The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

THE MAYOR'S JUBILEE MEDAL. ———*——— On Monday the Mayor of Chester (Mr. B. C. Roberts) received from Sir M. W. Ridley, the Home Secretary, the Jubilee medal given by her Majesty the Queen to the chief magistrates of municipalities in the United Kingdom. Accompaning the gift was the following letter:— Whitehall, 7th September. Sir,—I have received the Queen's commands to transmit to you the accompanying medal which her Majesty has been graciously pleased to confer upon you on the completion of the 60th year of her reign. I have to request that you will be good enough to send me an acknowledgment of the receipt of this decoration.—I am, sir, your obedient servant, M. W. RIDLKY. The Mayor of the city of Chester." The medal is of solid silver, diamond shaped, with light and dark blue striped ribbon attach- ment. On the one side is the effigy of her Majesty, around which, within a laurel border- ing, are inscribed the words, Victoria annum regni sexagesimum feliciter clausit, xx Jan., MDCCCXCVII.' Then on the obverse are the Words, Longicudo dierum in dextra ejus et in ainistra gloria," with an effigy of the Queen in her earlier days and the date 1837. It is an exceedingly plain decoration, enclosed in a red morocco leather case, on the outside of which is a gilt embossed crown and underneath the dates 1837-1897. The medal is now on view in the window of Messrs. Lowe & Sons, Bridge Street Row.

CHESTER BOARD OF GUARDIANS. 4 The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held yesterday (Tuesday), Mr. J. Pover presiding over a small attendance. THE LIGHTING OF THE HOUSE. The Clerk (Mr. Turnock) said with regard to the lighting of the house he had an interview with Mr. Rooper, who had promised to visit the house next week. The reply of the Chester Corporation, submitting their terms, was not yet to hand. ANOTHER TROUBLESOME BOY INMATE. Mr. Knowles drew attention to a case in which a boy inmate of the house had been sent out with some money—7s. 4d.—to buy articles to hawk, but he did not return. After an absence of three weeks, however, he appeared at the house in a destitute state, and admitted he did not buy goods, but kept the money for his own use. Mr. Knowles said he thought this should be a lesson fer the Board in the future. THE HOUSE TAILOR. Mr. Kennedy asked the Master how the work in the tailor's room was proceeding.—The Master: I don't think it is a paying concern. The tailor, who was employed on the under- standing that he should save money, had saved nothing, and on the other hand made un- necessary expense.—The Clerk said it was a question for the Board whether they should dismiss the tailor on a week's notice.—The Master said he had mentioned the matter to the Visiting Committee, and he was sure the quantity of turned out in this department in the course of a week was not sufficient to pay the wages.—Mr. Butler proposed that a week's notice be given to the man.—The Master suggested that the matter be again referred to the House Committee.—The Rev. E. C. Lowndes proposed this, the House Committee to report at the next meeting.—The motion was carried. THE ESTIMATES: REDUCED RATE. The CLERK submitted the following estimates for the coming half-year :-Maintenance, actual expenditure, 92,173 16s. 6d., estimate, £ 2,170; out-door relief, including non-resident poor, £1,797 16s. 10d., estimate, £1,980; lunatics, £ 1,068 4s. 3d., estimate, £ 1,068; extra medical fees, gll 16s. 6d., estimate, 912; assessment committee, E101 17s. 6d., estimate, E20 (the Clerk explained that the high expenditure 10 this item during the last half-year was accounted for by the Agricultural Rates Act) Registration, X90 4s. 6d., estimate, £ 90; vaccina- ^°n» £ 60 14s. 9d., estimate, £ 61; rations, *240 19s., estimate, £ 241; visiting, boarding out, £ 3 7s. 6d., estimate, X4 removals, £9 8s. 8d., estimate, E10; medicines for out-door poor, iC8 7s., estimate, X9; hospital, 9431 7s., estimate, £ 400; cert ified nurses, £ 7813s., estimate, £ 80; established charges, £ 222 17s., estimate, X-223; legal charges, nl 17s. 8d., estimate, X20 furniture and property, 9163 4s. 7d., estimate, £ 160; buildings and repairs, X93 12s. lid., estimate, X200, to include the cost of building operations to take place; instalment, £ 1,151 8a. 8J., estimate, £ 1,203; subscriptions, £ 15 5s., estimate, £ 15; sundry expenses, EI8 18s. 2d., estimate, £ 20. This shewed a gross expendi- ture for the past half year of £ 8,995 lls. lid., the estimate for that period being X9,007, and the estimate for the coming half year was £ 9,026. The receipts amounted to 93,758 17s. 8d., esti- mate, £ 3,700. There was thus a nett expendi- ture of £5.236 14s. 3d. Out of this sum was to be deducted X538 allowed by the Local Govern- ment Board, leaving a nett sum to be provided for of £ 4,738. The rate would be 8d. in the £ compared with 8d. last year.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT TO A CYCLIST. In descending a steep hill at Mellor, near Blackburn, on Thursday, a young cyclist named Metcalfe, of Preston, lost control of his machine and dashed into the boundary wall of the estate of Mr. Yerburgh, M.P. A man who was driving by found him bleeding and unconscious, and conveyed him and the remnants of the bicycle to Blackburn, where his injuries, which were of a serious nature, were attended to. WAREHOUSE FIRE: GREAT DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY.—A fire broke out in Belfast on Friday morning, resulting in several linen warehouses being completely gutted. These premises included those of Messrs. Kidd, Boden, and Co., Messrs. J. B. Elliott and Co., Messrs. W. R. McCall and Co., Messrs. Macauley and Co., and Messrs. A. A. Johnson and Co. also a portion of Messrs. Moore and Weinberg. No lives Were lost, but one fireman was severely injured. A JEALOUS PLATELAYER TERRIBLE TRAGEDY A shocking tragedy was enacted at Kilburn during the early hours of Saturday morning, when a man named Harris, employed as a plate- layer on the Midland Railway, and living at 30, Palmerston-road, Kilburn, cut his wife's throat and inflicted serious injuries with a chopper on two children, Willie, aged nine, and May, aged -seven. He then attempted suicide. Jealousy, on the part of the husband, is alleged *9 be the cause. The wife's death was in- stantaneous.

