The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

SEEIOTJS CHARGES AGAINST A CHESTER YOUTH. — ♦ At the Chester City Police Court on Wednes- day, Albert Morton, a youth hailing from a lodging house in lower Bridge-street, who, it will be remembered, escaped from the police on the sight of the cycle parade, was charged in custody with four serious offences. The magistrates present were Messrs. Charles Brown, H. R. Bowers, T. Smith, and Dr. Stolter- foth.—The first of the charges was of breaking and entering the offices of Mr. Hibbert, timber merchant, Chester, between the 14th and 15th inst. George Hibbert, timber merchant, carrying on business at Cow-lane Bridge, stated that he left his office quite secure on the Tuesday night The next morning, on going in his office, he tound the room in great disorder. The window was open and broken. Some drawers, which had been locked, were open, and all the contents scattered about the floor. On ex- amining the safe, he found the lock was broken, and a skilful attempt had evidently been made to prize open the door. His reading lamp had been lit. On the floor was lying part of the blade of a pocket knife. His keys, which he kept in a drawer, were lying about, but one was missing. Close by was the ring broken. A piece of the wire of a bill file was also noticed, which apparently had been used for the purpose of picking the locks. Witness knew the prisoner, who was in his employment a short time about two years ago. He would, of course, be familiar with the premises.—Detective Hughes said when this matter was reported, he went to Mr. Hibbert's office that morning, and saw it in the condition described by the last witness. He produced five steel files which he found *ear the safe, and which appeared to have been used in working upon it.—Detective Inspector Gallagher deposed to arresting prisoner that morning in the Hop-pole Paddock. Witness searched him, and found a key which Mr. Hibbert identified as being the one missing. Prisoner had also a pocket knife with a broken blade, which witness ascertained exactly fitted the piece of blade found in the office. When charged, prisoner nodded his head in a manner by which witness understood him to mean he admitted the offence.-The next charge was then proceeded with, and was to the effect that prisoner entered the Grosvenor St. John's Schools with intent to commit a felony, between the 15th and 16th inst.—The Chief Constable (Mr. Fenwick) informed the Bench that on the day prisoner was arrested on the first charge, and was being brought from the police office for the purpose of being con- veyed to Knutsford, he took advantage of the busy and confused traffic that day, on which the cycle parade was held, and made his escape from the police office door. He was hotly pur- sued, but not recaptured until the following morning, when he was discovered hiding in the dark corner of a stable in Frodsham-street. It was on the night, of his escape when they alleged he entered these schools. — Martha Wiliiamson, cleaner of the schools, deposed to securing the building the previous night. The next morning, on going into the school, she noticed one of the back windows open, and the master's desk was also opened.—H. Clare, master of the school, deposed to finding his desk prized open. One drawer was forced out, and a part of the desk was broken open. The contents were misplaced. The key (pro- duced) fitted the lock of one of the doors. He recognised prisoner as being once a pupil at his school.—Detective Hughes deposed to find- ing the key referred to in prisoner's possession when arrested on Thursday. Prisoner, when charged, said simply Not guilty.'—The third charge was that prisoner, on the 21st August, obtained by false pretences from Bessie Price, the sum of 7s., with intent to defraud.—The Chief Constable explained that prisoner met a little boy on the day named, and asked him to take a note to Miss Price, who keeps refresh- ment rooms near the General Railway Station. The boy took the note, which was written by the prisoner, but purporting to have been written by Mrs. Kendrick. Frodsham-street. It ran Please would you kindly give the boy 7s. if you can spare it, and I will send you the money back to-night some time. I have got a big bill to pay. Yours, Mrs. Kendrick." Miss Price was intimately acquainted with Mrs. Kendrick, but did not give the boy the money then; but he called twice more, and then she gave him the 7s., which he t.cok straight to prisoner. Mrs. Kendrick, as the Bench would believe, made no such application to Miss Price for money.— Bessie Price, in her evidence, bore out this statement. Lydia Kendrick denied having written the note, and did not authorise any- body to write it. She knew the prisoner; whom she had employed to do odd jobs.—John Madden, aged 11, deposed that before taking the note to Miss Price, he took another one, containing a request for money, to a house in Philip-street, Hoole, but nobody was in the house.-Detective- Inspector Gallagher deposed to arresting the prisoner on the 15th inst.—The Bench com- mitted prisoner to the City Sessions on all the charges.—The Chief Constable said there was another charge against prisoner of breaking and entering the premises of Messrs. Parker and Clegg, Chester, and stealing R3 14s. Ilid. As the case involved the attendance of two or three witnesses from Manchester, who were not here at present, he asked for a remand.— Prisoner was remanded on this charge until Thursday. At the City Police Court, on Friday, before Dr. Stolterfoth and Alderman Charles Brown. Morton appeared on remand in custody, on another charge of breaking and enter- ing the premises of Messrs. Parker and Clegg, mineral wa.ter manufacturers, near the General Railway Station, on the night of the 10th inst., and stealing therefrom E3 14s. 11 Jd.—The Chief Constable (Mr. Fenwick) stated that prisoner on the night in question was seen about these premises, and the following morning was in Manchester. dealing with threepenny pieces and coppers. As in the other cases, prisoner had been employed at these works, and consequently was quite familiar with them. —Richard David Greenway, foreman at the works, said he left the premises on the 9th inst. in charge of the secretary. Returning the next morning, the safe in the office was open, and one packet of threepenny-pieces, altogether amounting to 10s., a postal order for 5s., a five- shilling-piece, and a quantity of coppers, were missing from it. Witness knew the prisoner, who was once employed at the works. The key of the front door on the night in question was, as usual, placed under a stone close by for convenience, and prisoner no doubt knew this.—William Roberts, secretary and cashier, said he did not remember locking the safe the night before. Witness had calculated that the money missing amounted to £ 314s. 11 Jd. About three or four shillings worth of postage stamps were also missing from a drawer.—Wm. Jones, who knows prisoner by sight, deposed to seeing him on the night in question in the vicinity of these works.—G. F. Fellowes, photo- grapher, Manchester, stated that on Saturday, the 11th instant, prisoner called at his shop and was photographed. He paid witness in copper. John Charles Cave, employed in a jeweller's shop in Manchester, deposed to selling a watch to prisoner the same day for 6s. Prisoner paid for it with four threepenny pieces, and the rest in copper.—Detective-Inspector Gallagher deposed to arresting prisoner on the 10th inst. in the Hop- pole Paddock. He had the watch in his possession, and said he took it out of pawn at Dutton's, Foregate-street. This was not true. -When c harg-ed, prisoner said, "No, I did not." —The Bench committed him to the Sessions on this charge. I

