The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

LOCAL GOVERNMENT JOTTINGS. A majority of Darwen Town Council have re- fused to give way to the general rise of teachers' salaries which has taken place since the new authorities took over the schools. Mr. J. H. Bodvel Roberts, who has just re- tiredl from the town clerkship of Carnarvon after 33 years' service, has been presented with the freedom of the borough. The Mayor (Mr. W. G. Thomas), in making the presentation, which was enclosed in a massive silver gilt casket of appro- priate design, enriched with lecal ornamentations, said Mr. Bodvel Roberts had witnessed the pass- ing of 13 mayors or ex-mayors of the town. The duties of the corporation had been very largely increased by the various Acts which had come into force duing Mr. Roberts's tenure of office. The presentation, which was made a special event, was witnessed by a large number of the public as well as by the Council, and the occasion was practically made a general holiday in the borough. Alderman Smethurst, in moving the adoption of the minutes of the Health Committee at the Warrington Town Coun- cil, remarked that the small-pox epidemio was decreasing. Grave irregularities were re- ported in connection with the supply of slack to the Waterworks. It was stated that the fuel had been accepted at the seller's weights without being checked, delivery was accepted from a firm after the tender of another firm had been accepted by the committee, and the reports of the tests fur- nished to the sub-committee with regard to fuel from two companies were practically equal. While exonerating the Water Committee from any know- ledge of the irregularities the sub-committee were of opinion that regulations ought to be devised to prevent any repetition of such irregularities in the future. The report was adopted! after a lengthy and heated discussion. Alderman Pierpoint called attention to a report of the Museum Committee, that a kingfisher, caught at Orford, had been given to the Museum. He thought the oommittee should set a good ex- ample to the town, but this looked like a case of a scoundrel with a gun," who had been break- ing the law. He thought the gift should be re- turned.—The Mayor: He has been thanked for it. {Laughter.)—The Chairman of the Committee said it was impossible to preserve rare birds in tho vicinity of large towns.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. (From The Field.") EAGLE IN SUFFOLK. When returning from a punting trip on the river Orwell, on January 20, and when within about a mile of Ipswich, I enjoyed the rare spectacle of seeing a fin 9 eagle crossing the river. When I first saw him he was being mobbed by a rook, but when well over the centre of the river he turned on the rook and drove him off. He then continued his flight, passing about -10 yards from my punt. 'J he binoculars shewed him to b" very dark in colour, including the tail. His line of flight was from north to south, and I watched him until he disappeared over the trees of Wherstead Park.—H. C. Hudson (Ipswich). [From the description "very dark in colour, in- cluding the tail." it might be assumed that the bird was a golden eagle, but it is more likely to have been an immature ea eagle, which has not the white tail of the adult. It is well known that the majority of the eagles which are met with in England in late autumn and winter are of the latter species.—Ed.] SOME FAMOUS ELEPHANTS. Under the heading of Some Famous Ele- phants," in your last issue, Mr. Tegetmeier writes how "Mr. Bartlett and a keeper lanced an enormous gumboil that appeared lU Jumbo's face" as a proof that with kindness almost anything can be done wIth these animals. I have in mv possession an elephant's tooth, partially decayed. The animal belonged to my father, who was in the East Indian Civil Service at Moradabad, and as the tooth caused the animal so much pain that it interfered with its eating, my father, with the assistance of the mahout's son sitting on the elephant's head, and telling him to be quiet, extracted the tooth by means, of hammer, iron bar, and rope. The grateful animal used to like to have his gums dressed with tow and gin for a few days after the operation. As this happened before 1842 no anaesthetic could have been used.— U. Parry Oakden (Lieut.-Col.) (Turnworth, Dorset). MALODOROUS PHEASANT. Some twenty-five years ago I had the shooting of a small bog, covered with heath, birch, and Scotch fir; it generally held a few wild pheasants, a hare or two, some rabbits, and occasionally a snipe. This bog adjoined one of the Government commons near Aldershot. Early one October I walked through it. and bagged a brace of pheasants. When they were cooked they tasted and smelt like carrion, and were quite uneatable. Tho keeper and I went and examined the bog, and discovered that three or four weeks before a regiment had been under canvas on the Govern- ment common, and the soldiers had used the bog as a latrine. We left the bog alone for two or three months, and then the pheasants tasted all right atrain. I get no shooting nowadays, but am fond of pets, and often have had pheasants, com- mon and fancy. I even rear a brood on my back lawn, where the young birds look very pretty feeding and playing about. I find they are very fond of any plain milky pudding! As soon as they begin" to By and roost outside the, coop I Put them in the pheasantries, and in due course wring the necks of the superfluous cocks. But I find, unless they have had for some three or four weeks abundance of green food (lettuces gone to seed for preference), they are very poor eating. I would suggest that W. S.'s Comvay pheasant had been feeding on 'some cf^jHon.—J. O. Coussmaker. FEARLESSNESS OF SITTING BIRDS. Last year. a week or two before Whitsuntide, a friend and I were at Thornton Force, near Ingle- ton, Yorks. a place much resorted to by excursionists from the Yorkshire and Lancashire towns. A rough path beneath the overhanging rock leads behind the fall, and on a hot day a rest and a pipe behind the falling waters are refresh- ing. As we came out I was scanning the rock at the back for small ferns, when I espied a grey wagtail sitting on her nest OIl a grassy shelf some 4ft. hig-h. We were within a yard of her, and we wished to see her eggs, but she refused to budge without being pushed off, so there we left her. A fortnight after Whitsuntide I was at the same spot: the nest was intact, and bore every sign of the bird having successfully reared her brood. In the meantime, in Whit-week, some hundreds of trippers must have passed the nest, and previously, while she was building, the bird must have been disturbed daily by people going behind the force. Is it too much to assume that the bird saw that she could choose no safer place, seeing that people passing would either be look- ing to their footing or gazing at the cascade, and therefore away from her nest? On the 23rd of last June a sergeant of the Volunteers took me to the rifle range to identify a bird sitting on eggs in a remarkable situation. The bird. a meadow pipit, was on the nest, and the five eggs were "chipping." The nest was close to two firing points (raised mounds) at a long range, at which a few days before maIn. hundreds of rounds were shot by competitors at the annual competition of the Cumberland Rifle Association. The sergeant. my guide, was acting as register keeper, and noticing a small bird frequently running or flitting about, sometimes in the line of are. and remem- Tbering that a small bird acted similarly in the previous year, he suspected a nest. and found it. The nest was in a furze bush, and not more than six yards from, and in front of, the two firing points. All the while the bird was building and laying the usual class firing and rifle practice were carried on, but the pipit evidently calcu- lated that the men were too busily employed to mind her, while it is safe to say that if two or three boys had been in the habit of playing- near the spot she would have gone elsewhere.— H. (Carlisle).

