The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

PARR'S BANK. limited. The 39th annual meeting was recently held at the Cannon-street Hotel, London. Mr. Cecil F. Parr, who presided, said he thought few of them would have been sorry to see the end of 1903. The bad weather depressed our largest national industry, that of agriculture, as well as many others which were, more or less, dependent on sunshine. This depression did not, however, ex- tend to the bank's profits, these being about the same as usual. But where the company had suffered, in common with every other similar institution, was in having to write down their holding of Consols to 85. Many persons were still, apparently, exercised in their minds at what they considered to be the low price of Consols, but the explanation was really a simple one. Con- sols were affected by the laws of supply and de- mand, like any other commodity, and the value of Consols would rise when the demand overtook the supply. He was afraid that the demand was net likely to improve in the near future. It was im- possible for the market to regain its elasticity so long as it was weighd down by a sense of ever- impending new loans. Tho only remedy was re- trenchment all round. Governments, both home and oolonial, must be content for some time to pay their way without embarking on fresh issues beyond those to whioh they were actually com- mitted, and municipalities must postpone their schemes for benefitting, or impoverishing, the r ratepayers. As a company, they were largely in- terested in the cotton crisis in Lancashire. In wages aione it had been computed thai over JB2,000,000 had- been lost already, and "short time" was now being generally adopted, which meant still more loss and distress. So long as the United States produced 80 per cent. of the cotton supply of the world so long should we be liable to find ourselves at the mercy of the specu- lators in raw cotton. The only course was to make ourselves independent of the United States supply. Turning to the balance-sheet, he said that the bank continued to maintain a good per- centage of their money in actual cash or at snort notice. The whole of their investments, including their holding of £1,000,000 of Consols, stood in their books at under market quotations. In ad- dition to the payment of a dividend for the half- year at the rate of 19 per cent. per annum, it was proposed to distribute a bonus of 1 per cent., leaving £ 65,000 to be carried forward. That was not the occasion to discuss the Fiscal question, and he would only repeat his appeal that they should all do their best to examine the subject for themselves, and to prevent its being overwhelmed in the mire of party politics. Every impartial mind must rcoognise the great and complex changes which had taken place in the conditions of trade and oommerce, and in our relations with foreign countries and our Colonies, during the past 50 years. It might well be that the immu- table dogmas preached by Cobden were as applic- able to these altered conditions as to the condi- tions of half a century ago, but the man who asserted that they were, or were not, so applic- able without first devoting a great deal more time and intelligence than most of them had yet given to this supremely important question might do for a party politician, but he should not recommend him as a bank director. On the whole, from a business point of view, the past year was a disappointing one. Most of us were a little over-sanguine at the close of 1902. It now appeared we had over-estimated the country's reouperative powers, or, perhaps, under-estimated the enormous financial strain that we had gone through. We were now very much where we Wi?r\at the Winning of 1903, and, considering all the adverse circumstances, it was sufficiently satisfactory that we had held our own. Indeed we had done a. little more than that, for the Board of Trade Returns shewed that, for the past twelve' months, there was a slight increase in both our exports and imports. If the immediate outlook was not very cheerful for Great Britain we might at least derive some satisfaction from the improved condition of affairs shewn in various parts of Greater Britain. An exceptionally good harvest was producing the usual results in an expansion of trade in Australia, Canada had exported more than ever before in her history, and even South Africa, in spite of the prevailing unrest and finan- cial stringency there, was still steadily increasing her imports. He concluded by moving the adop- tion of the report, which was seconded by Mr. Edward W. Nix (deputy-chairman), and agreed to unanimously.

d_U ARMY AND VOLUNTEERS 2ND EARL OF CHESTER'S V.B C R —In the 2nd V.B. (Earl of Chester's) th« Cheshire Regiment, Captain F O. Evans is, according to Friday night^ "Gazette," granted the honorary rank of maior THE CHESHIRE REGIMENT. Friday's "London Gazette" contained the following: Line Battalions.—The Cheshire Regiment: The under- mentioned captains are seconded whilst students at the Staff College: Warren H. Anderson and Ross J. F. Hayter. Supernumerary Captain Arthur J. L. Dyer, to be captain, vice R. J. F. Hayter.

