The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

CITY POLICE COURT. ♦ WEDNESDAY.—Before Messrs. H. T. Brown, J. J. Cunnah, and T. Smith. LICENSING. Temporary authority was granted to the following: William Price, Old Queen's Head, Foregate-street; Bernard McAlindon, Grotto Inn, Bridge-street Row; John Maddocks, Flint Boathouse, Crane-street. Mr. W. H. Churton appeared for the applicants in the first and last cases, and Mr. F. Lloyd in the other. THUBSDAY.—Before the Mayor, Messrs. H. T. Brown and J. J. Cunnah. MORE CARELESS DRIVING AT THE CROSS.— Thomas Gandy, a gentleman residing at Old Trafford, appeared in answer to a summons charging him with not driving a vehicle on the proper side of the street. P.C. Hughes deposed that on the 5th inst. he saw defendant driving past the Cross on the wrong side. He warned him, but to no purpose.—Defendant said he admitted the offence, but when he turned the corner there was not another vehicle about, and he did not know there was a hard and fast rule for driving in such a case. The officer was standing like an automatic dude—(laughter)— and placed his hand on the horse. He (defen- dant) saw his way was clear. The Bench imposed a fine of 5s. and costs. FRIDAY.—Before Messrs. H. T. Brown and G. A. Dickson. THE NUISANCE ON THE Cop.-A young man, named Frederick Jordan, of Manchester, was sent to gaol for a month for indecency on the Cop the previous day.—Police-Clerk Tilley stated that they had complaints every week from this part of the city about the same kind of thing, and had had men watching there for weeks at a time.

ARTILLERY INSPECTION AT CHESTER. ♦ The annual inspection of the headquarter battery and company of the 1st Cheshire and Carnarvonshire Volunteer Artillery took place on Saturday in the Castle yard, the inspecting officer being Col. Dunnage, R.A., C.R.A., N.W.D., who was accompanied by his A.D.C., Lieut. and Adjutant Long, R.A., and Col. H. T. Brown, V.D. (colonel commanding the corps.) The battery and company marched, headed by their band, from the Drill Hall to the Castle yard, where they paraded under the command of Capt. R. Stewart Wood, the other officers present being Captains F. B. Mason and F. J. Bonnalie, Lieuts. F. H. Lloyd and R. G. Jayne, the chaplain (the Rev. J. F. Howson), and Quartermaster and Major F. Fountain. The battery, drawn up in column of sub-divisions and the company in line at open order, received the inspecting officer with a general salute, and was then minutely inspected. Colonel Dunnage said the men had turned out very smart and clean; he noticed a great improvement in the uniforms which were clean and well fitted. At this point, Captain Wood was ordered by the inspecting officer to march with the guns, which were ready outside the Castle gates, to Eaton Park, No. 2 company under Captain F. B. Mason,then being inspected. They were put through company movements and the march past, Lieutenant Lloyd subsequently drilling them in the manual and firing exercises. Colonel Dunnage expressed himself highly pleased with the performance of the company, saying the turn out was remarkably smart. He afterwards inspected the magazine, store houses and gun sheds at the Castle, where all the stores, &c., belonging to the position battery are housed. Meanwhile, the position battery were at work in a field in Eaton Park, kindly lent by the Duke of Westminster. The battery was divided into a right and a left half with two guns each, the plan being to throw up epaulements—ditches three feet wide and two feet deep—along the front and flanks of the half batteries, with shelter trenches for the safety of the detachments. Colonel Dunnage who arrived with Colonel H. T. Brown, while the men were busily engaged at the work, afterwards addressed the men. He said the work he had seen was most creditable, and the kind they would be called upon to do in active service. He was pleased to see them do it so well. The battery was well horsed-he bad never seen better horses anywhere-and they were ex- cellently turned out, this showing the interest the drivers took in their part of the work of the battery. There was not a more efficient position battery in the whole of the North Western District, and he would have much pleasure in making a favourable report upon the battery and its work. He congratulated Col. Brown upon commanding such a battery. Colonel Dunnage subsequently presented B.S.M. R ft Shaw with a Inner snrvicA medal at", the request of Col. Brown. Lieut. Long, the umpire in the drill and general smartness competition, expressed his difficulty in saying which was the best half battery, but after going into detail he awarded the prize (which was given by the officers) to the right half battery, who came out top by one point only. There were 200 officers and men, including signallers, cyclists, and the ambulance corps on parade.

DORCAS' AT THE ROYALTY. 4 A comedy opera,' Dorcas,' is being played to large audiences at the Royalty Theatre this week. The piece, which is in three acts, is the work of the authors of Niobe,' Messrs. Harry and A. E. Paulton, while the music is by first-class composers. Dorcas' has an in- genious plot. Lord Lambourne has a sister Honoria, whom he has not seen since childhood. The young peer seeks to bring about a marriage between his sister and his friend Lord Beauregard. Honoria comes to England and masquerades in the garb and vocation of a male pedlar. Lubin Mugby, of the Lam- bourne Arms, has just taken to wife a charming young peasant named Dorcas, whom Lord Lambourne, having heard of her beauty, is extremely anxious to see. The innkeeper fears the attentions of his lord- ship, who demands that Dorcas shall be brought by her spouse to the hall for his lordship's inspection. Mugby's dilemma is Honoria's opportunity. She sees in it her chance to take stock of Lord Beauregard, and obtains per- mission to pass as Dorcas. The second act takes place in the interior of Lambourne Hall, where Lord Lambourne and Lord Beauregard both fall violently in love with her, and the most amusing complications ensue. Of course every- thing is satisfactorily cleared up in the short act that follows. Lord Lambourne discovering that the lady is his sister; Lord Beauregard finding a wife and the innkeeper being left in unmolested possession of his own bride. The opening act is rather flat, being more introductory to the bright and musical parts which follow, although it contains a capital tri<x Tailor makes the man,' rendered in splendid style by Messrs. S. J. Turner, Dovelly and Fowler Thatcher. Mr. Fowler Thatcher, who pourtrays the character of Lubin Mugby, host of the 'Lambourne Arms,' creates much amusement by his clever acting and comic songs, his items It's awkward when you can't' and I arrived in time to get it' bringing down the house. Mr. J. J. Donelly, as Ronald, Lord Beauregard, gives capital renderings of Love has no shaft' and Let me dream.' his fine tenor voice giving great effect to the ballads. Miss Lottie Siegenberg, as Honoria, eister to Lord Lambourne, pedlar and masquerader, calls forth vigorous applause for her acting and vocal contributions. Mr. Turner's Company is throughout a strong one, and as the piece abounds in lively choruses, quartettes, &c., it is sure to commend itself to Cestrian playgoers.

