The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

THE COTTON GAMBLE. LIVERPOOL PRICES UP. The Liverpool Cotton Market opened from 20 to 25 points up to day.

MR. HANBURY'S WILL. The Appeal Court to-day upheld the decision of th3 Court below that the late Mr. Hanbury, M.P., eft his property absolutely to his widow,

TRAGIC DISCOVERY. SUPPOSED MURDER AND SUICIDE. The dead bodies of George Crocker. a painter, aged 31. and Ethel Shcoter, 21. were found in a field at Sutton, near Notiiagiiam, to-day, with their throats cut. Crocket", who had kept oom- piuiy with Shooter, is supposed to have cut tho girl's throat and then committed suicide, Jeal- ousy is said to be the moct^e £ ot the crime.

THE PREMIER. SLIGHT ATTACK OF INFLUENZA. Mr. Balfour was unable to attend the opening of Parliament to-day, owing to illness. The following bulletin was issued from Downing- street this morning" rvlr. Balfour is suffering from influenza. IIt has passed i fair night. The temDerature is lower this morning, and there ars no complications.

ARSENICAL BEER SEQUEL ROSTOCK'S GREAT CLAIM, In London, to-day, Mr. Justice Bruce grave- judgment in the action bro-jgh by Bostock and Co., of Garston and Live:.pool, against John Nicholson and Sons. Huns lot, Leeds, claiming E500,000 damages for alleged breach of contract by the defendants in delivertug to the plainciffa sulphuric acid contaminated with arsenic. His lordship held there had been, no. fraudulent repre- sentation on defendants' part, but that they had been guilty of breach of contract. The. question of damages will be argued, later. The plaintiffs are the manufacturer? of br?w:og sugary and the sulphuric acid was for use ill nuking thei-e sugars.

——— —— SPORTING. NOTTINGHAM MEETING. TUESDAY. RUFFORI) SELLING HURDLE.—Wolfgamr, 1; Golden Apple, 2 Tenebrosa, 3. Fourteen ra.n. WOLLATON STEEPLECHASE.—Cheiro, 1; Silverrae, 2 Cherry Pit, fell. Three ran. HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE.—Flutterer, 1; The Hawk, 2 Little May II., 3. Eight ran.

ROYAL ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL, EHYL. --+- ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting cf the subscribers, of the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Rhy!, w&3 held at Rhyl on Monday, when the Duke of Westminster (president of the instk j.tion) presided ever a. morj than usually larJe atte-ndauoe. The annual report stated thit last year had been one of steady work and progress, 721 patie-nts h-vd been received, an increase ot 60 upor. last year. Of these 134 were hospital ca-ies arid 587 were con- valescents. Thirty-nine patients had been in free cots. The revenue account P-liewed a balance in hand of £ 303. While they hid t,3it 40 old sub- scribers. there were 93 new subscribers, represent- ing the annual sum c £r9. The overdraft on the building- fund account was still a source of considerable anxiety, and it was very important that a serious effort- .j'.ould be mide to pay off the heavy liability of £ 6,^60 to the North and South Wales Bank. Sinco tie account had been made up £ 100 had been received from an anonymous benefactor, and this. vn.th the £ 383 received under the will of the late Miss E Lloyd Robert-, the committee proposed to apply forthvitb rc-.n-ds reducing the overdraft. The Duke cf Westic::nsher, ;:1 n'ovtrj the adop- tion of the report, said he nx-i had ai-- c,ppc t tli,it%- before ocming to the meeting- of going through the hospital, and he was very rrt-oh plea.sed sad gratified wir.h ail that ha saw. One oould not help being struck with the- cleanliness of the institu- t-ion, and the excellent arrangements- made for the health and the oomfort of the patients. As re- gards the annual repcrfc it appeared to him to be on the whole satisfactory. The weak spot- wa? ins large adverse balance in the builtling fund ac- oount. It seemed to him tint the time had come to make strenuous efforts to reduce this debt. (Applause.) The report was unanimously adopted, and the various committees, honorary officers, and medical staff re-elected and thanked for their past ser- vices. The Bishop of St. Asap'i, in proposing a, of thanks to the Duk,>¡ of Westminster for presid- ing, said that those wo were interested in -hat great institution, 1..boh they regarded AS the greatest of its kind ir: N orth Waloe-, would remem- ber that when they sent to the Duke the unani- mous wish that he should succeed as president the greatest benefactor that that institution Lad had. he was serving- his country a.t the front. He was happy to think that his Grace was still serving his oountry by his presence in the meeting that day ia a manner no less admirable ana no j",s. bene vo- lent. (Applause.) The hospital had passed through some difficult ttm; but, fcha.-ks tc Mi,s Vizard and those associated with her, they i ad weathered the sccrm. (Apniause.) Bit there v-as still that little deficit on tho building- Fti-il ae. oount which had been re far nod to by the I'MLO. They wouid like to hi.ve a:r once £ 3,000. They would try and manage wifh that for d. tiino, jr.d would wait for the other £ 3,000, although fchc-y would like that also a.> aoou as possible. Thev were very anxious to let their English friends across the borders know that they had: a strong claim- upon them. Last yaar only 171 of the patients treated in the hospital came from North Wales, whereas 550 came from England. There- fore they had the strongest possible claim upou their wealthy fellow-countrymen across hor- ders. He also commended the olaimr, of the hos- pital to those who wished to endow charitable in- stitutrons. The r subscription list had largely in- creased, but they should fagt much happier if they had a substantial end-.wment fund. (Applause.) Mr. S. Perks seconded the vote of thanks, which was heartily carried, a ,d the Duke, in replying, said some few years aofo he went through the old hospital, and he could not but appreciate the change that had take place (Applause.)

CITY POLICE COURT. -+- FRIDAY. Before Messrs. B. C. Roberts, R. L. Barker, J. -T. Cunnah, and F. Skipwith. DRUNK AND REFUSING TO QUIT.—James Marshall, a tra-elling hawker, waa fined 10s. and costs for being (b unk on the licensed premises of the Stanley Arms, and ns. and costs for refusing to quit when requested. SATUI RDA V.-Ee"ore Mr. F. Skipwith. A DESRRTEH.—William Miller was charged with being a ui-serter from the Royal Welch Fusiliers.—In.spe< or Tiliey said that at four o'clock on Friday prison- r surrendered hini3elf as a deserter from the Royal Welch Fusiliers at Fleetwood on February 14th. — Prisoner was remanded to await an escort.

NORTHOR DEATH OF A NONAGENARIANi.-The death occurred on Wednesday of Robert Belli8, Duke-street. Sou^-htor., aged !H. The interment took place on Saturday at the parish church. THE CHORAL SOCIETY.—This society is in a very flcunslr.r.c condition. The members are busily F:, :,g-ed in preparing Gounod's "Redemption," v h the intention of its performance at the parish eh■ <> a on Good Friday. The Northop Hall Orchestra Society will also take part in its production.

