The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

LANCASHIRE AND THE DEE FISHERIES. ♦ A CHESHIRE COUNCILLOR'S VIEWS. ♦ REMARKABLE SPEECH. ♦ MR. HOLBROOK'S POSITION. ♦ [By OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] A meeting of the Lancashire Sea Fisheries Joint Committee was held on Monday at Preston, Mr. J. Fell presiding. The CHAIRMAN explained that a letter had been addressed to him by the Hon. H. Holbrook protesting against a communication sent him by the deputy clerk, informing him that he was not entitled to sit on that committee, though he was a member of the Dee Salmon Board.— Mr. Muspratt, deputy clerk, then read the Hon. 11. Holbrook's letter, which ran as follows :— | COPT.] LANCASHIRE SEA FISHERIES. To the Chairman Lancashire Sea Fisheries, Preston. Sir,—I received on the 12th August a letter ■dated the 11th August from Mr. J. P. Muspratt, acting clerk and legal adviser of the Board. informing me I could not legally sit on the Board, to which I had been elected by the River Dee Conservators Salmon Board as their representative. Conservators Salmon Board as their representative. Copy of this letter I forward to the Chester papers, so that full notice may be given, and the original I send to Fisheries Department Board of London, with copy of this protest. I received notice the Lancashire Board meets at Preston County Offices, 11.30 forenoon, on 23rd August, and being incomplete without representation from River Dee, I have to protest against the second paragraph in the report of the Finance and General Purposes Committee being considered until after next meeting River Dee Board. It relates to the resolution Lancashire County Council for the Lancashire Fisheries to come up the River Dee to the injury of the fishing industry there. My desire in this protest is also to relieve myself from personal liability, so the River Dee Board as a body can claim on the Lancashire Board for any expenses that may occur, and not, as in the sluices, have to pay part of a large sum for asserting their rights. The whole sum came to £8,000 to £10,000 for all to pay, most part by the Chester Corporation. In this the River Dee Board will follow their own wishes, myself I take no responsibility or liability. My opinion is I shall be carrying out the wishes of the River Dee Board by this protest until it has been before the River Dee Board, and they have had the privilege of taking whatever action they may desire thereon.—Your obedient servant, HENRY HOLBROOK. Parkgate, near Chester, Aug. 21, 1897. The CHAIRMAN stated that the Dee Salmon Board had overlooked the qualifications necessary for representation on that committee, and there was really no reason to object to the course which had been taken. The committee were merely carrying out their bye-laws in the matter, and he saw no reason why Mr. Holbrook should not have been present when the matter could have been explained to him. They regretted the affair, though nothing further could be done in the matter. Under the Act no vacancy or vacancies could be dis- cussed outside the Board. Col. TURNER, in moving the adoption of the report of the Finance and General Purposes Sub-committee, said the whole gist of the matter was in the proceeding of the County Council and Mr. Holbrook's letter of protest had reference to what was done there. He saw Son ofS?h y ,6y should delay the considera- lusslsted bvTr T?auagr^ph 0f the reP°rfc as suggested by Mr. Holbrook, and he accordin^lv moved its adoption.—The report stated £ "A £ £ RU VT''VAASSVTEOTTI Tradefor » a° be ?*ade to the Boar<l of 8e?PS I ? order ^lgamatxng the Lancashire iSLSl fv?- ?utrjct *nd the Western Sea 8hfr« n w U"der the name of The Lanca- Western Sea Fisheries District,' and tending such amalgamated district up the iyer Dee to the seaward side of a line ^rawn from Burton's Head, in the county of ^nester, to Connah's Quay, in the County of *«nt. The sub-committee hoped that the Dee Board of Conservators would consent to the extension, as considerable confusion existed at time in consequence of the bye-laws ■v>i the two committees not being exactly identical, 3nd it was difficult for the fishermen to know an, in which district they were fishiDg. 1 he CHAIRMAN expressed the hope that the "ee fishery Board would look on their proposal m a broad and fair way. They were in no sense aesiroua of depriving them of any privileges; fk Were most anxious to do anything to aid rather than to injure. The conservators in the Uee would in no way suffer by their amalgama- tion with the Lancashire Committee. At the Present time their position there did not seem to be very satisfactory, and he was quite satis- fied that the Cheshire people, in dealing with the question, would have an open mind, and would in the end agree that Lancashire was not attempting to maraud in the Dee, or to do anything of the kind. Mr. A. T. WRIGHT, as a representative from riu u're> that thot-e members of the Cheshire County Council whe had considered the subject were in accord with the proposals of the Lancashire Committee. It was only a few members of the Dee Salmon Board Conservators I who were afraid that some injury might be ^one to their district and to their salmon. With the Dee Sea Fishery Committee they believed they would now be able to reach the estuary of the Dee, and as tar as their salmon district J was concerned satisfactorily. He believed, however, that friendly negotiations would felrrl co^incing the Dee Salmon tfoard that the amalgamation—if the Western *° b.e amalgamated—would be attended with beneficial results. There should I n° dlfficujty,in ^acting bye-laws which nave been carefully considered, from being evaded. At the present time the bye-laws could be evaded, and this applied both to the small tishin boats and to the mussel beds. The Dee Sea FIshery Board had not a sufficient number of bailiffs, and this deficiency could be taken advantage of by the fishermen. The report was adopted, and the following resolution was unanimously carried :— thJirao„thi8 j?int committee approve of the action of Boar^ ofa^l^Unty C°^Dcil in to the existiri ° T for an order amalgamating the easting Lancashire and Western Sea Fisheries inS lv. extending such district so as to the Dee remaxmng portion of the estuary of

A LUNATIC'S HALLUCINATIONS. MURDEROUS ATTACK AT CALVELEY. On Friday P.C. Turner, of Calveley, was knocked down and struck on the head with his own stick—and severely hurt—by a man named John Tudor, who lived in a precarious manner in the neighbourhood. There were several witnesses whom Tudor threatened if they interfered. Luckily for the constable, Tudor desisted in his murderous attack on being requested to do so by Mr. Simcock for whom he had done odd jobs. P.C. Thos. James, of Tiverton, having received information of the injury to his brother officer, met ludor near Bate's mill, Tiverton, walk- ing along the canal in the direction of Chester. Tudor brandished the stick menacingly, but the constable pluckily followed him along the canal until he turned off at Tattenhall, where he disarmed him and handcuffed him. On being brought before Mr. R. Bate at Tarporley on Saturday, he was very noisy and excitable. He expressed regret that he had not killed P.C. Turner. He protested that he received visions from Heaven, that his Saviour told him to sing and shout—and do things—that the Lord was going to destroy Tarporley if Turner received a pension, and that he had been in Heaven, and had had several fights with the devil, and so on.—Dr. C. Royds Jones, of Alpraham, having certified that Tudor was a lunatic, the magistrate ordered him to be detained at Upton Asylum.

