemists or postpaid by Niwbikt A StiJS London EC FoTTnn Co- Props Boston U8X Trades Exhibiion at Bideford On Tuesday afternoon a trades exhibition as opened by Sir Wm Dowell GCB in the Bide oiq Music Hall There was a large attendance at tln ceremony The Mayor (Councillor Tattersill) presided and was supported bjr the Revs Newton Leeke (rector) and Johnson Messrs I Dymond JP Seldon (Town Clerk) and (j Leman The Mayor in asking Sir Wm Dcwelj to perform the ceremony spoke of the interest which Sir William had always manifested in anything that was for the benefit of Bideford or its neighbourhood and his presence amongst them that afternoon to encourage a purely commercial undertaking was on honour which they very highly esteemed In tie-clarmg the exhibition open Sir Wm Dowell raid that Bideford had for many years been noted for the excellence of its tradesmen and workmen and he believed it would compare favourably with any town of a similar size in the country Ha was sure they would all be pleased to see in the exhibition what the tradesmen could do He wished it every success Mr Cecil Smith the general manager proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Sir William for his kindness and referred to the great help and assistance the management had received from lii Worship the Mayor The Rev Newton Leeke in seconding heartily endorsed all that had been said about Sir willingness to help anything for the good of the town Sir William briefly replied The exhibition itself is very well arranged and the many and varied exhibits have an attractive ap pearance In addition to those of several of the best known wholesale firms local tradesmen have largely utilised the opportunity of showing their wares and make a good show The exhibition will' remain open until May 2nd Miscellaneous entertainments will be given each day whilst at intervals the Greek Ladies' Orchestra under the conductor ship of Miss Rennison will perform Another in tore sting feature will bo a ping-pong tournament HANNONS CELEBRATED DOC BISCUITS MEAT BISCUITS TLAIN BISCUITS Hound Oatmeal All carriage paid For prices and samples apply CHAMON BARNSTAPLE 1017 HUNTING APPOINTMENTS Devon and Somerset Staghounds 11 a Friday April 25 at Hawkcorabe Head MARRIAGES Gumbley 10 at St Churchy Wm John Allen to Alma Gumbley both of St Giles Richards-April 23 at the Baptist Chapel Barnstaple Thomas Cuilmore of Piltoa East to Elizabeth Jane Richards of Barnstaple April 23 at the Wesleyan Chapel Barnstaple George Garnish of Pilton East to Effie Kniii of Barnstaple April 19 at the Wesleyan Chape Barnstaple Harry Hawking of Barn staple to Florence Beatrice Trace of Piltoc East On April 15th at RotherfieU Peppard Henley-on-Thames by the father ol the bride aud the Rev Fowler Great Malvern Alexander James eldest son of the Hon John Tate Bombay India to Irene laouise youngest daughter of the Rev Canon Fowler Rector of Rotherfield Peppard and granddaughter of the late Rev Hugh Fowler of Tor-rington Vicar of Barnwood Gloucester DEATHS April 11 at the Workhouse Barnstaple Jno Cornish aged 77 April 20 at 13 Montpelier Terrace Ilfracombe George Carterfield aged 96 April 19 at Holland Street Barnstaple Geo Edwards aged 52 April 10 at 18 Portland Street Ilfracombe Wm Henry Ellis aged 33 April 12 at Litchdon Street Barnstaple Sarah widow of the late George French April 15 at Bear Street Barnstaple Anna Gateward Gill aged 77 Gardiner April 18 at the Crescent Boarding House Ilfracombe Edmund Gardiner aged 51 April 11 at the North Devon Iufno ary Barnstaple Philip Hutchings aged 60 April 15 at the North Devon Infirmary Barnstaple Richard Keyte of London aged 31 April 15 at 5 Regent Place Ilfracombe Wm Knight aged 67 April 20 at Tawstock Clara Ant Longman aged 64 April 16 at Taunton Edward (late of Barnstaple) aged 84 April 17 at Lower Church Street Ban-staple Ivy Rose infant daughter of Pert Pugsley-April 20 at 19 Springfield Road Ilfracombe George Pugsley aged 78 April 13 at Rumsam Barnstaple Edward infant son of George Rumbelow Sutton April 10 at Lane Barnstaple Olive -infant danghter of Eme-t Sutton April 12 at Lane Barnstaple-Winnifred infant son of Ernest Sutton Taylor April 15 at the Workhouse Barnstaple John Taylor aged 76 April 10 at Ley Farm St Giles Bessie Jane daughter of Thomas Tanton -aged 27 April 12 at Trinity Street Barnstaple Kenneth infant son of Alfred Henry Webber MR and MRS FRED MAYNE and FAMILY desire to THANK the numerous friends who have so kindly expressed sympathy with them in their recent sad bereavement Atherington April 22nd 1902 MRS HEARN and DAUGHTER desire to return their sincere THANKS to numerous friends for kind enquiries and sympathy during their recent sad bereavement 92 High Street Barnstaple April 23rd 1902 HIGH-CLASS PIANOS ON HIRE WHITE The Central Music Wareroo5 BARNSTAPLE BIDEFORD 654S1 YO DINGS AND S0- MONUMENTAL MASONS STATUAKI 29 BEAR STREET (Corner cf Gaydon 6df BARNSTAPLE 10 The Cheapest Firm in the West of Tombs