MANCHESTER AND THE DKE.—It may not be generally known that as early as 1825 appli- cation had been made to Parliament for power to construct a ship canal between Manchester and the Dee. It was intended to cross the estuary cf the Dee at Parkgate. and continuing by way of Frodsham, Lymm, and Altrincham, to enter Manchester from the south at Didsbury. The estimated cost was to be £ 1,030,000, which was to be met by the issue of 10,000 shares of S100. The Bill was thrown out as not com- plying with the Standing Orders, and no second application was made. A JSRRT-BUILT HoesE, in quite an aristocratic part of London, the other day literacy fell down about its occupier's ears. Outwardly there was nothing wrong almost to the very last, and when the catastrophe occurred it spread consternation throughout the neighbourhood. Many people suffering from ill-health keep up a brave appearance and no one knows the truth until it is too late. They go about deceiving themselves as well as others. Why, oh why, are they so foolish? Their blood is impure, their nerves are shattered, disease is eating away their life. Well-advised indeed are they if, even at the eleventh hour, they turn to Holloway's Pills and Ointment—remedies which give new lite and vigour to all who avail them- 1 eeivea of them.

COUNTY POLICE COURT. » SATURDAY.—Before Messrs. H. D. Trelawny, John Thompson, John Davies, Jos. Pover, and the Hon. Cecil Parker. THE ROYAL OAK, HOOLE. The application for the transfer of the licence of the Royal Oak, Hoole, which was adjourned from the previous court for a new tenant to be procured, was granted to George Ryan, formerly groom and coachman to Captain MacLaren. Mr. Pugh, barrister, Liverpool, instructed by Mr. F. B. Mason, solicitor, appeared for the applicant. A LUNATIC'S STRANGE DELUSION.—John Higgins, labourer, from Merriott, Somerset- shire, was charged with being a wandering lunatic. P.S. Farnworth found prisoner in Flookersbrook on his knees. He had the front of his trousers down, and was ladling mud into them. When asked what he was doing, he said he was trying to empty the brook, having been put on to do the work. The man was in a terrible state with the mud, and he told the sergeant that he had been drinking for a fort- night. The officer took him to the police station, and gave him some warm tea and a bath. Prisoner seemed sensible enough in the dock, but in the officer's opinion he was not safe, and he was remanded to the workhouse for fourteen days. THE TRACTION ENGINE AND THE CYCLISTS.— Robert Jones, driver of a traction engine, was summoned for travelling at the excessive speed of six miles an hour.—Mr. Holland, road inspector, deposed to seeing defendant driving down Moston Hill, Upton, at the rate of about six miles an hour. He was going so quickly that the man in front of the engine had to run to keep out of its way. Defendant was on his wrong side of the road, and one of two cyclists who were passing had a narrow escape.—Fined 10s. and costs. WHAT IS A PERSON ?'—John Priestner, farmer, Frodsham, was summoned for allowing a traction engine to proceed along the highway without causing it to be preceded by a person. —P.S. Finchett, in proving the case, said there was a boy in front of the traction engine, but he considered that a boy was useless.—Mr. Giles, who defended, said the boy in question was 15 years of age, and according to the Act he was quite sufficient for the purpose. The Act said a person should precede the locomotive, and should in case of need assist any horse passing. He con- tended that the boy was a person.'—Mr. John Thompson: Where are you to draw the line at 'person'?—Mr. Giles: I wish you to draw the line.—Mr. Thompson Clearly the Act means a person who is competent to lead a restive horse.—Mr. Giles The word is' assist.'—Henry Duncalf, the boy in question, having given evi- dence, the Chairman said he should be very sorry to trust a boy of that age to lead one of his horses past an engine. The Bench were unanimous in imposing a fine of 10s. and costs. CHARGE AGAINST A SHOTWIGK PUBLICAN.— James Wilkinson, licensee of the Greyhound Inn. Shotwick, was summoned for selling beer to a drunken person.—Mr. Giles, who prosecuted for the police, said the drunken person in question, George Evans, was fined 5s. and costs for the offence last week. It was alleged that Evans, who was a labourer, bad been working in the harvest-field for Mr. Robert Griffiths, Woodbank. He had rather a large amount of drink there, and afterwards went in a state of intoxication to the Greyhound, where he was served with beer. Defendant had only had the licence since the last licensing sessions. He was the son of the late licensee.—Edward Christopher, gamekeeper to Mr. Banner, Puddington, deposed to noticing about a quarter of an hour after Evans entered the Greyhound that he had had drink.—A labourer named White said Evans got up to sing the' Farmer's Boy'—(laughter)— but the landlord would not allow him. Witness came to the conclusion ultimately that Evans was not drunk.—Mr. Brassey, for the defence, said when Evans entered the house defendant did not notice that he was drunk, but as soon as he saw his condition he took his beer away from him.—The Chairman said the Bench were not agreed, and therefore the case would be dis- missed.—Mr. John Davies did not sit on this case.

