The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

A MOLLIXGTOtf FATALITY. WOMAN KILLED BY A BICYCLE. A fatal cycle accident occurred on the Parkgato- road at Mollington on Wednesday morning, the 1 1 victim being Mary Peers, a widow aged seventy- six, residing at Mollington. It appears that Mr. Charles Seddon, salt merchant, Chester, while riding in the direction of Parkgate, saw the old woman in the road gathering manure. As he ap- proached-her he rang his bell and she made across the road. Unfortunately, however, she seemed to hesitate, and turned right round in the way of the machine, with the result that the wheel of the bicycle struck her in the side and she was< thrown heavily to the ground. The cyclist at once dismounted, and, assisted by Mr. Joseph Lancelotte, a florist, carried the woman into her house, which was only a few yards away, and summoned medical atsistance. Dr. Taylor, jun., of Chester, promptly arrived, and found that the unfortunate woman had sustained a serious scalp wound at the back of the head. he was un- conscious, and died shortly afterwards. The \v est Chesnire Coroner (Mr. J. C. Bate) held an iiiquc.-i. on the bouy at the Wneac toheai Inn, Mollington, on Thursday. -Vir. i?. Turner, solicitor, appeared on benait ol Mr. toeudon! Before evidence was called, the Coroner read a statement which had beer, made to the police by Mr. Seddon. it was to the eilect tnat ne saw a woman picking manure on the road, her back being turned to him. He rang his bell and tried to pass her, when she made a sudden move towards tae centre of the road as it to get out of his way, and then suddenly moved back in his direction and faced him. bicycle caught her iii 11onL ana knocked her dovvii. lie atterwards htlped to convey her vo her house and sent tor medical aid..The Coroner added that there was no otner witness of the accident but Mr. Seddon, I and it was for the jury to say whether any blame was attributable to him. „ vonn reers, ciecea-iwi 3 son, gave evidence of ideutiticac.on, and said his mother's hearing and sight were comparatively good for her age. Ci.arles Sodden, 1, Gorse. Stacks, Chester, said on ednesday morning, shortly before eleven o'clock, he was cycling along the Parkgaie-road at Mollington towards Parkgate. When near the turning at the junction of the road leading to Mollington fetation he overtook and parsed a- coal cart, and almost immediately after regaining his proper side of the road he saw the deceased about twenty yards ahead gathering manure in the centre of the road, almost opposite her cot- tage. Her back was turned to him. Witness was r.ding at a slow pace, but could not say at what speed he was travelling. He rang his bell incessantly, but deceased did not take any notice. She was a little to the left of the centre of the road, and he attempted to pass her on the left side. When he got near her she first made a move as if to go on the other side of the road, but immediately turned round in front of him. _he inevitable result was that his wheel caught her and knocked her down. She fell in a sitting position at first, and then rolled over on the back ot her head. He dismounted, and found that her head was bleeding, \v.th the assistance oi the coal-cart driver, who just then came on the scene, and Mr. Lancelotte, who lived near the spot, he carried her to her and summoned a doctor by Mr. Gibbons Frost's telephone. By Mr. Turner: He had been a cyclist for over forty years, and never had an accident of any kind before. He was riding at a slow pace on this occ.u.cn, as it took him 25 minutes to cover the three miles from Chester, and there was a head wind. T oosepn tLariam, coal carter, employed by Mr. John Jones, deposed that Mr. Seddon overtook his cart 150 yards before he reached the decea.-ed. When he turned the cornor he saw Mr. Seddon holding the old woman up. When Mr. Seddon passed witneog he was riding very slowly, about five or six miles an hour. Dr. J. G. Taylor, Chester, said he attended deceased a few minutes after eleven o'clock, and found her unconscious, and suffering from a'scalo wound on the left side of her hcad. The wound was such as would have been caused by a fall backwards. Deceased was aiso suffering greatly from shock, and was :n a dying condition. She must have fallen on the ground with considerable force, and received some impetus. Death was due to shock. Joseph Lancelotte, Rose Cottage, Mollingtcn, al-o gave evidence. ° The Coroner having commented on the sad circumstances of the old woman's death, the jury found a verdict of "Accidental death," and exonerated Mr. Seddon from any blame. Mr. Turner expressed his client's deep regret at the accident and sympathy with the deceased's relatives.

As FULT. OF FRAGRANCE AS THE MONTH OF MAY can truly be said of "Horniman's Pure Tea," it being exclusively composed of the young spring blossoms. It aids digestion, invigorates the system, and is the t)estand cheapest. Sold bv:— Chester Davies and Shepheard, Bridge-st. Row; Co-op. Society; Cryer, 25. Christleton-rnad Ankers, C, City-road; Holhorn Restaurant. 29, Foregate- street. Neston: Lee, chemist. Little Sutton Swindells, baker. Tarvin Langford. grocer. Birkenhead Haywood, chemist. Rhuadlan Roberts, grocer. New Ferry: Faweett, chemist. Upper Brighton Somerville. Bromborough Pool: Co-operative Society. Mynvdd Isa Co-operative Society. Tattenhall Wilcox, grocer. Mold Junction: Co-operative Society. Queen's Ferry Spark's Stores. Hooie Jones & Davies. bakers.

