The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

WIRRAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW. -+- A CLASHING OF DATES. Mr. Arthur H. Edwardson, secretary to the Wirral and Birkenhead Agricultural Society, writes to the "Field" as follows:—Kindly allow me to draw attention to the above, which is of serious importance not only to the council of the Wirral and Birkenhead Society, but the principle. affects fanciers generally, though the present case interests terrier fanciers more particu- larly. In order to prevent the dates of other shows (especially those of im- portance) clashing with the dates of the WTirral and Birkenhead Society's, the council met in September last and selected Tuesday and Wed- nesday, June 14 and 15, as the days for this year's show, and this was duly announced in each of the fanciers' journals during the following week, while in October attention was again drawn to the fact. Early and ample notice was thus publicly given of this society's fixture for 1904. Conse- quently it is with some surprise and much regret I now observe the committee of the terrier show to be held in the Ranelagh Club's grounds have de- cided to hold their show on June 15, thus clash- ing with the second day of the aforenamed society's fixture, notwithstanding the exceptionally early notice given (in the present instance), the good classification provided, and the handsome prizes annually offered at this society's show in the past; also the prompt payment of its liabili- ties (even when the result has proved a heavy financial loss, which, unfortunately, has fre- quently been the case in consequence of the ad- verse atmospheric conditions). Still, in face of the above facts, some fanciers think it both desirable and necessary to arrange for an important show to take place on a date clashing with that already chosen by an old established and recognised lead- ing society. Again, the ,dates of the two shows clashing will, as a matter of course deprive each of some entries, and thus cause disappointment, not only to the executive of the respective shows, but also to many exhibitors and visitors conse- quent on some dogs being absent, which most probably would otherwise have been on exhibition had the shows been held on different. dates. I therefore venture to appeal to the "fancy" as to the unfairness of the present existing and unsatis- factory arrangement, whereby the committee of a specialist or an important show may select any date they choose, as evinced in the present case, irrespective of such date having already been se- lected by an equally important and more repre- sentative society, to the disadvantage, annoyance and probable financial loss of the latter. We are all now fully conversant with the rule relating to "entries closing," and for which show commit- tees, exhibitors, and all concerned are I feel sure, most, grateful to the Kennel Club; still, I am of opinion t.hev would earn the further gratitude of all interested in dog shows if they would formulate some rule- to prevent the clashing of show dates, so far as specialist or Kennel Club rule shows are concerned, and thereby prevent a committee arranging their show to be held on a date which. several months previously, had been selected and publicly announced as in the present instance As the Eanelaerh Terrier Show Committee have decided to hold their show on the same dat." as that previously elected by the Wirral and Bir- kcnhead Society, thus causing the cashing of two important shows, I trust the various specialist clubs and fanciers generally will kindly bear these facts in mind when appealed to for support and entries. In conclusion, I still respectfully sug- gcst to the committee of the terrier show it is not even now too late to make the amenoe roa-orable by changing their date, and trust their sense of fairness is commensurate with the reasonable su^TStion I make, even though it may now cause them some little inconvenience, but for which they are certain to be fully compensated by the good opinion they will thus acquire in the estima- tion of all true fanciers, in conjunction with that ,of the and Birkenhead ,.oc:ctj £ counc:

CHESTER FARMERS' CLUB. -+-- The annual meeting of the Chester Farmers' U' Club was held on Saturday, Mr. A. E. Gaskell (president) in the chair.—The Secretary (Mr. A. P. Smith) read the annual report, which shewed that during the year 22 new members had been elected. There had been ten meetings, and the best attend- ances had been made by Messrs. A. E. Gaskell, P. Allen and J. Beecroft, who had been present at every meeting; Mr. W. Allen, who had attended 9; Messrs. F. L. Okell, 7; W. Harrison, 7; M. iCenncdy, 6; T. J. Dutton, 6; R. Jones, 6; W. Dyke, 5; and J. F. Pickering, 5. Referring to the annual foal show, the report stated that there had been a slight falling off in the attendance, while the fees for entries had amounted to i.25 only, as against £ 36 the previous year, when the show was a record one. The club had lost £ b on the show. The sum of £ 125 was given in prizes, and the show had been a success. The accounts shewed that the club had improved its position by about £ 50 during the year,—The report and statement of accounts were adopted on the motion of Mr. Beecroft, seconded by Mr. W. Alien. Mr. A. E. Gaskell was re-elected president, with Mr. Lewis ltodd, Rushton. Tarporley, as senior vice-president and Mr. Horton, junior vice-president. lr. A. P. Smith was re-elected secretary. The following were elected an Emergency Committee:—Messrs. A. S. Gaskell, J. Beecroft, Allen (Willaston Hall), Lewis Dodd, M. Kennedy, W. Harrison, W. Carter (Mollington), J. Fatherson, and Horton. The general committee was re-elected, with few altera- tions.

DEATH OF MRS. JAMES DICKSON- «—.—- We deeply regret to record the death of Mrs. James Dickson, widow of Mr. James Dickson, J.P. which took place at Upton House, Chester, on Wednesday, after an illness of some months' duration. Mrs. Dickson was the only surviving child of the late Mr. Henry Maddock, J.P., of Sealand. She leaves three sons—one of whom is the Town Clerk-and four daughters. The funeral took place at Upton on Saturday. The service was choral, and the Rev. W, Sparling officiated. Psalm 90 was chanted, and the hymns were "Brief life is bere our portion." and "Pleasant are thy courts above"; the Lesson, from Corinthians, was read by the Vicar, who also read the conclusion of the burial service at the graveside. The chief mourners were ;-Mr. J. H. Dickson (Town Clerk) and Mrs. J. H. Dickson, Miss Dickson. Mr. H C. Dickson, Miss Norah Dickson, Mr. and Mrs. H. Sidebotham, Miss G. N. Dickson, Mr. Edward Dickson, Mr. John Dickson, Mr. S. J R. Dickson, Mr. Trevor Dickson, Mr. Guy Dickson, Mr. J. S. Dickson, Mr. Thos. Evans, Mr. Chas. Evans, Mr. I' Thos. Nickels, Mr. Saml. Smith (ex-Town Clerk), Mr. W. Conway, Dr. Herbt. Dobie, and Nurse Pritchard. Among the general mourners were the Mayor (Mr. R. Lamb), Mrs. S. J. R. Dickson, Mr. Eric Dickson, Col. T. J. Smith. Mr. Cecil Smith, Mr. J. W Hincks, Mr. John Griffiths, Mr. Noel Humphreys, Mr. J. M. Nicholson, Mr. R. L. St. Clair Nicholson, Mr. J. E. Elphick. Mr. Pelham Elphick, Mr. Podmore, Mr and Mrs G. Bonnalie, Mr. F J. Bonnalie, the Rev. A. E. Farrar, Mr. and Mrs. E. Dean. Mr. E. Dean jun the Rev. A. H. Fish. Mr. and Mrs. R. Ithell, Miss Biruh, Mr J. Thornely. Mr. G. Parker, Mr R. S. Johnson, Mrs. Sparling, &c. Among those unable to be present, were Major J. H. Dutton, Mr. J. Herbt. Dickson. Mr. Geo. Dickson, Mr. B. C. Roberts, Mr. F. B. Mason and Dr. Dobie, senr. Magnificent floral tributes were placed on the grave from Mr. and Mrs. Samuel and Miss Side- botham. Mr. Eddie Sidebotham, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lyle, junr., Mr. and Mrs. C. Greenhouse Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and family, Mr. and Mrs. N. A. E. Way, Mr. M. B. Mowle, Mi-s Mowle, Mr. Thos. Nickels and family, Mrs. Jephcott, Major and Mrs. Dutton, Mr. and Mrs. John Mowle, Mr. and Mrs. Podmore, Mrs Evans and family. Mrs. Sidebotham (Oxford), "All at Roodee Lodge," Mr and Mi s. Alletson and family, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Dickson, Miss Nancy Vincent, "Jim and Lizzle," "Herbert and Lilian," "Maggie, Con- stance and Norah," "Harry," "Edward." Mr. S J. R. Dickson. Mr. Walter Gordon Dickson, Mr. Geo. J. Roberts. Mr. Walter Conway, "Servants at Upton House," Mr. Cecil Smith, "All at Blacon Point," Mr. Chas. Evans. Mrs. Ryland. Mr. J. Trevor Dickson, Mr. and Mrs. Saml. Smith, Mrs Chas. Dalton, Mr. and Mrs. F. Bonnalie, Mr. and Mrs. Carryer, Mrs Alfred Dickson and family. Mr. Westbury presided at the church organ Messrs. J. Smith and Won, East- gate Row, carried out the funeral arrangements.

