25th Apr 1919. Demobalisation Notes: Only 700,000 more

DEMOBILISATION NOTES
ONLY 700,000 MORE.

The total number of men still waiting to be demobilised from the Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force on April 10th was 727,200, composed as follows:
Officers.   Other Ranks     Total.
Navy        10,500       5,000               15,300
Army        45,300       669,200          705,500
R.A.F.      11,000        5,200              16,200
66,800       670,400           737,200

It is noticeable that the rate of demobilisation of officers has been very much slower than that of other ranks. Indeed, both in the Navy and in the Air Force 97 per rent, of other ranks have already been released, while the percentages of officers are 42 and just under 47 respectively. The disparity is not so great in the Army, where the percentages are roughly : Officers, 59 ; other ranks, 75.

It may also be added that nearly 74,000 soldiers and airmen passing through dispersal camps have signed on for the Army after the war, so that they have been deducted from the statements of numbers demobilised, as supplied by the War Office and Air Ministry.

TRADES TO WHICH MEN ARE RETURNING.
I wrote some weeks ago under the above heading, at which time demobilisation figures were available down to the end of February. Now I have before me those down to April 3rd, when 2,399,483 men of all ranks had been demobilised from the Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force. The dispersal certificates of 2,100,275 of these have been analysed, and it appears that the following six industrial groups have received the biggest influxes of labour from the Forces combined : Engineering and Metal Trades, 267,225 ; Commercial and Clerical, 264,324 ; Coal and Shale Mining, 249,285 ; Agriculture, 194,348 ; Brick and Building Trades, 187,477 ; Railways and Transport, 189,731. It is noteworthy that the class Seamen and Fishermen, though it comes low down on the combined list, stands highest of all on the list for the Navy alone—29,060 such men having come out of the Navy, as compared with 20,681 from the Army and Air Force.

CHECKS ON DONATION CLAIMS.
On what grounds are applications for out of work donation most commonly refused? It may surprise the assiduous critics of the scheme, which, by the way, comes to an end on November 25th next, as the Minister of Labour said last week, to hear that “ refusal to accept suitable employment ” is by far the most important count. A very recent summary of five weeks’ sittings of the Court of Referees shows that in nearly 52 per cent, of the cases analysed this was the reason for the stopping of the donation. In over 23 per cent. of the cases the recipient lost the donation because of leaving voluntarily the work found for him or her.

Altogether the Courts of Referees, from the time of their institution to the end of March, have heard over 82,000 cases. Out of the 67,351 of these which have been analysed, it appears that 70 per cent. of the claims have been disallowed—68 per cent. of the men’s claims, 77 of the women’s, 80 of the girls’, and no less than 89 of the boys’.

Lastly, 134 cases of suspected fraud in connection with claims have been referred to the official solicitor, with a view to prosecution ; and, as the reports in the Press have shown, some salutary sentences have been inflicted.

THE THIRTY-FIRST INDUSTRIAL COUNCIL.
By the middle of April the number of Joint Industrial Councils set up under the Whitley Report was brought up to thirty-one, and already 1,800,800 workpeople are covered by these bodies. Mr. Wardle has told the House of Commons that in the near future the total of the workpeople covered will be no less than two millions and a-half ! Engineering, shipbuilding, mining, and railways still stand out against the scheme ; but the great majority of the other well-organised industries are or will soon be in. In the less organised industries the time is not yet ripe for the erection of councils, which can play so important a part in resettlement. In fact, organisation of an industry is a necessary preliminary to setting up a Whitley Council.

OVERSEAS SETTLERS.
There have been many inquiries of late about the prospects of assistance which can be held out to ex-Service men who desire to proceed overseas in order to settle down. It may be useful, therefore, to draw attention to a statement made in the House of Commons recently by the Under Secretary for the Colonies. The Government have had the matter under consideration with the representatives of the Dominions, and the result is a clear-cut, well defined policy. In a word, ex-Service men who are accepted as approved settlers under any settlement scheme of the Overseas Government, or can show that they have assured employment awaiting them, and are otherwise acceptable to the authorities of the Dominion to which they wish to proceed, will be given free passages for themselves and their dependents to the nearest convenient port to their destination overseas.

The same privilege is to be granted to such women as have served in one of the recognised women’s service corps (including the Land Army), and who desire to proceed to an outlying part of the Empire. One must not forget, however, that in view of the prior claims of their own ex-service men for resettlement, the Dominion Government are not likely to be in a position to welcome any British ex-service settlers before the end of the present year, even if shipping should be available for the purpose before that date. A Colonial Office Committee is dealing with the matter in consultation with the overseas representatives.

EDUCATED MEN IN THE ARMY.
The Government is making every effort to solve the problem of the demobilised educated man. The Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour has been set up to act as “ slip ” down which it is hoped to re-launch the educated roan into happy prosperity. Any educated man who wants employment is interviewed by the department, and particulars of his qualifications and ambitions are elicited. From these particulars lists are drawn up, some of men immediately available and qualified for positions, others of men requiring further training to fit them to compete on promising terms. It is hoped most earnestly that employers of men of higher education will do their share. They can help enormously. These lists are circulated to the Branch Directorates through which the department works. They are situated all over the country, and employers are asked to help them by notifying them of any vacancy they may have on their staffs, and by consulting their lists, which contain many men of the highest aptitude and experience in every branch of business and industry.

A CHANGE OF NAMES.
The Minister of Labour has decided that in future the Divisional Councils and the Local Advisory Committees, which form so important a part of the Employment Exchange system, shall be known as “ Employment Councils ” and “ Employment Committees ” respectively with name of area with which they deal—e.g., “ Yorkshire and East Midlands Employment Council,” “ Brighton and Hove Employment Committee.” The change, which had been in contemplation for some months past, is in every way appropriate, and is not one in name only, for the old term was never altogether a happy one, and gave no adequate description of the work done by these important bodies. The new name shows clearly the functions of these bodies, which are directly concerned with employment and employment exchanges, and indicates their territorial character and their relation to the Ministry of Labour.

DEMOBICUS.

WARWICKSHIRE VOLUNTEER CORPS.
SPECIAL CORPS ORDERS
By Col. D F. LEWIS, C.B., County Commandant, Warwickshire Volunteer Corps.
Birmingham, 24th April, 1919.

DEATH.—The County Commandant deeply regrets to announce the sudden death, at Rugby, on 21st April, 1919, of Lieut.-Colonel F. F. Johnstone (late Bedfordshire Regiment), commanding 2nd Volunteer Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
Colonel Johnstone has been a leader of the Volunteer Movement in Warwickshire since its inception in 1914.
He raised the 2nd Battalion, which he has commanded from start to finish. He also for a prolonged period concurrently commanded the 3rd Battalion
Lieut.-Colonel Johnstone’s influence has been of incalculable good. A gentleman in the highest sense, he brought a personal appeal to all ranks which was invaluable. A finished soldier and firm disciplinarian, he was of infinite value in raising, training, and maintaining a Volunteer Battalion. His death is a great loss to the Corps and above all to the County Commandant and Staff.
(Signed) D. F. LEWIS, Colonel,
County Commandant
Warwickshire Volunteer Corps.

NOTICE. The funeral of Lieut.-Colonel Johnstone will take place at Leamington Cemetery, on Monday, April 28th, at 1.15 p.m.

DEATH OF COL. F. F JOHNSTONE.
A KEEN BUT POPULAR RECRUITING OFFICER.

We regret this week to record the death of Lieut.-Col. F. F. Johnstone, which took place very suddenly at his residence, Hursley, Clifton Road, Rugby, on Tuesday, at the age of 69 years. Despite his age he was a remarkably active man, and enjoyed very good health, and on Monday he cycled to Overslade to take tea with his friend, Capt. M. E. T. Wratislaw.

Lieut.-Col. Johnstone joined the Bedfordshire Regt. as far back as 1868, and served with both the 1st and 2nd battalions, part of his service being in India. After leaving his regiment, he was employed at Sparkbrook factory, Birmingham, as superintendent. He retired from the service in 1899, and subsequently settled down at Leamington, where two of his sisters, Miss Johnstone and Mrs. Riley, reside.

On the outbreak of war he immediately placed his services at the disposal of the Government, and in 1915, when Col. H. H. Mulliner relinquished his post as recruiting officer for this area. Lieut.-Col. Johnstone was appointed his successor, and he continued in office till December, 1918. He was in charge of the recruiting arrangements at the invitation of the Derby Group Scheme, and the passing of the Military Service Acts, and it was largely owing to his energy, allied to a never failing tact, that the recruiting arrangements at Rugby passed off so smoothly. He was very popular with the members of the Advisory Committee, and the genial and obliging manner in which he dealt with applicants for exemption won him golden opinions on all hands. When recruiting passed under civilian control, Col. Johnstone was one of the few Army officers retained by the National Service Department.

When the Volunteer movement was initiated, he was living at Leamington where he took a very keen interest in the local detachment, and helped considerably in forwarding their training, as a result of which they approached a high state of efficiency. On his appointment to Rugby he transferred his active interest to the Rugby Corps. When the Volunteers gained official recognition, he was appointed Commandant of the 2nd Battalion of the Warwickshire Volunteer Regt., which comprised all the units of the county outside Birmingham, duties which he continued to perform with conspicuous success to the end.

He held a very high opinion of the B Company (Rugby), and frequently referred to it as the smartest Company in his Battalion.

It was a great disappointment to him that he was unable through rheumatism to be in command of the Battalion at the Brigade camp on Salisbury Plain last August.

He was very popular with all ranks, who appreciated his keenness on discipline.

The funeral will take place at the Cemetery, Leamington, at 1.15 on Monday. The service will be conducted by the Rector of Rugby, Canon C. M. Blagden, and it is expected that a detachment from the Rugby Volunteer Company will attend.

GEORGE BERNARD GREEN, son of Mr. Frederick and the late Mrs. Green, of 4 Gladstone Street, New Bilton, was reported wounded and missing on November 30, 1917, while in action near the village of Foka, Palestine. He is now believed to have died on that date. This is the second son Mr. Green has lost in the war.

