The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

úcster 100 Years Hgo. 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., 1797.) THE RATS WERE FRIGHTENED. A CURIOUS FACT. About three years ago the corn-mill at Glossop was very much infected with rats. A quantity of barley, which lay upon the chamber floor, was hourly visited by some of them. The miller, one day, going to drive them away as usual, happened to catch one under his hat, which he killed he then singed all the hair of its body, &c., until the skin, tail, and legs became quite stiff by the operation. In this condition he set it upon its feet by the side of his heap of barley, where it stood, with pricked-up ears and tail, for a considerable time. After this not a rat dared to come near it; and in a short space the mill was cleared of these depredators, and has continued so ever since." VARIETIES. To the Printer. The French, Mr. Baldwin, have an article under the above head in most of their papers, consist- ing of on dits, supposes, surmises, and little morsels of intelligence, comick, serious, and serio-comick. I have been thinking that if any of the London papers chose to adopt the plan, I know not any week that would have afforded a more odd variety than the last. I shall give as a specimen a very singular variety as to the causes of death. Old Dick Yates died because he could not get eels for dinner. His housekeeper, you will allow, played him a slippery trick. Mrs Weston died because her son was hanged. The member for Hereford died by drinking cold liquors when over-heated. A countryman died because he could not swallow more than five quarts of porter in as many minutes. This came very apropos with the account you gave us of the quantity of porter brewed by the twelve principal brewers. A gentleman in Sussex died because his com- panions did not know whether a gun was loaded or not. A Pike died—because it had swallowed a gentleman's pocket book, containing notes and bills; which the poor fish could neither digest nor discount. And sundry Dogs died-to save their masters the experience of three shillings. Surely, Mr. Baldwin, we may repeat with the poet, Life is a jest and all things shew it, &c. OMNIUM GATHERUM." A BIG MEAL. About ten years ago the Duke of Queens- berry made a bet of a thousand guineas that he would produce a man who could eat more at a meal than any one Sir John Lade could find. The bet being accepted, the time was appointed, but his Grace not being able to attend the -exhibition, he wrote to his agent to know what success, and accordingly received the following note:—' My Lord,—I have not time to state particulars, but merely to acquaint your Grace that your man beat his antagonist by a pig and anle-p,ge.- (Signed) J.P.' AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. TEN GUINEAS REWARD. "J. Talma having received an anonymous letter, through the medium of the Chester post- office, containing a villainous and cowardly threat to assassinate him. some evening in the dark, should he not leace this city in one month,' wishes to inform its contemptible author, that, conscious of the rectitude of his own breast, he despises alike the writer and his unmanly effort. Let the knave be cautious for his own safety, the law hath a lash for scoundrels. Any person or persons giving information, so as to lead to a conviction of the person who actually wrote the said letter, shall receive a reward of Ten Guineas, by applying to Mr. Talma.—Water- gate-street, Sept., 1796."

w Ifotal dokuimcttt ottings [By IffENTOR.] A rather remarkable feature to be noted almost everywhere in the recent returns of the medical officers of health of local governing bodies is the increased death-rate, especially the mortality among children. No particular cause is assigned for this, but from various district reports we have such passages as (at Failsworth)-" The mortality among infants under five years of age has been exceptionally high at Bootle, the deaths were 147, or at the rate of 33 3 per 1,000, this being very much higher than in the previous month. The increase was accompanied by enormous mortality among children." Out of the 147 deaths, 62 were those of children under five years of age, and the cause was diarrhoea and dysentery. One councillor ascribed the death-rate to the Council having allowed the question of con- verting privies into water-closets to flag. At Widnes the medical officer reported that during the past month there had been 103 births and 98 deaths in the borough. Of the deaths, 57 were those of children under one year of age, and 19 those of children between one and five years of age. The birth-rate was 33-2, and the mortality rate 31'8 per 1,000. During the same period 13 cases of typhoid fever, and four other cases of infectious disease were notified, and there had been three deaths from zymotic diseases. Councillor Smith, acting-chairman of the Health Committee, in reply to Councillor Davies, said that the cases of infectious disease were largely drawn from property on which nuisances existed, and which the committee had been unable to get remedied. He was sorry to say that many property owners did not value the health of the town, and they were assisted by several members of the Council in setting the Health Committee at defiance. And so on in regard to many other localities, similar stories are told. Rhyl, as almost everyone knows, has developed immensely of late, with the result that the influx of visitors is such as to crowd the railway station to an extent that at times there is scarcely standing room. The Urban District Council, I am glad to see, are moving in the matter. At their recent monthly meet- ing it was proposed that the council petition the London and North-Western Railway Com- pany to enlarge the station, as the present accommodation is very inadequate for both goods and passenger traffic, which had grown beyond the limits of the accommodation in both departments. Already a petition had been prepared by tradesmen for presentation to the company. It was unanimously decided to send the petition at once. At the Bangor City Council the other day, according to the minutes of the Sanitary Committee, it appeared that the Local Govern- ment Board stated that they could not entertain the application of the Council to borrow E500 for purchasing furniture and providing a disinfecting apparatus for the Borough Infectious Diseases Hospital until the Council gave an undertaking not to treat cases of smallpox at the hospital.—On the recommenda- tion of the committee, the surveyor was directed to apply to the Port Sanitary Authority for permission to use their floating hospital for the treatment of any case of smallpox that might occur within the borough on condition that the council undertake to treat any fever cases other than smallpox or cholera that might occur within the jurisdiction of the PortSanitary Authority on terms to be mutually agreed upon. As shewing the views entertained by practical men on the subject of I water-finding' by experts, it is to be noted that at the Congress of the Sanitary Institute on Thursday last, in the section set apart for this special purpose, Dr. Thresh spoke on Water Supplies for Rural districts, and the means of protecting them from contamination.' He pointed out that there was always more or less risk involved in p.well boring either with regard to the quality or quantity of water procurable. A skilled hydrologist should always be consulted before deciding upon attempting to obtain water from such a source. In fact, wherever there was any uncertainty about the quality or character of the water procurable, an expert should be consulted. But," the speaker continued, by an expert I do not mean the advertising expert who professes to find water by aid of a hazel twig or other similar means. My experience of such gentlemen is not sufficiently encourag- ing to enable me to recommend them; and public bodies who may be considering whether or not they should engage the services of a water-finder must bear in mind that the Local Government auditors have expressed very pronounced opinions as to the illegality of payments made for such services or for work undertaken upon their advice." Last week I gave an instance from the Brain- tree Workhouse of extraordinary neglect to report the death of a woman who had been dead for over twelve months, the case being confused with another of the same name. This week another item of a somewhat similar nature reaches me from Burnley, where at the Guardians meeting the clerk mentioned a case in which a man paid a weekly sum to the guardians for the main- tenance of a child in the workhouse. He was given a receipt for each payment, but recently took it into his head to visit the workhouse and ask to see the child. Then, to everyone's dismay, it was discovered that the child had been dead some time. The man now applied for repayment of zCl3 6s. wrongfully paid since the child's death. This the guardians acceded to, but refused to grant his demand for com- pound interest at 4 per cent. The Corporation of Glossop have under their supervision an institution known as Wood's Hospital, at the head of which is a matron. This lady seems to have given umbrage to some of the councillors, and among others the Mayor; and at an adjourned meeting of the Town Council, a motion was brought forward to rescind and refer back to committee a resolu- tion previously adopted for her dismissal, on account, as was alleged, of her rudeness. She was also alleged to have insulted the Mayor. The matron, however, was not without her friends. One of the aldermen asserted that another alderman had caused all the mischief at the hospital, he having made charges against the matron, 'had called the hospital a doll's house, and had said that the nurses had nothing to do but dress up and go about.' The accused alderman warmly denied the statement. On a vote being taken, the motion in favour of the matron's dismissal was rejected by sixteen votes to four. A proposal that an investigation be held in reference to the charges made by the Mayor against the matron, and that the chair- man of the committee state the precise grounds upon which the matron was dismissed, was defeated. The matter was allowed to drop, after nearly two hours' discussion. The Stafford Corporation Sewerage Works, which have cost X45,000, have been recently opened. The work has taken three years to complete, and something like 16 miles of deep main sewers and 11 miles of branch sewers have been laid. The sewage-is first treated at the sanitary depot, where a destructor and sewage pumping machinery and reception tank are erected; thence it is pumped to a farm half-a- mile away. This land was purchased from Lord Stafford for £ 11,000. Here the sewage will be treated by precipitation and filtration on the land. The opening ceremony was performed by the Mayor, who entertained a large number of the public at luncheon.

