The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

tester 100 Years ÇIgo. ♦ INTERESTING REMINISCENCES. Being notes given week by week of matters con- nected with Chester and the locality a hundred years ago. (Compiled from the Chester Courant, Sept. 12th, 1797.) A LOVE LETTER, After the Loss of Place and Pension. Come, Laura, to my longing arms, Come, and resign me all thy charms; Deprived of riches, pomp and state, Let us in love alone be great. Answer, by return of post.-Impossible.- LAURA. HINTS RESPECTING PROVIDENT CLUBS OR FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. By MR. J. WOOD, of Shrewsbury. It is natural for the members of these societies to be jealous of any interference in the management of those little capitals which are created by their own voluntary contributions but, hence much evil has ensued. Apprehensive that if they vested them in the Government funds some law might be enacted which would take them out of their own disposal, they have often pre- ferred private securities, and many causes have combined to induce them to aceept of those which have proved unsafe. Others, delighted with the idea of having a club estate, have laid out the money in improvident purchases of land or buildings by these means it has hap- pened in many instances that their expectations of pecuniary aid from their club in times of sickness and infirmity, have been cruelly dis- appointed and after a subscription of many years' continuance, they have had the mortification to find the box of the club shut up, and all aid refused them when that period arrived for which they had made this provision. There is another circumstance which has also contributed much to their disappointment. Their weekly allowance have been settled irom general tables, and it has very com- monly happened that the fund of the society has proved inadequate to the claims grounded upon those data. It should seem that in settling these allowances the situation, population, nature of the manufactory in which the members of the society are chiefly employed, together with the number of which it is pro- posed the club should consist, ought all to be taken into the account. Some places, and some employments or manufactures, are much more healthy than others; villagers in general more so than large towns. In Shrewsbury a peculiar inconvenience has arisen from a cause that would be least suspected of producing it- the general predilection of the lower class in favour of these societies. In consequence of this disposition, new clubs are frequently establishing, into which all the young persons enter, while those of long date retain none but their old members, and these, in process of time, experience the general infirmities of age, the demand on the fund becomes greater than it can answer, and the box is shut up, or the club dissolved. Undoubtedly it would contribute greatly to the success of these institutions if they could be rendered permanent, and if in the admission of new members, due proportion with respect to the age of the parties were 8».r i j a<^ered to. For this purpose they snouid be divided into classes. Those under efamPle' forming the first class; «o S. aI to ?OTty the sec°nd class; and so on. And it should be a settled rule, to keep up EL relative proportion in each class, in the admission of fresh subscribers; so that not more than one-third, or one-fourth of the members constituting each society, shall be fi%yearS of age. As in such a society, estabhshed under proper regulations, their !und would generally experience a progressive increase, there would be no difficulty in j'lw.uring a sumcient number of young mem- bers, to keep up the proportion required. If it were possible to establish all these societies upon one uniform stable basis, and by a very cautious interposition of the legislature, to enact some general regulation, to which each individual club should separately conform particularly with respect to the allow- ances. and to prevent the capricious shutting P of the box, or dissolution of the 60ciety; irnW°Uld cerfcainly produce consequences, highly mportant to the community at large, and salutary to the societies themselves. I should, by no means, propose carrying the ponipulsion any further; but as a sincere !end to these institutions, and from an ardent desire for their success, I would beg leave to ecommend to their serious consideration the ^abhshment of an additional rule in each society, providing that a certain number of respectable inhabitants in the town or vicinage to which they belong, and in whom they can conside, should be elected by the members of the society, as trustees for the management of their funds. L Yu1!1 t^,ese improvements take place, holding forth to the public particular details of the rules adopted by those societies which have n and have been enabled to li! ValA eir engagements, the number of wnich they consist, and the annual state of their receipts, disbursements, and capital would ?ndouf;tedly have a very good effect. It would furnish important data, and operate as an encouragement to similar undertakings.

