The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

SALTNEY AND INCORPORATION. + CHESTER'S PROPOSALS APPROVED. At a meeting of the Saltney Parish Council < on Friday evening, a correspondent informs us, the question of the incorporation of the East Ward of Saltney in the borough of Chester was brought forward, and after a lengthy discussion the scheme was approved by four votes for, while the other three members present remained neutral. Two mem- bers of the Council were appointed to attend the conference at Chester and support this view.

CLOSE OF THE DEE SALMON SEASON. CAUSES OF THE FAMINE. Yesterday (Tuesday) saw the close of the salmon fishing season in the Dee so far as the Bets are concerned, and with a view of obtain- ing some information as to the causes of the almost unprecedented scarcity of fish, one of our representatives waited upon Mr. J. Simpson, the superintendent of the Dee Fishery Board. Although a few splendid fish have been Caught during the last few days," said Mr. Simpson, the season has proved the most unremunerative one that the fishermen have experienced for some years, and they con- sequently cannot have much in store to tide themselves over a severe winter. Generally in off' seasons of this kind when salmon are scarce, the finny philosophers (as I call them) give vent to their theories, and the present occasion is no exception to the rule, as we have been told by one writer in the Courant that it is the pollution which stops the fish from coming up; by another of equal experience and authority that the fish are frightened out of the estuary by porpoises; and by a third that the river is being over-netted and mismanaged by the Board. No one will doubt that pollution is hurtful to a salmon fishery, and that porpoises live on salmon when they can get them goes far to prove that they must be unwelcome visitors to the estuary. But we have no evidence that there has been more pollution this season than formerly, nor am I aware that there have been more porpoises in the river; so that neither pollution nor porpoises—hurtful though they both are to the productiveness of any fiabery-can be said to account for the present salmon famine. As to the allegation of over-netting, though the number of nets has certainly been increasing during the past five years, the total number taken out this season is exactly the same as last, there being one draft licence more and one trammel less. The numbers are: 71 draft, 16 trammels, and eight coracles." What, then, is your own opinion as to the recent depletion of the river ? "—" Well, it appears to me we must look for a cause of a less local character. The present famine affects not only the Dee, but all the salmon rivers in Great Britain and Ireland, and my own opinion is that it can only be attributed to a bad spawn- ing season, due to the disturbance of the salmon beds by floods. Anyone who has a knowledge of salmon culture knows how tender the eggs are from the time they are deposited until they develop into the eyed stage. Even in removing dead eggs out of a tray in an artificial hatchery, it is found that the least touch will kill any other egg. Well, it follows that a severe flood coming after the salmon have deposited their eggs in the river bed, must have a most disastrous effect. The gravel beds are disturbed, the eggs come in contact with the stones or are washed up, and a tremendous percentage of the spawn is thus lost. I have myself over and over again seen beds where fish have deposited their spawn being entirely swept away; in fact, these gravel streams where fish spawn are more liable to be disturbed, because the surface of the bed is broken by the fish stirring up the gravel and giving the water a hold. That these floods have something to do with it is proved by the serious absence of grilse this year. No doubt a tremendous number of fry migrate to the sea in April, May, and June, and it is a theory held by a good many that these return two months later as grilse weighing 51b. or 61b. However, I am not one of those who have seen any actual proof of this. I have fry in the hatchery now two years old, and which, according to this theory, would be 41b. or 51b. in weight. As a matter of fact, they do not scale half a pound. Ne doubt they would have been somewhat heavier if allowed to migrate with the rest of the brood to the sea, but I consider the deficiency too great to be accounted for in that way. The fact that we must occasionally be pre- pared for a general famine, such as has been experienced here this year, is more generally recognised in America, where the term 'off' year is quite familiar, and such a thing is expected. However, the salmon hatcheries' have done much to lessen this, as the spawn in them is always secure; and I have no doubt that in another year the fishing in this country will probably be as good as ever. There is nothing whatever to make one think that our own river is going back, for up to this year there have been signs of its improving, as the fishermen generally admit. The cause of the failure this year is, as I have said, that there has been some destructive engine at work on the beds during some time within the past five years. What was the precise time I am unable to say, for the damage done by a storm to the spawning beds may not be discovered till three or four years later." Questioned as to the doings of the coracles, Mr. Simpson said they had been no exception to the general rule, and had had a very bad year. As to the rod fishing, which does not close till November, Mr. Simpson expressed the hope that the anglers would meet with better luck. There is an improved fresh in the river now, and a few fish have been taken during the last few days. Last week a great number of salmon reached Llangollen weir, and were seen endeavouring to get higher up, but very few were able to surmount that obstacle. These were old red fish, and had undoubtedly been a long time in the river without rising to the fly"

STJDDKN DEATH IN A CHESTER HOTEL.—A I sensation was caused at the Washington Hotel, City-road, Chester, on Sunday morning by the sudden death of a middle-aged gentleman, named Robert Calcutt, who arrived at the hotel the previous evening. The deceased, who was then apparently in the best of health, requested that he should be called at eight o'clock the following morning, but on his bed- room being entered at ten o'clock, he was found dead in bed, the body being still warm. It hTlieved that the deceased had been spending his holidays at Knaresborougb, Yorkshire, and was on his way home to Belfast The Chester police have communi- cated with his relatives, and an inquest was held on the body, which lies at the mortuary, ast (Tuesday) evening. A CHESTER LADY'S POCKET PICKED.-ON Monday morning, at Rhyl an elderly man of gentlemanly appearance, describing lmse >rge PoJer, jeweller, Third Avenue, New and lodging at 20, Holly-street, Stephen s Green, Dublin, was charged with pickin^ £ "kets on the station platform. Joseph Weaver, Chester, a railway detective, said he aw the prisoner loitering about in a suspicious fanner on the platform. As the prisoner was ?0lng through the iron gates he put his left ov • *nt0 the pocket of Mrs. Wiggin, of Dnl oil-road, Chester, and took out her ha^86' • Prisoner, on being charged, said he picked it off the ground. Detective evi^^ton, of Manchester, gave corroborative Bent^06', he prisoner pleaded guilty, and was Poasefio- gaol for one month. He had in his j11 a Sold watch and chain, a diamond g' £ 11 in gold.