OWL ANos I KALYDOR FOR SKIN I COOLING, SOOTHING, HEALING I Remove! Freckles, Tan, Sunbarn, Irritation, a. acl. ft 4a. ed. of Stores and Chemists. ■ I

REDUCTION OF LICENCES. DEPUTATION TO CHESTER JUSTICES. A MEMORIAL. A deputation representing the temperance party of the city waited upon the licensing justices of Chester on Thursday to call attention to the ex- cessive number of licences in the city area, and to ask for a reduction. The deputation, headed by the Ven. Archdeacon Barber (in the absence through indisposition of the Bishop), and consist- ing of about thirty members, including both Churchmen and Nonconformists, and representa- tives of all the local temperance societies, were received by the justices in the retiring-room at half-past ten-half-an-hour before the commence- ment of the annual Licensing Sessions. The justices in attendanoe were Mr. John Thompson (chairman), Mr. H. T. Brown, Dr. Scolterfoth, Dr. Roberts, Mr. Thos. Smith, Colonel Evans-Lloyd and Mr. F. Skipwith. The Chairman (addressing the deputation) said it had been intimated to the justices that the depu- tation desired to wait upon them before the meet- ing of the Court, and they (the justices) would be very glad to hear anything they might have to say. Archdeacon Baiber said in the regretted ab- sence of the Bishop he had been asked to intro- duce the deputation. The memorial he would presently read was certainly couchcd in temperate language, and he desired to say that the memorial had not been extensively signed. In the time at their disposal they did not think it well or neces- sary to seek to get a largely-signed memorial, but rather one signed by a representative body of citi- zens. neaaea oy the IOICL bishop, the signatories included over thirty clergy and ministers of all denominations, and other members of the Cathe- dral body, also the rural dean, and he thought every denomination was represented. In addition there were the signatures of five members of the City Council, four guardians of the poor, ten officers of friendly societies, five medioal men, and fifty-six day and Sunday school teachers, church officers, eto., also forty-nine other householders, making a total of 161 or more. It was thus a memorial signed in a representative way, and was representative of almost every class of citizen. He did not know that he need go into the whole question, because that was fully discussed last year when they had the privilege of waiting upon the licensing iustiees. He spoke not only on his own behalf, but on behalf of the societies he represented, .nnd on behalf of a large body of citizens, and he now was requested to bring be- fore them the memorial. The Archdeacon then read the memorial as follows:—"To the Worship- ful the Mayor and magistrates of the city of Chester, assembled at the annual Licensing Ses- sion, Feb. 4th, 1904.-The memorial of the under- signed citizens and officials of Chester respectfully showeth:—That your memorialists approach your worships with a deep sense of the arduous and responsible duties imposed upon you by the Legis- lature for your fulfilment at the Brewster Ses- sions. Your memorialists again desire to re- pectfully bring to your notice the fact that the number of houses licensed for the sale of intoxi- cating liquors in Chester, being in the ratio of one licence to every 171 of the population, is far in exoess of any possible needs of the people. In view of the opinions expressed by your worships last year—notably in respect to the district of Handbridge, when your worships stated 'they were unanimously of opinion that the number of licensed houses in that district was excessive, and that their structural condition was unsatisfactory, as also was their accommodation, and that in some cases the houses were absolutely unfit to be occu- pied'-—your memorialists are encouraged to bring this petition before you, knowing that similar con- ditions also exist in other districts of the oity. Your memorialists, therefore, respectfully pray your worships to exercise your undoubted powers in the public interest, not only to refuse all new applications for licences, but to greatly curtail the number of those at present existing, inasmuch as these are greatly in excess of the number re- quired, and have been for past years a prolific i source of the drunkenness and crime brought be- fore you for consideration and punishment." Then followed the signatures of the Bishop of Chester, Dean of Chester, Archdeacon of Chester, the Rural Dean (Canon Upperton), a large number of other clergy and ministers, and many others. Mr. C. Bailey (secretary of the Memorial Com- mittee), at the request of the Archdeacon, formally presented the memorial to the justices. Mr. Andrew Storrar said he regretted the ab- sence of the Bishop. Personally, he was present because he happened to be for this year president of the Free Church Council. a council represent- ing the federated churches in the city, all of whom were in perfect harmony with the views expressed by the Archdeacon. The memorial expressed ex- actly what they wished to impress upon them. They (the memorialists) understood the intricacy and delicacy of the work of the justices, and they wished them to understand