CITY POLICE COURT. 4 THURSDAY.—Before Dr. Stolterfoth, Sir T. G. Frost, and Messrs. Charles Brown and T. Smith. DOG STEALING BY A TATTENHALL MAN.— W. Threadgold, of Tattenhall, was charged in custody with having stolen a dog, valued at RI, the property of John Culshaw, of Saltney.— Culshaw stated that he missed his dog at about two o'clock on September 20th, and as the result of enquiries he found the dog at the Police Station. P.C. Wakelin said he had received a description of the man who was supposed to have taken the dog, and in consequence when he met prisoner in Foregate-street he asked him what he had done with the dog. Prisoner replied that he had sold it, and took witness to the place where he had left it. John Smith, shoemaker, Leadworks-lane, said he was standing at his shop door on the afternoon in question, when prisoner passed leading the dog in a string. The animal wore no collar. Witness asked him when he was going to bring the dog he had promised him, and prisoner replied that he would bring it the following Thursday. Eventually witness was persuaded by Thread- gold to give him a shilling on condition that prisoner left the dog. Mr. Fenwick (Chief Constable): Did you regard the dog as your property?—Witness: Well, he left it with me.—At this point Culshaw was again called, and he identi- fied the collar his dog wore from among three or four others found in prisoner's pockets.— Mr. Fenwick: Nobody makes any charge against him with regard to the other collars.— Prisoner was asked whether he had anything to say. He said I was in drink, and I thought it was my own dog—one I lost three months ago. tiaugticer.) lie pleaaea guilty to taking,' but not to stealing,' the dog, and was sentenced to a month's imprisonment. SAT UP.DAY. -Before Mr. Charles Brown and Dr. Stolterfoth. ALLEGED EXTENSIVE THEFTS AT CHESTER.— A middle-aged woman, respectably attired in mourning, and named Sarah Thomas, was charged with stealing goods of the value of three guineas from Mrs. Morris, City-road. —Mr. Fenwick (Chief Constable) said prisoner had been with Mrs. Morris as a lodger for about six weeks. The other day she left clandestinely, and was arrested in the station, the officer finding her in possession of a large number of boxes. He was afraid that a search of the boxes would reveal that prisoner had been in the habit of taking things for some time past.—Detective-Inspector Gallagher deposed to arresting prisoner on Friday. He would require time to go through the large quantity of goods prisoner had with her. — Prisoner was accordingly remanded for a week.

CAERGWRLE PETTY SESSIONS. + THURSDAY.—Before Col. Trevor Roper (chair- man), Messrs. R. V. Kyrke and E. Davies. LICENSING.—The transfer of the licence of the Royal Oak, Higher Kinnerton, was granted to Eva Davies.-Eli Humphreys was granted a transfer of the licence of the Crown Inn, Penymynydd. CHARGE OF STEALING A DOG: CURIOUS CASE. Annie Pratt, London, and Jane Barlow, Tryddyn, sisters, two respectable-looking women, were summoned for stealing a collie dog, value X7, the property of Lazarus Roberts, Caergwrle, on the 10th of August.—Mr. J. B. Marston, on behalf of the prosecutor, said on the day in question the dog accidentally strayed from its owner. Mr. Roberts did not see it again until a few days afterwards, when brought to him by the police, who had found it in the possession of the defendant, Jane Barlow. The evidence of witnesses would shew clearly the cause of the dog missing. When the dog was lost it was advertised, and a reward was offered for its re- covery.—Prosecutor having given evidence, Mary Edwards, Hope, stated that on the road at Caergwrle she saw the defendants, who were with another lady, take the dog from the road, put it in a conveyance, and drive off with it.- Edward Jones and John Keenam also deposed to seeing the defendants at different places on the road to Wrexham in possession of the dog.— P.C. John Jones, Caergwrle, said on receiving information of the loss of the dog he went to the house of Mrs. Barlow, and that lady admitted having in her possession a stray dog, which, she said, followed her when driving past Caergwrle to Wrexham. Witness told her the animal bad been identified by a gentleman as his property, and the woman then told him he could take the dog away.—Mr. E. A. Orford, for the defence, submitted that the evidence was not sufficient to prove the case. His clients, with another lady, were driving to Wrexham, and when in the neighbourhood of Caergwrle they saw the dog on the road alone. It looked hungry, and defendants gave it some food, and then the animal followed them all the way to Wrexham. Not knowing its owner, the women took care of it, and when the police called on them they at once admitted having it, and willingly handed it back. The Bench knew it was cus- tomary for stealers of live stock to dispose of them as soon as possible, but the fact of what defendants did in this case was sufficient to convince them that there was no intention to steal. Neither could they form a motive for stealing, for the defendants had not the remotest notion of the value of the dog.—Evi- dence for the defence was then given by Janet Walker, the lady in company with the defen- dants, and the Rev. John Davies, Tryddyn, the latter of whom, in speaking of defendants' characters, considered them perfectly honest and straightforward.—The Bench, after some deliberation, were of the opinion that there was a doubt as to the intention of the defendants of stealing the dog, but considered they com- mitted a foolish act in carrying it away. It was also their duty to have informed the police. The case was dismissed.

CHILDREN AS BEER MESSENGERS. THE LEGALITY OF RECENT ACTION. A meeting of the Rhyl and District Licensed Victuallers' and Beer Sellers' Association was held at Abergele on Tuesday evening, under the chairmanship of Mr. E. S. Foster, the vice- president. In the course of a few remarks Mr. J. R. Rae (National Trade Defence Fund, Chester) dealt with the subject of assessments, the sale of drink to children, and the Royal Commission. The question of assessments has recently been raised in an acute form at Rhyl, attempts having been made on the part of the overseers to increase the assessment of several houses on the strength of large prices paid for them, and it is satisfactory to note that the action of the association has resulted in sub- stantial reductions being obtained on appeal to the Assessment Committee. In regard to the sale of drink to children, Mr. Rae remarked that it was with regret that he noticed in the news- papers that the Rhyl Bench had thought it necessary to threaten the trade with serious consequences.' Considering the manner in which the trade of the district generally had met the wishes of the magistrates in this matter, he thought the remarks of the chairman of the Rhyl bench were perfectly uncalled for. He pointed out that there was no law to prevent the sale of drink to children sent as messengers for its consumption off the premises. In fact, he rather doubted whether a publican could legally refuse to supply in such cases. At any rate, they as a trade had made it clear that they had no wish to entice children to their houses. They had repudiated through their organisations everywhere the offering of in- ducements in the form of sweets and toys, &c.; and they did not believe that except in one or two isolated cases such in- ducements were ever offered.—(Hear, hear.) The evidence laid before the Royal Commission had shewn that throughout the whole country the trade was a respectably conducted one, and that there was no ground for the baseless charges made against them by teetotal fanatics. He was very much mistaken if the finding of the Royal Commission did not make this perfectly clear. In conclusion, he urged the necessity for every member of the trade connecting himself with" the local association. One other matter he might briefly refer to, and that was the attempt being made in the Abergele district to compel licence holders to take six-day licences. The Bench had no right to legislate; it was their duty to administer the law as they found it, and he hoped that every member of their association would firmly set his face against any unfair attempt to attack their trade.