COUNTY POLICE COURT. 0 SATURDAY.—Before Messrs. H. D. Trelawny, J. Thompson, J. Davies, and J. Pover. A PUBLICAN'S TROUBLES.—William Driscall, Seacombe, answered a summons charging him with assaulting William McNeill, landlord of the Dock Hotel, Ellesmere Port, on the 16th inst.—Mr. F. Lloyd appeared for the prosecution, and stated that defendant came into his house, and asked to be served with drink. The land- lord, noticing he was not sober, refused him. Defendant left the place, but returned, and again demanded drink. Being again refused, he attempted to get into the inner bar. Prosecutor took hold of him to eject him from the premises, when defendant struck him and kicked him.—Prosecutor, in giving evidence, denied that he refused to give defendant change for money he received from him.—Driscall, in his defence, said that day he called at several public-houses, but at each was refused to be served.—The Chairman: Why were you refused ?—Because I was drunk. (Laughter.) Continuing, defendant said prose- cutor owed him 3s. change, and refused to pay it him. When he (defendant) persistently asked for the money the landlord struck him.- The Bench considered the case proved, and imposed a fine of 10s. and costs or seven days.— Defendant was further charged with refusing to quit the same premises. The case having been proved, a similar fine and alternative was imposed.

CITY POLICE COURT. + WEDNESDAY.—Before Drs. Stolterfoth and Roberts, Messrs. Charles Brown, J. G. Frost, and L. Gilbert. TRANSFERS.—The following licences were transferred: Flint Boat House, John Maddocks; Old Queen's Head, Wm. Price; Royal Oak, Boughton, Geo. Wm. Farrell. Mr. F. B. Mason appeared for the several applicants. A transfer of the licence was granted of the Grotto, Bridge- street row, occupied by Vernon McAlindon, Mr. H. G. Hope appearing for the applicant. SATURDAY.—Before Dr. Stolterfoth and Alder- man L. Gilbert. LICENSING.—On the application of Mr. W. H. Churton authority was granted to Mrs. Edward Henderson to sell at the Cornwall Arms, Cornwall-street. MONDAY.—Before Messrs. F. Bullin, G. Dutton, and H. Churton. A ROWDY TRIO: WHEN LONDON SLEEPS.— A youth, named George Price, residing at 5, Gaol Fields, was summoned on a charge of being drunk and disorderly in Hamilton-place, Northgate-street, on Saturday night.—P.C. Arthur Hughes, who proved the case, said defendant was in company with two other lads. They were all walkivg abreast in Northgate- street, shouting and singing, and hustling people who passed them. Defendant was the worst of the three.—In his defence, defendant called John Cross as a witness. This youth admitted he was one of the three, but denied that defendant was drunk.—The Clerk I sup- pose you came here this morning in fear of being summoned? (Laughter.)—Witness (ex- citedly) Oh, no, I was the only quiet one of the lot. (Renewed laughter.) They were singing, but I wasn't.—Mr. Fenwick: What were they singing ?—Witness: Let me see—oh, it was When London is fast asleep.' (Laugh- ter.)—The Bench fined defendant 5s. and costs, or seven days. DAMAGE.—Henry Melia, Steammill street, was summoned by Michael Gallagher for damaging a door and window of prosecutor's house, to the amount of 3s. 6d.-Defendant was fined 2s. 6d. and costs, and had to pay the amount of the damage.

NESTON PETTY SESSIONS. + FRIDAY.—Before Messrs. D. Graham, T. Brockle- bank, R. Bushell, and T. Clarke. A FAMILY FEUD.—May Bulley, aged 11, was summoned for assaulting Lily Scarratt, aged twelve, on August Bank Holiday last, and Beatrice Bulley, mother of May Bulley,* was summoned for using threats to Minnie Scarratt, sister of Lily Scarratt. Mr. C. Roberts appeared for the complainants, and Mr. W. H. Churton for the defendants.- Lily Scarratt stated that on Bank Holiday she was sitting on the quay wall at Parkgate near her home, when May Bulley, who resided a short distance away, came up to her and without provo- cation hit her on the face and arm with a cane.—In cross examination she admitted that she had previously told defendant to bid her mother go and get sober. —Mrs. Mealor also gave evidence as to the assault.—Mrs. Bulley was afterwards charged with using threats to Minnie Scarratt, and Mr. Roberts asked that she should be bound over to keep the peace, so as to prevent his client being further annoyed.—^Mr. Churton ridiculed the idea of bringing such young children into a police oourt, and the evidence shewing that the disputes between the two families had existed for some time, the Bench dismissed both summonses. TRACTION ENGINE PROPRIETOR SUHMONED.— Robert Bridson, traction engine proprietor, Neston, was summoned for using a traction engine and three carriages on the highway with no person in charge besides the three persons required by the Act to be in charge of the locomotive, on 3rd August last. Constable Bostock. who proved the charge, stated that the carriages consisted of a cultivator, a set of harrows, and a water tub. There was another charge in connection with another traction engine, which followed immediately after the first engine and implements, but was not attached to them. The evidence shewed the two engines and implements made up a ploughing set, and after Mr. Churton had addressed the Bench, urging that agriculturists at the present time should not be put to needless expense, the Bench inflicted a nominal penalty of one shilling in each case. INFRINGING THE BYELAWS.—Charles Symes, of Ellerslea, West Derby, was summoned for building a house at Neston without having the plans approved by the Wirral Rural District Council in accordance with bye-law 89. Mr. J. Thompson appeared for the Council, and Mr. Hughes, building surveyor to the Council, gave evidence.—Mr. Thomas, architect, Neston, stated that the plans had been submitted and had been returned for some minor alterations.— Defendant was ordered to pay costs.—Joseph Burkey was summoned by the same authority for breaking bye-law 8 in connection with houses he has erected at Heswall, and on the associated charge of infringing bye-law No. 16, was fined 10s. in the first case, and 92 in the second. CHARGES OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.—William Young, for working a horse in an unfit state, and J. Young, for causing the horse to be worked, were fined 5s. and costs each. Inspector Dowty proved the charge.—John Collinson, Heswall, was charged with a similar offence. Mr. F. I Cosgrove, veterinary surgeon, Neston, gave rebutting evidence, and the case was dis- l missed. MISCELLANEOUS. Esther Littlemore and Ellen Littlemore were each fined for profane language. Hannah Williams, Robert Oiler- head and Thomas Mason were fined Is. each for allowing cattle to stray.—John and Robert Ollerhead were fined 2s. each for obstructing the parapet.—Ben Griffiths, John Fewtrell, Thomas Peters, Thomas Lewis, and George Lewis were fined la. each for throwing stones.