that they had the great force of public opinion behind tham. Not only the churches represented by the Archdeacon, but also those represented by thk, Free Church Council, were combined with perfect unanimity on the matter. Mr. Beresford Adams (retiring president of the Chester Christian Temperance Society) said he hoped the justices would bear in mind the mem- bers of the deputation were not present to serve any personal ends, but were there in the public interest solely. They were not there even in an- tagonism, but to impress upon the magistrates the desirability of doing what they could to lessen the evils of the drinking habit. Mr. J. M. Hawkins (Saltney) pointed out that in one respect Chester differed from many other places. In different parts of the country the popu- lation was steadily increasing, and therefore the proportion of licensed houses to the population was being reduced, because very few new licences had been created in recent years. In the case of Chester, where the population was stationary, no reduction would take place without there was absolute reduction by licences being taken away. In recent years, by small beerhouses in some cases being converted into larger establishments, the bar accommodation was perhaps actually in- creased. The Chairman said he would first point out to the deputation that there were no objections to existing licences, and that there were no applica- tions for new licences. The justices could only act on objections being raised to licences, and he was of opinion that the proper way of objecting to licences was not to leave it in the hands of the justices. He was quite aware of the Farnworth decision that they had power to instruct that ob- jections be taken, but in his mind it was not English that the same persons should be the op- ponents of the licences and those who were to judge as to whether they should exist or not. He thought it would come with much more force if what was included in the memorial was put for- ward in' the court. Justices, as they knew, could only act on evidence, and evidence brought by such an important deputation as were present that day, the friends of temperance-they were all friends of temperance—(hear, hear)—would have much greater effect, in his opinion, than evidence got up by the justices themselves. He did not think it was a quite opportune time to go into the question of licensing, because they saw from his Majesty's Speech on Tuesday that there was some legislation promised. What it was he (the chair- man) knew no more than they did. Still there was gome legislation promised, and it seemed to him that it would be a proper thing to wait and see what that legislation was. The delicacy and in- tricacy of the justices' position had been alluded to. It was a delicate position, and nobody felt it more than the justices who 6at in the other court. He had no doubt they had public opinion behind them. Many of them were of opinion that one licensed house to every 171 persons was too many. The question was how to get them reduced. They were not so bad as their neighbours even now. Some present had probably seen within the last day or two reports of the Brewster Sessions in Wales, where in some places there was one licensed housa to every 82 of the population, or one to every 91. So they were not quire so black in Chester as some of their neighbours. Still there were too many, and when the time came, and when they saw what the new legislation was, the matter would have to be taken into consideration by them all-the bodies represented by the depu- tation as well as the justices. If additional powers were given to the justices, they would have to exercise those powers, but he thought the time had not yet arrived for them to act. At any rate, there was no objection and no application, and their duty that day appeared to him very simple. He did not know if he was expressing the opinion of his colleagues. It was his individual opinion, and he would be very glad if any of his colleagues would say anything they had to say. Mr. H. T. Brown: You have expressed all mine, Mr. Chairman. Colonel Evans-Lloyd said he would like to ask Mr. Beresford Adams, as one accustomed to value pioperty, how it was possible to extinguish a licensed property upon which 9300 or JB400 had been spent by the owner in improvements, with- out involving serious confiscation? Mr. Beresford Adams said his reply would b? twofold. First of all, an expenditure of such a character for the last twenty years, or ever since the decision of Sharpe v. Wakefield, had been made with their eyes open to the fact that such a thing might happen any year. And in the next Place, during the time the improvement had been |n existence it would have yielded a considerable income to the owner, or tne expenditure would never have taken place. Another consideration was that private interest had to go down before Public interest That was happening all the while in other spheres. Archdee x>n Barber said iH wished to thank the iustiees. OIL behalf of the tat ion. Although thrv might not go awr- hopofu' of any immediate improvement being < ••! r-«jd out. they had to thank the justices fo the court ous hearing they had given tc t j¡.,j r view.