CHESTER LANTERN CYCLE PARADE. 4 The parade this (Wednesday) evening in aid of the Chester Infirmary promises to be the best on record. An excellent prize list has been drawn up, and the arrangements in several instances have been perfected by the executive committee. That the popularity of the parade is growing is seen by the presence of contingents of cyclists from Crewe and Rock Ferry. Several new features are being introduced into this year's programme. The Market Square will be barricaded while the processionists file before the Mayor and Sheriff on their way up Northgate-street, while on their return to the Town Hall, instead of at once mingling with the crowd so as to render it impossible to obtain a good view of the costumes, they will parade across the stage in the Assembly- room prior to the distribution of prizes by the Mayor. The route adopted for the procession, which starts from the Linen Hall at eight o'clock, is practically the same as last year, viz Nich olas-street. Grosvenor-street, Bridge- street, Northgate-street to junction of Liverpool and Parkgate roads, then down George-street, Brook-street, Egerton-street, Seller-street (in- stead of City-road), Foregate-street, Eastgate- street, and Northgate-street again to the Town Hall. Collections will be made en route, and an appeal is made to the public to avoid crowding on to the procession and so impeding its pro- gress. Much adverse comment has been caused by the action of the members of two of the Chester bands. Some time ago a letter appeared in the Courant suggesting that it was hardly fair that no prize was offered for the bandsmen. This point was duly considered by the promoters of the parade, but, as it was obviously ridiculous to offer a prize for the best decorated bandsman, seeing that the performers appear in uniform, or to attempt to institute a band contest, the suggestion fell to the ground. Umbrage seems to have been taken at this, and the result is that the Artillery and City Bands have declined this year to take part in the parade. Everyone will deplore the shabby spirit which has actuated this unfortunate defection. When we look out- side, we find that the Wrexham Volunteer band, the band of the Buckley Engineers, the Tarpor- ley and Clotton bands, the Christleton band, and the Connah's Quay band are all enthusias- tically co-operating with the promoters of the parade, and the members of these bands not only willingly give their services, but pay their own travelling expenses. It may be observed that the musicians and the members of the fire brigades, who do not receive prizes, are the only persons who are regaled by the committee with refreshments. When outsiders do so much to promote the success of the event, it is very discouraging to the promoters to find a section of their own townsmen turning against them, and we are sure the step that has been taken will create a very bad impres- sion among the general public.

ALLEGED ATTEMPTED MURDER NEAR WHITCHURCH. 4 At midnight on Saturday a desperate affray took place near Whitch urch. Several men left the town after closing time, and on passing the house of Daniel Ankers, of Broughall, a native of Tilston, Cheshire, his son Joseph rushed out and challenged the best of them to fight. Thomas Coates and he hati several rounds together, and while so engaged Ankers' father rushed into the house, and, coming out again with a gun, is alleged to have shot at John Williams. The charge went through his coat, and entering the left arm, took away a large portion of the flesh. Two men near narrowly escaped being. shot. A violent struggle for possession of the gun ensued, and in the struggle it was broken. On bunday morning Superintendent Edge and Sergeant Morris, of Whitchurch, received information of the affray, and proceeded to Broughall and arrested Ankers. Williams was conveyed to the Cottage Hospital, his condition being serious. PRISONER BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES Daniel Ankers was brought up in custody at Whitchurch on Monday, charged with attempt- ing to murder John Williams on the previous Saturday night. Superintendent Edge, Ser- geant Morris, and Police-constable Roberts detailed the circumstances reported above. When apprehended and charged with attempting to murder John Williams, prisoner said that he was in bed, and hearing a great noise outside he dressed himself. On going into the road he saw a number of men, six or seven he should think, fighting with his son and his 'old woman.' He told them if they were not off he would fetch the gun and shoot them. He then went into the house and put some powder into the gun, went into the road, and in the struggle the gun went off. There was no shot in the gun.—Superintendent Edge, however, said he found on the mantel- piece, in Anker's cottage, a flask containing powder, and on the table a box with shot in, and caps in another box. The coat, shirt, and vest that Williams wore were produced. A large portion of the left sleeve of the coat had been shot away, also the shirt, and a number of shot had also lodged in the vest. The left side of the coat was covered with blood. Prisoner was remanded until Friday next. Williams is making satisfactory pro- gress,

NORTH WALES POOR LAW CONFERENCE 0 OUT-RELIEF V. WORKHOUSE. On Monday, the annual Poor-law Conference for North Wales was opened at Llangollen, under the presidency of Captain Griffith- Boscawen, chairman of the Wrexham Board of Guardians. There was a very good attendance. The PRESIDENT, in his opening address, said that, taking the most important subject first- namely, outdoor relief, he must say that the statistics issued by Mr. Bircham, the Local Government Board inspector, were most instructive. Owing to the varying districts in North Wales, no hard and fast rule could be laid down, but after allowing for the differences in the districts, he thought the figures of Mr. Bircham shewed differences which were some- what strange. They had representatives from different Boards, and he thought they should give those statistics the greatest consideration, and go carefully into the matter. He held the opinion that where outdoor relief was wanted it should be ample, and not in paltry doles. Respecting their workhouses, there were hopeful signs, but he wished something could be done to alter the name workhouse,' as with some persons a certain stigma was attached to workhouses. He referred with pleasure to the interest taken by outside persons in the inmates of their workhouses, and said that in 170 workhouses the Brabazon scheme was in operation. In conclusion, he regretted that they. did got have a uniform assessment valuation, under the care of a Government valuer. (Ap- plause.) Mr. T. W. WILLIAMS, vice-chairman of the Carnarvon Board of Guardians, read a paper on 'The Administration of the Poor-laws.' He dealt at the outset with the collecting of the rates, the real work of which, he said, bad now fallen into the hands of the assistant overseer, without any practical and effi- cient control by the overseers. He would transfer the powers of overseers to parish councils, er matters should remain as now with the addition that no rate should be valid unless formally allowed by the Assessment Committee, who should see that the basis taken agreed with the valuation in force. Their answer to the objection by some boards of giving out-relief to young widows, able-bodied men, and children was that in rural unions they knew the paupers and their circumstances. Strange as it might appear, he was prepared to affirm that the majority of those having out- relief in their district were persons held in high esteem in the spheres in which they moved, and the little assistance given them enabled them to keep their homes intact, and bring up their children as well, often better, than their more favoured neighbours. Work- houses, they in rural unions thought, destroyed the sense of family ties, which the system of out-relief preserved. The Carnarvon Guardians now educated their children at the Carnarvon Board School, and he could assure them that the physical change had been most remarkable, while the instruction given was most efficient. An interesting discussion followed.