Mr. Arthur Pease, M.P., has been badly hurt about the head by being thrown out of a trap while driving from Marske to Saltburn. A CHESHIRE MUBDER RICKY N TSCENcic.-The death is announced from Crewe of Mrs. Davies, widow of Richard Davies, who some years ago was murdered on the highway near Crewe by his two sons. Mrs. Davies was an important witness at the trial, and one of her sons was executed at Knutsford, while the other got a life sentence. A rumour was spread some time ago that George Davies had died in gaol, but this was incorrect. FOOTBALL QUALIFYING COMPETITION.- The draw for the Cup Qualifying Round of the Football Association took place at London, on Monday evening, and came out as follows in Division VII :-Osweatry v. Northwich Victoria, Middlewich v. New Brighton Tower, Chirk v. Buckley, Garston Copper Works v. Birkenhead Locos., Druids v. Bangor, Rock Ferry v. Llan- dudno Swifts, Warrington St. Elphins v. Wrex- bam, Stockport County v. Chester. PiTVRTrRY's COCOA is guaranteed to be absolutely pure and is therefore, the best Cocoa It is at once a refreshing, stimulating drink and a BtpiMly impressed that Coma, must be r»™ aml strong y f ensure its fullest beneficial effects alkalies.' 4,-

CHESTER BOARD OF GUARDIANS. ♦ THE PRICE OF GAS. The fortnightly meeting was held yesterday (Tuesday), Mr. Joseph Pover presiding over a good attendance.—Mr. W. Vernon, in moving the adoption of the minutes of the House Committee, referred to the proposed appoint- ment of a superintendent nurse in the hos- pital, and said that as the subject had been thoroughly discussed, they should at once take steps to make the appointment. He also thought it would be to their advantage to engage outdoor assistance in connection with the schools, instead of pauper help. The committee who had had the matter under consideration for some months, recommended that the Board should engage one woman worker in the house from seven in the morning to seven p.m., at a salary of 12s. a week and rations, and two women workers in the morning from eight to one at a salary of one shilling per half day and food; also two others from 1-30 to 6 30 at the same rate.—Mr. Wedgwood seconded.—The Rev. H. Grantham supported the idea of a superintendent nurse, and was also of the opinion it would be better to employ out-door persons in the schools, instead of pauper inmates.—Mr. Vernon said he wished to have this matter well ventilated. The Clerk (Mr. W. Turnock), in answer to a question, said they could not get a superin- tendent nurse for less than JE35 to £40 a year. —The minutes were confirmed.—The Board considered the question of increasing the salary of Elijah Baker. Mr. Wedgwood proposed, and Mr. Hallmark seconded, that the salary be increased from £20 to £25. An amendment, however, moved by the Rev. E. C. Lowndes, to grant an increase of £2 per annum for three years, with a maximum of £26, was carried.— The Chester Gas Company, replying to the Board's request whether the reduction in the price of gas would be allowed in their institu- tion, intimated that it would not.—Mr. Kennedy suggested as a substitute for gas they might use electric light. It was worth considering.— The Clerk was instructed to ask the Chester Corporation their terms for the supply of electric light.

AUCTION SALES. ♦ SALE OF FARNDON PROPERTY. On Saturday, Mr. J. J. Cunnah offered for sale at the Grosvenor Hotel, Chester, the detached residence, together with the garden and two pasture fields containing in the whole Ifa. 2r. 18p., situate at Farndon, in the occupa- tion of Dr. Thelwall. After some brisk com- petition the property was knocked down to Mr. Albert Lowe for £1,350. Messrs. Royle and Reynolds acted as solicitors to the vendor.