IRISH P(",ITHJIAN'f) DEATH.—The Right Hon. Hugh L'edermot, K.C., died on Saturday mnrnin at h if-past four. Deceased was Solicitor- General for eland in 1885. and was Attorney- General under the Lwt Radical Administration. j

THE CHURCHES. CHURCH PEOPLE AND CHURCH SCHOOLS APPEAL BY THE BISHOP. The Lord Bishop of Chester has issued the fol- lowing letter with the view of assisting those who are undertaking the systematic canvass for con- tributions to the common fund of the Chester Diocesan Church Schools' Association:—I have been asked to state briefly the reasons why Church people should contribute to the common fund of the Chester Diocesan Church Schools' Association. (1) True religion has paid, and al- ways must pay, primary attention to the religious training and instruction of the children. "Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclined." says all experience. "Feed My lambs" stands first in our Lord's charge to St. Peter. (2) The day schools of our Church, "Charity" and "National," have for two centuries striven faithfully to bring up the children of the nation "in the nurture and ad- monition of the Lord." They have been the ally of good homes; they have done their best to supply the shortcomings of neglectful homes. They have prepared the way for fruitful Sunday School work, and have accustomed people fo ex- pect in Board Schools as much religious instruc- tion as can legally be given there. In none of these respects is their work yet done. In the Pro- vided or Council Schools Christian instruction may be given. In ours it must. In those it may be very vague. In ours it has standards to keep it true. In those, under the Cowper-Temple clause, as interpreted by the law officers of the Crown, the old-fashioned Catechism teaching about duty, to which England owes so much, is forbidden. Last, but not least, if Church schools go, what will be the effect upon the religious educa- tion of the teachers of the future? (3) Under the Act of 1902, the Church of England has placed her school buildings at the service of the nation on the understanding that the faith of our fore- fathers shall still be taught there. One of the terms of the compact is that the Church shall keep her property in good repair, and make such improvements as may be found necessary. (4) To aid the Church (and other religious bodies) in discharging this liability, the Act in various ways encourages the continuance of associations of schools. In this diocese we have an association which embraces over 300 schools in every sort of neighbourhood, and, with the sanction of the Board of Education, it has formed a fund to help schools in meeting the demands— and especially the initial demandtr-that will be made upon them. If the fund is to be effective it must- be large. We already see our way to £ 10,000, but this is not half enough. If our schools are to remain a power in the land, they and their friends must rise above the temptation to follow a "Little England," or petty parochial policy. They must remember that they belong to a body, and represent a common cause. (5) For such reasons as the above I am asking the laymen and laywomen of Cheshire, so long noted as the most faithful county in England to its Church schools, to make such a generous and united effort as, under God's blessing, may lift the diooese out of the peril of losing its schools and all they stand for. (6) Let me take this opportunity to remark that it is the plain duty of Churchmen to be vigi- lant and persistent in requiring that Local Educa- tion Authorities shall administer