DISTRICT AND PARISH COUNCILS. MALPAS DISTRICT. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Malpas District Council was held on Wednesday after- noon in the Jubilee Hall. Present Mr. Sandbach (chairman), Colonel Barnston, the Rev. C. Wolley-Dod, Messrs. E. Langley, J. Jones, J. N. Joyce, W. Hough, A. Shone, T. Parsonage, J. Done, W. Penk, H. C. Parry, J. Broad, G. Chesters, W. Lievsley, R. Reeves, G. S. Morgan, E. Lewis, G. Richardson (clerk), T. T. Chubb (sanitary inspector), J. W. Parker (road surveyor), and W. Berry (water inspector). KB. BRADBUJRT'S WATER SUPPLY. Mr. Morgan stated that ne, in conjunction with Mr. Reeves, had visited Mr. Bradbury's water supply, and they considered that the best way to deal with it would be to tap the main, and supply Mr. Bradbury's slaughter- house by meter. It was proposed by Mr. Langley, and seconded by the Rev. C. Wolley- Dod, that the recommendation of the committee be adopted.—Carried. SEWAGE OUTFALL. Mr. Morgan, on behalf of the committee appointed to deal with this matter, reported that they had inspected the outfall, and they were seeking information as to the best kind of filter tank for such purpose. THE FIRE BRIGADE AND THBIB. PRACTICES. A communication was received from the Parish Council asking that the hose and stand pipes belonging to the water hydrants be kept at the fire engine house instead, as hitherto, at the Jubilee Hall; alsorothat they might be allowed to have duplicate keys of the hydrants, and be allowed to practice with the water from the hydrants in the streets. Mr. Morgan, speaking on behalf of the Fire Brigade, said that at the recent fire they had an opportunity of seeing for themselves what the new firemen were capable of. They did their work fearlessly and with much zeal and earnestness, and deserved great praise.—The request was subsequently unanimously granted. TUBERCULOMA MILK. The Sanitary Inspector reported one case of typhoid fever at Norbury, and one case of scarlet fever at Egerton Green. The necessary precautions had been taken to Stay any further outbreak. He had also received a communica- tion from Dr. Vacher. stating that a consignment of milk to Liverpool, from Tushingham, had been found to contain germs of tuberculosis. The supply to Liverpool had been stopped, and he (the inspector) proposed sending a veterinary surgeon to inspect the cattle and to report upon the case. HEAVY HAULAGE. The Surveyor reported that he had put two wagons of stones upon the Wychaugh-road, which had been broken up by the haulage of timber during this summer.—The clerk was instructed to write to Messrs. Barker and Com- pany, of Shrewsbury, who were responsible for the traffic, asking for payment of the extra cost, which amounted to X4 14s. 6d. WYCH BRIDGE: PROPOSED ARBITRATION. The following letter was read from Mr. Thos. Huxley relative to the Wych Bridge:— Malpas, 15th Sept., 1897. Dear Sir,—Having received an official communi- cation from the clerk to the Council relating to the work at the Wych bridge, and calling upon me to complete the work in accordance with the specification, I beg leave to say that I deny any liability in the matter. My clerk accompanied your surveyor, and received his instructions on the site. He stated the Council had given up the idea of building a new bridge, but had decided to repair the old one. He said he did not wish to spend any more money than he could help, as the burden on the ratepayers was already too heavy, and it was accordingly agreed (1) That the wing walls were to be faced with blue bricks, the foundation to rest on a solid basis (2) That the parapet walls, which are 14ins., should have red bricks in the interior and blue-brick facings (3) Three wing walls to be built (there was no neoesssity for a fourth) (4) the mortar to be cement mortar or hydraulic lime; (5) The wing walls to follow the old course on elevation. On these bases my estimate was made, and on no other. Your surveyor, and I take it the Overton surveyor, were acting in the capacity of clerk of the works, and it was their duty to stop the work if found wrong. My men were supplied with ample materials, and were instructed to carry out the wishes of the surveyor. No com- plaint whatever reached me during the progress of the work, either verbally or by letter. On the other hand I hear the surveyors had expressed themselves pleased with the quality of it. I do not wish to throw the onus of the blame on to anyone else, but I feel justified in offering some explana- tion. in reply to the damaging statements which have been so freely made. I trust your Council will be able to come to an amicable decision but if not, I must ask to please address your communications to my solicitor, Mr. H. Lee, Whitchurch, who has the matter in hand. I shall be very sorry if this ex- planation leads to the resignation of your surveyor, and 1 would rather sacrifice the whole sum than that he should be the sufferer through what I believe to be his good intentions. -Yours obediently, THOMAS HUXLEY. To the Chairman of the Malpas District Council. A letter from the Surveyor was then read as follows:— September 15th, 1897. Wych Bridge.—With reference to this I have gone very carefully into the matter, and I beg leave to give a detailed report on the same. It will be remembered that the first idea was to build a new bridge, and tenders were invited for this and also, as an alternative, for repairs only. The speci- fication which I made was a very rigid one, and I found if it was carried out exactly, it would entail a greater expense than I thought the Council would go to, as the two committees appeared so desirous to do the work economically, consistent with good work. Accords gly when meeting the contractors who tendered, one of them suggested the using of red brick with blue brick facings, the wing walls to be built to the height as before. I accepted these suggestions, but I made no alterations in the wording of the original specifications. I, however, told the other contractors what had been done, and on these bases their estimates were made. I was laid up for some time during the progress of the work, and did not see it all done, but I was satisfied with it when I did see it; and I also gather from what Mr. Butler said that he was satisfied also. In his report to his Council I see be said that to his mind a very satisfactory job was being made of it, though the specification was not being adhered to. I consider that the Council have got full value at the price the work was done for. Mr. Butler, road surveyor to the Overton District Council, was subsequently called in, and on being asked what he thought of the bridge in dispute, he stated that the work generally did not agree with the specifications, as he understood them. When he called the attention of the Malpas surveyor he told him that Malpas district was doing the work. He considered the work, however, was too good to pull down.