Mr. J. Coates, jun., of Ferguslie House, Paisley, has sent a donation of £1,000 to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, to mark his opinion of the conduct of those who have lately been attempting to bring dis- credit on its management, and to assist in j making up the loss to its funds caused by such conduct. He will also double his annual subscription to the local secretary.

CHESHIRE LADY'S SAD END. ♦ EVIDENCE OF MR. ASHTON. AN OPEN VERDICT. The adjourned inquest on Mrs. Bryan, whose body was found on the L. and N.W. Railway line near Tring, on September 3, was interesting on Wednesday because of the evidence of Dr. Bryan, the husband, and of Mr. Harold Ashton, the lover. There were, however, no facts elicited which justified the jury in coming to any definite conclusion as to the cause of death, and so the inquiry ended with an open verdict. The case has been closelyfollowed locally because of the deceased lady's connection with Hes- wall. The guard of the train in which Mrs. Bryan travelled, in answer to a question by Mr. Hep- worth, who appeared for the executors oi the deceased, said the train slowed down to about 15 miles an honr at Roade, and it would be possible for an expert to jump off the train, but it would be a jump in the dark. A guard named McGregor, who was asked the same question, replied, Only a fool would jump off a traia going at 15 miles an hour.' Mr. Haines, platform inspector at Northamp- ton, was closely questioned by Mr. Phillips, who represented Dr. Bryan, but persisted that it would be possible for a person to get out on the footboard and close the door again before jump- ing off. He did not think it would be possible for a man to leave the carriage at Northampton without being observed in the half minute that elapsed before the discovery was made. Inspector Smart, detective sergeant in the employment of the London and North-Western Railway Company, produced the articles found in the compartment. Among them were a Nuttall's Dictionary and two hymn books. Dr. John Morgan Bryan, the husband of the deceased lady, was then called. He said he was married 12 years ago. His wife was 17 when he married her, and he was over 40. In 1893 there was some trouble between them. The Coroner: Were you to blame for that trouble or was she ?—I was. Afterwards she left him for a short time, but sinee her return they had lived on the best of terms. Do you know Mr. William Harold Ashton ? —I am sorry to say I do. I made his acquaint- ance, I think, a year last Christmas. A strong friendship was struck up between Mrs. Bryan and Mr. Ashton, which afterwards ripened into an attachment. About a year ago the doctor became acquainted of the terms on which they were. Previous to that time Mr. Ashton was a reporter at Northampton. Later he left that situation, ostensibly to better his position. Is it not a fact that about the time he left your wife made an attempt on her life ?-No, I do not look at it in that way. She was subject to a very weak heart, and was in the habit of taking strychnine as a tonic and pick-me-up. Was it administered by your advice ?-Yes: but I am sorry to say she used to help herself sometimes and take a few drops of solution. I had warned her against doing it. I think she took a few more drops than she meant to do. That was a year last August, before the de- parture of Mr. Ashton. She was very unwell. Between then and the end of July this year was she in the habit of stopping away from home a good deal ?- Yea. Northampton did not suit her. She was never well there. Dr. Bryan, continuing, said he always knew where his wife was, and was always in constant communication with her. There had never been any question of separation between them. When she left for Eastbourne they parted on affectionate terms, and he received a letter next day, also in affectionate terms. He had never seen Mr. Ashton after the latter left Northampton. He was aware that his wife had been in communication with Mr. Ashton, and he had endeavoured to stop it. She did not go with the intention of meeting Mr. Ashton. In the first letter she wrote there was net a word about Mr. Ashton. Was there anything about separation in the letter ?-No, I don't think ao. I must press you on that point.—My memory is not good now, but so far as I recollect there was nothing about Mr. Ashton. Did the letter shew that she was in a dis- turbed state of mind ?-l really now do not recollect. A letter was here handed to the doctor. The Coroner Do you still think there was no question of separation between you ?-I do not think she bad said anything about it, but she may have done. The coroner read the letter, which was written by Dr. Bryan in answer to one from his wife, beginning I don't know how to act.' It was dated September 1, 1897, and read— Your letter card just received. You say you don't know how to act. I will tell you. Come back when you leave Eastbourne to your home. Nothing is known. There is no necessity to separate. You will have peace here if you can get rid of morbid fancies.—Ever your husband. I want to know the state of mind in which you imagine your wife to have been when you received the letter to which that was a reply. There must have been some question of separa- tion between you, surely ?—Her mind was dis- turbed with regard to Mr. Ashton. I received several letters from her while she was away. The last arrived on the morning after her death. A letter was next read from Mrs. Bryan to her husband:— I am a little uncertain whether I get back to- night or to-morrow. Mrs. Ashton came here and insulted me. You have always proved my best friend, and I am deeply grieved to have pained you. I will explain everything when we meet. I was misled, that is all, and before God I am sorry let me send yon one word of love, and believe it. I am sorry I did not go to Devon with Amy. Give her my love. I expect I shall be back before this letter arrives.—With love, yours, HILDA. Further examined, Dr. Bryan said he had never seen the umbrella found in the train before. He was sure it did not belong to his wife, and it was not his property. He wrote to Mrs. Ashton the day that Mrs. Bryan left, I and asked her to try and influence her son to put an end to the acquaintance. William Harold Ashton was next called. He I said he lived at 11, Electric Avenue, Brixton. His home was at Spaldwick, Hunts. He was a journalist employed in London. He left Northampton for London on November 9 last year. He first made Mrs. Bryan's acquaintance about two and a half years ago. He could not say when the friendship ripened into attach- ment. It might have been a few months after their first acquaintance. He believed Mrs. Bryan became equally attached to him. He was 23 years of age, and had at Northampton frequent opportunities of meeting her. He left Northampton in November last year, and he believed Mrs. Bryan was very much cut up. The day on which she took an overdose of strychnine was that on which he had told her he was going to London. Did she, when she found you were leaving Northampton, threaten to commit suicide ?— On that evening she said a lot of incoherent things. I could not say whether she did or did not. He met her when she was staying at Catford, and they discussed what was the right thing for her to do. She said she would go back to her husband, at any rate for a time, to see whether she could stand it. She was very unhappy at home. Was there any question of separation ?—She wanted to get a separation, and had written to her husband on the subject. Mr. Ashton received a telegram from her on the night of her death telling him to meet her at Charing Cross. He could not do so, and she called at his office. She was more than usually quiet. She told him his mother had been to see her, and she was going home that night. Did she say why ?-Yes, she said she could not ruin my life, and she could not break her mother's heart. Mr. Phillips You are a friend of the husband as well as the wife ?—Yes. I know him very well indeed. And he never horsewhipped you ?-No. By Mr. Coles: Dr. Bryan had asked him to take her out, and said he would be pleased if he would cheer her up a bit. A Juror desired to know whether the inter- course was platonic or illicit. The Coroner seemed a little puzzled at the question, but said it did not bear upon the inquiry in the least. He did not think it necessary that Mr. Ashton should answer it. At the same time, if he chose to take the oppor- tunity of answering it, he might do so. Witness did not respond to the offer. Mrs. Ashton (mother of the last witness), who was next examined, said she knew nothing of the attachment between her son and deceased till she received Dr. Bryan's letter. She went to Eastbourne and saw Mrs. Bryan. She said she came from Dr. Bryan and from Harold, and implored her to leave Harold alone. Such a close friendship between them was injurious to Harold and to her. Mrs. Bryan got very angry when she told her she was so much older than Harold, which she then thought was true. Mra. Bryan said if she heard from Harold's own lips that he wished the friendship to be ended, it should end. While Mrs. Ashton was there a telegram arrived which very much upset Mrs. Bryan, who said, however, that it was not from Harold. After Mrs. Ashton got home a note came from Mrs. Bryan. It read If you have misjudged me I forgive you. God does not judge as men judge. I go back to Northamp- ton to-day." In the end the jury found a verdict that there was no evidence to shew how Mrs. Bryan came by her death.

