DISTRICT NEWS
TRING

High Street Church.— The Rev. Charles Pearce, the doyen of Free Church ministers in the district, celebrates his 41st anniversary as minister at High-street Church on Wednesday next. The Rev. Dr. Ewing, ex-president of the Baptist Union, is preaching at 3.30 and 6.30.

The Shortage of Coal. — The Chairman of the Lighting Committee of the Urban District Council has received intimation that unless the Gas Company can within the next few days get a delivery of coal, it will necessary to curtail the public lighting of the town.

The Parish Church. — Services and music for the 2nd Sunday in Lent (Feb. 28). — Holy Eucharist, at 8 a.m. and noon. Matins: ”Venite” and Psalms, chants as set (Cathedral Psalter); "Benedicite,” Lloyd in flat; "Benedictus,” Barnby; Hymns 248, 512. Evensong: Psalms, as set; "Magnificat,” Old Melodv; "Nunc Dimittis,” Felton; anthem, "Lord, for Thy tender mercies sake” (Farrant); Hymns 300, 629. Voluntary, " Jerusalem the Golden (variations and finale). Dr. W. Spark. —Wednesday. March 3, preacher at Evensong, Rev. Ernest Ling, D.D.

Western Canada. —Collections were made at the Parish Church Sunday for the Archbishops' Western Canada Fund, and especially for the Diocese of Athabasca. The Rev. Canon Beal, who has worked for some years in the north-west part of that Dominion, was the preacher at Evensong, and pleaded with his congregation to recognise their responsibility for the spiritual welfare of those of their own kith and kin who were without churches or clergy in this rapidly developing country. The collections amounted 15:18:6 at the Parish Church, and 11s. 11d. at St. Martha’s.

Illness.— Mr. Jack Grange, son of Mr. Herbert  Grange, lying dangerously ill at a Nursing Home in London. A short time ago the state of his health caused his friends grave anxiety. The doctors decided that an operation was necessary, and all preparations were made for carrying it out. It was found that Mr. Grange was suffering from an internal growth, which must inevitably prove fatal, but in such a vital part that it would not be practicable to successfully remove it. Mr. Grange was married last year, and the greatest sympathy felt for his young wife, and for his father, who only recently suffered another sad bereavement.

— Mr. James Clark, of Langdon-street, has had to be removed to the West Herts Hospital for an operation. On Wednesday news was received that the operation had been successfully performed, and that Mr. Clark, considering his advanced age. was making most satisfactory progress.

Urban Council Election. Five candidates were nominated for the vacant seat on the Council caused the death of Dr. Brown. Mr. E. Houchen withdrew, and the four candidates who go to the poll on Friday, March 5, are Messrs. John Bagnall, John Smith, William Smith, and Edward Wright.

Mr. Bagnall is the local secretary of the Foresters, and is well known in Friendly Society and Co-operative circles.

Mr. William Smith is probably one of the best-known men in the town. For many years he has been prominently identified with the Horticultural Society, the Cricket Club, the Rifle Club, and other local institutions. He as for nine years a member of the old Local Board, so may claim to know something of the business of the town.

Mr. Edward Wright, outside his business, is closely identified with temperance, religious, and social work.

M. John Smith is an old Tring resident who, having returned to the town in recent years, is apparently anxious to devote his leisure to work for the public good.

The polling will take place at the Market House.

TO THE ELECTORS OF TRING

Ladies and Gentlemen. By the wish of many ratepayers of our Town I am offering myself as a Candidate for the vacant seat on our Urban District Council, unhappily now vacant by the loss of our friend and Councillor, the late Dr. Brown, whose death we all deeply deplore.

Should you honour me by electing me, I shall do my best (always combining efficiency with economy) in the interest of the Town and Ratepayers.

It may be in the memory of many that for nine years I was member of the old Local Board, so that I am not unacquainted with the work of the Urban Council.

 Yours faithfully,

WM. SMITH.

The Hollies, Tring,  Feb. 26th, 1915.

TO THE MUNICIPAL ELECTORS OF TRING URBAN.

 Ladies and Gentlemen. While fully aware that it would be impossible to at all adequately fill the empty seat of our late respected member, Dr. Brown, I venture, at the request of several Townspeople to offer myself as Candidate for the Council.

As a considerable ratepayer, a life-long resident, one who has for a long time taken a keen interest in the public work of the Town, and with some knowledge of the requirements of householders, as well as holders of small properties, I trust you will do me the honour of allowing me to serve you, and always to seek your interest.

Yours faithfully,

EDWARD WRIGHT.

Springwell Villa, Tring. 

BERKHAMSTED.

RURI-DECANAL CONFERENCE.