—It was eventually resolved to ask the Overton District Council to agree to arbitration, and if they were agreeable, that the chairmen of the Overton and Malpas District Councils should appoint an independent person to value the work. Carried.—The surveyor was afterwards called in, and received from the chairman a severe reprimand for exceeding his duty in giving verbal alterations of the specifications at the commencement of the work. HOPE PARISH. A meeting of this body was held at Peny- ffordd Board School, on Tuesday, Mr. E. O. Probert presiding. UNSAFE FOOTBRIDGE AT CEFN-Y-BEDD. A letter was read from Mr. E. S. Clark, pro- prietor of the Llay Hall Colliery, respecting the footbridge at Cefn-y-bedd, in which he stated that it was put up in 1874 by the then Llay Hall Company, to accommodate the workpeople going to and from New Inn to the Paper Mill, at the request of the Messrs. Rawlins, who then worked the mill. He further said I have no property in the bridge, but have from time to time-I should say at least four times— renewed the bulk of the timbers in the bridge, on their being taken away by the people of the neighbourhood, I presume, for firewood. I am determined to do no more, and have put notices up at either end, warning the public that it is not safe. The path is a private one to the mill, and the public have only passed over it on suffer- ance. Under these circumstances, I am unable to meet the wishes of the Hope Parish Parish Council."—Mr. Bellis proposed that the matter be left in abeyance until further inquiry, which was agreed to. SCARCITY OF WATER AT THE CYMMAU. A letter was read from Mr. H. H. Hughes, Ty- Cerrig, about the disused well at the Cymmau in Jonathan Davies's field, in which be said: "If I was to go to the expense of re-opening it, the only one of our tenants that would avail himself of it would be the one on the Bryn Griffith. If the Parish Council could see their way to lay a pipe from the Pystill down through our field, and put a public tap just at the corner in the road, that would benefit the whole neighbourhood, and the cost would be very small. A 2in. pipe would be quite sufficient. I hope they will do this and thus confer a boon on the whole of the population." —The Chairman said the suggestion was a matter for the District Council to consider.— Mr. William Lewis could not understand why the writer said it would only benefit one tenant, when he had seven.—Mr. John Williams said their object was to get water for the tenants, and there was a general complaint at the Cymmau of its scar- city.—Mr. Alf. Williams considered Mr. Hughes would only be doing what was right, by opening the well for his tenants, and he understood that he bad said he would do so. —Mr. John Williams considered it the duty of the Parish Council to press upon Mr. Hughes to open the well for the sake ef his own tenants. He moved the clerk write to him again urging this.—Mr. Alf. Williams seconded, and it was agreed te. REPORT OF THE BURIAL BOARD COMMITTEE. Mr. Bellis brought forward an application from the Burial Board clerk for an increase of salary, on the ground that he was paid on a lower scale than elsewhere, considering the duties he bad to perform. His present salary was C5 per annum.—Mr. John Williams thought they ought to know exactly what extra duties the clerk had to do now.—Mr. Bellis was sur- prised that Mr. Williams should ask such a question. There was a great deal more to do now.—Mr. Williams could not see what difference it made to the clerk whether the cemetery was full or not.—Mr. Bellis said where there used to be one grave there were now ten, and many people were now buying ground in perpetuity, and this caused more work.- Mr. Williams Has the death-rate increased ? —Mr. Bellis That is not the question.— Mr. Thos: Jones proposed that the matter be left over until they saw what the extra work was.—Mr. John Williams seconded.—Mr. Bellis moved that a little advance be given to encourage the clerk in his work.—Mr. H. G. Roberts: On what ground ?—Mr. Bellis Oh! more people are dying. (Laughter.)—Mr. H. G. Roberts inquired if at the last audit there was a balance in hand or not.-The Clerk (Mr. Fred Jones) About £ 15.—Mr. Roberts declared that the Burial Board were not entitled to so much. They should only have sufficient to carry on the work.—It ought to be handed over to the Parish Council for the benefit of the poor rate.—The Clerk: It is not me, it is Mr. Bellis. (Laughter.)—Mr. Ellis: I object to Mr. Bellis being blamed.—Mr. Bellis withdrew his amend- ment, and the matter was deferred. HR. SHELBOURNE'S GRAVE. The Clerk reported that he had received a reply from the Home Secretary touching the opening of this grave, and that the matter would receive attention in due course.— Mr. H. G. Roberts questioned the legality of the recent meeting on this question. When he was on the old Burial Board, he found that they were burying bodies without certificates. (Sensation.) As to this particular grave, of course, they must wait now until they had a formal reply from the Home Secretary. There was no reason why a man should not open a grave to see what was in it on payment of a fee, but where they allowed a grave to be opened for the purpose of altering any book entry, they opened a floodgate of probable abuse. WANT OF SPACE IN THE CEMETERY. Mr. Bellis called attention to the fact that there was only sufficient space, in the cemetery for 36 more graves under the present system of working, viz., leaving a vacant space between each grave. It was high time they faced this matter, and he appealed to the Council for their advice.—Mr. Ellis said they must either purchase more land or make new arrangements. It would be quite as well to instruct the clerk to write to all relatives owning graves, asking whether they would buy the vacant spaces in perpetuity or not. If not, the Council must utilize the spaces. He would not vote for the purchase of more land while these vacant spaces were left, for they would last at least another 25 years.—Mr. Bellis said it would be a hardship to use these vacant spaces without writing to the relatives first. Mr. H. G. Roberts pointed out that the circular ought to be very carefully drawn up. It was parish property, and the writing of the circular was merely a matter of courtesy to the relatives.— Mr. Ellis proposed, and Mr. Bellis seconded, that the clerk write to the relatives.—Carried. THE RENT OF THE CASTLE GROUNDS. Mr. T. H. Ellis asked if the Clerk had made any application to the tenant of Caergwrle Castle grounds for the rent of same.—The Clerk replied that he had had no instructions on the matter.—Mr. H. G. Roberts enquired if, as a rate collector, he had any instructions to collect a specific rate. (Laughter.) He proposed that the clerk be authorised to ask the tenant for the rent for the present and past half years.— This was seconded by Mr. Ellis and carried.