LILBOURNE AERODROME CLOSED

On Monday most of the officers, men, and aeroplanes left Lilbourne aerodrome for Feltwell, a village in Norfolk, about fourteen or fifteen miles from Ely and Cambridge. A few officers and men have remained behind to clear up.

The aerodrome, which was opened in the summer of 1916, has been used as flying school in connection with the Midlands Headquarters of the R A F, and many of the young pilots who received their early training there subsequently achieved considerable renown at the front.

WAR MEMORIALS IN THE CHURCHES.
[At the annual Vestry meetings of the Parish Church and Holy Trinity Church, held at the Church House last (Thursday) evening]

. . . .WAR MEMORIALS.
Mr. Linnell brought forward the question of war memorials. He thought there should be some memorial in the church, if only a tablet. The Rector said this matter had not been lost sight of. He had, however, refrained from bringing it forward till the Town Scheme was thoroughly launched. There should be memorials in all the churches in the parishes. The only thing to do that evening was to appoint a committee. This was agreed to, and the following were appointed :—The Rector, Messrs. W. H. Linnell, G. E. Over, George, W. T. Coles Hodges, Harris, and J. C. Harrison.

IN MEMORIAM.

CLEAVER.—In loving memory of our dear son, Pte. W. T. CLEAVER, eldest son of Mr. & Mrs. Cleaver, 17 East Street, who died in France on April 25, 1917.—“ God takes our loved ones from our homes, but never from our hearts.”

CORNISH.—In loving memory of EDWARD LOUIS CORNISH, 11th Royal Warwickshire, of Priors Marston. Killed in action April 23, 1917.

GREEN.—In loving memory of my dear husband, WALTER GREEN, killed in action in France, April 25, 1917.
“ Lost to sight, but to memory ever dear.”
—From his loving wife and child.

GREEN.—In loving memory of GEORGE BERNARD, the dearly beloved son of Mr. and the late Mrs. Green, 4 Gladstone Street, New Bilton.
—Sadly mourned by his Father, Brother, and sister.

GREEN.—In ever loving memory of our dear son and brother, WALTER EDMUND GREEN, youngest son of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Green, of Broadwell, who fell in action April 25, 1917.—Never forgotten.
—From his loving Father & Mother, Brothers & Sisters.

GREEN.—In loving memory of Pte J. H. GREEN, dearly beloved husband of Mrs. Green, 3 Sandown Road.—From his loving Wife and Children.

GRIFFITH.—In loving memory of Rifleman HERBERT GRIFFITH, who was killed in action on April 27, 1915.
“ This day brings back a memory
Of a loved one laid to rest,
And those who think of him to-day
Are those who loved him best.”
—From his loving Mother, Father, and Sisters (Kilsby).

GRIFFIN.—In loving memory of Rifleman WALTER GRIFFIN, beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. Griffin, Welford, killed in action April 24, 1918.
“ One of the dearest, one of the best.
We never thought when he left home
He would never more return ;
That he in death so soon would sleep,
And leave us here to mourn.”
—From his loving Dad and Mother and Sister.

JONES.—In loving memory of our dear father, Pte. F. J. JONES, King’s Royal Rifles, who was killed in action on April 25, 1918.—“ Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away.”—Ivy, Leslie, and Muriel.

JONES.—In loving memory of Second-Lieut. EVAN HARRIES JONES, M.C., R.F.A., second son of Mr. & Mrs. J. Jones, of Cosford, killed in action in France on April 25, 1918, aged 22 years.

OWEN.—In loving memory of Pte. G. E. (TAS), Royal Warwicks, reported missing, presumed killed, April 25, 1915.
“ Fresh in our hearts his memory clings,
Yet still our grief is sore ;
Not dead to those who loved him,
Not lost, but gone before.”
—Ever in the thoughts of Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters.

PYWELL.—In loving memory of Sergt. F. W. PYWELL, killed in action at Gouzecourt Wood, Easter Monday, 1917.
That we might live they died.
Hail and farewell.
Their courage tried by every mean device of treacherous hate,
Like kings they died.”
—Ever mourned by Fathers, Sisters, Wife & Son.

WELCH.—In loving memory of L.-Corpl. E. E. WELCH, killed in action April 29, 1917.
—Not forgotten by his loving Wife and daughters.

WELCH.—In loving memory of our brother-in-law, Lance-Corpl. E. WELCH, killed in France on April 28, 1917.—Ever remembered by Erne, Fred, and Ethel Lenton, 64 Wood Street.

WELCH.—In loving memory of our dear brother ERNEST E. WELCH, who was killed in action in France on April 28, 1917.—Not forgotten by Thos. & E. Lenton.

YOUNG.—In ever loving memory of our dear and only son BILLY, Pte. WILLIAM COTTERILL YOUNG, who was killed in action in Salonika on April 24, 1917, in his 25th year.
“ Father, in Thy gracious keeping
Leave we now our loved one sleeping.
Till the day dawns and the shadows flee away.”
—Dearly loved and sadly missed from his Father, Mother, and Sisters, Pinfold St., New Bilton.

18th Apr 1919. When Peace Comes, How Rugby will Celebrate the Final Settlement.

WHEN PEACE COMES.
HOW RUGBY WILL CELEBRATE THE FINAL SETTLEMENT.
SERVICES OF THANKSGIVING.
FUN, FROLIC, AND FIREWORKS.
FULL PROGRAMME FOR TWO DAYS’ REJOICINGS.
[NOTE: Peace was  finally declared on 28th June 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.]

In order that Rugby shall be prepared to celebrate Peace in a fitting manner, the Urban District Council has appointed a Committee to make the necessary arrangements. It is anticipated that when the Peace is actually signed, a public holiday will be declared at a date some weeks later, and arrangements are being made on the basis that there will be at least a two days’ public holiday. The Chairman of this Committee will be the Chairman of the Urban District Council, and the following sub-committees have been appointed to carry out the various portions of the work : Finance, Printing, Music and Bands, Church Services, Procession, Decorations and Illuminations, Fireworks, Dinners, Children’s Day, and Entertainments.

A meeting of the main Committee was held at the Benn Buildings on Friday to receive reports from the various Sub-committees, and the following provisional programme was drawn up, but is subject to modification to suit any change of conditions or any further suggestions which may be made :—

THE FIRST DAY.

At 6 a.m. a “ Feu de joie ” will be fired at the Parish Church by some military body, followed at 6.15 by the ringing of all Church Bells.

At 9 a.m. the various bands will play at certain specified places in the town and will march to Market Place for the unfurling of a flag and playing of the National Anthem.

At 10 a.m. Services of Thanksgiving will be held in all the places of worship, which will not exceed one hour in duration.

After these services, the massed bands will play selections in some central place, and the massed choirs of the town will sing selected pieces.

In the afternoon a procession will take place, in which all the organisations, firms, tradesmen, and others will be invited to take part, and prizes will be offered, as follows :—

1. Representative displays (by not less than 10 men) open to soldiers, sailors, and airmen only—1st prize £3, second £2, and third £1.
2. Tableaux, or decorated cars—£3, 30s., & 15s.
3. Tradesmen’s turnouts, £3, 30s., and 15s.
4. Ladies in character or fancy dress—£1, 15s., & 10s.
5. Gents in character or fancy dress—£1, 15s., & 10s.
6. Decorated cycles—30s., £1, & 15s.
7. Best representative display of any organisation, on foot—£3, £2, & £1.
8. Sets of characters (of not less than 10 persons)—£3, £2, & £1.
9. Most effective display on horses—£2, £1, & 10s.
10. Children, ages to 14, mounted on ponies—£1, 15s., 10s., 5s.
11. Historic actions on horse or foot (not less than 3 persons)—£2, 30s, & £1.

The procession will assemble in the Recreation Ground at 1 p.m.; the Judging will take place promptly at 1.15. The procession will move off at 2 p.m., returning to the Recreation Ground by 4 p.m.

Entertainments will be provided in the Recreation Ground at various stages during the afternoon.

In the evening, commencing about 6.30, a band will play for dancing, and there will be a fancy dress carnival for which prizes for the best costume will be offered, as follows :—

Ladies—£3 £2, & £1.

Gentlemen—£3, £2. & £1.

In a ring provided in some other portion of the ground there will be a comic display during the evening. At about 9.30 there will be a grand display of fireworks.

SECOND DAY : THE CHILDREN AND OLD PEOPLE.

The programme for the second day will be mainly devoted to the children, but there will be a dinner for old people, and in the evening a torchlight procession, starting from the Recreation Ground. The children’s programme will be as follows :—

At 10 a.m. services will be held in the various places of worship, to which all the children are invited, and where so desired and possible, they will be marched to the churches from their schools.

At 3 p.m. tea will be provided in the various schools, and it is hoped also to present each child with a fitting souvenir of the occasion.

At 4 p.m. processions will be formed from the schools to the Recreation Ground, arriving not later than 4.20, when there will be a march past, the boys saluting the flag, and when all the children will form up in a hollow square and sing “ Land of Hope and Glory ” and the “ National Anthem.”

From 5 to 7 p.m. entertainments will be provided in the Recreation Ground for the older children, while the infants will be specially catered for in a separate field. During the afternoon fire balloons will be sent up from the Recreation Ground.

For these two days the householders will be invited to decorate the town, and various public decorations and illuminations will be arranged.

The Committee are anxious to make this occasion a memorable one in the annals of the town, and one which will remain in the memories of all the rising generation. With this end in view, they are prepared to receive any suggestions from the public, which should be sent to the Hon Organising Secretary, Mr. C. Courtenay Wharton, Bilton, Rugby.