SMASH IN NORTHGATE STREET. ♦ MARVELLOUS ESCAPES. About half-past two o'clock on Saturday afternoon, a horse, attached to a float or shandry, became frightened at the Northgate, took the bit between its teeth, and dashed down the street in the direction of the Cross at lightning speed. In and out it went with wonderful instinct through the crowded traffic, the two lads in the vehicle sticking manfully to their attempts to stop the animal's wild career. It would have been madness for anyone to have attempted to pull the horse up among the many horses, traps, &c., in the street, and it was not until the animal neared the Cross that it was stopped. By just an inch or two the vehicle came into violent contact with a shandry belonging to Mr. Glegg, of Backford, and it seemed as if the recoil sent it smash against another trap containing four occu- pants. The last-mentioned vehicle was half turned round, and it appeared as though the horse attached to it was also going to bolt. He did not see his way clear through Messrs. Okell's shop, however,tand he was secured in time. Two other traps besides those mentioned were mixed up in the general muddle, but fortunately no serious damage was sustained. One or two of them, including the one run away with, were splintered here and there, the back of one being almost stove iø, and the end of another being slightly broken. The marvellous part of the whole affair was that, considering the number of people who were in the smash itself, and in the path of the runaway, no one sustained injury beyond the shock and the few bruises con- sequent on one or two being thrown about a bit by the concussion. Had the horse been able to get to the Cross at the pace he was travelling, one almost trembles to think of the consequences. The shandry be- longed to Mr. Gosmore, of George- street, the horse being driven by his son, a lad of about 14 years of age. Both the lads in the shandry acted in the most plucky manner, and in attempting to stop the horse and clear the obstacles in the way perhaps averted a considerable amount of danger.

SUICIDE OF A CHESTER WOMAN. 4~ — CARBOLIC ACID AGAIN. INQUEST AND VERDICT. The Cheshire police on Monday morning received information at the headquarters at Chester to the effect that the body of a lady of about thirty-five years of age bad been discovered lying on the roadside near Capen- hurst railway station on Sunday night about ten o'clock. Near the body was a bottle which had contained carbolic acid, and it would appear that deceased had consumed a portion of the acid. In one of her dress pockets was found an account headed 'Mrs. Billington, St. Martin's, Chester,' and Detective-Inspector Pearson, instituting inquiries, ascertained that the deceased was a young married woman, Emily Billington, wife of William Arrowsmith Billington, retired publican, residing at St. Martin's Fields, Chester. At the Red Lion Inn, Little Sutton, on Monday evening, Mr. J. C. Bate, County Coroner, held an inquest on the body of the deceased. The husband, who was called, gave evidence as to identification, and said that he last saw his wife alive at half-past seven o'clock, at the Grosvenor Park Hotel, Chester, on Saturday evening. He was not aware that she had any carbolic acid in her possession. He had since seen the chemist from whom she had purchased a bottle, and the latter told him that he had cautioned her, telling her that it was a deadly poison, and asking her what she wanted it for. The deceased said it was for disinfecting purposes. The deceased did not seem at all excited, but was in her ordinary state of mind when she got it. He (witness) had no idea of what prompted his wife to commit the rash act. He never had any suspicion that she would do such a thing. On Sunday he received a letter, the address of which was written by his wife. It was a solicitor's application for a debt. On the back of the letter was written the following words in his wife's hand- writing Before you receive this I shall be beyond all human aid. Take care of May.—EMIE." He could not understand why the debt had been contracted, as he had no knowledge of it. His wife had not been in the habit of getting things on credit, and he was surprised to see the bill. If she had asked him for the money, he would have given it to her. He paid the rent and taxes of the house and expenditure, and his wife had the management of it. There was no question between them as to money matters, and she was not short of money to his knowledge. The CORONER said that the letter was an appli- cation ior the payment of.£2 16s. 5d., and was addressed to witness. Proceeding, witness said that he bad no knowledge of it. The bill was for some goods— bread. If she had given him the bill, he would have paid it. The application for the debt must have preyed upon his wife's mind. They let apartments, and when he saw his wife on Satur- day she would have the money she received on Friday. He had a certain income every year, and he had never refused to supply the deceased with money. He did not know how she came to Capenhurst. Samuel Fairhurst, coachman, Capenhurst, said that on the Sunday night he was proceed- ing with a carriage to meet his master at the 10.18 train at Capenhurst. When near the station he observed by the light of the carriage lamps a lady sitting down by some railings. He stopped the carriage and went to the lady, who was gasping for breath. He shook her, but could get no answer from her. There was a peculiar smell, and he noticed a bottle con- taining carbolic acid beside her. He went im- mediately to the station, and got some salt and water from the stationmaster, but they could not get her to swallow any of it. He then put the lady in the carriage and took her to a doctor. The latter examined her, and said she was too far gone. Witness believed that the lady was dead. The CORONER, in summing up, said it appeared that the deceased obtained the carbolic acid a short time after she had left her husband. Inquiries had been made by the police as to why she should take the poison, but they had found no motive. The only thing which could account for the act was the letter which had been referred to. It was the usual application of a solicitor for a debt, and not enough in the ordinary course to make a person commit suicide. A good many gentle- men receiving a letter of that kind would take no notice at all of .it, but it appeared to have preyed upon the mind of the deceased. There was no other evidence that could throw any light on the case. The jury found that the deceased had committed suicide in an unsound. state of mind. The CORONER said that Fairhurst had done everything he could for the deceased. The way he acted was most praiseworthy.