RADICAL VICTORY AT AYR.—Mr. Joseph Dobbie (Liberal) was on Saturday declared elected for the Ayr Bur is, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. C. L. Orr-Ewing (Conservative). This is the gam of a seat to the Opposition. Ille, new member p.jlh-d 3,221 VO;:kIo:f against 3,177 re- corded for Mr. Ceorge Youngw (Oonak-rvetive). At the last eloeiion the lato Mr. Orr-Ewing's majority was 5SC BOUGHTOTv MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY. — I>i onnection with this society a public lantern "P was given on Thursday even- ing, in the Chri<1.-ton-road School, by Dr. E. Lloyd Roberts, on th" object of "The 4rt of Picture- making by l'h .n-aphy." The lecture was of a very interestinu id edifying character, and was illustrated bv r. -pries of vM-y Iieautiful slides, specially prepa: •! by the lecturer, some exquisite cloud studies <Vnv.gt for special mention. The subject of picture making by tho aid of photography was fully explain and ma.ny very valuable hints were given to mv ur photographers.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT THE KING'S SPEECH. INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION RUSSIA AND JAPAN. DOMESTIC LEGISLATION. IMPORTANT PROPOSALS. London, Tuesday. The competition to be first at St. Stephen's for the opening of Parliament to-day was keener than usual a circumstance which may perhaps be attributed to the prospect of a lively session. Mr. Macdona arrived at 11.30 last night, and by 1 o clock this morning a number had put in an appearance. By 9 o'clock members were dropping in every few minutes and preparations had been made for the customary searching of the vaults. Notwithstanding the inclement weather, rain falling in torrents, a large number of people assembled along the line of route from Buckingham Palace to Westminster to wit- ness the picturesque State procession for the opening of Parliament. The Royal procession left Buckingham Palace at 1.28. As their Majesties passed through the centre gates the Guards pre- sented arms. The National Anthem was played all along the Mall to the Horse Guards and White- hall. Then- Majesties, who were accorded an enthusiastic reception, reached the House of Lords at 1-50. It was still raining heavily. The King's speech was as follows :— My LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,— Iv relations with Foreign Powers continuo to be of a satisfactory character. My Government has concluded with that of the French Republic an agreement which will, I trust, do much to promote the recourse to arbi- tration in cases of International dispute. Apart from its intrinsio value the agreement affords a happy illustration of the friendly feelings prevail- ing between the two countries, of which striking proofs were given during my visit to France, and that. of the President of the Frenoh Republic to Great Britain, of which further evidence has been furnished by a recent exchange of International courtesies. Similar agreements are in process of negotiation with the Governments of Italy and the Nether- lands. An agreement has been concluded between my Government and that of Portugal for the sc-trlo- ment by arbitration of the frontier-line between possessions of Portugal in South-west Africa. and the territory of the Barotse kingdom. His; Majesty the King of Italy has been pleased to ao- cept the office of arbitrator The tribunal appointed under the Convention concluded on the 3rd March last, between my Government and that of the United States, has given a decision on the points referred to it. On some of these the verdict has been favourable to British claims; on others it has been adverse. Much as this last circumstance is to be deplored, it must nevertheless be a matter of congratula- tion that the misunderstandings in which anoient boundary treaties, made in ignorance of geogra- phical facts, are so fertile, have in this case been finally removed from the field of controversy. The military operations in Somalilanci are being pushed forward as rapidly as difficulties of climate and transport will permit. The successes recently obtained by my troops under General F.garton will materially contribute to the destruction of the Mullah's power, and the consequent pacification of the country. I have received cordial oo-opera- tion from the Italian Government and from the Emperor Menelik of Abyssinia, who has organised a force, wtlich, by advancing from the west, will, it. is hoped, materially assist the movements now in progress. I have watched with concern the course of the negotiations between the Governments of Japan and Russia in regard to their respectiv€> interests in China and Korea. A disturbance of the peace ui Ehose. regions could not but have deplorable consequences. Any assistance which my Govern- ment can usefully render towards the promotion of a pacific solution will be gladly afforded. Te. soheme of Macedonia reforms, proposed in I February last by the Russian and Austrc-Hun- garian Governments, with the c-oncurre.nce cf the other Powers, signatories of the treaty of Berlin, has been improved and strengthened in .several important particulars. The revised schema has been concurred in by the other Powers and ao- cepted after a regrettable delay by the Porte. The winter has brought a cessation in the dis- turbances which prevailed throughout Mace- donia during the greater part of last year, and it Is. to be earnestly hoped that advantage will be taken of this respite is order to carry out those practical measures of amelioration which are so sorely needed in these unhappy regions. Among these moo,su-res the reorganisation of the Mace- donian Gendarmerie deserves a prominent place. I note with satisfaction that his Majesty the Sul- tan has appointed a distinguished General officer of the Italian Army to take charge of this reform. He is to be assisted in the discharge of this task by other officers appointed by the Powers, and I have authorised the employment of a staff officer of my Army, aided by other British officers, for this purpose. I am gratified to observe that the legislatures of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Colony of New Zealand have passed laws giving effect to the Naval agreements entered into at the Colonial Conference of 1902, under which they assume a larger share- than heretofore in the general soheme of Imperial defence. The Now Zealand legislature has alsc sanctioned a tariff whioh. gives a preference in it, market.? to the produce of this country. The insufficiency of the supply of the raw material upon which the great cotton industry of this country depends has inspired me with deep concern. I trust that tne efforts which are being made in various parts of my Empire to increase the area under cultivation may be attended with a very large measure of success With the concurrence of the Chinese Govern- ment. a political mission has entered Thibetan territory in order to secure the due observance of the Convention of 1890 relating to Sikkim and Thibet. A Chinese official has been despatched from Peking- to meet it, and I trust that an ar- rangement may be arrived at with the Chinese and Thibetan authorities which will peacefully remove a constant source of difficulty and friction on the Northern frontier of my Indian Empire, Papers on the subject will be laid before you. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS The estimates for the year will be laid before you. Although they have been framed with the utmost desire for economy, the burden imposed on the resources of the country by the necessities of naval and military defence is undoubtedly serious. The possibility of diminishing this burden is being carefully considered in connection with the general problem of Armv and War nra™ reforms. _u.c My LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,— A measure for the purpose of dealing with the evils consequent on the immigration of criminal i and destitute aliens into the United Kingdom will be laid before you. J A Bill amending the law with respect to licences for the sale of intoxicating liquors in England will be submitted to you. A measure for the amendment of the law with respect to valuation authorities and the prepara- tion of valuation lists will be introduced. A Bill to amend the law relating to education in Scotland has been prepared for your considera- tion. A measure will be introduced to amend the Labourer-' Acti and the Housing of the Working Classes Act in Ireland Proposals will be laid before you for amending the Workmen's Compensation Acts; for amending the law relating to public health: for dealing with the hours of employment in shops: for con- solidating the enactments relating to Naval Prizes of War: for removing, after the termination of the present Parliament, the necessity for re-election in the case of acceptance of office by members of the House of Commons; for supplementing the powers of the Congested District Board in Scotland, and for amending the law relating to sea fisheries. I commend your deliberations to the care and guidance of Almighty God.

FLINT. DEATH.—We regret to announce the death of Mr. Fryer Evans, chemist, Trelawny-square, which took place at his residence late on Friday. Mr. Evans was ill only a few days, being the victim to a stroke on Tuesday. He was most popular in the town. He was a churchwarden in the parish church. Deceased leaves a widow and two children.