SCOTTISH FUNERAL OBSEQUIES.—On the day of Lord Forglen's death, his physician called on him as usual. How does my lord do ?" inquired the doctor, as he entered the house. I houp he's weel," answered the man-servant, Jith a solemnity which told all was over. The doctor was then shewn into a room where two dozen of wine was laid under the table. Other persons came in, and the man-servant, making them all sit down, began to describe his aster's last moments, and at the same time G° Pnsh the bottle about briskly. After a glass r tw° the company rose to depart, but were detained by the man. Nae, gentlemen, nae Sae quick," he said—" it was the express wull deid that I should fill ye a' fu', and I he the wull o' the deid." And indeed the end the will of the dead, for before f!o e nd of it there was not one of them, as the c "able to bite his ainthoom."

THE EXTENSION OF THE CITY. SALTNET STANDS ALOOF. A meeting of the ratepayers of the East Ward of Saltney was held at the Wood Memorial Schools on Monday night, for the purpose of discussing the proposed incorpora- tion of the ward with the city of Chester. There was a fairly good attendance—half an hour after the meeting was advertised to commence—and Mr. John Jones presided. The CHAIRMAN, after explaining the objects of the meeting, said it seemed that the Town Council of Chester had cast a wistful eye upon a certain part of Saltney, and he believed they intended shortly to take action to induce the Local Government Board to authorise them to connect the ward with the city and borough. The question was whether those who inhabited the neighbourhood were willing or otherwise, because he believed it would depend in a great measure on the voice of the people who inhabited those parts as to whether Chester would be allowed to incorporate them within their boundary. He had heard a rumour that it was doubtful if Chester would at once proceed with the scheme, but they should be prepared. They would be very sorry to lose the east ward or part of it from Saltney, which was small enough at present. He believed Saltney would improve if they were left as they were. Mr. COPE wanted to know how far the boundary would go.—It was stated that it would extend to Stone Bridge. Mr. T. DAVIES moved that they as ratepayers of Saltney instruct the committee, whoever they might appoint, to do all in their power to prevent them from being joined to Chester. He believed that if they were taken into Chester their rates would be doubled, for the rates in Chester were now 4s. 8d.,andin Saltney 2s. 4d. They could not expect property owners would have their rates doubled and their rents remain as they were. The tenants would have to bear the burden. Pro- perty owners now paying say 12s. for rates would have to pay 24s., and they would put another 3d. a week on the rent, and this would bring them in 13s. Again, they would like to have a good sewerage system in Saltney. Chester had got a sewer laid down for the other part of Saltney, but they would tind that the sewerage of the houses on the other side were in no better condition than those on their side. He had noticed on the other side a great deal of tyranny with- reference to the school attendance officer. If a child missed two half days from school, the parent was dragged up to Chester about it, but the man on their side was a man of common sense, and their children went to school as regularly as on the other side, without having the tyranny to put up with. Speaking of the im- provements in Chester, he said that most of the improvements has taken place within a stone's throw of the Town Hall. The outskirts were as they were twenty years ago, so far as improvements were concerned, and they would find the slums and alleys as they were ten years ago. They were beautifying a few places, and were proposing to have splendid baths, which would be no good to Saltney even if they were incorporated. It had been hinted that they should have their public-houses open. He thought it they united with Chester the next day the public-houses would remain the same. Flintshire would still be Flintshire, and thus they would come under the Sunday Closing Act. Mr. COPE seconded the motion. In answer to a question, the CHAIRMAN said he did not think the public-houses would be open on the Sunday. He did not think the Local Government Board would be able to alter the boundary between England and Wales. Mr. EDWARD MIDDLETON, who thought the public-houses would be open on Sundays if the incorporation was accomplished, proposed, as an amendment, that the east ward be incorporated. It was time it had been done, and it was a pity it was not incorporated ten years ago. The other side of the boundary might be in as bad a condition as theirs, but was the city of Chester going to put it right for the benefit of the east ward ? Chester was holding back to get that part before doing so. Property owners in Chester would have to pay equal rates with the pro- perty owners of Saltney, they would have the i place thoroughly drained, and they would have lamps at proper distances. At present, if they had a storm, they were up to their ankles in water.—A Voice: The drains are as good as on the other side.—Mr. Middleton: You have no drains. In the opinion of Mr. BLAKE it was not a ques- question of money. Money was 'mere rot' unless they had comfort with it,and why should they not have in Saltney accommodation they had in the backwoods of Africa? (Laughter.) There people could move if things did not suit them, but in Saltney they were permanent. He asked them did it stand to sense and reason as intelligent men that they could not f get shut' w«r Their sanitary arrangements nkrhfTn^ T7 m mighfc SO to bed one night and open his eyes next morning to find one of his family laid low. The drainage of one house might be quite right, that of his neigh- bour just the opposite. Let them go to Chester and they would be told Saltney was a reproach. They had some of the princes of the nation living among them. There was the old gentleman, Mr. Gladstone. leeming thousands came from all parts of the universe to see the veteran, and it was a beau- tiful road they had to go en. (Laughter.) The road was drained into the houses. (Laughter.) Let the approaches fit, and let it not be a reproach in other towns and foreign lands to be cried shame on. Then there was the Duke living near, and thousands came over through that, and in Saltney they had not a bit of foot- path for them to walk on. If they did not want to go over to Chester, they should put their hands down in order to get an efficient system of drainage. He seconded the amend- ment. Mr. FELL said he had served on the Parish Council and the Parochial Committee. Their efforts had not brought anything from the District Council. He would support to his utmost the incorporation of that part of Saltney with Chester. He considered the part from the railway crossing to Stone Bridge was in a most unsatisfactory condition. Suppose a serious epidemic broke out in Saltney, it was his duty as representing Mold Junction to protest against any resolu- tion against joining Chester, because epidemic might easily spread to Mold Junction. He had served twelve months on the Saltney Parochial Committee, and they had made representations to the district council for improvements, and the district council had g,' while the parish council had let the parochial committee die a natural death, The district council promised they would carry out certain improvements in west Saltney, and they had done nothing, and the drains in east Saltney were in a filthy state. If Chester took them over, they would have increased facilities in regard to efficient sanitation, and a good water supply to every house. He did not see why property owners should be antagonistic to the inclusion of the district, simply because if the improvements were made, the land would be taken up for building purposes they would be able to build good houses, and to throw their refuse into good drains. They had asked the district council to carry water to each place, and they would not do it until the matter was carried to the County Council when, like a naughty boy, they asked to b allowed to do it. They had not done it. Altogether the advantages they would gain would more than compensate them for any hIgher rates they would have to pay. Hitherto all their efforts on the Parish Council had been frustrated by a superior Council. Mr. YOUD thought the Town Council of Chester should have placed a definite scheme before them. Speaking of the sanitary arrangements of Saltney, he said that the sewer ventilators in the streets of Chester were enough to kill a rat, much less a human being. (Laughter.) At the same time there was a wide margin for improvements in their district. He scarcely thought the District Council had done £25 worth of improvements during the last 25 years. He had been watching Mr. W. H. Churton's career for some time in regard to this matter, and he thought that gentleman was something like a weather-cock. He had taken up the matter of the inclusion of Saltney, and now he said No because there would be some expense. He did not think of that during the Sluices Bill business. Mr. FELL thought it was premature for Chester to prepare a scheme. Mr. DAVIES said the sanitary condition of the streets on the other side of Saltney was worse than on their side. The CHAIBMAN, in answer to Mr. Youd, said the scheme of Chester was that of incorporation. They had trusted the District Council, it was for them to say if I they would try the Town Council. Mr. YOUD said Chester possessed sewerage works which they wanted to bring lower down for Saltney to have the fumes. (Laughter.) If they joined Chester, they would have no redress, if they kept aloof they would have their redress. Mr. WOODHOUSE also opposed the incorpora- tion. On being put to the meeting, 18 voted against incorporation and 11 for. The motion was thus carried. Messrs. Manifold and Davies were elected dolegates for the conference on the subject.