CRICKET. MALPAS V. MACEFEN.—A game was played on the Malpas ground on Saturday Afternoon between Malpas and a team from Macefen, captained by Mr. C. Marsham. Daring the afternoon the Hun. Mrs. Kenyon, M^ efen, very thoughtfully entertained both the teams to tea on the ground, which was much appreciated. The game was a capital one and very closely contested, Macefen winning by only four runs. Score:— MACEFEN. MALPAS. C Marsham run out 5 G IJ Greensuields b W Allix not out 34 Dodd 32 C Lutener b Bradbury .12 D Oreenshields ruu out. 2 Allix not out 34 Dodd 32 C Lutener b Bradbury .12 D Oreenshields ruu out 2 Welch b do 5 K liasbotham c Cliff b W Dodd b do 2 Dodd 7 Burke b do 1 W Bradbury b Dodd 1 A Dodd c Welch b Brad- L Fletcher c Marsham b Burke b do I W Bradbury b Dodd 1 A Dodd c Welch b Brad- L Fletcher c Marsham b bury 1 Dodd 7 F Marsham b Bradbury. 3 W Jordison b Mai sham. o H Baker b do 0 I R Parker b Dodd 2 W Cliff lbw b Fletcher 0 E Williams b Dodd 3 O Hopley b Bradbury 0 R Bithell c Lutener b W Prior c Bithell 2 Marsham 3 I A Fletcher not out 3 F Welch b Dodd 4 A Clutton b Dodd. 1 Extras 9 Extras 6 Total *801 Total 76 *AS contributed. AVERAGES. BOUGHTON HALL C. C. With a brilliant win at Winnington Park on Saturday, Boughton Hall brought their very successful season of 1897 to a close. The first eleven have, out of 24 matches, won 11 and lost five, while among the eight remaining un- finished only two runs were wanted at Oxton to win the match, with still four wickets in hand. Victories were obtained over Bootle, Brook- lands, Tyldesley, Sandbach. Birkenhead Park, Knutsford, Oxton, Spital, Old Dingleites, and Winnington Park; defeats being sustained at the hands of Walton, Llandudno, Northern, Birkenhead Park, and Bootle. The highest score was made against Oxton in August, at Boughton Hall, 359. Six other innings also of 200 and upwards were obtained, not one of which was completed. For the third year in succession the batting averages are headed by C. D. Long, each time with an average of over 40 runs, Birch and R. L. Roberts both exceeding 30; while the latter, besides playing the greatest number of innings, has bowled with great effect. On what were for the most part batsmen's wickets the bowlers have done well throughout the season, H. Hack taking 44 wickets, F. M. Jones 43, R. L. Roberts 39, W. Jones 20, J. C. Trampleasure 18, Birch 10, J. Hampson 9. BATTING AVERAGES—1ST XI. Times No. of not Highest T'tal inns. out. score, runs. A'ges. C. D. Long OJ. 2 .106 844 42 4 Birch. 9 I 84 296 37 R.L.Roberts. 23 2 94 686 326 J. Hampson 15 I 77 313 22 3 W. Jones 13 0 .110 276 21'2 J. C. Trampleasure 19 8 .36 234 212 J.P.Douglas. 8 3 50 86 17'2 F. M. Jones 14 3 69 181 16 4 S.Swire 13 3 .24 154 15.4 H. Hack 7 3 .#26 41 10.1 E. Hodkinson 13 3 19 92. 9.2 J. Henshall 10 1 31 79 8.7 C. G. Logan 7 0 17 43. 6J. PLAYED LESS THAN SIX INNINGS. E. S. Giles 3 0 121 145 48.3 W. B. Brierley 3 1 49. 76 38 S. H. V. Shore 4 0 40 116 29 W. E. Fairlie 4 0 52 82 21 The asterisk signifies not out. JNESTON AND DISTRICT C.C. The Neston and District C.C. have had a somewhat curious season, have won six matches, drawn five, and lost ten. Of the wins one was secured by one run and another by two runs, while three matches were lost by very small margins, viz., 6, 11. and 14 respectively. We are informed that loose fielding has lost the side more matches than anything else, even taking into consideration a certain weak- ness in the bowling department. Of the 21 first eleven matches 15 were played on the Parkgate ground, which has been kept in admirable order by the groundsman, C. Newman. As to practices, not- withstanding the gloomy prophecies of those who objected to the introduction of tennis, these have never been so well attended before. Dealing with the batting averages, the better bowling experienced in a better class of fixtures has had its effect in depressing these somewhat. Dr. Speechly is against first with an average of just over 24 for 20 innings. J. G. Grundy, though third on the list, has played in many more matches than F. Cramer-Roberts, and had the honour of making 105 not out in the match at Boughton Hall against an A' team of that club. Seven members have got into double figure averages. In the attack, F. Cramer-Roberts "heads the table, with an average of 8,08 runs per wicket, but he, in common with the other slow bowlers, Brown and Fogg, suffered from bad fielding. Newman, who played in the first half of the season, bowled very well, and took 38 wickets for 9 20 runs apiece. E. C. Glover proved very effective on the slow wickets which prevailed at the latter end of the season. BATTING AVIMRAGES-FIVIE INNINGS. No. of Not Highest T'tl inns. out. score, runs. A'ges. H. M. Speechly 20 0 65 484 24'2 F. Cramer-Roberts 5. 0 80 118 23"6 J. G. Grundy 15 1 .105 245 17*5 A. Barrett. 15 1 28 197 14.07 J. E. Raven 5 1 *25 51 12 75 Newman(pro.). 10 2 *31 89 11'12 R. M. Thornely 9 2 *30 72 10-28 H. Coventry. 13 3 23. 96. 9'6 R. Barrett 14 2 .30 108. 9 A. J. Mott 8. 0 19 62 *1' 75 J. Browne 7 1 *30 46. 7'6 J. Cramer-Roberts 12 1 20 85 7'72 W. Fogg 9 0 19. 56. 6-2 S. F. L. Brown 8 1 17. 41. 5 85 J. G. Lee 6 0 16. 32. 5 33 E. C. Glover. 5 1 10. 18. 4 5 T. Comber. 8 1 10. 26. 3 71 R. Morrison 6 2 5 13. 3'25 T. J. Cleave. 8 1 6 18 2 57 Signifies not out. BOWLING AVERAGES (10 WICKETS). Maid- A'ge Runs Wkts Overs ens p'rwkt F.Cramer-Roberts 194 24 71 14 8'08 Newman (pro.) 335 38 150 42 9 20 E. C. Glover 140 15 53 12 9 33 S. F. L. Brown 230 19 86 15 12'10 W. Fogg 201 16 7o 13 12 50