All the members of the Eastbourne Town Council have signed a requisition to the Duke of Devonshire asking him to accept the Mayoralty of Eastbourne for the coming year. FLINTSHIRE CHAPEL CHANGES.—In the con- gregational churches, the Rev. D. J. Evans, of Carmarthen, has been ordained minister of Greenfield church, Holywell; and the Rev. John R. Hughes, of Abergele, has undertaken the charge of Zoar church, near Mold; the Rev. Henry Jones, of Dalton, has accepted the call to Halkyn Presbyterian church. DISAPPEARANCE OF OLD CHESTER PRO- PERTY.—Another portion of old Chester is disappearing from view in Foregate-street, where the work of demolition is going on at some premises near Commercial Row, having an old-fashioned colonnade over the parapet supported by stone pillars. Deeds are in existence relating to this property dating as far back as 1667. The shop and premises will be rebuilt by the owner, Mr. John Stubbs, boat- builder, in a style conforming with the neigh- bouring architecture. A MAZENESS CAME OVER HUL-At the Chester City Police Court, yesterday (Tuesday), before Messrs. William Brown, H. Churton, and George Dutton, Michael Kay was summoned for being drunk in charge of a horse and cab on Hough Green the previous day. It appeared that Kay drove some visitors from Chester to Hawarden, but on the return journey they found him so intoxicated that on reaching Saltney they left the cab and completed the distance by tram. P.C. Griffiths arrested Kay on Hough Green. Defendant, who said 'a sort of mazeness came over him,' was fined 5s. and costs, or seven days' hard labour. AN ARTISTIC TRIUMPH.—There is now on view at Messrs. Minshull and Meeson's, Eastgate Row, in this city, the celebrated picture The Return from Calvary,' by Herbert Schmalz. The work is certainly one of the greatest of modern times, and it will add immeasurably to the artist's reputation. Mr. Schmalz's conception of the sacred subject is strikingly beautiful and original, and he has delineated the tragedy with marvellous skill and power. The pathos of the scene is most impressive and touching, and as one stands before it he realises that he is gazing upon a masterpiece. Those who inspect the painting while it is at Messrs. Minshull and Meeson's will be glad that they have done so.

CO-OPERATORS & THE DRINK TRAFFIC. REMARKABLE PROPOSALS. The quarterly conference of the Cheshire and North Wales District Co-operative Asso- ciation of the Co-operative Union, Limited, was held in the Waverly Rooms, Birkenhead, on Saturday afternoon, when Councillor Snape, president of the Birkenhead society, presided over a large number of delegates and others interested in the movement. The annual report of the Cheshire and North Wales district shewed that the various societies in the district were making good progress. The societies had in tho aggregate 24,828 members, and made a total net profit during the year of £57,410 upon a total trade of £452,000. A paper was read by Mr. Gresty, of Birken- head, on the subject Should Co-operative Societies participate in the drink trade ?' Mr. Gresty remarked that excessive drinking was on all hands agreed to be the world's greatest social evil, and asked Is it con- trary to the principles of the co-operative movement for co-operative societies to engage in the drink trade ?" The prin- ciples of the co-operative movement were the moral, social, and intellectual advancement of mankind, and he held that it would not be contrary to those principles to engage in a trade which was held accountable for poverty, sick- ness, insanity, prostitution, suicide, and murder. He considered it would be a crime to engage in the trade for the main object of making large dividends, and urged that they should agree upon some method of trading which would reduce the number of public- houses and drunkenness. He proposed that the Co-operative Wholesale Society should become brewers and owners of public-houses, the latter to be purchased and worked as hotels and restaurants on a reformed basis. The society bad more money than it could profitably invest, and had invested £1,000,000 sterling in about two years in Consols and other securities at a low rate of interest. He thought it would be more in accordance with the spirit of co-operation to employ this money in the way he suggested. At present public-houses were conducted for the enrichment of a few individuals, but under co- operation they would be conducted for the benefit of the public generally. The profits, he suggested, should be applied, after paying all expenses and forming a reserve fund, to the acquisition of more of the existing public-house property, which could be worked as restaurants, cocoa-rooms, Ac., or used for other purposes than a public-house. He believed that in this way, although they would not acquire all the public- house property, they would obtain control of sufficient houses to exercise a marked effect upon the drink trade and upon public opinion. He found the real causes of excessive drinking in the excessive opportunities for indulgence offered, and in the degrading surroundings and conditions of life of the working classes. He proposed to bring about more healthy and elevating conditions by devoting a portion of the profits anticipated to erecting cottage property of a superior character, combining the maximum of comfort with the minimum of rent. In conclusion, he summed up the advantages of transferring the management of public-houses from the private individual to a co-operative body as follow:—(1) The shortening of the hours during which drink could be procured. (2) The limiting of the quantity of drink to be supplied to one person at any one time. (3) The placing of the management of public-houses in the hands of the people. The latter object, which had in vain been sought by political agitation, would at once be secured by the scheme out- lined, as the 1,500,000 of co-operators through- out the country would have a direct voice in controlling the number of public-houses and the manner in which they should be conducted. A discussion followed, the majority of the speakers being unfavourably disposed towards the scheme. One gentleman, Mr. Hughes (Brymbo), bluntly stated that to associate co- operation with the drink traffic would bring their movement to utter ruin. It was decided to hold the next conference at Wrexham. THE BISHOP OF CHESTER ON THE CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT. The Bishop of Chester, who had received an advance copy of Mr. Gresty's paper, sent the following reply, addressed to Mr. T. Charles (chairman of the Cheshire and North Wales Co-operative Association) :— The Palace, Chester, August 20,1897. Dear Sir,—Let me thank you for your letter, and for sending me i-an advance copy of Mr. Gresty's important paper. It may interest you and others to know that the late Judge Hughes, 'whose name is likely to be remembered as one of the earliest and staunchest champions of co- operation, was strongly of opinion that the co- operative societies ought to take the public-house in hand and work it on improved principles. He was a firm believer in our reform, the essential idea of which is that a trade on which the public welfare—or ill-fare—so largely depends ought to be in public, not private, hands. He knew that prohibition is. for. England a.t all events, not within practical politics,' and he therefore desired to see co-operation take into its powerful and public-spirited grasp a business which cannot be ignored I think it will be allowed that Judge Hughes's moral sense and civic spirit was at least up to the average. While speaking of moral sense, let me remark that the quotation to which Mr. Gresty in his paper refers of St. Paul's words touch not, taste not, handle not,' as justifying refusal to have anything to do with licensed victualling, is unfortunate. St. Paul in that passage (Colossiaus ii., 20 and following) is warning his readers against certain false teachers, and quotes disparagingly these prohibitions of theirs, which ,they were trying to enforce on the Church. To suppose that these prohibitions are St. Paul's is, Bishop Lightfoot says, 'to make complete shipwreck of the sense.' Bishop Light- foot mentions as instances of the false asceticism which St. Paul condemns—the avoidance of oil, of wine, or of flesh-meat, the shunning of contact with a stranger or a religious inferior, and the like. ii on' Timothy, ch. iv., we find the Apostle severely censuring those teachers who lorbid to marry and command to abstain from meats —another development of the same stock. Prohibitions of that kind look well, but they work out mischievously. At all events they cannot claim the authority of St. Paul. Returning to public-house reforms as connected with co-operation, I believe that on Lord Spencer's property a public-house is managed in connection with the co-operative Btore, and so, too, on the Hon. F. L. Wood's property. Surely it is worthy of co-operatiou (1) to manage public-houses as judiciously and wholesomely as possible, en- couraging the consumption of other refreshments and victuals, and not allowing alcohol to dominate as at present, and (2) to make the profits of the business serve the other branches of co- operation, and thus minister to the welfare of the people." In conclusion, the Bishop expressed his regret that a. long-standing engagement at Stockport on the 28th inst, prevented his attending the con- ference at Birkenhead.