CHESTER ROYALTY THEATRE. 4 'A Night Out' is one of the most ex- cruciatingly funny farces we have seen for some time. Adapted from the French, the piece is nothing but nonsense from beginning to end, but still it is clever nonsense, and an ex- ceedingly favourable verdict was passed upon it at the Royalty on Monday evening. A ripple of merriment pervaded the house throughout, and it might be safely wagered that the amusing series of complications with which the work is made up would elicit laughter from the most miserable of dyspeptics. How a neglected wife was led to accompany the husband of another lady for an innocent little supper in Paris, and how the couple manage to meet in a restaurant a number of mutual friends, and finally the husband of the lady, is better seen than described. Not only is the farce excellent, but it is played by an excellent company frem the Vaudeville Theatre, London. Mr. E. W. Garden as the admirer of another man's wife, is delightfully droll. Mr. Leonard Minton as the other man gives a good account of him- self Mr. George Miller, the old notary, who, with his four young daughters, visits the restaurant, the scene of all the frolic, causes roars of laughter, while among the other male characters deserving of mention are the two waiters (Messrs. E. Thirlby and Stuart Edgar). Miss Midge Clarke is very charming as the frivolous wife, and Miss Madge Avery makes a hit as the wife of the husband who is led astray. One of the features of the piece is the appearance of the four sprightly daughters of the old notary in their evening' costume.

CYCLING ACCIDENT AT GRESFORD. 4 DANGER POSTS WANTED. A very bad bicycling accident, writes a correspondent, occurred at Gresford on Satur- day last. Two young men who were en route riding from Liverpool towards Oak Alyn, ventured to ride down the hill which leads from the church to the mills. Neither rider had any brake upon his machine, it appears. The first rider had got safely round the corner under the railway, where the road makes a sharp curve to the right, when apparently unaware that this is by no means the bottom of the hill, lost con- trol of his bicycle, and dashed away, coming with full force right against the bridge wall over the river Alyn. He was dashed against the wall and then upon the ground, his bicycle being twisted into all shapes. His friend, seeing the danger about to befal his comrade, had the good luck to be able to jump. off, and so saved himself, although he broke his bicycle pedal in the attempt. The first poor fellow, perfectly unconscious, was in a terrible state meanwhile," and was carried into Mr. Finchett's cottage close by, where all that was possible was done. Dr. Manisty came, and considered the case of a serious nature, the unfortunate man having his left eye fearfully injured, and vomiting blood Quite unconscious, he was driven off to the Infirmary at Wrexham, where he was detained. His 0friend was bent upon taking the injured man to Liverpool to his home, but this, it was seen, was quite impossible in such an injured condition. The bicyclist who was saved by jumping off his machine, stated he never knew the steepness of the hill. It certainly is a most dangerous hill to attempt to ride down upon a bicycle, especially with no brake. The District Council ought at once to erect a red danger board by the Vicarage to warn riders, and indeed not only there but at Mount Alyn Hill close by, and also at the Singrett Hill, all three of which are exceedingly steep and dangerous, having bad curves, and large loose stones. This is only one of several bad accidents which have occurred upon this hill this summer.