CHESHIRE POACHERS DESPOILED.—At the Over (Winsford) Petty Sessions on Monday, before Major Wilbraham and other magistrates, Matthew Hodkinson, James Lamb, and Samuel Bratt, described as salt makers, were charged with having in their possession game unlawfully obtained, together with 200 yards of netting, and a number of pegs and bludgeons. Bratt 1 was defended by Mr. J. J. Dixon. The other dtfendants pleaded guilty. Constable Waldron stated that early on the morning of Aug. 28 he met Bratt in Tower-lane. Suspecting that he had come from land where he had been poaching, witness commenced to search him, when suddenly a gang of six men appeared upon the scene. They fled on seeing him. He gave chase, and succeeded in arresting Hodkinson and Lamb. Hodkinson was carrying a bag con- taining a net, four rabbits, a quantity of pegs, and a bludgeon. Lamb had five rabbits, a number of pegs and bludgeons. A bag, found at the spot where Bratt had stood, contained four rabbits. All the men were coming from the direction of Oulton park, the seat of Sir Philip Egerton. Hodkinson, who had previously been convicted of poaching, was fined 40s. The other defendants had to pay 20s. each. Epps's COCOAINE.—Cocoa-Nib Extract. (Tea- like.)—The choicest roasted nibs (broken up beans) of the natural Cocoa, on being subjected to powerfu. hydraulic pressure, give forth their exoess 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., Homoeopathic Chemists, London.'

HAWARDEN FLOWER SHOW. 4 LACK OF RAILWAY ACCOMMODATION. A committee meeting of the Hawarden and Buckley Horticultural Society was held at the Town Hall, Hawarden, on Monday, to consider the accounts and other matters. The Chair- man (Mr. C. B. Toller) presided. Messrs. T. Darbyshire, T. Bailey, William Jones, G. Butler, A. Potter, Thos. Ricketts, R. Dutton, and the secretary (Mr. E. R. Jones) were also present. The Secretary read a statement of accounts, which, he said, the treasurer had not yet verified. The receipts amounted to JE142 3s. ld., and payments JE114 9s. 8d., leaving a surplus of £27 13s. 5d. from the annual show held on Monday, August 2nd (Bank Holiday). The gate money reached £123 23. 7d., and the prizes given amounted to JE56 4s. 6d. The balance from 1896 was JE84 14s. 6d., which with £27 13s. 5d., made a total of JE112 7s. 11¥!. to the good. The Chairman said the cricket club had intimated that a larger subscription would be gladly accepted, and he suggested an increase on the 10s. given last year for the hire of the cricket tent.— Mr. T. Bailey thought the workers in the gardens should have extra prizes.—The Chair- man They have received their prizes.—Mr. Potter said there were many entries in the cottagers' class and few prizes, and he would suggest that a fourth prize be added where there was a large number of entries.—The Chairman agreed that this should be raised when the schedule came before them. He thought there was about 50 per cent. increase in the prizes compared with 12 or 13 years ago.—Mr. Darbyshire proposed that the cricket club be paid 10s. for the hire of the tent, and also a donation of 10s.—Mr. Bailey seconded, and it was agreed to. The Chairman pointed out that the balance of JE112 was too great, and the society ought, as far as it could, to reduce the balance. It had occurred to him whether they should make a donation to the Voluntary schools in Buckley, which were in low water at present.— The Secretary: Why not give it to the Hawarden Schools.—The Chairman Because the Hawarden Schools are not pres&ed at this moment, and they have spent the money called for in enlarging their schools.—Mr. Bailey The society is for Buckley as well as Hawarden.—The Chairman: The £10 donation is given to Mrs. Gladstone to do what she likes with, but it is a fact that it has always been received by the Hawarden Schools, and it is evident that there is no pressure. But, he added, he was not certain as to the British School, which might be included in the donation to Buckley.—Mr. Bailey proposed "That £10 be given to the Buckley Voluntary schools." — Mr. T. Darbyshire seconded, and said that the question of the British school, Ewloe, had been settled, and whatever was required they had intended to raise the money. The committee, however, felt that if the British school was not joining with the Buckley schools a sum of £2 would be voted. The Secretary read a letter from Mr. Geo. C. Alletson, Ewloe Wood, Northop, dated 14th August, offering to give a number of prizes for carnations in the cottagers' class. The com- mittee agreed to accept Mr. Alletson's kind offer, and will include the prizes in their next schedule. The Secretary read the following letter:— "66, Eastbourne-street, Liverpool, 4th August, 1897. Dear sir,—I am obliged for yours of the 3rd inst. Those of us who visited the flower show were delighted with the park and with the opportunity of hearing Mr. Gladstone, but unless the railway company make "better arrangements for the convenience of passengers, I do not think any of U8 are likely to visit Hawarden again on a Bank Holiday. Not- withstanding the many hundreds of passengers booked to return from the station, the trains came up nearly full, some of them crowded, and no empty carriages were supplied even for parties like our own, who had previously engaged them. The station was left with only three officials in charge, and the platform was allowed to be densely packed with people, standing for hours unable to secure places. In the end several people were crushed between the platform and the carriages in trying to secure places in the 9.10 train (the last on the time table) and injured. I am writing to the railway company strongly as to the state of things at the station, and I should be glad if your committee would take it up with them too, as I think coming from you it would have more effect.—Yours truly, CHARLES WARNER, JUNR."—Several of the committee confirmed the bad arrangements at Hawarden Station, and it was decided to lay the matter before Mr. Haig Brown, Manchester; also that in future the society should be informed as to the number of specials and times of departure from Hawarden Station.—A vote of thanks was accorded to the Chairman on the proposition of Mr. Darbyshire, and seconded by Mr. T. Bailey.

