The operations upon the Somme front continue to yield results which, while they may appear modest upon the map, represent an expenditure of effort and courage which it would be difficult to overstate. Our men have now secured positions which, six weeks ago, were held to be impregnable.

The village of Thiepval, which fell to British forces on the 26th of September after weeks of intense fighting, has now been consolidated, and the adjacent network of trenches, known to the men as the "Stuff Redoubt," has been cleared of the enemy.

During the past fortnight's operations, more than eight hundred prisoners have been taken and brought to the cages behind the line. Among the captured materiel are seventeen heavy guns, numerous trench mortars, and quantities of ammunition which indicate that the enemy's supply difficulties are becoming acute.

The weather has turned against us these past several days, and the ground, churned by months of bombardment, has become a serious obstacle to the movement of men and transport. The men bear this, as they bear much else, with a patience and good humour which fills the observer with a feeling not easily named.

A correspondent writes: "We have come to know the countryside here with a familiarity that peace would never have taught us. The broken church tower at — serves as a landmark. The men have given everything a name. They are, in this at least, indestructible."

The County Court sat on Wednesday last before His Honour Judge Markham. In the matter of Halcroft & Sons vs. Pemberton Iron Company, judgment was given for the plaintiff in the sum of fourteen pounds, seven shillings, with costs. The defendant's application for leave to appeal was refused.

The Michaelmas cattle fair at Pershore drew a good attendance on Thursday, notwithstanding the competing demands of harvest work. Fat cattle sold at prices somewhat below those of last year, which dealers attribute to the difficulty of obtaining feed, though the quality of the beasts shown was generally commended.

Hop prices have remained firm at between thirty-five and forty shillings the hundredweight for the best qualities of the Worcestershire crop. The harvest, completed earlier than usual on account of the favourable September weather, is reported to be of satisfactory character, though somewhat below average in weight.

Sir — I write to draw attention to a matter which I believe should concern all inhabitants of this county. The number of men employed upon essential food production has fallen, in my own district, to a figure which threatens the security of next year's harvest. I do not quarrel with those who have gone to serve. I quarrel with a system which has not foreseen what their departure must mean for those who remain. — A Worcestershire Farmer.

Readers are reminded that men serving with His Majesty's Forces who are registered electors in this county may apply, through their regimental paymaster, to exercise their franchise by proxy at the forthcoming by-election for the Droitwich Division.