MR. G. WYNDHAM ON SOUTH AFRICA. 4 Mr. George Wyndham, M.P., was the principal speaker at a mass meeting at Newport on Friday night to discuss British interests in South Africa. Lord Tredegar, who presided, observed that the vital question of British interests in South Africa would probably cause the rise and fall of Governments. Mr. Wyndham said the South African Associa- tion had arranged nightly meetings for the next three months, and had forty applications which they had not met. That shewed that this great nation had awakened to the fact of its Empire. During the last two years 62,000 whites had emigrated from Great Britain to South Africa. In the course of sixty years the civilised area in South Africa had extended from 28,000 to 975,000 square miles, and trade bad increased from 1580,000 to £ 36,000,000. The political disunion of the continent resulted in the dislocation of industrial and commercial interests in South Africa. The Transvaal was abominably misgoverned, and the franchise question was one of the most pressing problems calling for solution, while the only practical policy for South Africa was one of commercial federation with Great Britain.

FAILURE OF A CHESTER BUTCHER. ♦ The first meeting of the creditors of Wm. Henry Hull, 25, Eastgate Row (North), Chester, butcher, lately carrying on business at 14, Market Hall, who filed his petition on September 4th, was held at the Crypt Chambers, Eastgate-street Row, on Friday morning. The Assistant Official Receiver (Mr. Williams) presided, and debtor was represented by Mr. Gamon, junr. (Messrs. Parry, Gamon, and Farmer). Debtor's state- ment of affairs shewed a deficiency of R223 2s Debtor attributes his position to inexperience, want of capital, and bad trade during the year. The Official Receiver's observations on the case were that the bankrupt was 29 years of age, and for the past two years had been carrying on business as a butcher at the Market Hall, Chester. He started business with a borrowed capital of z620, and in a few weeks afterwards he had a further overdraft of R30. The bankrupt had scheduled 33 unsecured creditors, whose claims amounted to 9"115 4s. 8d. There was one partly secured creditor for E49, who also claimed in respect of money lent, and with whom an endowment policy for £100 had been de- posited. Bankrupt said he was aware of his insolvency six months ago, and had contracted fresh debts with that knowledge. He had kept cash books, ledgers, and day books, but did not appear to have made any balance sheets or annual statements of his assets and liabilities. The only asset was the furniture. In answer to Mr. Dodd, butcher, and Mr. Price, butcher(credi- tors), debtor admitted selling his shop fixtures the day before he filed his petition for R12. He put the money in the bank to reduce an over- draft. He bad borrowed R57 from money- lenders, and had paid ClO as interest, and was still owing £ 49. Questioned about his business, debtor said he sold five or six sheep a week on an average. The meeting was eventually closed. The public examination will take place on the 5th October at the Chester Castle.

THE FATAL ACCIDENT TO A TRANMERE GENTLEMAN. —♦ SCBNE AT THE INQUEST. Before Mr. H. Churton, coroner of Birken- head, an inquest was held on Tuesday, touching the death of William E. Carnon, 50 years old, who lived at 55, Willowbank-road, Devonshire Park, Tranmere, who died on Sunday from the result of a street accident on the 1st inst. Mr. F. S. Moore appeared for the relatives of deceased, and Mr. P. Hughes (Messrs. Thomp- son, Hughes, and Mathieson) represented Messrs. Davies and Son, car proprietors.—Dr. Pearson, senior house surgeon at the Borough Hospital, stated that deceased was admitted te the institution on the 1st inst. He was suffer- ing from a compound fracture of the left leg, the bone being very badly smashed. Dirt had also got into the wound, and this set up suppuration. On the 15th inst. it was found necessary to amputate the limb, and death ensued on Sunday at the hospital. William Henry Ameer, cab proprietor. Higher Tranmere, stated that on the evening of the 1st instant he was near Woodside Ferry, and saw the deceased crossing from the direction of the Woodside Station to Hamilton-street. It was raining very badly at the time, and deceased bad his umbrella up in front of him. When near the Railway Receiving Office he was knocked down by a waggonette drawn by three horses coming with passengers from the agricultural showyard. He appeared to walk right into the conveyance. The wheels passed over his legs, and witness and others carried him to the parcel office, where he stated several timeli that it was a pure accident. He was removed in an ambulance to the Borough Hospital, and requested witness to telephone to a constable at Tranmere to break the news to Mrs. Carnon as quietly as possible. Mr. F. S. Moore at this point asked the coroner's permission- to call deceased's son, to whom he had made a statement as to the accident.—The Coroner: Who are you ? I don't know you.—Mr. Moore: I am a solicitor. I have appeared before you on previous occasions. The Coroner I think it is a great impertinence for a young man like you to come forward at this moment.—Mr. Moore: I was only asking your permis- sion to call deceased's son, and I think I did it politely.—The Coroner I think it very im- pertinent for any young man to come here and try to upset the jury's mind by some hearsay statement he has no right to make.—Mr. Moore I don't think you heard me, sir. I was only asking you to hear the son of the deceased.— The Coroner I have heard enough, and I don't want to hear you again; and if you interfere with me much longer I shall shew you which door to go through.—Mr. Moore: Oh, I am going now, sir.—The Coroner: Very well; I will not have my business interfered with. We cannot get beyond the fact that it was an accident.—Several of the jury intimated that they would like to hear the evidence of the deceased's son, but the Coroner thought it was not necessary to call him, and ultimately a verdict of Accidental death' was returned.