HOOL, UR tAN. The usual monthly meeting of the Hoole Urban District Council was held on Monday at Hoole, Mr. William Williams presiding.—The Chester United Gas Company, replying to complaints as to the quality of tho gas, said their gas was daily tested and uniformly maintained at 16 candle- power. They knew no cause for the complaints, and could only suggest that they resulted from defects in the fittings and pipas If the residents would kindiy communicate duectly with the com- pany, they would send an examiner to ascertain the cause of the complaints-During a short dis- cussion it was pointed out that the street lamps often gave out poor lights, and the Clerk (Mr. A. E. Caldecutt) was instructed to suggest to the Gas Company that so far as public lighting was concerned, the mantles of the lamps should be more frequently examined.—The Vicar of All Saints', Hoole (the Rev. F. Anderson) invited the ci airman and Council to the morning service at All Saints' Church, on Sunday, March 6th, in oommemoration of the centenary of the British and Foreign Bible Society.—The clerk was in- structed to accept the invitation. HOOLE S HEALTHY STATE. MEDICAL OFFICER S REPORT. The Medical Officer of Health (Dr. Butt) pre- sented his annual report on the health of the dis- trict for the year 1903. He said the number of deaths had been 55, in an estimated population of 4,948, being a rate of 11.1 per thousand, and much lower than the average for the past ten years, though slightly higher than the rate for 1902. Of the 55 deaths, 13 were of children under one year old, and seven of people over seventy years of age. Phthisis had been responsible for eight deaths. There had been 151 births (80 males and 71 females), being a rate of 30.5 per thousand, which was rather lower than the aver- age for the past ten years. There had only been one inquest. Zymotic diseases had accounted for seven deaths, and infectious diseases for 20 cases, four of which occurred in January and seven in February. There were no such cases in June, July or December. Fourteen of the cases had been removed to the Isolation Hospital. There had been two small-pox cases both of which were tramps at the Workhouse. Three new houses had been erected during the year. There were no slaughter-houses in the district, but there were twelve milkhouses and three bakehouses, all of which were in a satisfactory state. There had been 14 births in the Workhouse and 82 deaths, in a population of 468, giving a death-rate of 175.2 per thousand. Five. infectious cases had occurred at the Workhouse while there had been 420 cases of disease of the ordinary workhouse, type. The Chairman said the report was a very satis- factory one, and the district is to be congratu- lated on it. (Hear, hear.) The Clerk remarked that the past month had also passed without a single infectious case being reported. The report was adopted HIGHWAY ESTIMATES. The, Council adopted the estimates made by the consulting surveyor (Mr Horace Davies) for the maintenance and improvement of main roads, amounting in all to J6448 lis 7d. THE DRINKING TROUGH. Mr. J. T. Ball moved that the Flookersbrook Trustees be communicated with as to the filling up of the drinking trough near the Ermine Hotel. He considered that the filling up of the trough with cement was an infringement of the rights of the dl s,r-ict.-Tlio Chairman said the Trustees maintained that it was not their bounden duty to maintain the trough. It was merely an act of courtesy.—After much discussion it was decided to take no action. THE FIRE BELL. AN APPRECIATED GIFT. The Clerk read a letter from Mr. R. Stringer, of the Faulkner Arms, stating that as the present fire bell was not sufficient for its purpose, as it was apt to mislead people, and as he was inter- ested in the local Volunteer Fire Brigade, he would like to present the district with a loud- toned bell, 18 inches in diameter, and one that would give a distinct alarm. If the Council would kindly accept the bell and provide a proper tower of sufficient height, he would be glad to give the order to the makers at one a Mr. J. T. Ball moved that the generous offer be accepted. He had often been misled by other bells in the district. Mr. T. Woollam seconded. Mr. R. Pinnington asked what the cost of the tower would be. He thought the Council should be careful not to go into any extravagance. It was stated that the tower would cost £ 25. The Chairman said the best thanks of the Coun- cil would be given to Mr. Stringer for his public- spirited offer. T1::>- bell was accepted, and on the motion of PAr. A. L. Williams, seconded by Mr. W. J. Oroydon, it was decided to instruct- Mr. Horace Davies, the consulting surveyor, to prepare plans for suitablo tower. HIGHER EDUCATION IN HOOLE. Mr. R. P. Ward, director of education for the county, wrote that the Higher Education Com- mittee did not consider it desirable to provide a secondary school, but they were of opinion that a good school or schools for boys and girls should he provided in conjunction with the city of Chester, and so situated as to be available for pupils from Hoole and Chester. They had in- structed the director to obtain information from the education authority of Chester as to whether they would be willing to confer with the County Education Committee with a view to providing the schools. Mr. A. L. Williams regretted the action of the Cheshire County Council in refusing to provide schools for the 45 townships in the union area. It must be patent to everyone that the curriculum provided in the city woidd not in all respects be useful in rural districts The action of the Edu- cation Committee meant that the scholarships from the Tarvin and Chester Unions which were paid for by the county would take the children into Chester to keep up the city schools. He proposed that the Education Committee be in- formed that the Council was of opinion that no secondary school would be suitable that did not include agricultural science and general economy. Mr. T. B. Richardson: I am afraid our friends are only providing another argument for amalga- mation. Dr. Lewis A. Williams said it seemed to him the Council were getting what they asked for. They were getting the schools, though they would not be in Hoole. He thought it was most obliging of the commit tee to give such a definite statement. It was practically a promise to co-operate with Chester. After further discussion the question was de- ferred. THE SEWERAGE QUESTION. With reference to the complaint by the Hoole Council re the condition of the Hoole main sewer, the Town Cierk of Chester wrote that the outfalls had been minutely examined by the surveyor, and they had been found satisfactory. The Town Council did not admit the correctness of the state- ments that the outfall sewer was inadequate. They were prepaied to consider favourably a suggestion that the Hoole sewage should be conveyed along the new sewer to be laid down in the township of Newton, providing that a satisfactory arrange- ment was made with the Chester Rural Council. —The matter was left in the clerk's hands. OPENING OF THE PARK. The Park Committee recommended that the Duke of Westminster be asked to open the park towards the end of March or the beginning of ApriL The Chairman moved a formal resolution to that effect. He said the park was now nearing completion, and the Council must be looking out for an opening date. Mr. G. Dob&on seconded, and the resolution was carried.