Unocal OÚtrnmtut jottings [By MENTOR.] The Aberystwith Board of Guardians are not taking very kindly to a suggestion by the Local Government Board calling attention to a report of the Lunacy Commissioners, in which it is advised that amusements should be pro- vided for the imbecile inmates during the winter evenings. At a recent meeting, when the subject was brought forward, the sugges- tion was received with such remarks as the following :-The Chairman: Supposing we pro- vide them with a box of draughts or dominoes- Captain James Or a musical box. (Laughter.) Mr. Miller: Or a big drum. (More laughter.) A he Chairman: We had better provide some- blng for them just to satisfy the Local Govern- tnent Board. They send this man around, and must say something. It was agreed to leave J16 matter in the hands of the master, but the °ard ordered that the inmates should be taken Out for a walk twice a week. A meeting of the owners and ratepayers of Holyhead was recently held in the Town Hall of that town, for the purpose of discussing a reso- lution consenting to the promotion, by the Holyhead Urban District Council, of a Bill in Parliament in the session of 1898 for the pur- pose of obtaining power to purchase com- pulsorily the undertaking of the Holyhead Waterworks Company, and that all steps be taken to carry out that object. During the discussion 'great complaint was made respecting what is alleged to be the present inadequate supply, and in the end the resolution was carried by a majority of four only, and .a poll of the town was demanded. The Manchester Corporation, and, indeed, the ratepayers, and the Press generally, are jubilant over the reclamation of their Carrington Moss Estate. Ten years ago, the estate, so called, was a mere bog, which became the repository of the town refuse, but, by judicious trenching, draining and levelling, has been brought to such a pitch of cultivation as to now present a smiling land of plenty. The Corporation pur- chased the property, some 1,100 acres, in 1886, from the trustees of Lord Stamford, for S,38,000, but at the present time it is valued by the Manchester City Surveyor as worth £ 118,000. At a recent visitation by the Cleansing Committee of the Council, it was stated that the Moss absorbs annually some 50,000 tons of that which otherwise might have to be disposed of by means of destructors erected in various parts of the city. As illus- trating what is being done, it is stated that in one twelve-month the Corporation them- selves grew 300 tons of straw, 330 tons of clover and clover hay, 413 tons of carrots, 6,021 bushels of oats, 4,767 loads of potatoes, and 13! tons of swedes. The land not farmed by the committee is let to neighbouring farmers. So 14neh success has attended the efforts of \the Corporation on this estate that the committee have latterly extended their operations, and the still larger estate of Chat Moss is now in process of reclamation. The Corporation of Manchester surely is to be envied the posses- sion of these facilities for disposing of its town refuse; and the description sets one thinking of what might have been done by our own authorities at Chester with respect to the 'white sands' of the Dee, if they had only possessed the foresight. In last week's Local Government Jottings, I referred to the case of Thomas Fyfe, an inmate of Betbnal Green Workhouse, who at 70 years of age was alleged to have died of over-feeding. From subsequent notes and comments on the case in the Press, it appears that 30 years ago Fyfe was a prosperous Liverpool man, drawing a really good income from the shipowners of that port. He eventually became notorious by acting as the agent of Mr. Plimsoll, M.P., in his crusade against Liverpool shipowners, thereby not unnaturally courting the enmity of his patrons, who placed their orders else- where. Coming to London, after a desperate quarrel with his patron Plimsoll, Fyfe haunted the Law Courts, and, failing to move the Public Prosecutor, went for that official for all he was worth-actually endeavouring to get the Government of the day to prosecute the Public Prosecutor for certain alleged sins of omission and commission. He afterwards commenced an attack on Mr. Chamberlain. Having tired out all his friends and quarrelled with his relations, he gravitated to the workhouse, where it is stated the Master experienced in an acute form, for at least two winters, the devoted attention of the pauper scribe, whose marvellous liking for slinging ink about' never deserted him. The Daily Telegraph, in an article on Our Pampered Paupers,' draws attention to the marvellously easy time some of this class experience in the Metropolitan workhouses, particularly instancing that of Camberwell, shewing how the ratepayers are called upon to maintain a lot of idle fellows who should be supporting themselves. According to the article, these lazy wretches try the institutions all round, and finally locate themselves where the dietary is best and the work easiest. One instance is given as an illustration, that of an able-bodied pauper of 43. He is strong, and could do an ordinary day labourer's work, but since 1881 he has been in the house. Once a week he takes a walk out, looks in at the shop windows, and sees all he wants, in order to know how the world is moving, and invariably takes his discharge for the Ascot week, to which he is believed to go. Then he returns, to shamble through the easy labours he has learnt to per- form with the smallest possible expenditure of exertion. Few seem, in fact, to make the smallest effort to find work. The article con- cludes :—" The sooner that, not only Camber- well, but ratepayers in general, look into this matter, and make the workhouse labour a far more deterrent and exacting exertion than it is at present, the better. Probably there is no form of labour, either, that the ordinary able-bodied pauper would more dread than that of a farm, and one would have liked to have seen some of the shameless drones who sat at their oakum set down to a good stiff piece of hedging and ditching." .Nearly everybody is accustomed to regard all North Wales in the light of a health-giving resort, and so no doubt it is, if its natural resources only are taken into account. But, where communities of any size exist in county districts, and little regard is paid to proper sanitation and water supply, many of them are little better than fever-holes and death-traps. In confirmation of this may be taken the latest report of the medical officer of health (Dr. R. Jones) to the County Council of Merioneth. Dr. Jones has compiled a most valuable report and tables, which prove that sanitation in the county is defective, that the rate of mortality is abnormally high, and that infectious diseases are rampant in some parts of the county. I cannot enter in detail into Dr. Jones's figures, but it may be stated generally that while the population is 55,211, the birth-rate for the whole county is 25-7 per 1,000, and the death-rate 19 per 1,000, as compared with 17-1 per 1,000 for the whole of England and Wales. The rate of infant mortality in the county since 1893 has steadily increased from 130-1 per 1,000 to 171-4 per 1.000. This is the average for the whole county it is still more startling in some parts. For instance, the rate of infant mortality in Festiniog was 250 per 1,000, and in Talyllyn as high as 326 per 1,000 registered births. Bala is not far behind with 292 3 per 1,000. The chief reasons for this state of affairs are said to be defective sanitary condi- tions, want of personal cleanliness, dirty feeding-bottles, and want of proper clothing. Apart from this Dr. Jones declares that the death-rate for the whole county is the highest recorded since 1891. Festiniog comes highest with 24-37 per 1,000, Dolgelly second with 22 6, while the death-rate for Barmouth and Towyn is low. Diphtheria carried away 26 victims, and it is reported that diphtheria has been prevalent in the Festiniog district for several years, and since September, 1893, there have been notified in that town alone 1,442 cases. Measles claims 40 victims. Heart disease is also increasing at an alarming rate in the country, 121 victims adding to last year's death roll. Dr. Jones gives it as his opinion that it is caused by dampness of the soil and the dampness of dwelling-houses. During the year 1337 cases of infectious diseases have been notified, as compared with 636 in 1893.

DISTRICT AND PARISH COUNCILS. MALPAS PARISH. On Tuesday a meeting of this body was held in the Jubilee Hall, specially to appoint a lamp- lighter for the ensuing winter. Mr. Danily occupied the chair. Tenders were received from three persons, viz.Wm. Bellis, James Toules, and George Hewitt. The latter was appointed at a salary of X6 a year, and com- mences his duties on Monday next. The Council then resolved itself into a committee to consider the refusal of the fire brigade to hand over the proceeds of the recent dance, which the members of the brigade had originated. The captain contended that they were the proper custodians of the money. A lively discussion ensued, and it was ultimately decided to appoint Mr. John Huxley, jun., treasurer to the fund for the brigade. SAUGHALL PARISH. A meeting of the Parish Council was held in the Schoolroom, on Thursday evening, Mr. W. T. Harvey presiding over an attendance which included Messrs. J. H. Williams (vice-chair- man), J. T. Whaley, C. Done, W. Shepherd, J. Dutton, W. Faulkner, J. Griffiths, and G. Venables.-Mr. W. Shepherd proposed, and Mr. Done seconded, that the Clerk ask the trustees of Powell's Charity for a full statement of accounts, including a statement of the funds invested in Consols. Carried unanimously.— It was also unanimously decided, on the proposition of Mr. J. H. Williams, seconded by Mr. C. Done, to ask the Charity Commissioners whether the funds invested in Consols could be used to improve the property, which is in a very dila- pidated condition. Mr. G. Venables proposed, and Mr. C. Done seconded, that Mr. J. H. Williams be appointed a trustee of Powell's Charity, in place of Mr. John Jones, the retiring trustee. The pro- position was unanimously carried.—Messrs. W. Shepherd, G. Venables, and J. T. Whaley were unanimously appointed a sub- committee to consider the question of the provision of a recreation ground, and to bring forward suggestions at the next meeting of the Council.—Mr. Whaley proposed that the clerk arrange with Mr. Owen, the highway surveyor, for a meeting with the members of the Council at Sea Hill to confer respecting the state of the footpath leading to Marsh Lane.—Mr. J. H. Williams seconded, and the proposition was unanimously carried. Mr. J. T. Whaley proposed, and Mr. Dutton seconded, that the plans relating to the im- provement of the roadway at Sea Hill be sent to the Local Government Board, asking that the Board should request the County Council to carry out the suggested improvement. The resolution was unanimously carried.