The spring meeting of the Run-decanal conference was held at the Sessions Hall, Berkhamsted, on Monday, February 15. There was not large attendance, sickness accounting for the absence of several of the delegates. The Rev. Canon H. T. Wood, Rural Dean, presided, and among the representatives present were the Revs. R. de V. Hart-Davies (Berkhamsted), H. Francis (Tring), R. H. Pope (Northchurch), L. H. Boswall (Hemel Hempstead), F. O. Houseman (Apsley End), R. H. Cattell (Sunnyside). H. C. Finch (Wigginton), and J. H. Lendrum, Messrs. W. J. Cartwright, Walter Greey, C. Rolfe, R. A. Norris, T. Penny, W. Moore, F. H. Farran, E. Gilbert, R. Lowe, F. W. Bedford, C. Hilderley, Admiral Smith-Dorrien, and the Hon. Lay Secretary (Mr. T. G. Dale)

Apologies for non-attendance wore sent by the Revs. L. Gee, H. E. U. Bull, C. E. Gaussen, E. Clark. W. H. Weston. Guy Beech, G. Field, Messrs. T. F. Halsey, W. C. Evetts, W. Brackley, Spencer Holland, Percy Hastings, Aubrey Hodgson, H. R. G. Craufurd, and Major E. K. Ridley.

Financial. - ... ... ...

Intercession Services. - The Rural Dean, in his introductory remarks, spoke of the effect of the War on Church life in the Deanery. He had observed a general quickening - larger congregations, etc., but emphasised the great need of still more denial and intercessory prayer. '

Admiral Smith-Dorrien, speaking as a layman, urged the need of more special intercession serivices. To his mind the usual services did not satisfy the needs. He particularly referred to the perils encountered by the Navy in safeguarding our coasts night and day.

Mr. Walter Greey spoke of the helpfulness of the special prayers issued by the Archbishops.

The Rural Dean quoted the Bishop of Oxford to the effect that every Church should become school of prayer.

Diocesan Lay Helpers' Association. - ... ... ...

Diocesan Education Committee. - The Rev. H. Francis and Mr. Spencer L. Holland were appointed representatives from the Deanery to the Education Committee of the Diocesan Board of Finance.

Diocesan Finance Scheme. - ... The following were appointed the Ruri-decanal Finance Committee The Revs. H. Francis, H. Finch, and C. E. Gaussen, Messrs. E. A. Mitchell-Innes, Spencer L. Holland, A. W. Vaisey. and Admiral Smith-Dorrien, with the Rural Dean ex-officio. This concluded the conference.

FOR SALE

Mangolds for Sale 14/- Ton at Pit. - Apply Percy E. Mead, Gubblecote Farm, Tring.

TRING IN WAR TIME

The Record March.— Referring to the letter from member of the K.R.R. stationed at which appeared our last issue. Captain W. J. Icke, O.C. "D" Company 12th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, informs us that the K.R.R. correspondent is wrong. "D" Company' s time was follows: Starting from their parade ground, at Tring, at 8.26 a.in., and making a 38 minutes' halt at Kings Langley the return journey, they reached the starting-point again at 3.28 p.m., making in all 7 hours 2 minutes. Deducting the minutes' halt, this leaves 6 hours 24 minutes the time actually occupied in the march, thus beating the performance of "D" Company, 13th Battalion K.R.R. by 12 minutes. The march was accomplished without a single casualty. Therefore, the Divisional record rests with "D" Company, 12th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.

Tring people will have been pleased to read amongst the list of those specially mentioned in Sir John French's recent dispatch for gallant and distinguished service in the field, the name of Captain Edmund S. W. Tidswell. Captain Tidswell, who serves with the 1st Battalion Leicester Regiment is the son of the Rev. S. W. Tidswell, the predecessor of the Rev. H. Francis in the vicariate of Tring.

Amongst the prisoners of war who reached England from Germany last week was Private W. G. Mustill (1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers), of Cow Roast Lock. Tring. Private Mustill was severely wounded, losing an eye, and also had one arm badly damaged, but he is evidently in the best of spirits. Writing from Queen Alexandra's Hospital, Grosvenor-road, London, he says:- I am back again in dear old England. I arrived at Folkestone at 6 p.m. Wednesday, and came up to London to hospital. We stopped at different places on the way home, picking up the men by ones and twos. We were very glad when we were out of Germany, and amongst friends in Holland. It was like waking up after a dream, even to me, and I had been luckier than most of the others, for I had left a good hospital, whilst others had come from prisoners' camps. We had a very rough passage home . . . . I shall be here a little time yet, as I am getting arm put straight. There are about 150 of us sent home, in exchange for the same number of Germans.  We were at the same station as Germans in Holland. They were all in new suits, but our chaps were in any old things. We have had the King and Queen to see us; they spoke to every one of us. . . . We are very fortunate to be home again, though the majority are maimed for life. I shall want an artificial eye before leaving the hospital. There are half-a-dozen young fellows home who have lost both eves, so I am fortunate."