CHESTER TYPOGRAPHICAL ASSO- CIATION. ANNUAL DINNER. The annual dinner of the Chester Branch of the Typographical Association was held at the Bull and Stirrup Hotel on Saturday evening. Mr. S. Mason, president of the branch, occupied the ohair, and was accompanied by Mr. Waddington, assistant secretary of the association, and Mi. Nelson, secretary of the Liverpool Branch. There was a large and representative gathering of mem- bers of the branch. After welcoming all, the Chairman alluded to certain matters befoie the branch at the present time, and spoke of technical education. He hoped tho committee during the year would bring for- ward some scheme of technical education. He hoped it would be. carried out. Country "hands' had always been able to hold their own with men in the large towns, as they were taught more capably. Now, in the large towns, technical classes were being formed, so that apprentices got a good all-round training. If something was not done the- "country hands" would find themselves in the background. After the usual loyal toast had been honoured, Mr. Nelson (Liverpool) proposed "The Typo- graphical Association," and coupled with it the name of Mr. Waddington. He said the associa- tion was a great institution. It provided out-of- work pay and funeral benefits, and for that alone the association was deserving of most energetic support, both by the men and their employers, because it took off the latter the responsibility of providing for their workmen when they were un- able to work. In replying, Mr. Waddington apologised for the absence of the general secretary, owing to indis- position. So far as the association was concerned, he was pleased to say that it was in a fairly pros- perous condition. They were at peace with all their employers. He did not think they had en- tirely settled linotype matters in Chester, Car- naivon and Sheffield. The association rejoiced in tho prosperity of the employers, and it desired at the same time that the employes should prosper and participate in a small measure in some of the advantages* reaped from increased trade. In most of the branches the association had a power- ful weapon in the diverting of trade to those shops conducted on reasonable principles, and where fair wages were paid. With reference to the agreement as to piece-work between the Linotype Users' Association and the Typographical Associa- tion, Mr. Waddington said the. Executive Council of the latter body were not enamoured of piece- work. They did not think that all the good that could possibly be reaped from labour was ex- tracted by piece-work. He himself believed that piece work fostered every evil and bad instinct in human nature. The next best thing to its aboli- tion was its being placed under control. Under the new linotype agreement as to piece-work, every man was guaranteed a fortnight's notice, and assured 30 hours' work out of the 48 or 44 hours of the week, as the case might be, other- wise he was paid for that time at the time rate of the machine. Mr. J. Durable gave the toast of the evening. namely, "Success to the Chester Branch." He re- marked that when he came to Chester 22 years ago, the branch was almost entirely confined to the two newspaper offices, but now almost every office in the town was represented. The number of members was about half the present total. Mr. T. Hargreaves, secretary of the branch, in responding, said the membership was now 89. as compared with 76 twelve months ago. Last year was a record one for the printing trade in the city. Mr. G. Davies proposed "Our Employers," and spoke of the excellent relations existing between the employer and employed. The Chester mas- ters had always met the association on points of difference in a courteous and reasonable manner. Mr. T. Mills responded. He said he hoped to see tho time when most of the employers would meet their men on occasions of that kind. (Hear, hear.) The printing trade was not as remunera- tive as it ought to be. and he wished it were possible in Chester to have a co-operative printing company, where master and man would try and make the business as profitable as they could for each other. During the evening an excellent programme ot songs, etc., was contributed by the followin, Messrs. J. Bunee, Williams, Victor Cross, F. O. Lowe, RaEerty and Cassidy.

CRAWFORD'S SCOTCH SHORTBREAD THE" CRA WFORD" QUALITY. HIGHLAND. Thick Cakes. LOTHIAN. Thin Sections, Sugared on top. AYRSHIRE. Thin oblong Cakes, Sugared on top. SOLD BY GROCERS AND BAKERS EVERYWHERE. —