FLOWER-PICKING AT EATON. « DUKE'S KINDNESS ABUSED. STRONG REMARKS FROM THE BENCH. At the Chester Castle Petty Sessions, on Saturday morning, before Mr. Horace D. Trelawnyand other magistrates, William Taylor and Herbert Long- bottom, both of Blackpool, were summoned for maliciously destroying primroses and cowslips growing in a garden, the property of the Duke of Westminster, at Eaton, on May 12th. Long- bottom only appeared, and produced a letter stat- 'ing that Taylor was confined to his bed, also a medical certificate. Longbottom denied the offence.—Mr. E. S. Giies, the prosecuting solici- tor, said this case would have oonie on for hearing at the last court when other offenders were dealt with had it not been necessary to check the ac- curacy of the addresses they gave. The summons was taken out uuder the Malicious Damages Act. Mr. Britton, a ledge-keeper at Eaton wouid tell their worships that he saw the defendants pluck- ing cowslips in tr.e neighbourhood of Coacnmere Lodge. William Britton, the lodge-keeper at Coach- mere Lodge, Eaton, stated that on "te 12tji May he saw excursionists in several parries (",11r.g from the direction of the Iron Bridge. Some were running over the lawn on the leit-hand side of the road, and others were on the opposite side pulling cowslips and primroses. He took the name of Taylor, and Goodson, a keeper, brougnt to him Longbottom, whose name witness took. They gave correct addresses. Both had a bunch of primroses and cowslips. There would be about twenty altogether in the party with which i efen- dants were. Mr. Giles at this stage read a letter addies-ed to the steward at Eaton, and purporting to be signed by W. Taylor. The letter had apo.1r3.1tly been written from the Liberal Club, Blackpool, and also bore the address, "Regent-street, Black- pool." The writer urged that he had o intense n of doing any wrong, and mentioned that he was with a choir party who landed at the Iron e The letter continued, "We saw no notice t<. the contrary. In fact, a lady of the party asked cne of your .staff if we were all right walking on the grass, and he said 'Yes.' I am sorry it occur- red." The magistrates' clerk (Mr. Churton) ask id Mr. Giles how he contended it was a garden. Mr. Giles: It is absolutely enclosed. The Magistrates' Clerk: They must be ell:1 j vated plants, not wild ones.. Mr. Giles It is all enclosed. 0"1 e grass is kept mown, and the particular place whtrt- th-- flowers are actually grown is from time to time manured. The Magistrates' Clerk A field is manured. Mr. Giles said he could not call -t an orchard, and if geraniums were there it was a ganlo.i The Magistrates' Clerk: Yes, have you geraniums there? Mr. Giles put the question to the lodge-keeper, vvho stated that there were ornamental shrubs, in- eluding rhedodendrons, growing ther Mr. Giles: Is the whole of that piece bounded on the right by the hurdles winch keep be deer the other side Witness Yes. Then it is actually private ground ?—Yes. This concluded the evidence of the prosecution, and Longbottom explained to the Court that he had hIS defence written down by a Blackpool solicitor who was unable to be present. He would either read the statement or hand it in. lhe Defendant was then called into the witness box by the magistrates' clerk, who read a letter purporting to be from a solicitor, named Starkey. of Blackpool, explaining that he had written out the statement for the defence as he was unable to appear. Defendant then commenced to read the statement, whereupon Mr. G-iles asked what evidence there was that the statement had been prepared by a solicitor, or that ilr. btarkey even existed. He objected to nothing, but was it quite regular'! The Magistrates' Clerk ruled that Defendant had a right to read the statement, which practically constituted his speech. Defendant then proceeded with the reading of the statement, in which the legal aspects of tl,.e alleged offence were argued. 'lhe wnter sought to shew why no conviction could take place under certain sections of the Act. Defendant had got through several foolscap pages, when Tne Chairman (interrupting; asked: How many, more pages are there of that, because I think we have had enough? Defendant: Very little more. The Chairman: Really, I think you are gcpilio- the r.ght way to make the Duke shut up the grounds altogether. Defendant: Well, we did it in ignorance. The Magistrates Clerk: I cannot say he is not in order, sir. He h,, a perfect right to make a speech in writing. The Chairman A speech in writing lhe Magistrates' Clerk: A statement in writing. Mr. R. 1. Richardson: Would it not shorten it if Mr. Giles told us the section? 1 Mr. Giles It is none of the sections mentioned in that statement. The Magistrates' Clerk: It is under the 23rd section. Mr. Giles: Exactly; he has not touched upon that. • Mr. Richardson suggested that defendant should confine himself to the section. lhe Chairman: How many more pages are there Defendant: About a page left. It was decided to allow defendant to complete the reading of the statement, in which it was eon- tended that complainant had shewn no case. In conclusion, it was urged that there might have been a slight moral offence, but there was none against the law, as there was no damage to the reanty and no intention to damage. Cross-examined by Mr. Giles, defendant said it was h.s intention on arriving at the, iron Bridge to do no damage, and to enjoy the beautiful sur- roundings. Mr. G les: You went there to look at the cow- slips and primroses, among other things?—Yes. You will not be suipnsed to learn that a great many other people like to see them?—No doubt. if you pluck them. what is to happen to the other people who come afterwards?—it just de- pends upon whether you do it wilfully or not. Wo did it in ignorance. If you had known it was wrong you would not have Gone it?—No. The Cnaiiman D:dn't you see the notices?— No. The Chairman: Have you got eyes? Why, they are all over the piace. They are on the steamer. —I cioi; t remember them. AT*. {; ,I. .1-1 f nf _1 __L .11- _L J.t.L' '-JH_ 1IU1I1 UtJltMlUiUlL LI1(ll..o UIl rl- turning he did see oi,2 of the printed notices in the cabin of tue steamer. He believed there was another notice at the landing-stage at the Iron Bridge, but he did not notice it. Mr. G.les: What were you doing? Was there a young lady with you?—Well, we were enjoy.ng ourselves. Did you see anything else but this young lady? —Defendant laughingly made some rejoinder, whereupon the Chairman rebuked him with the remark. "It is no laughing matter." Further questioned, defendant admitted taking cowslips and primroses, as did also, he said, seven or e.ght of the party. They took only auffie ent for button-holes. M i\ Giles Did it occur to you that you were in private grounds?—There was no notice on the grass, which is usual. Mr. Giles: What is the good if you don't read them? Did you write a letter yourself?—Yes, to Mr. Britton, apologising, asking him if he could sec h s way to withdraw the case, and stating we were willing to pav the costs. Mr. Giles now addressed the Bench on the legal point raised. He said they were proceeding un- der section 23, which prescribed it an offence to damage "any plant, root, fruit or vegetable glowing in any garden.' He produced a mad bunch of cowslips, pulled up by tiie roots. Defendant denied that he pulled any flowers up by the roots. Mr. Giie; said a great deal of time, care and money was spent in keep ng thst part of the park mown and decorated with shrubs, and it was un- doubtedly a garden within the meaning of the section. It would be a shocking miscarriage of justice if Deonle were to be allowed to cro there I and destroy the flowers. The Magistrates' Clerk: It is not a question of right. It is a question of remedy. Mr. Giles sa d that the Duke of Westminster had made up his mind that if that sort of thing was allowed he must take the course he had pre- viously indicated After further legal argument, the Bench re- tired. Mr. Richardson remarking, "We want to stop it." On returning into court the Chairman said: We have gone into this case most thoroughly, and written down what we intend to sav. We find it is a fact that the place where the plants were damaged is a garden within the meaning of see- tion 23 of the Malicious Damage Act. 1861. We find the defendants did damage to the extent of cne shilling, and we fine defendants 5s. and costs. Had this occurred subsequent to what took place last week we certainly should have put a heavier fine on. It must be stopped, because we know that should this go on the. Duke threatens to shut up the grounds, and I don't, wonder at it. His Grace is k nrl enough to allow p^onle to roam over his grounds, and yet people will do what they are begged not to do, and that notwithstanding that there are notices all over the place.

HOT.T.OWAY'S OINTMENT AND PILL- and casualties incidental to youth may be safely treated by the use of these excellent Medicaments according to the printed directions folded round each pot and box. Nor is this Ointment alone applicable to external ailments; conjointly with the Pills it exercises -the most salutary influence in cheeking inflammations situated in the interior of the body when rubbed upon the back and chest it gives the most sensible relief in asthma, bronchitis, pleurisy, and threatening consumption. Holloway's remedies nre esy eeially serviceable in liver and stomach corn- plaints. For the cure of bad legs, all sorts of wounds, sores, and likewise scrofula and scorbutic affections, this Ointment produces a cooling and 0. soothing feeling moat acceptable to the sufferer.