MOLD LICENSED VICTUALLERS' ASSOCIATION. ♦ The quarterly general meeting of the Mold and District Licensed Victuallers' Association was held at the Swan Inn, Flint, on Thursday, and was followed by a meeting, to which the members of the trade generally had been invited. A large attendance included Messrs. R. Morris (Mold), chairman of the association J. Simons (Mold), vice-president; J. S. Swift (Mold), treasurer J. B. Marston, J. M. Lowsby (Mold), J. R. Rae (of the National Trade Defence Fund), J. Hill, T. Price, H. Prince, D. O. Davies, T. James (Mold), J. Forester (Northop), O. Ellwood (Queen's Ferry), R. Harrison, J. Brady, Rogers, Captain Williams, H. O'Neil, David Williams, — Hughes, S. Wilkinson (Flint), and — Patton. The Chairman, in introducing Mr. J. R. Rae, congratulated the association on the attendance, and dwelt on the necessity of licensees combining in face of the opposition of the present day. He pointed out that police authorities, as a rule, appreciated these associa- tions, as they tended to influence licensees to conduct their business satisfactorily, and he urged members to endeavour to increase the membership of the association. Mr. J. R. Rae said he was pleased to see the association increasing, and endorsed the chair- man's remarks as to the necessity of combina- tion. He referred to the strong opposition from teetotal fanatics, deprecated the methods of vigilance societies, &c., and remarked that as a rule where there was cohesion among licensed victuallers, such tacticians met with failure. He warned licensees that, in the face of certain recent events, they must be prepared for emer- gencies next year, and stated in reference to the Dover case all costs would be borne by the parent association in London. He referred to the defeat of Sir W. Harcourt's Local Veto Bill, and remarked that the same or a similar measure did not appear in the Liberal address in connection with the coming election in Denbighshire, emphasising the utility of combination among licensed victuallers, as the downfall of that measure was due to the united action of the trade. He commented at length upon the evidence given by opponents of the trade before the Royal Commission, and by the trade itself, all of which conclusively proved that the licensed victuallers generally conducted their business in a highly satisfactory manner, this being endorsed by magistrates, magis- trates' clerks, and others all over the country and he anticipated that when the verdict of the Royal Commission was given, it would be found to be entirely in favour of the publican. He alluded shortly to bogus clubs, and to the unequal law which prevented magistrates holding shares in railway companies from adjudicating on licensing matters, whereas the magistrate who publicly avowed his intention to harass the trade was allowed to sit with a prejudged and biassed mind. He advised the association te repudiate the action of those publicans who gave presents of toys and sweets to children in order to secure trade, and to meet the wishes of the magistrates as regarded the serving of children as far as possible, and to do their utmost to discourage the practice. He concluded by suggesting that every member should do his utmost to introduce a new member at the annual general meeting to be held in December, and wished the association continued progress. Mr. J. B. Marston (solicitor to the associa- tion) remarked it was true the defendants in prosecutions for breaches of the law were invariably non-members of the association, thus shewing the moral effect of such associations. Mr. Marston went on to report he had attended six Brewster Sessions on behalf of this asso- ciation, and the police testimony redounded greatly to the credit of licensees on all sides. He warned members and others that according to the rules deliberate infringement of the law would not be countenanced by the association, and that in such cases the association would refuse to assist. He referred to the contradictory position of the memorialists at Holywell, who, while accepting the report of the police as satisfactory, persisted in present- ing their petition to the magistrates requesting a diminution of the licences. A cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr. J. R. Rae, to which he suitably replied, and a similar compliment was paid to the chairman.

REVISION COURTS. ♦ CHESTER. Mr. E. Burke Wood, revising barrister, pre- sided over the court for the revision of the parliamentary and municipal voters' lists for the borough of Chester on Monday morning. Among others present were Messrs. H. W. Lovett (representing the Conserva- tives), James Sellars (Liberals), W. Peers (clerk of committees), W. Shone (assistant overseer), and Beresford Adams. THE NEW CRANE STREET ALMHOUSES. CLAIMS OF OCCUPANTS. The Conservatives supported Parliamentary and municipal votes for eleven residents in the almshouses belonging to the Duke of West- minster in New Crane street. The Liberals objected on the ground that the occupiers were in receipt of alms.—Mr. Lovett said the alms were the private gift of the Duke of West- minster, who gave them to any respectable person irrespective of age, creed, politics, or anything else. The Duke could give them a month's notice if he chose to do so, and if they did not clear out they had to pay JE1 a month rent. —Mr. Burke Wood said it appeared to him that the claims could be looked at from different standpoints; some might be good and some bad.—Mr. Sellars said this was not so; one would govern the rest.—Mr. W. Shone, assistant overseer, said these houses had been rated through the action of the Assessment Com- mittee, who instructed him to rate every- thing. The almshouses under the Charity Trustees were exempted, but the houses in New Crane-street were part and parcel of the Duke of Westminster's estate, and as much his property as Eaton Hall. The Duke had therefore to pay rates on the places, and the people were registered as tenants.—Mr. Sellars put in the case of Harrison v. Carter in support of his contention that the receipt of alms was a disqualification. The houses under notice, he said, had been occupied for the last 100 years, and had never been on the franchise.— Mr. Lovett: That was because the occupiers formerly were all freemen, and as such were entitled to their votes. Now, how- ever, some of the occupiers are not freemen— five of them are.—Mr. SeUars: I don't object to the freemen except in regard to the municipal votes, but I object to the others both on account of their parliamentary and municipal votes.— Mr. Lovett: This is a private matter apart from all other almshouses.—Mr. Sellars further con- tended that the Duke of Westminster was bound by deed to pay the doles (5s. a week) to the occupiers of the almshouses.—Mr. Lovett said the Duke could do what he liked with them. —Mr. Burke Wood: It appears to me that nearly all the freemen have been elbowed out.— Mr. Sellars: It was not owing to the Duke of Westminster that the freemen were removed, because I know for a fact that there was a little bit of unpleasant feeling existing because they had their money reduced from 7s. 6d. to 53. —The Revising Barrister thought the existence or non-existence of a deed was an important point.—Mr. Peers said he might be able to obtain information on the matter, and the case was therefore adjourned. A TRAVELLER'S LODGER VOTE ALLOWED. The Liberals objected to Arthur Edward French's vote as a freeman. Mr. F. French appeared in support of his son. Mr. Sellars contended that French lived and worked at Warrington.—Mr. French: Mind you don't go too fast. (Laughter.) Continuing, Major French said the case had been settled three or four years ago, when his son was travelling for a Wrexham firm. At present he was travelling for Mr. Rowson, of Chester and Warrington, and came home every week end, living in the house 145 nights out of the yearly 365. The vote was allowed. TUESDAY. THE ALMSHOUSES QUESTION. The matter of the New Crane-street alms- houses was again opened.—Mr. W. H. Churton, who appeared to support the votes of the occupants, contended that there was nothing in the objection. The only question to be decided was whether the cases were brought within the Act of Parliament, and the occupants disquali- fied on the ground 'parochial relief or other alms.' There had been many cases upon the question, but those who had been disqualified were receiving alms under public trusts, where trustees had appointed persons to occupy almshouses, and in trusts where the people selected were indigent and poor, and practically unable to maintain themselves. He could not find any case where a person who occupied a private almshouse at the discretion of the donor was disqualified on the ground of parish relief or other alms. If he personally chose to give a man a certain sum a week it was not in reason that that man should be dis- qualified. Mr. BURKE WOOD: Is there no deed ? Mr. CHURTON I am not aware of it; if there is one it is at the discretion of the Duke of Westminster to select whom he likes. Mr. SELLARS contended these people were occupants at will. Mr. CHURTON did not see how they could be tenants at will, when by the agreement they bound themselves to go out on a month's notice. Mr. BURKE WOOD: Where do 'other alms' come in ? Mr. CHURTON After reading the decisions, so far as I can make out, is that other alms' are such alms as would render a person practically less independent, or that they were poor people. The case was again adjourned in order that the occupants of the houses might be examined. INCIDENT AT HAWARDEN. The conduct of the Christian' insurgents in Crete some time ago proved that so-called ad- herents of the Cross can be as guilty of excesses as the followers of the Crescent. An act of enormity on the part of a Christian or Christians is now alleged to have taken place even within the shores of England. At the Hawarden Revision Court on Friday, before Mr. R. Cecil Grosvenor, revising barrister, a man named Joseph Latham, of Queen's Ferry, claimed an ownership vote on account of a freehold house and land at Pentre, —Mr. T. W. Hughes, Flint, objected on behalf of the Conservatives, Mr. J. Morgans (Mold) appearing on behalf of the Liberals.—The Revising Barrister (to Latham) Do you own the house ? Yes.—Have you the deeds ? No, some Christians filched them.—You cannot produce the deeds ? No, J have been robbed by Christians—not Mohammedans nor Turks—close to Hawarden. (Laughter.)— What ? I can produce the will, legal advice, &c.—The vote was allowed. The other business of the court was merely formal, the only persons present besides the revising barrister and the agents being three claimants, a spectator, and a policeman. FLINT. The Hon. Cecil Grosvenor held a revision court at Flint on Friday. Mr. T. W. Hughes (Messrs. Hughes and Hughes, Flint) repre- sented the Conservatives, and Mr. J. Morgan, Mold, the Liberals. Among the claims for lodger votes were several by young men who reside with their parents, paying sums varying from 153. to 25s. a week for board and lodging. The Revising Barrister said that in the case of sons residing with their parents it was very difficult to decide whether the payments were bona fide or not, and he had therefore decided that in no case would he grant a vote to such claimants unless they produced receipts shewing that the rent was paid regularly; and as none of the claimants was able to produce receipts the claims were disallowed. The register for the borough of Flint shews a decrease of nearly 200 as compared with 1894.