Headstones DESIGNS AND PRICES ON Established Printed end Published for the Propriety JOHN STOKES I'HILP at tho Macbm1 Ing Works 106 High Street April 24th 19C2 Ilfracombe Choral Society The third and last concert of this society for tho present season was given at the Alexandra Hall on Tuesday evening when there was a very large attendance According to the usual custom part two c-f this conceit consisted of a miscellaneous collection of vocal and instrumental music while part one was devoted to the rendering of a complete work "Rose being the selection this time This pretty cantata which is full of the most tuneful melody has been performed twice previously by tho society and has always proved a favourite Tho baud and chorus was on the usual scale numbering some 150 performers and Mr Gardner conducted with his customary skill The vocalists were Miss Margaret Cooper (soprano) Miss Guerra Da Fcutoura (contralto) Mr Dean Trotter (tenor) and Mr Bi hop (bass) The three last-named are rather well-known with Ilfracombe audiences Miss sweet voice was heard at the Pavilion concerts towards the end of last seasou and an Ilfracombe audience showed itself glad to welcome her again Her voice has great purity and range and she sang the Rose Maidens part with much expression and had a very flatte: ing reception In part two Miss Guerra Da Foutoura saug wie die Naeht and The little and Miss Cooper gave the song Smile of April with marked success Mr Dean Trotter in his rendering of Adams' Adieu did justice to the sweet plaintive melody and Mr Bishop sang (Barrett) in good style The great feature cf this p3rt was the solo of Mr Pike of Plymouth which was loudly re-demanded The orchestra gave with precision and spirit the overture from Oberon (Weber) and the well trained and efficient chorus among other items gave an excellent rendering of Dr Gardner's part song We fear uo foreign The orchestra was composed as follows 1st violins Miss Willis Mr Hahn Misses Crang Majendie Pugsley Raine Scott and Wise 2nd violins Messrs Hahn and Osmond Misses Tat-tam Christoe Broome Gardner Penneil I Pugsley Speed and Trelca-se Masters Copp and Willis: violas Mrs Gardner Mi-ses Colwill Gardner and Hahn Master Clark violineellos Messrs Pike Dew A Hussell and A Rees Dr Clayton Jones Miss Clarke and Master Wiilis: contrabasses Messrs Rieehen and Mooie flutes Messrs Ford raid A Wrighton oboe Mr Stone Mus Bae clarinets Messrs Hahn and II Rother bassoons Messrs Linde and Moore horns Messrs Becker Smale and Price trumpets Messrs Becker and Bassett trombones Messrs Moore A Barnett ard Slee: timpani drums etc Messrs and A Gardner harp Mr Bridgman accompanist Mirs Florence Willis LYNTON AND LYNMOUTH NOTES A movement initiated by Mrs Riddell of tha Tors Hotel is on foot to improve the path leading from Countisbury-road down to Sillery Sands These are about half a mile in length and make an ideal bathing place But the path has for some part of its course been dangerous unless you are very surefooted About £25 is required to put- it into thorough repair It would be a good idea to have some railings for prated ion at the first bend and also at the bottom where the path reaches the b-eaoh Besides providing excellent bathing Sillery is a capital place for a picnic There is a spring of beautifully cool water for the kettle and always plenty of wood about for a fire Once Ihe approach is made safe this charming spot will be extensively patronised In response to Capt appeal for gloves for the Devons in South Africa Sergt Gooding vrho kindly volunteered his services has collected nearly £3 10s and several pairs of gloves This is a gratifying result when one considers the numerous calls made on the purse and was sufficient for the purpose After a lapse of several months during which many candidates for the vacancy caused by the resignation of the Rev Asibury have been hoard the members of the Congregational Church have appointed a minister viz the Rev Jordan late of Marazion Cornwall He comes with an excellent reputation and is highly spoken of by the Principal of the Western College Bristol There was a good attendance at the Town Hall on Friday to discuss the celebration of the Coronation Mr Crook presided Rev Cox said the new bells would arrive next week and be ready to be rung at the Coronation He suggested that a service should be held in the church and the bells be rung for the first time after the service The rev gentleman stated that all the money except £29 had been raised Mr Jones proposed that the money towards festivities should be raised by a rate This was seconded by Mr Cecil Bevan Lynmouth Mr Pullkinghorne proposed as an amendment that the money be obtained by subscription Mr Stan-bury seconded the amendment which was carried The sum estimated to be required was about £70 A large executive committee was elected insisting of the members of the Urban Council clergy schoolmasters and chief residents tradesmen etc with Mr Collins secretary snd