CHESHIRE EDUCATION COMMITTEE I FIRST MEETING. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. [BY OUR OWN REPORTER.] The first meeting of tho newly-constituted com- mittee appointed by the Cheshire County Council to administer the Education Act, 1902. was held at the Crewe Arms Hotel, Crewe, on Wednesday. Prior to the commencement of the business. Col. Dixon said that on behalf of the County Council he welcomed most heartily the members who had been called in by the County Council to as^st them in carrying out the scheme. He believed they would do their utmost to help in efficiently discharging the education work of the county. He then moved that they appoint as their chair- man Mr. C. E. Thornycroft. (Hear, hear.) They all knew Mr. Thornycroft's excellent work as chair- man of the Technical Instruction Committee. Mr. Beeley, vice-chairman of the County Council, seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Thornyeroft thanked the committee for their confidence, and his Honour Judge Bradbury (Altrincham), replying on behalf of the co-opted members to Colonel Dixon's welcome, sa.d they felt it an honour to sit on the committee. They had been elected unanimously, and therefore they came there to serve no party and no particular interests, but to carry out the work loyally and without politics. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Roger Bate proposed the election of Dr. Hodgson (Crewe) as vice-chairman of the commit- tee. He said Dr. Hodgson had rendered immense service in the formation of the scheme from 00- ginning to end, and he thought the scheme had met with the universal approval of the county. (Hear, hear.) He trusted tuey met as a committee to work with the same efficiency and the same har- mony that characterised the meetings of the Council. (Hear, hear.) Dr. Hewitt (Northwich) seconded, expressing his confidence that Dr. Hodgson would discharge the duties of the office to the credit of the Council. They were sorry to part with Mr. Bate, who had conducted himself as vice-chairman of the Techni- cal Instruction Committee in a way that gave considerable pleasure to all. (Hear, hear.) The motion was unanimously agreed to. Dr. Hodgson, who was received with applause, remarked that he had pleaded with Mr. Bate not to withdraw from his old position, but for cer- tain reasons Mr. Bate had persisted in do.ng so. It would always be a pleasure to him (the speaker) to act under Mr. Thornycroft's chairmanship. Mr. Thornycroft's wonderful enthusiasm for educa- tion and his whole-souled interest in the work had always commended themselves to him. (Applause.) DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION. The Clerk (Mr. Reginald Potts) reported the ap- pointment by the County Councd of Mr. Richard P. Ward as director of educa.t.on for the county, at a salary of 1;750 per annum, with first-class traveil.ng and hotel expenses, to commence from the 1st July. FUTURE MEETINGS. Tho committee received an order of the County Council containing the delegation of powers to the committee and the directions of the Council as to place of meeting, quo mm and the proceedings of the committee, and the administration of the Act by means of sub-comm-ttees, also the powers and duties of the sub-committees. The Counc.l delegated to tho Education Committee all the powers and duties of the Act, execpt the power of raising a rate or borrowing money, subject to certain conditions, which were set forth in detail, it was suggested that the committee should meet quarterly at Crewe, unless otherwise ordered, the next occurring dates being the 9th July, 15th October, 14th January, and 14th April. There was cons.derable discussion as to the advisability of meeting monthly, Mr. Cheetham (Stalybridge) pointing out that the duties would be of a much more comprehensive character than those until now undertaken by the Technical Instruction Committee. It was, he said. inconceivable that they could do the work sat.sfactorily by holding only quarterly meetings. J udge Bradbury moved that the committee meet once a month. Mr. Cheetham seconded. The Chairman thought they were making a mis- take in advocating monthly meetings at tho present stage, It would be far better to leave it tor a time. They could hold supplemental meet- ings, fixing them as they were required. Judge Bradbury agreed, with the permission of Mr. Cheetham, to withdraw his motion and defer the quest.on. The quarterly dates mentioned were then agreed upon for the present. ADMINISTRATIVE SUB-COMMITTEES. Dr. Hewitt said that the regulat.ons regarding administrative sub committees involved a change in tne conduct of education in the Northw.ch dis- trict. The firm of Brunner, Mond and Co. had from the first rated themselves voluntarily to help secondary education in Northwich. and had for years contr.buted a sum of L82 annually for the purpose. Thi3 would be the last year in which they would subscribe that money, and they thought a most undesirable change had been made in separating Winnmgton and the parishes grouped with it from the Northwich urban dis- trict after all these yoars, and putting them in the rural district. Tiie.r school at Winnmgton was one of the best in the county, and they desired to re- tain their connection with Northwich in educa- tional matters. The Northwich Urban Council al-o thought undesirable what the scheme had laid down, namely, that there should be a separatu sub committee for Northwich and another for the townsh ps around Northwich. Ho moved that the comm ttee recommend to the County Council that the Northwich Union arca be divided into three, with Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich as the centres, for purposes of both secondary and elemen- tary education. Dr. Hewitt also questioned the wisdom of investing the sub-committees w.th all the powers the scheme proposed for them. He instanced the powers regard.ng the appoint- ment and dismissal of teachers and those relating to school attendance, and said it was very unde- sirable to hand over all the duties to a sub- committee which in many cases would consist of more non-members than members of the County Council. Mr. A. Fletcher (Northwich) suggested that the matter should be referred to a sub-commit tee. Dr. Hewitt accepted the suggestion, and Mr. Fletcher then seconded, remarking that the scheme had necessar ly been formulated a little hastily and w.thout in every case due appreciation of the local requirements. Dr. Hodgson said that while the case brought forward was manifestly one which should be con- sidered as exceptional and m which an alteration might be made, he suggested that the general principle of mapping out the county as they had done was good, and should not be altered. In cases where scholars from outside townsh.ps at tended secondary schools a substantial capitation grant could be given for every scholar instead of luting the whole township. Tnere would probably be n,) objection, however, to making exceptions in the scheme, as in the case of Northwich. but he thought they should stick to the unions as units of the area. Mr. W. J. Crossley (Dunham Maosey) asked if the scheme of areas was to be. considered definite. He pointed out that Bowdon and Dunham Massey practically formed one town. Mr. S. H. Sandbach (Malp.is) referred Mr. Cross- ley to a subsequent item on the agenda. Mr. Cheetham argued that that committee only should determine the poweis of appo.ntment and dismissal of teachers. The Chairman explained that the directions were laid down by the County Council, and the com- mittee had not power to alter them. Eventually a sub-committee, consisting of Sir John Brunner, Dr. Hewitt, Judge Bradbury, Mr. A. Fletcher and Mr. W. J. Cios?ley, were ap pointed to consider the advisabil.ty of altering and adjusting the administrative areas of Northwich, Bucklow and Wirral. Coming to the question of appointing seven members upon the sub committee lor higher edu- cation for each of the boroughs of Macclesfield Congletou, Stalybridge, Crewe, Hyde, Dukinfield and the Wallasey urban d strict. Mr. J. W. 1-1. Thorpa (Macclesfield) moved that before the County Council's seven representatives were nominated on each of the committees, the local authorities should be requested to first appoint their respective e ght members. Mr. G. B. Baker-Wilbraham (Odd Rode) seconded. Mr. Cheotham pointed out that the number of members of these, committees could be enlarged if desired from fifteen to seventeen, Eo as to give the County Council a majority. Mr. Thorpe's motion was carr cd. The Chairman announced that Hyde and Wal- lasey had sent in their nominations—It was, how- ever decided that the election of these comm. ttees should be postponed until the other authorities had I sent in their nominations. Judge Bradbury spake of the importance of the administrat ve sub being carefully formed. On this, he said, depended the success of the scheme. On each of the sub-committees there should be one or two ladies and experts in primary and secondary education. (Hear, hear.) If this were not done they would be in a difficulty. The County Council had to appoint managers on the governing bodies of schools, and these mana- gers, he thought, should be on the local administra- tive sub comin tte-e, so that they would have at once a number of persons in touch with each other. He, however, did not think the matter was ripe for settlement that day, and tho quest on should be r.djourned. The Rev. T. J. Evans, M.A. (Tarvin) moved a proposition, the effect of which was that for the purpose of recommending to the Education Com- mittee names from which could be selected the County Council representatives on the respective ndmin strative sub-committees, the members, of the County Council or co-opted mpmbers of tho Edu- cation Committee resident within the respective districts form themselves into sub-committees. Mr. S. H. Sandbach seconded. Considerable discussion followed on this motion, and some confusion aro-e.