THRILLING BOATING ADVENTURE LADY DROWNED.—Col. Hamilton, of Mossville, Mr. Loxton Hunter, a journalist, who is con- tributing articles to London journals on Ireland as a holiday resort, and Mrs. Hunter, with a crew of four, left Dooras Bay, on the north-west Donegal coast, on Wednesday morning in a yawl Mayflower for a sail to the cliffs and caves of Tormore. While entering a narrow channel a heavy swell broke over the vessel. Mrs. Hunter was dashed against the rocks and probably instantly killed, and her body has not been recovered. Colonel Hamilton and the crew clung to the rocks, and Mr. Hunter, after being in a perilous position, swam te a place of safety.

THE ROYAL VISIT TO SCOTLAND. « The Royal yacht Victoria and Albert, with the Duke and Duchess of York on board, arrived at the Tail of the Bank, Greenock, on Thurs- day night, and remained at anchor until Friday morning, when she left for Glasgow, being accom- panied by H.M.S. Helampus and Mersey. The Duke and Duchess of York paid a visit on Friday to Glasgow, where they had a series of public engagements. The first was the naming of a new tidal dock. In this the prin- cipal part was taken by the Duchess, who named the dock the Prince's. Proceeding next to the new graving dock adjoining, the Duke laid the copestone. Luncheon at the City Chambers followed, and then the Duke laid the foundation-stone of new buildings devoted to art. Addresses were presented to the Duke and Duchess from the civic and harbour authori- ties, and the Duke in his reply spoke of the growth of the port, and of the importance of the new undertakings. From Glasgow the Duke and Duchess proceeded to Dalmeny, where they are the guests of Lord Rosebery.