WITHYBROOK.
PEACE ROCKETS.—The newly elected Parish Council held its first meeting in the schoolroom on Monday, at which there were present Mrs. M. Dawkins and Messrs F. Dawkins, W. Lucas, and A. W. Dexter. The Rev. W. Humbley was elected Chairman, Mr. A. W. Dexter Clerk, and Mr F. Dawkins School Manager to the Council for the ensuing three years. In view of increasing expenses, it was decided to raise the sheep-washing charges to 1s. per score. The Clerk was instructed to write to the Foleshill Rural District Council for particulars of administering the Rats Order, 1918. It was decided to make application for an allowance of Dover flares, rockets, etc., which have been placed by the Government at the disposal of the Peace Night Bonfire Committee.

HARBOROUGH MAGNA.
M.M. PRESENTATION.—The presentation of the Military Medal awarded to Corpl. J. W. Hickman, of this village, late of the South Staffordshire Regt., will take place on Thursday, April 24th, at 7.45 p.m. at the village school. The presentation will be made by the Earl of Denbigh, who has also consented to give an address.

DEMOBILISATION NOTES
FOUR-FIFTHS OF THE ARMY RELEASED.
A little over a week ago from the date when this appears in print, the total number of officers and other ranks still waiting to be demobilised from the demobilisable strength of our Army was 47,000 and 550,000 respectively. Of these 600,000 one-third were in the Expeditionary Force in France. There and in this country itself the bulk of the Army has been dealt with ; and on those remaining, duties in connection with horses, cars, and the actual machinery of demobilisation impose a certain delay. If the flow from other quarters has slowed down still more, it is on account of difficulties of transport, while in Egypt there has naturally been a check through the recent disturbances.

EXTENSION OF OUT-OF-WORK DONATION.
Misunderstandings have evidently arisen as to the Government’s decision to extend the out-of-work donation scheme. The Minister of Labour was at pains to make the matter clear in the House of Commons last week. There is no provision for the payment of donation over a whole year, as might be imagined from some of the criticisms. Under the original scheme, during the period of twenty six weeks following the cessation of hostilities, persons unable to find employment might get assistance up to thirteen weekly payments. When thirteen weeks had almost elapsed, and there was an increase in unemployment, the Government decided to make payments at a reduced rate for thirteen additional weeks, but with the provisions that only twenty-six payments in all (thirteen at the original, thirteen at the reduced rate) would be made within a year from November 21st, 1918, and that an applicant, to obtain a continuance of the donation beyond the first thirteen payments, must satisfy the Local Advisory Committee of the genuineness of his or her claim.

“ MONEY FOR NOTHING ”
“If an applicant leaves his employment voluntarily without just cause, he is not eligible for donation, and every effort is made by my officers to prevent abuse of the out-of-work donation scheme in this respect. An inquiry is always addressed to the late employer as to the reason why the employment terminated, and I would appeal to employers for their assistance by answering the inquiries promptly. I should add that the weekly rate of donation for boys under eighteen years of age is 14s. 6d., not 25s.”

Circulation of this plain statement by the Minister of Labour in the House of Commons should put an end to the fairy stories we are being told of office boys who “ deliberately leave their jobs to pick up 25s. A week for doing nothing.” The out-of-work donation is an essential part of the Government scheme for civil demobilisation, and its unpopularity with a section of the public is obvious and understandable. But that is no reason why wild statements should be made.

A WORD TO EMPLOYERS.
The Minister’s point as to employers and their prompt response to demands for information is important. If John Willie does leave his occupation because he thinks he can get “ money for nothing ” from the Employment Exchange, and if the Employment Exchange does make a mistake and give him the necessary policy—nobody rules out the possibility of some mistakes where hundreds of thousands are being dealt with—the only chance of discovering the fraud lies in the employer’s reply to the Exchange’s request for information. It is because I see this fact that I have every sympathy with Exchange officials who are being subjected to very unfair attacks, often based on untrue statements. If every employer gave a prompt and accurate answer to the Exchange’s polite request for information there would be very little possibility of fraud, and the process of demobilisation and resettlement would work the smoother because of the removal of heated controversy.

PLACINGS OF DISABLED MEN.
The work of the Employment Exchanges in getting the disabled back into civilian employment proceeds steadily, in spite of the great difficulties which attend it. Reports from the various divisions of the country show that during the months preceding March 7th the London and South-Eastern Division placed 647 such man (of whom ninety-four were placed directly by the Catherine-street Exchange alone) ; the South Midland and Eastern Division, 509 ; Scotland, 471 ; and the West Midland Division, 237. A point which arose in the last-named division, where the figures of unemployment are the worst in the country, is worthy of note.

As is known, the Local Advisory Committees attached to the Exchanges are making a special effort to stir up employers to offer vacancies to disabled men, by sending deputations of their members to canvas them personally. In this Division a deputation called upon a certain employer and asked him to accept a scheme by which firms would be compelled to reserve a definite proportion of their vacancies for disabled men. The employer declared himself quite ready to accept, but would not bind himself to the scheme unless the other employers would do the same. This is a natural attitude, and will no doubt be commonly taken up. Nevertheless, it is high time that employers should recognise that what is asked of them is really a duty, not a favour. It is not as if they were asked to engage unsuitable disabled men. In every firm there are some posts which do not require a man physically perfect, and on these the disabled man has a claim which cannot be disputed after the patriotic sacrifice which he has made. Besides, very often the man is only “ disabled ” in the military sense, and is really a strong, competent workman.

WOMEN EX-MUNITION WORKERS.
The protection extended by the State to women munition workers is by no means being suddenly withdrawn during the difficult period of demobilisation. How necessary such protection is the observant “ man (or woman) in the street ” is fully aware, and only the ill-informed are expressing concern that “ nothing is being done.” As a matter of fact, the official Welfare Section has transferred its activities to the care of the demobilised munition workers, and is extending a helping hand during the transition period from war to peace industries. Where parties of ex-munition girls are travelling long distances to their homes or other occupations women welfare officers meet the trains and see them off.

Arrangements are also being made, where necessary, for waiting-room accommodation in the railway stations by day and by night, and the hospitality of girls’ clubs in the vicinity of the stations is ensured by co-operation with civic authorities and voluntary associations such as Y.W.C.A.

Hostels are being kept open in munitions areas where girls and women are away from home or are seeking work, and in some cases pre-war domestic servants have been equipped from a special fund for fresh situations.

Rest-rooms are also being opened in the neighbourhood of Employment Exchanges in areas where numbers of registrations are great.

TWICE A PRISONER OF WAR.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES OF A RUGBY AUTHOR.
TRANSVAAL 1901-GERMANY 1914.

Mr. Wm. Hopford is of French-German extraction, and in the Transvaal War of 1901-1902 he was in South Africa and joined the Boer forces, being eventually captured by the British and interned in a Concentration Camp. Whilst in the Volkrust Camp he was engaged in teaching work, and with the arrival there of British schoolmistresses he took the opportunity of learning the language, and soon became engaged to and married one of them—a Rugby lady, Miss Thompson, daughter of Mr. W. T. Thompson, of the Half Moon Inn. At the conclusion of the war he settled temporarily with his family in Germany, because scientists of that country had taken up a discovery which he had made in South Africa, and which he intended to exploit for business purposes in Europe. He refused to become a German subject, and on the outbreak of the Great War he was registered as a British South African, and as such was arrested and interned in the famous—or rather infamous—camp at Ruhleben.

We cannot do better here than quote from the preface of a hook Mr. Hopford has just written on his experiences in the two wars as a prisoner. The volume is published at 5s. net by John Murray, Albemarle Street, London, W., and proves the author to be a man of exceptional observation, and one well able to take stock, so to speak, of the differing temperaments of the British as fighting men dealing with their captives and the German military machine at work with all its accompanying brutality and cruelty. The preface is as follows :—

Many of my friends have urged me to publish my experiences in the two internment camps in which I have spent five out of the thirty-nine years of my life, and they have supported their request with this argument : “ Your experiences are almost unique : as a Boer of French-German extraction you have been interned by the British, and as a Britisher you have been locked up by the Germans ; you can judge of both.” In addition to these requests I have been led to this publication by the following considerations : The German press and authorities have stated again and again that the treatment of the Boers in the Concentration Camps was brutal and in-human, and I personally have been told on many occasions that our treatment at Rubleben was much better than that which the Boers received at the hands of the British. I wish to give everybody an opportunity to judge for himself. Many of the men interned in Rubleben have not only suffered in health and earning power, but have lost practically everything. In some cases the proceeds of almost a life-long toil and labour have been lost for good. Men who were well-to-do before their internment have been repatriated as paupers and permanent invalids. What is going to be done in such cases ? Will the protection of the British Government extend to the interned civilians when the day of reckoning arrives ? Will payment be exacted ? This account is my feeble attempt to bring this question before our Government and the British public. Throughout this little volume I have endeavoured to give a simple, straightforward account of my personal experiences, and to leave the reader to make his own comparisons and to draw his own conclusions from the facts which I place before him. In my recital of the facts I have not been animated by any desire to defend the British or to incriminate the Germans ; the distribution of light and shade which the reader will observe in these pages corresponds to the actual facts, for I am glad and proud to say that I have long since learned to look upon the vicissitudes of life quite impersonally, be their effects on my own life ever so clear and ever so far-reaching.

THE SAILORS’ AND SOLDIERS’ FREE BED.— This bed at the Hospital of St. Cross, endowed by the Rugby Prisoners of War Fund, will be for the free use of any local man who has served with the Forces. An ivory disc, signifying the right to the bed, will be in the keeping of the Chairman of the Rugby Urban District Council at Benn Buildings, High Street. Application must be made to him for this disc, and presented at the hospital before the admission of the patient, and will be returned to the Chairman of the Council on the patient’s discharge. If on application it be found that the disc is out, it will be understood that the bed is in use.
DR. GOULD has left the Army and has re-commenced medical practice.

IN MEMORIAM.

BENFIELD.—In proud and loving memory of Pte. BERTRAM GEORGE BENFIELD, dearly beloved eldest son of Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Benfield, of North End, who died of wounds received in action on April 16, 1918 ; aged 19 years.
“ We bear our loss in silence,
And make no outward show ;
The heart that mourns more truly
Mourns silently and low.”
—From his loving Father and Mother, Brothers and Sisters, and Uncle George.