—An amendment was moved bv Mr. Beeley and seconded by Mr. C. B. Davies (M ddlewich). that each member of the committee be left to send in the names of the por- eons he recommended should be appointed.—This was lost. Dr. Hodgson thought the whole question of the constitution of the sub-committees should be de- ferred. Mr. S. H. Sandbach reminded him that was no time for delay, as the Act would soon be in force. The Rev. T. J. Evans's motion was carried. AGRICULTURAL SUB-COMMITTEE. Dr. Hodgson said that previously the Technical Instruction Committee had appointed special com- mittees to deal with the question of the agricul- tural education in the county. They he,d had one committee for the Agricultural School at Holmes Chapel, and another for the Dairy School at Worleston, these two committees really forming sub-committees of the Agricultural Committee. Under the new scheme they would require a com- mittee to deal with the whole of the agricultural education in the county, and he moved that that committee should consist of those members of the Cc unty Council who had constituted the old Agri- cultural Committee, together with the following additions:—Miss Greg, Professor Weiss, Messrs. Jabez Wright (Macclesfield), James Hague (Macclesfield), John Emberton, W. Smale, and the Rev. T. J. Evans. The members of the former Agricultural Committee, who. at the suggestion of Dr. Hodgson, were appointed on the new com- mittee are as follows:—Canon Armitstead. the Rev. J. Gant Bird, Dr. Hewitt, Dr. Hodgson, Messrs. Baker-Wilbraham, T. Baxter, I. A. Brown, J. F. Cheetham, George Cooke, C. B. Davies, T. Hodgetts Gordon, E E Leycester, W. McNeill. R. O. Orton, J. Wild, James Wood, and A. T. Wright. HIGHER EDUCATION SUB-COMMITTEE. On the motion of Dr. Hodgson, seconded by Mr. Beeley, the committee who had previously dealt with the question of higher education in the county were again appointed, namelv-The Rev. J. Grant Bird, Dr. Hewitt, Dr. Hodgson. Messrs. T. Raffies Bullev, J. F. Cheetham, T. Hodgetts Gordon, W. Smale, J. Wild, James Wood, and A. T. WTright, together with the following additional members:—Mrs. Herman, Miss Vyncr, Profes^o: Gonner and Weiss, Sir J. T. Brunner, M.P., his Honour Jud^e Bradbury, the Rev. W. H. Binney, Messrs. J. M. Yates, J. Hinchcliff, and D. H. McCurtain. On the motion of the Chairman, it was resolved that the Chairman of the County Council (Colonel Dixon) and Vico-Chairman (Mr. Beeley) be ex- officio members of the Education Committee and all sub-committees. EXISTING SCHOOL OFFICIALS. As to the existing school officials, etc.. the clerk was directed to communcate with certain of the clerks to the present union committees in the County, asking them to retain their office, the question of salaries to be considered later.-It was decided to ask the school attendance officers to hold their respective positions at the same salaries. TEACHERS IN VOLUNTARY SCHOOLS. Mr. J. Hinchcliff (Crewe) representing the ele- mentary school teachers, said he doubted if the committee had sufficient information to enable them to go on with that question that day. He produced two forms of agreement for the insnec- tion. and suggested that copies of each should be supplied to every member of the Council, and that any decision as to the form to be adopted should be deferred until another meeting. Dr. Hodgson remarked that there was a great deal to be said in favour of Mr. IlinchclifFs pro- posal. There was, however, the question of the salaries of the teachers. They would have to begin by paying them what they had hitherto been receiving, and the whole question of remu- neration would have to come before the committee later on. He thought the present salaries, which satisfied the Board of Education, should be con- tinued to begin with. Mr. G. Baker-Wilbraham proposed that the committee agree to take over the teachers at their present salaries for a period of six months. Judge Bradbury seconded. That would give them time to consider the questions affecting all parties. The Clerk said that the teachers' engagements with the present managers would expire at the end of June. What the committee could do was to give instructions for their re-appointment. subject to the consent of the Council. Mr. Roger Bate suggested that all the teachers be informed that they would be taken over at their present salaries. One gentleman said the committee had nothing really to do with the appointments or the agree- ments; theic business was to find the money to pay them. Judge Bradbury said the committee were the paymasters. He thought they should give an in- timation that the teachers would be taken over for six months, and that their salaries would be paid. Mr. James Wood contended that a resolution in these terms would have a very disturbing effect. If teachers thought their appointments would be revised at the end of six months they would fee! very uncomfortable. Affair), if the' question of salary was to be considered at the end of six months, the teachers would naturally anticipate that that meant that at the end of six months their salaries would be raised, and would be dis- appointed if that were not done. Eventually a resolution was passed unanimously in favour of taking over the existing stalls of teachers at their present salaries. The form of agreement to be adopted bpT-\H'(>;1 the teachers and the new authorities will be settled after the two suggested forms have been considered by the committee. AVith regard to the school teachers' houses, it was agreed that these should be taken into ac- count. in connection with salaries. THE APPOINTMENT OF INSPECTORS. A sub-committee was appointed to consider the applications for the appointment of assistant- director of education, two inspectors of school. and four clerks, Mr. A. Fletcher suggested that ladies should be eligible for the school inspectorships; but it was thought that they would not be desirable, and it was not pressed. It was stated, however, that ladies might apply for the clerkships.

A BRAVE FATHER. j SAD DROWNING CASE. A sad story was unfolded before jthe West Cheshire Coroner (Mr. J. C. Bate) at Eilesmere Port on Wednesday, when he held an inquest cn the body of Henry Fordham, 62 years of age, re- siding at Stanlow, who was drowned in the Man- chester Ship Canal on May 13th in a brave sc- tempt to rescue his son. I The Coroner, in a brief outline of the circum- stances, said deceased. who was R iishorms n "(1 wildfowler, was conveyed by his son across the Pam.l!- 'J-be boy returned, and in mooring tho coat tell in. His father, seeing his distress, went to the rescue, but was drowned when he got half way across, while his son managed to reach the shore. It was a very brave attempt, and it was a very sad thing that he should have lost his life. As his son's life was saved, it seemed as though the attempt was entirely wasted. It was a very great pity, and he was sure the jury ail sympathised very much with the relatives in the sad cii-etinistaiieez. John George Fordham said ho was deceased's sou and was 15 years of age. He took his father across the canal and returned to the Stanlow s:de. There was no landing place, and in attempting to moor the boat the oar fell out, carrying wit- ness with it into the canal. He could not swim so he clung to the side of the boat. His father shouted to him to hold on, and, pulling off his jacket and waistcoat, he jumped in and started to swim to the rescue. When haJf way across he sank without saying anything. His father w:ti a good swimmer, but was wearing a heavy pair of clogs.—Ihe Coroner: Could you not have got out without your father's coming across?—Wit- ness: Yes, sir, but he said "Stick to the boat." Continuing, witness said it took him ten minutes to get out of the water. The boat was moored by a rope to an anchor.—By the Foreman (Mr. W. Breckon): Witness was used to the boat, and had been across many times before. Police-Sergoant John Marshall said that on Monday evening he was on ihe banks of the Ship Canal in company with Superintendent Bowyer. A man called out from the bridge of a steamer that there was a body floating in the canal near Ince, three-quarters of a mile from where the I accident happened. With the assistance of a young woman named Emily Grimes, he went in a small boat. With difficulty, Miss Grimes secured a rope to the body and towed it down the canal until further assistance was obtained. ™re ^as no landing place at Stanlow. The Coroner said it would be a difficult thing for a man, however good a swimmer he was to swim, with his clogs on. If he had waited a moment longer and taken his clogs off, deceased might have been able to cover the distance. So long as people^ lived across the canal, a better landing place should be provided. Several jurymen expressed the opinion that a better landing place should be provided, and in eturnnig a vordict of "Accidental death" they added a rider that bettor accommodation should be provided. At the request of the jury. Mr. Bate called Miss Grimes in and thanked her for the assist- anco she had given to the police sergeant in re- covering the body.