SATURDAY'S FOOTBALL. A crowd of some 1,200 to 1.500 witnessed the Combination encounter between Chester and Rock Ferry at Tomkinson-street on Saturday. Both clubs turned out their best strength, the home team, consisting of Coventry, goal; Evan Roberts and Wilson, backs; Barker, Porter, and Cook, halves; and Gordon, Spencer, Blakeman, Speakman, and Lewis, forwards; while among the Rock Ferry men appeared Lipsham, Ast- bury, and H. Jones, who played for Chester last season, with Farrell, who also has in a former season appeared in the ranks of the Cestrians. Thus considerable interest was evinced. Chester lost the toss and kicked off against a fairly strong wind. The visitors immediately took possession of the ball, and made a sharp attack. This was soon repelled, however, and the Cestrians, quickly getting into their stride, turned the tide of aftairs, Astbury and Jones having rather a restless few minutes in their own quarters. Gordon and Spencer, on the right, worked together with a dash and combination that fairly took away the breath of the opposing defence, which escaped on one or two occasions by miracles. Lewis and Speak- man on the left, and Blakeman in the centre, also put in splendid work, but, notwithstanding all the smartness and pace of the home front rank, the Rock Ferry goal was kept intact, and Chester for a time had to retire on the defensive. Coventry ran out to save, and did so, although he only got back in time to save again on the rebound. Back again Chester went to the attack, back they came to protect their own citadel; so the game went on until half-time, up to which period no goals had been scored. The pace abated not one bit on the re-start, although during the opening exchanges it seemed as if Rock Ferry, even with the wind against them, were going to put on the pressure. Gradually the play was forced back upon them, however, the Chester half-back line being conspicuous for some excellent play. Barker shot right into the Rock Ferry goal mouth, and the Chester men being well up, there occurred some exciting play there, the supporters of the home team holding their breath with suspense. Blakeman got hold, but he was surrounded by enemies, and although he made a plucky effort, to score his shot went just over. A corner resulted from similar play in the same quarters, but the visitors got this away, and went on a fast excursion up to the other end of the field, where Harry Jones shot, Coventry clearing with a mighty kick that once more transferred the scene of operations. The Cestrians had been baffled long enough, and they redoubled their efforts. Gordon obtained possession, and raced along, passing beautifully to his attendant Spencer, who with an express shot, which the goalkeeper never saw till he turned round, scpred amid the vociferous applause of the spectators. Spencer immediately afterwards got another opening, but this time the goal- keeper saved, he having to do so pretty often after this. Rock Ferry repeatedly broke away, and at last they equalised, Coventry being hampered by three or four Rock Ferry men in his attempts to save. And now the game waxed fast and furious, each eleven making strenuous efforts to get ahead. The issue hung in the balance right to the end of the game, Chester having the best of the exchanges, though not by much. At last Lewis got a pass from the right and put the ball into the net. The referee, however, ruled that Lewis was offside, and as the game ended immediately afterwards the result of the match was a draw of one goal each. It was a splendid game, fast, well contested, and enjoyable. Saturday was a great day for the home clubs engaged in League conflicts, and in no case was a visiting team successful in securing two points; while only one club, Sheffield United, managed to avert defeat, they, as is their wont, securing a point at Nottingham at the expense of the Forest. The Villa emerged successfully from their conflict with Bury, as was generally anticipated, after having most of the play throughout, scoring 3 goals to 1, despite the excellent defence of the visitors. Derby County, who usually find West Bromwich stiff opponents, gained a splendid victory after being two goals behind at half-time; and North End accom- plished a smart performance by defeating the much-improved Sunderland team. Bolton Wanderers just pulled through their game with Notts County, the latter being yet minus a victory and Stoke found the Rovers in a happy mood, only getting through after being a goal behind at the interval. Everton scored three goals to the one put through by Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Liverpool had an unpleasant experience with Sheffield Wednesday, leading by one goal at half-time, and being beaten by four to two at the final.