BROXTON. PUBLICANS AND REASONABLE REFRESHMENT." The annual sessions for the renewal of licences for the Broxton division were held at Broxton Court House on Monday. The magistrates present were Mr. R. Howard (chairman), Mr. T. M. L. Vernon, Mr. S. H. Sandbach, iVlr. K. O. Orton, and Mr. Evan Langley. Superintendent tlicks read his annual report, whicn shewed that there were Zi licensees in the division, eight beer-sellers, and one who sold 011 tne premises, making a total of 66. There was thus a population OI 295 to eacn licence. Three licensed victuallers had been proceeded against during tiie year and two had been convicted, iliac was an increase of two proceeded against and two convicted over the previous year. Two ot the cases had been brought unaer the Adulteration Act and not under the Licensing Act. Twenty- tour persons had been proceeded against for drunk- enness and 22 had been convicted, as compared wren 25 proceeded against and ZZ convicted in the previous year. Everything had been conducted entirely to the satisfaction of the police. The Chairman did not think the report called ior any remark trom the Bench; but there was one thing he called attention to, namely, that under the Act of 1902 the onus of proof in a case of per- mitting drunkenness was removed from the police to the publican. tie called that point into re- membrance so that the licensees might see that tneir businesses were so carried out that next year cue report might be better still. All". Charles Wright, police court missionary, Chester, attended the court to complain to the magistrates of the difficulty tnat one oiten ex- perienced with regard to the temperance refresh- ments in public-houses. During the last year he said ne had personally experienced some difficulty in obtaining light temperance refreshments, and ne had not always been treated as fairly as he considered other customers had been treated. He thought that if the magistrates would call atten- tion to the fact that temperance people were entitled to as much consideration when they asked xor ordinary, necessary light refreshments as other people, it would effect the purpose he had in view. Oil one or two occasions he had been kept waiting for a considerable length of time while others had been served, and when he was eventually served he had been grumbled at for having asked for such refreshments as bread and cheese, for instance. He thought it was his duty to make that complaint. The Chairman said the Bench as a body were obliged to Mr. Wright for coming forward. It was necessary that anything of that sort should be represented to the Bench. He would like to know any particular house that had refused to give such refreshment as had been demanded. Mr. Wright said he aid not come with the in- tention of mentioning anyone, but as the chairman had asked for it, he was bound to mention the Egerton Arms, Broxton, close to the station. Addressing the licensee of the house (Mr. Chas. E. Mortimer), the Chairman told him he must provide reasonable and proper refreshment both for teetotallers and others. It was his bounden duty to do so. He (the chairman) was not sure that there had not been similar objections to the same house before. He was not sure that was the first representation made. The Bench agreed that reasonable refreshment should be provided, and if a like report was made again it might be taken into consideration and affect the licence. The licensed house was for the reasonable refreshment of the public, who had a right to be supplied with what they asked for. Mr. Wright said he had applied to Mr. Mortimer personally in the matter several times for such things as a cup of bovril, and he had never had it on the premises. He did not always want aerated waters. On one occasion when bread and cheese was asked for he was kept almost until the train had arrived. In reply to Mr. Sandbach, Mr. Wright said he had come entirely on his own initiative. J Mr. Mortimer expressed his regret that Mr. Wright had cause for complaint. Sometimes there was a great rush of business, and he could not afford to keep a large staff. No one had ever been refused a non-intoxicant. It was quite possible that when bovril had been asked for he had not ^Mr "sandbach Has Superintendent Hicks heard anvthing? Superintendent Hicks: I have had no written C°The"Chairman said that publicans were bound to supply ordinary refreshments. _j n All licences were then renewed, and a full transfer of the Greyhound Inn, Farndon, was granted to Elizabeth Alice Fleet, widow of the late licensee.

