The Kington Times - August 1917
Page 4 of 17
Kington Times 4th August 1917 - Page 4
Image Details
| Date | 04/08/1917 |
|---|---|
| Type | Newspaper |
| Format | |
| Language | English |
| Area | Kington Times |
| Collection Holder | Herefordshire Libraries |
| Date of Publication | 4th August 1917 |
| Transcription |
i 4 THE KINGTON TIMES . AUGUST 4 , 1917 . FARMERS & PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION . Mr. E. W. Langford adopted as Prospective Candidate for North Herefordshire . Support from the South . Mr. Langford explains his Policy . An important meeting of the Executive of the North Herefordshire Farmers Union was held on Friday at the Royal Oak Hotel , when there were present : Mr. George Edwards ( Chairman ) , Messrs . E. T. Cave , F. J. Cole- batch , B. C. Ridgley , J. K. Hyslop , G. But ters , H. R. Hall , W. J. Rees , W. Smith ( Leo- minster ) , F. J. Williams , W. Smith ( Bidney ) , ( Leominster Branch ) ; E. Griffiths ( Kington Branch ) ; J. E. Lewis , A. Matthews ( Wyeside Branch ) , G. Firkins , J. W. Depper , with the General Secretary ( Mr. J. P. Griffiths ) . Apologies were received from Mr. J. Edwards ( Chairman of the Kington Branch ) , Mr. T. Godsall ( representing the Union on the and Mr. Yorath . Mr. views At He TRACTOR PLOUGHING . INTERESTING DEMONSTRATIONS IN LEOMINSTER . ture and through them to the War Executive They were prepared to bear a share of the Committee . He was quite sure that if the expenses . One gentleman , a tenant farmer , nation was in great need of extra food pro- kindly offered to give 100 towards the expenses duction that the farmers were doing their level of the election , which he thought was very best to produce from the land all that they generous . He might point out that half the GOOD RECORD OF THE OVERTIME . could produce . Many farmers were working expenses would come from the rates and they . themselves almost to death . There were dif- were not allowed to exceed 7d . per head . This ploughing have taken place in Herefordshire Interesting demonstrations of motor tractor ficulties to be got over , but given ordinary was an agricultural constituency . If they facilities they would rise to the occasion and looked through the paper they would have of tractors in the new food production cam- in order to bring before the farmers the value produce all the food they could . They were seen that agriculture had been represented willing for the Board of Agriculture to do practically by only one man in the House of paign of the Government . Messrs . Fryer , almost anything . They could dip their hands Commons , Mr. Prothero . They had lots to Ltd. , demonstrated with their " Overtime " into the farmers ' pockets to any moderate de- thank him for . Lord Selbourne had stated outfits in Leominster on Friday . There was gree and they would not complain , but they that production was to be reckoned on the an interested crowd of farmers and others at . had to look at this from the standpoint of acreage and not on the amount produced . Mr. Stretfordbury , the farm of Mr. Allen Thomas , the future . They were engaged in the greatest Prothero had accepted that , he was sorry to " Overtime " displayed its good industry in the world . They had to see to say . That would not help the good farmer ; it that after this crisis agriculture was put it would help the bad farmer . pn a sure footing , no less in the interests of The Secretary said the Government must te the community than in the interests of the satisfied that the land is farmed properly . industry . If they were to plough up pasture Mr. Langford That will mean more off land and try to get better crops in the inter - cials . hear ) . man . man the where the points in ploughing a piece of fallow land . The onlookers were extremely interested in the plough which has been introduced , by the Overtime Company . The plough is self - lifting , the shares being moved at the beginning or end of a furrow by means of an automatic clutch . There are no levers , so that an Overtime tractor fitted with a self - lift plough There was It re- est of the nation at considerable loss to them- Mr. Cave I hope we shall make some re- selves it would become the nation's duty to presentation on the subject . see that they were placed on a sure founda- Mr. Firkins seconded the adoption of the is a genuine one - man outfit . It is interesting tion for the future . They had seen what an report . He heartily welcomed Mr. Langford to note that any unskilled person with ordin- parties should be arranged . They must invite it was due to them to know what his destinies of this great country and it would ill for them . He was sure he was the class of as - seen by our reporter . As a matter of fact important part agriculture could play in the and hoped he would come forward to stand ary intelligence can drive an Overtime tractor landowners and labourers , for what would were in regard to agriculture . Agriculture was benefit one would benefit the other ( Hear , very much like the land when it was scuffled become any Government not to back the far man which they wanted to stand for them . the demonstration driver at Stretfordbury was hear ) . They did not want too much class legis- and harrowed , it was knocked into small mer in getting his fair share of remuneration . Mr. Langford had mentioned some mistakes a boy 15 years of age who only a month ago lation . When this war was over there would pieces . They and there were others which were made daily . had never seen a machine . It was in the melting pot and as to There was the Corn Production Bill . be a big race for the trade of the world and what the result would be , whether it would were offering very little . It must be obvious If those mistakes were made now what mis- another new feature of the plough which they would want some of the brainiest and be of sterling quality in the interests of the to anyone that wheat would not fall below takes were going to be made in the future . should be mentioned . The mould board has most intelligent men to see that they were nation , they would have to consider . the guaranteed prices which Mr. Runciman They wanted fifty practical men like Mr. Lang- a new fitting which it is claimed is a big not handicapped . If the country was to get that juncture it was worth while the tenant called a dole , a most unworthy remark . Mr. ford . advance on present tractor ploughs . back to its normal level capital and labour farmer considering his position and for that Runciman had been for years . a political Mr. Matthews supported Mr. Langford . He tains all the