AN INSUBORDINATE SEAMAN.—Robert Farrell, a seaman gunner on the torpedo destroyer Thrasher, pleaded guilty at Devonport, on Saturday, to striking Petty Officer West, and threatening Sub-Lieutenant Arbuth- not. The accused, who previously bore a good character, was sentenced to one year's imprisonment. TENDERS FOR SILK NECKERCHIEFS.—Being under the necessity of placing an order for 50,000 black silk neckerchiefs, for the use of the men of the Royal Navy, the Board of Admiralty have decided to give the contract to an English firm-or, at all events, to offer home manu- facturers the first opportunity of tendering for the supply. In accordance with this decision, the leading weavers in Macclesfield have been invited to submit quotations. It is understood that the conditions are so framed that the kerchiefs must be made of pure unadulterated silk, and that what is known as loaded' fabric will not be accepted. It seems to be an open secret in the trade that the operation of 'loading,' as originally practised on the Con- tinent, has been to a very great extent adopted in England, owing to the exigencies of com- petition.

'A CHAT ON TEA Cups' is the title of a charming little 'Brochure,' published at Id., to be obtained at all Horniman's Agents. Sold in this locality by :—Chester Spencer, 36, Bridge- street; Co-operative Society; Turver, chemist; Woolley, confectioner Roberts, chemist. — Birkenhead: Dutton, chemist; Haywood, chemist; Hessler, grocer, &e. Co-operative Society.— Crewe: Eardley, bookseller; Ashfield, chemist.— lihuddlan: Roberts, grocer.—New Ferry: Fawcett, chemist. Hoylake Boustead, confectioner.— Oxton Taylor & Co., tea dealers. &c.-Upper Brighton Somerville, chemist. Winnington Co-operative Society.—West Kirby Atherton and Co.—Bromborough Pool: Co-operative Society. 2