LIVERPOOL AUTWMN EXHIBITION.—The local artists represented at the autumn exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, include Miss Ada Dennis, of Nicholas-street, Chester, who exhibits an admirably executed miniature portrait. SAD CARRIAGE ACCIDENT.—By a car- riage accident at Turriff, Aberdeenshire, on Friday afternoon, Mrs. Julian Ainslie, wife of Mr. Julian Ainslie, of Dalgety, landed proprietor, was killed. Miss Ainslie was badly injured, and the coachman seriously hurt. It appears that one of the ladies, who was driving, lost control of the horse near the railway bridge over the Deveron. The animal ran on the bridge, and the vehicle came into contact with the parapet, throwing Mrs. and Miss Ainslie and the coachman on to the rocks at the edge of the water, a distance of 40ft. MANCHESTER SHIP CAVAL.—The half-yearly meeting of the Manchester Ship Canal Company was held on Tuesday. Mr. Bythell made a long statement as to the position and prospects of the undertaking. He had to confess to some disappointment at the rate of progress they were making, and sighed that they had no trading powers and no capital with which to lead the way in bringing trade to the canal. He mentioned the tank oil trade as an example of the time needed to establish a new line of traffic. Negotiations had been going on since before the opening of the canal to secure a share of this trade, but no practical step was taken till last November. Now three oil com- panies were building tanks on the banks of the canal. But for the great capital outlay, and the expense of maintenance, he thought the general progress of the undertaking would be regarded as satisfactory. There would have been a profit this half-year of about £6,000 but for exceptional items of expenditure; and if in the ensuing half-year the increase of traffic was at the same rate as in the corresponding pericd last year, he anticipated profit of £30,000. Some criticism with regard to the staff was made by one of the shareholders, and by another it was suggested that the time had come when the canal should be taken over by a I public trust. The directors' report W8.I adopted.

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

"J_F''F..r'F'F' F.. F 1' THE DEE SEA FISHERY ABSORPTION SCHEME. Sir,—I imagine that most of the members of the Cheshire County Council are as surprised as myself at the remarks made at the meeting of the Lancashire Sea Fisheries Joint Committee on the 23rd inst. by Mr. A. T. Wright, their re- presentative on that committee. Mr. Wright is reported to have said: Those members of the County Council, who had considered the subject, were in accord with the proposals of the Lancashire Committee." I do not propose to argue the question, but to confine myself to a brief record of facts. At the quarterly meeting of the Cheshire County Council, on 12th November, a letter from Mr. John Fell, the chairman of the Lan- cashire Joint Committee, was considered, asking if the County Council would be willing to be represented at a conference on the amalgamation question. Mr. Wright urged the advantages to follow such an amalgamation. I, understanding that the Lancashire Com- mittee were aiming at the annexation of the estuary of the Dee, rose to reply to Mr. Wright. I had no sooner got the ear' of the Council than Mr. Wright rose to interrupt me, and said that I was evidently mistaken, as the Lancashire Committee bad no intention whatever of encroaching within the estuary. Mr. Wright, as a member of the Lancashire Joint Com- mittee, spoke with authority, so I turned to the chairman of the Council and said Then, sir, if Mr. Wright gives me the assurance that that is so, I have not a word further to say." The assurance was given, and I, simply remarking that I still thought the intention of the Lancashire Com- mittee was as I had stated, sat down. A committee, consisting of Mr. Wright, Mr. Thorny croft, and myself, was appointed with the distinct understanding, as expressed by his Grace the Duke of Westminster, that the com- mittee should have no power to pledge the Council. At the meeting of the County Council on Feb. 11th last, an application was made by the clerk of the River Dee Fishery Board for a grant of JE150 towards the adminis- tration of the Sea Fishery Bye-laws in the estuary. His Grace the Duke of West- minster moved, and I seconded, that, subject &c., a sum of £150 be granted- Mr. Wright rose to oppose the grant, and moved as an amendment that the consideration thereof, pending the report of the committee appointed in November, be referred to a com- mittee. The amendment met with no seconder, and therefore fell to the ground, and the motion was carried. N.B.—You will observe the inconsistency of Mr. Wright, that, whereas he had stated in November that the amalgamation was not to affect the Dee estuary, he here proposes to cripple the Dee Fishery Board by taking away from them their only means of protecting it. The conference between the representatives of the County Councils interested was held on the 11th May, and the amalgamation was fully discussed. There was at first no doubt as to the proposed boundaries of the district. The mask, if there ever was one (which I never believed), was thrown off, and the Lancashire representatives urged that the Dee estuary should be included in the scheme, but before the close of the conference I under- stood that the chairman gave way on this point. The recommendation of the Cheshire Committee, made on this understanding, was as follows:—" Your representatives beg to recommend that the Counc il gives its approval to the proposed amalgamation conditional that the ratable value contribution to be made by this Council towards the cost of the expenses of the administration of the Joint Committee for the proposed combined district should each year be reduced by such amount not exceeding £200, as the Council may from time to time grant to the River Dee Fishery Board towards the expenses to Jbe incurred by them as a Local Fisheries Committee under the Sea Fishery Regulation Act for the estuary of the River Dee." The report of the Committee, on the motion of Mr. Thornycroft, seconded by his Grace the Duke of Westminster, was received and the recommendations contained therein were adopted. Facts speak for themselves, and I leave the public to judge whether the County Council, by deciding to retain a sum not exceeding £200 from the ratable value contribution, did or did not mean to approve the Dee estuary being absorbed by the Western Fishery Scheme. I should not have troubled you at such length but for three reasons. 1. Mr. Wright's asssertions —so contrary to the facts—have got the start, and need correction. 2. There will be no other opportunity of correcting them before the County Council meeting in November. 3.1 wished the public at once to be able to consider the matter under the light of the facts as they occurred. I am, however, able to state that representations opposed to the scheme have already been, or will be, sent to the Board of Trade by all the parties interested in keeping the Dee estuary out ef it.—I am, your obedient servant, JOHN THOMPSON. August 28th, 1897.