THE RAILWAY MYSTERY. + A THREAT OF SUICIDE. Dr. Bryan received a letter on Wednesday morning from the landlady of the hotel at Eastbourne, where Mrs. Bryan stayed last week, stating that the deceased had been upset on the Friday before she left by a lady visitor, and had threatened to commit suicide. The landlady's mother talked to her seriously, and Mrs. Bryan left in good spirits. After Mrs. Bryan left they found in her room the photo- graph of a gentleman torn all to pieces. I Dicl, the writer of the telegram found in Mrs. Bryan's purse, turns out to be Mr. Richard Hunt, an intimate friend of both Dr. and Mrs. Bryan's and the executor appointed by Mrs. Bryan in her will executed some time ago. It simply stated that the sender was unable to call on Mrs. Bryan as arranged. The writer of the letters found in Mrs. Bryan's luggage- basket has been seen by the railway officials, and has promised to attend the adjourned inquest at Tring. THE SUICIDE THEORY. A Northampton correspondent says :—A good deal of the mystery which surrounded the death of Mrs. Bryan while travelling to Northampton from London on Friday appears to be lifting. It can, it is stated, be proved that the person identified as 'Hal,' the writer of many of the letters found in Mrs. Bryan's dress- basket, bade her good-bye at Euston Station, and did not journey on to Willesden. It is conjectured that the painful scene at East- bourne, followed by the parting with the gentleman at Euston, may have so worked upon Mrs. Bryan's feelings that her mind became unhinged, and that while in this state she either fell or jumped out of the train. It is stated that Mrs. M'Kean, with whom Mrs. Bryan lodged at Eastbourne, will be called at the adjourned inquest, and her evidence as to the state of mind in which Mrs. Bryan was when she left Eastbourne may have an im- portant bearing on the verdict. The visitor to Mrs. Bryan's rooms will also probably be called. The efforts of the police are being directed to finding the owner of what appears to be a gentleman's umbrella which was in the carriage in which deceased travelled. ROMANTIC DETAILS AND STRANGE ALLEGATIONS. The letters found in Mrs. Bryan's luggage basket have been thoroughly examined by the railway detectives and the Hertfordshire police. Some are from Dr. Bryan, and are couched in endearing terms. The majority, however, are in a different writing, and are mostly signed by the writer's abbreviated Christian name, though one or two bear a fuller signature. Apparently they have been written at various times during the last six months. One was written so recently as last week. The letters are extremely confidential in tone, and generally the language is affectionate. A peculiarity of the letters is the profusion of pen-and-ink sketches, with which the reading is interspersed. These draw- ings represent the writer, Mrs. Bryan, and her husband, scenes and people, and various objects mentioned in the letters. They are evidently the production of a well-educated, clever youth, possessed of a fund of humour, and infatuated with the lady to whom they are addressed. Accompanying this letter was a private note-book or diary in Mrs. Bryan's writing. It contains references to the receipt of some of the letters, to incidents mentioned in them, and to the writer. The writer is a young man of 25 years. The young man appears to have made Mrs. Bryan's acquaintance while he was on the staff of a paper. On the journey from Eastbourne, a telegram was delivered to Mrs. Bryan en route. This was not, as at tirst supposed, from her young friend, but was signed Dick,' and bore an Exeter address, and it was asked that a reply might be sent. THE YOUNG MAN 'HAL' INJURED IN A BICYCLE ACCIDENT. A. Nottingham correspondent telegraphe that the young man 'Hal,' whose signature is appended to most of the letters found in Mrs. Bryan's dress basket, met with a cycle accident on Wednesday, near Huntingdon. He was riding at a fast pace with a friend, when, swerving to escape a dog in the road, he ran into it, and was thrown over the handlebars. His hands and face wore badly cut.

AUCTION SALES. + SALE OF MOLD PROPERTY. On Saturday Mr. Cunnah offered for sale at the Grosvenor Hotel, Chester, the Bowling Green Hotel, Mold, together with the stables, bottling stores, and bowling green attached, the whole containing about 2,003 yards. The bidding started at E3,000, and when 94,400 was reached the auctioneer announced his regret to withdraw the property at that figure. Five cottages in Conway-street, Mold, were then put up, and bought by Mr. Jesse Roberts, Mold, for £ 395. Mr. J. B. Marston, Mold, acted as solicitor to the vendors. FAT AND STORE STOCK AT HOOTON. One of the most successful sales that have been held at Hooton for some time past was conducted by Mr. J. P. Carter, at his Wirral Cattle Mart, on Wednesday, when an exception- ally grand lot of stock was disposed of. A splendid company of buyers were present and a brisk trade ruled throughout. The cattle were of choice quality and some exceedingly well-finished animals entered the sale ring. Four nice topped beasts from Mr. Robert Jones, Arrowe Brook, sold for iE65 5s. Messrs. W. Roberts, Hancock, and Jno. Wright, being the respective purchasers. Small weight heifers and bullocks found ready buyers and realised up to X15 17s. 6d. each. Calvers, barrens, and stirks were also in demand and fetched their top market value. A grand lot of calvers were quickly sold and some high prices were made, fat calves selling for X4 lis. each. There was a very large number of sheep and lambs penned, and the quality was all that could be desired. Wethers made up to 43s. per head, Shropshire lambs up to 35s. each. THE SIDWAY SHORTHORNS. Mr. E. Simpson's annual sale of dairy Short- horns and Shropshire sheep will be conducted at Sidway Hall, Market Drayton, on Tuesday, September 21st, by Messrs. Lythall and Walters, of Birmingham, and will comprise 75 newly- calved and down-calving cows and heifers, 16 prime fat cows and heifers, 18 yearling bulls, heifers, and steers, and 313 well- bred Shropshire sheep. The calvers are a grand lot of roans,, nearly all being from three to six years old, and having immense frames and grand udders, and they include the many winners at the Shropshire and West Midland, Staffordshire, Trentham, Leek, and Cheshire shows this year in dairy classes. As Mr. Simpson has definitely decided to retire from the showyard, they will be sold absolutely without reserve, and should produce keen competition. BIRMINGHAM AUTUMNAL SHEEP SALE. The great Autumnal Shropshire Sheep Sale was conducted by Messrs. Lythall and Walters, in Bingley Hall, Birmingham, on Thursday. About 1,000 rams, ewes, and lambs were catalogued, and these made satisfactory prices. Fourteen rams and thirty ewes were purchased for experimental crossing in Kent. and three rams and 100 ewes were purchased to found a select flock in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Numerous other purchases were made for North and South Wales, Devon, Lincolnshire, Bed- fordshire, Ireland, and Scotland.

On Saturday uight Mr. Edward Roberts, solicitor, Rhyl, died at his residence near Abergele, at the age of sixty-nine. Deceased j was admitted in 1863, and commenced practice at St. Asaph. He afterwards removed to Rhyl, and was the oldest practising lawyer in the town.

KENYON V. MOSS. «. The Radical party in Denbighshire East, By Moss-grown traditions affected, Is serving as food the programmical feast In '95 wholly rejected. Log-rolling no doubt, despite failure and loss, Will play a great part in the battle, But a log-rolling-stone ever gathers no Moss Where electors are 'cue 4 kittle cattle R. ST. J. CORBET. Nantlys. September 12th.