HARVEST FESTIVALS. ST. OSWALD'S. The services at this church on Thursday were specially fine from a musical point of view, as the organ, which has been undergoing a process of renovation and repair, was used again for the first time at these services. The church lends itself admirably to decoration, and this work was well carried out. There were several services during the day, but the evening was the principal one, at which the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis were sung to Stainer in B flat. There was no anthem, but as a climax the Te Deum was sung to Garrett in D as an act of thanksgiving. The sermon in the evening was preached by the Rev. Stapleton Cotton. Mr. J. T. Dean presided at the organ. The thanks- giving services were continued on Sunday, when the offertories throughout the day were given to the Chester General Infirmary. ST. JOHN S. The annual harvest festival was held at St. John's, Chester, on Thursday evening. The fine old church had been tastefully decorated by a number of ladies. There was a large congrega- tion. The musical portion of the service was rendered by the choir in a manner deserving of nothing but commendation. The anthem was Praise the Lord, 0 Jerusalem' (Maunder). The lessons were read respectively by the Rev. G. C. Briggs (curate-in-charge of St. Barnabas) and W. Sparling (Upton), while the prayers were intoned by the Rev. Hicks (curate). The sernaon was preached by the Rev. J. N. Gourlie, formerly surate of St. John's, and now of Edinburgh. The other clergy present were the rettor (Canon Cooper Scott), the Revs. A. G. Child and F. Wansbrough (Burwardsley). BUNBURY. The harvest festival was held in the Parish Church on Tuesday. The afternoon and evening services were fully choral. The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis were sung to B. Tours in F, and Stainer's anthem Ye shall dwell in the land' was effectively rendered by the choir. The service in the afternoon was conducted by the Rev. W. A. Edwards, vicar, the lessons being read by the Revs. F. R. Wansbrough (Bur- wardsley) and W. H. Cogswell, D.D. (Wallasey). In the evening the vicar and the Rev. D. Edwards (Rbyl) read the lessons, and the service was intoned by the Rev. R. M. Jones (Rhyl). Appropriate sermons were preached by the Revs. W. H. Cogswell and D. Edwards to large congregations. The church was beauti- fully decorated by the following :-Miss Bailey, Miss Dutton, the Misses Cawley, Mrs. and Miss Parker, Miss L. Woodward, Miss Kirkpatrick, the Rev. W. and Mrs. Heath, Mr. Neal and Mr. Mossford. Plants and flowers were received from Haughton Hall, Foxdale, Peckforton Castle, The Oaklands, Tilstone Lodge, Spring- field and Priestland, while an abundant supply of corn, vegetables, roots and fruit were sent by farmers and others in the neighbourhood. Mr. J. Morris Taylor presided at the organ. BUCKLEY. The harvest festival at St. Matthew's Church was held on Tuesday, which was the anniver- sary of the dedication of St. Matthew's Church, in the year 1822. The church was very taste- fully decorated by the following :—Altar, Mrs. Drew pulpit, Mrs. F. W. Prince; organ, Miss Tyson; lectern, Miss Jacobs and Miss Price; font, Miss N. Gibson and Miss Florrie Gregory choir stalls, Mrs. G. A. Parry and Miss Aggie Gregory; clergy vestry, Miss Kate Jones; lamp and windows, Mrs. Hayes Jones and Mrs. Usher, assisted by Mr. J. Hayes Jones (verger) and Mr. John Short (vicarage gardener). There was a crowded congregation at the evening service, when the Rev. S. E. Gladstone preached from St. John vi., 27. The Rev. Harry Drew (vicar) intoned the service, and the newly- appointed curate, the Rev. W., Parry de Winton Kitcat, read the lessons. The choir, which was augmented by some members of the Hawarden choir, rendered the singing in an excellent manner. Mr. R. W. Pringle (organist of Hawarden Church) presided at the organ, and Mr. James Griffiths also accompanied the hymns on the cornet, in addition to the organ, an arrangement which had a most pleasing effect. BICKERTON. On Tuesday evening the annual thanksgiving service for the ingathering of the harvest was held in the Parish Church of Holy Trinity. The sacred edifice had been prettily decorated by the following ladies:—Mrs. and Miss Brassey, Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Haswell; and Mr. C. Whitting- ham. The service was fully choral, the vicar (the Rev. J. Melville Hall) intoning the prayers, and the rural dean (Canon Royds) reading the lessons. The musical portion of the seevice was effectively rendered by the choir. The anthem was "I'he Lord is loving' (G. M. Garrett). An excellent sermon was preached by the Rev. M. G. Graham, late of Malpas. CONNAH'S QUAY. On Monday and Tuesday evenings the mem- bers of the Welsh Congregational Church held their annual harvest thanksgiving service. At each of the services special hJmns were sung, Mr. H. Lloyd conducting. The services were attended by large congregations. KELSALL. The harvest festival was held in St. Philip's Church, on Tuesday evening, when the sacred edifice was crowded. As usual the church was beautifully decorated, the work being under- taken by the following ladies :—Mrs. Atkinson, the Misses Maddock (2), the Misses Turner (2), Mrs. Clarke, the Misses Lightfoot (2), and Mr.' Atkinson, while Mr. J. Tomkinson, of the Wil- lingtons, sent a choice collection of plants. The service, which was fully choral, commenced with the processional hymn Come, ye thankful people, come.' The anthem was All Thy works praise Thee,' which was beautifully rendered by the united choirs of Tarvin and Kelsall. The special Psalms were the 147th, 149th, and 150th, which were sung to chants by Walmsley, Woodward, and Humphreys. The preacher was the Rev. E. S. Richardson, vicar of St. Matthew's, Bolton, who delivered an excellent sermon from the text The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.' The col- lection, which amounted to X4 3s., will be divided between the Roof Restoration Fund and the Sunday School Fund. The following clergy took part in the service: The Revs. T. J. Evans (vicar), B. N. Atkinson, S. Cory (Duddon), and A. H. Heygate (Ashton Hayes). SAUGHALL. The harvest festival was held at St. Bartholo- mew's on Wednesday evening, when so large a congregation assembled that many parishioners had to return home, owing to lack of accommoda- tion. The sermon was preached by the Rev. U. H. Allah, M.A., who was formerly curate-in- charge of St. Bartholomew's, and who was a general favourite not only among Church people, but among the Nonconformists. The decorations, as usual, were pretty in the ex- treme. ALDFORD. The harvest thanksgiving service was held in the Methodist New Connexion Chapel, Aldford, on Thursday evening, the service being con- ducted by the Rev. W. Hall, of Chester. The chapel was tastefully decorated by the following: Mrs. Astbury, Mrs. Cuffin, Mrs. Bowker, Mrs. Lewis, and Miss M. Cotton. Mrs. Mullock, of Poulton, kindly gave a cheese, other members of the congregation giving eggs, butter, bread, honey, fruit, vegetables, and flowers. Mr. S. Thomas presided at the harmonium. TARVIN. The annual harvest festival was held on Wednesday evening. The preacher was the Rev. Edward Bryans, rector of Minchinhamp- ton, eldest son of the Rev. W. Bryans, for many years vicar of Tarvin. The service was fully choral, and opened with the well-known hymn All people that on earth do dwell.' The Rev. B. N. Atkinson intoned the prayers, the Rev. J. Cory read the first lesson, and the Vicar the second lesson, after which the special harvest anthem, All Thy works praise Thee, 0 God' (Caleb Simper), was splendidly rendered by the choir, the soprano solos being admirably sung by Miss R. Sherwin. Praise is due to Mr. Wilkes (choirmaster) and to Mrs. Wilkes (organist) for the musical part of the service. The Rev. E. L. Bryan in his sermon said he esteemed it a great privilege to stand in that pulpit once more, after so many years of absence. Tarvin Church was 4car to him in a peculiar sence-more than any other place could be, and he was glad to see such a large congregation gathered to give thanks for the bountiful harvest. The church was tastefully decorated by Mrs. Evans, Miss Frewin, Miss Stottenhoff, Miss Ankers, Miss Robinson, Miss Fauster, Miss G. Howcroft, Miss Lea (of Stapleford Hall), the Misses Smith, the Misses Wright, Miss Handley, Miss Shur- rock, Miss Ball, Miss Howcroft, Miss Sherwin, the Misses Egginton, Miss Robinson. Flowers and fruit were sent by Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Dodd, Mrs. G. Johnson, Mr. J. Roberts, Mrs. A. Wright, and Mrs. Beckett; while Mr. S. Wilson contributed a small haystack. The beautiful plants which were placed around the altar and choir stalls were kindly lent by Mrs. Frewin The collection realised £ 5 7s., and will be divided between the Chester Infirmary and the Diocesan Societies. WHITCHURCH. Harvest thanksgiving services were held at the parish church on Thursday. The church was full at the evening service, the clergy present being the Revs. W. H. Egerton (rector), A. H. Talbot (Provost of Denston), E. D. Holditch, J. L. Vincent, G. R. Plant, and G. H. C. Moir. The Rev. E. D. Holditch read the first lesson, and the rector the second, the prayers being intoned by the Revs. Plant and Vincent. During the service special hymns were sung, the anthem being Sing a song of praise' (by Sir John Stainer). The sermon was preached by the Rev. A. H. Talbot, the text being taken from Mathew iii., 12. KINNERTON. This was held on Thursday evening, the church for the occasion being tastefully and neatly decorated, and looking extremely effective. Pot plants were sent by Mr. Collinge, Mr. Beckett, and Mr. Evans (Post Office). The chief decorators were Mrs. Trampleasure, the Misses Cannon, Miss Bletcher, Miss Price Davies, and Mrs. Shingler, the three latter undertaking the dressing of the lamps. The service was very hearty, Miss Collinge singing Bunnett's Nunc Dimittis as a solo very sweetly. The Rev. Chaplin Wilkinson preached an excellent sermon to a crowded congregation on goodness. On Sunday afternoon a festal children's service was held in conjunction with the above, the Rev. J. C. Trampleasure officiating. Collections at both services were divided between the Chester Infirmary and the medical charity of the district. FRODSHAM. Successful harvest festival thanksgiving ser- vices were held in the Union Church, Frodsham Bridge, on Sunday, when sermons, appropriate to the festival season, were ably preached by the Rev. E. Herbert Hooper, the newly- appointed pastor. The interior of the church was beautifully adorned with harvest produce, fruit, and exquisite flowers, in a very artistic style, by members of the congregation, and were much admired by those present. Special hymns, &c., were sung by the augmented choir. In the afternoon, a children's service was con- ducted by the Rev. J. Osborne, B.A., of Runcorn, who gave an address, and the special hymns were well sung by the juveniles, great credit being due to Mr. C. H. Hibbertt for his evident labour in preparing them. The collections were in aid of the Sunday School fund. The first of the annual harvest festival thanksgiving services was observed in the Iron Church, Frodsham, on Thursday evening. The interior of the sacred edifice presented a very pretty appearance, being beautifully decorated with harvest produce, flowers, fruit, and evergreens. The following ladies were responsible for the decorations :-The Misses Ashley, N. Wilkinson, A. Wilkinson, A. Teare, G. Edwards, A. B. Edwards, A. Robinson, Alice Barrow, and Annie Barrow. Burstall's cathedral responses were used, and the service, which was fully choral, was intoned by the Rev. W. T. Dickinson, senior curate, while the Rev. H. B. Blogg, M.A., vicar, read the two lessons. An appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev. A. Spafford, of Birkenhead, late vicar of Helsby, his text being taken from St. Mark, iv. chap.—' Firat the blade, then the ear, and then the full corn in the ear.' The musical portion of the service was very effective, the efficient choir, under the conductorship of Mr. C. H. Hibbertt, choirmaster and organist, being heard to excellent advantage. The anthem, Ye shall dwell in the land' (Stainer), was finely rendered, solos being well sung by Mr. John Holland, sen. (bass), and Miss Terry (soprano). Special harvest hymns were sung, O God of Abraham, praise' being the pro- cessional, and Onward, Christian soldiers' the recessional. The collection was in aid of the Chester Infirmary and the Parochial Nurse Fund. The service was continued on Sunday evening, the church being packed. The Rev. A. P. Alexander, vicar of Alvanley, preached, and special hymns and services were again taken. The collection was for church expenses.