A FISHERMAN'S PROTEST. Sir,—I see that Lancashire is going to apply to the Board of Trade for so much of the river Dee as is on the seaward side of a line from Burton Point to Connah's Quay, to be amal- gamated to the Lancashire Fishery district. As representing the fishermen of Heswall, Park gate, and Neston, I may say that to a man we are dead against this. I speak from a practical point of view. Our sea fisheries are prosperous —far more so than that of Lancashire—and they know it. This is what makes them so eager to rob us fishermen of our birthright. We have it given to us very plainly what we may expect, by the Chairman of the Lancashire Board in his answer to the Rev. A. Hamilton King at a recent meeting, when he (the chair- man) said he hoped that uniform bye-laws would shortly prevail. This means Lancashire laws this means the destroying of our fisheries by methods which we Dee fishermen cannot and will not allow. We should see our shores, banks, and channel studded with stake nets. We should have the destructive rooter, also the bow net, which is quite as bad, introduced into our river. We fishermen are perfectly satisfied that our Fishery Board have done and are doing their utmost for the benefit of the Dee fisher- men and their fisheries. Let us compare the useless and costly work of Lancashire with the practical and economical work done by the Dee Fishery Board during the time it has been under their control; and it at once becomes clear that we should be free from the toils of Lancashire, and view with distrust a county whose laws and nets may clash and impede the free passage of salmon to the upper waters of the Dee, also become a burden to the ratepayers, who certainly cannot improve our fisheries, as they at present prove their incompetance to do so.—Yours respectfully, JOHN BUCKLEY. Heswall, August 25th, 1897.

'LEST WE FORGET.' Sir,—In your last issue of the 25th [ observe a letter signed Memini.' The writer appears to me to have only just wakened up, as the poem by Rudyard Kipling God of our fathers known of old,' which he gives us for our admonition, has been known far and wide while he appears to have slept. That is all right, but when he comes to the passage in his letter, One shrinks from the thought of the idolatry which has marked the celebrations of the Jubilee,' I am at a loss to comprehend his meaning. Does he think the devotion and loyalty shewn to our Queen on that occasion was idolatry ? If so, perhaps he will kindly explain.—Yours, Ac., August 24th, 1897. CBITTC. |

CHESTER FISHERMEN AND THE MUSSEL INDUSTRY. Sir,—At the present moment when subscrip- tions are being solicited towards the fishermen's distress fund, may I be allowed to offer a practical suggestion ? The salmon season for nets has just come to an end, and we all deeply sympathise with those who have plied their calling during the summer without being able to put by a nest egg for the winter months. I would suggest that instead of abandoning themselves to helpless despair, the fishermen of Handbridge should turn their attention to the mussel beds, where the fishing opens to- morrow. It will, I am sure, surprise many of your readers to learn that so far as I have been able to ascertain not a single fisherman from Handbridge goes to the mussel beds to take a share in this very lucrative industry. To-morrow probably 150 boats will be busily engaged on the mussel beds in the estuary of the Dee, and yet (if we may judge from past experience) not one of those boats will come from Chester. Is not this absurd ? At the smallest computation, during the next three months, each man engaged on the beds will be able to earn 8s. to 10s. a day, and tons of the bivalves will be as usual taken to the Lancashire markets. Seeing that the city of Chester contributes so much to the protection of the mussel fishery and that it has grown with leaps and bounds during the last few years, it is quite time the Handbridge fishermen bestirred themselves. I would suggest that it would be wise for them to wlub together, and take a house or two for the next two months at Flint (where vacant houses are unfortunately at the present time only too plentiful), and make that place tho base of their operations. The stock-in-trade is not expensive, as the only extra required is a rake with a long shaft. This, to my thinking at all events, would be a far more sensible and manly course to adopt during the present distress than to stand by and leave it to the Park gate fishermen to bring the mussels to Chester itself. Surely our salmon fishermen do not consider it beneath the dignity of their high calling to grub in the vasty and slimy deep for the humble bivalve ? —Yours truly, August 31, 1897. SELF HELP. «

THE SCARCITY OF DEE SALMON. Sir,—I see that an assertion has been made that the Dee Fishery Board has contributed through mismanagement to the present scarcity of salmon. Of course we have had dry seasons, but we see the chief cause of scarcity through the two last winters being so very mild and open. It is also said the river is over- netted. This is not so. Let us compare the few salmon that have been caught this season with the millions of salmon fry that leave our river every season, and take a percentage. I fail to see where the over-netting comes in. We think the scarceness is caused by the abundance of ravenous fish that infest the coast, and prey on the salmon as they enter our river. Our experience for 39 years tells us that a hard frosty winter is followed by a successful summer. It is plain that a keen winter must drive the ravenous fish out to sea, and so give the salmon a better chance to get in shore towards our rivers. We think also that if more was done to destroy the enemies of salmon that infest the spawning beds and the mouths of rivers, greater good would be done than by talking of over-netting, as a more plentiful supply is more beneficial to the public as an article of food. It is the duty of fishery boards to provide as plentiful a supply to the public as possible.—Yours, &c., JOHN BUCKLEY. Heswall. ♦