MOLD TWO LICENCES REFUSED. The licensing sessions for the Petty Sessional Division of Mold were held on Monday at Mold. The magistrates on the Bench were Messrs. P. Tatton Davies-C-ooke (in the chair), B. E. Phillips, E. Lloyd, Thos. Parry, R. Lloyd Jones, and Jesse R°bertS" THE POLICE REPORT. The Deputy Chief Constable's report read:- There are in the division 79 fully-licensed houses, 23 beerhouses, and 8 off beerhouses and grocers' licences, making a. total of 110 houses of every description. The population of the division, ac- cording to the census of 1901 is 14,579, thus giving one licensed house to every 132 of the inhabitants. Of the 110 houses, 52 possess seven-days licences, and 58 have six-days licences. Eighty-sixhouses are tied to brewers, while 24 are free houses. During the year ended 31st December, 1903, the licences of 10 alehouses and 3 berhouses were transferred. Three licence-holders were proceeded against for offences against the Licensing Acts, and two we re convicted. During the period before mentioned 64 persons have been oonvicted for drunkenness, being an increase of 21 as compared with the pre- vious year. I have served notices of my inten- tion to oppose the renewal of the following houses, viz., Travellers' Inn, Rhydtalog; Glan'rafon Inn, P-ontybodkin. No applications for new licences will be made at the present sessions. PETITION OF FREE CHURCHMEN. The Rev. Wm. Morgan, minister of the Eng- lish Congregational Church, Mold, and president of the Mold Free Church Council, announced that he had two petitions to present to the magistrates on behalf of the Free Churoh Council. He thought their worships would concur that some magisterial action regarding the reduction of public-houses was certainly needed. With refer- ence to tho proportionate number of public-houses, the county of Flint compared very unfavour- ably with all other counties of North Wales, also Cheshire. The figures represented the propor- tionate number of inhabitants to each licence in the respective counties named:—Flint 165, Den- bigh 227, Carnarvon 303. Anglesey 282, Merioneth 378, Montgomery 224, Cheshire 318. The town of Mold also compared very unfavourably with all neighbouring towns, with the single exception of Holywell, as the following figures, representing the proportionate number of inhabitants to each licence would shew:—Borough of Chester 182, Wrexham 172, Denbigh 189, Ruthin 101, Flint 125, Rhyl 169, Meld 80. The petitioners thought this state of things required to be dealt with. Mr. Marston: Are you reading all the figures? Mr. Morgan: Yes, I am. The Chairman (to Mr. Morgan): We cannot allow any speeches here on the subject, but we are quite willing to accept any statement you have to put before us. If you wish to object to any specific house or houses we are quite willing to hear any evidence you hav,e. to lay before us. Mr. Morgan: I understand the magistrates have discretionary power. The Chairman We are quite aware of that. Mr. Morgan And may exercise that power in the interests of the inhabitants. The Chairman We are quite willing to receive any memorial. Mr. Morgan: I am merely explaining the memorial, and speaking in justification of the action we have taken. The Chairman If yon like to read your memo- rial we will listen to it. A great many of us per- haps agree with you that there probably are too many public-houses,-and we shall deal with them judiciously as is in our power. EARLIER CLOSING. Mr. Morgan, who was supported by a contin- gent of Nonconformist ministers and other tem- perance advocates, then read the memorials. The first prayed the magistrates to use their discretion- ary power to order or arrange for the closing of public-houses in the town at ten o'clock instead of at eleven o'clock as heretofore. In the opinion of the petitioners ten o'clock was late enough to meet the reasonable requirements of such of the inhabi- tants as frequented public-houses. Closing at ten o'clock would be for the advantage of such work- ing people who were tempted to abuse the facili- ties now provided, since it would enable them to repair to their homes at a reasonable hour. More- over public-houses were not needed after ten o'clock for the refreshment or accommodation of commercial travellers or others arriving late in the town, and closing at the hour mentioned would conduce to the peace and quietness of the. streets at an hour when most of the inhabitants had re- tired or were about-to- retire for the night. All business places in the town closed at eight o'clock, and the dosing of licensed 'houses at ten o'clock had already been established in some big towns, such as Glasgow, much to the public benefit. Last- ly, they urged that earlier closing would be for the good of the licence-holders themselves. The second petition urged the pressing necessity of reducing the number of public-houses. The petitioners remembered that their worships, in con- junction with other magistrates in the county, hod already shewn much interest in the question. The appointment of a committee last year to enquire into the condition of the existing licensed houses was striking proof of that. They hoped that as a result of the inquiry their worships would be in a position to deal further with the matter, as they (the petitioners) believed the existing num- ber of nublic-houses was largely in excess of the reasonable requirements of the people. The excessive number of public-houses was a distinct factor in the promotion of intemperance, and there- fore indirectly of crhnc. The Chairman assured Mr. Morgan that the petitions would receive the best consideration of the magistrates. WELLINGTON INN, BUCKLEY. The Deputy Chief Constable said it had come to his notice that morning that a new door was being built at the Wellington Inn, Buckley, and asked that the renewal of the licence should be adjourned until plans had been submitted.—The Bench in- timated that they would give their decision as to the renewal of the licence at the adjourned licensing sessions. BUCKLEY COUNCILLOR & A SERGEANT. AMUSING OBJECTION. Henry Hughes, a member of the Buckley Urban Council, appeared beiore the magistrates to sup- port a notice of objection which he himself had given to the renewal of the billiard licence of the lilack Horse, Buckley, on the remarkable grounds that the licensee had harboured Sergeant R. Davies in the billiard-room on several nights each week and supplied drink to him. lr. Hughes said he had visited the Black Horse occasionally to have a game of billiards, and had found Sergt. Davies continually there.—The Chairman: You cannot object without objecting to the whole licence.— Mr, Hughes: I object only to the billiard licence. It is a separate business from the other.—The Chairman: You cannot separate them.—Mr. Hughes: I don't object to the licence of the house. —The Chairman intimated that the Bench could not hear ML-. Hugh'-s's objection.—The Chief Con- stable (Major Webber): 1 have made enquiries, and it is a gross exaggeration from Lvginning to end. The poiice-sorgeant referred to is a man of excellent character. Personally, I have the I greatest satisfaction of being able to speak as to his character.—The Chairman The Bench are very pleased indeed to hear what the Chief Constable has had to sav in this matter. PENTRE LICENCE REFUSED. The Rev. John Owen, Caivimstic Methodist. Mold, armed with a petition and supported ^by- several Pentre friends, appeared to offer objection to the renewal of the licence of the Pied Bull, Pentre. Mr. A. 0. Evans (Deubign) appeared to apply for the renewal. He objected at the outset to Mr. Owen's handing in the petition. He said his instructions were that one or two young ladies had been taking the petition round the district, and it was very hard for some individuals to resist the temptation of signing petitions presented by fascinating young ladies of good address. (Laugh- ter.)-Tlie Chairman intimated that the Bench would accept the petition, but they must have specific evidence of anything that was brought forward. Air. Owen said he had no knowledge of any defects of the house, nor had he any objection to the licensee. He contended that the licence was not required, and mentioned that there were two public-houses, whereas the number of inhabited houses in the district was 42, and the number of inhabitants 172. Of the latter 75 were under 16 years of age. This was an opportunity for doing away with one of the houses. It was one of the poorest districts in the county, and drink was the cause of much of the poverty.—Robert Morris, Pentre Mill, said the house was the cause of a good deal of drinking.—Cross-examined: He was a teetotaller. He had not been inside the house during the last six or seven years. There was a stable, and he had used it for one of hi animals.— Mr. Evans: Yet you have said there is no accom- modation for man or beast.—Addressing the magistrates, Mr. Evans pointed out that the police did not oppose the renewal of the licence. It was the oldest licensed house in Pentre. and the existence of another licensed house shewed that at one time the justices had not thought the Pied Bull was sufficient to meet the requirements of the neighbourhood. If one of the licensed houses was not wanted now, they should not do away with the original.—Edward Evans, the licensee, gave evidence, and said some of his best customers were the customers of Mr. Morris, of the Mill.—The Bench, after retirement, came to the conclusion that the house was not wanted, and therefore did not grant the renewal of the licence.- -Mr. Evans: Your worships have taken me by surprise. 1 had some further evidence to call, out did not thniiv you wanted to hear any further evidence.—The Chairman said he did not think it would h?*ve made any difference.—Mr. Evans: In due course there will be notice of anneal. TWO LICENCES FOR THREE MALE INHABITANTS. Mr. Marston applied for the renewal of the licence of the Travoller p, Inn, Rhydtalog, to which the police offered objection through Mr, T. W. Hughes (Flint).—Mr. Marston asked the Bench to adjourn the case until after ths promised pro- nouncement by the Prime Minister, but the jus- tices decided to deal with the case.—Mr. Hughes then outlined the objections, which were that the house was not required, that it was too remote from police supervision, and that it had not been well conducted. In August last the licensee had be-an convicted of permitting drunkeni-iess.-M-c. Marston offered to concur if the Bench would simply say that the house was not required. He appeared not only for the tenant, but for the owner, who owned also the only other public-house there., so that there would not be a very serious hardship if the renewal was not granted, as the value of the other house would be increased.- Mr. Hughes proceeded to say that there were six inhabited houses in Rhydtalog, and only three grown-up males in the village, with two public- houses to serve them. (Laughter.)-qergt Davies gave more details regarding these astonishing proportionate figures. There were, he said, seven cottages, two of which were unoccupied, leaving six occupied with the shop. There were three adult male inhabitants—a gamekeeper, the shop- keeper and another. The Liver Inn and the house objected to belonged to the same person.—Mr. Marston: Have you not made a mistake in select- ing this house? The one you object to was built as a public-house, and the one you. leave was built as a farm-Witness: I do not know.—The Chairman said the decision of the justices was that the licence should not be granted.—Mr. Marston appealed to them to say that it was on the ground that it was not required, but the Bench simply reiteratied, that the renewal was not granted. A MAGISTERIAL STIPULATION. The other objection of the police (again repre- sented by Mr. T. W- Hughes) was to the Glan'rafon Inn, Pontybodkyn, a '69 beerhouse. Mr. Marston appeared for the owner.-—Mr. Hughes said the licensee was convicted in Decem- ber for selling drink to a drunken person, and urged that the house was of a disorderly charac- ter.—P.C. John Jones (Caergwrle) had received complaints of drunkenness and rowdyism.—The Deputy Chief Constable said the house was badly conducted.—David Jones, bailiff, said he appeared as a member of a chap?] which was close to the !?n-^Tho^ous? y.as a cause of annoyance, and ^!Unci' ^ad passed a resolution in having 'Uhe iaSf '*} ^he chapel ings s ^nSar?C^y °/T m€ no-ant in Mr, m He was sub- Rridar* Tnrl Jones, who owned the not aPP684"in that capacity. Mr Marston: If you s[iut up this house, vou will help your master's house?—Mr. Hughes thought this a very improper question, and the magistrates said they would take it for what it was worth.—Witness (replying), insisted that he appealed as a worshipper in the chapel -—John Alfred Jones also gave evidence.—Mr. Marston urged that the licensee had conducted a respect- able business for 16 or 17 years. He appealed to the Bench to stay their hands until the Prime Minister had made his pronouncement.—Robert Davies, licensee, gave evidence, and a bundle of personal testimonials were put in.—Mr. Beirne. the owner, also entered tha witness-box, and said that notwithstanding that his agent had made private enquiries from time to time he had heard nothing against the lieensee.-C-ross-examined by Mr. Hughes: He did not know if his agent had enquired from the local policeman.—After a long retirement of the Bench, the Chairman an- nounced that. they had decided to renew the licence, provided a new tenant was obtained, and that alterations were made as to the, closmg of tho entrance to the private house. Plans must be submitted to them.—Mr- Hughes suggested that the renewal should stand over to tne ad- journed licensing sessions pending these changes, and this course was agreed upon. Mr Howard Evans, solicitor. Mold, applied on behalf of Mary Brannan, for a protection order, to sell at the Old Vaults, Wrexham-street, Mold, The application was granted, as was also a transfer of the licence of the Railway Inn, Mold, to Eliza- beth Cunningham. With the exception of the two refused and one deferred all the licences were granted.