WIRRAL RURAL. Mr. T. Davies presided over the monthly meeting of this Council, held on Monday at the Council's offices in Birkenhead. There were also present Mrs. Hannay. Messrs. H. A. Latham, E. Hughes, J. Evans, J. Price, J. R. Turton, W Briscoe, G. F. Allender, J. Kitchen, W. Ledsom, R. Johnson, W. R. Phillips, C. E. Hope, W. Burkey. AN OFFICIAL'S SALARY. Mr. Cross, clerk of the works in connection with the Fender Valley sewerage scheme, made applica- tion for an increase of salary. It was stated that Mr. Cross's present salary was at the rate of jS150 a year, and after considerable discussion the Clerk was instructed to reply that the Council could not see their way to comply with the application, the majority of the members- being of opinion that Mr. Cross was already adequately paid for his services. FENDER VALLEY SEWERAGE. The Clerk (Mr J. E. S. Ollive) reported that it would be necessary to obtain more loans in con- nection with the Fender Valley sewerage under- taking, and he was authorised to obtain more loans. RURAL HOUSING QUESTION. A letter was received from the Rural Housing Sanitary Association asking the Council to support a petition urging Parliament to devise some scheme by which a healthy and self-respecting rural popula- tion might be housed and so maintained upon the land. The petitioners were of opinion, however, that it would not be fair to lay upon the ratepayers the extra charge incurred by building cottages, and they suggested that Parliament might devise other means of providing better rural cottage accommoda- tion than those afforded by the Housing of the Working Classes Act. Mr. H. A Latham thought that the owners of farm lands ought to be compelled to provide suit- able cottages for the agricultural labourers. Mr. Ledsom opposed the petition, and thought it would lead to more "red-tape," more rents and more money from the public. It would be a great hardship to thousands of property owners if local authorities insisted on the demolition of cottage I property. ifter further discussion a resolution, moved by Mrs. Hannay, and seconded by Mr. J. R. Turton, in support of the petition was defeated. WILLASTON SEWERAGE. A communication was received from the Local Government B6ard intimating that a local enquiry had been diiected to be held by one of their inspectors info the application for sanction to borrow £ 3,920 for purposes of sewerage and sewage disposal for the township of Wiilaston. BURIAL ACCOMMODATION AT HESWALL. A letter was received from the Rev T. H. May, rector of Heswall, pointing out that the burial accommodation in Heswall churchyard was almost at an end. He stated that taking the present average demand for space, the present ground would be entirely occupied in the course of about twelve months. The District Council had power to provide burial grounds on the same basis as they had to provide mortuaries—that was, at the expense of the general district rate, and not at the special expense of any parish. If the Council provided a cemetery they would probably place it in the middle of Wirral in order that it should be avail- able for the whole of the district. The Chairman asked if it was not possible to extend the churchyard at Heswall. Mr. Ledsom thought the letter ought to have been addressed to the Parish Council, who had power to deal with the subject of burial accommodation themselves. Application ought in the first place to have been made to the lord of the manor (Mr. Bromley Davenport, M.P.), who was the patron of the living. There was land near the Church, which could be utilised for the purpose of burial, and as Mr. Bromley Davenport had the largest stake in Heswall, there was a probability that, if approached, he would either sell or give a portion of the land On the motion of Mr. Ledsom it was decided to refer the Rector's letter to the Parish Council. HIGHWAYS COMMITTEE. The meeting of the Wirral Highways Committee was held in the afternoon, Mr. T. Davies presiding —Mr. Burkey complained about the manner in which the drains were being laid at Ness. The work was being done by some people at Chester, and no progress whatever seemed to have been made.—Mr. C. E. Hope agreed with these remarks, and complained of the delay there had been in con- nection with work of a similar character at Burton. —The Chairman said this neglect was perhaps due to the fact that the surveyor and his son had been ill during the past month.—Instructions were given to the surveyor, and a definite report was demanded.

NANTWICH URAL The ordinary meeting was held at Nantwich on Saturday. Mr. C. B. Davies in the chair. The minutes of the Water Committee shewed that a letter had been received from Wr S. Cawley asking for the consent of the Council (if necessary) to .Lord Tollemache's supplying the township of Peckforton with water from the Liverpool mains. It was moved by Mr. John EmWton, seconded by Mr. G. Dutton, that Mr. Cawley be informed that Lord Tollemache could supply his own property with water without the consent of the Council.—Five or six applications were received from farmers asking that their names might be removed from the register as they were giving up selling milk. One stated that he was retiring from farming, but the others did not give any reason for their application.—Mr. Harold Bower said the Corporations would see that on account of their restrictions farmers had taken to withdrawing from the milk trade.—The applica- tions were granted.

CHESTER CITY MISSION. EX-MAYOR AND THE "OBSERVER" CENSUS. There, was a very encouraging attendance at the 53th anniversary gathering of the Chester City a,r Mission on Monday night in the Assembly Room at the Town Hall, and the continued success of the Mission was alluded to in congratulatory terms. The ex-Mayor (Alderman Dr. Roberts) presided in the unavoidable absence of the Mayor, and was supported on the platform by the Sheriff (Mr. D. L. Hewitt), the Rev. E. Ernest Gill (vicar of St. Chrysostcm's, Liverpool), the Rev. W. H. Towers (pastor of the Northgate Congrega- tional Church), Alderman Dr. Stolterfoth, Mr. James Williams, Mr. J. G. Hope, the Rev. D. Hughes (pastor of the Grosvenor Park-road Bap- tist Church), etc. The Sunday scholars were pre- sent in full force, and their sweet singing of the "Golden Bells" hymns was very pleasing- to all. Mr. James Williams (the hon. treasurer) presen- ted the financial statement, which was of a very satisfactory nature. Mr. J. G. Hope read the annual report of the committee. It recorded with regret the death of Alderman W. Williams and Alderman Dutton, both supporters of the Mission, and mentioned that the Mission had sustained a further loss by the removal of Mr. Percy K. Allen. Reviewing the work of the Mission, the report told of gospel services on every Sabbath day in the Mission Hall, with an average attendance of 150; of cottage meetings, of open-air meetings at the Castle gates with an average attendance of 220; also in various courts and alleys; cf work among the young, including Sunday school work carried on by 25 teachers* and officers, and a Band of Hope of upwards of 210 older children; of home visita- tions and of services at the workhouse and visits to the boat people at Tower Wharf. During the year the sum of 2100 had been bequeathed to the Mission by the late Mr. George Sayce. As the expenditure was about JE50 more than the revenue each year, the committee appealed to all the Christian public to assist in supporting a work for which so great a demand existed. They acknow- ledged the kindness of a number of ladies in rais- ing funds, and of other friends in assisting to give to the aged poor an excellent tea with other suit- able gifts at Christmas ti'me. About 500 were thus provided for. Their thanks are also due to the Duke of Westminster, Sir Thomas Frost, Lady Frost, Mrs. Adair, Mrs. Okell, Mrs. B. C. Roberts, Mrs. Ffoulkes, Mr. Cha-s. Shaw, Mr. Wycherley, Mrs. N. Harrison, Mrs. Sheriff Roberts, Mr. Henry Fleet, Mr: W. H. Roberts, Messrs. De-bac and Sheaff, Mrs. MacGillycuddy, Mrs. Carstairs Jones, the Saturday Hospital Com- mittee, Mr. Walter Spencer, Mr. and Mrs. Carrier, and otihers for recommendations to the Infirmary, the seaside, and the Benevolent Society. 11 Alderman Dr. Roberts, wno was coraiaiiy re- ceived, warmly congratulated the Mission on its work. People now seemed a little indifferent as to the necessity of going to a place of worship, and one could not but regret that even in Chester they were rather guilty on that point. The religious census which had been taken last year by the Observer was to him very interesting reading, and an eye-cpener. It seemed that but for the faithful sisters who went morning and evening to worship, the churches and chapels would certain- ly have appeared very empty indeed. There were many reasons, including domestic duties, for women's remaining at home, but he found them in the ascendancy in the church and chapel at- tendance both morning and evening. They could not but regret the indifference to public worship among people generally. He had also read the London census, which indicated plenty of work for all carrying on such efforts as the Chester City Mission. Discussing the probable cause of this in- difference, he asked was the pulpit losing its hold. He found from the London census that the mis- sion halls set an example in attendances, devotion and earnestness to all churches and chapels in London the mission-rooms all over the city were crowded with both young and old anxious to hear the gospel. (Applause.) The Sheriff also congratulated the Mission. Their mission was to raise up the fallen and bind up those who were broken-hearted, and apparent- ly they had been doing the work which fell withim the scope of their abilities. The Town Council were also doing something towards that object. The duty of the workers in the Mission was with the individuals, the duty of the Town Council was with the immediate surroundings of those in- dividuals. In recent years something like 40 courts had been obliterated from the city—(ap- plause)—and in the present day the condition of the working-classes, and those who might be called "the submerged," was one of those things which received the consideration of the Council, and the members of the various committees having charge of the matters. (Hear, hear.) The death-rate of the city had decreased from something like 20 per thousand to 16.8. Thus the Town Council were doing their duty in ameliorating the surroundings of the city. He moved the adoption of the report and cash statement, and the election of officers and committee. Alderman Dr. Stolterfoth seconded, and said the abolition of the oourts was a great thing, be- cause people who were surrounded by what was foul and bad could not be expected to become good Christians and citizens. The Rev. E. Ernest Gill then delivered an in- teresting and encouraging address. He com- mended the home visitations, and spoke of the popularity of the mission hall as an agency for bringing the gospel to poor people. He appealed to them for individual effort, and by simple illus- tration and calculation shewed how easily much might be accomplished on behalf of the cause represented by the Mission. The Rev. W. H. Towers said he rejoiced in the inter-denominational union represented there that night, when members of every section of the Church of Christ met together to advance the ex- cellent work of the Mission. (Applause.) He was glad to hear that so many courts had been swept away from the city, because did not science recognise that the slum was the hot-bed that bred disease? It was the hot-bed that bred the crimi- nals and undesirables of our population, and if we wanted to evangelise the world we must evangelise our large towns and cities. They preyed that every agency might be blessed that would pluck the brand out of the burning and make good citi- zens of those who had sunk down into what might be oalled "the submerged masses." There were two great forces working iur the up-lifting of the people. We looked to the magistrates and the City Council to enact such laws and administer them so that they would put a restraining in- fluence upon everything that was vicious, and an up-lifting influenoe upon everything that was good. The other reforming agency was repre- sented by the clergy, ministers and district workers, who exercised a rogeuerating influenoe.