PYWELL.—In loving memory of Sergt. F. W. PYWELL, 21st Middlesex, killed in France on April 9, 1917.—From his Father, Sisters and Brother.

 

11th Apr 1919. The War Workers of the School World – from making socks to growing cabbages

THE WAR WORKERS OF THE SCHOOL WORLD.
WHAT WARWICKSHIRE CHILDREN ACCOMPLISHED.
FROM MAKING SOCKS TO GROWING CABBAGES.

An interesting report on the war work of the schools under the Warwickshire County Council is issued by the Education Committee. It states :

The records of school war work make a tale whose web of varied hues has been spun by busy little hands in play time and school hours. Some of the work is that of tiny people from the infants’ departments ; otherwise the workers of this school-world range from the age of seven to fourteen. Countless socks, mittens, scarves and their like have been sent to “ old boys ” in the trenches, to the Red Cross and kindred societies. Treasure bags, too, have been popular ; the girls of one school alone made 1,150, while the little boys of Standards I. and II., unable to sew themselves, gave material for 163 bags. When sandbags were asked for the girls of many schools worked at these.

Ill-content to make only woollen comforts and treasure bags, the girls of certain schools devised more original work. The cookery class at one school for two successive years made a noble Christmas cake, weighing 12lbs., for the soldiers at the local Red Cross Hospital, and when last Christmas brought a scarcity of spice and plums and the making of cakes became difficult, the girls subscribed the money and bought the cake that the soldiers might not have Christmas without one. Another school specialised in the making of slippers with linoleum soles for the wounded of the local V.A.D. Hospital. At a third school the girls have the fine record of 8,925 collars washed and ironed, and 3,020 garments mended, also for the soldiers at the local hospital.

The boys, too, developed certain lines of their own. Members of the woodwork classes helped to make crutches for the wounded, while one school gained local fame for its poster painting and 14 rolls of honour given to Churches of the neighbourhood. Boys of the school gardening classes have done valiant work. Soldiers’ gardens have been dug and planted ; waste ground has been reclaimed ; old people have received help with their gardens ; potatoes have been sprayed and lifted, and allotments measured out under the direction of head teachers. Many schoolboys gave help in harvesting, potato picking, and general farm work during the holidays. Boys and girls combined to send parcels to “ old boys ” and organise collections of many kinds.

The collection and sale of 7,000 jam jars and bottles by one school realised £14 for charities. Two schools united to collect sufficient waste paper to employ a man regularly in “ baling,” and the result has been £105 for local charities. Many schools collected chestnuts, nut-shells, and bones for Government purposes, while in two years 38 tons of blackberries were gathered for Army jam. The £2 10s. received by the children of a country school for their blackberries was divided between the purchase of a large flag for the school and war funds.

Local Red Cross Hospitals were regularly supplied with vegetables, brought by the school children from home gardens, and Warwickshire vegetables were dispatched in large quantities to naval bases ; one school alone collected 18cwt. for this purpose. A show and sale of vegetables in another school brought £16 to provide Christmas gifts for “ old boys ” at the front. If many sailors have unknowingly enjoyed Warwickshire cabbages, very many wounded soldiers have had Warwickshire eggs. One boys’ school has the splendid record of 11,000 eggs collected ; at another school co-operation with outside helpers has resulted in a total of 24,938 eggs and over £97 in money for the National Egg Fund. In yet another part of the county a girls’ school has contributed £25 to the same cause, while 4,335 eggs have been sent from an infants’ school where the tiny people who had no eggs to bring gave weekly halfpennies to help keep up the supply. The school children have all been very devoted workers for the National Egg Collection, and two schools in districts where it was less easy to find eggs sent money collections.

Self-denial and the sacrifice of many “goodies ” are surely responsible in part for the substantial help given to war funds and charities by money collections in the schools. Eighteen schools have sent among them £30 to the Overseas Club ; a single school sent £56 to the Red Cross and Prisoners of War. A big urban school gave a total of £200 to various war funds ; an infants’ school sent £8 10s. to the Blinded Soldiers’ Children’s Fund ; many schools helped with their subscriptions the Y.M.O.A. huts, St. Dunstan’s, the Sailors’ Rests, and Minesweepers’ Funds ; all had collections for the Red Cross. A school entertainment made a profit of £12 to help an “ old boy ” blinded in war. A Christmas collection devoted for the past four years to the French Red Cross ; collections for hungry Belgian children ; a Christmas gift in money sent to local Belgian refugees ; Empire Day collections for the Overseas Club all reveal the children not indifferent to the magic and responsibility of becoming citizens of the world. Thus the 17 schools which have sent an account of their collections have in all raised the sum of £629 9s. for war charities, in addition to the money given to purchase wool and material for comforts. For this latter purpose children have sacrificed their prize money, organised entertainments, held sales of work, and given up their pocket money.

The children’s help has also been enlisted in the distribution of pamphlets urging National Food Economy, the need for War Savings, National Service, &c. Food economy, too, has been practised by the children, who no longer reject crusts or sniff at unfamiliar vegetarian diet. At one school all except the weekly ones voluntarily gave up mid-morning lunch when the submarine menace was explained to them.

A War Savings Association, attached to the schools, had in May, 1918, 11,078 members, mostly children, and had then collected £50,116.

Each boys’ school in the county has its roll of honour, and the record of gallantry these represent must be a wondrous one. Twenty schools hare sent in lists of the military decorations gained by their “ old boys.” These include: V.C., 2 ; D.S.O., 3 ; M.C. with bar, 1 ; M.C., 10 ; D.C.M., 25 ; D.S.M., 4 ; M.M. with bar, 1 ; M.M., 34 ; M.S.M., 1; Mentioned in Despatches, 23 ; Croix de Guerre, 6 ; Medaille Militaire, 3 ; Croce di Guerra, 2 ; British Empire Medal for bravery during a fire at a munitions factory, 2. If all schools had made returns, the numbers would, no doubt, be very much higher. A large number of former elementary scholars have obtained commissions of various ranks from that of lieutenant-colonel downwards.

IN AND AROUND RUGBY.

NOTICE has been received that Pte. James Peacock, late 2nd Border Regt., has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery under shell fire at a Lewis gun post.

Pte. HAROLD JOHN RUSSELL, son of Mrs W. Burbidge, Alexandra Road, Rugby, who was reported missing in September, 1918, is now presumed to have been killed on that day. He was employed at the B.T.H., and was an old Murrayian.

POSTUMOUS AWARD.—Mr. G. Hall, of 31 Alexandra Road, Rugby, has just received the Meritorious Service Medal, which was awarded to his son, Lance-Corpl. S. G. Hall, 7th R.W.R., in recognition of valuable services rendered in France. It to a year to-day (Friday) since Lance-Corpl. Hall was killed in action.

RUGBY WAR MEMORIAL.—Donations are steadily mounting up for the War Memorial scheme for Rugby, and, as will be seen from our advertising columns, the hon. secretary, Mr A Morson, M.B.E., is able to announce several additional sums since the last list was published. The total is now closely approaching the £2,000 mark, and it is hoped the townspeople will not be slow to add their quota to the fund.

SOLDIERS’ STRIKE AT RUGBY.
RINGLEADER ARRESTED.

We understand that a company of about 30 soldiers travelling from Peterborough to Ireland refused to proceed beyond Rugby on Tuesday night. The men had to wait about an hour at Rugby, and when they were ordered to line up to join the Irish Mail they refused. They were apparently under the impression that they were being taken to Russia, and as they considered they had not had a proper leave, they persisted in their refusal to enter the train. They were accordingly billeted in the Church House for the night, returning to the station early on the following morning. On Wednesday an officer in charge of an armed guard arrived, and after holding an inquiry he decided that the men had no case. The ringleaders were arrested and taken to Warwick, and the rest of the men then proceeded to Ireland by the mail train. The men were very orderly throughout, and no disturbance took place.

OLD COMRADES’ ASSOCIATION.
HAPPY RE-UNION OF RUGBY HOWITZER BATTERY.

The 5th Warwickshire (Howitzer) Battery Old Comrades’ Association held a smoking concert at their Headquarters on Friday evening last, about 40 members being present. The chair was taken by Mr. P. Painter. and a very successful programme was rendered. The pianist was Mr. Littler, and the artistes included the following :— Messrs. Jackson, Seymour, Hopewell. J. J. Smith, Read, Owen, Jago, W. Alsop, and Ainsley, with a violin solo by Master L. Turner.

During the evening the Chairman outlined the objects of the Old Comrades’ Association, which, briefly, are as follows :—

(1.) It was thought, after the active service the Rugby Howitzer Battery had seen abroad during the war, that members would like to keep more in touch with one another than would otherwise be possible without such an association.

(2.) The association is open to any man who has been a member, either past or present, of the Rugby Howitzer Battery.

(3.) A nominal annual subscription of 2s. 6d. is made to defray minor expenses.

(4.) During the year it is proposed to hold several social gatherings, and once each year an annual dinner.

(3.) The association will be known as the 5th Warwickshire (Howitzer) Battery (Old Comrades’ Association, and its headquarters will be at the Battery Drill Hall, Rugby.

Colonel H. H. Mulliner, J.P.. has consented to act as president of the association, and. amongst others, the following have consented to become vice-presidents :—Major C. P. Nickalls, D.S.O., Major W. R. W. Anderson, the Rev. C. T. Bernard McNulty, and Capt. J. Brodribb. The following committee to act for the ensuing 12 months has been elected :—Secretary, Mr. P. Painter, 65 York Street, Rugby ; committee, Messrs. H. Packwood, C. Packwood, J. Davis, A. Neal, G. Hopewell, and S. Wetherington.

It Is hoped that every man eligible for available membership will avail himself of the opportunity of joining.

THE RED CROSS.
RUGBY V.A.D.’S WAR WORK CEASES.