GUIDE. "Ve have received a copy of the 1904 edition of Messrs. Daniels' excellent horticultural guide, which will be of great interest to any of our readers who have gardens. Bound in a bright cover, which is taste- fully grained, its 164 full-size pages contain a pro- fusion of illustrations, most of which are photo- graphic reproductions of specimens of flowers. frnits, or vegetables It contains complete lists of kitchen garden and flower seeds, and judging from the quantity (If testimonials from all oven the country, it is safe to say that Messrs. Daniels have a high reputation for the excellence of their seeds. For the guidance of amateurs full instructions are given for the cultivation of the flowers and vegetables.

■ ♦ CHESTER RURAL. The monthly meeting was held on Saturday, Mr. E. Dean presiding. At a meeting of the Sanitary Committee a letter was read from the clerk to the County Council stating that nothing had been done to restore the main roads at Christleton and Great Boughton, and to place them in as good a con- dition as they were prior to being interfered with in connection with the sewerage schemes, and stating that instructions were given to the County Surveyor to at once take the matter in his own hands and carry out the work, and in due course a statement of expenditure would be furnished for reimbursement. It was resolved that the clerk write a strong letter to the contractors, also to the County Council as to the general state of these roads, anl suggest a meeting on the spot of three members ot the L/Ouncil and three members of the County Council, together with the surveyors of each Council. The engineer reported progress in connection with the sewerage scheme at Great Boughton and Christleton. There only remained in Great Boughton the extensions in Poor House-lane and Beckett's-lane, and the outfall sewer from Tarvin Bridge. In Christleton the sower had been extended for a distance of 200 yards south-west of Quarry Bridge, and further work was proceeding. The minutes were adopted on the motion of Mr. B. C. Roberts. At a later stage of the meeting Mr. Butler asked if any further reply had been received from the County Council with reference to the state of the main road at Christleton and Great Boughton. Receiving a reply in the negative, he said the road was a disgrace to the District and the County Councils. He thought it was a great shame that they should be paying twice over. The roadman had three miles of road less to look after at present, and yet he was receiving the same wages. Owing to the condition of the road a man and his family were pitched out of a trap a few days ago, and both shafts were broken. He repeated that the road was a disgrace to them. INCREASE OF SALARY. The Sanitary Committee recommended that the salary of Mr. Cutler, clerk of works in con- nection with the sewerage works at Great Boughton and Christleton, be increased from 13 to 1;6 10s. per week. Mr. B. C. Roberts moved the adoption of the recommendation He said none of them were disposed to increase salaries, but at the same time this gentleman was doing- his work so admirably, and was, they considered, saving them so much money, ihat they thought his services were well worth recognition. Mr. Butler said it seemed to him that their clerk of works was doing Mr. Priest's work. Mr. Linaker ,econded. Mr. Butier said he had never seen Mr. Priest looking at anything, and he appeared to know nothing of what was going on. If he was only to shew them something on Lis plan, lie thought they had better have the other man. Mr. Linaker considered it was most important that they should have a lonscientious clerk of works who would see that the levels were carried out properly. He had had experience of schemes where money had been wasted through not having a proper clerk of the wc rks. Mr. B. C. Roberts said from what he had seen of Mr. Priest he thought he was willing to cio his duty. The recommendation was adopted. Mr. Butler declared that all this expenditure meant'ruination to the neighbourhood. POWER-GAS BILL. The Clerk (Mr. Turnock) reported that he had received from Mr. A. E. Caldecutt an amended apportionment of the costs of opposing the North- western Electricity and Power-Gas Eill, atrr J d upon at a meeting at. Crewe. Under the appor- tionment urban district councils were to pay two- thirds and rural district councils one-third of the costs. The amount payable by the Chester Rural District Council on this basis would be JE28 Is. 6d. Mr. Turnock stated that he had been in communication with the various rural district councils on the matter, and found they were, generally speaking, favourable to the amended apportionment. Mr. Linaker moved that the bill be paid. He was one of the deputation which met the various urban council representatives at Crewe, and they thought the amended apportionment was the fairest basis they could arrive at. There were clauses in the Bill as originally drafted which to a great extent affected rural districts, and had they had to fight the Bill themselves it would have been a very heavy expenditure indeed. He felt that, there was a moral responsibility upon them not to leave tHt-se other authorities in the lurch. The matter was fought in the public interest, and at a very much less cost to them than if they had had to take action on their own account. Mr. B. C. Roberts seconded. He reminded them that this was probably not the last time they would be called upon to join with other authorities, and if they shewed a bad front on this occasion they would be the losers by it in the future. He thought they had better pay the bill. Mr. Okell said they rushed into this matter with the idea that they would not be called upon to pay more than 25. He thoroughly objected to be plastered with five times that amount. Mr. Linaker explained that it was anticipated tho promoters of the Bill would have conceded all that was demanded when the petition against the Bill was presented. But that anticipation was not realised, and they had to fight the Bill through the House of Lords Committee. Mr. Okell said he did not know this. He with drew his objection. The motion that the bill be paid was carried.

TARVIN RURAL. A meeting of the Tarvin Rural District Council was held on Saturday at Crypt Chambers, Chester, Mr. R. O. Orton presiding. In accordance with notice pre- viously given, Mr. Sherwin moved that the length of Ryecroft-lane, Stapleford, adjoining the quarry, be widened. He said it was at present only twelve feet wide, while there was a set-off to the fence of nine feet at one end and four at the other. Mr. Piggott (surveyor) said that unless they could obtain material close at hand it would be a costly undertaking as much of the quarry, which was twenty feet deep in one place, would have to be filled up. Mr. R. Mullock thought it was very desirable to have the roads w'dened. There was one at Waverton which was much narrower, and it had no quarry to be filled up. A committee was appointed to consider the question. Mr. Sherwin also moved that the pit at Duddon be fenced in. It was decided that the same committee should be asked to report upon it before anything was done.—The Burwardsley Parish Council wrote asking the Council to consider the highway past Mr. John Stockton's, as it was dangerous on account of its narrowness and the sharpness of its curve. Mr. Carter (surveyor) said the cost of widening it would be about £24. The matter was adjourned until further information had been obtained.—The Duddon Parish Council wrote draw- ing attention to the roads and ditches at Duddon Common. Mr. Mullock suggested, amid laughter, that the Parish Council should be asked to wait until the District Council were ready to commence laying throughout the district' model wood block pavements. The letter was allowed to lie on the table.