CORRESPONDENCE. The Editor is not response le for the opinions ot his corresponds u os All letters must be authenticated hy the Bonder's uaoie and address, not necessarily for publication. Correspondents are particularly requested to write oni- on one side of the paper. I'

THE "CONSCIENTIOUS" FRAUD. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—The Passive Resisters" are still going strong. They are already a nuisance, and may soon be a danger. Wo are drifting to anarchy or to the despotism of the conscientious objectors who will not allow any but themselves the right of a conscience. What would happen if the anti- vaccinationists, anti-vivisectionists, and other faddists formed a league to break the law of the land and refused to pay taxes on the ground that a very minute portion of the tax might go to support some institution they disapproved of? No Government could successfully be carried on under such conditions. The irony of fate is great; the appointed day has, at all events in the county of Flint, been again postponed, and this time to April 1st, All Fools' Day," an appropriate but ill-omened day. Further time is given by a re- luctant but all too-indulgent Government to the lawbreakers for reconsideration of their position. Apparently they look upon it as a sign of weak- ness. Have they never heard the old adage, "Give him sufficient rope, and he will hang himself"? Parliament will soon meet, questions will be asked in both Houses. One might be whether the Lord Chancellor is aware that certain persons in the Commission of the Peace have openly aided. abetted, and encouraged opposition to the law of the land, and whether he will consider the desirability of removing such persons' names from the commission. The law officers of the Crown might be asked whether members of Parliament and others now openly encouraging the Passive Resistors are not liable to indictment for con- spiring- together to defeat the law of the land and bring it into disrepute. Surely it must be an in- dictable offence, or how could the majesty of the law be upheld? Nonconformists have forgotten what they owe to the Church of England and its clergy and laity in the time anterior to the discovery of the Nonconformist conscience," during which the Established Church in its day and Sunday schools supplied the only religious instruction given to the children of the working-classes. Perhaps they have never heard of the great and good Robert Raikes, the founder of Church of England Sunday Schools. Perhaps they do not know that the National School Society of the Church of England, founded in 1811, from 1839 to 1874 (35 years) raised by voluntary contributions for building and im- proving their schools no less a sum than £ 4,078,608. This estimate does not include the outlay for main- taining the schools when erected or the cost of annual salaries. During the same period the National Schools received Government grants (for building and enlarging alone) of LI,472,351, and between 1864 and 1874 no less than £ 4,258,099 was subscribed by members of the Church of England to meet Government grants of £ 5,958,970. Assuming the expenditure of the Church on national and religious education to have been on the same scale for the whole period of 35 years, the total voluntary expenditure works out as £ 8,336,707, or E238,191 per annum, to say nothing of sites given free for schools and teachers' houses. Besides the above there have been thousands of private Sunday schools scattered throughout the length and breadth of the kingdom, provided and supported by the landowners and clergy, in which good Christian men and women have taught sound Bible truths and the duty owing by all to God and one's neighbour, teaching of greater value than any dogmas. The intolerance of the Nonconformist conscience and blind hatred and jealousy of the Established Church have borne their natural fruit. Religion has been ousted from our Board schools, and it is sought to exclude it from our old National schools. Surely those who have done the glorious work I have named above are entitled to have their con- sciences considered and be allowed the very moderate use of their own schools which they ask for. Let the enemies of religious teaching pause. We are even now at danger point. Look at the disgraceful Hooliganism terrorizing our great cities and towns; look at the horribly disgusting and brutal crimes committed against women as dis- closed only last week at the Denbighshire Assizes. Gallant little Wales used to be proud of its immunity from serious and disgraceful crime. Its character is now, alas! besmirched with foulness and cruelty unequalled even by Turkish and Bulgarian horrors, and that in a so-called Christian land where chapels are as plentiful as mushrooms. Let those whose policy has caused such a fall blush for their country and mend their ways.-I am, sir, vour obedient servant, JUSTITIA. Feb. 1, 1904.

BRUTAL CRUELTY TO A COW. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—My attention has been drawn to the evi- dence of Inspector Blake-Jones, of the R.S.P.C.A., at the Eddisbury Petty Sessions on Monday, in the case of alleged cruelty to a oow at Beeston sale on January 4th. First let me sav that the alleged worn-out oow realised E12 2s. 6d in open competition, and was purchased by a cattle dealer of considerable repute. Secondly, if In- spector Blake-Jones has had the complaints that he states, it is certainly remarkable that from neither farmer nor dealer have such complaints been made to me at any time. Thirdly, during the whole of the time he has been, inspector, he has never once called my attention to the conduct of any of the men employed by me. Fourthly, respecting the statement that I paid the fine for the man on, the last occasion, the facts are as follows:—The man asked me to advance him the amount, which I did on condition that I deducted a portion of his wages week by week until I was repaid. I may also say that P.O. Harrison, of Tiverton, was present at the time I advanced the money, and was fully aware of the condition above stated. Fifthly, I have no fault to find with the inspector doing his duty, but I do resent his con- duct respecting myself in this ease. Sixthly, I can with safety and confidence appeal for the verdict of Cheshire fanners,, butchors. and dealers as to the general conduct of the Beeston sales. Seve-nthly, for the satisfaction of my friends I may say there is no occasion to fear respecting'mv hcence Ability to pay is the sole condition which they are issued.—Yours, etc., JOSEPH' WRIGHT ATpraham, Tarporloy, Jan. 28th, 1904.