THE CHESTER FOOTBALL MUDDLE. + The committee of the new Chester Football Club held a meeting on Monday evening at the Nag's Head Cocoa House, Mr. H. Crowder pre- siding.—On the proposition of Mr. Edgar Dutton, it was decided to admit reporters to all the future meetings.—Mr. Fred. Porter sub- mitted the namea of the players who had con- sented to give their services to the club. They were as follows:—Coventry, Dixon, Wilson (Liverpool), Evan Roberts, Catherall, Porter, W. Lewis, Speakman, B. Lipsham, Blakeman, T. Lewis, Carter, Fergusson, Bloomer, Griffiths. —The committee next considered the matters postponed from the last meeting.—Mr. R. Atherton (hon. sec.) thought they could °?Z. ,come to the same decision as at the last meeting, viz., that they should not press the players.—The Chairman drew atten- tion to the manner in which several of the players treated the committee at the last meeting. The committee wanted to carry on the affairs in a straightforward manner, but the players seemed to take it more as a matter of business. The committee did not approve of their attitude, and had consequently adjourned this question. Mr. E. T. Hallmark said he knew there was considerable dissatisfaction in refer- ence to the debts of the old club, and people were under the impression that the new committee had shirked the liability. A letter had appeared in the newspapers from an old friend of the late committee of the club, which stated it would be better for them to close the club for a season, and begin again under another name. He (Mr. Hallmark) only wished they could, for then they would not be charged with escaping liabilities.—Mr. E. Dutton remarked that in reference to the letters in the newspaper signed 'Old Friend,' the writer should have called himself Old C—' tlaughter.) The writer expressed his aversion to sports taking place on the foot- ball ground. By those sports, however, they had taken 968 one year and R64 another, so why were not the silver cups in connection with the sports paid for out of the proceeds instead of the bill being left to the present committee P He proposed they carry on the club inde- pendently of old friends.' (Applause and laughter.)—Mr. Hallmark: I should not be prepared to go on in face of the opposition of the players and the public. I should give the old members a chance of making friends.—In answer to Mr. A. Crimes, the Chairman said they could not adopt a new name for the club. The motion to carry on the club was seconded by Mr. Coventry, and carried with one dissentient (Mr. Crimes).-Mr. Hallmark: I think in the face of these difficulties the matter wants more con- sideration.-The question of filling the vacan- cies on the committee was deferred till the next meeting.-Mr. Atherton. reported with regard to the new ground that the sub-committee appointed ta meet at the Leadworks were doubtful whether to take over the proposed ground. They found that some hoarding would have to be erected, and the ground would want mowing and considerably levelling. In face of the expense of these works they thought it best to retain the old ground at least for one season.—On the proposition of Mr. Dutton it was decided that the sub-committee meet Mr. Williams at the Leadworks the following day about the matter, and report to another meeting.

Mr. Henry Tollemache, M.P., formed one of a party of seven guests of Lord Westbury, who shot over the Wemmergill moors on Thursday and bagged, in six drives, 1,041 brace of grouse. The weather was showery in the fore part of the day, and a strong wind prevailed in the afternoon. The birds, though plentiful, were hardly as numerous as last year, slight disease and two or three days of bad weather during the breeding season being much against them.

FESTIVITIES AT MALPAS. 0 On Monday, in accordance with a time honoured custom, Malpas Wakes were held in fine albeit threatening weather. There was, as usual, a large number of visitors in the town during the week end, and at the several places of worship on Sunday there were crowded con- gregations. During the day the annual soiree in connection with the Malpas Social Club and Institute was held. In the afternoon tea was partaken of in a spacious marquee in the Wyvern Croft. In the evening dancing took place on the Castle Hill to the strains of the Nantwich Brass Band. There was a large company present, and the proceedings were kept up with much spirit until late in the evening. The 58th anniversary of the Loyal Clutton Lodge, Independent Order of Oddfellows, M.U., was also celebrated on Monday. The members met at the lodge room, the Jubilee Hall, during the morning, enrolling new members and making the usual preliminary arrangements for the day's proceedings. At noon the members mustered with their banners and, wearing their regalia, they formed into procession. Headed by the Chester City Brass Band they proceeded to church for divine service, in con- junction with the members of the Grand United Order of Oddfellows. The service was conducted by the Rector (the Rev. and Hon. A. R. Parker) and the Rev. F. B. Wale, the latter preaching an excellent sermon. After the service the clubs returned to their respective meeting places. The Clutton Lodge went to the Jubilee Hall, where dinner was served. The rector (the Rev. and Hon. H. R. Parker) presided, and he was supported by Dr. Jordison, senior medical officer to the society, Messrs. G. S. Morgan, W. H. Edwardes, C. Price, J. W. Wycherley (treasurer), and C. Tomlinson (secretary). Upon the removal of the cloth the Chairman proposed The Queen.' In proposing The Prince and Princess of Wales,' the Chairman said they all wished they could see more of the Prince in Cheshire, but they must remember that the Queen's age necessitated a large amount of work on his part. He was particularly dear to Cheshire as one of his titles was Earl of Chester. There was no more loyal county in England than Cheshire. (Applause.) 'The Bishop and clergy and ministers of all denominations' was proposed by Mr. G. S. Morgan. Personally he had a great regard for the Bishop inasmuch as he was not only a minister of the gospel, doing his best for the spiritual interests of the diocese, but was a social reformer in the way he (the speaker) was himself most interested in. (Ap- plause.) As regarded the clergy, they were most fortunate and happy in having the rector in their midst. It had been his lot to reside in Malpas for 16 or 17 years, and he could truth- fully say he never remembered a time locally in which there had been such a kindly and liberal spirit manifested among' all people and all denominations of Christian folk. This arose very largely from the largeness of heart and liberality of view shewn by Mr. Parker, and his giving the right hand of fellowship to all who were doing good in whatsoever way. (Applause.)—The Rector, in reply, said he would himself always hold out the right hand of fellowship to any man, be he Churchman or Nonconformist. As a clergyman of the Church of England he would try to do his duty, and try to benefit all with whom he might come in contact who happened to be in need or necessity from any difficulty in life. (Hear, hear.) All of them were more or less obstinate and self- willed, and each one thought his own particular view was best and right. As a clergyman of the Church of Eugland, he maintained that he was in the right, and he did not mind telling them so. (Laughter and applause.) As long as he was rector of Malpas he should do all he could for them in things temporal and spiritual, rejoice with them that rejoiced, and sympathise with them in their trouble.— The Navy and Army' was proposed by Mr. C. W. Jordison in a spirited speech. The Navy and Army had been very much to the fore during the year, and the Navy bad been shewn to be equivalent to all the Navies put together. It bad been his great pleasure to see the Jubilee procession, and it was a sight that made one feel proud to be an Englishman. (Hear, hear.) The Chairman gave 'Success to the Loyal Clutton Lodge.' Speaking of the success of the club, he said he had just heard that 20 years ago there were very few members, but now they could muster 475 adults and 100 juveniles. He trusted that its present flourishing condition might continue. He urged them to stick well together, re- membering the motto on the banners that 'Unity is strength;' and to pre- vent any discord creeping in among them.- Mr. J. W. Wycherley (treasurer) responded, and said it had been a successful year from the financial point of view, though the sick pay had been somewhat heavy. They had received from contributions E369 9s. 5d., and paid in sick pay R308 Os. 2d. They had had only the death of one member, but the members' wives had not been so fortunate, there being five deaths. The death rate was very low, probably the lowest in England. The juvenile branch had increased very much.—Mr. Tomlinson also responded.- Mr. Wycherley proposed 'The Medical Officers,' Dr. Jordison and Dr. Leigh. Their duties during the year had been heavy, and every attention had been shewn to those who had unfortunately been on the sick list. Dr. Jordison, in responding, said the changes which had been introduced in the rules of the society since he had come among them were very beneficial to the club. He referred to the physical examination of candidates for admis- sion to the society. If they admitted people whether they were healthy or unhealthy, the club would soon go to the wall. He regarded it as the most essential thing for their financial prosperity. The juveniles should, he suggested, be also examined when they were transmitted from the branch to the club, and where they were unsatisfactory should be admitted on a special scale of charges, such as was used by insurance societies. He could quote instances of people who had been submitted to him for examination, and he had rejected them, though he had to suffer much unpleasantness from it, yet these people had died, and he concluded it he had passed them, the Club would have been the losers financially. He also suggested that before the young men got married, their intended wives should be sent for medical examination; for if they were to have five wives dying every year it would sap the means of the club very considerably. As in the past so in the future would he do his best for all of them.ITr. Tomlinson proposed the f Honorary Members in a humorous speech, and exhorted those who had children to put them in the ?I? ? ?r^nc'1' and thus keep up the stability of the club. Mr. G. S. Morgan responded, and ur. Jordison proposed the health of 'The Chairman in felicitious terms.—In the evening dancing took place on the Jubilee Hall Green to the strains of the Chester Band, there being a good attendance. The Crown Lodge met at the Wyvern Hotel, where, after attending divine service, headed by the Nantwich Band, they sat down to dinner. The Rev. F. E. B. Wale presided, and he was supported by Mr. J. Tomlinson (secretary), and Messrs. J. Allen, T. Hopley, and P. France. Upon the removal of the cloths the Chairman proposed the usual loyal toasts. 'The Bishop and clergy of all denominations' was next pro- posed by Mr. T. Barlow Edge, and responded to by the Chairman. Subsequently Mr. P. France proposed the Navy and Army,' and Mr. J. lomlinson responded. 'The Lodge' was then ^airman, who said, as a former • continued to take a great interest in Oddfellowship, and knew they were doing a good work, and Mr. T. Hopley responded.—Mr. J. Allen next proposed I The host and hostess.' This club has a membership of 102, and a juvenile branch numbering 19 members.