THE DEE MUSSEL FISHERY. 0 DEPLETING THE BEDS. On Friday, at Neston Petty Sessions, Superintendent Simpson, of the River Dee Fishery Board, brought a prosecution against John Jones, Samuel Taylor, and John Ball, three Hoylake fishermen, for a contravention of the Dee mussel bye-laws. In his evidence the prosecutor stated that on Friday, the 10th inst., he found the three defendants gathering mussels with a rake when the mussel beds were not covered with at least 4ft. of water as provided by bye-law B.' He further stated that there were about 93 persons gathering mussels on the beds at the time. Most of these fishermen in a legitimate way were able to procure about three bags per tide. The defendants, however, came with a cart on to the dry bank, at half-past two, and in less than half an hour they had procured three bags, making a clear space in the bed of from three to four square yards. Defendants, on noticing witness, laid down the rakes, which he seized. He also took their names and addresses. Police-Supt. McDonnel proved previous convictions against the defendants, and ultimately they were each fined 10s. and 8s. 6d. costs, the seized rakes being also forfeited.

A BROTHER AND HIS WRONGED SISTER. «. LOCAL ASSAULT CASE. At Chester Castle Petty Sessions, on Saturday, William Williams, labourer, Wrexham-road Cottages, who is a married man with four children, summoned Thomas Youd, stated to be a public-house manager at Liverpool, for assault. Mr. E. S. Giles was for the com- plainant, and Mr. Brassey was for the defence. Mr. Giles stated that on Tuesday evening week complainant, who had been ill in bed, was called out of his house by Youd, whom he did not then recognise. Youd asked him if he knew anything about a young woman being in disgrace. Complainant replied that he knew nothing about it, whereupon Youd remarked I know something about it' and immediately hit him on the face and head several times. There was a rumour that Youd's sister was in disgrace, and it bad been suggested that Williams was the cause of it. He denied the accusation, but whether it were true or not, Youd had no right to assault him. — Complainant, in his evidence, said he worked for Mr. Edward Randies, farmer, Two Miles House.— Cross-examined: Defendant's sister had not made any application to him. The young woman was a friend of his wife's, and he had taken her home at night, but' innocently.' No complaint had been made to him about the young woman's condition, but he had heard through his wife that there was a rumour in the neighbourhood that he was the cause of her condition. Defendant before striking him said he had caused his sister's condition. 0 He (com- plainant) replied that he did not know anything about it.—Dr. Williams, Pulford, having given evidence as to complainant's bruises, Mr. Brassey said he presumed that after what the Bench had heard they would anticipate the time when the present com- plainant would make his appearance as a defendant, with Youd's sister as the plaintiff. It was a great pity sometimes that Stone's Justices' Manual' did not occasionally permit the magistrates to return the good old verdict of Serve him right.' Defendant had no right to take the law into his own hands, but he was naturally indignant about the rumours that had been made, and went to thrash complainant on that account.—The Bench fined defendant 5s. and costs, but refused to allow anything for the doctor.

COURTING THE DAIRYMAIDS. -The Cample- town police report that on Saturday two masons, named Niel McArthur and John Campbell, were shot under a misapprehension by a farmer, on his farm, near Campletown. The two lads were courting the dairymaids, and on the farmer coming upon the. scene they scrambled to the top of an outhouse. Believing they were burglars the farmer fired his gun, wounding them both severely in the back. He was arrested, but admitted on bail. THROAT AFFECTIONS AND HOHtSENJ.;ss.-BROWN'S BRON- CHIAL TROCHES, which have proved so successful in America for the cure of Coughs, Colds, Hoarseness, Bronchitis, Asthma, Catarrh, or any irritation or soreness of the throat, are now imported and sold in this country at Is. 1A. per box. Put up in the form of a lozenge, it is the most convenient, pleasant, safe, and sure remedy for clearing and strengthening the voice in the world. No family should be without them. The genuine have the words "BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES" on the Govern- ment stamp around each box.—London Depot, 33, Far- ringdon-road, and of all Patent Medicine Vendors.