FINDING WATER BY DIVINATION. A CHALLENGE. Sir,—In answer to Mr. C. Wolley-Dod's letter in your issue of Aug. 25, respecting water-finding, I have no doubt Mr. Wolley- Dod is aware of the great success from the divining rod all over the country. But perhaps Mr. Wolley-Dod does not believe anything unless he can see both ends of everything. He speaks of blindfolding the water-finder to baffle him. He may think so, but he makes a great mistake. If a person is blindfolded, his sight is taken from other things, and I can assure him the shock of the spring is felt much plainer and stronger when blindfolded. If I am trying a doubtful spring, I always do it with my eyes closed. Will Mr. Wolley-Dod stand to a fair public test on the conditions that the one that fails will have to pay £10 10s. to the Chester Hospital, and to pay the boring expenses, and I will guarantee the depth of spring within 10 feet ? This will be the fairest way to settle the question. I have been water-finding over 30 years, and I have had four failures during that time, in Egypt, India, and China, and all through England. I am leaving England next month for water-finding again in Egypt. In all my water- finding I guarantee the depth of the springs within 10 feet to the depth I give, and should I fail to find the water I indicated, I make no charge for the sinking done. I shall be pleased to make an arrangement with Mr. Wolley-Dod through this paper for a fair trial.—I am, Sir, yours truly, HENRY CHESTERMAN, Champion Expert Water-finder. 3, Anglo Terrace, Bath, Sept. 1st, 1897.

INCOME TAX OVERCHARGES. Sir,—The interest which has been aroused in regard to income tax by the correspondence in the Times, and the articles which have appeared in a large number of other metropolitan and provincial papers has resulted in calling atten- tion to many grievances which taxpayers suffer, but there is one practice of the Inland Revenue authorities which we think is quite unjustifiable and which seems to have been overlooked. The practice referred to is that of sending to traders and others at this period of the year a blue notice of charge, shewing an assessment of profits at,2160, and allowing the whole by way of abatement, no tax being demanded in respect of the business profits. Of course, where those who receive such notices have no income from any source other than their business, no in- justice is done, but in the case of such as have income from other sources from which tax has already been deducted, the effect is to bar their right to claim repayment, unless the assessment of the business profits be appealed against, the full abatement having already been allowed. It is therefore of the utmost importance that those of your readers who are now receiving notices of charge for the year 1897-8 should, if the amount at which they are assessed is greater than the average of their profits for the three years ending April 5th, 1897 (or at such prior date as they usually make up their accounts) at once give notice of appeal in accordance with the instructions on the notice of charge. More- over, if they find that the profits of the three years named shew an average profit less than the amount upon which they paid tax for 1896.7 they should give notice of appeal in respect of that year also, and claim repayment of the amount overpaid. There is no time to lose in business appeals, as this class of claim for repay- ment should have been made before now; while a claim to set off a loss in farming or business against income from other sources must be lodged before October 6th next. Many people are now entitled to make a claim on one ground or another for three years to April 5th last, and the tax recoverable might amount toE38. We are at all times happy to advise your readers whether they can make a claim, on their sending us full particulars of their income and a stamped envelope for reply.—Yours faith- fully, THE INCOME-TAX ADJUSTMENT AGENCY. 12 and 13, Poultry, London, E.C., September 1st, 1897.

FORTHCOMING CHEESE SHOW AT CHESTER. Sir,—With your permission I should like to draw the attention of my farming friends to the announcement on the front page giving particulars of the great annual Chester Cheese Show, fixed to be held on Tuesday and Wednes- day, October 19th and 20th. I need not, I am sure, go any further than give a hint that it Wi?*ild b? !7e.1,1 to «ive the closest attention to all the details of manufacture. Small defects two of tlie cbeeses forming the exhibits have sometimes been the cause of pre- venting the judges from awarding them a prize. The season for making and keeping cheese in good condition has not been favourable; the intense heat has seriously affected all dairies. The straits to which some farmers have been driven in order to keep back the process of ripening would afford a little amusement if it were not for the serious loss they have sustained, to say nothing of the trouble and inconvenience. "The Barn," said one farmer, was the only place I could think of to keep them from boiling and the lids jumping off! j that plan, but the vermin fattened and did considerate damage. This compelled me to throw them on the market and make whatever sacrifice waa necessary to realise." Another farmer told me that he had an excellent cellar, and as he did not use it for the storage or wine, beer, &c., he thought he would use it for storing cheese. 'Happy thought!' for the result was everything that could be desired, the forcing process was checked and the cheese allowed the time that is needed to cure and ripen without producing the disastrous effect which have been so general during the great heat that has prevailed through the months of June, J uly, and August. The above, I think, should offer strong evidence in favour of improved arrangement to lower the tempera- ture during ripening process in the extremely hot weather. It wouldn't be uninteresting to some of your readers if I pause here to make a few observa- tions upon the cheese trade in general. The result of the awards given at Crewe on Satur- day last may have surprised many of your readers. The fact that an exhibit which carried the first prize made on the quick- ripening principle should carry also the special prize given by the Mayor of Chester for long- keeping cheese offered a difficult problem for some of the spectators to solve, but to my mind the judges were right. The cheese were well cured, and, although ready for consumption and in touch with the demand made by nine-tenths of the consumers in this country, the same cheese, cut in six or nine months time, would, I am certain, be very much more in favour by the remaining portion. The winner of the above prize took the first prize in the open class for coloured at our show in October last. A gentleman told me that he had tasted one of the cheese, which would be 10 or 11 months old. He described it as perfect in colour, flavour, full of meat, and, in a word, to his taste.' It was all he could wish. Mr. R. Cluett had in his tent as usual a very gdod sample of long- keeping cheese, made a little over 12 months ago by Mrs. Thomas Barker, of Rushton. The county I think is indebted to Mrs. Barker, Mr. Dutton, and others for doing much towards extinguishing the impression that had begun to some extent to fasten itself upon the minds of the public that Cheshire was unable to pro- duce cheese that would keep. In closing, I am sorry I cannot report that the makers have had a good season. The first four months the prices were certainly better than the previous year, but the turnout was so small that little benefit was derived. During the last three months prices have been very low, and now things are brightening up and better prices are to rule the market. The output threatens to be so small that the benefit to be derived by improved prices will be very much lessened by the short- ness of make.—Yours faithfully, ROBERT CHALLINOB, Secretary to the Cheshire Dairy Farmers' Association.