The prospects of the cereal crops in Argentina are excellent. t5 WAR VESSELS DAMAGED.-The torpedo des- troyer Thrasher and the cruiser Pheeton, which left Plymouth on Thursday for the Pacific station, returned on Friday, both being in a damaged con- dition, after being in collision in the channel. The torpedo boatswain, Cruikshank, is miss- ing from the Thrasher, he having been forced overboard during the impact and drowned. The Thrasher's port side is badly dented in four places. A machine-gun pedestal amidships has been forced through the deck. CADEURT'S is a perfectly pure Cocoa, without alkali added, like many so-called 'pure' cocoas. It has a world-wide reputation as a delicious, strengthening beverage, and a valuable nutritive food. Cocoa must be pure and unadulterated to ensure the fullest beneficial effects. CADBURY'S is absolutely pure, therefore the best Cocoa. The Lancet says: CADBURY'S represents the stand- ard of highest purity at present attainable.' 1

COURT MARTIAL AT CHESTER. + SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A QUARTER- MASTER SERGEANT. A court martial, presided over by Col. Carey, 53rd Regimental District, was opened at Chester Castle on Monday morning, when Quartermaster-Sergt. Ford, of the Cheshire Regiment, was charged with certain irregularities.—Evidence was given by Miss Hollinshead, Private Hollinshead, Corporal Piggfctt, and Lance-Corporal Jackson, the court being adjourned until yesterday (Tuesday), when Colour-Sergeant Grayston was examined. He said that on June 24th, Private Hollinshead told him he was going to purchase his discharge, and had paid X10 to Quarter- master-Sergeant Ford. When witness asked Ford about it, he admitted that Hollinshead was buying his discharge.—Lieut. J. C. Howard, Depot Cheshire Regiment, said.he had never received any money in connection with Hollinshead's discharge and he did not remember signing the discharge.—Major Neville next gave evidence, and up to the time of going to press the case for the defence had not been reached. Ford has several witnesses to call in his behalf.

CHESTER PUBLICAN'S CRUELTY. 4 AN UNHAPPY MARRIAGE. At the City Police Court yesterday (Tuesday), before Mr. Charles Brown and Dr. Stolterfoth, Anna Mere sought an order of separation against her husband, Edward William Mere, who occupies the Prince Albert Inn, Chester, on account of his persistent cruelty to her.- Mr. W. H. Churton, who appeared for plaintiff, said the case was a sad one. Defendant had been a quartermaster-sergeant in the Army Service Corps, and by the marriage there were four children. At first the com- plainant lived with her husband at Malta, but after some years she was obliged to leave him on account of his cruelty to her. She came to England, and lived with her father at Silverstone. The same year defendant returned to England, and after living at many places aloiae, was pensioned off, and entered the railway service at Chester for a wage of 24s. a week. He was discharged from the railway service in April last, and then took the Prince Albert Inn, and joined his wife again. The illtreatment continued, however, and rarely a week passed without the wife experiencing same violence at defendant's hands. He had turned her out of the house several times. Complainant, in bearing out this statement, said her husband was now drawing a pension from the army of 12s. a week. The business of the public-house was his. She left him a few days ago on account of his continued violence towards her.—Defendant said he admitted striking his wife on one or two occasions, but denied persistent cruelty. He received great provocation for what he did, and had been treated by her more as a menial than a husband. —The Bench granted a separation, and made an order of maintenance against defendant of 15s. a week, allowing the wife the custody of the children.