the Act equit- ably and honourably towards Church schools and in all other respects. ST. PETER'S SALE OF WORK. On Wednesday afternoon Mrs. J. R. Thomson opened a sale of work in St. Peter's School, Hamilton-place, Chester, in aid of the parochial fund. Efforts of this kind in connection with St. Peter's have invariably been successful, and it is thought that, notwithstanding the wet weather of Wednesday, tho result of this latest undertaking will prove satisfactory. The Rector (the Rev. F. Tilney Stonex), in formally introducing Mrs. Thomson, said that lady was well known to all in the room for her generosity and kindness. Re- ferring to the object of the sale, he said they wanted to raise thereby £ 100 for parochial pur- poses. Judging by their experience in former years, they would probably have no difficulty in raising the amount required that day. There were several adverse balances they desired to clear off before Easter, so that they might have a balance- sheet entirely clear of debt.—Mrs. Thomson, who was heartily received, said she hoped the well-laden stalls would be cleared and that they would succeed in clearing off the parochial debt. She had great pleasure in declaring the sale open. (Applause.)— Mr. J. Bairstow (a churchwarden), in proposing a vote of thanks to Mrs. Thomson, referred to her kind interest in the parish. He took the oppor- tunity of reviewing some recent financial accom- plishments in the parish, and spoke hopefully of the result of the present sale of work. He had no doubt that if B150 was forthcoming there would be no difficulty in disposing of it. They were most anxious that none of the parochial organisations should lapse for want of funds, and it was of the utmost importance that the sale of work should be a success.—The vote having been accorded with acclamation to Mrs. Thomson, Mr. J. R. Thomson (a churchwarden) returned thanks on her behalf, and added his wishes of success for the sale of work. The figures which Mr. Bairstow had quoted were very encouraging.—The stallholders and associated workers were as follow:—Provision stall, Mrs. Bateson, Mrs. Shepheard and Mrs. Robb; after- noon working party. Miss Cahill, Miss Edwards and Miss M. E. Lloyd; evening working party, Miss S. Smith, Miss G. Edwards and Miss Buck- land flower stall, Mrs. Broadbent; miscellaneous stall, Miss Meacock: tea-room, Miss Mabel Dobie; bran pie, Miss Emma Williams and the Misses Smith. CHRIST CHURCH PARISH TEA. The annual parish tea and entertainment in connection with Christ Church took place on Wed- nesday evening in the Music Hall. This is the fourteenth year in which it has been held. and for popularity among the parishioners and enthusiasm among those who attend it one will have to search for and wide for its rival. At the tea tables over 400 sat down, a number which is larger than pre- vious years. The following ladies and gentlemen kindly contributed tables, and many of them pre sided at the teaMrs. B. C. Roberts, Mrs. R. Farmer, Mrs. Illingworth, Mrs. Hildyard, Mr. H. A. Jenner, Miss Rougier, Mrs. R. P. Ward, Mrs. Rowlands, Mrs. R. S. Oxley, Mrs. E. Griffith, the Misses Jooelyn Ffoulkes, Mrs. Bonnalie, Mrs. Goldthorp, Mr. Jas. Hobday, Miss Hobday, Mrs. Chas. Millington, Mrs. R. B. Wright, Miss How- son, the Rev. J. F. Howson, Mrs. Billington, Miss Aldersey, Mr. J. D. Scott, Mr. G. B. Lowe, Mrs. Greenhouse, Mrs. T. S. Parry, Mrs. J. R. Thom- son. Mrs. Atcherley, Mrs. Hincks, Miss Thorn- thwaite, Mrs. Birch, Miss Ould, Mrs. H. H. Wright, Mrs. Bridge, Mrs. Duckworth, Miss