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CURIOUS MATRIMONIAL CASE. «- A CHESHIRE LADY'S SUIT. In the Divorce Division of the High Court of Justice, on Thursday, before the President, Sir Francis Jeuno, the case of Cowell-Stepney v. Cowell-Stepney came on for hearing. This was a suit of Lady Margaret Leicester Cowell-Stepney for a judicial separation from her husband, Sir Emile Algernon Arthur Keppel Cowell-Stepney, on the ground of alleged desertion. The Hon. Arthur Lyttelton, K.C., Mr. Pr,est- ley, K. C., and Air. Barnard appeared for tne pe- titioner, and Mr. Lawson Walton, K.C., and Mr. E. F. fjperuo lor the respondent. Mr. ijytteltoii, in opening the case, said the petitioner was tne Hon. Lady Stepney, a daughter of the late Lord de Tabiey, and the respondent was Sir Arthur Cowell-Stepney, formerly a member of i ailiament, and a large landed proprietor in Vvales. It would be material to know that those landed estates were entailed. The petitioner sought a judicial Separation on the ground of de- seition, and she took these proceed.ngs with the most proloutid reluctance. It was not an ordinary case ot desertion. By the pleadings the respondent not merely led desertion, but he set up a decree of divorce obtained by him in Idaho, L/uited States, a decree which tne petitioner asseited was founded upon an alleged domicile which was not bona-fide, and which had none of tile circumstances wh.ch really attached to a legitimate domicile, The decree was obtained on the 3rd March of this year, and, if the decree was unchallenged in the courts of this country, the entail ot tne estates of which Miss Elsie Stepney (daughter of the marriage) was tenant, would be affected and her rights might be impeached. The marriage took place on the 24th August, 1875. There were, during the first few months of the marriage, certain eccentricities on the part of Sir Arthur Cowell-Stepney, to which Lady Cowell- Stepney did not pay much attention. He absented himself without telling her, and it seemed that her maid made a communication to her at Dinard, where they went shortly after the marriage, that he had made certain vague insinuations against her. However, he showed the greatest delight at the birth of the daughter, and expressed himself at that time in the highest terms of his wife. The child was born on the 17th September, 1876, and on the 6th October, 1876, Sir Arthur left his home. and had never cohabited with his wife since. Cer- tain allegations which he made at the time against his wife were investigated, and were found to be absolutely baseless, They were the result really of mental delusion, for which he was treated by Sir William Gill and Dr. Maudsley, and resulted in the respondent being sent abroad with a doctor in 1877-78. During the time he travelled about abroad Lady Stepney ceased actual communication w.th him. but from time to time sent him mes- sages by friends. In 1882 a meeting was arranged between them, which was of a friendly character, and he shewed then, a3 at all times, great affection for h:s daughter. There were other transitory visits while she was living at Wood End, Berk- shire, one of their residences. On the occasion of those visits Lady Cowell-Stepney shewed the greatest kindness to him. In 1889 an event oc- curred worth attention. At an agricultural show at Windsor, Sir Arthur's Welsh tenants were in- vited by him to a luncheon, and he had his daughter there and introduced by toasts. On that Lady Cowed-Stepney, on the 28th June, 1889, wrote a kindly letter to him in reference to the matter, and expressed regret that the daughter should not first have been introduced to the pub- lic by her mother, and adding: "If I were now ul quite silent 1 should be giving you every right to think I cheerfully agreed to our separation, and I should never do that." Nothing more that he need mention occurred till 1890, when Sir Arthur fell under the strange delusion that certain pictures of an impure kind were being made of his daughter, and he wrote to Lady Stepns-y to the effect that "such portraiture would be damaging to the future welfare of our dear child." Lady Stepney wrote back treating this as a transitory delusion, and saying that she had never allowed and never would allovi their daughter to come near anything that Sir Aithur could object to. This was put an end to for a short time, but on the 3rd February, 1891, Miss Stepney visited her father at Norwood, where he was, and on the 20th February of that year ho visited Wood End, where Lady Stepney was, and claimed the custody of their daughter. his mind, no doubt, being still operated upon by this delusion. That was the only occasion on which Lady Stepuey shewed any anger in the matter, and she was angry at his conduct. She took the _)Ltiag lady away from Norwood, and an agree- ment was made between them whereby the daughter was temporarily placed in the custody of an old friend, and on the 21st February, 1891, Sir Arthur and Lady Stepney signed an "agreement undertaking to refer the custody of the child to the Court of Chancery. Proceedings were taken by Sir Arthur in the Court of Chancery to obtain the custody of the ch Id. These were resisted by Lady Stepney, and afterwards abandoned absolutely. and by the consent of the then plaintiff an order was made in the Court of Chancery giving the cus- tody of the daughter to Lady Stepney, with the usual power of access. That matter was finally di po.( d of. and the delusion seemed to pass alto- gether from Sir Arthur's mind for ten years, at any rate, and an occasional visit of an hour or so took place. From time to time Miss Stepney visited her father. This state of things unhappily was put an end to in January, 1901. Sir Arthur writing a letter to his daughter on the 1st of that month, saying he had to tell her something which might startle and surprise her, but would, he hoped, not cause any change in their relations. He had bidden a long farewell to England, and had become a citizen of the United States. He gave her at the same time a number of minute directions -is to the management of the Llanelly estate. On the 17th June he wrote a letter to his wife saying that he had left England for good and proposed to make his permanent home in the United States; while, at the same time, he sug- gested that she should join him, leaving their daughter to remain in England and look after the estate. He told his wife to write to him at an address in Dakota under the name of "A. Stepney, Esq, as he had dropped the baronetcy. It would be proved that Sir Arthur had at this time formed the prospect of re-marrying, and that lie was going to the United States with the definite idea of procuring a divorce there against his w.fe. Lady Stepney replied to his letter in her usual gentle tone tint she could not separate herself from her daughter, but expressed the hope that her husband would sometimes come to the old country to visit