SELF-HELP' AND THE FISHERMEN. Sir,—The writer, of the letter rigned"Self- help surely has been asked for a subscription, and, instead of i.'ing a bold No,' goes out of his way to calumrfate them. He surely knows nothing about them. If he will during the mussel season meet them landing at tide time, and the weather has permitted, he will find them landing their freight for home markets, and they have likely landed some at Parkgate tor elsewhere. They are no doubt blameable for improvidence, but never for indolence. Musseling is far more laborious for our men than either Parkgate or Connah's Quay men. They must leave home five hours and a half to be on a par with either, and often a strong westerly wind to contend against on their oars, the others being snug in bed until high water turns. These men have just to loose the sails, take hold of the tiller, and either beat down, or if the wind is free, sail down without exertion. Our men, on the other hand, have had eight miles of a row before the sails are any help. I would like Self Help' to go and have a night with them to the mussel beds, and use a mussel rake in three or four fathoms of water. He would come home with a very different yarn to spin. I have been among men three generations back, and scarcely ever knew indolence to cause them to lose a tide, though I have known prosperity to do so, when they would have an extra pint, but it is some years now since they were lucky enough for that indulgence. Time was some forty or fifty years ago when they would make five or ten pounds a boat per week, and Ralph Moulton would make from 920 to X40 per week at the cage under the Snuff Mills. At the same time we had the Flint, Bagillt, and Connah's Quay boats every tide bringing freights of fish of all kinds. I have purchased many a basket of beautiful flat fish, between thirty and forty pounds weight, for 2s. 6d., and a bucketful of mussels for threepence. At that time trammels were used in the narrows, stake nets on the banks, and the cage at the Snuff Mills. No watchers to interfere; no one sent to gaol and fined because he caught a few beautiful salmon in September. How must we account for the scarcity ? The seasons are much the same, the river is not altered, the extra means of catching are taken away (the river trammel, stake nets, and cage), and still no more, but less every year. And yet every one is puzzled. Why ? For some selfish reason presumptuous man begins to interfere and make laws to usurp the great Giver of all the mercies provided for thousands of years, who bids us to ask for our daily bread, and not to crave for more than we need. May I ask is there any good and valid reason why the fishermen are stopped on September 1, and the rodmen and gentlemen are allowed until November 2 in the same river ? In conclusion, may I ask when or where there was any want of supplies ? Look at our fish shops, our bread shops, and butchers' shops, and every other necessary requirement, and what are we short of ? Is there not abundance ? I could say more about our deep-sea fishing, but enough for the present. They may as well make laws to alter the tides and seasons, and it would have the same effect.—Yours faithfully, AN OLD SKIPPER.

A-rmp anb Foluntcer |Ittos. -J- 1ST CHESHIRE AND CARNARVONSHIRE VOLUN- TEER ARTILLERY.—Regimental Orders by Lieut. Colonel and Colonel H. T. Brown, commanding Headquarters, Chester, 2nd September, 1897 :— 1. Gun Practice All members who were not in camp, or who have not attended a gun practice this year, will be expected to be present at Aber on Saturday next. The only trains available are the 12.42, 1.42, and 3.5. Tickets for the journey can be had from the sergeant-major, on application at the office up to 12 noon on Saturday. Dress, undress uniform to be worn. 2. Clothing Rolls: Commanding officers will be good enough to cause the sergeants to complete their clothing rolls, and to return them to the quartermaster without further delay. Also the colonel commanding trusts that officers commanding will use every effort to insure the return to store of all equipment in possession of men under their command. 3. Ambulance Owing to the preparation for the repository competition, the formation of the ambulance class is postponed till February next. 4. Drills and duties for next week At the Drill Hall at 7.30 p.m., in plain cluthes, on Tuesday, 7th, and Thursday, 9th, repository and signalling. Orderly officer, Lieut. R. G. Jayne; orderly sergeant, Sergt. C. Dodd.—By order (signed), ED. FOUNTAIN, Acting Adjutant, 1st C. and C.V.A.