HOBBY HORSE MUSIC AT MALPAS. Sir,—Two residents of Malpas have been writing letters to the newspapers concerning the action of their Parish Council re the wakes held here on August 23rd. It appears the Council have been very deeply affected by an organ which is attached to Miss Collins' hobby horse show. Whether the melody has enchanted them, or whether the discordant notes have mesmerised them they have not clearly ex- plained. However resident No. 2 informs us the music is not good for invalids. There is an invalid, Joseph Davies, who dwells in the vicinity of the harmony, and who, if he lives until November, will see his 77th year. For the last 13 years he has been unable to labour for his living. About two year since, in consequence of numerous representations, by the inhabitants contiguous to Davies's Croft, which the latter lets to Miss Collins on festive days to help to keep his humble home together, resident No. 2 formed part of a depu- tation to see Davies, soliciting him to impose a restriction on the time of closing when letting the croft. Though they offered to recoup any loss, Davies preferred the bird in hand, and declined the overtures. Sinee then the music has had no soothing effect, and representations have been made to the Parish Council on the subject. The matter was discussed, and Councillor Bussey strongly urged they were trifling with the liberties of the people. Though the organ is only heard on two occasions in the year, the Council finally resolved that at ten o'clock its discordant notes should cease, and the gay throng turned into the dark lane to improve their morals. But before finishing with the musical question, what about the Cinderella Balls, &c., that are usually held in the Town Hall ? How is it that the loud notes of the cornet in the small hours of many a winter's morning, have escaped the hostile criticism of our illustrious councillors ? It is to be hoped that the future will find our councillors embarked on something more beneficial to Malpas, than discussing the qualities of hobby-horse music. The wakes are looked forward to by the law-abiding cottagers with a fond interest, like Christmas time, and many of their children who now dwell else- where, return to the old place. If the Parish Council would approach the influential gentle- men of the neighbourhood requesting their assistance with a view to establish a market so much needed in Malpas, they would be a good deal better employed, for the tradesmen here suffer through the trade going out of the parish into the neighbouring town. If this support was obtained, the railway company would favourably consider the train service on market days, and I have little doubt the project would be successful.—Yours truly, A RATEPAYER. Malpas, August 30, 1897.

Mr. John Hall, shipowner, has offered to give £100,000 to build a new infirmary at Newcastle, provided the money already raised is used for the maintenance of the institution. WIRRAL AND BIRKENHEAD AGRICULTURAL SHOW.—The fifty-fifth annual show, promoted by the Wirral and Birkenhead Agricultural Society, will be held on the showground at Bidston to-day (Wednesday) and Thursday. The president of the society for the year is Mr. Joseph Hoult, Thornton Hough, and the vice-president Mr. J. Kenworthy, of Kelsall. In spite of the recent rains the show- yard is in perfect order, the admirable system of drainage carried out by the committee having effectually carried off all surface water. The work of covering the sheds is now completed. Although the entries are not so numerous as last year, when a record was reached, the show promises, from point of quality, to be one of the best ever held in the district. The chief prize winners at the Royal, Great Yorkshire, Bath, and West of England, and other leading shows have been entered, and in the horse section will be found the champion hackney and other noted animals. The dog show promises to be a grand one. There will be several interesting exhibits of machinery in motion, the power being supplied by gas, which has been laid on to the show- ground, with a service for the offices and dining- rooms. An interesting feature of the horti- cultural section will be a three-span wire trellis structure, with dome for creeping plants, &c., which will be erected in front of the tent. On both days of the show the band stand will be occupied by the Tranmere Gleam Silver Prize Band. The arrangements are well- advanced, and fine weather is all that is necessary to ensure a record meeting. The challenge cups and bowls will be presented to the winners in the horse judging ring on the afternoon of the first day, immediately prior to the horse-leaping competitions. Full particulars will be found in the advertisement on our front page.

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION IN CHESHIRE. « THE NEW GRANTS. The Technical Instruction Committee of the Cheshire County Council, after considering the applications for grants for technical instruction purposes from the following authorities for the year ending March 31, 1898, have decided to allocate the following amounts :—Altrincham District Council, £ 248 Bredbury and Romiley District Council, £ 20 Congleton Town Council, £ 70; Crewe Town Council, £ 513; Dukinfield District Council, £ 272; Hoylake and West Kirby District Council, £ 170; Hyde Town Council, R480 Lower Bebbington District Council, £30 Macclesfield Town Council, £ 563; Marple District Council, £ 40; Middlewich District Council, R63 10s.; Northwich District Council, £233; Neston and Parkgate, £ 10 Runcorn, X313; Sale District Council, £ 237; Sandbach District Council, ClO; Stalybridge Town Council, £ 100; Winsford District Council, X180; Messrs. Brunner, Mond, and Company, on account of rating their works at Winning- ton and Malkm's Bank, 999. The committee at their meeting also considered an application from the Union of Lancashire and Cheshire Institutes that the grant to that body should be continued, and it was decided to give a sum not exceeding 4100. A deputation attended from the Technical Instruction Committee, Macclesfield, in regard to scholarships. The representations of the gentlemen forming it were listened to, after which a promise was made that the subject should receive careful consideration. The recommendations of the Scholarship Committee with reference to award- ing the scholarships in Class 3 in music and to teachers were received, and the organising secretary was empowered to make the necessary arrangements with the schools selected.