News from the West Coast of Africa states that the King of Benin has given himself up to the British authorities. ALLEGED GAOL SCANDAL.-A serious breach of prison regulations is alleged to have taken place at Exeter Gaol, and two warders are said to be implicated. It appears that communica- tions by letter have been passing between a wealthy convict and his wife for several months. Something aroused the suspicion of the Governor (Major Matheson), who took steps to discover the parties to the irregu- larities. The assistance of the authorities at Scotland Yard was enlisted, with the result that letters, purporting to be written by the prisoner's wife, were sent to both warders, requesting them to meet her at the railway station at Exeter by a certain train. One of the warders obtained leave. The second did not apply, but arranged for a female relative to accompany his comrade. The couple met the appointed train, the prisoner's supposed wife duly appeared, and a conversation ensued relative to certain blank cheques. Ultimately a detective conveyed the man and woman to the police head-quarters. The warders were interrogated by the Governor of the prison, and the result is that both have been suspended and fined. The woman, who was on a holiday from Cornwall, was released.

CHESTER BOARD OF GUARDIANS. + — A meeting was held yesterday (Tuesday), Mr. J. Pover presiding over a small attendance. THE PAUPER S BANKING ACCOUNT. It will be remembered that the man named Reece, of Dodleston, had been in receipt of relief from the guardians for several years, and lately it was found that he had a sum of £80 in the savings bank. He was prosecuted before the magistrates for defrauding the guardians and fined. The Bench expressed the opinion that the guardians should attempt to come to some agreement with Reece as to refunding some of the money.—The Clerk said he had had an interview with Reece, and he was glad to say that the man had agreed to pay L7 down. OFFICIALS' SALARIES. A letter was received from Elijah Baker, a male assistant in the imbecile ward, asking that in consideration of his 12 months' service, his salary should be increased. His present salary is,220 per annum.—The Clerk said that some of the other officers were on a sliding scale.—Mr. Hallmark thought they should all be on the same footing.—Mr. Vernon said Mr. Baker was one of their best officers. He ;had over 20 imbeciles under his care, and the post was an important one. He more than earned his wages.—On the proposition of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Wedgwood, the matter was deferred till the next meeting. THE PRICE OF GAS. An intimation was received from the Chester Gas Company to the effect that the Union would be supplied in future with gas on the same terms as outsiders. Through the reduction in the price, gas would be supplied at 2s. lid. per thousand cubic feet. MISSING LETTERS STRANGE DISCOVERY. The Clerk said it had come to his knowledge that numerous letters addressed to the Institution had been missing for some time. Most of these unreceived letters had contained postal orders and stamps. The Master reported to him that this was the doing of a boy inmate of the house, whose duty it was to go to the Post Office with the letter bag. He (the clerk) had spoken to the boy, who admitted that for a considerable time past he had been putting his hand into the letter bag, taking letters, and opening those which he thought contained any stamps and muney orders, and taking these out. He (the clerk) bad learned that many letters sent to him and the Board had not been received.—Mr. Vernon: Have you found whether any one else is impli- cated in this matter ?—The Clerk: We suspect so, but it is hard to find out. I was told of this mat- ter, otherwise I had not the slightest suspicion. The Master (Mr. Turner) said that a postal order for 3s. 6d. sent to an inmate of the house was never received, and altogether the sum of 16s. 6d. had been missing in money orders, abstracted from the bag. He should think the practice had been going on for five or six weeks.—A member: What a fortunate thing it has been found out. The Master: I asked the boy where he got these orders changed. He said he took them to the branch office in Foregate-street, and there changed them. On one order for 3s. 6d. he had forged a signature. The Master then detailed other cases, where money sent to inmates of the house by post had been abstracted from the bag by the boy. The lad was called into the room and questioned. He admitted that he had com- mitted these actions entirely on his own sugges- tion. It was his own conception, and he had kept it a secret.—Mr. Wedgwood: I have heard that this boy has not been keeping the best of company.—The Clerk: I am afraid the only way to get at his feelings is by the use of the birch rod. (Hear, hear.) He thought the Board should not have allowed the lad to carry these letters. It was a difficult matter to deal with him.—The master said the idea of the birch rod was put aside on consideration of the boy's age (16). If they took him before the magistrates they would have a difficulty in gaining the case for want of witnesses.—The matter was held over till the next meeting, for the purpose of obtaining more information. THE FISHING CRISIS IN HANDBRIDGE. The Rev. H. Grantham said they had heard for some time of the intense destitution among the fishing population of Handbridge, but he did not think there was that great amount of starvation supposed to exist. He bad heard that applications had been made to the House for relief, but he might say that he had not been applied to for assistance. He did not think there was positive starvation among the fishing people. The Relieving Officer (Mr. Harrop) said there had been no unusual applications made to him for relief from that neighbourhood.