'A NEW PIANOFORTE.' -♦ MESSRS. CRANE & SONS, the Great Piano and Organ Merchants, Liverpool, have just introduced at considerable cost for the present season another 'NEW MODEL.' It has been made to meet the requirements of those wanting a most powerful toned Cottage Pianoforte at a low price, and it has been pronounced by practical judges in the musical world to be 'THE BEST PIANOFORTE' in the Kingdom. The height is 4 feet 2 inches, iron frame, check action, full trichord, in an original design of marqueterie case. The tone is pure, of perfect quality, and the greatest amount of resonance ever produced in an upright Pianoforte, and may be had on most reasonable NET CASH Qv^.nTorxUSon Crane and Sons' NEW HIRE 2s 6d. per week, delivered free, «aii' a warranted for 20 years, on pay- Sample PiLi- rortes are now being shown by CRANP 42' UPPer Sackville-st., DUBLIN. RWLWR 801 York-street, BELFAST. ^V^tEXHAM^ ^rane Buildings, Regent-street, CRANE & SONS, 40, Edmund-st., BIRMINGHAM. CRANE & SONS, 42, Alexandra-road, MAN- CHESTER. T» • ^lASGOW and LONDON. Designs and Illustrated Catalogues sent Post Free on Application to CRANE & SONS' GREAT PIANO AND ORGAN WAREHOUSE 217 to 227, SCOTLAND-ROAD, LIVERPOOL. Established 45 years. Silver Medal, 1886. Gold Medal and Diploma of Honour, 1892. Edward Ashby, a mechanic, was sentenced to 21 days' imprisonment at Leicester on Ffiday for assaulting a non-unionist workman engaged at a lock-out shop. & & BARE FEET.- Visitors to Scotland used to be horrified to see so many children rnnning about barefooted. Bare feet are less common now )yan they were a generation ago, and perhaps the change, while shewing a growing prosperity in the nation, is not altogether to be com- mended. Children's feet grow so fast that to keep them alwayB properly shod is a matter that requires considerable care and some expenditure. It matters very little to a child's future well-being that at some period of its childhood the sleeves of a jacket have been too short or the skirt of a frock too scant; but the compression of feet in boots too tight or, even worse, too short, may be a cause of torment in future years. Infinitely better are bare feet than clumsy, heavy, ill- shapen boots. In the winter the feet may indeed want some protection from cold and wet, but during a great part of the year children may safely and healthfully go barefooted. Some mothers, by no means of the poorest class, are convinced that the comfort and symmetry of the feet in maturer years are largely to be gained by giving them freedom during the time of growth. At a very fashionable marriage some time ago a child bridesmaid was seen silk-robed, but shoeless. Where shoes to fit every stage of growth can easily be obtained, it may seem an excess of care, almost an affectation, to dispense with the conventional foot-covering; but if it makes it easier for the wife of a small tradesman-with whom the shoe problem [is a difficult oae, never solved in a comfortable or hygienic way-to let her children go barefoot if she sees the heir to a dukedom enjoying the full ease of his uncramped toes, we should beseech the duchess to take away his ,shoes.-The Hospital. CLARKE'S B 41 PILLS are warranted to cure, in either sex, all acquired or constitutional Dis- Sinfln S«mK ™rina7 0rKans. Gravel and the back. Free from Mercury. Estab- hshed upwards of 30 years. In boxes As. 6d. each, of all Chemista and Patent Medicine Vendors °f sent for sixty stamps by the makers. The Lincoln and Midland Counties i/rng Company, Lincoln.

CONNAH'S QlJAY. DISTRICT MEDICAL OFFICER .—AT the monthly meeting of the District Council, on Wednesday evening, the chairman, Mr. J. T. Humphreys, said they would greatly feel the loss of their medical officer, Dr. H ugbes.-A vote of con- dolence was passed with deceased's family. The Clerk was instructed to advertise for a successor.

HOLT AND FARIVDO.V. Miss Jessie Sheppard, second daughter of Mr. J. T. Sheppard, Red Hall, Holt, has passed the examination held in connection with the University College, Bangor, and obtained a scholarship, which has enabled her to enter Lleneni Hall Dairy Schools, where she will receive her tuition free for six weeks, under the superintendence of Miss Roberts.

TILSTON. JUBILEE ACCOUNTS.—On Saturday evening the Diamond Jubilee Committee held a final meeting for the consideration of the accounts in connection with the recent celebration. The Rector presided over a poor attendance. In the unavoidable absence of the treasurer (Mr. Ranstead), the accounts were presented by the secretary (Mr. Haworth). The subscriptions amounted to JE47 lis., and the expenditure to R40 3. 9d. leaving a balance of R7 7s. 3d.—On the proposition of Mr. H. T. Hughes, seconded by Mr. R. Caldecott, the accounts were passed, and it was unanimously resolved that the balance should be handed over to the managers of the day school to purchase books to be placed in the school library.

FRODSHAM. HARVEST PROSPECTS. The weather, un- fortunately, having been for the last fortnight very unsettled with occasional thunderstorms, farmers about this neighbourhood have ex- perienced the utmost difficulty in scheming to get their corn in, although, on the whole, the majority has been safely, if not well, harvested. The yield of wheat and oats generally, it is thought, will not fall far short, if any, of the average, though the quality has in many cases deteriorated, owing to the inclemency of the weather during the harvesting season, while there is said to be a fair amount of straw. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY.—Before Mr. C. Reynolds and other magistrates.—Summons for Threats: Alice Dutton summoned James Rimmer Atkinson for using threats to her at Frodsham on the 28th July. Both parties live at Frodsham.-Mr. F. Turner, solicitor, Chester, who appeared for complainant, said at the last court defendant was bound over to keep the peace, and the same night he went to his client's house with a knife in his hand in a drunken state, and shouted and threatened to cut complainant up. The man was desperate, and repeated his threat about a week ago.—Com- plainant bore out this statement, and witnesses supported the case.—Defendant made a direct denial of the charge, saying the affair was all spite. On the occasion in question he was using the knife for the purpose of cutting his tobacco. Defendant called Frederick Booth, who swore the man used no threats.—The Bench dismissed the case.

WREXHAM. A WINDFALL FOR THE FREE LIBRARY.—The committee of the Wrexham Free Library have received notice from the solicitors of the late Mr. Benjamin Piercy, of Marchweil Hall, who was one of the railway pioneers of North Wales, that the trustees under the will of that gentle- man, who left a large share of his estate to be devoted to charitable objects, had voted a sum of X100 to the Free Library. FATAL PLAYING WITH MATCHES.—At Wrex- ham, on Tuesday, Mr. Wynn Evans, coroner for East Denbighshire, held an inquest on the body of Thomas Price, aged six years, son of Mr. Edward Parker Price, butcher and farmer, Plas Issa, Aberbury, and carrying on business in Bridge-street, Wrexham. On Sunday morn- ing last, deceased was playing with matehes in a bedroom used by the men on the farm. His nightshirt caught fire from a match, and he ran downstairs enveloped in flames, which the servant smothered with an overcoat. The boy was taken off to the Wrexham Infirmary, where he succumbed to shock three hours later. A verdict of 'Accidental death' was returned.—The Coroner said he thought that parents could not be too careful in impressing on their children the extreme danger of playing with matches. TOWN COUNCIL.—At a quarterly meeting, on Tuesday, the Mayor (Mr. Philip Yorke), who presided, before commencing the business asked the members of the Council to pass a vote of sympathy with Lady Morgan in her sad bereavement. Mr. J. Hopley Pierce seconded the resolution, which was supported by Mr. C. K. Benson, and carried unanimously. With reference to the proposal to purchase the pro- perty of the Market Hall Company, for which X56,000 was asked by the company, Alderman W. E. Samuel moved That the Town Council express their regret that the terms of the last letter from the Market Hall Company, on the question of price, were such as to preclude the Council from further negotiation for the proposed purchase of their undertaking, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the company, with the hope that the matter need not be considered finally closed." Alderman H. Venables Palin seconded the resolution, which was carried.- A communication was read from the Local Government Board, stating that the board must defer their decision upon the application of the Town Council for sanction to borrow L8,200 for the purchase of the Willow Brewery premises for electric light station, baths, gymnasium, &c., until they were furnished with an approximate estimate of the cost of providing these various institutions. It was resolved to engage Messrs. Lockwood and Barker, architects, Wrexham and Chester, to prepare the estimate asked for. A letter was read from Colonel Creek, command- ing the 23rd Regimental District, conveying to the Cemetery Committee and the Town Council his thanks, on behalf of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, for the offer of the committee to reserve a portion of the cemetery specially for the interment of soldiers and their families dying at the Wrexham Barracks, and informing the committee that the offer was thankfully accepted.