them. Upon the 5th November of that year Sir Arthur went to live at Idaho. and lived at an hotel there till January, 1S02. On the 9111"1 T)j"1'nJ.f)' 1 0!"I1 V, U"'t'n. n.n:n 1, U"H "1..1. "1v, ULIJ' ,VA.. l4'('; n .LV" Ll.a.l¡.L LV Jl1 \r\, lIt:) suggesting that she should come across and Ly" with hi;n, and saying that if she would not con- sent to do so he would have to get a separation legaily. That letter was replied to by Lady Step- ney on January 13, 1902, who pointed out two obstacles—first, the daughter, and, secondly, her own ill-health S.r Arthur went next to California till April 9, 1902, and then returned to Boyes City on Juno 20. He presented a petition for divorce from his w.fe in the court of Idaho, and on the 23rd of that month he returned to England. The ground upon which he sought a divorce was the alleged desertion of him by his wife for more than a year. Mr. Lawson Walton: The only allegation, it Will be observed, :s that of desertion. The President That I understand. Mr. Lyttelton (resuming): In August Sir Aithur had an interview with his daughter in this country, and avowed his intention of obtaining a divorce in America in order to marry there. At the end of September he returned to Idaho, and aga n went to California and remained there tiil January. 1903. On February 7 of that year, there being no appearance by Lady Stepney, who would not adm t the jurisdiction of the American courts in the matter of an English marriage, the trial took place, and on the 4th March a decree of divorce was made by the American Court grant- ing a dissolution of the marriage on the- grounds of the desertion of her husband by Lady Stepney. But there had been desertion by S.r Arthur, sa.d counsel, long anterior to this petition, and extend mg over twenty-six years. He (counsel) aLo urged that Sir Arthur had not acquired any bona- fide domicile in Idaho. I The President reiiitiked that if domicile was altered merely for the purpose of obtaining a aivorv.e. ne snouici nave grave doubts as to whether it really constituted a change of domicile at all. 's was Mr. Lyttelton contended that this was purely a fictitious dom.cile in America, with no element of permanency aLout it. It was not acquired, he said with the idea of a change of residence, but merely for a temporary purpose and to obtain a divorco." The President here pointed out that the onus of proving an Anier.ean domicile would rest with the respondent. Mr. Lawson Walton said he was not in a posi- tion to give evidence in proof of such domicile. Lady Cowell-Stepney was then examined by Mr. Priestley. She said she was married on the 24th August, 1875, at Holy Trinity Church, Brompton, and there was cue child of that marriage. Catherine Muriel Stepney. Her husband had a large estate in Wales. In the absence of a male hex her daughter would inherit that property. After the marriage she first went to live at Wood End, Ascot On a visit to Dinard her maid told her of insinuations which her husband made. She passed the matter over. She gave evidence gener- ally in suppoit of counsel's statement a< to the desertion, as to their meeting from time to time. and as to their agreement, etc., in 1901. She re- co nd a letter asking her to go out to Dakota, but she said she was in ill-health at tho time and could not do to. V\ ith reference to the divorce suit, she was advised not to put in an appearance. Cross examined by Mr. Lawson Walton, Ladv Cowell-Scepaey said that apart from the desertion she had no unknidness to complain of against her husband. She had no reason to complain of the financial position n which he left her. He had kept both his houses going—that in Wales and that at Ascot. Out of his nett revenue of £ 5.000 a year he had ailowed her £ 2,000 for tue support of her- self and daughter. Miss Catherine Muriel Stepney, daughter of the parties, who said she was known among her friend as "Ehie." said that :n August, 1902, she received a joit; --r from her father asking her to JUect him, and she d d so. He spoke to her about business matters, and told her that he had cut off the entail of the estate. He said he wished to settle the estate irrevocably upon her, because under cer- tain circumstances she might not succeed. He spoke of the possibility of there being some other claimant to the estate. She asked if that were possible in her mother's lifetime, and at last she asked if he was thinking of re-marrying in America, and he assented. She then asked if he intended to get a divorce from her mother, and he said that he intended to get a divorce. He said he had sent for her mother first to satisfy his con- science. She then said that it appeared that his letters were a sham, and he said that was the case. His lordship granted Lady Stepney a decree of judicial separation, and found against the Ameri- can domicile, which the husband was not in court to support.

ALLEGED BURGLARY AT ELLESMERE PORT. 4 SINGULAR CASE At the Chester County Petty Sessions, on Satur- day, before Mr. H. D. Trelawny, and other magistrates, Joseph Richard Cooper, aged 22, was charged with burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling-house of his father, William Cooper, at Ellesmere Port, between eleven p.m. on the 12th and seven a m. on the 13th November, 11)02, and stealing £ 219s. Gd. in cash, one coat, one cap, a pair of clogs, the property of his father. William Cooper, 21, Queen-street, Eilesmere Port, said he kept a fried fish shop. On the 12th November he went to bed about 11 p.m., after making the premises secure. At 7 am. on the following morning he got up and found the back- kitchen window had been broken and the catch had been pushed back. The back-kitchen door was unbolted. He went upstairs and found that a cup- board in a small sitting-room had been broken open. He missed B2 10s. in gold and silver. On searching his (witness') own bedroom he found 98. (id. missing from a drawer. A coat, a pair of clogs, and one cap belonging to the prisoner had been taken from the kitchen. Ellis Jones, captain of the flat Acton Grange, and residing at Ellesmere Port, stated that on the night of Wednesday, the 12th November, he was in the Manchester Basin, at Liverpool, in his flat when prisoner came to him and said "Will you vive me a passage to Eilesmere Port" Witness replied "Yes; get on board." The prisoner boarded the boat and went with him to Ellesmere Port. Prisoner left the flat between 10-45 and 11 p.m. P.C. Boyle deposed to apprehending the prisoner on the 23rd at Little Stanney. He took him to Ellesmere Port Police Station. He there charged him with breaking and entering the premises of his father and stealing the money and things mentioned in the charge, between 11 p.m. on the 12th, and 7 a.m. on the 13th November. He replied, "Yes, I did it; but the coat, clogs and cap are mine." Sergt. Marshall gave corroliorative evidence. The prisoner was committed for trial at the next Assizes.