CHESHIRE FEDERATION OF TRADES COUNCILS. ♦ MEETING AT CHESTER. A meeting of the recently-formed Cheshire Federation of Trades and Labour Councils was held at Chester on Saturday, Mr. J. Rowlands (Birkenhead) presiding, and representatives attending from Crewe, Northwicn, Macclesfield, and Chester.—The Chairman, in referring to the inauguration of the federation, said two of its objects were to obtain better labour repre- sentation upon town and county councils and to bring the various trades councils into closer unity, and thereby strengthen the position of labour in the county.—Mr. W. Carr (Chester) expressed the hope that the federation would bring all its influence to bear upon the Cheshire County Council with regard to their adoption of the fair wage clause.' He also hoped an effort would be made to organise those towns where there were no trades councils.—On the proposition of Mr. Bachuss (Crewe), seconded by Mr. Astley (Northwich), a resolution ex- pressing regret at the action of those members of the Cheshire County Council who thought it consonant with their position as the public rep- resentatives to vote against the interests and claims of labour, and a determination to oppose them at the next election was unanimously carried, the meeting at the same time recording its appreciation of the services of Mr. Tomkin- son and those members who supported the fair wage clause. The following resolution, moved by Mr. Astley, and seconded by Mr. Compston (Macclesfield), was also carried: That this meeting of the Federal Council, comprising the whole of the Trades and Labour Councils of Cheshire, observes with surprise, and also with sincere regret, that a place is not given on the agenda of the Trades Congress, to be held in Birmingham next week, for the discussion or consideration of the present severe struggle through which trades unions, and especially the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, are passing at the present time, and prays that the congress during the present sitting will give the question some consideration." A hope was also expressed that a national scheme of trade union federation would also be debated.

WEEKLY STATE OF THE CHESTER INFIKMABY ENDED SATURDAY LAST. IN-PATI ENTS. In-patients are admitted on Tuesday mornings at Eleven o'clock. IN-F ATTESTS DISCHARGED. I IN-PATIENTS. Cured 11 Admitted S2 Believed Remain in the House 91 Made Out-Patients 1 Unrelieved 2 Dead 4 So use Visitors—The Misses Smith and the Misses White. OUT-PATIENTS. Medical cases are seen on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings 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. HOME PATIENTS. DISCHARGED. ADMITTED. Cured 13 Admitted 40 Believed 22 Remain 77 Made In-Patients 1 Dead 7 Out-Patients admitted since Saturday last 86

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.

Btrtts, lrarrtages, anfc JBeattjs. f' .r- BIRTHS, 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. BIBTH. MILLER—August 21, at "The Quillets,' Liverpool-road, Chester, the wife of the Bev. Percy A. Miller, of a son. MABBIAGES. EDKN—KERB—August 30, at Presbyterian Church of England. Newgate-street, Chester, by the Bev. J. Cairns Mitchell, B.D., Alexander, eldest son of Bobert Eden, to Euphemia, youngest daughter of the late James and Agnes Kerr. JONES—ROBERTS—August 25, at Holy Trinity Church, Chester, by the Bev. L. M. Farrall, M.A., Charles Jones. 53, Hamilton-square, Birkenhead, to Eleanor, second daughter of Alderman T. Quellyn Roberts, J.P., Chester. No cards. MARBHALL-LEKPBIERE-August 21, at Christ Church, Llanfairfechan. by the Rev. Henry Maitland Ellis, rector of Exbury. Hants, brother-iu-law of the bride, assisted by the Bev. John Oxenham Bent, Lieut. John Marshall, R N., H.M.S. Hazard, fourth son of Col. T. H. Marshall, C.B., of Bryn-y-Coed, Bangor, and Hartford Beacb, Cheshire, to Hilda Benee, eldest daughter of Herbert B. Lempriere, late Captain Hampshire Begiment, of Bron-y-Maen, Llanfairfechan. DEATHS. HART-August 18, at Southport. George Henry Hart. of 53, Tudor-road, Leicester, and formerly of this city. aged 49 years. HODGSON-August 28, at 55, Northgate-street, late of the Blue Bell, Chester, tarah Hodgson, aged 67 years. JOHNSON-August 28, at Harrogate, Eliza Ann, wife of John Johnson, Coddington Mills, near Chester, aged 41 years. Deeply regretted. No cards. MACFIE—August 29, at Dreghorn Castle, Colinton. Mid- Lothian, Letitia Stuart Scott Madie, fourth daughter of J. W. Macfie, Esq, Rowtom Hall, Chester, aged IS years. NiciffoLsoiq-Auguat 21, at Coed-y-Hendre, Olcain, Cyril Nicholson, aged 23 years ROBERTS-August 22, at Vron Farm, Arddynwent, Mold, William Roberts, aged 67 years. WILCOCI-August 19. at 59, High-street, Mold. Elizabeth, widow of the late Thomas Wilcock, aged 82 years.

IVf E M O K I A L S AT ALL PKICES, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE & ALABASTER. On View, and to Order. HASWELlT & SON. MASONS, KALEYARDS, CHESTEE. ZBTIXLTES ANT) DESIRTNS. The Marquis of Conyngham died on Saturday at his seat, Slate Castle, County Neath, aged 40 He is succeeded in the title by his eldest son, Victor Geo. Henry, born in 1883. Epps's COCOAINE.-Cocoa-Nib Extract. (Tea- like.)—The choicest roasted nibs (broken up beans) of the natural Cocoa, on being subjected to powerful hydraulic pressure, give forth their excess of oil, leaving for use a finely flavoured powder— Cocoaine,' a product which, when prepared with boiling water, has the consistence of tea, of which it is now beneficially taking the place with many. Its active principle being a gentle nerve stimulant, supplies the needed energy without unduly exciting the system. Sold only in packets and tins, by Grocers, labelled James Epps and Co. Ltd.k Homoeopathic Chemists, London.'