best features of the American must go hand in hand . He thought the far- purpose they could not disassociate the last friend of his , but when a man could bring had known him for years . He was a plough . It cuts out all the land before turn- mers would be in a small minority if they did decade or so of the history of agriculture . time to sever the connection . That remark i'l man they wanted . himself to make a remark like that it was who was quick of thought and that was the ing it over and leaves an absolutely clean cut not get the assistance of the owners and Agriculture was thought nothing of by the pub- bottom . It is shaped somewhat on English labourers . Mr. Smith ( Leominster ) said that Mr. Lang- lines but in addition it is adjustable by means Farmers were not going to run a lic for many years . He quoted Mr. Trustam became him because he was connected with candidate on their own be quite equal to any and he thought in Eve , who said that so long as the public could shipping . There was no industry which had ford would cross of a radius rod to do the work on practically National Executive ) , Mr. C. E. N. Shorting these democratic times they should consult buy things cheaply at the grocer's shop and robbed the country more than the shipping examination on the subject . He had his busi- any type of land . It will be remembered those who would have votes and a big interest had plenty they did not care where it was industry . Mr. Bonar Law in an honest and ness at his fingers ' end . The only thing was that prior to the introduction of this plough had showed the vast profits that they wanted a lot of men like him . Edwards wrote explaining that the at stake . One could not do without the other . grown . In that stage they were left to paddle candid manner Kington branch would be poorly represented They should try and fix on a man agreeable to their own canoe and if they sank - as many which were received from shipping . The huge Mr. Griffiths ( Mowley ) said he did not speak practically all the American ploughs were of the " digger " type but in this a successful owing to an auction at Kington and stating all . He did not consider this a question of did the public cared nothing about it . prices were largely due to the with authority from Kington , but he was sure increases in Another facto that he felt sure they would get the support having a man who had walked the furrow and thought that now they had the eyes of the freights charged . was due to from conversations he had had with attempt has been made to introduce a really of the branch if they saw their way to put a was successful in his trade or business , but a public centred upon agriculture . He did not the lavish and ridiculous wages paid to muni- Chairman and other leading members that serviceable general purpose plough . candidate forward . Som Langford would The demonstration at Stretfordbury was most I have the full and man who understood what the world , what speak merely for the farmer , but for the agri- tion workers , this increasing the , competition Mr. In the course , of Mr. Godsall wrote hoping the meeting trade and capital required and would be able cultural labourer and the landlord . Their for foods that were scarce . hearty support of the Kington people ( Hear , satisfactorily carried out . would be well attended to meet Mr. Langford . to carry them through the difficult times that interests might not be altogether identical , In Mr. Langford they had the right the day about 3 acres were ploughed , no at- They wanted a tempt being made to create a record . The Now was the time to have a good strong far- were approaching them . They wanted a man but they were very similar . They agreed in man who would keep idea was simply to show the class of work the farmers end up . mers ' representative . Every farmer with or- who would represent not one party , but the more points than they did not agree and they The resolution was carried unanimously . done by the " Overtime " self lift plow . " dinary common sense would join the Union country altogether . The country must pull ought to agree upon more points than they did Mr. Thomas expressed himself a sexception- and give it the utmost support , or the most together or they would go down the river . ( Hear , hear ) . In the past the public did not The only thing ally pleased with the work . " important class would not get the considera- They had mentioned some good men who could care for them and the farmers had not sought Mr. Langford in reply expressed himself aphe had to complain of was that the plough did tion which as food producers they were en- represent them . Mr. Langford was a tip top to help themselves . They had been in a titled to have . It seemed to him that if He did not know ture it must be equally successful to all en - preciatively of the heartiness with which the not do as much as he would have liked . The man of business . He did not know him , but stupor for generations . they were to have a minimum wage , which he he had heard him spoken of in the very what thee was but the fact remained gaged . The labourer must have his fair share who had the honour to be asked to represent on the excellent work that was being done . Anyone farmers present congratulated the ploughman was in favour of , there should not be a maxi- highest terms . But was he a capable man to that only within the last few years had they of the profits derived from the land in return mum for prices , but minimum ones to encour their industry could not fail to be sensible oi represent them in the House of Commons when thought of their own interests . for his labour . Speaking for all the best far- They were age farmers to produce heavy crops . He was a great Empire was at stake . If they did not grateful for a move upon the waters of agri- ders of the county he said they welcomed the the high and distinguished compliment paid to him . He went on to say that he would not pleased to see the Secretary attended on the get the strongest men sent there they would culture . There was at any rate a fair desire minimum wage for they were already paying sub Committee for the Reconstruction Com be floored . He felt that in the long have mentioned politics . but he did not want He was thinking about a gentle- to do something for themselves and against in excess of that . to sail under false colours . He had been a mittee . He attended a meeting at the Savoy man a few days ago , well known to Leomin- those who desired to crush them . run if the labourer was better paid - and_he But when was pleased to see that in the National Far- Liberal