CITY POLICE COURT. ^—— WEDNESDAY.—Before the Maycr, Mr. T. Smith and Dr. Stolterfoth. THE ADVENTURES OF A CARD-CASE — John Lewis and Frank Collins were charged with being in possession of a silver card-case, which it was suspected had been stolen, and Lewis was also accused of giving a false name and address to a pawnbroker.—Stephen Sheldon, assistant to Mr. Dutton, pawnbroker, Lower Bridge- street, stated that on the 19th inst. Lewis came into his employer's shop and offered the card- case (produced). He said he found it on the Little Roodee two years ago. He gave his name and address as John Mesham, 2, Crook-street. Further questioned, he said the case had been given to him by a man outside. Witness went cutside and saw Collins, who stated that he bought the case in Liverpool ten months ago. Witness added that the new hall-mark on the oa-e shewed that it had been made since July last year.—Patrick Collins, hobby-horse and swing-boat proprietor, said the card-case was his property. He last saw it safe at Crewe on April 17th. He lost it while playing football. Prioners had been employed by his father.— They were fined 10s. and costs, with the alterna- tive of seven days' imprisonment, having already been in custody seven davs. ALL THROUGH DRINK.—John Thomas Evans, joiner, was charged with stealing some lead piping, of the value of 4s. 6d., tho property of Michael Kennedy. Prisoner had been em- ployed on the building of three shops for Mr. Kennedy at Boughton, and stole the piping. He was arrested in Queen-street by P.C. Dowson. He then had the piping with him, and was offer- ing it for .sale. When charged with the offence he said It is all through drink." Mr. Kennedy said prisoner had a wife and family, and he had no desire to press the case. He had been a very bad fellow through drink. Mr. Kennedy asked the Bench to deal leniently with prisoner.—The Bench dismissed the case. and the Mayor advised prisoner to become an abstainer. THURSDAY.—Before Dr. Stolterfoth and Alderman T. Smith. rXVACCIATED CHILDREN.—Mr. H. Harrop, vaccination officer, applied for an order against Alfred Hughes, 63, Lower Bridge-street, compelling him to have his two children, Edwin and Charles Nicholas Hughes, vaccinated.—Mr. Harrop said Edwin was born in August, 1898, and was over four years old. Charles was born January, 1902, and was over twelve months old. The children were both in good health, so that there was no objection on that score. De- fendant had refused to have his children vac- cinated—By the Chairman: Defendant had not claimed an exemption certificate.—Hughes ex- plained he did not object himself, but bis wife had a great objection.—Ail order was made that tne children be vaccinated within 14 days and defendant was ordered to pay the costs. FRIDA Y.Before the Mayor (Dr. Roberts), Dr. Stolterfoth and Mr. T. Smith. DISORDERLY PARTY.—Summonses for behaving m an insulting manner in Garden-lano. with intent to pro^ke a breach of the peace, were heard against the following:—George Ar<'vie 24 Chapel-terrace Charles Hallmark, 27, ° Victor- street; Geo. B roster. 18. Union-street; Geo. lc-'°h> J, Brook-road, Shotton; Thomas Flan- nigair fehotton; Annie Littler and Ellen Littler, 1 Garden-lane; and Km ly Lamb, Garden- lane. A constable gave evidence to the effect that cieiendants were quarrelling and fighting in Gar- ut.ii-uie dt 6 oo on ftundav morning.-—The Chief Constable said three of the defendants were cab- men.^ All the defendants drove out to Little Saug'iKui late on Satuiciay night, and on their re- turn one of the w.ndows of the cab was broken When they arrived at the house of tho defendant Mrs. Lamb, in Garden-lane, there was a general quairel, and they caused a great d sturbance in the neighbourhood.—Evidence was given by three men named Taylor, Charles Walker and Jones, the latter said he- drove to Saughall in company with defendants on Saturday night. and there had for which Broster and Argylc paid. Y\ hen they drove back a quarrel occurred, and a cab window was broken. Mr. Laybourne point ed out there was something of a very serious nature behind the case, as the Bench would readily un- derstand. Defendants' conduct was a perfect dis- grace to the neighbourhood. He could call evi- dence to shew that men were in the habit of leav- ing the house of one of the female defendants at all times.—Each defendant was fined 20s. and costs or one month's "iinnrisonment. WINDOW SMASHING.—Joseph William Bux- ley, formeily an insuianee agent. Chester, was charged in custody with damaging seven panes of glass at a licensed house in Boughton. in the occu- pation of his mother-in-law. Prisoner visited the house the prcv.ous day in a drunken stato and smashed the windows. -Air. Laybourne said that with regard to a question which had been raised as to prisoner's state of mind, he had had him specially watched while in prison, and the prison doctor had certified that he was perfectly sane. It was a question of drink.—Pr'soner was sent to gaol for two months with hard labour. A GRAVE CHARGE.—An elderly man named David Gennoehi, ice-cream vendor, residing at 16, Trinity-stieet. was charged with asr-aultin<r a child to gaol for two months with hard labour. A GRAVE CHARGE.An elderly man named David Gennoehi, ice-cream vendor, residing at 16, Trinity-stieet. was charged with asr-aultin<r a child nine years of age named Jane Few, residing at 15, Kitchen-street, on the- Roodee. on Monday night.—Prisoner was committed for trial, bail being refused.

CHFSHIIIE FARMER'S FAILUHK. — At Crewe Bankruptcy Court, on Friday, Arthur Walton, of the Dingle Farm, Eddisbury, attended for his public examination. The gross liabilities were £(j4S 4s. 4d., of which £ 178 12s. 5cl. were expected to rank for dividend. The assets were estimated to produce £1752s. od leaving a small deficiency. The debtor, in reply to Mr. T. Bullock (Official Receiver), said he commenced business as a stone merchant in 1894, with £ 200 capital. He took a quarry at Eddisbury under the Earl of Haddington, and one at Kelsall, belonging to Parr's Bank. He could not tell whether he had been successful, because he had always been short of capital to work them. In DC! he entered into partnership with Mr. E. Johnson, and the business was carried on in the name of Walton and Johnson. On the ntll of April this year they dissolved partners-hip. He did not think the quarry business had been worked at a profit. He was now at the Dingle Farm. He attributed his failure to bad debts and losses in cattle. The examination was adjourned. ADVICK TO MOTIIKKS!—Are yon broken in yonr rest by a sick child suffering with the paina of cutting teetli ? Go aton re to a chemist aul Let a bottle of MHS. WtNSLow s SOOTHING STRUT, which has been used over 50 yc.n.rs hv million* nf mothers for their children while teething, with perfect success. It is pieasint to taste, prodneos tiaturml, quiet sleep by relieving the "hild from pain, and the little cHeruh awakes as bright as a button." It soothes the child, it softens the gumn. allay all pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and ia the best known remedy for dysentery ami diarrhoea, whether arisinjr from teethinc or other causes. Sold by Chemists everywhere at Is. ld. per bottle.

FRODSHA31 PETTY SESSIONS. WEDNESDAY.-Before Messrs. A. Thomas (presiding) and W. N. Hutchings. NEW MAGISTRATE.-illr. Samuel Wood- wa,p' 'fman of the Runcorn District Council, qualified and took the oath as a justice of the peace. SHOPKEEPER'S FAULTY SCALES.-Mary Uaskeil, shopkeeper, IBrodsham Lordship, was summoned for having in her possession a spring balance not stamped according to the Weights and Measures Act. Mr. W. J. Hallard, inspector of weights and measures, said on the 28th ult. he saw a youth in charge of defendant's van deliver- ing a loaf of bread at a house. He got possession of the loaf and asked the youth to weigh it with, the scale in his van. Oil testing it with his own- weights he found that the scale was an ounce and a haif wrong, and he a-certained that it had never been presented for verification. There was no complaint, however, as to the weight of the loaf. -Defendant pleaded that the scale was bought a short time ago to replace one that was lost, and she was not aware there was anything wrong with it.—The case was dismissed on payment of costs. ASSAULT.—Elizabeth Basiiey, Frodshana Bridge, was fined 10s. including costs for assault- ing a neighbour named Harriet Mercer on tho 9th May. A HEARTLESS FATHER.—John Jones, labourer, Frodiham Lordship, was charged in custody with oruelly neglecting his five children. Mr. J. W. Knowles, prosecuting on behalf of the N.S.P.C.C., said the case had been under the observation of the society the year 1900, and the inspector had paid fre- quent visits to prisoner's house. Though a good and industrious workman when sober, prisoner was addicted to periodical sprees, and he had been repeatedly warned by the inspector in vain. He had lost about twelve situations through drunkenness. On the day before Good Friday he lost his employment, and after giving his wife 15s. went on the spree for a week. After another week's work,he relapsed into his profligate habits, and had been oonstantly "on the spree since that time. Through the kindness of a ladv in the district, prisoner's wife and children had been supplied with food and clothing. Mr. Knowles submitted that prisoner was a lazy vagabond who ought to be taught to work by a term of imprisonement.-Prl wife, in bear- ing out this statement, said her husband was drunk every day last week until Friday. He pawned his clothes for drink, and while he was drinking she and the children had to go short of food. He had lost about a dozen situations through drink during the last three years, and had periodical bouts of drunkenness, during which he earned nothing. The whole family, numbering seven, slept in one small bedroom.- P.C. Bancroft deposed to having paid numerous visits to the house and warned prisoner about the neglcet of his family. Had it not been for the kindness of people in the neighbourhood, the children would have been starved.—Inspector Hackett having also given evidence, the magis- trates, while considering the case to be a bad one, adjourned it for a month on his promise to be teetotal.