HAWARDEN RURAL MR. VICKERS AND THE COUNCIL. A meeting of the Hawarden Rural District Council was held at Broughton on Thursday, Mr. W. Fryer presiding. Previous to the last meet- ing the Chairman gave notice that he would call attention to the way in whioh Mr. J. S. Vicke-rs, inspector to the Council, was carrying out his duties. At the last meeting a resolution was pas- sed by which Mr. Vickers was given three months' notice to terminate his engagement with the Council. As the resolution was not definitely stated in the notice of motion, it was necessary to bring the matter up again. The Chairman, in- stead of moving the resolution again, proposed that the motion should stand over until the second meeting of the new Council. Addressing Mr. Vickers, he advised him to meet the wishes of the Council and make proper reports, and keep a proper official, but not a private, diary, entering it up for each day. The Counoil would, of course, reconsider their decision and treat the resolution accordingly. Hitherto he (Mr. Vickers) had' not met the wishes of the Council, who regretted the action he had taken. They only wanted to do their duty to the ratepayers.—Mr. John Wrig-ht said the Chairman and the Counoil were acting most sympathetically, and he hoped Mr. Vickers would try and satisfy the desires of the Council. He advised him to be wise and to do what was re- quired of him.—Mr. Vickers thanked the Council, and promised to do his best to carry out their in- structions.—The question was accordingly ad- journed to the second, meeting of the Council.— Mr. Blane, estate agent, Connah's Quay, wrote in reply to a letter from the clerk, that he failed to observe any encroachment at Nine Houses, Shotton, by the Wepre estate.—A small committee was appointed to meet Mr. Blane.

WHITCHURCH URBAN. A meeting of the Whitchurch; Urban District Council was held on Tuesday, MA E. P. Thomp- son, vice-chairman, presiding. The gas account shewed a decrease of 250 for the half-year, due, it was stated, to the adoption of the incandescent system. It was decided to apply for a loan of JE50 d f6 Ji 'UF new street off Station-road, and for *<150 for oonverting the remaining public j ^SJ ^candescent lamps. Loans were also decided upon for laying water mains in three new streets ( £ 170 in all), and for the erection of addi- /.nozm Ti aceo m mod at ic n in the Smithfield ( £ 230). It was decided to offer a prize of five guineas for toe largest quantity of cheese sent into the fairs during the year by any farmer, and to ask the Dairy Farmers' Association to supple- ment this with second and third prizes. A reso- lution was passed asking Mr. Thompson and Mr. lianmer, as the Council's representatives on the Amalgamated Lccal School Management Com- p „ question of admitting- the rress to the meetings. Mr. Thompson he should certainly refuse to do any such thin r It was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Swash, to make application to the County Council with a view to the fuller representation of Whitchurch, which at present only had one representative on that body.

MOLITURBAN. RAILWAY FACILITIES. Mr. Jesse Roberts (chairman) presided over the monthly meeting of the Mold: Urban District Council on Tuesday. On the motion of Mr. Robt. Morris, seconded by Mr. Thomas Parry, it was resolved that a strong letter be written to the London and North-Western Railway Co., calling their attention to the scandalous condition of the road over the railway bridge, for the repair of which they were responsible. The Railway Faci- lities Committee had recommended that a town's meeting be held with a view of strengthening the handls of the Council in approaching the London and North-Westmn Railway Co. as to improved railway facilities for Mold, or, as an alternative. that the Great Central Railway Co. be approached with the view of opening a branch line from Buckley Junction to Mold. Mr. J. E. Davies said the London and North-Western Railway Co. had promised to do various things for Mold, but very little had been done. He was in favour of en- deavouring to prevail upon the Great Central Railway Co. to open a branch line from. Buckley. Mr. W. P. Jones referred to the increasing traffic on the Mold and Denbigh lino, and the new buildings erected in the town, which he thought were forcible arguments with which they might approach the railway authorities for better facili- ties. Mr. Davies thought that the Great Central authorities should be urged to establish a branc-h railway line or a service of motor cars between Buckley a-nd Mold. A long letter was read from Mr. T. S. Adams, who was unable to be present, suggesting a number of alterations in the train service. A later train was needed out of Mold to enable pleasure parties to have more time for view- ing the lovely scenery. He had also had com- plaints from shooting parties as to the need for a later train. After some discussion, it was de- cided to call a special meeting of the Council to make arrangements either for a public meeting or for approaching the Great Central Railway Co. as they might deem desirable.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE MOBBED. A Radical meeting, addressed by Mr. Lloyd- George, M.P., at St. Albans on Saturday, was constantly interrupted, and at its close Mr. Lloyd- George was mobbed on his way to the station and pelted with missiles. To explain the circum- stances of this disorderly demonstration it is necessary (a correspondent writes) to go back to a fortnight ago, when the Unionists alone held meetings. These were att?nded by large numbers of Radicals, who subjected Mr. Vicary Gibbs to a fusillade of questions, to which they refused to allow him to reply. They made the meetings scenes of considerable disorder, but notwithstand- e'c ing this they were never ejected. On Wednesday the RadicaJs held a largo meeting at the Drill Hall, St. Albans, and enrolled a very strong body of stewards.. When known Unionists presented themselves at the doors they were refused admis- sion, and as the meeting was a public one this was greatly resented. During the meeting some Unionists who were admitted interrupted the speakers, and immediately they were expelled. The breaking point seems to have been reached when one of the leaders of the workingmen's sec- tion of the local Unionist Club was roughly ejected by the stewards for raising a protest against statements concerning Mr. Vicary Gibbs. On Friday a Radical meeting was held on the out- skirts of St. Albans, and as soon as the doors were opened over a hundred Unionists took possession of the seats and carried a vote of confidence in Mr. Gibbs. On Saturday it became known that an attempt would be made to disturb the meeting at which Mr. Lloyd-George was to speak that evening. Accordingly the stewards formed a cordon around the entrance to the Drill Hall, and known Union- ists were refused admission. Some, however, managed to pass the cordon, and when Mr. Lloyd- George commenced to speak they began their in- terruptions. Disorderly scenes followed as each 'was roughly ejected. The disturbances continued for nearly half-an-hour. Outside the Unionists had gathered' in force close to the hall. They gave deafening cheers for Mr. Gibbs and sang snatches of the National Anthem and "John Bull's Store." They were joined by a number of rough youths. Stones were thrown on to the corrugated iron roof and made a most. disquieting clatter. Again and again Mr. Lloyd-George stopped in his speech and appealed to the chairman to send for police and stop the interruption, threatening that if this was not done he would sit. down. The in- terruption, however, continued. At the close of his speech Mr. Lloyd-George left the hall to catch his train and received a hearty send-off. Shortly afterwards there were evidences of a hostile demon- stration outside, and Mr. Bamford Slack entered the hall followed by a few friends and apparently greatly agitated. He complained that he had been pelted with ;rotten eggs. Hundreds of Liberals then formed a bodyguard and conducted Mr. Slack to his motor-car. It seems that when Mr. Lloyd-George appeared outside the hall the waiting crowd rushed at him with cries of '"Traitor!" and "Pro-Boer!" and hustled and mobbed him, while he was thickly pelted with rotten eggs and other missiles. Six policemen tried to protect, him, but ineffectually. When he reached his carriage and jumped in the crowd closed round and lifted the vehicle bodily from the ground with the object of overturning it. This attempt was frustrated by the driver suddenly whipping up the horse. It is quite pos- sible that prosecutions will follow. Mr. Arthur E. Hebbes, the Conservative Union- ist election agent for Mid-Herts, writes as fol- lows in reference to a statement published in a London paper:—"It is suggested that the Rev. A. R. T. Eales, rector of Elstree, is takmg) a stand which may shew some antagonism to the candidature of the Hon. Vicary Gibbs. As a mat- ter of fact. the reverend gentleman is taking the chair at a Free Trade meeting in his own schools, and is doing so as an absolutely neutral chairman. Further, it may be mentioned that Mr. Eales will be one of the proposers of the. Hon. Vicary Gibbs at the nomination, which will take place on Tues- day next."