ALLEGED QUARREL AT TARVIN WORKHOUSE. SERIOUS RESULT. At the County Magistrates' Occasional Court, yesterday morning, before Mr. G. A. Dickson, an inmate of the Tarvin Union Workhouse, named Thos. Williams, was charged with unlawfully wounding John Ledsham another inmate, on Monday.—Ledsham, in giving evidence, stated he was a plasterer, and at ten o'clock was working at the workhouse on a scaffold. His legs were dangling below the platform on which he was sitting, and prisoner got hold of them, and nearly upset him. Witness remonstrated, and told the master of the house. Prisoner had in his hand the hammer produced (it was a hammer commonly used for breaking stones) and threatened to throw it at witness, who tried to take it from him. They closed, and Williams struck him a violent blow on the head with the weapon he beld.-Hugh Atkinson, the workhouse master, heard the scuffle from the adjoining room, and on going out he saw prisoner running away, followed by Ledsham and another man. Ledsham was bleeding profusely from a wound which exactly fitted the hammer. The blood was flowing down his face to Lis coat.- Prisoner was remanded until Saturday, when medical evidence will be given.

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

OFFICERS COMMANDING VOLUNTEER BRIGADES. Sir,—With reference to your remarks in a late issue on the above subject, I would beg to point out that according to paragraph 989 Volunteer Regulations, Officers appointed to command volunteer infantry brigades who are not already general officers, will be recognised as Brigadier Gaurals, and will be addressed accord- ingly." This is also laid down in W. O. letter dated 28th June, 1394. The title Brigadier General, conferred by the above-quoted authorities, does not ia any way supersede Line Colonels, who would still be senior to all Volunteer Brigadiers who were not Line Colonels or General Officers themselves in their own right, as is the case in many instances.— Yours truly, VOLUNTEER. Liverpool, 13th September, 1897.

WEEKLY STATE OF THE CHESTER INFIRMARY ENDED SATXTEDAT LAST. IN-PATIENTS. In-patients are admitted on Tuesday mornings at Eleven o'clock. IK-PATIENTS DISCHARGED, IN-PATIENTS. Cured 16 Admitted 13 Relieved 3 ) Bemain in the House b5 Relieved 3 ) Remain in the House 5 Made Out-Patients 2 Unrelieved 1 N^N RT O OUT Vp ATIENTS. Medical cases are seen on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday morning's at Eleven o'cloc, Surgical cases are seen on Thursday mornings at Eleven o'cleck Ophthalmic eases are seen on Friday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Dental cases are seen on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at Ten o'clock. HOME PATIENTS. DieCHARGBD. ADMITTED. Cured 11 j Admitted 26 Believed 10 Remain 77 Made In-Patiente 1 Dead 2 1 Ont-Patients admitted siace Saturday last 76

Sealskin Jacket and Fur Alterations. 20 SAVED. W. CREAMER & Co., PRACTICAL FURRIERS, Skilfully Renovate and Remodel Sealskin Garments and Furs upon the premises at STRICTLY WHOLESALE PRICES. PERFECT FITTING & FINEST WORK GUARANTEED. NEWEST AND SMARTEST MODELS. Estimates, Designs, and Forms for Self-Measure- ment on application. W. CREAMER & CO., H.M. THE QUEEN'S FURRIERS, 56" BOLD STREET, Liveepool-

Btrtjjs, frarrtagrs, ana 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. DEATHS. BRITTAIN-SOPteMber 3, at Lletty'r Dryw, Colwyn, Leah Mary Brittain, of Bryc-y-gynog, Glan, Conway, and late of Malpas, Cheshire. EDWARDS—September 8, at the Vicarage. Euabon, Canon E. Wood Edwards, vicar of the parish for 35 years. FRASR,R- September 5, at Westwoud, Colwyn Bay, William Duncan Fraser, il.B eldest sou of Lachlau Fraser, of Pensarn. formerly of Denlurli, aged 39 rears. JOB-Sept-ember 4, at Bryn Maelgwyn, Llandudno, Robert Hugh Job, aged 76 years. PETERS—September 6, at Lane End, Buckley, Edward Peters, aged 78 years. PRINcE-September 10, at Quarry Bank. Utkinton. Charity, the beloved wife of William Prince, aged 62 years. Deeply regretted.

iAl E M 0 R I A L S, AT ALL PKICES, IN MARBLE, GRANITE. STONE & ALABASTER. On View, and to Order. HASWELL" & SON, MASONS, KALEYARDS, CHESTER. KSTIMATES AND DESIGNS.

KILLED BY A LADT CYCLIST.-An inquest was held at Huntstanton on Saturday, touching the death of Mrs. Wherry, wife of Alderman Wherry, of Bourne, Lincolnshire. Mrs. Wherry was staying at Huntstanton, and when crossing the road at dusk was knocked down by a lady cyclist riding down hill. She sustained a fracture of the skull, and died in two houis. The cyclist, a stranger, went on almost directly, and her name is unknown.—The Coroner ad- journed the inquest for inquiries as to the cyclist. THE WELSH GOLF CHUIPlONSHIP. The final of the individual championship of Wales took place yesterday at Penarth. Thirty-six holes were played, the contestants being Mr. J. Hunter, of Penarth (the holder), and Mr. F. Woodhead, Rhyl. Charming weather prevailed. Mr. Woodbead was leading at the turn in the first round of 18 holes, Lut after this Mr. Hunter played splendidly, and he was two up at the end. Mr. Woodhead played brilliantly in the second round, and at the turn was all square with his opponent. Mr. Hunter, however, again took the lead, but Mr. Wood- head once more made up his deficit, and at the fifteenth hole was four up, thus winning the championship. TRADES UNION CONGRESS: A GENERAL FEDERATION.—The Congress resumed on Friday morning, when the principal subject of discus sion was the necessity for the establishment of a general federation of all trades in the country. Mr. Clarke, on behalf of the general railway workers, moved the appointment of a committee to consider the best scheme. It was argued that no single union was strong enough to resist combined capital, therefore it was of the utmost importance that the Trades Unions should be combined in one great federation. The resolu- tion was adopted. The Congress closed on Saturday, when it was announced that the new Parliamentary Committee had appointed Mr. Wilkie (Newcastle) chairman, and Mr. Inskip (Leicester) treasuror. An appeal would be issued immediately on behalf of the engineers now on strike, also for increased funds for Parliamentary Committee purposes. The meetings of the Federation Committee would depend on the amount subscribed. Resolutions were passed in sym- pathy with the postal employes, and calling for the enlargement of the scope of the Labour Department of the Board of Trade.