THE CHESTER ISOLATION HOSPITAL.—The Town Council will be called upon to-day (Wednes- day) to accept the tender of Mr. W. W. Freeman, for the erection of the proposed Isolation Hospital for 914,400, and also Messrs. Hughes and Lancaster's tender, to provide and fix an ejector chamber, Shone pneumatic ejectors, air receiver, air and sewage mains, &c., for £ 1,753 16s. Eight tenders were received for the Isolation Hospital, the highest being for £ 17,750. There were two tenders lower than Mr. Freeman's, namely, R,13,697 and £ 14,437. The Public Health Committee also recommended that it be arranged that Mr. A. E. Jones' appointment as clerk of the works at the Town Hall, embrace also the duties of clerk of the works at the Infectious Diseases' Hospital, at the salary (for both) of L3 10s. per week. DENBIGH JUSTICES AND THE SALE OF IN- TOXICANTS TO CHILDREN.-At the Denbigh Police Court on Friday, before Colonel Lloyd Williams and a full bench of magistrates, representatives appeared on behalf of the different churches of the town to memorialise the Bench in favour of taking stringent measures to prevent the sale of intoxicating drinks to children under the age of 13 years. The court was crowded.—The Magistrates' Clerk said he had received petitions through the post from the Rev. James Charles on behalf of the Swan-lane Independent Church, and from the Caledfryn Lodge of Good Templars, appeal- ing to the magistrates to do all they possibly could to prevent the sale of drink to children, by adopting similar measures to those taken by the magistrates and police authorities in Liver- pool, Manchester, Birkenhead, and other large English towns.' Petitions were also presented from all the other churches of the town, and the Church of England Temperance Society.—Mr. Thomas Gee, in supporting the petitioners, said they had, for many years, in the different churches been endeavouring to train the children in the principles of total abstinence; lectures were also delivered on the subject in the elementary schools under the auspices of the Band of Hope Union Temperance Society, and the Churches felt that a direct appeal should be made to the justices to use their power in the matter. He expressed a hope that the question would receive the attention of the Bench; and the petitioners felt perfectly satisfied that if the magistrates would use their influence to prevent young children from being allowed to go for drink for their parents at an early age they would do much to stem the tide of drunkenness that was now flowing over the land. (Applause.)—The Rev. David Jones, speaking on behalf of the Wesleyan Church, said he understood that the meaning of the memorialists was that the magistrates should adopt the best means possible to secure for the children of the town the protection they were entitled to, by enforcing the law of the country. (Applause.) The Chairman, addressing the petitioners, said: I am sure every right-minded person will feel sympathy with the object you have in view, and whatever we as magistrates can do, I am quite sure we shall endeavour to do it, in order to promote the object you have so ably placed before us. We are in full sympathy with you, and I can assure you that, in my opinion, it is the right move to make, because if we can get at the children and induce them to become total abstainers for a time by removing temptation out of their way, they will become total abstainers for the rest of their lives. (Hear, hear.)—The clerk was then ordered to obtain copies of the rules now in force in Liverpool and other towns with the view of their adoption. The deputation thanked the Bench for their courtesy, and withdrew. LOVE AND MELANCHOLY.—At Lancaster Police Court last week a printer's labourer, said to belong to Grasmere, was brought up on a charge of being drunk and disorderly. He pleaded that he was not drunk but insane, and the magistrates committed him to the Castle for a week in order that his mental state might be inquired into. The youth was again placed before the justices on Monday, when the medical superintendent of the gaol certified that the prisoner was a love-sick swain-madly in love —suffering from melancholia owing to his in- ability to earn sufficient money to annex the object of his affections.' The Chairman remarked, in a laughing tone, that the sooner the prisoner went about his business the better, and discharged him.

EMPLOYMENT IN CHESHIRE AND NORTH WALES. + Mr. C. Rouse, the local correspondent of the Labour Gazette, has forwarded the following report on the state of employment during the last month in Cheshire:—According to a report from Winsford, employment in the salt trade is slack generally in that district and at Middle- wich. In the building trades employment is moderate at both towns, painters being well employed. Chemical workers at Middlewich continue dull, one set being still closed. Moulders at Winsford are very fairly employed. Fustian cutters are only working four days per week at most factories. Mr. G. Rowley, the North Wales correspondent of the Gazette, reports :—Mining—Except at a few collieries employment has been good during the month. Quarrying-Except at the Penrhyn Quarry, which continues closed, employment in the slate quarries is good. It is also good in the granite, sett, limestone, roadstone and freestone quarries. Engineering and Metal Trades—Employment is good at the Brymbo steel works. At an iron- works in Holywell a blast furnace has been restarted, and more men are being employed. Engineers at Oswestry report employment as still moderate; employment is good at the spelter works at Bagillt, and at the waggon works at Johnstown. Building Trades.-At Wrexham employment is reported as good with the bricklayers; fair with the carpenters and joiners; and slack with painters. At Oswestry as dull with the bricklayers; moderate with the carpenters. Employment in every branch.con- tinues steady in the Rhos district; brisk at Ruabon and Cefn. Brick and Terra Cotta Works.—Employment continues good at the various brick and terra cotta works in the Wrexham,Rhos,Ruabon, and Penybont districts. Chemical Trades.—Full time is being worked at the chemical works at Flint and Ruabon. Textile and Clothing Trades.—The workmen in the tweed industry of Montgomeryshire are reported as fairly well engaged. The bespoke tailors at Oswestry report employment as fairly good; at Rhyl as good.