+ MALPAS. ACCIDENT.—A collision occurred between two vehicles on Wednesday in going down the Wrexham-road, one belonging to Mr. Broad, Threapwood, the other to Mr. R. Clutton, of unoriton-lane. Both parties were thrown out, and Mr. Clutton's trap capsized, he himself receiving a dislocation of his shoulder. He was attended to by Dr. Jordison, under whose able treatment he is progressing favourably. Mr. Broad just eseaped without injury. FIRE.—A fire occurred on Thursday at Mr. Payne s, the Crab Tree Farm, whereby a stack of hay was destroyed. The alarm was raised about 6 o'clock a.m., and in less than half-an- hour the local brigade and engine were on the spot, three miles distant, and at work, when it did good service, and saved several other ricks from destruction. The brigade, which is a new one, deserves great credit and praise for its prompt and smart action and service. The produce was insured, but we do not yet know how the fire originated. BURIAL BOARD.—A meeting of the board was held on Thursday. Present :-Messrs. E. Langley (chairman), G. S. Morgan, F. Battarbee, W. Penk, J. Huxley, A. D. Callcott, and C. Tomlinson. Specifications for the repairs and painting to the lodge and chapels at the cemetery, prepared by the Provisional Committee, were read, and tenders in accord- ance therewith were received from Messrs. Jones and Mercer for painting, &c., and A — Mr- Battarbee proposed, an^ ^r' Penk 8ec°nded, that Messrs. Jones and Mercer s tender of £ 9 9s. 6d. be accepted. —A tender from Mr. Huxley was received for the repairs to masonry, &c., for Xii 10s.—Mr. Morgan proposed that the tender be accepted.— Mr. Caldecott seconded. The local committee were ordered to superintend the work.—The Clerk submitted his estimates for the half-year. —Mr. Penk moved that a rate of lid. in the £ be made.—Mr. Huxley seconded. This was carried. Mr. Morgan called attention to the charges for hearse. The charges were drafted several years ago, and there was only one copy in existence, which was now posted in the clerk's office. These were not very clean, nor did he think they were on a sound basis. The charges for the hearse to non-parishioners was £5 and Is. per mile, while a parishioner burying out of the district was charged 10s. for the hearse, and Is. per mile. The parishioner had in addition to pay his rate. He gave notice that at the next meeting he should movethat there be a revision f of the fees for tbe beuie. I

ELLESMERE PORT. LAUNCH OF A NEW FLAT.—On Wednesday a new flat was launched at the Shropshire Union Yard. This is the first flat built at the port for many years, and great interest was taken in the launch. About 1.30 p.in. the flat went gracefully down the ways into the Ship Canal, being named the Queen Victoria by the ^ngineor of the company (Mr. G. R. Jebb). The length of the flat is 75 feet 6 inches, and the beam 17 feet 11 inches, and it is a fine addition to the Company's fleet. The launch was carried out under the superintendence of Messrs. Beard and Hulse (Chester), and Lindop and McWaters (Ellesmere Port).

BUCKLEY. SUICIDE.—On Friday a young man named Alfred Griffiths, living at Ewloe Hall Cottages, committed suicide by taking butter of antimony. Dr. Fraser was summoned, and was quickly on the spot, but, despite his unremitting efforts, Griffiths lingered on until Monday morning, when he died about five o'clock. An inquest was held at the Red Lion Inn on Wednesday afternoon, before Mr. F. Llewelyn Jones (deputy coroner). Mr. Charles Jones (farmer) was foreman of the jury, who returned a verdict of 'Suicide when temporarily insane.' The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon in St. Matthew's Churchyard, when despite the rain, which fell in torrents, there was a very large attendance. Deceased was a son of Mr. Edward Griffiths, blacksmith, late of the Little Brook smithy.

WHITCHURCH. ODDFELLOWS' TREAT. The Oddfellows' juvenile treat was held on Wednesday, when, although the weather was unfavourable, the children enjoyed a splendid tea in the Market Hall, and games, races, &c., were engaged in, while in the evening the Town Band played for dancing, about 50 couples engaging in the amusement. The arrangements were superin- tended by Bros. Corfield, Gorham, and George Wright. Dancing was continued until eleven o'clock. SUPPLYING CHILDREN WITH DRINK. At Whitchurch, on Friday, a girl named Annie Jones, aged eight years, was charged with stealing a pair of stockings, valued 3d., from the Bridgewater Arms. Mr. Kettle, the' landlord, in his evidence stated that he sup- plied the child with half a pint of ale, as he had often done before. The Chairman (Mr. R. P. Ethelston) told Mr. Kettle he had no right to serve such young children, especially when he did not know who sent them. Mr. Kettle said he knew that the girl fetched beer for her father and mother and other persons. The Bench instructed Superintendent Edge to make inquiries, and report to them. The girl's father was bound over in the sum of X10 to produce the child when called upon. 0