A meeting was held at the Infirmary V.A.D. Auxiliary Hospital on Saturday to wind up the special war work of the Rugby V.A.D.’s, Warwick 40 and Warwick 66. Mrs. Brooke Michell, Vice president, and County Director, Mr. E. K. Little, C.B.E., attended, and the members of the Voluntary Aid Detachments present were :— V.A.D. Warwick 40 : Miss Alderson, Miss H. Alderson,. Miss Ashby, Miss Bluemel, Miss Ella Bluemel, Miss Hilda Bluemel, Miss E. Bromwich, Miss Cumming, Mrs. Haigh, Miss Kittermaster, Mrs. Over, Miss Size, Miss St. Hill, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Woodworth, Mrs. Yates, Mrs. Hodgson, Mrs. Loverock, Mrs. Simey (Commandant).

V.A.D. Warrick 66 : Mrs. Wharton (Quartermaster), Mrs. Ash, Miss Clarke, Mrs. Currie, Miss David, Miss G. Everest, Miss L. Fortnam, Mrs. Marshall, Miss Maud, Mrs. Pratt, Miss Scott, Miss H. Size, Miss. Steel, Acting Q.M. Miss Townsend, Acting Commandant Miss M. G. Townsend, Miss Thompson, Miss Walker, Miss O. Walrond, Miss O. Walrond, Mrs Whitlock, Mrs Barber, Mrs. Eustace Hopewell, Miss Ivens, Mrs Barnard, Mrs Burdekin (Commandant).

Lady Denbigh, who was unable to attend, sent the following letter :—

“ Your letter followed me to and from Bournemouth, whither I went to recover from a bad attack of the flu. I am here till after Easter, and am afraid I cannot be in Rugby on the 31st. I wish I could. Will you tell Warwick 40 and Warwick 66 how sorry I am, and say how I congratulate them on the splendid work they have put in both at Te Hira and the Infirmary, and especially on the time they have put in at the Infirmary together, at a period when all were beginning to feel the strain, and when so many others fell out or had their hospitals closed. Having had some small experience of other Auxiliary Hospitals. I also think they are much to be congratulated on their mutual assistance and forbearance, and the splendid sinking of any personal opinions in the cause of the one great work of mercy on which they embarked and which they have so successfully carried to conclusion. It has been a great pride and pleasure to me to have been connected with them.”

Before calling upon the County Director to address the members, Mrs. Brooke Michell said : Our County Director has kindly come here this afternoon to dismiss us at the close of our war work. I hope it will be by no means the close of our Red Cross work, as to which Mr. Little may have something to say to us. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking all those who have given such devoted service to our Red Cross work. Speaking for myself, they have made the office of Vice-president a very easy and pleasant one by their unfailing courtesy and efficiency. I am no speaker, but if anything could make me eloquent it would be the daily example of wonderful and unselfish devotion to duty that I have had before me since the autumn of 1914, when our first Hospital was opened. I say “ wonderful,” because to my way of thinking, it requires an extraordinary degree of grit to carry on such work as yours, in all weathers, through times of discouragement, bodily and mental fatigue, ill-health, and even bereavement. I know that one of you worked till the eve of a serious operation. All this you have done for four years unobtrusively, cheerfully, and without the help of any limelight.

I must thank Miss Maude Townsend, who has so ably seconded Mrs. Burdekin, and shared with her the responsibilities of the Commandant’s work, which she has carried on single handed when the Commandant was seriously ill.

Also Miss Bertha Townsend we must be particularly grateful to for the noble way in which she came to our rescue when the Quartermaster of Warwick 66 was obliged to retire from work. It is no small praise to Miss Townsend to say she has carried on in a manner worthy of her predecessor, Mrs. Wharton.

I must also thank Miss Bromwich, whose work at both Ta Hira and the Infirmary has been invaluable. Miss Bromwich has a genius for discovering the dull, uninteresting jobs and doing them unobtrusively at the top of the house or over hours! Miss David, also, is a devoted worker of the same kind. We also thank those who taught the men to do needlework, cabinet making, knitting, carving, etc.—a work which required much patience and tact. Last, but not least, we owe our cooks grateful thanks for having helped to make our Hospitals popular by their excellent cooking. It is hard enough work to cook in winter, but in the heat of summer it requires more than ordinary courage to face a small kitchen containing several people and two large gas cookers surmounted by steaming saucepans! Our cooks had that courage, and. what is more, the food they turned out was so good that at least one bachelor patient inquired “ whether the cook was married or single !” Out of the Detachments, our most grateful thanks are due to Mr. van den Arend, who has done all our transport work locally, and has even bought an ambulance, in which he has often taken our patients to Birmingham himself, thus giving up whole days of his time. Also we thank the orderlies, without whom we could not have carried on our work. They have cheerfully given up a great deal of their time, and done excellent work. I thank all them and every V.A.D. most sincerely, and hope the experience they have acquired in war time may be made use of in times of peace.

In the course of his address, Mr. Little said now that the curtain was coming down on the first act of Red Cross work, he thought it only right that in congratulating themselves, as they had every right to do, on the success which had attended their work for the sick and wounded, they should remember there was a long rehearsal before the curtain rose. He should always feel that great honour was due to those who pioneered Red Cross work in the year before the war, and laid the foundations of the V.A.D. organisation, which was now a household word in every country. They in Rugby began work among the very first in aiding the troops quartered there, though Te Hira, and then the Infirmary, were not opened until later. In 1918 and 1919 they had 30 hospitals open, and at the date of the armistice 34. Their high water mark of established beds was just over 2,000. Considering that Birmingham was a separate Red Cross one, he thought they could feel that Warwickshire had done well, and held a creditable place among the counties of Great Britain. If they analysed their own county at all, he could truthfully say that no part of it had done better service and shown greater loyalty to the cause than Rugby and its neighbourhood. They must always be grateful to Mr. 7 Mrs. St. Hill for giving up their house so unselfishly and making it possible to provide such an excellent hospital as Te Hira became.

Later on, when, in response to their urgent demand for beds, the help of the Guardians was sought, they not only threw no obstacle in the way, but did, and have continued to do, everything in their power to further the interests of the hospital. The question of future work was now being threshed out by our headquarters. As under the Geneva Convention they were only to work for the sick or wounded in time of war. It was necessary that the scope of the various Red Cross Societies should be enlarged, and an International Conference was to be held 20 days after peace was signed to settle this. All the great nations would be represented. One point he suggested to commandants was that a quarterly lecture of a more advanced kind should be arranged. He expected some of the doctors who had been so good in the past would be equally good in the future, and that they would find suitable subjects to interest those who were ready to learn more of anatomy and other subjects. Then he thought it would be an excellent arrangement that, if possible, their nursing members should put in a fortnight or a month every year in one of the permanent hospitals. All these things wanted working out, but he was sure that the end of the war was only the beginning of a new call on V.A.D. work. He thought everyone agreed that the organisation which had proved so successful during the war should be in every expect maintained in peace. It was only left for him to thank them all, on behalf of the branch, very earnestly and very sincerely for all their excellent work. What they had done was, of course, for the sick and wounded, and they already had their gratitude. But that was no reason why the branch should not also express their appreciation of their loyal support.

IN PRAISE OF THE FRENCH PEOPLE.
A NATION HARDENED BY THE WAR.
DR. FRANCES IVENS ON HER EXPERIENCES.

Miss Ivens, M.S.Lond., the daughter of the late Mr. William Ivens, of Harborough Parva, who for the past four years has been surgeon-in-charge of the Scottish Woman’s Hospitals in France, courteously allowed a representative of the Rugby Advertiser to interview her during a recent visit she paid to the town.

“ The Scottish Women’s Hospitals for Foreign Service were started in Edinburgh by Dr. Elsie Inglis at the beginning of the war,” remarked Miss Ivens after our representative had explained the object of his visit, “ and the first fully-equipped hospital unit was sent to France on November 30, 1914. A suitable building was found a few miles from Chantilly, then the seat of the French General Headquarters. In the ancient and beautiful Abbaye de Royaumout, built by St. Louis at the request of his mother, Blanche de Castille, wards for patients were arranged in the great vaulted halls and cloisters. Starting with 100 beds, the hospital accommodation was increased at the request of the French Army Medical Service until 600 patients could be received. When the line moved forward a second hospital of 300 beds was equipped in huts at Villers Cotterets for the 6th Army, and worked until May 30, 1918, when the fighting in its immediate neighbourhood necessitated evacuation. This was fortunately effected during the bombardment of Villers Cotterets with no loss of life to either patients or staff by the women chauffeurs attached to the hospital, assisted by a few American ambulances.”

“ The personnel retired to its base at Royaumont, and work was continued without a day’s interruption for the Foch Reserve Armies, under the command of General Fayolle, and more especially for the 10th Army, under General Mangin. The work became heavier than it had been even during the Amiens offensive in March, and numerous additions were made to the staff. When the armistice was signed Royaumont was still full of seriously wounded cases, and it was not until February 20, 1919, that the last patients could be evacuated, when the records showed that more than 9,000 patients had been treated, and over 7,000 operations performed. The French Military Authorities showed their appreciation of the work of the hospitals by the bestowal of numerous decorations, including a Cross of the Legion of Honour, a Croix de Guerre with palm, 22 Croix de Guerre with star, and 30 Medailles d’Honneur.”

“ What is your impression of the French soldier and the French people as a nation ? ” our representative then asked.

“ I greatly admire the French soldier,” Miss Ivens replied. “ He is a splendid fighter, and also an exceptionally good patient. He does not grumble, and is eminently philosophical. ‘C’est la guerre’ is his invariable response to any commiserating remark. He appreciates to the full any little attention, and his natural charm and politeness won the hearts of his British nurses. Grateful letters invariably arrived from the old patients, and many travelled hundreds of miles to re-visit their hospital. As for the French people, I sometimes wonder if England fully realises what a great nation we have for an ally. I for one certainly did not appreciate their qualities before the war, and was surprised to find them so brilliantly clever and cultivated. Their tenacity and capacity for endurance have been a surprise to themselves.”