ENGLISH V. DANISH MILK. 0 The following letter appeared in the Man- chester Guardian:-For a considerable period certain individuals have been making state- ments to the prejudice of milk, as produced in England. They first told us of the numerous diseases produced by germs in cows' milk, either inferring or stating that these germs originated with the cow. When they found this untenable they returned to the attack, characterising our milk as dirty. The medical officer of health of this city had on exhibition, on at least one occa- sion, a specially selected sample to illustrate this condition, and he drew a lurid picture of the filthy surroundings of our dairy cows-a condition of things which, with a much larger experience in such matters, I say is not found, save in remote and poor districts, and not oftener than once in a thousand cases. These sanitarians and public philanthropists have a ready-made plan for making our milk supply all that it ought to be; it is the adoption of the Danish (the Copenhagen) method. Dr. Niven and others who have spent a few days in Denmark and visited the show dairies and creameries, and obtained their data from the officials of milk companies, tell us that the system is all that can be desired. Let us see what their opinion is worth. Mr. Speir, a member of the Royal Commission on Tuberculosis, and who has recently spent some time in Denmark,says: The dairy stocks" there are as a rule kept under the most de- plorable sanitary conditions, tuberculosis of a generalised and very virulent type, being exceedingly prevalent, and the wells for the water supply to the farm households and live stock, as well as for washing the butter, in three cases out of every four were within a dozen yards of the dungsteads," where fluid could drain from them into the water supply. This condition existed at the farm where butter was made for the King of Denmark, and 75 per cent. of these supply wells, he says, are little better than urine pots." To thoroughly verify the statement the North British Agriculturist sent a special" to investigate. He not only confirms Mr. Speir's statements, but shows that the con- dition of things is under rather than over- drawn. He tells us that "sanitation in any sense as regards cattle is either unknown or never practised," except in a few show places. A few of these were held up to the delighted vision of Dr. Niven and his friends as the general condition in Denmark. The milk," the special" tells us, is produced under de- plorable conditions. Cows are crowded together as close as possible. The byres" (cow- sheds) "are low in ceiling, and light and air are blocked out overhead by fodder, on which the cows are subsequently fed; the floors are cobble-stones, the interstices filled with liquid and solid excrement, the first soaking deep into the ground. Everything in the byres is in a filthy condition, and the same term applies to the operation of milking." The milk," we are told, is run through a fine BIAVA. noon leaving a. thick. pastv deposit of filth, through which the later portion of the milk slowly percolates." Dr. Niven would have us copy the Danish system. I ask, should we gain by it ? Within the last few months I have examined a good number of dairies supplying the Manchester milk trade. I have, among other things, seen the cows milked, watched the sieving and cooling, and I tell those who have formulated the extraordinary statements as to filthy milk that it is an invention. Almost all milk before coming to Manchester is not only sieved, but run through very fine muslin, and although I have seen the milk of 50 cows passed through, the whole of the sediment from 30 to 50 cows in its fluid state would not more than fill a tablespoon, and was not of that sickening character described in connection with Danish milk. Out of the number of farms visited, only in two was there the slightest risk of water contamination, and this when mentioned was at once changed.— Yours, &c., W. G. L. A. Cox, M.R.C.V.S.L., Consulting V.L.M.S. and S.D. Dairy Society.

Tiax ROYAL DUEL.-The duel between the Count of Turin and Prince Henry of Orleans was fought at five o'clock on Sunday morning, in the Bois de Marechaux, at Vaucresson. The weapons chosen were swords, and the encounter was of a most determined character, lasting 26 minutes. Prince Henry of Orleans received two serious wounds, one on the right shoulder and the other on the right side of the abdomen, and the Count of Turin was wounded in the right hand. Prince Henry was taken to the residence of Due de Chartres. The doctor states it will be two or three days before he can pronounce a definite opinion as to the gravity of Prince Henry's injuries. MOBBING EISTEDDFOD ADJUDICATORS.—An eisteddfod, which was- well attended, was held on Saturday in a marquee on a field adjoining Llandebie railway station. The chairman for the day was Dr. F. G. Southern, Pantyrodin. The adjudicators for music were Mr. J. T. Rees (Aberystwyth) and Mr. W. Thomas (Treorky). Dr. Gurnos Jones (Pile), the adjudicator in the other competitions, acted as conductor. In the second choral competition the test piece was Blodeuyn Bach.' Three choirs competed, viz. Ammanford (conducted by Mr. T. J. Rees), Goppa (Mr. D. Thomas, Pontardulais) and Llandebie (Mr. John Lewis). The prize was awarded to Ammanford. In the male voice com- petition, Wyr Philistia,' three parties entered the lists, viz.: Tycroes United (conducted by Mr. Lloyd, Pontycearc), Glandulais (Mr. J. Rees, Pontardulais, and Llandebie Youngsters (Mr. W. J. Lloyd.) The prize was withheld by the adjudicators on the ground that the singing of the choirs was so poor. This led to a hostile demonstration on the part of a large section of the audience, the disturbance lasting over a quarter of an hour, and Mr. Rees was prevented from giving his decision in detail in the chief choral competition. At the close of the eisteddfod the adjudicators were followed to the station by a large crowd, hooting and jeering, but no attempt was made at personal violence. A X20 prize was offered for the best singing of Bendigedig fyddo Arglwydd Dduw Israel,' by John Thomas. The competing choirs were :— Hebron, Clydach (conducted by Mr. R. Davies), Ammanford (Mr. Walters), Pontardulais United (Mr. D. Morris), Dyffryn. Tycroes (Mr. W. Lewis), and Babell, Cwmbwrla (Mr. David Wil- liams.) The prize was awarded to Ammanford.