AUCTION SALES. ♦ WIRRAL CATTLE MART. Mr. John P. Carter, auctioneer, of Chester, conducted his usual weekly sale at the Wirral Cattle Mart on Wednesday. The supply was rather short, owing no doubt to farmers being busy with their corn harvest, but it was satis- factory to notice the sharp demand that was met with and the high prices that were realised. BIRMINGHAM AUTUMNAL SHORTHORN SHOW AND SALE. The forty-second great central exhibition and sale will be held at Bingley Hall, Birmingham, on Thursday, September 23rd. As in former years there are four classes for females, viz., for cows and heifers exceeding three years old, heifers over two and not exceeding three, heifers between one and two, and heifer calves; with eight prizes ranging from 93 to X10. An addition of X10 has been made to the prizes in the class for bulls between 12 and 18 months old, the prizes now offered being JE15, 910, E7, E5, R3. The usual extra stock classes are con- tinued for animals of both sexes, no prizes being offered for these, and a lower entry fee charged, These exhibitions afford an excellent opportu- nity for the disposal of drafts or entire herds, where a home sale is not desirable. The entries close on Tuesday, August 31st, so early application for prize lists and entry forms should be made to the secretary, Mr. W. H. Lythall, Bingley Hall, Birmingham. MR. BOWEN-JONES' SALE -OF SHROPSHIRE SHEEP. This important event took place on Tuesday, the 17th inst., the sale being entrusted to Alfred Mansell and Co., of Shrewsbury. A large and influential company assembled, including all the principal English breeders; Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, was also largely represented. The sale opened briskly, the first five rams making respectively 100gs., 95gs 185gs., 84gs., and 67gs., averaging Elll 10s. 2d., and so good was the demand sustained that the first 15 rams averaged £ 55 each. The ewes sold moderately, making from 85s. downwards, a feature of the sale being the purchase of 35 ewes for Lord Kesteven, a new adherent- to this rent-paying breed of sheep. This concluded a most satis- factory sale, 41 rams averaging X27 ls., and 100 ewes JE3 4s. 3d.

A Bill for the Abolition of School Fees has been passed by the New South Wales House of Assembly. A telegram from Victoria, British Columbia, reports new and rich discoveries of gold' in the Klondike region. The' rush' to the gold- fields still goes on. French cotton spinners, owning over a million spindles, have decided, with a view to reduce output as a remedy for the depressed condition of the industry, to suspend work for three months. A letter has been received by a Preston man named William Lockley from a firm of Liver- pool solicitors informing him that his uncle has just died in America, leaving him the whole of his estate, worth about 915,000. The lucky heir is a joiner in poor circumstances, and the news of his windfall has created great interest, especially in East Lancashire, where a large number of joiners have been on strike for the past three weeks. At the Stockport County Police Court on Thursday, Patrick Kelly, an Irish labourer, was committed for trial at the Chester Assizes, charged with having attempted to murder Thomas Gatley, a cattle dealer, by shooting him. The men had had no quarrel, but Kelly, picking up a gun, presented it at Gatley and fired, shouting Hurrah three cheers for old Ireland. If I had another gun I would shoot another.' Extradition proceedings have been com- menced at Melbourne against Arthur Sturrock, a Kilmarnock solicitor, who is charged with the embezzlement of between E30,000 and 940,000. As fifteen days must be allowed for appeal, the Melbourne magistrate committed Sturrock to prison for that time pending his extradition. The accused says he is eager to meet the charges. FATAL HIGH DIVE NEAR WARRINGTOiq.-On Monday afternoon, Samuel Jefferson, a painter, working on the high-level bridge at Warburton, near Warrington, dived from the bridge into the Ship Canal, and was dMwned. Another painter attempted to make the dive along with Jefferson, but was prevented.

STATE-AID TO HORSE-BREEDING. 0 The commissioners appointed to examine the methods which should be adopted for the improvement of the breed of horses in the various districts of Ireland have now issued their report. Thev recommend tbpt- (1) Greater aid should be given by the State to horse-breeding. (2) A system of registration of stallions should be established in a more ex- tended form. (3) Money should be spent in distributing stallions where wanted throughout the country, and giving premiums to private owners of suitable sires. (4) Substantial premiums should be given to brood mares. (5) Additional prizes should be given in the early spring to yearlings. (6) The encouragement of hackney stallions should not be continued at the public expense. (7) All money devoted by the Govern- ment to the encouragement of horse- breeding should be administered by one department or body.

(Crtcltft. BOUGHTON HALL V. KNUTSFORD.—At Knuts- ford on Saturday. Score :— KNCTSFOBD. I BOUGHTON HALL. H Hartley not out .30 W Jones c Dean b Fennell28 H J Mothersill b Hack 5 8 Clare c Barnes bFennell36 J C Trough ton Dean b F CD Long lbw b Barnes 0 Jones 2 R L Boberts not out 19 T C Gibbons c Pasre b F F M Jones c Eivaz b Jones 4 Fennell 13 T L Fennell b Hack 10 J P Douglas not out 0 H W Hall lbw b F Jones. 8 E J Barnes b Hack 6 C T Eivaz e Hack b F Jcmes 3 T Jackson b Hack 16 R Fennell b F Jones 0 L Caldecutt c Logan b W Jones 8 Extras 7 Extras 15 Total 99 Total (4 wkts) Ill NESTON & DISTRICT V. MR. J. P. GAMON'S ELEVEN.—At Parkgate on Wednesday. Score:— MR. GAKON'S XI. I NESTON & DISTRICT. A S Grant st Lean b F F Cramer-Roberts cTram- Cramer.Roberts .12 pleasure b J C Douglas. 1 J C Trampleasure b F Dr Speechly c J P Gamon Cramer-Roberts 0 I b Trampleasure.39 J P Douglas b J E Raven 0 J G Grundy b Douglas 0 R Roberts st Lean b F A Barrett c Logan b Cramer-Roberts 3 Trampleasure 28 C G Logan c Brown b J E J Cramer Roberts c Raven 12 Roberts b Grant 1 R Jayne run ont 8 R M Thornely c Tram- W H Johnson b F Cramer- pleasure b Grant 3 Roberts 0 I J E Raven c Johnson b G P Gamon b J Cramer- G P Gamon 8 Roberts.16 S F L Brown c Roberts b F B Rowley c T Lloyd b Trampleasure. 9 Speechly 62 J G Lean run out 16 H P Gamon not out 20 W Lloyd b Grant 6 J P Gamon c Speechly b F F Lloyd not out 7 J Cramer-Roberts 71 F Lloyd not out 7 Extras 10 I Extras 4 Total .150 Total -122 FRODSHAM V. WESTON.-At Frodsham on Saturday last. Score:- FBODSHAM. I WESTON. E E Linaker run out 9 H Evans c Jones b E E R G Selby c & b Mitcheson 7 Linaker. 2 F Ashton c Mitcheson b J W Tudor run out 1 J Tudor 5 J Mitcheson b E Linaker 2 W N Jones b J Tudor 14 J E Tudor b F Kennerley 0 F Kennerley c Pendlebury I J Lightfoot c A E Ken- b Evans 5 nerley bE E Linaker. 7 A E Kennerley c P W'ms. J A Pendlebury b A £ b Pendlebury 6 Kennerley 7 T Rogers c Pendlebury b F Jones b F Kennerley 3 J Tudor 6 PWilliamsb FKennerley 1 J Price b Pendlebury 0 A Fates c Selby b A E H N Linaker c W Tudor Kennerley 2 b J Tudor 6 C Williams bF Kennerley 1 R H Ashton c J Tudor b I G Leach not out 3 Pendlebury 0 W B Frith not out 0 Extras 9 | Extras 5 Total 65 Total 34