SPORTING. .+ CHESTER CUP ACCEPTANCES. (RUN WEDNESDAY. MAY 4.) The CHESTER CUP (handicap) of 2,550 sovs. (a Cup value 50 sovs. and the remainder in specie), given by the Chester Race Company, Limited, by subscription of 25 sovs. each, 15 sovs. ft. or 5 sovs. only if declared to Messrs. Weathorby and Sons by Tuesday, February 2nd. for three-year-olds and upwards; the owner of the second horse to receive 300 sovs. and the owner of the third horse to receive 200 sovs. out of the race lowest weight not less than 6st. the winner after publication of the weights (Jan. 28, at noon) of the Two Thousand Guineas or One Thousand Guineas Stakes at Newmarket, in 1904. or a handicap value 500 sovs. to carry 141b., of a handicap value 300 sovs. 71b. extra. Old Cup Course, nearly two miles and a quarter. A Champion Prize Cheshire Cheese, of the value of 5 sovs will be given to the owners of the first, second, and third horses respectively. age st lb age st lb Cliftonhall 5 9 0 Joshua 5 7 7 Throwaway 5 8 8 Roe O'Neill 4 7 6 Rondeau 4 8 4 Mark Time 4 7 5 Hammerkop 4 8 3 Rightful 5 7 4 Likely Bird a 8 2 Parthian II a 7 3 Grey Tick a 8 1 Catty Crag 4 7 1 Germain II 4 7 12 Flonnda 4 7 0 O'DonovanRossaa 7 12 Parody 5 6 10 Torrent. 5 7 12 Chanter. 3 6 9 Mountain Rose.. 4 7 11 Slumberer 4 6 8 Vendale 5 7 11 Monitress. 5 6 8 Australian Colors a 7 11 Saltney Lad 5 6 7 Lovat 4 7 11 Flor Fina 3 6 7 Templemore. 6 7 10 Castro 4 6 7 Loveite 5 7 10 Bassoon 4 6 6 Firmilian 4 7 10 Proteus. 4 6 3 Caro 5 7 10 Sandboy 4 6 2 Switch-Cap 4 7 10 Miss Cronkhill.. 6 6 0 War Wolf 5 7 9 Pieria 3 6 0

LACROSSE. CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY v. CHESHIRE. This match was played at Cambridge on Saturday. Cheshire had the same team as defeated Middlesex except G. H. and H. D. Mason. Cheshire had the best of the opening exchanges. Battersby scoring twice. Prior then opened the scoring for the University from a lob. Smalley running up passed to Dickinson who scored, and shortly afterwards Dickinson and Battersby scored again. Just before half-time Whitley added another for Cambridge, making the score at the interval 5-2. In the second half the University's training stood them in good stead. Whitley's shot hit the goalkeeper, and Dyson scored from the rebound. Battersby retaliated for Cheshire, and a good bout of passing enabled Bickford-Sniith to score for the home team, and Whitley soon added another. With the scores 6—5, play was very fast, and just on the stroke of time Coop passed to Whitley, who equalised, the game thus ending in a draw of six all. The 'Varsity defence was very safe. In the second half, each man played splendidly, and T. Johnson, Smalley, and Staveacre were in great form for the visitors. Result:—Cambridge University 6, Cheshire 6.

HIMROD'S CURE FOR ASTHMA.-Estab- lished over a. quarter of a century.—Prescribed by the Medical 1 acuity throughout the world. It is used as an inhalation, and without any after bad effects. Testimonials of efficacy from the late Lord Beaconsfield, Miss Emily Faithful, Sir Morell Mackenzie, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. Trial sample free by past. In tins at 43. British Depot: 46, Holborn Viaduct, London; also of Newbery, Barclay, Sanger, Edwards, May Roberts: Butler and Crispe; Thompson, Liverpool; all Wholesale Houses.

FLINTSHIRE UNIONISTS. « MR. BANKES AND COLONEL HOWARD. The Unionist candidates for Flintshire and the Flint Boroughs, Colonel Howard, C.B., and Mr. J. Eldon Bankes, K.C., addressed a well-attended meeting at Overton on Saturday, over which Mr. W. Y. Jiargreaves presided. Mr. Eldon Bankes said it was to be deplored that the Welsh County Councils had refused to carry out the Education Act, because it set a bad example, and because they were missing a grand opportunity. It was said by those who refused to administer the Act that Nonconformists had a great grievance, but he doubted that very much. He could not help thinking they were running it for all it was worth because it was a convenient political weapon. They were sacrificing the interests of the children in the hope of gaining votes. On the Fiscal question, Mr. Banked affirmed that the time had come for a change bur what the best remedy might be he was not prepared to say. Personally, he preferred Mr Balfour's policy to Mr. Chamberlain's in abstract. -q' .u Colonel Howard said he was all for the fullest possible inquiry into the proposed Fiscal chances. Their opponents had treated this as a political question, and there they had made a great mistake. It should be treated as a business ques- tion, and sh')uld be settled for the benefit of the country, and mr re particularly of the working classes. (Cheers.) He had taken part in two wars in South Africa, but he thanked God he did not take part in the war of 1880, waged by the Liberal Government of the day. which ended in the most terrible humiliation The late" ar had lasted a long time, but the result was satisfactory: we were masters of the situation. (Hear. he:ir.) c Tho Opposition complained that the Government, by their unpreparedness, had caused the war to last loncrer than it need have done. He could say, without fear of contradiction, that no army was ever better supplied with food: the medical f.rranorements were excellent, after Bioemfontein: and there were plenty of stores of every kind. If the Radical party wanted to know what pro- longed the war in South Africa he would tell them. It. was the statements they made in Parlia- ment and the way they backed the Boers up.