ROWLANDS' KALYDOR is most cooling and refreshing to the face, hands and arms of ladies and all exposed to the hot sun and dust; it prevents and removes Freckles, Tan, Sunburn, Redness and Roughness of the Skin, soothes and heals Irritation, Insect Stings, Cutaneous Eruptions more effectually than any other preparation; produces soft fair skin and a lovely delicate complexion. Bottles, 2s. 3d. and 4s. 6d. ROWLANDS' MACASSAR OIL is the only genuine and reliable preserver and beautifier of the hair; prevents baldness and eradicates Scurf. Numerous tes- timonials from the royalty and aristocracy of the world prove this. Is unsurpassed as a dressing and tonic for ladies' and children's hair; also, in a Golden Colour for fair and grey hair. Bottles, 3s. 6d., 7s., 10s. 6d. Ask Chemists and Stores for BOWLABDS' articles.

The Scarborough season was on Wednesday marred by an alarming accident. A char-a-banc containing 18 passengers was returning from the drive through Forge Valley, and in descend- ing Sheffield Hill cne of the wheels came in contact with a large stone, and the vehicle was overturned. The horses plunged and ran away. A number of passengers were injured, but none fatally.

THE NORTH WALES SLATE TRADE. 0 ALLEGED PERMANENT INJURY. Mr. A. B. Partridge, president of the National Association of Slate Merchants, in a letter to the Times, discusses some points raised in the recent speech of Mr. W. Jones, M.P., on the Penrhyn Quarry dispute. Mr. Partridge declares that the slate trade of North Wales has been permanently injured by the dispute, and adds:—Great Britain and Ireland, Germany and Australia have learnt to do with a greatly reduced quantity of Welsh slates, and this reduction has been more than met by the vast imports of American and other foreign slates. The contracts made and the per- manent arrangements entered into will lead to a restricted output in Wales, and it will probably not be long after the resumption of work that the men will find themselves com- pelled to exchange full time for three or four days a week as a result of following the lead of mistaken guides. I think it will be admitted that Lord Penrhyn has gone as far as any of the quarrymen's advocates would go if they were placed in his position. He has reserved to himself the inherent right to retain the management of the quarries, which the men profess they do not wish to usurp. Unfor- tunately the men accepted unwholesome advice and rejected these terms in May last. But how were they refused ? Not by a secret ballot of the entire number, but in open meeting, where a small portion only of the men were gathered, and that portion largely composed of irrecon- cilables. These points are net generally known to the public, and many similar facts have not received the publicity they deserved.

DISTRICT AND PARISH COUNCILS. 4 HOYLAKE DISTRICT. The monthly meeting of the Hoylake and West Kirby Urban District Council was held on Monday, in the Public Offices, Hoylake, Mr. J. F. Ellison presiding. The other members present were the Rev. F. Sanders, Messrs. George Wall, Charles Roberts, P. Wilkinson, R. Bird, R. A. Alfred, J. Ezard, J. F. L. Clare, S. Jones, W. S. J. English, Hart Binner, and A. T. Salvidge. Mr. Bird, in moving the adoption of the Road and Improvement Committee's pro- ceedings, called attention to a recommendation that the whole of the works in connection with the parades at Hoylake and West Kirby, and the Marine Lake at West Kirby should be taken in hand and completed by Mr. Foster, their surveyor, who is to be allowed a commission of 2 per cent. on the estimated cost of the works, provided the work be carried out to the satis- faction of the Council, and subject to Mr. Foster's giving an undertaking that he will remain in the employment of the Council until the works are completed.—The Chairman said this was to be a charge on the amount set apart for contin- gencies, a sum of about £2,300 forming that fund. The commission was not an addition to the estimate, for the contingencies fund had already been allotted,and out of that the commis- sion would come.—The minute was adopted.— Mr. Ezard asked if the sub-committee specially appointed to inspect some channelling, &c., at Earl-road had done so, and whether the charges made against the surveyor had been found true or untrue ?—Mr. Bird, chairman of the com- mittee, said the inspection had been made, and the work was found to be perfectly satisfactory. (Hear, hear.) He must complain of a member of the Board, Mr. Bell, having shown such distrust of the committee as to go to Earl-road at six o'clock in the morning and make the men pull up some of the channelling for him alone. —Mr. Ezard said it was a very wrong thing for him to do, and he had never heard of such a thing before. It would be well for the Board not to listen to such complaints in future, unless they were made formally in writing.—Mr. Salvidge said he thought it infra dig. for the Board even to appoint the committee to in- vestigate the charges of Mr. Joseph Price. (Hear, hear.)—The Chairman said they were quite satisfied that Mr. Foster had done his work well. He always did. They never bad had any reason to think otherwise. (Applause.) It was only due to him that the inspection should be made, and the report made to the Council, who had entire confidence in the surveyor. (Hear, hear.)—The minutes were adopted, and there was no further business of public interest.