THE CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE. On Tuesday night a meeting of the new Cheshire Football League was held at North wich. It was resolved that the League should consist of the following clubs:—Barnton Rovers (who last season were in the Combination), Barnton Albion (winner of the Cheshire Junior and Warrington Cups), Witton Albion (winners of the Northwich Charity Cup), Sandbach St. Mary's, Hartford St. John's, Middlewich Athletic, Winsford United, Winnington Recreation, and Northwich Victoria 2nd. Mr. W. Baneroft (Northwich) was elected president of the League, Mr. Ernest Jones (Northwich) secretary, and Mr. W. Fernie (Northwich), treasurer. A committee of representatives of each club was appointed, and rules were formulated.

The King of Siam left Charing Cross by special train on Saturday for Dover, en route to Germany. Among those on the platform, which was carpeted, were a number of Siamese relatives of the King, who was attended as far as Dover by Lord Baggot on behalf of the Queen. A letter has been addressed by a number of Royalist young ladies of France to the Duchesse d'Orleans as their Queen, expressing a desire for the re-establishment of the Monarchy in that country, The P#<?hess d'Or}6an§ fc^s replied that she is deeply touched by the terms of the letter. M. Faure, President of the French Republic, arrived at Cronstadt on Monday morning, and was accorded a hearty and enthusiastic reception. His vessel, the Pothuau, was boarded by the Grand Duke Alexis, who welcomed him to Russia, and he was afterwards conducted to the Imperial yacht Alexandra, where he was cordially greeted by the Emperor in person. The vessel proceeded to Peterhof, where the illustrious party disembarked, and afterwards drove to the Palace. Having lunched with their Imperial Majesties, M. Faure in the course of the afternoon paid a series of visits to the Grand Dukes and Duchesses. EXECUTION OF THE SPANISH MURDERER.— Angiolillo, the murderer of Senor Canovas, was executed on Friday morning at San Sebastian. To the end he shewed no sign of grief nor contrition, and refused the ministra- tions of a priest. SUCCESSFUL PIG BREEDER.—At the Man- chester and Liverpool Show, held at Barrow-in- Furness last week, Mr. Jefferson, of Peel Hall Ashton, again carried off three firsts, two seconds, and one third prize with his noted herd. ACCIDENT TO COLONEL WAKDROP'S SON.- According to a telegram from Kaltenlent- geben, in Lower Austria, published by the Wiener Abendblatt, the son of Colonel Wardrop, British military attache at Vienna, a little boy of seven, has been knocked down by an omnibus horse and injured on the head. Colonel Ward- rop is well-known in Cheshire. When stationed at Manchester, he frequently hunted in the county. A MISSING BRIDEGROOM.—On Mondav 8.1 marriage should have been solemnised at Witton Church, Northwich, but in consequence of the bridegroom failing to put in an appearance the ceremony could not be per- formed. The parties belong to the working class, and the notices had been properly given. The marriage was arranged to take place at eight o'clock in the morning, and the vicar, as well as the sexton, were in readiness to perform the ceremony, but, after waiting for some time, they left the church. At the request of the bride, these gentlemen were again in atten- dance at two o'clock in the afternoon, but still it was impossible to tie the knot, through the non-appearance of the bridegroom, who, it was ascertained, bad gone to his parents. CHESHIRE RAILWAYMEN AT CHURCH. Mem- bers of the Crewe, Northwich, Winsford, and Moulton branches of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, to the number of 160, attended a special service at Barnton (North- mi.chi_^rish Church on Sunday afternoon. The i Ml way men were met at the entrance to the village by the band of the H Company 2nd V.B.C.R., and the district was pro- cessioned. The service at the church was conducted by the new vicar (the Rev. O. E. Rice), who spent sixteen years among the Crewe railway servants. A collection was taken in aid of the orphan fund. After the service, Mrs. J. Unsworth, of Crewe, presented to the vicar, on behalf of the Crewe members of the society, a dainty silver cruet as a slight recognition of the reverend gentleman's labours on behalf of railway servants. The Vicar expressed his sincere thanks, and referred with pleasure to the time he had spent at Crewe. He expressed his sympathy with the various benevolent movements organised by the society, and particularly with the orphan fund. • CLARKE'S B 41 PILLS are warranted to cure, in either sex, all acquired or constitutional Dis- charges from the Urinary Organs, Gravel and Pains in the back. Free from Mercury. Estab- lished upwards of 30 years. In boxes 4. 6d. each, of all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors throughout the World, or sent for sixty stamps by the makers. The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drug Company, Lincoln.