all his life and he saw no reason to H. Storer , London manager of the Company , Hotel on the 10th , when Lord Selbourne in a ster , and agriculture in this district had need most interesting address pointed out how im- reviewed that great catalogue of illustrious mers Union programme there was a reference change just now , but if he fought for the who in a chat with our representative , gave portant it was that farmers and also the land- the country . names , he failed to find a British tenant far - isfied , more capable and more intelligent farm to better housing they would get a more sat- farmers ' interest he should consider it incum- an interesting idea of the capabilities of the bent upon him not to push his own views Overtime . lords and labourers should all be united and mer there at all ( applause ) . They had been so Tractor experiments have ex- He realised that work hand in hand . the Farmers tended in this country over a period of 20 busily engaged , so narrow minded with regard labourer . Twenty - five shillings a week would forward . town . labourer . Union was composed of Liberals , Conservatives , years and in America for about the same to their interests that in the past they had successfully compete with the been pleased to hand over the conduct of ag- because they had been tempted by In the past men had migrated to the towns and perhaps Socialists , and in fact all phases length of time . The great thing the manu- of political and religious thought . He would riculture to those who least understood it . leisure and more pay . Then as to the farmer . do his best in any contest or if he was re- facturers on both sides had to fight against Whilst on many occasions they had had excel- If they put their best energies into the land turned to the House of Commons not to violate with the power given out , and the solution was the weight of the machine as compared lent landowners to represent or misrepresent them and whilst these representatives had done then it was only fair that they should have any one of the interests and political views was not really reached until about three years their best , owing to lack of practical knowl . industry and capital . He thought in the past enough to think there would not be a contest . that went to make up the Farmers ' Union . He knew some of them edge they had failed to secure the interests of they had had insufficient . There had been no were optimistic ago . tenant farmers as they should have done . encouragement to get the best out of the land . He was not so silly ( laughter ) . He had been conditions must not put more pressure on the Whether they could attach entire blame to One of the factors had been that there was connected with public life for many years and land than that exerted by horses in doing the them it was not for him to say , but he was he did not know that it would be good for same work . pleased they were thinking with their brethren In a circular letter the Secretary of the National Farmers ' Union pointed out that the so Corn Production Bill had been amended that the bonus was to be on acreage instead of com- on the quantity of produce . This was a plete change and one to be opposed by every branch . There was also a letter asking the Execu- tive to appoint delegates to the Reconstruc- tion Committee . re The Secretary stated in reference to a reso- lution passed Bromyard straw for , thatching that he had written to the local Committee , the district parchasing officer , and also to the central Committee , urging that in the case of straw for thatching the maximum prices should not apply . The district officer replied that all corn and hay stocks should be thatched without delay and stated that the new Defence of the Realm Regulation gave them ample scope . The Hereford County Committee replied that no one could charge more than the maximum price of £ 2 10s , per ton for wheat straw , but were permitted to charge an extra amount for their trouble in drawing and pre- paring straw for any special purpose such as thatching . farmers The Central Committee stated that farmers ob could now sell wheat straw trussed and deliv- ered at £ 4 10s . , provided a license was tained . FRUIT PRICES . A letter was received from Mr. P. R. Bate- man who has been appointed Government buyer of fruit for preserving for the toops , in regard to fruit prices . Mr. Firkins pointed out that these prices were not maximum prices . The letter was laid on the table for the in- spection of any member interested , PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION . to thank his lamily for what he had done for He would not be afraid to trust him with everything connected with ag- riculture . He had noted for years what he had been doing . The gentleman he referred to was Mr. John Arkwright . He thought he would carry the votes of the whole district , rich and poor alike . The land was not going to be left as it had been . The nation would see that it was not neglected . It did not grow half what it should do and the nation would say You must alter this . " A WYESIDE REPLY . " NOT TOO HASTY . " when he Every- on FIXITY OF TENURE . What about the future ? He was hopeful and he saw no reason why agriculture should not be so handled as to make it profitable to those concerned . If they were going to have a really successful national system of agricul- fair and remunerative return a no fixity of tenure . more for their He was forced to the on was previous occasion . To whom should the extra . RENT BOARDS WANTED . conse- MR . LANGFORD ANSWERS CRITICISM . meeting had received the resolution . And Then they said " See to it that you get the right man " ( applause ) . That was exactly what he wanted them to do During the day three Overtime tractors travelled round the streets of the town and atracted a good deal of attention . Among those who visited Leominster in connection with the demonstration was Mr. It must be understood that machines to be successful on the land in all weather The Overtime Farm Tractor : drive a full - sized threshing machine , will haul two binders , two niowers , an 11 - tine cultivator , etc. , etc. , do every job on the land . or in the barn , the makers still do not recommend this machine for road haulage . While it could be satisfactorily used for this purpose in Canada and America , owing to the soft nature of the roads , in England the manufacturers explain that the roads present practically a metal to metal proposition . While the Overtime is . capable of hauling up any ordinary gradient a load of seven tons , the manufacturers clearly state that