WHAT 'THE WORLD' SAYS. ol Lord Haddington and his daughters are spending a month at Arderne Hall, Cheshire, before going to Tyningham, the family place in Haddingtonshire, for the autumn. Lord and Lady Binning, who have been for some time the tenants of Exton Park, Lord Gainsborough's place in Rutlandshire, are going to reside at Mellerstain House, Lord Haddington's interest- ing old seat in Berwickshire. I hear that the Rev. Algernon George Lawley, of Trinity College, Cambridge, Lord Wenlock's brother, has taken time to consider the offer of the rectory of Hackney, made to him by Lord Amherst of Hackney. Mr. Lawley has overworked himself during his fifteen years in the slums, first in connection with the Eton Mission and later at St. Andrew's, Bethnal Green, and his health has given way. The doctors order complete rest; and it lies with them to consider whether on his resumption of duty Mr. Lawley will be strong enough to undertake the responsibility of Hackney, The Bishop of Wakefield was a noteworthy instance of a successful parish priest being an equally good suffragen and diocesan bishop. Practically he set on foot two new dioceses, and while what he accomplished at Whittington and Wakefield would have made him a deserved reputation, his unique influence was among the poor in East London. There his name was and will long remain a household word; and in addition to his many claims to distinction as an author, poet, and scientist, he may be said, by his striking personality and inherent goodness, to have overcome the Queen's dislike to suffragans and their translation. It is generally expected that the see of Wakefield will be offered to the Bishop- Suffragan of I'hetford. Dr. Lloyd, who is a High Churchman of the same school as Bishop How, was for many years vicar of New- castle-upon-Tyne, and an intimate friend of Bishop Lightfoot. Whatever may be the real cause of the Prince of Wales not going to Homburg this year, but going to Marienbad instead, there is no doubt how it is interpreted by the hotel-keepers and shopkeepers of Homburg itself. They put it down to a want of an entente cordiale between him and the Emperor. The prince is extremely popular with the Homburg inhabitants, partly on account of his genial and good-natured manners, and also, no doubt, because his presence brings a large number of Britons in his train. The same cannot be said of the Emperor William. His unpopularity is getting very pronounced all over Germany, but especially in Prussia, and more especially still in Homburg. Prince Henri d'Orleans has been duly punished for his extremely ill-timed criticisms upon the conduct of the Italian prisoners in Abyssinia, having met the Count of Turin in the early hours of Sunday morning at a place called the Bois des Marechaux, beyond St. Cloud. The duel was a real fight, lasting for nearly half an hour, and ending with a real wound in the body of the representative of the French Royal House. It is difficult, however, to see what is proved by the result beyond the superiority of the Count of Turin as a swordsman tor the fact that the Count is handier with his weapon than the Prince seems but remotely connected with the be- haviour of the Italian officers at the capital of King Menelik. The whole affair must appear most unspeakably silly to people who have not been educated in the artificial atmos- phere of the duello. Still, one cannot avoid a feeling of satisfaction that the Italian cham- pion has had the best of the encounter. Prince Henri has the unfortunate capacity of stirring up ill-feeling wherever he goes, and of all his maladroit actions these allegations against the vanquished and unfortunate Italian soldiers must appear one of the most unpardonable.

Her Majesty has been pleased to ordain that the town of Nottingham shall henceforward be styled a city. A PLEASURE BOAT SUNK OFF DOUGLAS HEAD. -On Saturday great excitement arose among the thousands of visitors on Douglas Head breakwater and cliffs. A rowing boat contain- ing three persons not far from land was seen to be completely at the mercy of the heavy sea running round the head. Suddenly the boat sank, leaving the occupants struggling in the heavy surf. An alarm was given, and the crowded steam ferryboat Shamrock made for the scene of the disaster, and rescued some of the people in the water. The others were rescued by a passing yacht.

The Editor is not responsible for the opinions of his correspondents. All letters must be authenticated by the sender's name and address, not necessarily for publication.

'oJ' f ,F'f' THE DEE SALMON FISHERMEN. THE CAUSES OF THE DISTRESS. Sir,—May I ask you kindly to insert in your next issue, the following letter, which I have this day addressed to the solicitor to the Board of Conservators for the River Dee, on the subject of a recent resolution passed by that body, soliciting subscriptions from its members for the relief of necessitous fishermen ? No one is more sorry for the deterioration of the Salmon Netting Industry, and the consequent impoverishment of those engaged therein than I am, but it seems to me that the Fishery Board by adding a kind of Board of Guardian Agency to its already numerous duties has hardly chosen the best remedy, either for the future improvement of the salmon industry, or for the real advantage of the necessitous fisher- men.—Yours faithfully, CHARLES HENRY C. CALVERLEY. Crogen, Corwen, 16th August, 1897. [COPY.] Dear Sir,—I am duly in receipt of your circular dated 12th inst., referring to a resolution passed at a recent meeting of the River Dee Fishery Board, to the effect that the chairman of this Board and the Mayor of Chester be requested to open a subscription list for the benefit of the necessitous fishermen." I am sorry that I had not the advantage of being present at this meeting, and of hearing the arguments for and against this remarkable resolution. In my view the deterioration of the salmon fishery in the Dee, and the consequent impoverishment of those who depend upon it, more or less, for a livelihood, is caused by three things:— 1. The mismanagement of the river Dee by the Board of Conservators. 2. The cycle of dry seasons through which we are passing. 3. The overnetting of the river above and below Chester. The first of these causes I need not enter into at the moment. The second is be- yond human control. The third calls for the particular attention of those interested in the maintenance of the salmon fishery on the Dee, and affects directly the resolution in question. For many years the greater portion of the several earlier runs of salmon and grilse has been intercepted by the nets, and as the profits increased so have the number of nets, until a point has been reached when most of the fish have been caught, and the netting industry has become unremunerative. The remedy for this state of things is, in my opinion, a diminution of the number of nets, that is, the employment of fewer persons in the in- d us try, and not the subsidising of a few necessitous fishermen. By all means let the Mayor of Chester open a subscription list, and let private persons in their private capacity, both in Chester and outside it, help the poor fishermen, but for the Board of Conservators, as a Board, to solicit subscriptions for this object, seems to me a truly remarkable position for the Board to occupy. Does the Board of Conservators also intend to compensate anglers and riparian owners whose property has lately so sadly deteriorated in value, through the causes I have mentioned? If so, their position is at least a logical one if not, surely the resolution passed, I should think, by a very small minority of the members of the Board, will hardly hold water.—I am, dear sir, yours faithfully, CHARLES HENRY C. CALVERLEY. Crogen, Corwen, August 16, 1897. Henry Jolliffe, Esq., River Dee Fishery Office, Chester.