Messrs Fox Fowler and Co treasurers On the motion of Mr Jones seconded by Mr Pedder it was decided to include Countisbury and the Tors district The following were appointed collectors Messrs Widden Wilshire Burnell Lerwell Crocombe Squire (Wingates) Scott and Stan-bury jun The committee met last evening when various sub-committees were appointed and the general plan of the proceedings provisionally decided The county justices at Barnstaple yesterday granted Mr Pratt (acting as agent to Mr Jones and Mrs Herbert Jones) an ejectment order against James Hoyle of Lynton The proceeds of the concert at Lynton reported in another column amounted to £8 2s The drop scene was painted by Miss Ethel Long of the Exeter School of Art and was generally admired the subject being Lynmouth Harbour at full 'tide The grounds iu front of Lynton Townhall have now been completed and planted with shrubs at a cost of about £50 The improvement is well in keeping with the surroundings A site in the centre of the ornamental border facing Lee-lane has been suggested as a suitable one for the bust of Sir George Newnes shortly to be erected and for which about £60 has been collected or promised It will be remembered that as a climax to a recent dispute between the Parish Council and the inspector of weights and measures the latter discontinued his professional visits to Braunton A petition sent by certain of the inhabitants to the Devon County Council on the subject has however had the desired effect and we were glad to sec the official at woik again iu the neighbourhood on Monday and Tuesday The outbreak of fire which occurred at the recent Parish Council meeting was though luckily a small an extremely mysterious affair and has been the subject of much conjecture It is stated that the outbreak was caused by a match falling upon some sacking The clerk has received prompt payment of the claim seat to the Commercial Union Assurance Co with whom the building is insured for watchings and repairs Mr Marraton of Braunton will attend with other Devon delegates the annual meetings of the National Deposit Friendly Society which will be held at Nottingham cn May 3rd An interesting programme has been arranged including visits to the residences of the Dukes of Rutland Newcastle and Portland and Earl Manners The Duke of Portland who is a district- chairman of the society will entertain the delegates to tea BRENDON On Wednesday week the Rector most kindly entertained the church choir numbering 17 to a supper in the Parish Room The Rev Day with his sound musical knowledge has considerably augmented the choir so that the services may be made more attractive The room had been artistically decorated for the occasion by Mrs Totterdell who with her husband had carefully prepared the menu and laid out the table Justice having been done to the viands the health cf the new Rector was proposed and drunk with musical honours Mr Day in a happy mode returned thanks He laid special stress upon the necessity of good singing if the services of their church were to be bright and attractive and said he hoped that they would soon have a choir worthy of Brendon The remainder of the evening was spent in dancing singing and other amusements On Saturday the Parish Room presented an animated appearance when an exhibition of the work of the various divisions of the recent dressmaking classes was held in the afternoon and the successful students presented with prizes by the Rector who considered it a great pleasure to preside over such an assembly of parishioner and friends He was desired to state that the instructress was highly pleased with the work and thought that the pupils had made more than ordinary progress Thanks were due to the local committee and especially to Mrs Balfour for so kindly giving them tea and to the subscribers for their liberal support The first recipient was Miss Marian Pile followed by Mrs Richard Squire each receiving work basket In class two the premier honour went to Miss Ethel Gregory Miss Florrie Gregory being a good second work baskets being again given Through the kindness of Mrs Shaw Miss Bertha Rishards received a case of scissors as an extra prize Miss Johnson the instructress suitably returned thanks for the pupils and spoke of the attendance as being very good and expressed a hope that she might be allowed to come again if another class was formed Mrs Totterdell then presented Miss Johnson with an ebony back hair brush with silver plated initials and a fountain pen and spoke of the great benefit and pleasure they had all derived from her efforts thanking her heartily for the persevering manner in which she had conducted the class Mrs Liteon expressed the hope that should the class be held another winter the same instructress would be appointed Miss Johnson who was warmly received aid it was very gratifying to find that her services had not been forgotten She could only assure them of her deepest gratitude I Bfe- rasa- soamai:.