“ France has suffered terribly during the war in every way, and no one who has not seen the devastated regions can picture their unutterable desolation. It will be a disaster if she does not get at the Peace Conference the effective frontier line she is demanding. The women of France, too, have shown great patriotism. As soon as the men were mobilised the women quietly took their places, and it was due to their phenomenally hard work that the food supplies maintained such a high level.”

OFFICIAL NOTICES TO FARMERS.

There are in this country awaiting repatriation a number of South African farmers and farmers’ assistants, who will be here for the next three to six months, and desire to utilise the time in getting instruction on well-managed farms. They are in receipt of their Army pay, and Warwickshire farmers are invited to apply for one or more of these men, and to supply them with free board and lodging in return for their help on the farm. Any farmer willing to do so should communicate direct with Capt. F. J. Sutton. South African Force. No; 7 Camp, Perham Down, Wiltshire.

Motor Lorries.
The Board of Agriculture announce that as more motor lorries become available sales will be arranged in the provinces, at which farmers will have an opportunity of purchasing them. At present the small number of vehicles available are being sold in London.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
PROPOSAL TO UTILISE ARMY HUTS.

SIR,-In reply to “The Sailor’s Plaint,” it is, perhaps, some consolation for him to know that someone else is in the same position. I was discharged from the Army six months ago, and am no nearer obtaining a house now than then, and, so far as I can see, the interest taken by the local authorities in the matter is not likely to assist me in getting one this side of the grave.

Would it not be possible for them to obtain some of the Army huts to tide them over the difficulty ? I would not object to living in one of these. But probably they would be considered an eyesore to Rugby.

You should bear in mind, “ Matlow,” that the war is practically over now, bar a bit of flag-wagging and what the authorities were prepared to do when you were an honoured member of his Majesty’s Forces, and now you are a “ civvy,” are two different matters. One has only to hark back to the South African War for a similar state of things.

I am with you all the way, “ Matlow,” in regard to the reward business. Personally, I cannot convince myself that the persons offering them have served in the Forces. If so, presumably they did not belong to the rank and file.

I second your suggestion to the Rugby property owners with avidity, and if there are any of the gentlemen referred to who would care to fall in with it, and will reply to that effect through the medium of this paper, I will gladly send them my name and address, and thank them heartily for their kindness.—Yours, &c.,
HOUSELESS EX SOLDIER.
Rugby, 8th April, 1919.

IN MEMORIAM.

BATES.—In memory of Corpl. THOMAS BATES, killed in France on March 31, 1918.
“ We little thought when leaving home
That he would ne’er return ;
That he so soon in death would sleep,
And leave us here to mourn.”
—From his Mother, Father, and Sisters.

BLUNDELL.—In loving memory of GERALD JAMES BLUNDELL, who died at Salonika on April 11, 1917.
“ Two years have passed since that sad day,
When one we loved was called away.
God took him home, He thought it best,
But in our hearts he liveth yet.”
—From his Sisters.

BURTON.—In memory of MONTAGUE (MONT), only son of Mrs. & the late E. T. Burton, killed in action in France on April 10, 1917. Interred at Tigris Lane Cemetery, Wancourt.—“ Though lost from sight, in memory ever dear.”—From his loving Mother, Sister, and Albert.

BUSHILL.—In loving memory of my dear husband, Pte. GEORGE BUSHILL, who died from wounds received in action at Abbeville on 11th April, 1918.—The Lodge, Dunchurch.

COLES.—In ever-loving and affectionate remembrance of Lance-Corpl. GEORGE BERTRAM, the dearly beloved son of Mr. & Mrs. T. Coles (late of Old Lodge, Binley), who was shot by a sniper at Arras on April 10, 1917.
“ Had we but seen him at the lase,
And watched his dying bed,
Or heard the last sigh of his heart,
Or held his drooping head ;
Our hearts, I think, would not have felt
Such bitterness and grief ;
But God ordered otherwise,
And now he rests in peace.”
—Never forgotten by his loving Father and Mother, Sisters and Brothers.

COLING.—In loving and affectionate memory of our darling PHIL, who died of wounds in France on April 10, 1918, aged 24 years.—“ A devoted son, a loving brother.”—From Dad &t Mam.

COLLEDGE.—In loving memory of WALTER EDWARD COLLEDGE, who was killed at the Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917. Also HERBERT HENRY COLLEDGE, who died on February 20, 1919.—“ At rest with the Lord.”—From their loving Mother and Brother and Sisters.

ELSON.—In loving memory of ALFRED WM. ELSON, who died of wounds in France on April 6, 1918.
“ In health and strength he left his home,
Not thinking death so near.
Death came without a warning given,
And bade him meet his God in heaven.
His King and country called him ;
The call was not in vain.
On Britain’s Roll of Honour
You will find our loved one’s name.”
—Sadly missed by his loving Mother, Wife, Brothers and Sisters.

 

4th Apr 1919. Rupert Brooke Memorial, Unveiled by Sir Ian Hamilton

RUPERT BROOKE MEMORIAL.
UNVEILED BY SIR IAN HAMILTON.
Famous General’s Eloquent Appreciation.
“ A Knightly Presence and a Princely Bearing.”
THE ACME OF TRAGEDY.

“ If I should die, think only this of me :
That there’s some corner of a foreign field
That is for ever England. There shall be
In that rich earth a richer dust concealed :
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,
Gave once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam ;
A body of England’s, breathing England’s air,
Washed by her rivers, blest by suns at home ;
And think, this heart, all evil shed away
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given ;
Her sights and sounds dreams happy as her day ;
The laughter, learnt of friends, and gentleness,
In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.”

An interesting ceremony took place in Rugby School Chapel on Friday afternoon in last week, when General Sir Ian Hamilton, C.M.G., D.S.O., attended to unveil a portrait medallion which has been erected to the memory of Rupert Brooke, the author of the above lines, and one of the most brilliant of Rugby’s sons, who died at the Isle of Lemnos in the Aegean Sea while serving with the Royal Naval Division in April, 1915.

A distinguished soldier of great literary ability—his vivid despatches from the Dardanelles will for all time rank with the richest gems of the English language—Sir Ian Hamilton was pre-eminently fitted to pay a tribute to the memory of the young poet, whose genius has been so universally acclaimed. Moreover, he had the advantage of the personal friendship of Rupert Brooke, and in a speech of singular beauty and charm he drew a delightful word picture of the magnetic personality of the soldier poet, who “ having all the gifts of the gods, flung them down as if they were three common little dice.”

THE GUARD OF HONOUR.
Prior to the ceremony General Sir Ian Hamilton, who was accompanied by General Sir D. Mercer, Adjutant-General to the Marines, and General Freiberg, was received by a guard of honour, formed by members of the School O.T.C., under Capt. C P. Evers and Cadet Officer A.F.B. fforde, head of the School, which was drawn up in the School Close immediately facing the School House.

MOVING SERVICE IN THE CHAPEL.
The service in the chapel was very brief. It commenced with the hymn, “ There is a river, pure and bright,” after which the opening prayers were said by the Rev. H. H. Symonds. The lesson (Ecclesiasticus li. 13-22) was read by the Headmaster (Canon A. A. David. D.D.). The unveiling ceremony was preceded by Bishop Hebers’ beautiful hymn. “ I praised the earth.”

THE PALM AMONG THE YOUNG POETS.
After unveiling the tablet, Sir Ian Hamilton said :—
“ After four and a half years of war we have come together here in Rugby School Chapel. The time is a time of Armistice—an Armistice which may fling us back into struggles more monstrous than those that have gone before ; or, conceivably, may yet lead us onwards into the paths of peace. To us holding our breaths the issues seem to turn on a hair’s breadth and, at a moment so supreme, nothing less than an over-mastering sentiment could have had power to turn our thoughts from the present to the past. But that, overmastering sentiment existed in our hearts, and would no longer be denied. There is one whose loss we still find time and occasion to deplore. Whilst the hands of the clock never move, but the wolf draws nearer to the door of a starving Continent ; whilst murder and pestilence stalk hand in hand across the great Russian steppes ; whilst memorial shrines turn black with decaying wreaths and names lately famous struggle, and struggle in vain, in the vortex of oblivion, we have come together to this school where Rupert Brooke lived and was best known, to tender our homage to his memory. Is it because he was a hero? There were thousands. Is it because he looked a hero ? There were a few. Is it because he had genius? There were others. But Rupert Brooke held all three gifts of the Gods in his hand ; he held them in his hand only to fling them eagerly down as if they were three common little dice. He cast the dice, but Death had loaded them. Death cheated him in the end, cheated him of the joy of the contest. Worthier hands than mine have awarded the palm amongst young poets to Rupert Brooke. As a soldier I can only say that wherever he has touched upon war, his pen has ennobled the theme, and here I know I speak truly for multitudes of my comrades in arms, also, that his best poems possess a strange shining quality, like lamps that have been lit by the same radiant personality. His personality ! Let me say this of it. I have seen famous men and brilliant figures in my day, but never one so thrilling, so vital, as that of our hero. Like a Prince he would enter a room, like a Prince quite unconscious of his own royalty, and by that mere act put a spell upon every one around him. In the twinkling of an eye gloom changed into light ; dullness sent forth a certain sparkle in his presence. Those who had been touched by the magician’s wand told others, the news spread that here was someone who was distinguished by a nameless gift of attraction, a head and shoulders above the crowd, and it is the memory of this personal magnetism more even than the work his destiny permitted him to fulfil, that adds strength to the roots of his ever growing fame. When on the 4th April, 1915, I inspected the Royal Navel Division at Port Said, I asked if I might see Rupert Brooke. He was sick, it seemed nothing serious ; a touch of the sun. So I went into his tent, where he was lying stretched out on the desert sand looking extraordinarily handsome, a very knightly presence. Whilst speaking to him, my previous fears crystalised into a sudden, clear and strong premonition that he was one of those whom the envious Gods loved too well. So I made my futile effort and begged him to come on my personal staff where I would see to it, he would get serious work to do. I knew the temper of his spirit and I promised him a fair share of danger. He replied just as Sir Philip Sydney would have replied. He would have loved to come, he said, but he loved better the thought of going through with the first landing and the first and worst fighting, shoulder to shoulder with his comrades. He was right. There was nothing more to be said. And so on the afternoon of the 23rd April, when the black ships lay thick on the wonderful blue of the Bay and the troops in their transports steamed out slowly—cheering—wild with enthusiasm and joy, Rupert Brooke lay dying. That boy of genius who had it in his magic pen to have brought home the significance of the Dardanelles to the people of the Empire,—that boy lay dying. He had every gift,—youth, charm, beauty, genius, and he gave them, not that he might fall, as a soldier hopes he may fall, with the shout of victory ringing in his ears, but for nothing—so it may have seemed—ah, but not so really. For here we have the acme of tragedy and by is will Rupert Brooke be remembered when thousands of riper reputations and more fortunate seeming careers have faded for ever from the legends of romance.
“ We have kept the faith,” we said ;
“ We shall go down with unreluctant tread,
Rose crowned into the darkness.” Proud we were.
And laughed, that had such brave, true things to say.
And then you suddenly cried, and turned away.