TARPORLEY. GIRLS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY.-The Northwich branch of the Girls' Friendly Society were taken for their annual trip to Beeston Castle on Tuesday. After a pleasant day, they returned home through Tarporley, stopping at the Parish Church, where they attended choral evensong. WEDDING OF MR. H. W. DUTTON.—On Wednesday a pretty and quiet wedding took place at the Church of the Saviour, Birming- ham, between Mr. Herbert William Dutton, only son of Mr. Henry Dutton, Tarporley, and Miss Florence Ferguson, eldest daughter of the Rev. J. Ferguson, D.D., Edgbaston, Birmingham. The bride, who was given away by her brother, the Rev. J. Ferguson, B.A., B.D., wore a beauti- ful grey shot silk dress, trimmed with white silk, chiffon and moire ribbon (the front of the bodice was entirely white silk) and liberty, embroidery, hat of figured grey. chiffon. and white feathers. She was attended by two bridesmaids, Miss Addie Ferguson (sister) and Miss Elsie Dutton (sister of the bridegroom), who were attired in cream nun's veiling, trimmed with pale blue ribbon and chiffon, and hats of cream and pale blue chiffon. They wore gold brooches, the gift of the bridegroom. Mr. R. W. Ferguson acted as best man. The service, which was choral, was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Ferguson, assisted by the Rev. G. Middleton, Bourne College, Birmingham. The hymn, 'The Voice that Breathed o'er Eden,' was sung, and the organist played the Wedding March. The nuptial party, after the ceremony, returned to the bride's home, where breakfast was served. The happy pair left shortly afterwards en route for North Wales, where they will spend their honeymoon. The wedding presents were very numerous. On Monday evening a meeting was held at the Wesleyan Chapel, for the purpose of making a presentation to Mr. H. W. Dutton on the occa- sion of his wedding, from the friends and Sunday school teachers, Mr. Dutton having been for several years a teacher and assistant secretary. A few appropriate words were said, and the best wishes of all given.

HELSBY. PAROCHIAL COMMITTEE.—A meeting of this body was held in the schoolroom on Monday. Present: Mr. James Taylor (chairman), Dr. Briant, Messrs. Jas. White, J. Potts, J. Bran- dreth, T. Ellams, W. E. Davies, F. Wright, G. Ellams, G. C. Taylor, Ashton (clerk), Diggle (surveyor), and Farrington (nuisance inspector). —The Surveyor reported that necessary altera- tions had been carried out to the sewer at the top of the Robin Hood Lane.—Mr. Brandreth asked if the men's time for this work was being charged to the Helsby or the District Council, and Mr. Diggle explained that it wouid be divided as far as possible. The Nuisance Inspector reported that he had, as instructed, obtained samples of the water from Mr. Littler's pump and well, and from Ebenezer Terrace, for analysis, and that these were at present in the hands of the analyst. He had visited the township houses, the houses occupied by Mr. J. Garner, Mrs. F. Bate, and J. Garner, junr., and the ashpits on Mr. Guest's property, as to which complaints had been made, but if they were kept in their present condition he did not see any reason for com- plaint. With regard, however, to the sewage water running on to the high road from the house occupied by Mrs. Farish, this he said was a nuisance, and still existed. Although he had written requesting that it be abated^ nothing had been done.—It was decided that the inspector should again write requesting that the nuisance be at once abated, and if no notice was then taken, he was to enforce the A ct.-Mr. Farringdon also reported having informed the landlord of Bank Villa that the water in use there had been analysed and found unfit for domestic purposes. He had recommended that the Water Company's supply should be put in, but no notice had been taken of this. The Council, however, decided that as the present tenant was leaving in a month, the matter should stand over to see if any steps were taken when the house was newly tenanted.—The In- spector stated that Mr. Wilkinson, the landlord of of cottages (Ivy-row) in Rake-lane had removed certain nuisances, and as the village pump, from which the occupiers were supplied with water, had run dry, he was willing to put the water company's water in when the District Council's permission was granted to open the road.—Mr. Farringdon had written to the owners of certain property in Collier-square, recommending alterations which would remove existing nuisances, but no notice had been taken of his letter, and he asked the Council's permission to serve an official notice thereon.—On the proposition of Mr. White, who said the nuis- ance was a very bad one, and injurious to health, seconded by Mr. Potts, it was resolved that this should be done. The Inspector also asked the Council to instruct the surveyor to effect certain alterations in the drain connected with the tank in the Athletic Club's field, and also to have the tank cleaned out oftener—at least once a month. This the Council decided to do.—Mr. Ashton read a letter from the Helsby and District Water Company, I aauressea to tne District Council, in which they requested that the scale of charges sub- mitted by them should be passed, also asking that the Council would grant them wayleaves over the roads under their control. Letters I were also read from the Water Company's solicitors and from the Local Government Board to them upon the same matter.—The Clerk explained that the District Council had referred the scale of charges to the Parochial Committee for consideration, and that on their recom- mendation they would be laid before the Local Government Board for their approval.—After some discussion it was proposed by Mr. G. C. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Brandreth, and carried that the District Council should recommend the Local Government Board to adopt the same scale of charges for Helsby as in use by the Frodsham Lordship, except that cottages assessed at £ 8 and under should be charged at the rate of twopence per week, and that the District Council should grant the Water Com- pany the necessary wayleaves over the roads under their control

I SHOTTOX. PRESENTATION TO A CHCKCH OFFICIAL.- An interesting ceremony took place after choir practice on Wednesday evening, at St. Ethel- wold's Church, when f he organist and choir- inaster, Mr. Stephen Moiris. (who is shortly reliuquishing his post to go to college), was the recipient of a handsome silver-mounted cherrywood walking stick from the members of k I i°J r\. Pre8entation was made on ■°.aiuCi -he ch01r Mr- John Williams, who said that it was the hope o? ^1 t> hr- Tr^rft con_ nected with the .choir that Mr. Morris would have a very successful career at college and throughout his life. Mr. Morris suitably replied. J

-+-- GREAT SA LL. CHOIR EXCUUSION.— The m-mbi-is of the choir of St. Bartholomew's Church, Sealand, had toeir annual excursion on Monday, Black- pool having been tixd on as the rendezvous this year. The parry left Saugball in convey- ances and entrained at Chester Station, Black- pool being reached at 10 30. A visit was paid to the tower and to otuer places of interest in Blackpool and the locality. Several of the party had a trip on the big wheel, while others sought aqiusement in dancing. The party thoroughly enjojed themselves; indeed the Blackpool trip was unanimously voted as the most enjoyable of any excursion yet made by the choir. J

w HAWARDEN. WINDOW ILLUMINATIONS. — The judges (Messrs. W. Morris and E. Lewis) awarded the nine prizes given in connection with the Hawar- cten festival as follow: 1, Mrs. H. Hughes, Stoney-row, copper kettle and shirt 2, Mrs. Leech, North-terrace, water jug and cake presented by Mrs. Taylor, Welcome Coffee House; 3, Mr. John Williams, Kigby'6-row, umbrella; 4, Mr. John Griffiths, Stoney-row, saucepan; 5, Mrs. Read, Stoney-row, willow pat- tern jug; 6, Mr. Edward Jones, Dee View, umbrella 7, Mrs. Eliza Jones, Stoney-row, toast rack and fruit dish; 8, Mr. John Evans, Stoney-row, butter dish and brown jug; 9, Mrs. Lloyd, Church View, set of jugs. These prizes were distributed on Tuesday last by the secretaries.