CITY POLICE COURT. FRIDAY.—Before Dr. Stolterfoth and Mr F. E. Roberts. SUNDAY DISTURBANCES.-The following boys, most of whom had been previously oon- victed, were summoned for behaving in an in- sulting manner at the General Station on Sunday: George Sexton. Robert Sexton. Charles O'Brien, William Riley, Thomas Darcy, John Lloyd. Geo. Fairclough, RalpTl Potts, Archibald Potts and Edward Skcniand.-P.C. Pleavin said that at three o clock on Sunday afternoon he saw defend- ants shouting, throwing diit about ajid jostling the people about. He had cautioned them several times during the week.—Inspector Tilley said the lads were an incorrigible gang. The police had many complaints from the visitors at the Queen Hotel.-Robert Sexton, John Lloyd and Edward Skenland, who were first offenders, were dismissed on payment of costs. The other defendants, ali of whom had previous convictions, were fined 2s. 6d. and costs or seven days' imprisonment.— Another batch of boys, named Harry Sharp, Walter Watts, William Hewson, John Bird, Thos. Draycott, Clayton Moore, Henry Cartwright, Ernest Evans, James Hunt. Robert Moorecroft, and Alfred Potts, were also summoned for insult- ing behaviour on Suliday.-P.C. Colley said that at 8.50 on Sunday night he caught "defendants shouting and singing comic songs in Pembertorre Parlour. He heard the noise from King-street.— Defendants were ordered to pay the costs. CHILD MESSENGER.—Mrs. Mary Ashbrook, Union-street, was sùmmoned for sending her daughter, who was under the age of 14, for the purchase of a pint of stout on Sunday. P.C. Price said he was in Union-street on Sunday night, and he saw two girls near the King's Arms public- house door. One girl went into the house and brought a jug out and handed it to her com- panion, who was the younger of the two When the little one saw him she passed the jug back to the other girl. The mother afterwards admitted sending the child for the stout, having intended that the big girl should go into the public-house. —A fine of 2s. 6d. and costs, with an alternative of seven davs' imprisonment, was imposed. ALLEGED THEFT OF CASKS.—Two labourers, named Richard Caesar, Foregate-street, and Edward Hughes, 13, White Lion-yard, were charged on remand with stealing three paraffin oil casks, value 10s., the property of the Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Co., on January 30th. —Edward Aldford, an employe of the company, said on Saturday night he saw prisoners in Vic- toria-place with three casks on a handoart. On Monday morning he learned that three casks were missing from the Shropshire Union Company's warehouse.—Prisoners were remanded until W ed- nesday for further evidence. TRAVELLING WITHOUT A TICKET.— Richard Skelley, a young man who gave the Wrexham Boast Market as his address, was charged with travelling on the railway between Stockport and Chester without a, ticket.—Harry Burton, Cheshire Lines stationmaster at Mickle Trafford, said he collected the tickets from the passengers in the 9.14 p.m. train on Tuesday. Defendant, who occupied a front compartment. had no ticket. Witness took his name and ad- dress, and gave him in charge of the guard.—As prisoner had been in gaol for two days he was dis- charged. SATURDAY.—Before Mr. J. J. Cunnah. TICKET-OF-LEAVE MAN'S OFFENCE.— Charles Heywood was charged that being a convict on licence he failed to notify his residence also to produce his certificate.—Prisoner said he had destroyed his certificate.—Inspector Tilley (chief clerk), stated that about four o'clock on the previous afternoon prisoner called at the Police Station to report himself, stating that he had been in the town since Wednesday, and that he had destroyed his licence.—The Magistrates' Clerk said he was required to report himself within 24 h ours .—Inspector Tilley said prisoner was last sentenced at Battle. He (the inspector) produced an omciai statement particulars and photographs of the prisoner. The portraits shewed prisoner with a fairly thick bear and strikingly contrasted with the appearance ox the clean-shaven and much younger looking man in the box. — Detective-Sergt. Crewe caused some amusement by informing the magistrate prisoner did not know himself in the photOgrBP118, Prisoner was remanded till Alouday. MONDAY.—Before Mr. H. T. Brown, Mr. J. R. Thomson, and Mr. W. Twiston Davies. AFTER A FUNERAL.-Afrs. Ellen Jones. of Back Brook-street, was summoned for assaulting her sister-in-law, Anne Jones, and with breaking a window.—Complainant said defendant came to her house on the evening of February 4th, after her father-in-law's funeral, and created a disturb- ance. She told her to go away, but instead of doing so defendant struck her in the face, and when the door was shut against her s-he broke a window.—Henry Jones, complainant's husband, corroborated.—Defendant said her husband went to the funeral and came home drunk and gave her a blackeye. She went to complainant to see why she had given him the drink.—Defendant was bound over for three months in the sum of 40s. to be of good! behaviour, or in default of being so bound she was ordered to go to gaol. She had also to pay the costs or undergo a further term of a week's imprisonment, and to pay the damage (3s. 3d.), and the costs of the summons, a similar alternative being given her as in the previous cases. A SAD RETURN.—Charles Hay ward-, a short, clean-shaven young man. was charged on remand with being a licence holder under the Penal Ser- vitude Acts, and having failed to notify his place of residence to the chief of the police at Chester on February 3rd. Prisoner was also charged with failing to produce his licence, and pleaded guilty in both instances.—Inspector Tilley saidl that at four o'clock on Friday prisoner gave hiln9elf up for not reporting himself. He said that he had been in the town since Wednesday, but he had destroyed his licence. He appeared to have been drinking. Prisoner was sent here from St- ^*lle,s Christian Missionary Society, London, to 3, Lead- works'-lane, the address of his sister. When he arrived) at the house he found that both his sister and her husband were dead. The sad news upset prisoner and lie commenced drinking and when he had finished his money he gave himself up. Under the circumstances he (Inspector Tilley) asked the Bench s permission to withdraw the case and. Mr Wright, the police-court missionary, discharge*?. 8° pri9°ner—Pri*>ner was then MAINTENANCE ARREARS.-An order was made on a labourer named John Lloyd for the immediate payment of two sums of £ 2 12s. 6d. and £ 2 5s. 6d., the arrears of the maintenance of his two children, Thomas James and Charles Edward' Lloyd, in an industrial school

MRS. MA YBRICK.-Te Home Secretary, in a written reply to an inquiry by Mr. James O Connor, M.P., states that Mrs. Maybrick has been granted a licence under the Penal Servitude Acts, and is now in a home, which she would be allowed to leave towards the end cf the summer. NOTHING SUCCEEDS LIKE SUCCESS. The unprecedented demand for HORNIMAN'S PURE TEA during the past year has beaten every record, and conclusively proves the decided preference given by all classes to Horniman's Pure Tea. Sold by — Chester: Davies and Shepheard, Bridge-street Row; Co-op. Society; Cryer, 25, Christleton-road; Holborn Restaurant, 29, Foregate street. Neston Lee, chemist. Little Sutton Swindells, baker- Birkenhead Haywood, chemist. Rhuddlan Roberts, grocer. New Ferry: Fawcett, chemist. Upper Brighton Somerville. Bromborough Pool: Co-operative Society. Mynydd Isa Co-operative Society. Tattenhall Wilcox. grocer. Mold J unction Co-operative Society. Queen 8 Ferry: Spark's Stores Hoole: Jones & Davies. bakers. Wrexham: Felton. confectioner.

SANDYCROFT. DAY SCHOOLS.—The managers of the St. Ambrose Day Schools have just received H.M. inspector's report for the past year, and it is of a satisfactory character, the highest grants possible having been obtamed in both departments. The teaching staff under Miss Jones, head-mistress of the Mixed Department, and Miss Darbyshire, infants' mistress, are to be congratulated on this success.