DEDICATION PRAYER.
The prayer of dedication was then offered by the Headmaster, and after the reading of a lesson from Ephesians iii. the service concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.

Mrs. Parker Brooke, the poet’s mother, was present, and others in the congregation were General Sir Daniel Mercer and Lady Mercer, General Freiberg, V.C., D.S.O., Mr. E. Marsh, Mrs. Kelly, sister of Lieut F. S. Kelly ; Mr. De La Mare, Mr. Lascelles Abercrombie, Mr. Wilfred Gibson Gibson, Mr. J. C. Squire, Capt. and Mrs. Geoffrey Keynes, Mr. G. A. Chase, Mrs. Russell, Smith, Mrs. Dennis Browne, Mrs. Sewell Bacon, Mr. J. R. Brooke and Miss Brooke.

After the service the visitors were entertained to tea by Mrs. Parker Brooke in New Big School.

MEMORIAL CONCERT IN TEMPLE SPEECH ROOM.
Subsequently a memorial concert was given in the Temple Speech Room, at which an “ Elegy for strings,” composed in Rupert Brooke’s memory by his friend, the late Lieut. F. S. Kelly, was played, and the 1914 Sonnets were sung by the School chorus to a setting by Dr. Sydney Nicholson.

“ THE SOLDIER.”
The elder son of the late Mr. W. Parker Brooke, an assistant master at Rugby School, and of Mrs. Parker Brooke, of 78 Dunchurch Road, Rupert Brooke was born at Rugby in 1887. He played cricket and football for the School, and in 1905 won a prize for a poem entitled “ The Bastille.” In 1906 he went up to Cambridge, where he was elected to a Fellowship at King’s College, and lectured in the Modern Literature School. In May, 1913, he started a year’s journey through the United States and Canada to the South Sea Islands, and the extremely interesting articles he wrote describing the journey showed that his sympathy and. imagination were wide enough to embrace nearly all he found in the civilisation of America and Polynesia, although they did not damp his sense of humour. His claims to fame rest on his volume of poems published in 1911, and his quarterly contributions to “ New Numbers,’’ published at Gloucester. He had a real lyrical gift, and his poetry is full of beauty and emotion, and although by instinct a classicist, he was truly a modern poet in that he sympathised fully “ with the life that now is.”

When war broke out, he applied for a commission in the Royal Naval Brigade. He took part in the expedition to Antwerp, and at the end of February, 1915, he went to the Dardanelles, where he contracted sunstroke, which led to a serious illness, from which he died on a French Hospital Ship on April 23rd.

In 1916 Yale University awarded him the Howland Memorial Prize for distinction in literature.

The memorial consists of a marble medallion profile portrait, by J. Harvard Thomas,. Chelsea, from a photograph by Shenil Schell. Under the name, “ Rupert Brooke, 1887-1915,” is inscribed his best-known sonnet, “ The Soldier,” which appears at the head of this article. The memorial has been placed on the north main pillar of the nave, the companion pillar bearing Dr. Jex Blake’s memorial, which was unveiled by Mr. Justice Sargant recently.

Mr. Howard Thomas is the sculptor of a number of public statues, and his well-known “ Lycidas ” was familiar to frequenters of the Tate Gallery.

HOME FROM THE ARMY.
MURRAY SCHOOL WELCOMES MR. BENNETT.

On Saturday a tea and social evening were held at Murray School, Rugby, to celebrate the safe return from the Army of Mr. D. T. Bennett, one of the assistant-masters. The arrangements were made and carried through by the “ old boys ” of Class Upper I. of 1915-16, who were under Mr. Bennett’s tuition when he joined the Forces. Mr. Bennett enlisted in 1915, and after training at the Headquarters Gymnasium, Aldershot, he was appointed sergeant-instructor in the 7th Royal Warwicks. He captained the South Midland Instructors’ bayonet team when they won the garrison championship at Catterick. Later he received a serious injury, from which he is now steadily recovering.

At the tea Fred Norman, on behalf of the “ old boys,’’ welcomed Mr. Bennett home again, and in a brief speech emphasised the kindly feeling which had always existed between the masters and the boys.

Mr. W. T. Coles Hodges, in a speech full of true Murray sentiment, responded, and said as headmaster it gave him great pleasure to find such a healthy spirit of love and appreciation between his staff and the former scholars. He hoped this brotherly feeling would continue and prosper.

Mr. Bennett also thanked the boys for their welcome, and said this show of friendly feeling was one of the greatest honours they could have bestowed upon him. It was a sign that his work had been appreciated, and that true friendship existed between teacher and taught.

During the evening games were played, and a musical programme was sustained by Mr. W. T. Coles Hodges, Miss Cope, Mrs. Ray, Mr. Twells, Reg Burton, Fred Newman, F. Alcock, H. Gay, and former members of the school orchestra.

MEMORIAL WINDOW TO THE FALLEN.
DEDICATION CEREMONY AT ST. MATTHEWS, RUGBY.

An interesting ceremony took place on Saturday afternoon in St. Matthew’s Church, Rugby, when the Rev. W. O. Assheton M.A., (Rural Dean), dedicated a stained glass window to the memory of the men who have given their lives in the war. After a short choral service the Rural Dean delivered an appropriate address, in which he said :—We are come together this afternoon to unveil and dedicate a stained glass window to the glory of God, and in memory of the soldiers from this parish who have laid down their lives in the great war. This is one of many such memorials that are being erected in the country to-day—and nothing is more suitable than a window illustrating some familiar scene from the Bible, and carrying our thoughts to those to whose memory the window is placed. The subject is the Raising of Lazarus. Four times in the Gospels do we here of life returning to one who was dead to this world : on this occasion it was Lazarus. Nothing is more striking in the story of the raising of Lazarus than the evidence it gives of our Lord’s view of death. At first He will not use the dread word “death” at all—“Our friend Lazarus is fallen asleep ; I go that I may awake him out of sleep.” And it was only when His disciples showed that they could not understand His meaning. He said plainly, “Lazarus is dead.” And to Martha, too, He would not speak of death. “Whosoever liveth and believeth on Me shall never die.” There is something extraordinarily comforting in those words, and especially for us at this time : it gives us that hope and trust which is so strong that it can carry us along in faith, until we see again those whom we have loved and lost for a while. It is in this story that we have emphasised, more especially, a characteristic of our Lord’s which, above all, endears Him to the human heart. We are told that when he got to the grave, “Jesus wept.” What was it that made Him weep ? Surely not the sense of loss and separation, which we experience when standing by the grave of a friend, because He must have known that Lazarus would be shortly restored to them. Was it not rather His tender sympathy with the sisters in their grief ?-a realisation of all they had gone through, an understanding of their agony of mind.

A sympathetic person is one who can, by force of imagination, put himself in the place of another. Who so well able to do this as the Perfect Man ? In the four years of agony through which our nation has passed, it is the knowledge that Jesus understands, that He sympathises, that He knows the bitterness of our grief, which has enabled many a one to bear their sorrow bravely and uncomplainingly. And more than this, slender though our knowledge be of life immediately beyond the grave, and it is by hints given as in our Lord’s discourses, and in other parts of the New Testament, that we gather the truth that death is but the prelude to a new life. His promise to the dying thief shows it—“ To-day shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.” The story of the rich man and Lazarus implies it ; and when we come to the teaching of St. Paul, we are clearly told by him not to mourn our dead, for he says : “ To depart, is to be with Christ, which is far better.” And again, “ To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” It is only when we begin to understand the great truth that those we have lost are alive and far happier in another sphere that we can take comfort. And so, in the words of the hymn, we say of our blessed dead, they are “ Not dead, but living unto Thee.”

The thought of the sacrifice made for us by our soldiers should inspire us to do our share. Surely there is not one amongst us who has not in these past four years learnt some lesson from the war. It may be the joy of service, it may be the blessedness of sacrifice ; it may be a larger patriotism and citizenship. To some the call has been from a life that was shallow and aimless, to a life of purpose and reality. To some, God and Eternity have, for the first time, become living truths. Whatever the lesson we have learnt, let us cling to it. Don’t let the times of peace and prosperity and of freedom from anxiety make us gradually sink back to what we were before. Our Church life, our life as a nation, will be raised or will be lowered according as to how truly we have learnt our lesson. We can never forget the sacrifice of those countless lives so bravely laid down for King and country. And from their far-off graves a message seems to reach us. It says: “ We died for England , you must live for England.”