WATER POLO. ENGLAND v. SCOTLAND. The international water polo match was decided at Edinburgh on Tuesday. At the start play was even, the Scotchmen, if any- thing, having an advantage. Sharrock had a shot which struck the crossbar, but shortly afterwards Hamilton scored for Scotland. Half-time—Scotland, one goal; England, nil. England opened the second half in fine style, and at length Jarvis beat Marshall. Vigorous play followed, and Scotland came again, Hamilton scoring a second goal. England played up strongly to equalise matters, but the game finished-Scotland, two goals; Eng- land, one goal. The match was a very hard one, and on the whole the winners deserved their victory.

CYCLING FEAT.—The Dutch cyclist, Cordang, on Thursday completed at the Crystal Palace track a 24 hours' ride, in which he covered 6lfi miles 340 yards, beating the world's record (by Huret) by no less than 51 miles 590 yards. He then continued his ride in order to break the 1,000 kilometres time record, which he easily accomplished with 16h. 24min. to spare.

Jlunttng. WARDLE. On Wednesday the South Cheshire met at Wardle, some four miles from Nantwich, when among a large field were Mr. H. R. Corbet (master), Colonel Rivers Bulkeley, Captain and Miss Griffith (Tarporley), Mr. J. Bailey, Miss Bailey, and Mr. Bailey, jun. (Nant- wich), Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Hornby (Nantwich), Mr. Walker Starkey (Marbury Hall), Mr. Knowles, Mr. Brocklebank, Miss Robinson, Mrs. King (Sound Cottage), Mr. W. Massey, Miss Peel, Dr. Lapage, Mr. Cheese, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Elliott, and Mr. C. Elliott (White- well House), Mr. Urban Major (Market Drayton), Mr. C. R. Whitton, Mr. Jenkins, Miss Whittle, &c. The proceedings, which lasted about three hours, were almost entirely confined to the cover at Wardle, which is a somewhat estensive one, and a right merry time hounds and foxes had. In the cover there were five cubs, and two of older growth, who, from appearances, had been on the war- path many a time. Only two of the five youngsters succeeded in evading the attentions of the hounds, the other three falling, not, however, before they had made a gallant fight with their natural enemies. OPENING OF SHROPSHIRE CUB- HUNTING. Coton Hall, about midway between Whit- church and Wem, was chosen for the opening meet of the Shropshire on Tuesday. A field of not over large proportions included the Rev. Sir Wm. M. Honyman, Hon. Gerald and Hon. Reggie Hill (Hawkstone), the Rev. H. Burton (Fauls Vicarage) Mr. J. S. and the Misses Walley (Heath Cottage), Mr. Spearman, junr. (Old Hall, Wem), Miss Jenkinson (Liverpool), Messrs. George Houlding, David and John Harding, &c. Coton Wood was the initial draw, and hounds soon gave tongue, there being three cubs in the cover. One went towards Whixall and another for Tilstock Park, and the third made good his escape in a rabbit hole. Skin's Osier bed held one, and somewhat more quickly than was desirable he shot up a drain. In this drain were a brace and half of cubs. No. 1, on being bolted by the terrier, hied away for Coton Wood, and was left there, while a return was made to the same drain. One came out and took himself towards Whixhall, while No. 3 eluded his pursuers by getting into a drain on the opposite side of the road. Out he had to come, and at the end of a sharp gallop the hounds rolled him over. From the same drain a fine-looking cub took away for Steel Heath and Tilstock, and then doubling back on Mr. John Horton's land, ran out for Steel again, and was there allowed to take his own course, Yeo' not caring to risk his beauties' among the barbed wire that exists on this part of the Shropshire country. A further call was made on the drain, and on seeing the light the fox ran round by Coton Wood, where hounds pulled him down. Thus ended a splendid open- ing day. CUB HUNTING WITH SIR W. WYNN'S HOUNDS. The opening cubbing meet of these hounds took place on Friday, at Shavington, near Market Drayton. The field was a select though not a numerous one. The first three hours were spent in Shavington Park, but the proceedings were not of a specially exciting character, not from a scarcity of cubs but because of the scent, which was very poor indeed, hounds at times being hardly able to run a yard. Hounds first of all investigated what is known as the Wall Plantation, and after drawing a portion of the cover a cub was found, and ran out for the Snake's Wood, where two others joined in, but they all managed to get away. Afterwards two others were started from another part of the wood, without, however, doing any execu- tion. Still another was met with here, but the success was no greater, although hounds bustled him about a good deal. A move was then made to the Big Wood, hounds 'speaking' now and then, but for the cause already named nothing was done. Information was received that there was a fox in a tree in the wood, and thither hounds were taken. A man climbed the tree and dislodged Reynard, who fell right in the mouths of the hounds, and he was soon made a meal of. The sport after- wards improved, and until 12 o'clock was I continued in the Moat Cover, Lockey's Gorse, the Laurels, the Fattarm Cover, and Stoker's Wood.

CONVINCING PROOF OF THE EFFICACY OF HOMOCEA. Which touches the Spot and Soothes the Aching part. 'INCOMPARABLY THE BEST' May well be said of HUMOCEA, for it Touches the Spot and CURES PAIN. Never be without it. Whether in CHILBLAINS or BRUISES, CUTS or RHEUMATISM, BURNS or NEURALGIA, Piles or Skin Diseases, it at once relieves It's not" What will it do ? but What won't it do ? ever in the annals of medicine has any- thing been brought out with such a wide range. CUTS, PILES, BRONCHITIS, CHILBLAINS, &c. —A VERITABLE VADE MECUM S. M. Healey, Sergeant-Major, R.E., 1st Gloucestershire Volunteers, Winchcombe, says:—"For years I have suffered dreadfully from piles. I tried everything I could think of, and spent pounds without avail. Seeing your Homocea advertised, I tried it, and for the last twelve months I have been free from that distressing complaint as the day I was born. I have also tried its wonderful curative effects on earaches, chilblains, cuts, and bruises, and for bronchitis. In hot weather I have found it useful for painful feet. As an old soldier, I wouldnotbewith, out Homocea on any account. For a bad touch of Gout I use Homocea Embrocation, formerly Exaino, which puts e right in a few days." Homocea is sold by all dealers at 1/1 Jd. and 2/9d. per box. N.B.—HOMOCEA EXBROCATIONis theatrongform of Homocea, and is absolutely the best thing of its kind in the world. Put up in collapsible Tubes, price 7id. and 1/1 Jd. per tube. Sold by CHEBRS & HOPUSY, Chemists, Northgate-st. Chester; Gzo. DISSM & Co., Stores, Northgate 1 row, Chester. 2

WATER SI'PPLT.—The water supply here con- tinues very unsatisfactory. Daily for some hours the water is cut off, and during the even- ing the supply is very inadequate. Complaint? are very numerous, and the people are simply becoming disgusted with the business.