MALPAS. PARISH COUNCIL—A meeting of this Coun- cil was held on Tuesday, Mr. Danily presiding. There were present Messrs. H. Hesketh, J. Eaton. J. W. Wyc-herley and W. Bentley (clerk).-A general statement of accounts was read, shewing a balance of £5 7s. 6d. in hand. but in the light- ing accounts there appeared a deficit of 9s. 9d. There were, however, several bills due to be paid in.—It was reported that there was now no com- plaint of the water in Old Hall-street, and the flushing as now done was considered satisfactory.

HOLT. LECTURE.—At the Baptist Chapel, on Wed- nesday evening, a highly instructive lecture on Palestine was given by Mr. John Taylor, of Buckley. After an interesting opening address by the chairman (Mr. Edwin Bellis), the lecturer pro- ceeded to describe in fluent terms a visit he has recently made along the Mediterranean and through the Holy Land. His descriptions of some of his stopping places were couched in beautiful language, and his recognition of the sites and towns connected with Biblical stories was most fascinating. The usual votes of thanks brought a pleasant evening to a close. In spite of the inclement weather the room was full.

ELLESMERE PORT. 1 ian SOCIAL.—On Wednesday evening a Christian Endeavour social was held in the Central Hall. During the afternoon the Rev. T. H. Hunt, the President of the Primitive Methodist Conference, preached at the chapel, and addressed a large meeting durinrr the evening. COMPLIMENTARY.—In a communication to Mr. Hudson, the Urban Council surveyor, tl: Wolverhampton Corrugated Company (who are transferring- their larsre works here), say- '"It is very gratifying to find the people of Ellesmere Port so ready to help us. and there is no doubt it win considerably facilitate our establishment there."

WREXHAM. MASONIC INSTALLATION-On Tuesday. Bro. R. W. Glascodin? was installed W.M. of the Square and Compass Lodge- at the Masonic Rooms. Wrexham, in the presence of a large gathering of Masons. The installing officers were Bros. T. B Barton and R. T. Powell. The newly-elected W.M. elected his officers as follows:—T.P.M Bro W E. Johnson: S.W.. Bro. J. T. Morgan: J W.. Bro. Arthur Cudworth: treasurer. Bro. T. Beech Barton. P.M.. Prov.G.Reg.: secretary. Bro. B. Bunston: S.D.. Bro. Stanley D Edis- burv: J.D.. Bro. Samuel] Allcock: organist. Bro. J. F. Edisbury, P.M. P.Prov. G.W.: I.G-, Bro. Joseph Grimshaw; S.S.. Bro. R. Rowley: J.S. Bro. Jno. Williams; A.S.. Bro. J. K. Jones; tyler. Bro. T. Lee (a post he has held for 35 years).

-+- u FLINT. N.C.O'S. BALL.—A brilliant affair was the ball promoted by the N.C O's. of the Flint Company of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, which took pla.ce in the Town Hall on Wednesday. Sergt. D. E. Davies and his band of workers are to be congratulated on the success of the evening. Messrs. D. E. Davies and W. Walton proved able M.C.'s, while the music was supplied by Marchant's Band, Chester. I THE COLLIERY'S LOSS.—At the Petty Sessions, on Wednesday, Sarah Thompson, Naomi Hillditch, Annie Sutherland, Jane Ellen Wilks, and Mary Hughes, all residing at Flint, were sum- moned for stealing coal from the Deeside Colliery on various dates, and were each fined 5s. Mr. Beck, one of the partners at the colliery, stated in the course of his evidence that the coal stolen from the colliery meant a loss to the company of 20 tons of coal a week.

--+- MOLD. THE ALYN.—At a meeting of riparian owners, occupiers and others, held at the offices of Messrs. Keene, Son and Kelly, on Thursday afternoon, the river Alyn was most influentially lepresented from its source to its junction with the Dee. The Brymbo Water Company's Bill, now being promoted in Parliament, was discussed, and it was resolved to oppose the Bill and to form an association for the purpose of compelling the various- water companies to fulfil their obligations under their several Acts of Parliament, and other- wise protect the river from robbery and fouling. A subscription list was started in the loom and a very handsome sum realised. COUNTY COUNCIL CRITICISED.—Mr. Hy. Parry (chairman) presided on Wednesday over the last meeting of the Parish Council, as at present constituted.—The Clerk read a letter from the Flintshire County Council, stating that the Council's letter as to the flooding: of the road at r>-iArt had been referred to the Main Roads In- spector, and the Main Roads Committee would Mr. consider the matter at their next meeting.—Mr. Wm. Hopwood said be would like the main roads inspector and the Main Roads Committee to have to travel the road that night. He would guarantee they would not return without wetting their feet and probably their legs. They bad commenced to elevate the road, but their methods of doing so were abominable. The condition of the road was scandalous, and was as bad as a sink in the worst part of the town.—It was resolved to communicate with the County Council, condemning the manner in which the work was carried out.

BARROW CONCERT.—A concert in aid of the National School was given in the Public Hall on Thursday evening. There was a large audience. The en- terta.inment reflected the highest credit alike on the promoters (Mr. J. E. Dennis and Dr. Foster) and on the artists. The sentimental songs of Mr. Thorburn, Mr. V. S. Jones and Mr. Bright were excellently given. Mr. Loui Parry kept the audience in roars of laughter with "The village concert" and "The old bachelor," both being given in his own inimitable style. Mr. Collin's band was an .entertainment in itself, their Irish and Welsh selections being excellent, while the mandoline duet, "Maritana," by the Misses A. and M. Collins was beautifully rendered. Mr. Collins also proved his versatility as an enter- tainer in the "Domestic sketch" and the "Country duet." At the close the Rev. H. A. Arnold thanked Mr. Dennis and Dr. Foster for the trouble and expense they had gone to in providing the entertainment, and the performers who had come at their invitation. Mr. Dennis, in responding, thanked the audieqpe on behalf of the artists for their appreciation of their efforts, and hoped the concert would become an annual affair. Dr. Fos- tcr also responded, and announced that about ;615 would be handed over from the proceeds to the school fund. The programme was as follows — Irish selections, Banjo and Mandoline Band; duet, "The moon hath raised her lamp above," Messrs. H. Bright and P. Lockwood; song, "Chicago," Mr. E. Roper; song, "Sands o' Dee," Mr. Thorburn domestic sketch. Mr. H. Collins; song, "Tell her I love her so," Mr. H. Bright; song, "The admiral's broom," Mr. V. S. Jones; song, ''The village concert," Mr. Loui Parry; dance, Miss Phyllis Jones; Welsh selections. Banjo and Mandoline Band; song, "Gay go up," Mr. Thorburn; song, "Not a return," Mr. E. Roper; country duet. Miss M. and Mr. H. Col- lins; song, Mr. H. Bright; song. "The veteran's song," Mr. V. S. Jones; mandoline duet, "Mari- tana," Misses A. and M. Collins; song, "The old bachelor." Mr. Loui Parry; grand national march, Banjo and Mandoline Band.