After the dedication of the window, the Rev. C. T. Aston (Vicar) read the list of names of fallen parishioners, as under :—Sergt. Albert Ashworth, Pte. Cecil Austin, Pte. Wilfred Austin, Sergt James William Bale, Corpl Frederick Barber, Pte. George Barratt, Str. Henry Barrows, Pte. George Bennett, Str. Edward Baskott, Sec. Lieut. James Baskott, L.-Corpl. Harry Berry, Sergt.-Major William H. Bryant, Dvr. George Frederick Chant, Pte. William Thomas Chater, Pte. Arthur Chater, Pte. D. R. Coleman, Pte. Ernest Henry Colston, Corpl Ernest Dodd, Pte. Cyril Fleet, Pte. John Glynn, Corpl. Thomas Johnson, Pte. William Lee, Pte. Joseph Lendley, Lieut. Douglas L. Little, Sec. Lieut. William Harry Packwood, Pte. John Henry Reynolds, Gnr. Kenneth Bradshaw Robinson, Pte. Henry Sands, Pte. Arthur Henry Sear, Pte. Frederick John Summers, Pte. Alfred Henry Thompson, Pte. Levi Thompson, Sergt.-Major Arthur John Turner, Pte. Joseph Lewis Turner, L-Corpl. Ernest Edward Welch, Sec. Lieut. Basil Whitbread, Capt. A. W. D. Wise, M.C. (Dennis), Lieut. G. E. F. Wise.

The window consists of two panels between which a tablet bearing the roll of honour will be placed. The subject represents scenes from the “ Raising of Lazarus.”

NEWBOLD PARISH MATTERS.
MONUMENT TO BE ERECTED IN MEMORY OF THE FALLEN.
CHURCHYARD SITE DECIDED UPON.

Unusual calm prevailed at the annual parish meeting held at Newbold on Tuesday evening, and the acrimonious spirit which characterised similar meetings in pre-war days was entirely lacking. The principal item on the agenda related to the proposed war memorial, and it is satisfactory to note that the decision reached—i.e., to erect a monument in the churchyard, was a unanimous one.

The meeting was preceded by a Parish Council meeting, at which there were present : Mr. Cotterell E. W. Boughton-Leigh (an the chair), Mr. J. E. Cox (vice-chairman), Rev. Bridgeman G. Boughton-Leigh, Messrs. J. Martin, W Allen, F. Healey (clerk), and F. Follows (late clerk).

. . . . THE WAR MEMORIAL.
The Chairman then introduced the question of the War Memorial. and said he hoped the parish would endeavour to perpetuate the memory of their heroes by a memorial which would be worthy of the lives which had been sacrificed (applause). Some of the proposals which had been put forward were rather extravagant, and some were on a smaller scale, but whatever they did they should try to do it well.—The Rev. J. B. Hewitt said he felt very strongly that what they ought to do was to try to commemorate those who had fallen. Those who had returned, or who would be returning in due course, they would have among them ; but they must make certain that the names of those who had fallen should not be lost. He also thought that some memorial to these men should be erected on sacred ground ; the most suitable place for such a memorial was that ground where these men would eventually have been laid had they remained in the village until the red of their lives—i.e., the churchyard ; a place in which no one person or body of persons had a greater right than another.

Mr. Stone favoured a more conspicuous site in the centre of the village, and he suggested that a public clock might meet with the approval of many.

Rev. B. G. Boughton-Leigh mentioned that in some places Y.M.C.A. Huts, with rooms for lectures, dances, and recreation were being erected at a cost of £400. It might be possible, he suggested, to do something of this kind in addition to erecting a memorial in the churchyard, which he thought was an excellent idea, especially if the site chosen was between the church and the road. He did not favour erecting anything that would entail a great future expense in its upkeep.

Mr. Cox suggested that this difficulty could be met by endowing the memorial. He did not like the idea of erecting a building for games, etc. He would prefer to see some almshouses built, if possible.

Mr. H. Clarke suggested that tablets bearing the names of the fallen should be placed in both places of worship in addition to on the monument.

It having been formally decided that a memorial shall be erected, Mrs. Hewitt, on behalf of the women who have suffered, supported the proposal to erect the memorial in a sacred place. At all events, if they decided to have other memorials, one at least should be placed on sacred ground. There was no sacredness about the cross-roads. Children played and laughed there, and a monument erected at such a spot would bring no idea of the reverence which ought to be shown to their glorious dead. What would the women think if they saw that mud had been thrown on the monument raised in memory of their dead ? Such a monument should be placed where women when they passed by would bow, men would raise their hats, and the children would go past quietly and hush their voices in memory of these wonderful men and their glorious deeds. She spoke, she concluded, from a woman’s point of view, who has lost and suffered.

The Rev. J. P. Hewitt said from the whole parish, including Lawford, there would be 50 names to go on the monument, of which number 27 or 28 belonged to Newbold village. He thought it would be a good idea, he said, to commemorate the names from the whole of the ecclesiastical parish. It would also be as well to have the names engraved in bronze, in which case castings could be made for both the church and the chapel.—In reply to a question, Mr. Hewitt said he understood that the cost of a memorial, including the tablets, would be about £250.—Rev. B. G. Boughton-Leigh : We should want another £100 for the endowment fund.—The Chairman supported Mr. Hewitt’s suggestion, and said he believed that the relatives of men who had fallen would prefer nothing better than a monument in the churchyard, although he would like in some way also for the parish to show that they were not unmindful of the men who had offered the sacrifice, which, thank God, had not been accepted. However, he did not think that they would be able to erect a monument worthy of their heroes for £200, and he would suggest that they should aim at £500, although he did not know where the money was to come from. He did not think they ought to look to a few to subscribe the necessary funds, but rather that the monument should be a reflection of the gratitude felt by everyone.

Mr. Stone suggested that every working man in the village should promise to subscribe 1s. out of every £1 he earned during the coming year, provided the Chairman would give 1s for every pound he possessed.—The Chairman : You might say earned.—Mr. Stone : You can afford that as easily as a working man can afford 1s out of each pound he earns.—The Rev Bridgeman Boughton-Leigh said he would be willing to give 5a out of every pound he earned, but unfortunately members of the Parish Council and Rural District Council were not paid.—Mr. Stone : But you are very eager to get there.—Rev. B. Boughton-Leigh : I should not want to go there but for the fact that I wish to do good for the place in which I live. If you don’t want me to work for your good, I don’t mind, but so long as you wish me to serve you I will.—Mr. Dodson inquired if relatives would be allowed to place wreaths on the monument.—Rev. J. B. Hewitt : Yes, provided they are not artificial ones.—Eventually the Rev. Bridgeman Boughton-Leigh proposed that a monument be erected in the churchyard, and that a subscription list be sent round to see if a generous response would be forthcoming, with the object of raising at least £500. The Chairman seconded, and it was carried unanimously. The following Committee was elected to make the necessary arrangements : Rev. J. R and Mrs. Hewitt, Rev. B. G. Boughton-Leigh, Mrs. Harvey, Miss Cox, Mrs J. Gamble, Mrs. W. Hipwell, Mrs J. B. Day, Mrs Clarke, Messrs. C. E. W. Boughton-Leigh, J. E. Cox, J. Martin, and W. Allen. Mr. F. Healey promised to act as secretary.

VILLAGE HALL AS WAR MEMORIAL.
THE HITCH AT HILLMORTON.

A public meeting was held in the schools on Monday evening for the purpose of considering a letter from the Charity Commissioners in reference to the proposed amalgamation of funds for the purpose of building a village hall as a war memorial.

Mr. A. T Cockerill presided, and there were also present : Mrs. Parnell, Mrs. F. Dyson, Mrs. Allard. Mrs. C. W. Perkins, Major Nickalls, Capt. Miller. Messrs. C. Allard, W. Warren, H Capell, T. Mercer, P. Barnett, A. Fitter, G. Blackwell, Marriott, F. Clayson, &c.

The Chairman having read the letter in question, said it was for them to say whether they would accept the terms as stated or not.

Capt. Miller said he failed to see how they could accept the terms offered. Personally, he did not see how they could hand over any money they might collect and have no share in the control. It was rather one-sided.

Major Nickalls was of the same opinion, and said if he was in order he would move that the terms as offered be not accepted. Of course, they were all aware that the Vicar had resigned, and it would probably be some mouths before his successor was appointed. Until that was done they would not be in a position to get his views on the matter. In his opinion, the best thing to do was to start collecting at once. The war was already being forgotten, and every day lost would mean less money.

Mr. Brown, in seconding the resolution, said he supposed they were still willing to negotiate with the Charity Commissioners for better terms.

The resolution was put to the meeting and carried.

TANK FOR RUGBY.
ARMY COUNCIL’S GIFT TO THE TOWN.
THE OFFER ACCEPTED.

Mr C. J Cooper, the secretary of the Rugby Local Central Committee, has received intimation from the Controller of the National War Savings Committee, that, through the generosity of the Army Council, a tank has been offered to Rugby. The offer has been communicated to the Chairman and Clerk of the Urban District Council, who have expressed their pleasure to accept the offer. The matter will be brought before the next meeting of the Council, and it is hoped later on to make arrangements, in co-operation with the Local War Savings Committee for the reception of the tank. It is impossible at present to indicate even approximately the date on which it will arrive.

IN MEMORIAM.

ASHWORTH.—In memory of Sergt. ALBERT ASHWORTH, killed in action on April 9, 1917, B.E.F.
“ One sigh perchanced of work unfinished here,
Then a swift passing to a mightier sphere.”
—From all at home

BURTON.—In loving memory of our dear son, Pte. ALFRED JOSEPH BURTON (London Regiment), killed in action April 5, 1918.—“ He died . . . that we might live.”—From Father & Mother, also Brothers, Sisters, and Alice.

CHAMBERS.—In loving memory of FRED CHAMBERS, who died of wounds in France on April 4, 1918.—“ Lost to sight, but to memory ever dear.”—From his loving Wife.

GOODGER.—In loving memory of MAURICE GOODGER, who died of wounds in France on April 4, 1917.—“ God moves in a mysterious way.”—From Father, Mother, Brothers and Sister.