KELSALL. LOCAL WILDDING.-Dr. Jack Moreton and Miss Lucy Schintz were married at Great St. George's Church, Hanover Square, London, on Wednesday. The Rev. E. S. Richardson, vicar of St. Matthew's, Bolton, and cousin of the bride- groom, officiated. Among the guests were the parents and sister of the bride, Dr. J. E. Moreton, of Kelsall, and Mrs. E. S. Richardson, cousin of the bridegroom. The newly married couple, after spending a day or two in London, will leave England for Paris and Turick. Dr. Moreton has been known in the Kelsall and Tarvin districts for many years.

▲ I MALPAS. SCHOLARSHIP FOR A GROSVENOR MUSEUM STUDENT,—We are pleased to hear that John Tomlinson, of Malpas, a pupil of the Technical Day School, Grosvenor Museum, has obtained one of the six scholarships awarded by the Cheshire County Council for the purpose of enabling students to proceed to University Colleges. Tomlinson has been at the Technical Day School as a County Council student for three years. The scholarship he has just gained enables him to proceed to the Owens College, Manchester, for a three years' eourse in science and is worth about R60 a year. He was placed second in the list of successful competitors.

FLINT. THEFT FROM A FARMER.—A man named John Beck was brought before the Flint magistrates on Wednesday, and remanded on a charge of stealing a goose and two ducks from his employer, Mr. Morris, Ffrith Farm, Flint. It appears that on Tuesday prisoner was in Holywell trying to sell the birds, and as the police knew him to be a doubtful character they made inquiries, and it was found that the birds had been taken from Mr. Morris' farm. Prisoner was accordingly apprehended, and admitted the theft, saying that he stole the birds to get drink. Prisoner was again brought before the magistrates (Major C. E. Dyson and Mr. E. J. Hughes) on Friday, and received sentence of two months' imprisonment with hard labour.

-.or BUCKLEY. TREAT TO WORKMEN OF MESSRS. G. WATKINSON & SONS, LIMITED. — Mr. John Watkinson, J.P., principal partner in this firm, gave a knife and fork tea to the whole of his workmen (about 600) in St. Matthew's Schools, in celebration of his daughter's wedding with Mr. Kershaw. Mr. Watkinson presided, and he was supported by Master Fred Watkinson, the Rev. Harry Drew, and the officials of the collieries. After an excellent tea, Mr. Peter Hall pro- posed a hearty vote of thanks be given to Mr. Watkinson for his kindness. which was seconded by Mr. Isaac Edwards, and carried with enthusiasm. In reply, Mr. Watkinson remarked that it was about 22 years since he had the pleasure of meeting his workmen under similar pleasing circumstances on the occasion of his own marriage, when he gave a dinner at the Black Horse, and he con- sidered that on the whole the interval had been a very smooth course between them.—In the evening a free-and-easy entertainment was held, under the presidency of Mr. William Hopwood (head manager), and among those who contributed to the harmony were Messrs. J. Davies, J. D. Morris, Charles Iball, Thomas Stanley, Wm. Edwards (under manager), Wm. Hopwood (manager), Joseph Taylor, Ernest Davies, and Messrs. Fisher (Wrexham).

CONNAH'S QlJAY. THE INDUSTRIAL ART EXHIBITION.—The committee of the industrial art exhibition, recently held in aid of the funds of the St. Mark's Schools, distributed the prizes to the successful competitors on Friday evening. In addition to the substantial money prizes offered each competitor was presented with a certificate of merit beautifully framed. The whole of the accounts in connection with the exhibition are not yet to hand, but it is confidently hoped that there will be a profit of between 250 and J660. PROPOSED PRESENTATIONS TO DR. PURDON.— The various friendly societies, comprising the Rechabite Tent and the Oddfellows and Shep- herds Lodges, have decided to make Dr. Purdon a presentation on the occasion of his marriage with Miss Lush, which took place quite recently at Dorchester. An influential committee has been appointed to make the necessary arrange- ments. Dr. Purdon has for a number of years occupied the position of surgeon to these societies, and the very efficient manner in which he has discharged his duties and the great care with which he attends the sick members of the different societies have made him highly popular and beloved. The Conservative Club and other organisations with which Dr. Purdon is connected are also promoting presentations to shew their great respect for the doctor, on his return from his honeymoon in Scotland.

CREWE. ALCOHOL IN TEMPERANCE DRINKS.—At Crewe, on Tuesday, Richard Jones, refreshment-house keeper, was charged with selling beer without a licence. The Excise said the defendant sold to an officer beer and stout containing from 3 to 4 3-10th per cent of proof spirit, which was from 50 to 100 per cent. more than was allowed. The defendant said he understood he was selling only pure temperance drinks. He was fined 5s. and costs. INNKEEPER AND HER 'INVITIED GUESTS.'—At Crewe, on Tuesday, Martha Lloyd, of the Masonic Inn, was charged with keeping open her premises during prohibited hours. P.S. Currie said that about 10.45 on Sunday evening, August 22, he heard singing from an upper room at the defendant's house. There was also piano playing. The songs were not sacred. He watched the house for about an hour, and heard some one come down to the bar and turn on the light. In company with two constables he went to the house. They knocked three times, and the defendant opened the door. She said at first that those within were members of her family, but afterwards her manager said he had two of his friends upstairs. The police went upstairs and found two young men named Challiner and Price, who each had whisky before them. Defendant said the two young men were her invited guests. They were spending the evening there according to a previous engagement. She had provided them with tea, and also had given them the whisky. John Challiner gave corroborative evidence, and the bench dismissed the case, but remarked that the police had done their duty in bringing it before them.