Campbell, Mrs. Lloyd, Mrs. J. Williams, Mrs. Crowder, Mrs. E. Owen, Mrs. Harvey, Mrs. C. Coppack, Mrs. Harold Shaw, Miss Wansell, Miss Evans. Miss Thomson, Mrs. Bethell, Mrs. Webb, Mrs. Ducker, Mrs. M Harrison, Mis. Collins, Mrs. Overton, Mrs. Warmsley, Mrs. Woolley, Mrs. Holme, Mrs. Williamson, Mrs. Robert Parry. Mrs. Joyce, Mr. and Mrs. Lodge, Miss Middle- ton, Mrs. Ledsham, Mrs. Ash worth, senr., Mrs. Ashworth, junr., Mrs. Levens, Mrs. John Milling- ton, Mrs. H. Stokes, Mrs. T. Wightman, Mrs. Shuttleworth, Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Bradburn, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Butler, Miss A. Booth, Miss M. Stephenson, Mrs. Hewlett, Mr. S. Griffith, the Rev. C. G. Norton, Mrs. W. Thompson, Mr. Chas. Thompson, the Rev. A. Baxter, Mr. John Wil- liamson. After the tables had been cleared an excellent concert was given. The principal fea- ture was, of course, the Vicar's perennial Parish Song, set to a well-known tune, and dealing with the topical events of the parish. The chorus was heartily taken up by the large audience, with whom the song is always immensely popular. The following was the programme:—Toy symphony, Christ Church Choir and friends and orchestra; aotion song, "Christ Church Volunteers," Christ Church infants; chorus and dance, "Ten little Sunflowers." Christ Church girls; chorus (with action), "Christ Church Jolly Anglers," Christ Church boys; song and dance, "Merry Maidens," Christ Church girls; duologue, "The Brown Paper Parcel," Miss Gertrude Thompson and Miss Broadbent; Japanese song, "Six Little Wives," Mandarin. Mr. W. Ducker, Wives, Misses Jones, Cowley, Elson. Ford, Poole and Short, page, Mr. N. Coppack; Parish Song, the Vicar; song, "A Summer Shower," Miss B. Cregan; Irish recita- tion, Major MacGillycuddy; duologue, "Miss Honey's Treasure," Miss Broadbent and Miss C. Roberts; Irish recitation, Major MacGillycuddy; song, "Carnival," Miss B. Cregan. The ac- companiments were ably played by Messrs. S. J. Moore and J. T. Dean. "RELIGIOUS DISSIPATION." A Cardiff minister has denounced the form of service in vogue at a rival local place of worship as twentieth century up-to-date dissipation." because the congregation consisted solely of a crowd of dressed-up people who be says, go there solely to be entertained. ST. ASAPH CLERGY SUSTENTATION FUND Special efforts were made in the rural deanery of Oswestry in the last quarter of the past year to augment this diocesan fund, and the result is the raising of the handsome sum of £ 202 5s. 7d. Mr. A. Wynne Corrie, of Park Hall, Oswestry, is the chairman of the movement in the Oswestry rural deanery. The object of the fund is to raise the income of all benefices in the diocese to a minimum of S200 a year. A NEW SPECIFIC. In the parish magazine for this month, the Vicar of Woodhorn, near Morpeth, writing of drunken- ness, says_:—"We have no teetotal society in con- nection with this parish church. Nor is there any attempt to coax or cajole people into soberness by concerts, speeches or hymns. A better plan surely than all these weak devices is for a man who has a drunken neighbour to thrash him as being a scandal to the neighbourhood, and to thrash anyone in the home who drinks immoderately, whether man or woman, son or daughter, is surely not a bad plan. If some straightforward way like this were adopted, we should soon hear of fewer drunkards. We are suffering from softness."

AN AGED CLERGYMAN.—The Rev. William Humphry Toms, for 62 years rector of Combe Martin, near Ilfracombe, died on Thursday, aged 85. Deceased was one of the oldest clergymen in England.