a month's work on the roads will take out of the life of the machine more than a year on the farm . ft . of the ma Mr. Lewis said that in this matter he was standing in a difficult position , standing as he up and down the country that at last , if not conclusion that if a farmer was to put his the Farmers ' Union to send a representative Company made a highly successful machine to Westminster without fighting for the privi- as far back as 12 years ago . This was suit- did as brother - in - law of Mr. Langford . felt this however . They had already searched in the British House of Commons . Acted things were essential , fixity of temure , a fair lege . He too late , they ought to be directly represented capital and best energies into the land two Personally he did not ask for a walk - able under good conditions for work in the divisions for a man and suggested men they were forced to the conclusion that those rent and some way of computing what reserved over . If they were prepared to stand by him America but was not deemed satisfactory for the English market by reason of its weight . He instanced he would stand by them and fight . whom they thought eligible and competent who and having failed to find one except in Mr. affecting agriculture did not know much about the case of were dealing with the great problems fertility was left in the soil . a farm where the tenant had when he said fight , he did not mean half what The present model was standardised some If there eight years ago and was first introduced into Langford he thought he was relieved of deli- what they were trying to legislate for . Many failed . The farm was sold at a low price , but he said , he meant fight ( applause ) . cacy and reservation in speaking of Mr. Lang- a regulation a fair one considering its bad state . A tenant was a contest , however hot it might be , they this country about 2 years ago . From actual was put into force only to be tests carried out by the Leeds Agriculturál ford ( Hear , hear ) . He was glad to hear a scrapped in a few days ' time . was found who put his capital into the farm would not hear him refer to politics at all . little criticism from Mr. Edwards . It was the most recent Order they must agree that of cultivation and fertility . The farm . To deal with for many years bringing it into a good state He would refer to those interests which were University it was proved conclusively that the well to not represented at all in the House of Com- actual pressure on the land with the Overtime express their opinions . His first Lord Rhondda's advisers in regard to the pur- suggestion was that they were too hasty , a chase of beef could not have had any advice then sold for one third more than tractor was not more than one - third of horses . the mons and he would be on safe ground in say- ing that a great industry like theirs should doing the same amount of work . It has been suggestion which he saw in the " Hereford from those with practical knowledge . Some of them conclusively proved that while a heavy weight Times . " He could not for the life of him see body who had anything to do with selling beef money go , to the landlord or the tenant ? He have a few representatives . machine will do good work on certain types of where the farmers had been too hasty ( Hear , must know that one of the cheapest months unhesitatingly said that the farm sold better probably saw in the leading article in last week's " Hereford Times " a warning note . land providing the weather is suitable , for hean ) . Their record all the way down - their of the whole year to sell beef was September , because of the increased fertility in damning fault had been that they had been when the great rush off the grass occurred . quence of the capital which had been invested He was not surprised to see it ( laughter ) . He general purpose work the machine must be of too slow . Death overtook him and his hoped they would read it . The editor said light weight and giving extra power . Having The suggestion that they were too Why on earth the Food Controller was seeking by the tenant . widow removed . The farm was sold and he they were in undue haste . Surely out of 660 attained this power in the Overtime , that is hasty from an intelligent farmer came to him to put the highest price in that month he questioned if his widow would get a penny of representatives in the House of Commons agri- to make a machine which on ordinary land as a surprise . They stood in the position they could not imagine unless it was to force culture had the right to demand that one or will plough with a four - furrow plough , will did in regard to the Government to - day be- to the market all that might be regarded as the money which belonged to her husband . sea He thought farmers should combine to two should represent them . If the farmers cause they had been too slow . They had been beef . But if Lord Rhondda had thought he that instances of that kind did not recur in had not the right to select a candidate with- too slow to put a man there to stand up for would have seen that it would be better to the future . The compensation which men did out reference to any class except those who their rights . What had they seen that week- have an average supply of beef each month and get was so inadequate as to be ridiculous . were co - interested in the land - the landowners a powerful party leader , a powerful ex - Minis- not run the risk of having none at all in the Sulphate of ammonia was £ 17 to £ 18 , whereas and labourers - did the " Hereford Times " ter , going exactly opposite to the farmers in - early part of next year . It must be obvious he had bought it at £ 9 , and feeding stuffs know better than the farmers , what they terests a man who represented a great com- that it was the worst lisservice to ask feed- had trebled , yet the same scale still applied . wanted . Did the " Hereford Times " speak mercial industry which had been netting ers to put beef on the market at 60s . per cwt . How was it ? It was the farmers ' fault . They for the agricultural interest of the county , or hundreds of thousands . Mr. Bonar Law ad- in January . Neither was it fair to the some other interests ? did not look to their interests . The prices of mitted honestly that out of a small investment butchers to ask them to buy half fed beef corn which were guaranteed for the ensuing 100 per cent , in dividends . with 50 per cent . offal at the highest price years were no guarantee at all . he received over JOINT COMMITTEES RECOMMENDATION . Mr. Runciman , the ex - Minister he referred to , with 65 per cent . of beef at the lowest price . not imagine corn falling below 459 . They could and when he said that he did not say he was Was it for Again was there any guarantee that when thes The Secretary read the following report of was a great shipping magnate . the right man . He felt his incompetence and the North and South Herefordshire Joint Par- this man to tell the farmers and twit them had . sacrificed their beef - for stores were al- inability anything like to represent their liamentary Representation and Selection Com- with studying their own interests . It was ready in the hands of the feeders who had Then there was the landlord to be thought great interest . If they who toiled with their represented ridiculous . They were too slow and the dan . mittee The Farmers ' Union as They did not suffer from arrogant and hands invested their capital in the land , and by the Executive of both North and South ger in selecting their man at the present time bought at from 75s . to 95s . per live cwt.- of . was their any guarantee that the consumer oppressive landlords as some counties did and spent their life in the industry , did not know Herefordshire having appointed special com- was that they would be too slow again . If was to have his beef any cheaper because the when all was said and done when they looked what they orght to have they ought to have mittees to deal with the question of Farmers ' they did not fix on their man and support him farmer was to be penalised . The result wou'd to the future they would have to be fair and their heads examined . They certainly need Parliamentary Representation for the county , they would have another man jumping in and be that feeding would be a loss , rearers would reasonable to the just demands of the land- not go to the " Hereford Times " or the at the suggestion of the North Herefordshire then it would be " too late " again . It was They would be faced with a great owners of this country . If in the future many caucus that was at the back of them for any branch these committees met jointly at Here- If they began at the most urgent pace they House of Lords a noble lord had a flash of hoped it would be , and if they gave better have to represent them . time they woke woke up to their interests . scarcity of animals in this country . In the more acres were . under the plough , as he information with regard to whom they should fond on July 11th and 18th , 1917. The busi- He knew he would ness of the Committee As to to obtain the would surely not be too hasty . the intelligence and warned the House that at the conditions to the labourers ' cottages would get the " Hereford Times " against him .. names of possible farmer candidates for the suitability of a man his record should assist termination of hostilities Europe would require have to be built and extra farm buildings They had always been against him . He would them . Mr. Langford had been successful in county , to ascertain which of these , if any , 16 to 20 million animals . It was desirable that would be required . It would become necessary say this in perfect fairness to them , that they were available ; and having made such selec- business and he did not know where they breeders in this country should be encouraged for the landlord to put his hand in his pocket were not against him personally , but he would would find a stronger and a better candidat . tion as may be deemed expedient , to recom- to breed as many as possible . He asserted and find the money for those essentials and say this , if the " Hereford Times " during the mend the same and report to the respective Then as to the support he could claim . that it was unfair to the farmers that they if he was to get no return he would do it campaign on which they were now entering this type there is absolutely no need for what Executives . should have been left free to buy in their ani- grudgingly . He thought therefore that what would do their interests as much good as they is termed " mud - larking . " To sum it up Your Committee considered ser- regarded the agricultural industry as whether landlords , tenants or labourers . eral names of gentlemen who through long believed , Mr. Langid would have the support the manufacturers were permitted to charge for there to be Wages Boards as between far- they could be certain of one thing , they would his ploughing when the land is exacer He mals and then when they had got them and ever system was adopted it would be necessary had done his in every instance in the . past the Overtime enables the farmer to do all standing ability were well qualified for such a of the landlords interest and also the support what they liked , to go down to a low and mers and workmen , and Rent Boards as be- have one representative in the House of Com- of the tenant farmers and he was quite cer- ridiculous price . There were many other tween landlords and tenants . There might be mons ( applause ) . 1st . Mr. J. M. Parry , a name that has been tain he would have the support of the labour - regulations to - day which proved the incompet- instances where it was reasonable for the land- ers ( Hear , hear ) . Mr. Langford's capabilities ence of those in authority to deal with agricul- lord to ask for an increase of rent and there RECONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE . associated with the project of farmers ' repre- sentation in North Herefordshire for many too justified them in making the selection . ture . He instanced the Cartridge Order . would be many instances where a tenant might Messrs . W. Jenkins , A. Matthews and T. No effort was spared to induce Mr. They must be unanimous and agree to pull to- After a tremendous lot of printed matter and ask for an abatement .. Godsall were appointed as representatives on He was firmly con- Parry to consent to allow his name to go for - gether . As to finances the money would eas- books were circulated they were told it was a vinced that if agriculture was to be what it the Reconstruction Committee of the Farmers " on August 8th . ward . For business reasons and circumstances ily be raised . Mr. Edwards suggested Mr. Ark- failure . There were many others . The calf ought to be in the interests of the nation , Union Meeting in London Mr. Arkwright was a man he hon- arising out of the war , his decision that this wright . contented people The Secretary explained that it was an impor- was impossible was reluctantly accepted by oured and admired , but he questioned if he industry was very irksome to the milk industry they would have to get a and then that was scrapped . These things farming the land . Everybody engaged in it , tant meeting . Among the questions were the was the man to represent tenant farmers . forced upon their minds the incompetence and landlord , tenant and labourer , would go to appointment of a whole time Secretary and a 2nd . Mr. J. A. Thompson's abilities and loy- They wanted a man who had a living knowl- incapacity of those who dealt with agricultural work on the land with the satisfaction of clerk and the establishment of a permanent knowing that they alty to the Farmers ' Union cause mark him edge of them and who knew where the shoe subjects . were being treated fairly office to enable the Union to keep in closer as an ideal farmers representative , but unfor- pinched . and justly so that the land would be made to touch with matters of importance to the in- Mr. Rees said e was , surprised , to hear the tunateiy , for reasons of health , he does not produce what it ought to in the interest of the dustry . The total cost would be £ 2,000 , entail- feel equal to the trying duties of Parliamentary Chairman mention another gentleman's name nation ( applause ) . ing an increase in the affiliation grants from 1s . to 2s . per member . 3rd - Mr . Thomas Preece , President of the that if they found a man suitable for the far - day were clamouring for food , begging the Chairman of the War Agricultural Committee mer he would be suitable for the working man . He was surprised to hear a landlord's and Executive , was naturally suggested representative public man amongst farmers , mentioned in the Farmers ' Union . Mr. Matthews pointed out that Mr. Lang- was service to the farmers ' cause and their out- position . years . the Committee . life . South Herefordshire Farmers ' Union and as a but the mention of his name was promptly met by the statement that he has no Parliamen- tary aspirations at present . be He on . It was rather dirty on the Committee which went to select the candidate . He understood name ford was a landlord also as he owned a good deal of property . He would understand the landlords side as well as those of the tenant and the labohrer . 4th . Mr. D. W. Langford's name came fore the Committee as that of a young man Mr. Williams said he thought it was time whose remarkable career had been wonderfully successful , both in business and in public life . they had a candidate . Branches . deal . rear less . THE PRESENT POSITION . SOME QUESTIONS . BETTER CULTIVATION WANTED . With regard to tlfe present , the public to- farmers to grow more . Instructions Mr. Butters asked if Mr. Langford thought down from the Board of Agriculture to the the game should go with the land . War Agricultural Committee to do everything came Mr. Langford said it should . If the tenant in their power to induce farmers to produce did not care to shoot and had a generous and more food . The Agricultural Committee had good landlord he would only be too happy for proper men upon it , such as Alderman his landlord to have the game at a some able The tenant too would see that the Russell , Alderman Preece , Mr. Parry , Mr. C. price . Andrews . These men were bringing to bear game was preserved . all the intelligence and experience they had . Mr. Smith asked if Mr. Langford believed WHERE THE TRACTOR SCORES . Mr. Storer emphasised very strongly the point that the advantage of mechanical culti vation is not merely that , it got the work done but that it got it done at the right time : Any machine like the Overtime that can plough 12 acres in one day providing the " weather is right is a valuable asset . It is asserted that there is a clearly defined season for ploughing which is just as clearly defined in fact as the season for harvesting . With a machine of the right condition for the work . A farmer will agree that when land is ploughed under the best conditions it is worth at least £ 5 an acre to him in the resulting crop . There is yet another reason why every fariner should have a machine capable of practically un- limited work . The majority of the land in this county is better for turning over twice or even three times , but owing to the shortage of labour , lack of skilled ploughmen , and the extra cost of horses , farmers find it impossible in preparing the seed bed to carry out more than one operation . Here ,. again , the tractor comes in . With its 12 acres per day under good conditions it leaves the farmer free to carry out his cultivation not in the way . he has been compelled to in the past by lack of labour and horses but to carry it out in the way he has always wanted to .. In this case HORSE BOY TO BANKER . ADVANTAGE OF OWNERSHIP . Paris , Tuesday . - The amazing history of As ploughing is at the moment foremost in the farmer's mind it is as well to enrphasise . Marguilies , just interned as an enemy subject , has now come out . Marguilies had been . very the fact that the cost per acre is far below the much at large until the other day , when M. cost of horses and ploughmen in the old style . Clemenceau exposed him in the Senate , with This applies more particularly to where , the the result that the Home Secretary had had farmer owns his own tractor . them about , and wasting time in travelling the tractor on the roads as the Government The cost of super- agents are bound to do . vision is also saved by the private owner as lie would undertake this in the ordinary course of business . At the same time they had to work within in the cheaper transfer of land . Mr. Langford said he believed it was pos- him escorted with his wife to a concentration he saves the cost of billeting men , moving narrow limits . One day they were shocked by a letter demanding that 55,000 acres of grass sible to register land and so sell it like they camp . would a horse or a cow . with those fertility every farmer could and would pro- duce from the acres already under cultivation Possibly it was too He began life as a stable - boy in a banker's the war . con- very A member of the Herefordshire County Coun- Mr. Smith ( Leominster ) said he thought that cil , the Hereford City Council , and Chairman in Mr. Langford they would have a second should be broken up in this country and of the Hereford Markets Committee . He had Lloyd George . He started with very little and stating in effect . that unless 3 million acres of expensive . There was one thing that should house , then rose to be his master's partner . proved himself an expert fighter in electioneer- he believed he was going to end with a great land were broken up in this country the war be remedied . If a farm was sold it belonged He left him and joined the firm of the notor ing