The Rev Canon Beal gave an address on life in North-West Canada to the soldiers at the Picture Hall on Sunday evening.

A concert for the troops, arranged by Miss Cockburn, was given in the Medical Inspection Hall on Tuesday evening.

WIGGINTON

Lenten Services.— At the Wednesday evening services at the Parish Church the Rev. A. Lea-Wilson, vicar of Leavesden, has kindly undertaken to give a course of addresses on "Some Foundations of the Faith.” The intercession services on Friday evening will be continued.

The War.— News has been received by Mr. and Mrs. A. Birch that their son. Private F. Birch, serving with the 1st Herts Territorials, has been wounded. Private Birch was acting a stretcher-bearer when a shell exploded quite close to the party. Birch was wounded in both knees, and his comrade killed instantly. In a recent letter to his parents, he writes quite cheerfully and speaks being soon invalided to England.

— Of the other two Territorials, Harold Gurney is still in hospital at Oxford, and Albert Baker returned to duty on Monday, having been home on sick leave.

LEIGHTON BUZZARD.

The Tring Taxi Tragedy. The non-commissioned officers and men of the 15th Platoon, D Company, 8th Lincolnshire Regiment, stationed in Leighton Buzzard, sent a wreath to the funeral of their late officer, Lieut. Wm. Crabtree, who was killed in a taxi-cab near Tring a fortnight ago. The mother of Lieut. Crabtree and other members of his family have written from Doncaster in appreciation of the platoon's sympathy.

ASTON CLINTON.

SAD DEATH OF TWO SOLDIERS. A terrible discovery was made late last night on Tring-road between Aylesbury and Aston Clinton. As a pedestrian was proceeding home he came across a motor cycle lying in the road, and upon investigation in the darkness he discovered two soldiers near by, both insensible. He immediately went for assistance, and in a short time the unfortunate men were removed to the Royal Bucks Hospital. Here it was found that their names were Private White and Private Thomas, two of the 12th Northumberland Fusiliers attached to the Motor Cyclist Section stationed at Aston Clinton. Everything possible was done for them, but in vain, as one died half an hour after admission, and the other two hours later. The whole affair is wrapped in mystery, but the police have the matter in hand, and it honed a solution will be discovered at the inquest to-day (Saturday).

HIGH WYCOMBE

RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.

At the monthly meeting at Saunderton on Monday ... ...

Highways Committee. — ...  With reference to roads leading to Halton Camp, letter was read from the Road Board, enclosing cheque for £420. ...

 SANITARY ACCOMMODATION AT WENDOVER. - The Wendover Parochial Committee recommended the provision of public conveniences at Wendover.

Mr. Eccles asked if they were for the use the military, and the Clerk replied in the affirmative.

Mr. A. Ward moved that application be made to the Local Government Board for powers under Section 44 of the Public Health Act Amendment Act, 1897, for the erection of public conveniences at Wendover.

Mr. North seconded.

Mr. Ward said he supposed the expense would fall on the parish of Wendover.

The Chairman: Yes.

Colonel R. H. Thring wrote to the Clerk from Headquarters, 21st Division, Tring, on Feb. 11th, 1915, on the subject, as under:

"I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 10th Feb., 1915, to the address of Lieut.-General Sir Edward Hutton. Since Nov. 12th, 1914, the camps at Halton have not been occupied by roops; in Wendover itself less than 500 soldiers were billeted, and these were removed on 8th Feb. It appears probable to Lieut.-General Hutton that the nuisances complained of are not committed by soldiers, and under the circumstances he does not see his way to recommend a grant being made for the purpose of providing public urinals, etc."

It was decided to refer the letter the next meeting of the Wendover Parochial Committee.

THE SHIRE HORSE SHOW

LORD ROTHSCHILD’S SUCCESSES

 The annual show of the Shire Horse Society was held at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, on Tuesday and Wednesday. At the opening the exhibition on Tuesday there was not a large muster of breeders, but remarkable testimony was furnished to the strength the draught horse-breeding industry the admirable display of stock which Tuesday’s proceedings revealed.

Among the prize-winners was Lord Rothschild, who, among other awards, obtained two first, a second, and a third. ...

The King and Queen, accompanied by Princess Mary, visited the show Wednesday, when there was a large attendance.

Lord Rothschild was the winner of two cups, one for the best stallion and the other the Society's Gold Challenge Cup, Mr. F. E. Muntz being reserve in each case.

The Edgcote Shorthorn Co., of Banbury, and Mr. J. O. Williams, of Tring, each had reserve tickets.

Mr. J. G. Williams was awarded two firsts, one in the class for yearling fillies, and the other in the class for four-year-old mares. He also obtained third place in the three-year-old fillies class. ...

Northampton Mercury 26 February