DELAMERE. DEDICATION OF THE CHURCH CLOCK.—On Tuesday afternoon a service was held for the dedication of the clock of St. Peter's Church, Delamere, provided by the parishioners in com- memoration of Her Majesty's Jubilee. The clergy present were .-—The W. H. Binnev, rural dean; Canon Holme, vicar of Great Budworth Dr. Payne, rector; Arnold, rector of Barrow Evans, vicar of Tarvin Atkinson, curate, Tarvin Evans, curate of Northwich Heffill' vicar of Church 31inshull Hopk-s, vicar of Moulton C. Packer, vicar of Dane Bridge; Reynolds, vicar of Kingsley: and J. D. Payne, curate of New Brighton. There was a shortened form of evening prayer. After 4-1- LL'I '11 .1; me IÆlrU collect the choir and clergy went under the tower, when the Rural Dean said prayers, and the choir sang the hymn' When morning gilds the sky.' After this the Rev. W. II. Binney gave an address, based on Psalm lxxxix., 47, Ifcemember how short my time is.' The rev. gentleman spoke of the value of time. Dr. Payne said the prayers, and the Rev. J. D. Payne read the lessons. There was a large congregation.

KINGSLEY. CHOIR EXCURSION.—The choir of St. John the Evangelist Church, Kingsley, had their annual excursion on Monday, the place selected this year being Blackpool. The party, numbering nearly 50, and including the vicar (the Rev. A. P. Reynolds), Mr. John Warburton (church- warden), and Mr. C. H. Hibbert (organist), left Acton Bridge at 7.45, and, after a long and somewhat tedious journey, owing to the numer- ous stoppages, arrived fit the Lancashire water- ing-place soon after eleven. The weather, which at the outset looked none too propitious, improved as the day advanced. After a ramble along the promenade dinner was partaken of, and then the Eiffel Tower, with its splendid aquarium and circus, was patronised by the majority, while some spent the afternoon in the beautiful Winter Gardens. After tea the party well satisfied with their day's enjoyment, left Talbot-road at 7 o'clock, Acton Bridge being reached by nine o'clock. The thanks of all are due to the vicar for his kindness in arranging for the comfort of the party.

ROSSETT. DEATH or MR. E. R. BALFOUR.—A fine rower, a good shot, and a splendid man at Rugby football are lost in Mr. Ernest R Balfour, who has just succumbed to a chill at Ardoch, Perthshire, where he had been shooting with some friends. It was only a few weeks since that, with Mr. Guy Nickalls, he won the Silver Goblets for Leander at Henley. He rowed No. 5 in the Oxford boat this year and last. For three years-1893-5-he played in the Oxford Rugby team, but gave up football for rowing. Mr. Balfour, who was the second surviving son of the late Mr. A. Balfour, of Liverpool, was only 23 years of age. Lung Balfour, as his friends called him, was especially popular in his university; with the strength of a giant, he displayed the gentleness of a woman and un- varying equanimity of temper. The tenure of office of president of Vincent's Club is always a testimony to prestige and popularity in the university, and Mr. Balfour filled the chair with especial eclat during his term of office. His geniality and innate courtesy and gentle- ness endeared him to all with whom he came in contact, and his loss will be felt and mourned in the athletic world far outside the radius of the university whith he adorned. Mr. Balfour's death seems to be another illustration of the way in which a valuable life mav fiimnlr hA thrown away by incaution. He got drenched when shooting, and omitted to change his dress as soon as he reached home and ceased moving. No constitution can be thus trifled with m safety. A chill followed, then pneu- monia, and the complaint strangled him. Another celebrated oarsman, V. Nickalls, in like manner tempted Providence last autumn, and essaped with a critical spell of rheumatic fever and six months on the shelf in the hands of nurses and doctors. For poor Balfour's half- hour s indiscretion of sitting in wet clothes nature has granted no locus penitential. He will be sadly missed in Oxford when term re-assembles after long vacation and in Leander circles he will long be mourned.

CONVINCING PROOF OF THE EFFICACY OF HOMOCEA. Which touches the Spot and Soothes the Aching part. HOMOCBA IN SCALDS AND BURNS. Mr. H. Maseey, Manufacturing Confectioner, 56, London-road, Liverpool, December 16. 1W5, says that iu dozens of cases among his employes of severe t-calds and Burns HOMOCEA has bad a most marvellous effect. In few hours all traces almost gone. HOMOCEA CUBES RINGWORM. Mr. S. E. Joyce, of 17, Nelson-street, Commercial-road, London, says HOMOCEA cured him of Rineworm he con- tracted through being shaved at a barber's. The cure was thorough and speedy. I HOMOCEA CURES SORE THROAT. Therese Polonaski, 38, Warwick-road, Earl's Court. ° W., By the advice of a friend I tried HOMOCEA for a Sore Throat. I rubbed my neck with it last night, and to-day all pain has disappeared." HOMOCEA CURES BURNS, CUTS, BRUISES, &c. L. Johnson, Esq., 54, St. Mary's Grove, Richmond, ourrey, sars: In all cases of Burns, Cuts, Bruises, Earache, Rheumatism, &c., I have found HOMOCEA to give immediate relief. Should there be anv doubtful person, if they will write me, I will shew them pl<mtv of evidence of the valuable properties of HOMOCEA and Homocea Embrocation (formeily Kxidno). Homocea is sold by all dealers at Is. l £ d. and 2s. 9d. per box. N.B.—HOMOCEA EMBROCATION is the strong form, of Homocea, and is absolutely the best thing of iis kind in the world. Put up in collapsible tubes. Price 7id. and Is. lid. per tube. Sold by CHEERS & HOPLEY, Chemists, Norths- te-sf, Chester; GEO. BENSON & Co., The Stores, Northgate Bow, Chester. ±

The Manchester City Council on Wednesday adopted the new scheme for sewage disposal by the construction of a culvert sixteen mile? long from the sewage works to the Mersey estuary. The estimated cost of tho undertaking is a quarter of a million sterling.