LANCASHIRE ENCROACHMENT. Sir,—Fishermen plying for sea fish in the Estuary of the Dee are much indebted to you for the timely warning you I gave them to be prepared to defend their rights and privileges against the intrusion of the Lancashire Sea Fisheries Committee, who seek to obtain for themselves unlimited control of our fishing ground. Much has been said and written on this (so-called) amalgamation of fisheries, and hitherto our local fishery authorities have been well-advised in staunchly refusing to allow Lancashire to plant their Sovereign flag in the Estuary of the Dee.—I thought after the con- ference held in Chester Castle last May where the representatives of the Lancashire committee were so clearly made aware of the feeling of all concerned in the estuary of the Dee, that they in common courtesy would have allowed the Conservators of the Dee to mind their own business. But in doing so I fear I have given them credit for too much honesty of purpose, for in the face of the opposition which has been continuously waged against their intrusion they now give notice that they intend to apply to the Board of Trade for an order to complete their amalgamation scheme. This, of course, would mean the handing over of the management and control of the sea fishing in the estuary of the Dee (a most productive fishing ground having an area of over fifty square miles, and worth at least from 29,000 to £ 10,000 a year) into the hands of a rival county, whose fishing interests are directly at variance with the welfare of our local fishermen.- Yours, &c., OBSERVER. ■

WATER FINDING BY THE DIVINING RO D. Sir,—With reference to your article on the Porthcawl Water Supply, at present under con- troversy, may I, as one deeply interested in the matter, be allowed to state the facts of the case? Though stated by the press generally that I claim to possess supernatural powers, I do not claim anything of the kind, nor is it my principle to impose on the minds of the credulous in the method I adopt to find springs of water. I ask the question: what does it matter in what way water is found, whether by a geologist or water expert, so long as a good supply of water is found P We do not find the powers of magic or witchcraft or any kindred powers such as these among the industrious class of farmers of the present day, to which I claim to have belonged all my life; but through wanting a supply of water for my farm I acci- dentally discovered I possessed the gift to find water. The results of my discovery were soon generally known, and I was invited by the lead- ing landowners and the public generally to find water. The results enabled me to follow the method as a profession, although I still occupy my farm in the neighbourhood of Chippenham, where I have lived for the past 17 years. During the last ten years I have been a water finder, and have been engaged by all classes-nobility. clergy, landowners, brewers, dairy companies, manufacturers, archi- tects, surveyors, land and estate agents, medical profession, mining companies, parish, rural, and county councils-and in nearly every county in England and Wales; and in the summer of 1896 I was occupied the whole time in Cape Colony, South Africa, with great success. I may say that I have never failed to discover water where a spring existed. I can produce excellent testimonials as to character and the results of my discoveries from those who have employed me, and I am at the present time fully occupied with water supplies, in connection with which I undertake to carry out the necessary work on the terms of no water no pay. I think it is a great injustice to condemn the method-if used in a proper way-as illegal, seeing satisfactory results are obtained; and with regard to the Porthcawl water supply in controversy, I was employed by the Council to search for water, and on my advice they sank a shaft 8ft. in diameter to a depth necessary to tap the spring, which now yields a supply of 20,000 gallons per day of excellent water for the town. During sinking operations, extending over 12 months, a powerful steam pump was employed to keep the water down, and the forma- tion being conglomerate rock and limestone, it was a tedious operation to carry out. This gave a good test of the stability of the yield of the spring, the lane below being flooded by water. At the conclusion of the work the water was allowed to remain in the well, and after 12 hours was measured. It was found to contain 35 feet of water another 12 hours rest was given and measurement again taken, when the water had risen to 65 feet; after another 12 hours rest it had risen to within 25 feet of the surface—in a well of 135 feet deep. Thus within 36 hours 110 feet of water had accumu- lated in a well 8 feet in diameter, and in such a formation as Porthcawl, where under ordinary circumstances water cannot be found. The success of the method adopted speaks volumes for the water finder, and for which the water finder has not yet received either fee or travell- ing expenses, although the contrary has been reported in the press. In the face of these facts where does the pretence to power for the purpose of obtaining fees come in within the meaning of the Govern- ment auditors, and is it possible, in this enlightened 19th century that the public must go without water simply because it is not found by a geologist-and I may say I have found ample supplies of water in districts where to the ordinary observation it appeared useless to attempt to sink for water ? There are places where deep wells have been sunk without any result (except loss) being obtained, and I have been subsequently engaged and found, with great saving of expense, an ample supply of pure water; and shall the public be debarred from utilising the services of an honest Water Finder simply because his method is not yet understood by a few sceptics ? This is a question that puzzles yours truly, B. TOMPKINS, Water Finder, Chippenham. Pipsmore, Chippenham, Aug. 14th, 1897.