HESWALL. VOLUNTEER DINNER.—The Volunteer din- ner was held at the Assembly Rooms on Wednes- day night, about forty being present. Captain Evans presided, and he was supported by Mr. Meadows Frost, Major J. W. Shaw, and Capt. W. J. Newton. Captain Evans said the Company had greatly diminished and was threatened with extinction unless they had a good many recruits this year. Mr. Frost gave out the prizes, saying he took a great interest in the Company, as his son spent some of the best years of his life in the Company, both in HeswaII and with comrades in South Africa. (Applause.) Captain Newton pro- posed Mr. Frost's health, to which Mr. Frost re- sponded, and in turn proposed the health of Capt. Evans. Captain Evans thanked his fellow-officers and the men for their assistance during the year. Major Shaw also spoke, and a musical programme was afterwards gone through. The prize-winners were First shoot, Privates C Lancclotte. R. Tar- buck, R. Banks, R. Hambleton, Colour-Sergt. J. Tarbuck, Lance-Corporal W. A. Davies, Privates W. Brierley, and F. Price. Second shoot: Pte. rn* ^"ance'°f^e) Corpl. J. Shaw, Colour-Sergt. J. Tarbuck, Privates E. Hough, R. Banks, Lance- Oorpl. W. A. Davies, Pte. R. Hambleton, and Pte. R. Tarbuck. Third shoot: Privates R. Tar- buck and W. Brierley, Colour-Sergt. J. Tarbuck Privates C. Lancelotte, E. Hough, R. Hamble- ton, and F. Price, and Corpl. W. Clarke. Drill: Corpl. W. Clarke, Pte. R. Banks. Colour-Sergt. J. Tarbuck, Lance-Corpl. W. A. Davies. Pte. F. Price. Sergeants H. Jackson and J. P. Swindells, Corpl. J. Law, Privates E. Stacey, R. Tarbuck! Corporals J. Davies and J. Rathbone, Pte. D. M. Shaw, and Lance-Corpl. A. H. Young. Class firing. No. 1 section: Corpl. J. Davies and Colour-Sergt. J. Tarbuck; No. 2, Privates R. Hambleton and E. Stacey; No. 3, Privates R. Tarbuck and T. E. Totty; No. 4, Privates F. Price and W. Brierley. Brocklebank Cup: 1 Colour-Sergt. J. Tarbuck; 2, Pte. C. Lancelotte. Maorver Cup for Recruits: Private R. Tarbuck. Major Shaw's Cup Sergt. H. Jackson. Sectional Chall-enge Cup: No. 1 section under Colour-Sergt. J. Tarbuck. Reoruits: Bugler A. Tarbuck.

Only those who use I van outen" dpcoa iL J: know how good it is to drink. If you have not tried it, buy a new 6d. tin. You will get o 25 cups out of it and will enjoy every cup. r f van lIoutenj ocoa V I I No Cocoa Equals It. Only One Quality. BEST & GOES FARTHEST. 1

BANGOR-ISYCOED. DISASTROUS FIRE.—On Wednesday morning a fire broke out in the residence of the Hon. A. Parker, of Deeside, Bangor Isycoed. The fire was discovered about 8 30 in a bed- room in the front of the house, and the flames spread rapidly. Plenty of willing helpers were soon on the spot, and under the supervision of Mr. Parker, much of the valuable furniture was carried out of the burning building. The Wrexham Fire Brigade, in response to a telegram, arrived on the scene, and the steamer was soon throwing from the river Dee three jets of water on to the flames, and the fire was quickly under control. At times the work of the firemen and helpers was of a dangerous character. The Wynnstay Brigade (Sir Watkin Wynn's) also turned out, and rendered valuable assistance. Thanks to the plentiful supply of water, the outbreak was prevented from spreading to any of the outbuildings, and some of the servants' rooms at the rear were saved, but all the principal rooms in the house were practically gutted. Mrs. Parker's bedroom was the next room to the one in which it is generally supposed the fire broke out, and here much valuable property was destroyed. The outbreak is supposed to have originated from a large, old-fashioned open grate- the house being a very ancient one. The house and furniture were both insured. The damage is estimated at about £ 2,000. The residence belongs to Lord Harlech. Mrs. Parker, who has been indisposed recently, was greatly upset by the outbreak, and was conveyed in a carriage to the residence of a relative.

CONNAH'S QUAY & SHOTTON. SATURDAY NIGHT SOCIALS.—A capital programme was submitted by the management on Saturday, when there was. again a large attend- ance. An interesting item, which created no small amount of amusement, was a guessing competition, for which prizes were awarded. Songs, recita- tions, and pianoforte selections were also rendered by several friends. P.S.A.-There was again a large attendance at the Rivertown P.S.A. meeting on Sunday after- noon, when the Pastor presided, and an instructive address on "Rescue Work" was given by Mrs. "Adjutant" Davidson, of the Liverpool Salvation Army. Miss E. Walker gave a capital recital on the organ, Mrs. H. H. Millar recited, and Miss Tweddell rendered a solo. BILLIARDS.—A match, under the auspices of the Dee Billiard League, was played at the shotton Institute, on Wednesday, between members of the Quay Conservative Club and the Institute. The tables were in fine condition, and an interesting game was played. Score :—Shotton F. Christian 100, W. Coppack 100, H. Cunningham 84, E. Evans 100, T. Wiiliams 100, W. Stewart 100, T. Evans 100, H. Green 86; total 770. Conservative Club A. Carter 62, J. Green 56, .1. Bennett 100, E. Jones 83, H. Kenchington 89, J. Edwards 89, A. Green 71, J. Cooper 10U total 650. CONCERT.-On Wednesday evening a successful concert was held in the Rivertown Congregational Chapel, the object being to raise funds towards liquidating a debt on the chapel. The programme opened with a quartette, entitled "Strange Adven- ture," by Madame Georgina Hughes, Miss Bessie Williams, and Messrs. Hopton and Egerton Sneison. Mr. Suelson sang "I'll sing thee songs of Araby." The violin solos of Miss Bibby were much appre- ciated. Mr. Will Hopton sang with good effect "The Old Soldier" and "Thy Sentinel am I." Messrs. tsnelson and Hopton gave the duet Excelsior," and Miss G. Parker Davies was responsible for clever recitationa. Miss Bessie Williams sang "Scenes that are brightest" and "That's what I'll do." Mr. Walter Reney pre- sided, and Mr. W. Nuttall was the accompanist.