WREXHAM BOROUGH. The annual licensing sefisions for the borough of Wrexham were held on Monday. In the ab- sence of the Deputy Chief Constable (Mr. Edward Jones), Inspector Bagshaw presented the follow- ing report:—"I beg to report for your informa- tion that this borough contains 61 fully-licensed houses (26 of which have six-day licences), 10 beerhouses licensed to sell on or off the premises (three of wlTic-h also hold a wine licence and two of which have only six-day licences), five licensed to sell off the premises, and four grocers' licences. The population at the last- census was 14,966, and there is one licence to every 187 of the. inhabitants, but the influx of persons from the surrounding districts has also to be provided for. In addition to the licences which I have already mentioned, seven brewers hold a licence to sell in small quan- tities off the premises; four chemists are licensed to sell medicated wine off the premises, and one grocer to sell British wines- There are also five clubs registered under the endingVcem- aing Act of 1872. Dui „ females (total 315) ber 31 last 246 male s 135 Qf whom were were convicted d 180 non.ref,]deilts. residents in the borough There was an increase of eight m the number of convictions. Thirty-three persons were proceeded against for being on licensed premises on Sundays, 21 of whom were convicted. I am pleasea to in- form you that since those convictions were ob- tained those so-called bona-fide travellers, who had previously been the cause of trouble to the police and danger to the licence-holders, have ceased to visit Wrexham. Two males and one female have been placed on the black list, under section 6 of the Licensing Act of~lS02. The female has been four times convIcted of drunken- ness since. Two females were sent to an inebri- ates' home at Lc*.vcs. Cbe pcrscn en the blah list was convicted for attempting to obtain in- toxicating liquor at a public-house. Since the last adjourned licensing meeting three licence-holders have be^n proceeded against, and two convicted, as follows:—November 30, John Davies, Carnar- von Castle, for allowing biiiTa-ids to be played-on Sundays, fined Is. and costs; January 25. William Jones, Crown Inn, Abbott-street, drunk on his own licensed premises, fined 10s. and costs. I ask that the renewal of the latter's licence be with- held until the adjourned licensing meeting; also that of the vaults, High-street, as I do not con- sider the present holder a proper person to hold such a licence. Subject to your directions. I will sc-i-ve. a notice of objection to the renewal of these licences. All the Lcensed houses have been fre- quently visited for the purpose of detecting breaches of the licensing laws, but with the ex- ception of those mentioned I have no complaints to make. The Raglan Arms, Lambpit-street, lias been rebuilt, according to plans which were sub- mitted and approved of. and I understand that plans of proposed alterations at the T-albot, Hope- street, wiLl be produced' to-day for your considera- tion. I have s:2en the same and have no objection to make.' The magistrates expressed themselves pleased to find that there had oniy bc-en 135 convictions for drunkenness in the borough during the year. The 180 (ases which were due to visitors from the sur- rounding districts made the case of Wrexham look much blacker, of course. They complimented the police upon the manner in which they had discharged their duties in connection with licensed houses, and intimated that, they would renew all the licences with the exception of the three re- ferred to in the Deputy Chief Constable's rcr>crt. The magistrates also stated that within the iiext few weeks they intended to visit all the public- houses in the borough. Mr. Stanley D. Edisbury appeared in support of the application for the sanction of the- plans, prepared by Messrs. John H Davies and Sens, Chester, for the rebuilding of the Talbot Hotel, at the Corner of Hope-street and Que en-street- It was pointed out that the licensed area would be very greatly reduced. and that. 438 square feet were being given up for public improvements. The plans were approved, the Bc-nch considering that the alteration would result in a public im- provement.

LLANGOLLEN. RENEWALS SUSPENDED. On Monday at Llangollen Brewster Sessions, the Bench asked the representatives of the brewers if they had any suggestions for the reduction of licences, and received a reply in the negative. The renewals of twelve licences were suspended, and the Bench who said they sympathised with the pleas for the reduction of licences, invited the temperance party to give evidence m support of these conten- tions.—Captain Best who presided, said fewer and improved public-houses would be better than such wretched dens as the magistrates had visited.