contests , having an " unbeaten " record in to the purchaser on the fall of the ham - ious Rosenberg , the Austrian Jewish banker , mer Mr. Firkins said the Chairman had mentioned would probably be lost . They stated that the and if it was this respect . A member of the Farmers ' reserves of fertility lay in the best pastures burnt down before who was known as a brazen and successful the Paris Bourse just before The conditions in the shipping industry are Union , a large ratepayer and the occupier of that the times were altered . He agreed and insure it he could claim noth- speculator on in this country . Many of them thought that he could that was the very reason a matter of common knowledge and we feel he proposed Mr. their energies could be best used in the direc - ing . He thought the insurance should a . considerable amount of land in the county . Marguilies , when war broke out , was at What they wanted was a man of tion of seeking to induce farmers to do better tinue until the purchase was complete and so sure that despite the enterprise of the Over- Your Committee unanimously recommend that Langford . own account . time Farm Tractor Co. there will be a short- Mr. E. W. Langford be adopted by the Execu- the future , not of the past . They wanted a man acres already under the plough . give the purchaser time to take the matter up . Petrograd speculating on his tive as the prospective Farmers ' Union Candi - o their own flesh and blood so to speak and He firmly believed this . Since the war he has incessantly travelled in age of machines this autumn . The demand Given security of AGRICULTURE AND PROTECTION . next who knew what he was talking about . He was Belgium , Holland , Austria , Germany , Switzer- is tremendous and date for North Herefordshire at the tenure and proper compensation for reserved shipping space election ; subject to the general approval of the convinced that if Mr. Langford was returned , A SATISFACTORY REPLY . land , and France . He finally settled in France , limited . Therefore we can do no better than North , Herefordshire Branches and confirmation as he was confident he would be , he would be Mr. Hyslop asked If we have not Free with residences in Paris , Evian , and Nice . urge farmers who are considering the matter by a General Meeting of Delegates of all the a practical man who was 12 months in front almost double what was produced at the Trade all round would Mr. Langford agree The man is known to possess two passports , to place their order with Messrs James Fryer , of the average farmer in the country . They who have already placed 45 machines in the present time ( Hear , hear ) . The Committee that agriculture should come under the shel- and probably more . He is worth some £ 3,000,000 , and has lived county , a fact which speaks well for the enter Your Committee also recommend that the did not want a representative , they had had pointed out that this was the direction in which tering wings of protection ? them . They wanted a man who could tal farmers of South Herefordshire be asked to now most of you in great style , chiefly at Nice . His style was prise of a section of Herefordshire farmers . their efforts might best be used and asked the Mr. Langford : Up to support such action as may be taken by the in a practical manner and be always ready to Board to see that there was an adequate know I have been a Liberal and up to now I that of the typical parvenu . He ostentatiously Messrs . Fryer inform us that they are pre- North Herefordshire Union , both by giving meet any point connected with agriculture . no reason to alter those views . Up threw his money about , kept open house , pared to accept a limited number of orders financial and general support . Mr. Matthews said he was very disappointed supply of artificial manures , and not to take have seen to now I am a Free Trader and up to now i and had a host of parasites and hangers - on , only and the moment the present stock which Finance . - Members of the Committee have to see any opposition . He did not think Mr. any more men from the ' and , pointing out that reason to alter those views . to whom he lost small fortunes at bridge they have arranged for with the manufac land was actually going out of cultivation , have seen no already promised considerable personal con- Edwards would get a seconder if he made a while much was indifferently cultivated . When But if there are to be certain industries pro- every night .. turers is exhausted it is a matter of doubt tributions towards raising . the necessary Elec- proposition . war broke out the farm labourer and the far - tected it will become absolutely essential that whether they will be able to deliver any more machines until late in the autumn . " mer were as patriotic as any other class in agriculture shall become one of the first ( ap- the community . In the city of Hereford plause ) . If you ask me if I shall vote for into Switzerland . streams of men skilled in every branch of ag- Protection I unhesitatingly say " No , " but if riculture could be seen going into the Recruit- there is to be Tariff Reform he was quite cer- Mr. Langford was then invited into the ing Office , men on the border of military age tain of this , that agriculture ought to be pro- room and was received with hearty rounds of with wives and families . Their enthusiasm tected and I would do my utmost that what applause . Being informed of the report fand patriotism was such that they were allowed benefits there were should be applied to their the Selection Committee he was asked if he to leave the land , which had suffered in conse- great industry . It would be absolutely unjust would like to address the meeting . quence . After the first wave of patriotism was for the farmer to have to buy protected goods Mr. Langford said it was rather a unique over they got compulsion and it was repeatedly while they themselves were unprotected . occasion and it was difficult to know how to pointed out that there was a great danger in Mr. Hyslop That clears the air a great express himself . He had the opportunity of taking more men from the land . But there appearing before the Joint Selection Committee seemed to be no cohesion between the Board The Chairman said they were much obliged and Frank Middleton , or Milton , were on Tues- cargo of silver bullion and merchandise from at Hereford on Wednesday and on that occa- of Agriculture and the military and time after to Mr. Langford for his address . He hoped day at Marlborough - street committed for trial , Calcutta to London . The ship's , value was sion they were good enough