THE RECTOR OF AIALPAS. -p VALEDICTORY SERMON. There was a crowded congregation at the even- ing service on Sunday at Maipas church, it being the occasion upon which the rector, the Rev. the Hon. A. R. Parker, preached his valedictory sermon. As is generally known, Mr. Parker has recently resigned his incumbency, after success- fully holding it for seven years. The congrega- tion included the Hon. G. and Lady Ormsby Gore, Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Sandbach, Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Groenshields, Mr. and Mrs. St. John Charlton, Lady Arthur Grosvenor, Lady Lettice Cholmon- dcley, the Hon. Cecil T. Parker, Mr. R. W. Ethelston, etc. The prayers were intoned by the Rev. L. Armitstead, who also read the first lesson, while the rector read the second lesson. The first hymn was The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended," and the concluding one was Sweet Saviour, bless us 'ere we go." The Rector took for his text Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of Love and Peace shall be with you 2 Corinthians xiii, 11. In the course of his remarks the preacher said: I feel that you expect me to say a few words with regard to my departure from this parish, of which I have been rector seven years. It is not necessary for me to discuss <It length the reasons which have led me, not without due consideration, to resign this benefice. At the same time, I have all along felt this, that the parish cannot possibly suffer from -my giving up the post of rector. There is an old saying, with reference to mortal life, that God removes the workmen but carries on the work, and so it will assuredly come about that, though I yield my place to another, the work of the church in this parish will be carred on. es, I anticipate better far than it has been hitherto. I am well aware that by some of my best friends and supporters I have been censured for giving up the benefice. If they blame me, I must bear the blame, though, of course, they are not cognisant of the reasons that have led to my resignation. But there is one thing that I trust will not be said, and that is that I am giving up the ministry. No. I shall ptill have authority from the Bishop to officiate in the diocese, and it is quite possible that oecasionallv, in case of emergency, I may be called upon to take a service in this very church and occupy the same pulpit, though it will have to be by invitation. Neither let it be said that I am resigning- because I am tired of Malpas and do not care for the place or the people. Nothing of the sort I have been more or less associated with it for nearly 30 years, and I love the people of Maipas and flio pl.,ir,- with all my heart, and I thank God that it is my lot to reside only a. very short distance from you. It may almost be said amongst, you still I should have been truly sad if it had been my fate to leave tho neighbourhood and to find myself separated from you by a space of many miles. It has been my good fortune and my joy to have seen manv impr-ovements, as you will admit, effected in this (,h,-rch i,,riT'T m y incumbency In fact, tJw -1/1 church has been adorned and beautified in many ways. I have seen a new organ placed in the chancl. I have seen the sanctuary beautified with a marble pavement and brass candlesticks for the altar and elsewhere added, I have seen a new door and screen nrovided at the north-west end and a handsome brass ewer for baptism, and I have seen many other improvements. Last, Lut not least, and there is a tinge of sorrow and sadness connected with these, 1 have seen no less than three beautitul stained glass windows erecte-i— windows that 1Il their beauty and glory will remind those who worship here of loved ones gone before, and these lights, let us trust, will remain tor ages as memorials ot righteous souls who leit us for the Paradise of God. But what I wish to point out is this, that though all these adornments to the church have been effected during my incumbency, no credit wnatever belongs to me for the same. It is all owing to your generosity and goodwill, together with your love for the church and the parish, which I trust have not been in anywise diminished by anything I have done, that there have been carried out thesj improvements and adornments in our dear old church, and I hope I may be spared to witness the completion of the restoration now drawing to a conclusion, so that it may truly be said in the words of Hagai "The glory of the latter house shall be greater than the former." My dear friends—and dear friends you will still be to me, you have been kind enough to express regrets that I am leaving you, which is as much as saying that my seven years as rector here have been acceptable to you. If so, I thank God for it, but I must add, if you would shew your gratitude to me for the same, let me ask you a favour. Do continue to my successor the same kindness and consideration you have ever shewn to me. The Rector of Maipas must have your kind help and sympathy if he is to carry on his work-unwise will he be. whoever he be, if he despises it—there- fore I ask you to help him back him up in any good work or undertaking as you have ever and consistently supported me. He may possibly make mistakes-I have, we all do-but for all that, shew the virtue of patience and forbearance, instead of being instant in censuring and condemning; be instant in shewing sympathy and a readiness to help in times of difficulty. I read in the paper some little time back that one of my oldest friends in the parish had said that the last seven years have been years of peace, while another said that my sermons (poor sermons, as I must regard therri) have been such as all could understand, and by the grace of God have been helpful to himself and his family. No two statements could have given me greater satisfaction. I told you when I came that I was no preacher, as preachers go, but I did say that I would endeavour to deliver to you faithfully the old message of the Gospel of the living God gleaned from the pages of God's own I Book. If I have fulfilled my promise, to God be the thanks and praise, and may my feeble efforts in that direction accomplish that for which they were exercised, and bear fruit as time goes on. Again, it was likewise said that the confirmation classes of young women and girls that I have periodically held have been to the candidates help- ful, instructive, and aids generally to serious and religious thought and to godly life. Then may we thank God that I have been an instrument in His hands to promote His glory and the spiritual welfare of the flock committed to my charge. If peace has blessed these last few years, let us be thankful for that. I have ever endeavoured to live at peace with all, no matter of what opinions or religious beliefs they were possessed, though I think I have adhered to what I believed was right. We can be of one mind in the sense of all loving the Lord Jesus in sincerity and of striving together for the faith of the Gospel, but we cannot expect all to think alike upon religious subjects and Bible truths any more than we expect each one in the flesh to bear the same appearance, and therefore, though we may not be of the same opinion on matters religious, let us never forget to live at peace and lemember that we arc all members of the body of Christ. If ye know these things, happy are yo if ye do them, and then St. Paul's words will assuredly come true-" The God of Love and Peace shall be with you." Finally. brethren, farewell. Though I am no longer to call myself rector. I shall still hope to be your friend, and. if you desire it at any time, your counsellor. I have formed friendships here in Maipas which have added a peculiar brightness to my life. friend- ships which will be more and more cemented as time eoes on, friendships never to be severed, even hy the grave.