NATURAL HISTORY" WJTES. THE DEE MARSH. Weather may or may not make much difference to the birds; a hard frost often makes shy birds tamer, and a bright, sunny day, though giving great advantages to the watcher, often puts the birds on the alert. In foggy weather the faculties of birds seem to be duller: a few days since I noticed that the ducks on the meres could be ap- proached when it was misty, although they would have been up and away if it had been clear. When we were on the Dee Ilarsh la.st month the sun was shining brightly at times and there was no fog. but the wind prevented us from seeing many bird* It was a wind, and no mistake; it came roaring down from the Welsh hills and swept across the saltings towards the Cheshire shore, picking up the spray in sheets from the half-empty gutters and pools left by the falling tide. It blew the loose sand in blinding clouds right into our fstpes, and when we tried to use our glasses our vision was obscured by the tears which welled into our eyes. We crossed the marsh in the teeth of the gale, but it was slow and tedious work, and we were very thankful for the slight shelter afforded by the broken embankment which crosses seaward of the railway. Most of that great waste of grass, sand and slub was birdiess; tlle powerful wind—fortunately not a bitter one—had driven them to seek shelter in ditches or had forced them acros to the Cheshire shore; some, no doubt. had followed the falling tide and were among the lums and goringsoff Parkgate ar.d Gayton. Close to Burton Point, however, there were a fair number of birds; a large gathering of black- headed gulls were resting on the gra-s, and the clear whistle of the curlew drew our attention to a party of these birds which were feeding round a. fat emptying gutter, probing their long curved bills here and there, in the mud and shallow water. Near them, again, were some redshanks and some smaller waders, which moved befe-,t, we could identify them, but one bird caught GlÁ attention; it was larger than the redshanks though smaller than the curlews, and its light plumage caught the light and rendered it conspicuous. A GREENSHANK IN JANUARY. I At first we could not get it within respectable range, but it was a little tamer than the redshanks, and, after we had followed it up for a short distance, we got it in a good light and saw that it was undoubtedly a greenshank. Now the green- shank—always a rare bird on the Dee--is not a f regular winter visitor: it is one of those birds which we class as spring and autumn migrants; birds which halt on their way north in the spring or on their journey towards warme: zones ill autumn, but which do not spend either summer or winter with us. What particular climatic con- ditions or other causes had induced this bird to linger until mid-winter cannot easily be explained. As I said, it was larger than the redshanks, among which it stood at times, and its long green legs were in marked contrast to the brilliancy coloured legs of the smaller and commoner bird. Not only did it. stand higher than the redshanks, but the pose of its body was different; it stood, so to speak, horizontally, and not with the breast higher than the tail. Very grey in colour, it locked almost white when it rose and shewed the great quantity of white upon its under parts; its voice, too, was distinctly different from that of the redshanks. On the wing, however- its back appeared Uack, but when on the ground v.e could see that this was only caused by the light; its upper pc.ru. were äh irrey. THE DEE GEESE. Wc saw very little of the geese: picbably tho largest party we're out seaward. While we were sheltering from the wind among the Burton rocks, waiting for the tide to fall and allow us to cross to the river, we saw a gaggle of about nineteen or twenty birds come across the railway from the Sealand side; they alighted near the embankment by the side of a gutter We should have been able to get near them if we had gone along the far jde of the railway embankment, but then the light would have been in our faces, so we braved the v/iiul and battled across on the weather side of the old embankment until we reckoned that we were opposite the birds. Then we crawled up the grass and levelled our glasses; we could see the big birds—unmistakably grey geese—resting on the grass or feeding, but we could net make out what species they were referable te although they were most likely pink-footeds. When we had watched them for a few minutes a ;;quali of hail and sleet blew over and hid them fiom sight: we passed on to the broken end of the embank- ment, and either the birds saw us or thought it was time to join their fellows on the sand banks, for they rose head to wind and began to fight their way against the gale. That wind, hewever, was too much even for a goose, and after a few minutes' flight westward, when they made prac- ticalIy no headway, they tacked towards the north, and skimmed like a yacht diagonally into the wind. We dropped, hoping they would pass above HS, but they fell away towards the east and crossed the embankment close to Burtcn Point. BLACK-BACKED GULLS AND OTHER BIRDS. When we had jumped the ditches or waded through the shallower gutters we reached the training wall of the river, and there we found a few more bird-3; save an odd redshank or dunlin, here and there beneath the shelter of a steep bank, tliei-o were no birds upon the open saltings. Near the river we saw a solitary great black-backed gull, close to the spot where we had seen one several times before. In December we saw a email flock ol mow buntings on the embankment, zi-.d a few- days before Mr. Cumrnings had found the pany reduced to three; we could now only find one. and when we flushed it it went hurtling of before the wind. There was ono fair-sized party of dunlins on the sand, but we could not steady the telescope in time to examine the Bock for strangers, indeed, it was no easy matter to use the telescope at all in that wind. When Mr. Cumminge was on the marsh earlier in January he saw a flock of interest- ing birds—about two dozen twites. In the bad light they were not easy to identify, until they rose and flew off towards Flint; then they called, and the unmistakable call satisfied him; the twite's note is not to be confused with that of any of the other linnets. There was one common but interesting little bird on that wild, wind-swept marsh-a wren, which has apparently taken up its winter quarters on the embankment and training wall. We had seen it here before, and it was close to the same spot. sheltering behind the bank. When it rcse its tiny whirring wings were not strong enough to carry it against the gale, and it dropped in the scant herbage at our feet; there we left it to recover its wind and continue its search for tiny among fhoso grey atones. SCAVENGING RATS. Out on the marsh we picked up the corpse of a black-headed gull; net an uncommon object, but nevertheless interesting, for the skin was turned inside out over the picked bones. iNcv; crows and other gulls—scavengers and undertaker; of the marsh—do not reverse the skin in manner, and, as Mr. Newstead remarked, it locked like the work of a hedgehog. Probably, and I should »ay without doubt, it was not the leavings of a hedgehog, but of ral for all along the embank- ment and- in the rocks at Burton there are tfbundanfc traces of these all-devouriiig mammals. Rats live in those banks above the reach of the tide, and they swarm in the cranky and crannies in the weathered sandstone rocks; when the tide falls they sally forth and scour the W2-:e for edible not.am and jetsam; here they find a turnip, there an oily sardine tin, and ever and again a gory feast in the shape of some dead bird or animal or fish. If they would only confine their attention to such diet we could almost love them, but alas ■ they live in other localities than the wild Dee M" T. A. C.

CHESTER MANX NATIONAL SOCIETY.— A meeting was held on Thursday evening of a. few Manx folk. It was decided to start a Manx National Society in Chester. Mr. C. Kerin:-n (Messrs. Phillipson and Golder's printing works) was appointed hon. secretary pro tern. This society will be a social one, and the members are to meet together to discuss matters relating to the Island and its people and customs. ADVICE TO MOTHERS !-Are you broken of your rest by a sick child suffering with the pains in cutting teeth? Go at once to a chemist and get a bottle of MRS. WINSLOW'S SOOTHING SYFXP. which has been used over 50 years by millions of mothers for their children while teething, with perfect success. It is pleasant to taste, produces natural, quiet sleep by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes li as bright as a button." It soothes the child, it softens the gums, allays al pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and is the best known remedy for dysentery and ",9 1 cfiarrhoea. whether arising from teething or other eanses. Sold by Chemists everywhere at Is. I id. per bottle.