THE RECTOR OF MALPAS. PUBLIC PRESENTATION. The prsentation to the Rector and Mrs. Parker took place in the Jubilee Hall on Tuesday night. There was a crowded attendance, which included not only Church people but Nonconformists as well. The chair was taken by Mr. S. H. Sand- bach, who was supported by Mr. R. L. Green- shields, Mr. S. Timmis, and Mr. H. Mercer, re- presenting the committee appointed to carry out the wishes of the parishioners. There were al.-o present—the Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Lady Lettice Cholmondeley, Lady Margaret Ormsby Gore, Mrs. and Miss Sanabach, Mrs. Assheton Rasbotham, Mrs. and Miss Greenshields, Mr. and Mrs. Willding Jones, Mr. Willding Jones, Miss Jones, Mrs. St. John Charlton, the Misses Charl- ton, Captain and Mrs. R. W. Ethelston, Dr. and Mrs. Jordison, Mrs. Macnamara, Mrs. and Miss Cope, the Misses Cox, the Rev. L. Armitstead, Colonel and Mrs. Barnston, the Rev. the Hon. and Mrs. Parker. -Miss Parker, Miss Macaulay, Miss Lewis (The Bank), Mrs. R. Dawson, Mr. W. Weaver, the Misses Weaver, Mr. W. H. Hobson. etc The presents, so spontaneously subscribed for, consisted of a handsome silver rose bowl of Queen Anne pattern, upon an ebony plinth. It bore the following inscription, surmounted by the family crest: "Presented to the Rev. the Hon. A. R. Parker. together with a dressing case, by the parishioners of Malpas on his resignation as Rector, January 31st, 1904." Accompanying this rose bowl was a dressing case, the interior fittings being all of solid silver and of ivory, while the case was lined with choice Russian leather. In addition there was a red Morocco album contain- ing the. names of 250 subscribers. Mrs. Parker r °1 .J. _1_ was also the recipient- or a silver tray, two yiver hair brushes, and silver and tortoiseshell combs. Mr. Sandbach remarked that there was a great desire on the part of the public to do something for Mr. Parker when it became known that he was leaving them as rector, and the meeting of the parishioners had resulted in the provision of some articles for presentation. It was difficult to say how deeply they respected and regarded Mr. j i?r he was present, but he could safely and honestly say that high and low, rich and poor, deeply regretted that he was leaving the parish. They had no right to question his reasons for doing so. He (the speaker) knew that they were perfectly good, and had not been acted upon until after much consideration had been given to the subject. The Rector in his excellent sermon on Sunday told them that he did not intend to en- tirely sever his connection with the parish. He was sure they all b-OPed-and he felt it would be a great help to the future rector of Malpks—to see him again occupying that pulpir, and to hear h-s well-known voice. (Applause.) The subscrip- tions, which had been limited at the express wish of Mr. Parker, had come in from over 250 sub'cri- bers, many of whom were Nonconform ists—a kindly appreciation of that liberal sympathy which their late rector had shewn to all sections of the parish. As illustrating this he might state that he had received a letter from Mr. G. S. Morgan, who was prevented from attending through a family bereavement. Mr. Morgan stated that he intended to have asked permission to give some little ex- pression of the esteem in which the Free Church portion of the community held Mr. and Mrs. Parker. Mr. Parker, as far a.s the writer oouh1 ildge, had always striven, while loyal to his ov convictions, to respect the convictions of those who differed from him: to promote thoroughness, sincerity, and loyalty, tempered with Christian charity He trusted tha.t there would always be a close and happy tie binding Malpas and Maes- fen The presents which the committee had pur- chased would, he trusted, be useful to Mr. and Mrs. Parker, and serve also to remind them of their friends in Malpas, and the feeling of affection and esteem in which the parishioners held them. (Applause.) The Marchioness of Cholmondeley, in making the presentation, said: Mr. Parker, there is an old saying, which is generally very true, that every cloud has its silver lining. Malpas is losing you as its rector but keeps you for its neighbour, and I feel very confident in saying that there are many, old and young, in their health and sickness, joys and sorrows, that will often think of your kind help and sympathy during these past seven years. Arid now. on behalf of us all present here to- night. and many others unable to be present, I ask Mrs. Parker and yourself to accept these pre- sents as tokens of our esteem and regard towards you both, and wishing you health and happiness at Maesfen. (Loud cheers.) Mr. Parker, in reply, said his connection with Malpas dated from 1875. when, as curate for 20 months, he made many friends who had remained loyal and helpful to him to this day. He