to say that they time promises were made by the Board of Ag- the press would publish everything he had Metcalf being released in two sureties of nearly £ 200,000 , and that of the cargo nearly £ 450,000 . H.MS. £ 3,000 each . able to attend the meetings . He quite agreed would unanimously recommend to the Execu- riculture only to be scrapped and sneers were said . Sprite and Alert . Middleton , who said he was known on the awarded £ 3,000 each , and H.M.S. Exe . Offa 11 .. Mr. Cave , as President , proposed the adop- that agriculture should be better represented . tive that he be appointed their prospective thrown in their face by the military , and they At the same time he thought they were a Parliamentary candidate . He was sensible of had taken men who ought to have been kept tion of the Selection Committee's report . stage by the name of Milton , admitted ten Sheldon and Cedar and other Admiralty craft little too hasty . In his opinion the land- the distinction which that joint gathering con on the land . They had now touched the bot- Referring to the meetings of the Committee at previous charges of larceny , but said Metcalf received £ 6,280 . owners and labourers would want to be con- ferred upon him by even asking him to con- tom , but it was too late . The power had now Hereford he said they knew there were a had no reason for thinking he was not a sulted and would have to have a voice in the sider the question of representing so great an been taken out of the lands of the War number of South Herefordshire men there . He person of good character . Metcalf denied all Printed and Published for the Proprietor . by matter . He thought a conference of all tiree industry as that of agriculture . A. T. SOUTHALL , at his Offices , 27 , Drapers . He thought Office and was vested in the Board of Agricul- found them very enthusiastic upon this subject . knowledge of the Carlton Hotel robbery and others mentioned in the charge . tion Fund , and also for maintenance purposes ; and we further recommend that a strong Com- mittee be appointed to deal with the whole question of Finance . Signed on behalf of the Joint Committee.- E. T. Cave , President of the North Hereford- shire Farmers ' Union ; T. Percy Preece , Chair- man of the South Herefordshire Farmers ' Union , and Chairman of the Joint Committee . The Secretary said that Mr. Langford was there and was prepared to address the meet- ing and to answer any questions . CHAIRMAN'S OBSERVATIONS . The Chairman said he was sorry he was no ADDRESS BY MR . LANGFORD . FARMERS ' UNION PROGRAMME OUTLINED . deal . He kept four motor - cars , in which he was constantly travelling through . France , and He is suspected of espion- age . The most extraordinary thing about this remarkable man is that he was interned as an enemy subject only last week . " BULLION SHIP MINED . Mr. Justice Hill in the Admiralty Court o Tuesday awarded £ 12,280 to a group of hi £ 6,000 SURETIES IN HOTEL THEFT . Majesty's ships and the tug Alert for salvage services rendered the P , and O. liner Poona In connection with the theft of £ 7,500 worth off Beachy Head in December last , after the of jewellery from a show - case at the Carlton liner had been mined , and was said to be sink Hotel , the two men , Theophilus J. Metcalf ing . The Poona was said to be carrying a Lane , Leominster . were T VOL . X. NO SALES BY AUC By Messrs . EDWARDS , R BALDWIN . LEOMINSTER HORSE RE NEXT SA HEAVY and LIGHT HO Leominster , on Friday , September Entry Forms on application . Vendors are advised to make to their County Agricultural Es mittee for Permission to Sell Auctioneers ' Offices : Leomins and Tenbury . LEOMINSTER STOCK M TUESDAY , AUGUST 14th AT Cattle and Sheep , 10.30 11.30 ; Store Cattle and Pigs FAT Entries kindly solicited . EDWARDS , RUSSELL & Leominster , Hereford and Tenb DWARDS , WORCESTERSHIRE RUSSELL and Baldwin ) will offer for Sale by the Royal Oak Hotel , Tenbury , TUESDAY , SEPTEMBER 40 Efavoured with instructions f at 3 for 3.30 o'clock in the afterno valuable FREEHOLD PROPERTY " THE UPPER HOUSE , STOK situate 6 miles from Tenbury Bromyard . The Property comprises Brick - bu House , with excellent Range of Of Pasture , Orchard and Arable Land a productive young Damson Orcha with a good Cottage and Garden , containing 91 Acres ( or thereabou Further particulars of Messrs . N MILES , Solicitors , Tenbury ; or of th EERS , Tenbury , Leominster and He By Mr. R. H. CEORCE R. H. GEOR Auctioneer , Valuer , Land and Surveyor , PROPERTY and TIMBER SPE MORTGAGE BROKER , VALUER TRATOR under the Agricultural Act , 1908. REPORTS , RECORDS VEYS carefully and personally at HOTEL and PUBLIC HOUSE V VALUATIONS for ESTATE DUT GAGE , ASSESSMENT APPEALS , PERIODICAL SALES of PROPE Prompt settlements in all cases . ESTABLISHMENT 1880 . Offices : - Croftmead , Kingsland , Herefor Corn Leominster Office By Messrs . E. HAMMOND & E. Hammond & Auctioneers , Valuers , House , and Insurance Agents , Conduct all classes of SALES BY A VALUATIONS FOR PROBATE , Etc. and BOOK DEBTS COLLECTED . Attention , Prompt Settlements . ESTABLISHED 1881 . Offces : -Highbury House , Leom By Messrs . JACKSON & MCCAR CRAVEN ARMS & HERE HORSE SALES . 400 HORSE HEREFORD : - SATURDAY , AUGUST 18th , 19 Entries for Catalogue close first po ust 13th , 1917 . CRAVEN ARMS : - SATURDAY , SEPTEMBER 1st , 1 N.B. - All Farmers entering Horse obtain a Permit to Sell from their Agricultural Executive Committee . JACKSON & MCCARTNEY Craven Arms & Hereford . Auct KINGTON , HEREFORDSHIRE ANNUAL SALE OF Radnor Forest and Shr Down EWES , WET LAMBS and RAMS ; also FAT and STORE CATT 4,000 200 FRIDAY , SEPTEMBER 7th , 191 9 in Prizes will be offered for Sh Entries for Catalogue close first p Thursday , August 30th , 1917 . JACKSON & MCCARTN Craven Arms & Hereford . Auctio KINGTON STOCK SALI THURSDAY NEXT , AUGUST 16th , by Auction MESSRS , JACKSON & MCCARTNE 150 FAT and STORE CATTLE 1,000 LAMES . FAT and STORE SHEE Sale at 12 o'clock . Catalogues upon application . Offices : Craven Arms and Hereford . MARKETS . CATTLE . Hereford , Wednesday . - Prices at the ford stock market showed a slight genera There was an all - round decline in the nu of stock , but no doubt this was accounte by the drenching rain all the morning . trade was not so brisk , although best q fat cattle fully maintained late rates . beef was not so keenly sought after , backward tendency prevailed . The sheep on the whole , was firmer , and wether m was a trifle dearer , but lambs were deci cheaper , the supply being larger than th mand . Fat calves changed hands at No quotable change in pigs . prices |