COXXAH'S QUAY PETTY SESSIONS. 4 THURSDAY.—Before Messrs. T. Bate, C. Davison, James Renoy, Peter Jones, and W. H. Lloyd. CUSTOM HOUSE TAVERN.—Mr. T. W. Hughes, solicitor, applied lor the Bench's sanction to certain proposed alterations to the premises of the Custom House Tavern, Connah's c^uay—one of the oldest licensed houses in the village. It was pointed out that the alterations would be a great impovement to the house and the district winch it served.—The application was granted. A TRICK THAT F-IILED.-Goerge Jones and Moses iiobercs, ironworkers, lii,ilt, were summoned for travelling from Film to Connah's (2Liay without having previously paid their tares on the isbth February. Mr. J. Feniia, piose- euting on behalf of the London and north- VVestern Railway Company, explained that de- fendants travelled daily by the workmen's trains beiween Flint and Connah s Quay. Oil tHe morn- ing in question, betwen live and six o clock, a workmen's tram, carrying 140 men, arrived as usual at Connah's Quay from Flint, and the ticket collector, alter taking the men's tickets, placed them all in a cap ana placed them oil a. window- sill on the down plattorm. lie left them there tor some time while he went to attend to some other duties. In tne meantime a passenger tram from Chester arrived, and it was alleged tnat defendants, who had been working on the night, shift at the works, stole a number of the tickets in the cap beiore entering tnat train and going home to Flint. When tne tickets in ihe cap were handed to the booking clerk eight were found to be missing, in the evening the two defendants returnea to Connah's I.¿uay by the workmen's tram for their night work, and gave up two tickets, which were identified by meir numbers as being among these WIUCll were missed in the morning. The stationmaster's attention was called to tne matter, and he asked Roberts where he got the ticket from. lie replied that he had just booked it at Flint, but on being asked to shew his return half he was unable to produce it. On being told that he would be charged with, stealing the ticket and using it again, he said "1 did not steal it. It was given me by a man, and I will bring him to you to-morrow." He did so, and the man proved to be Jones, the other de- fendant. Jones, however, said that a man whom he did not know was handing the tickets round in a hat. He (Jones) admitted he had had two of^ them, one of which he u?ed himself and the other ho gave to Roberts. Evidence bearing out these particulars was given by Richard Cooper, porter; W. E. Jones, booking clerk; Thomas Ffouikes, porter at Flint; Joseph Dyson, station- master; John Maloney, of Flint; and John Mason, railway dotective. The last-named wit- ness said Jones confessed that he had taken two tickets out of the cap, and Roberts said: "Jones asked me at Flint if I had a ticket, and I said 'No.' He said 'You have no need to book, as I have two,' and gave me one."—Defendants were fined £1 including "costs each. A DISORDERLY PASSENGER.—Patrick Prayers, labourer, Flint, was charged with using abusive language and assaulting Joseoh William Dyson, stationmaster at Connah's Quay, 0'1 the 4th April. Mr. J. Fenna appeared for the Drose- cut:on. iho evidence shewed that defendant was drunk and using obscene language in tho waiting-room at the station, and when remon- strated with by the stationmaster, he threatened to strike him and also uttered threats to the booking clerk. Mr. Dyson then ordered him to leave the station, as he was unfit to travel, but defendant refused to go, and had to be removed. He returned to the station and deliberately struck the stationmaster in the mouth, breaking a tooth and causing bleed to flow.—Defendant was fined 7s. 6d. and co-ts on the first charge and 5s. and costs for the assault. ° TRAVELLING WITHOUT A TICKET George Williams, Golftyn, was fined 1-. and costs for travelling without a ticket from Shotton to Hawarden.

GIVEN UP. — How important is the action of the kidneys on the health of the body is continually proved by the many diseases which are cured by the rational treatment of these organs. Mr. Gaylaud Lambert, of 7, Adamson-street, Padiham, Lancashire, was struck down with Rheumatic Fever, and after six months of medical treatment, was given up All his friends dispaired of ever seeing him well again. l'nor to this very serious illness Mr. Lambert had been troubieel with Insomnia, so that his condition at the outset was very low and weak. Help came to Mr. Lambert when he commenced to take Docld's Kidney Pills. The real tumble Was" the kidneys, and Dodd's Kidney Pilla speedily bean to set rhem right. Once tho kidneys were made well, Mr. Lambert steadily began to improve. He was able to sleep soundly at regular intervals, his strength began to return and the fever quickly left him. This is the experience of many who take Dodd's Kidney Pills. In curing the kidneys they make them do their duty and cleanse the body of itii- puiities in the blood. The consequence is that many people who have suffered for years from weak kidneys are cured of old standing complaints which they never realised as due solely to the inactive condition of the kidneys.

BUFI'WJ.O BILTI A BITFFALO.-Oll Wednesday THE "Wild West "show was in Rhyl, two performance* being given on land near Foryd. There wa tI}J extraordinary influx of visitors for the occasion froh1 the Vales of Clwyd and Conway, and all tbe coast districts between Flint and Liandudno. About 7,000 persons arrived by .special trains, and the ordinary trains were also well tilled with p.1.enger5 for Rhyl. At the afternoon performance ¡¡,I'J audience of at least 12,000 was present, and they gave the organiser of the institution, Colonel Codj^ or Buffalo Bill," a hearty reception. At the dov uf the entertainment, Colonel Cody proeeed..d to the Lorne Hotel, where, at five o'clock, ill t he Jod¡;- room upstairs, he was initiated into the Antedeluvu1 Order of Buffaloes. The "Samuel Smith" which meets at this place, it. appears, iu^ Colonel Cody to become an honorary member HelH' it is said, one of the brethren of the American OideJ but it was necessary ljefore he could be reeei into a lodge under the Grand Lodge of Engl-1 that he should again go through the cerenioiiV j initiation. Hi; consented to do this, and arrived. 0 | the, lodge-room, eecordirig to promise, a^>l't » o'clock. Knight Robbins, of Chester, with j ? s of other officers, carried out the c!ere >. in the presence of a Luge gathering of the men> > who resolved, in honour of the occasion, to call | society for the future "the Colonel C'c.ily Loder i i