HUNTING NORTH CHESHIRE. The fixture, Tattenhall Station, on Wednes- day, brought together a large company, including the Master (Mr. Wilson), the Duke and Duchess of Westminster, the Duchess of Teck, the Earl of Ennis- killen, Lord Cole, the Marquis of Cholmondeley, Lady Lettice Cholmondeley, the Earl of Shrews- bury, Lord Ingestre, the Earl of Sefton, the Mar- quis of Linlithgow, Mr. R. L. Birket, Captain and Mrs. Higson, Mr. Arthur Brocklehurst, Major and Mrs. Kearsley. Mr. James Tomkinson, Miss Tom- kinson, Mr. Waring, Mrs. Waring, Miss N. Smyth, and Mr. Tyrer. Hounds found their first fox in Crow's Nest, and he took them near Har- grave. Being headed by some carriages en the road, he turned to the left over the canal and rail- way close to Saighton. Here he came round to the left behind Mr. Rowe's farm, then over the brook into Hindley cover. Hounds were unable to again disturb him, so he was left aft-er a nice hunt of fifty minutes over a fire line of country. Saighton provided the next fox, which took hounds over the Whitchurch road, then right- handed over the canal to Crow's Nest. Gcing through, he was hunted down to the river Gowey to within a field of Stapleford, where he was lost. Those would have been two very fine hunts with fI, little more scent. Scenting conditions very much improved with their next fox from Hoofield. He took the field at a nice pace up to Iddenham Rough, then left-handed up to Clotton. Here he crossed the Chester and Tarporley road and went straight to Willington Hall. Facing the hill, he kept on to within a field of Primrose Hill, where he turned to the right for Higher Billinge. Here hounds were run out of scent. This would have been a very fine day's sport with a little better scent. It was wonderful to see the way Cham- pion and his pack of bitches worked out their morning foxes under such poor scent. I may add that our fox from Hoofield kept hounds busy for just an hour up to Primrose Hill. Dale Fords, Sandiway, was the fixture for the North Cheshire pack on Saturday. Hounds were taken straight to Blakedon, and soon found a fox which took them over some wet fields into Oulton Park. Passing the Hall they went on to the Moors. Here hounds hunted the fox over the highroad at Cotebrook, through Primrose Hill, down to the Wfllingtons, where they lost him. Mr. Wilson then gave orders to go to Abbott's Moss. Here hounds soon found several foxes and got settled on to one, which took them over the railway near W Intonate, into Lord Dolanyoro s park at Petty Pool, where the remainder of the day was spent chasing their fox up and down the big woods. SOUTH CHESHIRE. A GREAT HUNT. Mr-. Corbet treated his field with a record hunt on Friday, when the fixture was at Ridley. Find- ing at once in Ridley Wood the fox was soon away down the valley past the Ash House Farm with the Nantwich road on the right., straight to the Bacne House, Hurleston. The fox, however, had not --one into the cover but kept on ckse up to the larporley and Nantwich road, where he came round to the left, past Stoke Cottage, Bar Bridge, on to Wardle. Leaving the cover on the right hounds kept on racing, with Bunbury lying close on their right They wetit over the Whitchurch road past Peckforton Wood, where here they w;n do™ the straight to the Peckforton tiiiis. After a fine hunt of close on sixty minutes and over a distance of more than twelve miles, very few of the field were up at the finish as hounds ran the whole distance without a check. Hounds found again in Ridley Moss as usual, and away they went again with a fine went close up to the stables at Cholmondeley. Here the fox oame to the right, crossing- the Cholmondeley their fox' t- rt° J Hill,s' where hounds marked RNW~ A ^°UNI' af*er a nice twenty-five minutes. Among those out to this fine day s sport were the Duke and Duchess of West minster, the Duchess of Teck, Lord Shrewsbury, Lord Ingestre, Lord Gerald Grosvenor, the Mar- quis of Linlithgow, Lord Cole. Mr. W R Court Mr. A N. Hornby, Car/tain Gordon, and Mr r' A. ¥erburgh. BLUECAP.

SIR W. W. WYNN'S HOUNDS ZIFIL-R olz Wednesday, February 3. Petton at 11.0 lnursday, February 4, Hanmer at 11.0 Saturday, February S, Isycoed at 11.0 1,

THE CHURCHES. WELSH EDUCATION POLICY. The Bishop of St. Asaph has, in answer to a correspondent, made a statement on the present educational deadlock in Wales. After a reference to the abortive attempt to secure a durable com- promise in the diocese, his lordship contends that the illegality of the no rate" resolution passed by the Welsh County Councils is beyond question He says that while in the St. Asaph diocese there are several thousands more children in the Church schools than in any other in Wales, his experience was that not a single school in the diocese wtmld be lost for want of funds. In many of th» mriohps there was at present only a National school 3 yet the County Councils now asked th, ratepayers of those parishes, whose schools they were soinK deliberately to starve, to pay an e^eationafratf of which those parishes were not to receive, a penny and this in the name of conscience and freedom "Our position brie-fly is this," he proceeds "We are ready to make every concession which the law allows. We are ready to promote legislation which will give legal sanction to those mutual concessions which we beheve equity and the best interest of education demand as essential to any permanent settlement. Until that is done we shall hold our schools. To uphold the cause of religious instruc- tion in elementary schools Churchmen in this diocese have given more than EoCO.WO to the building and the maintenance of our Church schools during the last forty years. It is not likely that they will now abandon such a trust or such noble responsibilities under the pressure of an uijconsti. twtional agitation,'1

T CHESTER STOCK & SHARE LIST Reported by Messrs. WARMS LEY, JONKS & Co., 29, Eastgate Row (North), Chester. CONSOLS 8ii BANK lATB 4% Present ChesterC°rporation 3| Irredeemable Stock 116- 118 Che'jterCorporatiQn 3 Redeemable Stock 90—100 Chester tras Co 5 Ordinary Stock 112 114 4 Preference Stock lor,-Iu, ChesterWatenvorks^ °ebentUreSt0Ck 95~97 Co 7t Consolidated Stock 180—185 >» 7 New Ordinary Stock, 1st and 2nd moieties.170-17.) >> 6 £ 10 Perpetual Preference Shares, fully paid 16}—17* Wrexham and East Denbighshire Water Co. Consolidated Stock 180-185 11 H Cons. Pref. Stock 116-120 r, A Ordinary Stock 125—130 Hawarden&District Water Co P,10 Shares, fully paid par Nat. Prov. Bank of England, Ltd. £ 75 Shares, £10 10s. paid .45 -46 „ >' £ 60 Shares, £ 12 paid *52 —53 North and South Wales Bank, Ltd. £ 40 Shares, £ 10 paid 34J—34f Parr s Bank, Ltd. £ 100 Shares, £ 20 paid 85J—861 Lloyds Bank, Ltd.. £ 50 Shares, £ 8 paid 32-33 Bank of Liverpool, Ltd ZIOO Shares, L12 108. paid 34 -341 British Law, Life, Fire Insur., Ltd. Z10 Shares, 41 paid li-21, Chester Boat Co., £ 10 Shares, fullv paid 10 —11 Chester Cocoa House Co.,Ltd. £ 5 jt4 5—7 15 „ £ 3 „ 6 Chester General Cemetery Co ffi „ fully paid p,-r Chester New Music Hall Co.,Ltd £ 25 18 Chester Northgate Brewery Co., Ltd. Ord. 110 Shares, fully paid 11 -12 6 210 Pref. Shares, fully pd.,124—12J „ I! „ 4 £ 100 Debentures. par Bent s Brewery, Ld. £ 10 Ordinary Shares 112—124 » 6% £ 10 Pref. Shares 9?— 10i Birkenhead Brewery Co., Ltd £10 Shares, £5 paid 14j—14 £ >> 910 Shares, fully paid ipl-19, Chester Grosvenor i Hotel Co., Ltd. JE20 Pref. Shares 23-25 Chester Queen Rail- way Hotel Co., Ld. e20 Shares, fully paid 26-28 4:20 „ £ 10 „ 13 —14 Chester Blossoms Hotel, Ltd. £ 10 fully paid 9 —10 Chester Steam Laundry Co., Ltd. £ 5 9—10 Chester Race Co., Ltd £100 „ 275 „ 190—200 Dee Oil Co., Ltd. £ 1 Ord. Shares Walkers, Parkers & Co., LtcL tlO Shares, fully paid, 6 Cum. Pref 1-2 t» 4^ Debentures 80—&& J. H. BiUington, Ltd., Chester 4^ First Mort. Deben. Stock par i> >> 5 Cum. Pref. £ 10 Shares par •> Ordinary tlO Shares par Victoria Pier and Pavilion Co., Colwyn Bay, Ltd. i-1 Ordinary Shares 15/—20/- Halkyn Dr'inage Co. £10 Shares, fully paid 19 -2t) Halkyn Mining Co., Ltd £1 Shares, fully paid 6 -8 Holywell Halkvn Mining and Tun- nel Co., Ltd £ 1 Shares fully paid 28/—30/- East Halkyn Mining Co., Ltd £ 1 )t fully paid 3 £ —4 South Halkyn Min- ingCo.,Ltd.jEl .t5/-17/& North Hendre Min- ing Co., Ltd. E2 10s. Shares, fully paid 2?—3 Talacre Mining Co., Ltd Ll Ord £ 1 Pref. „ „ „ United Minera Co. Ltd £10rd. Isle of Man Mining Co., Ltd. (Fox- dale) Mines £ 5 li 2 » „ 7$Pref., £ 17 10s. paid '2.^—30 Llanarmon Mining Co., Ltd. 21 Ord., fully paid .2/6-7:6 11 11 ti Pref. „ 7/6-12/6. Wirral Railway 3 Debenture Stock 85^—86 £ 11 4 £10 Pref. Shares (1896 issue), 81-9 4% .10 Pref. „ (1899 issae).8J—9 £ Wirral Railways Co. Ltd RIO Ord. Shares, fully paid .1-2t *Ex dividend.