NESTON. I DEATH.—Mr. Benjamin William Grundy, eldest son of Mr. William and Mis. Elizabeth Grundy, of Parkgate-road, Neston, died on Wed- nesday afternoon, aged 61 years. Much sym- pathy is felt with the parents, who within a few months have thus been bereaved of two of their sons, both promising young mei COMING OF AGE CELEBRATION.—On Tuesday evening a number of the friends of Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Swift, of Neston Cross, assembled at the Town Hail to celebrate the coming of age oi their eldest son, Mr. Thomas Pemberton Swilt. The latter, who is a sergeant in the local Volun- j teer corps and a promising shot, is very popular in the locality, and the hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion by a committee with Hags, evergreens, etc.. and about 100 guests par- toook of the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Swift. Mr. Swift, jun., and Miss Swift (Liverpool) opened the ball, and dancing, to the strains of Jackson's (Heswall) string band, was kept up until the early hours of Wednesday. During an interval, Mr. Charles Roberts, in felicitous terms, offered Mr. T. B. Swift the congratulations and hearty good wishes of the assembled guests, and Mr. Swift was afterwards the centre of the huge circle that joined in Auld Lang Syne." He received in addition many more substantial souvenirs of the occasion in the shape of handsome presents. DEATH FROM EXPOSURE. On Thurs- day morning, about ten o'clock, a man unknown was found lying unconsc-ous on the highway near the railway bridge at Leahurst Hall, Windle Hill, Neston He was saturated with rain. and had been seen walking along the road about two hours previously. P.C.'s Allman and Groom removed him in a cart to Neston for medical assistance. An effort was made to restore consciousness, but without avail. The oversesrs had him taken to the Clatterbridge Hospital, where he was received by Dr. Carlyle. Drs. Young and Carlyle made every effort to save his life, but he died at 11.30, without regaining con- sciousness. Deceased is supposed to have sue- cumbed to double pneumonia, induced by lack of food and exposure. He was penniless, and the only clue to his identity was two pawn tickets. One of these was for an article of clothing pledged at Connah's Quay on the previous day in the name of John Towells. Deceased was dressed in dark tweed clothes, wore a felt hat, had a tweed cap in his pocket, and his clothes were covered with paint. He is supposed to have been a painter out of work.

FARNDON. LANTERN ENTERTAINMENT.—On Friday evening in the schoolroom Miss Noms Roberts, of Kingslee, gave a free entertainment in the form of a lecture describing original photographs, thrown on the screen, of Holland and Belgium. Farndon is to be congratulated on possessing such an energetic and versatile lady as Miss Norris Roberts, for this is by no means the first time she has given her time and thought for the benefit of its inhabitants. Such lectures must have a high educational value, and they open out a wide field for the leisured ladies of our villages to teach the people how to think Imperially." It would only require some half-dozen under the guidance of an energetic secre- tary to provide weekly a lecture on some foreign country or British possession, and thus bring home to those who still remain on the land the varied interests and nationalities of the world. Such even- ings would help to do away with the petty parochialism which is so disheartening a feature of our villages; they would invest the geography lessons with a new meaning to the school children and they would eventually broaden and develope the thoughts of the people, rendering them less liable to fall victims at election times to those frothy politicians who at present can appeal so effectively to their passions.

HAWARDEN. ODDFELLOWS AT DINNER.—The members of the Loyal Gladstone Lodge of the Order of Odd- fellows (Manchester Unity) held their annual dinner at the Fox Hotel on Friday. Bro. A, Ratcliffe pre- sided, and about 50 were present. Among them were Dr. Roberts, Messrs. T. Mills (District Secre- tary), A. Jackson, T. S. Adams, T. B. Barnett, T. H. Haswell, T. H. Gibson, and G. J. Butler. The toast list was an extensive one, including the follow- ing:— "Trade," proposed by Mr. T. S. Adams, Mr. T. H. Gibson responding; "Army and Navy," proposed by the Chairman, Mr. T. H. Haswell responding; The Manchester Unity of Odd- fellows," by Mr. A. Jackson, Mr. G. J. Butler replying; "The Doctor," proposed by Mr. A. Seaton; and "The Chairman," by Mr. T. H. Gibson. Songs were contributed by Messrs. T. S. Adams, A. Ratcliffe, Wyatt, Thomas, and others. VOLUNTEER BALL.—The annual ball of the Hawarden Volunteer Company, 2nd V.B. Royal Welch Fusiliers, took place on Thursday at the Gymnasium, Hawarden, and proved one of the most successful on record, about 95 being pre- sent. The Buckley String Band were in attend- ance. The officers present were Major Keene, Captain Swetenham and Captain Hurlbutt; also Sergt.-Major Claridge, Sergt.-Major Kelly. In addition there was a good attendance of non- commissioned officers and men.. The. ladies were slightly in the majority. Dancing commenced shortly after 8 p m Captain Swetenham leading the first dance with Mrs. Claridge, The duties of M.C. were in the competent hands of Sergt.- Major Claridge and Colour.-Sergt. F. C. Kelly. The Leap Year dance, in which the ladies chose their partners, caused great merriment, and the dancing was maintained with great vigour until about 3 a-m. The room was tastefully decorated with national flags and other emblems. The suc- cess of the undertaking was due in a large measure to the unremitting efforts of Sergt.-Major Claridge.

FRODSHAM. RECORD ATTENDANCE.—The attendances at the Frodsham Endowed Boys' School for the quarter just ended breaks all records, with over 95 per cent., 262 names being on the books. The attendance during the past three weeks averaged 97 per cent.. the last week of the quarter being nearly 99 per cent., probably unique in the history of the school. CONSERVATIVE CLUB.—On Wednesday evening a successful hot-pot supper and smoking1 ooncert took place in the Conservative Club, Frodsham. In the unavoidable absence of the president, Mr. W. A. J. Ashworth presided over a goodly number of members. After the usual toasts had been honoured, vocal or instrumental items were contributed by Messrs. J. Holland, junr.. Jas. Entwistle. Jos. Gorst., G. Nieild, Sergt. J. W. Booth, J. Palmer, E. Lawless (gramo- phone). The hon. sec. (Mr. C. H. Hibbertt) accompanied. PRIZE DISTRIBUTION.Tlie annual meet- ing of the scholars of the Trinity Sunday school was held on Wednesday in the Lecture Hall, and in the evening the prizes awarded for regular attendance were presented by Mr. W. H. Picker- ing on behalf of the committee. Mr. Boston gave a lantern entertainment, many of the slides being of much local interest, taken from negatives pre- pared by Mr. J. F. "Wright and others. Recita- tions were interspersed by Miss Bessie Jones and several of the scholars. The scholars had their usual tea party in the afternocm. ENTERTAINMENT.—A miscellaneous enter- tainment has been given in the Parish Room, Frod- sham, the prooeeds of which are to be devoted to pay off the existing debt on the Parish Church Football Club. The Rev. G. Purcell, B.A., presided. The artists were Miss Higginson, Miss Harrison, Mrs. Lewis, Messrs. Colfier, Percy Jones, W. Lewis, and Moore. A comic sketch, entitled Irish Servants," was given with the following castMr. Chomlev, Mr. Torn Turner; Mrs. Chem- ley, Mr. P. Jones old Irish servant, Mr. Bob Heyes; servants. Miss Higginson and Miss Holland; Irish maidservant, Mr. Jas. Whitby.

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