THORNTON HOUGH. BOWLING CLUB CONCERT.—On Tuesday evening a miscellaneous concert, on behalf of a fund for keeping the local bowling green in order during the winter, was given in the National Schoolroom, which was crowded. Mr. W. H. Lever forwarded a donation of X5. The programme was very well rendered, the only possible fault which could be found with it was by the absence of the humorous element. At the close Mr. Davies proposed a vote of thanks to the artists, specially referring in compli- mentary terms to Mr. W. Owen, the principal promoter of the concert, to the Chester Wesleyan Glee Party, who had so kindly given their services, and to the generosity of Mr. Lever. The programme was as follows:— Glee, On the Banks of Allan Water,' the Choir trio, Don't tickle me, I pray,' Chester Wesleyan Glee Party (encored); duet, Lar- board Watch,' Messrs. Powell and Ellison; song, 'The Soldiers of the Queen,' Mr. W. Owen (encored); recitation, Mr. J. H. Evans; song, Admiral Tom,' Mr. Tom Powell; duet, Call to Arms,' Messrs. Griffiths and Owen; humorous song, Killaloe,' Mr. J. L. Ferguson (encored); quartette, On the Ramparts,' Chester Wesleyan Glee Party; trio, 'Dame Durden,' Messrs. Powell, Ellison, and Davies (encored); song, sailing,' Mr. E. Ll. Jones (encored) song, Bay of Biscay,' Mr. T. S. Griffiths (encored) song, Yes, let me like a soldier fall,' Mr. Tom Powell; duet, 'Flow, gentle Deva,' Messrs. Griffiths and Owen (encored) j recitation (by request), Charge of the Light Brigade,' Mr. J. L. Ferguson (encored); trio, A little farm well tilled,' Chester Wesleyan Glee Party; song, Hearts of Oak,' Mr. W. Owen; glee, How well I remember/ the Choir; God save the Queea.'

FRODSHAM. PAROCHIAL NURSE FUND.-The annual sub- scriptions for 1896-97 for the society for provid- ing a parochial nurse for the parish of Frodsham amounted to J643 8s., while the donations were JE20 lls. 7d., of which zElO 13s. 7d. was a moiety of harvest festival thanksgiving offertories and RS part proceeds of a sale of work. The number of patients visited during the past year has been 147, and the number of visits paid 1,666. The lady superintendents, as usual, are Mrs. C. Reynolds and Miss M. A. Malieson (hon. sec. and treasurer).

SAUGHALL. LONG SERVICE.—On Monday Mr. and Mrs. James Williams completed their 45th year of service as master and mistress of the National Schools, having commenced duties in the then new building on September 13tb, 1852. THE CRops.-The grand spell of fine weather has been taken full advantage of by omr farmers, not only in gathering all outlying crops of wheat, &c., but by taking time by the forelock and commencing tillage operations, with a view of preparing the land for the reception of seed for next year's crops. SCHOOL TREAT.—The scholars attending the Presbyterian Sunday School were entertained at tea in the Town Hall by their teachers on Tuesday afternoon. In the evening an adjourn- ment was made to a large field on the 'Brows," kindly lent by Mr. Warrington, where games of various descriptions were indulged in till dusk. Among those present were the Rev. C. Jones, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. W. T. Harvey, Mrs. Newall, Miss Harvey, Mrs. Blackledge, Miss E. Warrington and Miss M. Warrington, all of whom were assiduous in their attention to the wants and comforts of the juveniles.

WHITCHURCH. DAIRY FARMERS' ASSOCIATION.-On Friday the annual general meeting of this association was held in the Assembly Room, Town Hall, Whitchurch, Capt. Ethelston in the chair.—The Chairman paid a high tribute to the memory of Mr. A. P. Hey wood- Lonsdale, the late president, and moved that a letter be sent to Mrs. Lonsdale expressing their deepest sympathy with her and family in their sorrow.—This was carried unanimously, Mr. Topham and Mr. Thomas Nunnerley (secretary) testifying to the late president's work, kindness, and liberality. -On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Lee, it was resolved to ask Lord Kenyon to become president.—On the motion of the Chair- man, seconded by Mr. Langley, the following were elected vice-presidents Capt. Ethelston, Major Godsal, Capt. Lonsdale, and Messrs. Wardle and Wynn Corrie.—On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. J. N. Joice, Major Mousley was re-elected treasurer.—On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Lee, it was resolved to advertise for a secretary. —The next business was to elect members of the Council in place of those who retire annually by rotation (but were eligible for re-election). The retiring members were Mr. John Lee, The Crimps, Ellesmere; Mr. G. C. Hockenhull, Kiln Green, Whitchurch; Mr. Moyle, The Lawn; Mr. Maddocks, Hadley, Whitchurch; Mr. W. Nunnerley, Ken wick, Ellesmere; Mr. Phillips, Black Park, Whitchurch; Mr. Price, The Avenue, Bettisfield; Mr. Thomas-Topham, The Twemlows, Whitchurch; Mr. George Wardle, Old Fens Hall; Mr. Wilson, Alkirgton Hall; and Mr. R. T. Smith, Highfields.-On the motion of Mr. Higginson, seconded by Mr. Langley, the retiring members were re-elected.

————- '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 TERMS or upon Crane and Sons' NEW HIRE SYSTEM at 2s 6d. per week, delivered free, carriage paid, and warranted for 20 years, on pay- ment of first month's instalment. Sample Piano- fortes are now being shown by CRANE & SONS, 40, Upper Sackville-st., DUBLIN. CRANE & SONS, 80, York-street, BELFAST. CRANE & SONS, Crane Buildings, Regent-street, WIZIWX-HAH. I CRANE & SONS, 40, Edmund-st., BIRMINGHAM. CRANE & SONS, 42, Alexandra-road, MAN- CHESTER. And at GLASGOW and LONDON. Designs alid 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.

SOUTHPORT PIER IN FLAXics.-Fire broke out on Saturday morning on Southport pier, doing damage to the extent of about £ 4,000. The pavilion was destroyed, and the refresh- ment bars much damaged.