MARKETS \N1> i-'• i. LIVERPOOL CORN, TUESDAY. — Wheat,. only quiet trade generally at about Friday's rates No 2 Northern Manitoba, 6s. 6 to 6s. 7d.; choice Kurrachee, 5s. 9d. to 5s. lOd. Beans, Saidi, 27s. 9d. to 28s. Peas, Canadian, 5s. 6d. to 5s. 7d. Oats, white, 2s. 6d. to 2s. 7d. yellow and black, 2s. 2d. to 2s. 3d. Maize, quiet; old, mixed, 4s. 6d. to 4s. 6;2d.; new, 4s. 2d. to 4s. 2id.; River Plate, 4s. 3|d. to 4s. 3d Flour unchanged. SALFORD CATTLE. TUESDAY. Cattle 2,174, slow demand sheep 6,784, prices tending upwards; calves 133, with very fair trade. Quota- tions Cattle 5d. to. 6 £ d. sheep, 6d. to Sid. calves, 6d. to 9d. per lb. LIVERPOOL CATTLE, MONDAY. There were a few more cattle in the market to-day. Demand slow and prices unchanged, very few making the top quotation. Sheep supply slightly less than on Monday last. Trade was of a firmer tone for all classes at a slight recovery in prices, top quotation being more general. Prices :—Beef, {¡d. to 4';d per lb. mutton, Scotch, 9-ld. to 7d. Irish, 8Jd. to 5d. LONDON CATTLE, MONDAY.-Beastsupp ly, compared with Monday last shewed a decrease of 20, notwithstanding larger arrivals from Scotland and. Devon. For both prime and second quality trade is extremely slow with a downward tendency in value. With regard to Scotch and Irish beasts salesmen were willing to accept 2d. per 81b. less money to effect sales. Very little country demand for fat butchering cows, top quotations being ld. lower than last week's value. Top rates per SIb. 80-stone to 90-stone Scotch, 4s. 4d. 90-stone Devon and ditto polled Norfolks, 4s. 2d. to 4s 4d. 90-stone fat cows, 3s. 2d. to 3s. 4d. Increase of 940 in the sheep market; trade slow, due partly to the larger numbered offered prices are consequently 2d. per 81b. lower. Ewes sharing in the general depression owing to quantity of frozen lambs now being consumed. The supply offered was in excess of the demand, consequently a poor trade ensued. Calf and pig trade not worth recording. Quota- tions Beasts, 2s.. 4d. to 4s. 4d. sheep. 48. 6d. to 5s. lOd. lambsr 5s. IGd. to 6s. 2d. per 81b. BRADFORD WOOL. MONDAY. The. firm closing of the London sales is keeping this market nicely up though it must be remembered that prices here have been steadily improving since Christmas. Reports vary as to the extent of the demand, but it is certain that topmakers are very stiff in their quotations, or a?e asking new level prices altogether. English wool hardening if anything. In yarns new prices have caused dead- lock. MANCHESTER HAY AND STRAW, MON- DAY.—Hay, 4-d. to 5d.; clover, 4jd. to 6d.; straw (wheat), 3fd.; ditto (oat), 3d. to 3kl. per stone. of 14 lbs. WHITCHURCH CHEESE, WEDNESDAY.— At this fair there was a full average pitch of over 3D tons, the quality of which was, for the time of the year, all that could be expected. There were, however, several small lots the quality of which was only middling. There was a large attendance of dealers, some of whcm were not over anxious to buy, as their warehouses in Manchester and else- where are pretty well stocked. But although such was the case scarcely a lot remained unsold at the end of one hour, the demand for the finest qualities being pretty keen and prices a shade better than at Chester on the previous week. Cheese of best grades realised from 65s. to 73s., medium 56s. to 64s., and lower grades from 51s. CHESTER CATTLE, THURSDA Y.-There was an average supply of cattle, with fair trade for dairy stock, but not much improvement in the, demand for stores. Prices were about the same as last week. Prices :-Milch cows, J617 to £ 22: to £ 20; barrens, £ 10 to £ 13; heifers, £ 10 to £ 14; stirks, £ 6 to £ 9. CHESTER HORSE, THURSDA Y.-There was a small fair, and in some classes the supply was insufficient. Good cart horses and vanners were well sold. Quotations on the whole were un- changed from the December fair. LONDON CORN, FRIDAY.-Wheat and flour quiet; barley, oats, and maize dull and easy other articles unchanged. CHESHIRE BUTTER AND EGG. Trade during the week has been moderately active. Quota- tions shew a slight disposition to relax owing to the continued fairly open weather. Latest quotations • Stockport (Friday): Butter, la. 2d. per lb.; eggs, 8 for Is. Crewe (Friday): Butter, Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 8 for Is. Northwich (Friday): Butter, Is. Id* and Is. 2d. per lb.; eggs, 8 and 9 for Is. Sandbach (Thursday): Butter. Is. 3d per lb.; eggs, 8 for Is. Macclesfield Butter. Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 8 and 9 for Is. Congleton Butter, Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 8 for Is. Altrincham Butter, Is." 3d. per lb.; eggs. 8 for Is Nantwich • Butter, Is 3d' per lb. eggs, 9 and 10 for Is. Knuteford Butter, 18. 3d. per lb. eggs, 8 for 18. Runcorn: Butter, Is 3d. per lb. eggs, 7 and 8 for Is. CHESTER EGG AND POULTRY.-Butter, i8, ,Per \b e^s- 8 foy Is.; chickens, Du. to 3s. each ducks, lis. 6d. fco 4s, ouch; r&b- bits, Is. each pheasants, 5s. 6d. to 6s. a brace 5 hares, 4s. 6d. to 5s. each pigeons, 8d. and 9d. each. CHESTER CORN, SATURDAY. MarL-ett for all descriptions of English grain continues quiet and very inactive. Prices remain about unchanged for wheat, oats and barley. Beans slightly favour buyers. Indian corn continues, in fair demand about unchanged for old. New eorn about 3d. lower on the week. Foreign wheat steady and unchanged. I: tr*w r osa 8. A 8. D. 8. D, 8. ft. Wheat, whit-e.. per 7Mb. 0 0to4 000to00 Wheat, red. „ 751b. 00 — 4 00 0 — On Malting Barley. „ 801b. 00 — 0000 — 00 Grinding do „ 641b. 00 — 0 000 — 0 0 » 461b. 2 2 — 2 5i 3 0 — 3 3 Beans M 8oih. 46 — 4 00 — 00 Egyptian Beans -2401b. 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0» :nrfia:: imh. U 3 -11 612 3 -12 tt Printed and published for and on behalf of the Cheshire »na iNorth Wales Newspaper Company. Limited hv JAMVS AJt+BERT BIRCHALL, at tho Chester Courant Office. 8, Bridge-street, in the Oitv of Chester.— WKDNKSUAT, February 3,1904,