A look at what life was like in our villages back in 1911 - THE Mutual Improvement Society held a debate at the Guyhirn Institute. Mr J T Judge opened with a very able address advocating the nationalisation of railways. He moved that the present adminis

A look at what life was like in our villages back in 1911- THE Mutual Improvement Society held a debate at the Guyhirn Institute. Mr J T Judge opened with a very able address advocating the nationalisation of railways. He moved that "the present administration of our British Railways is inefficiently managed, and the waste caused by useless officials, duplication of services, and in working is prejudicial to the community, and retards the progress of industry". Mr J W Payne, jun., in a very able address, proposed an amendment: "Nationalisation of Railways would be ruinous to the nation and unfair to the shareholders." He made several good points referring to motors and aviation. Eventually the original proposition was carried by 17 to 14 votes.- OUTWELL'S mixed schoolroom was the scene of the presentation of a solid silver table centre, beautifully supplied by Messrs. Dann, silversmiths, Wisbech, to the Rector of Outwell, the Rev H Venn Ellis, and Mrs Ellis, on their departure from the parish, where they have resided for over 17 years. The present was accompanied by an illuminated address, very nicely executed by Mr Percy A Newell. On the case of the centre of the silver table ornament, richly engraved, were the following words: "Presented to the Rev and Mrs H Venn Ellis by the parishioners of Outwell, on leaving after 17 years of faithful ministry. April 1911."- THE retirement of Mr J T Handley from the Committee of the Emneth Sports Association was reluctantly accepted at the annual meeting, held at the Swan Inn, Emneth. Mr Handley was at one time secretary of the organisation, and afterwards became chairman of the committee, a position he held for five years. He promised to continue to support the club and lend his field for the sports. All the other officers were re-elected, and the satisfactory secretarial and financial reports were adopted.- MANEA Excelsior Brass Band paid a visit to Bishop's Stortford to take part in a band concert. They were placed fourth on the prize list, a position which, considering the short time they had been a contesting band, is a most creditable one.