WHAT 'THE WORLD' SAYS. 4- The good wishes of the whole Army will follow Prince Francis of Teck to the Soudan, whither he has gone to join Sir Herbert Kitchener s staff as a special service officer. It was only recently that he was appointed A.D.C. to Major-General Sir William Galbraith, commanding the Quetta District. This appoint- ment he resigned in order to see active service. The appointment of Sir Evelyn Wood as Adjutant-General to the Forces may now be considered quite settled upon, although even yet it has not been finally approved. The question of Sir Evelyn's successor in the Quartermaster-Generalship is still shrouded in some doubt, for it is no secret that difficulties have arisen which may cause official plans again to be upset. The trustees of the late Mr. Betham have let Moffat House, his residence in Dumfriesshire, to Mr. Whiteley, M.P. for Stockport, together with about two thousand acres of shooting. Moffatt House had been leased for a long term by Mr. Betham from Mr. Hope-Johnstone of Annandale. Launch-owners may be interested to know that Sir Douglas Stright took his steam launch, The Indiana, fifty-four feet long by seven feet one inch wide, through the Oxford Canal, stopping at Banbury, Rugby, Stafford, Wolver- hampton, Market Drayton, and so on to Chester. The trip, which was done leisurely and occupied a fortnight, was successful in every way. The hotels were excellent, the scenery, especially approaching Chester, was lovely, the lock- keepers gave every assistance, and the bargees, though surprised to see such a craft on their waters, were friendly and considerate. How much longer are we to wait for a settlement of the difficulty which so seriously affects the Militia Service? Most regiments are now in need of many company officers. This is not as it should be. The Militia is a reserve the value of which cannot be denied, and it seems the height of folly to relegate it to the position of a veritable nobody's child in our military system. The studied neglect of the Constitutional Force is not to be defended on any grounds. The command of the Mersey Volunteer Infantry Brigade has become vacant by the retirement of Colonel Shinkwin. It is customary on the part of some papers to designate the officers holding these commands as brigadier-generals. But there is an error, for both in the Army List and the London Gazette they are shewn to be colonels only. Nor indeed could they very well hold the higher rank even if it were desired to confer it upon them, as it would result in wholesale supersession of Line colonels. Butterstone House, Perthshire, the place where Mr. Armitstead will next month enter- tain Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, is about four miles from Dunkeld on the road to Blairgowrie. The house, which is a modern building in the Scottish baronial style, has several very fine rooms, with oak floors and ceilings, and the pan- nelled walls of the hall are adorned with stags' heads. The house is surrounded by woods, and commands some splendid views, including an unbroken prospect of the beautiful country between Birnam Hill and Dunsinane. Butterstone Loch is in front of the house on the south side, and the picturesque lochs of Clunie and Marlee are within a short distance. The scenery for miles round is very attractive, and the country is richly wooded and has much rock and water. The Butter- stone estate, of eight hundred acres, was pur- chased about thirty years ago by Mr. Andrew Lowe, of Dundee (grandfather of the present proprietor), from Mr. Leslie, who also owned the adjoining property of Butterglen. Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone are to arrive at Butterstone early next week.

WEEKLY STATE OF THE CHESTER TFJFTKMABT EJrDBD SATURDAY LAST. IN-PATIENTS. In-patients are admitted on Tuesday mornings at Eleven o'clock. IN-PATIKXTTS DISCHARGED. IN-FAT1MTT8. Cured 15 Admitted 20 Relieved 4 Remain in the House 80 Relieved 4 Remain in the House 80 Made Out-Patients Unrelieved Dead l House Visitor«—Miss J. Thompson and Mr. J. Taylor. OUT-PATIENTS. Medical cases are seen on Monday. Wednesday, and Saturday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Surgical cases are seeu 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, DISCHAB0JD, ABKITTED. Cured 5 Admitted 41 Believed 5 Ram«in gs Made In-Patients 1 Dead i Out-Patients admitted sinoe Saturday last 73

IMPORTANT HALF-YEARLY SALE OF SEALSKIN JACKETS, CAPES, AND FURS. TADOP, DISCOUNTS FBOit 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 FUB ALTERATIONS. 56, BOLD STREET, LIVERPOOL.

Btrtljs, JEarrtajjes, anu 30catbo. BIBTHS. 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 he authenticated by the Signature and Address of the Sender. MABBIAGE. D.&vizs-PLOWRIGHT -August 23, at St. Paul's. Bock Ferry, by the Rev. C. K. Watson, M.A., John Alfred, son of Thomas Davies, of Chester, to Hannah, daughter of W. H. Plowright, of Bock Ferry. DEATHS. GILL-August 21, at 10, Abbey-street, Chester, Sarah Jane, second daughter of the late John Gill, solicitor, of this city. at 2, Liverpool-road, Chester. James 1^xllnanLyear8 Overseer of the Chester Courant and Cheshire Observtr, aged 52 years Joxies-August 12, at Cilcain Hall. Oilcain, John Jones. aged 72 years.

MEMORIALS, AT ALL PRICES, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE & ALABASTER. On View, and to Order. HASWELL & SON, MASONS, KALEYARDS, CHESTER. BBTIMATES AND DESIGNS.

SHREWSBURY FLORAL FETE. Although Wednesday turned out so wet after five o'clock that the performances at the Shrews- bury floral fte could not be carried on, nor the fireworks discharged, the sum taken at the gates was the largest on record, R752. Last year it was E679, and the year before £ the record year) 9727. On Thursday the weathet was fine till seven o'clock, when rain began to fall. The day was another record one in the matter of attendance, the sum taken at the gates up to six o'clock being 91,779 10s. Last year, on the same day, and up to the close of the show, the sum was £ 1,775. Including ticket holders, there were 60,000 on the ground. KISSING THE BOOK.—It is not unlikely, writes a London correspondent, that the Government will next session submit a bill te amend the law relation to the administrations of oaths in England, despite the Attorney General's ipse dimit that the sanitary objections to kissing the book have been exaggerated and that no necessity exists for altering the present system. In pressing for the abolition on sanitary grounds of the practice of kissing the book, Sir Walter Foster is supported by the leading medical men of the day, and although a final decision has not been taken by the Cabinet, there seems reason to believe that the experts will have their way. THE TELEGRAPHISTS' GRIEVANCES.—A con- ference of telegraphists from various parts of the United Kingdom was held at Liverpool on Sunday to decide upon the course of action to be taken in view of recent events. It was agreed that the Parliamentary work should be developed and extended, and every effort made to secure a recognition of the right of combination. It was also decided that a ballot should be taken of all the members as to the levies to be made 'to enable the Executive to carry on an energetic agitation.' With regard to the Newcastle clerks who had been punished for the parts they took in a recent meeting, it was resolved that they should be compensated from the funds of the Association.