WAR OFFICE ■fofigpR.M, -+- AN A KMY COUNCIL. OO MM AN DEE i ri CHIEF ABOLISHED. The report oi ire i\ r Office Reconstitution Committee, oompceu of Lord Es-her, Sir J. A. Fisher "d Sir George Clarke, which was ap- pointed a short- t'nje 2g0 to examine and report upon the creation o; b-oard for the administra- tive business ci ..rt- War Office, has just boe-oi issued. The repcrt, Y-hnh bas been approved by the- King, consists ci a letter by Lord Esher, Sir J. A. Fisher, and f: George Clarke to the Prime Minister, followedcy their report in three tions. The first r-ect:on deals with the oreation of a Department çj the Defence Committer—■ aiready in existences—by way 01 strengthening the same. The second section deals with the creation of an Army Count?) on the same lines as the Ad- miralty Board, on which the Secretary of State will pre&ide. The tOject of this Council may be summed up in the word "decentralisation." The office of Commaaiaer-in-Chief, is aDoiished, and his place is to be taken by ail Inssjeetor-General, whose sole funct.cn it will be to report upon, actual faots, wifboot expressing opinion on policy, and who should, therefore, be located outside the Wax Ofhoe. Section three deals with the work- ing out of the deoc-utralisa'tion idea. The Dlcjn. object of the creation of an inspector-general, who wiD be assisted by a staff, is to provide the iSe. o- tary of State and Ocuncil with eyes and ears othetr than those of the administrative heads of the War Ulfioe, who oannct have time or opportunity for inspection. The report contains the following im- portant passage: — "New measures demand new men, and we, the re? ore. attach special impcrtaiLoe to the jnimedtate <VTJ■intrj-eait of militarv mem- bers who ha.ve net hitherto been closely connected with existing method1;, and are, therefore, Lot likely to be embarras-ed by the traditions of a system which j. to radically chanced.

LiGIITKGHJP TABLE. --+ All cycles and ether vehicles m the Chester district must be lighted upas staged tn tiie iollov^rti.e table 6 Wednesday, February 3 5*^3 Thursday, February 4 5.57 Friday, Februarys 5*59 Saturday, February o 6.1 Sunday, February 7 (j 3 Monday, February 8 6.5 Tuesday, February J g j

CHESTER LN'FliL'.UK'f. w- WEEK.LV STATE. KNTDED SAT C .ti.VA r LAST. In-patients are admitted on Tuesday mormntrs at 11 o'clock In-patients LHschajveo. in-patients. Cured 33 I Admiue l 19 ♦" J, "• 7 :-n«? House 98 Made Out-Patients Unrelieved 1 Irregularity Dead 1 OUT-PATIENTS. Medical cases are gecn on Monday, .Vediiesday, and Saturday iacn;in>a at Eleven Surjjical cases are setu en Thursday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Ophthalmic cases are seen on Friday mornmira at liJevo.i o'clock. Dental cases are seen on Tuesday and iaorai;jgs Ten o'clock, Out-patients aou.i'„teci since Saiuru- 81

BIKThtS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS -+- BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS are charged at the rate ci 20 words xcr Is. (prepaid). If not prepaid, the charge will be 2s. bJ. iha announcement mus-t be authenticated by the Sig- nature and Address cf the Sender BIRTH. NEV. TON— On the 4r,h January, Over, Winsiord, Cheshire, tne wJÍt: ct Edward Bur-nan Newton, of a daughter. DEATHS. CAI.LE?-rDER—On ".be 2-h January, at Well-lane, Rock Ferry, John H. CaUendtr. late K.N., aged 77 years. DIGKSOJV—On the 27th January, ivi Upton House, Chester, Elizabeth, widow of James Dick-son, J.l'. EDWARDS—On the 28th -January, at Fitzalan-rcad, Oswestry, Edward Ed\tJ Js, aged 5*1 years. FFOVLKES—On the L11 January, at Rode Rectory, Scholar Green, Cheshire, Henry William Wynne kf ouikes. Rector of Clifooll-cum.Glaptou, near 3Tottin<jaam, eldest hon of the late Judge Wynne Ffoulkes, of Old Northgate House, of this city, in the 49th year of his -ve. GIBSON-On the 27th January, at Hiifh-street, Crewe William WclIworth Giboon, in h 's 40th) ear. HACE-On the 3;th January, Francis- Evtrard Hance, cf Keble College, Oxford, third son oi Edward 1. Hancc, of 17, Perey-street, Liverpool, in hia 24th year. MELDRUM-On the Jlyth January, suddenly, at hia rokSente, Eishopt&on, t-irassendale Park, David Meidruta, manager Cheshire Lines committee, ayed ti. year. SIMM, O-NS-ON the 25tb January, William Sinimens, Goton Hill, Shrewsbury, aged 55 years. THORP-On the 28th January, at his residence, Bench Lawn, the Proirenade, West Kirby. Robert Stead Thorp, in his 61st year. TVRNER-On the 26th January, at his residence, Valq House Bcivdon, Cheshire, John Turner. IN MEMOBIAM. SIXGN—In loving memory of Joseph, only son of the late Joseph and Mary Ann Nixon, of Bickerton, who died in Manchester, February titfi, 1897, aged 24 years, f" In the nrdst of life we are in death.")

V/f E M O R I A L S -ijjL A T T AT ALL PRICES, IK MA RBLE, GRANITE, STONE & ALABASTSE, On View, and to orCe: W. HASWELL & SON. MASONS, KALEYARDS, CHESTcit Estimates find Designs Free on Telephone o. HÚA. —

BIOLOGICAL LECTURES TO TEACHERS. t —The third of a course of ten lectures on the principles of biology to the principal and assiStant. teachers of Chester, under the auspices of the Corporation, was given on Wednesday evening in the Grosvenor Museum, by Mr. R. J. Harvev Gibson, Al.A, If.L.>S., F.R.H.S., Professor of Botany in the University of Uverpool. There was a large attendance. OOACHBUILDER S AFFAIRS.-4.t Crewe- Bankruptcy Court on Friday, James HinghaLL coaehbuilder, Middlewich, attended for his public examination. The gross Labilities were £ 1,548 4s. 7d. and the estimated deficiency £ 529 3s.' 6d. The debtor stated that his father carried on the business of coach boiJder in Lewin-street, Middle- wich, until 1885, when he retired, and he and a brother took the business over. They had no capital. In 1889 his brother went out of the business and was paid by the debtor £ 100 Want of capital and ins-jifieient trade militated against his suecess, and three years ago he. found himself insolvent. He thought he might be able to recover himself, but got further behind. The examination was adjourned. &KIPTON CON ^TIIVAT! VES' CHOICE.- The Skipton Divisxiii Conservative Association on Saturday heard an sddreee in Mr. Richard Fou- ii-, Roundel], of Gledt-t-one, ju&ar Skipton, whise uncle, Mr. CharJes Savde PvDandell, formerly of Dorfold Hall, Naniwioh, represented the division as a Liberal from 1892 to 1395, and subsequently the meeting' una^jjir-taiKiy invited him to become their c-aadidate. J3e wall announce his decision Liter. Mr". Roufedell annoLmeed himself to be in favour of compensation being paid to publicans oit.po-~c*ed of their Hoe-nee*) for other reasons than those of nii&oo dv.ot, while on the Fiscal ques- tion he preferred io follow Mr. Balfour in his re- taliation proposals, behoving that the time h:1d not, yet arrived for po>ng- "toe -.vhcle hob" acoord- irg to Mr. Chaixbtrlain.