A BREEZE ON THE BENCH. 0 For some time past, owing to the presence on the Cirencester Bench of magistrates of justices of rather recent appointment of teetotal principles, there has been some friction on the subject of granting extensions of hours to inn- keepers in the division, and it has been noticed that when the teetotal justices were in a majority extensions that had been granted for several years without complaint on such occasions as village flower shows, were fre- quently refused, while when they were in a minority the applications were granted as formerly. This led to a protest by the Cirencester Licensed Victuallers' Association, who, at the last licensing meeting, asked the Bench to lay down some general rule, so that inkeepers might know what was expected of them. Among the rules then laid down was one requiring innkeepers to produce some evidence that the organisers of the events for which the extensions were desired supported the applications. Last week, Mrs. Bubb, landlady of the Coles- bourne Inn, applied for an hour's extension on the occasion of the flower show, as she had had it granted for the last seven years. She produced no statement from the committee, and the temperance party being in the ascendant on the bench, the application was refused. Mrs. Bubb renewed her application on Mon- day, the magistrates present being Messrs. Wilfred Chupps (chairman), A. E. Leatham, C. Bowley, A. W. Leatham, A. J. James, W. H. Cole, and the Rev. J. P. Foster. Mrs. Bubb produced a memorial in support of the applica- tion, signed by the officials of the flower show and the bulk of the residents of the village. Mr. H. J. Elwes, a magistrate for the division, gave evidence in support of the application. He said there had been no complaint during the last seven years, the extension was for the public convenience, and those gentlemen who compelled a widow, conducting her premises under some disadvantages, to travel fourteen miles twice to make that application were not furthering the interests of peace and good order. The Chairman pointed out that on the last occasion Mrs. Bubb did not comply with the rule of the Bench. This she had now done, and he should treat it as a fresh application. This he did, and the application was granted. Upon this the Rev. J. C. Foster said he desired to protest publicly against the decision of last week being over-ridden by magistrates not present on the former occasion, and he should bring it before the authorities. Mr. E. A. Leatham warmly repudiated this remark, which he described as most improper. The Bench had a perfect right to deal with the application on fresh evidence being tendered, and for a justice to address such a complaint as Mr. Foster had done to the public was not in harmony with the traditions of that Bench.

WEEKLY STATE OF THE CHESTER INFIBMABY EKDKD SATURDAY LAST. IN-PATIENTS. In-patients are admitted on Tuesday mornings at Eleven o'clock. IK-PATHCKTS DISCHARGED. IH-PATIMTTS. Cured 18 Admitted 17 Relieved 4 Remain in the House fcO Made Out-Patients Unrelieved Dead 1 House Visitors--Miss J Chapman and Miss Howson. OUT-PATIENTS. Medical cases are seen on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday morning at Eleven o'clock. Surgical cases are seen on Thursday mornings at Eleven o'clock Ophthalmic cases are seen on Friday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Dental cases are seen on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at Ten o'clock. 110.. PATIENTS. DISCHABOED. ) ADMITTED. DISCHABOED. ADMITTED. Cured 25 Admitted 29 Believed 23 Bemain 57 Made la-Patients 1 Dead 2 Made la-Patients 1 Dead 2 1 Out-Patients admitted ainoe Saturday last 91

IMPORTANT HALF-YEARLY SALE OF SEALSKIN JACKETS, CAPES, AND FURS. LARGE DISCOUNTS FROM USUAL PRICES. W. CREAMER & CO. Beg to announce that their GREAT HALF-YEARLY SALE Will commence on WEDNESDAY, August 11th, when the whole of their Stock, which is of a thoroughly reliable character, will be Offered at Exceptionally Low Prices to effect a clearance. Every article W. Creamer and Co's own manufacture, and guaranteed. SPECIAL QUOTATIONS FOR SEALSKIN JACKETS AND FUR ALTERATIONS. 56, BOLD STREET, LIVERPOOL.

Btrtjjs, faarrtairs, auto ideatbo. BIRTH8, MARRIAGES, and DEATHS are charged at the rate of 20 words for Is. (prepaid). If not prepaid, the charge will be 2s. 6d. The announcement must be authenticated by the Signature and Address of the Sender. BIRTHS. JONES-August 12, at 48, Bridge-street Bow, the wife of B. A. Jones of a daughter. JACK son—August 10, at Whitegate House, near North- wich, the wife of J. P. Jackson (late of Tarporley) of a daughter. MCDONALD—August 16, at Little Sutton, Chester, the wife of Andrew McDonald of a daughter (stillborn). STOKE—August 14, at The Moorings, Little Neston, Cheshire, the wife of Park N. Stone of a daughter. MARRIAGES. GOFTON-BROWN-August 11, at St. Oswald's, Chester, by the Bev. Malcolm Scarlett Parry (brother-in-law of the bride), assisted by the Rev. Percy A. Miller, the Bev. John Ernest Gofton, of The Priory, Ecclesfield, near Sheffield, youngest son of the late vv illiam Smith Gofton, of Wharram Percy, York, to Marion, sixth daughter of the late John Brown, of Chester. TEMPLE-RoBERTS-August 12. at Oswaldkirk, by the Bev. Canon Temple, Michael Henry, only son of the late Charles Temple, of the Bengal Civil Service, to Jessie, only daughter of the late Frederick Bernard Boberts, C.E., of Clapham. DEATHS. DAVIES-August 6, at Smelt-yard, Buckley, Emma, wife of Thomas Davies, aged 75 years. GWYNNE-August 8, at his residence, 35, Mill-lane, Southport, Glanarvon, C. Gwynne, only son of the late Captain Gwynne, Tarporley, and nephew of the late Colonel Gwynne, of Glanbrane Park, Carmarthenshire.

AT EMORIALS, AT ALL PRICES, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE & ALABASTER. On View, and to Order. HASWELIT & SON, MASONS, KALEYARDS, CHESTER. ESTIMATES AND DESIGNS.

Grain experts at New York estimate that, as a result of the shortness of the wheat crop abroad, the United States will be called on this year to furnish 200,000,000 bushels for foreign consumption. This, they calculate, will cause an influx into this country of 160,000,000 dollars in gold or its equivalent.