By Ryj<d Wat rant Fertiliier Manufacturers U To His Majesty the King. FIS 0 S' (IPSWKJH) FERTILIZERS 1903 RESULTS: "D A T? T T?V Champioashi <->f the World DA 11 .Li IJ J[ Brewers' Exhibit ion Grower, Sir Thomas Bawls, Porlocfc, Somerset. M"Vr/>AT TlCJ 80 tons 11 cwr.g. par acre, A (lULJjO Petersiield Sh>-w. Gro-v-jr, Mr. N. Marshall, Sogate. Su sex. CABBAGES ^:aiS.Br,n'f""d Grower, y-r. W. (,itJbs, E Langiey, Derby. CWFT\T<'Q 55 1 ewt • The "Coui- L? \V s U iO thr.rd Boot Competition, Oroxer, Mr. R. Thomas, Pentreatb, A nglesey. Tne Special Fertilizers for Grass. Oats, Potato:s and Hups have d¡;o done wonders. Plot price lists and fuLL particuLars of te MY, s apply to JOSEPH FIS(M& CO. LD. IPSWICH.

DEPRESSION IN THE SALT TRADE.-T'he salt workers of Northwich and Wmsford districts are feeling acutely the depression in the Cheshire salt industry. At Marston and Wincham the em- ployes have rarely had harder times. Many works are overstocked, and employment both heie and at Winsford now only averages three to five days weekly. Cheshire salt shipments, export and coastwise, for the past year are 6,000 tons behind the corresponding period, and are much below the decade's average. DEATH OF A DENBIGH LADY.-On Mon- day, to the great grief of a. large circle, there passed away a lady who, as a daughter of the late Dr. E. A. Tumour, J.P., Grove House, Den- bigh, was a member of a family intimately con- nected with the life of Denbigh, her father and brother having been Mayors of the town, in which they left behind them many memorials of their unbounded liberality. The deceased lady, who was the late Dr Tumour's only daughter, was married early last summer to Mr. J P. Lewis, Denbigh, secretary to the Bishop of St. Asaph and registrar of probate of the North Wales dis- trict. She was a generous supporter of every charitable and religious institution in the town, and of Church work generally. DEATH OF A CHESTER MINISTER —Many citizens will learn with deep regret of the death of Chester's oldest Nonconformist minister, the Rev. John Morgan, which occurred on Sunday at his residence the Laurels, Tarvin-road- Deceased, who had attained the advanced age of 81 years, was for many years pastor of the Great Boughton Congregational Church, and retired about three years ago. Though his health had been in a seri- ous condition for several months past, his vigorous constitution enabled him to. make several en- couraging rallies, which gave hopes of his ulti- mate recovery, and the end came rather unex- pectedly. The venerable minister was a. familiar figure in the streets of Chester, and by his death local Nonconformists have suffered a great loss. The funeral will take place at Malpas to-day (Wednesday). HOME-COMING REJOICINGS.—The p-opu- larity of Major R. W. Williams-Wvnn, D.S.O., of Cefn, St. Asaph, was again most- heartily evinced by the tenantry of Cefn and citizens of St. Asaph on Monday, when he was, accorded a. most en- thusiastic "welcome home," the occasion being brought about by his recent marriage with Miss Hetty Lowther. He and his bride were met at St. Asaph Station by a laige crowd of tenantry and friends, and Mr. Charles Mansbridge (chairman of the Parish Council), on behalf of the citizens of St. Asaph The carriage in which the happy- pair travelled to their ancestral home at Cefn was drawn through the decorated streets of St. Asaph by some of the tenantry. At. Cefn a monster tea party was given to about 500 people. Presentations were made by the Volunteers of St. Asaph the tenantry and citizens of St. Asaph, and the school children of the whole district were given a holiday. CHESTER ROYALTY THEATRE —Mr. Mil- ton Bode's first pantomime at the Royalty Theatre this season was taken on tour after such a com- paratively short run that many Cestrians scarcely had an opportunity of familiarising themselves with it. Therefore they will all the more warmly welcome "The Babes in the Wood which opened a two-weeks' engagement on Monday evening. The piece has gained much praise, in Cardiff, and local playgoers are not likely to be behindhand in their appreciation of the merits of the work It is presented on a stage of considerable splen- dour, and goes with an admirable swing. The tuneful music and catchy songs materially add to the success of (Tie pantomime. Pressure of space prevents us from entering into a detailed descrip- tion of the company, but suffice it to say that all the principal artists are to be strongly com- mended. The Sisters Humphreys introduce a specialty act, Mdlle Lenora and the sisters Dorrell give clever dances, and the New Macs are re- sponsible for some funny business. MACCLESFIELD PARISH CHURCH.— What is claimed to be the largest work of church restoration undertaken in the Chester diocese during the last half-century or more was formally completed on Monday by the final meeting of the committee which has carried out the rebuilding of Macclesfield Parish Church of St. Michael. The church was founded in 1278 by Queen Eleanor, and was rebuilt in 1470. The present restoration, planned oy the late Sir Arthur Blomfieid, was commenced in 1896, and has cost over £ 25,000 The foundation stone was laid in October, 1888, by the late Duke of Westminster, and the church was reopened, free from debt, in 1901 by the Bishop of Chester. Since then the Restoration Committee have carried out a number of further improvements. Mr. James Kershaw, J.P., under- took the entire cost of restoring the tower, besides contributing £ 1,500 to the general fund, and Mr F. D. Brocklehurst gave an east window, as well as donations of over £ 1.000 The General Com- mittee on Monday passed accounts, which shewed a small balance in hand. CHESTER PAXTON SOCIETY.—The usual fortnightly meeting was held in the Grosvenor Museum on Saturday, under the chairmanship of Mr. G. Lyon. Mr. E. Stubbs, Bache Hall, in- troduced a discussion on "Suggestions for the next Exhibition." From the outset, it was evident that all those present were keenly interested in the welfare of the society, and although past exhi- bitions have always been a conspicuous success, several valuable suggestions were made by various members, the most important of these being (1) to make the exhibits of apples and pears more educational by asking exhibitors to give particu- lars of the stock upon which the trees have been grafted, as well as the class of soil and situation in which they have baen grown; (2) to make a special class for bottled fruits, in which those who do not grow fruit themselves can compete; (3) to offer prizes for collections of vegetables as well as for winter-flowering begonias, cyclamens, etc.. (4) to offer prizes for the impromptu naming of hardy fruits by young gardeners and others; (5) to encourage chrysanthemum specialists to ex- hibit new varieties of merit; (6) to encourage still iurther table decorations by ladies resident in the society s district. Hearty votes of thanks to the chairman and introducer brought the meeting to a close.