returned to Malpas in 1897 as rectcr, on the invitation of Lord Cholmondeley, retiring from the living in Oxfordshire, where he had been for the twenty years separating the periods he had named. He could not tell them with what feelings of grati- tude he had received those presents. The seven years in Malpas had been seven happy years to him, because they had by their generosity and sympathy made them such. Harmony and con- cord had existed throughout the parish. All had been pulling together with one mind-eburcbwar- dens. sidesmen, organist, choir, school teachers, Sunday and day schools had all united to pull the old ship of the church and the parish smoothly along. (Applause.) He had been particularly for- tunate in not having a series of .anonymous let- ters. He had only had two during his residenoe in Malpas. One of these told him that one of his curates was very little good and the other told him that he was no good at all. (Laughter) The writer likened him to a will-o'-the-wisp. (Laugh- ter.) He never felt that he possessed any bril- liance. not even that of the will-o'-the-wisp. He never found out the writer of those letters. They were very well written, but if the writer hap- pened to be present in that meeting and he would me?t him outside the Jubilee Hall. he would shake him warmly by the hand. He thanked them from the bottom of his heart for those beautiful presents, which he should look upon as bonds of affection between the members of his family and tha parish, bonds of affection which he trusted nothing would ever sever. He trusted that as long as he lived he should never do any- thing to make anyone regret giving that visible appreciation of his services in th? parish. He also wished to thank them on behalf of his wife. In her case she was more closely connected with Mal- pas than he had been. and had known it longer, ar! trusted that nothing would ever arise sever bond of affection which had cheers) ween them as parishioners. (Loud T A proposed a vote of thanks to rpi r ^^rnondelev for presenting the articles. 0 Lady Cholmondeley. whose husband was the patron of the living, making this presen- tation, added considerable value to it. Mr. Greenshields, in seconding, said it required but a very short acauaintanoe with the neighbour- hood cf Malpas to learn of the kindly interest in the affairs of the parish of Malpas which Lady Cholmondeley took. The Rector had made the best of his case in his retirement, and it was some gratification to learn that though they were los- ing him as rector they were retaining him as their friend. (Applause.) He iid not wish to cause any uneasiness to any other future rector of Mal- pas, but he was sure that in taking up the posi- tion of rector, Mr. Parker would' be a very hard man to follow, and a very bad man to beat. Lady Cholmondeley, in reply, said she required no thanks, for it was a real pleasure to come to make the presentation, and a real honour. (Ap- plause.) A vote of thanks to the Chairman and the com- mittee waa passed.

WET WEATHER DANGERS. BILE BEANS A SAFEGUARD. In London alone, and on one day only last year, over thirty million tons of rain fell'. What be- came of all this water, and that which fell during the scores of other wet days? Much of it re- mained in the ground, making it damp, giving rise to rheumatism and other ailments. This ^11 f.t"rouffh°ut the country, rheumatism, ohills, influenza, etc., are painfully common. Wet weather means wet feet. Wet feet often mean influenza, liver chill, or rheumatism. As soon as you feel you ve caught a chill, take-a cup of hot meat extract, followed by two or three. of Chas. rorde s Bile Beans, and get between warm blankets. The hot drink' opens the pores, and Blie Beans operate gently on the bowels and liver, thus preventing the chill from doing further mischief. If you haven't taken the chill in hand soon enough and it's got you in it's grip, don't despair. Same remedy! Mr. J. Atherton. of Urmskirk-road, Pemberton, says: "I neglected a chill, and it turned to influenza- This broke. me down completely—destroyed appetite, power of digestion, brought on attacks of dizziness, head- ache and dcprersion-playeci havoc with my entire system! Liver became disordered, giving me pain in the side and between shoulders Had constipa- tion, and then piles. Doctor failed. Friend said Bile Beans wouldn't fail. Tried them. They didn't. They restored both my appetite and my power to digest nourishing food. After that it was plain sailing, and I soon got back my strength. strength. Much more evidence could be quoted to same effect. Best, proof is self-trial. If you ye caught cold, suffer from indigestion. constipation piles, rheumatism, or any liver or digestive trouble try them. Bought from any. chemist for Is. l^d. or 2s. 9d. per box (family size). Same prices direct from Bile Bean Co, Red Cross-street, London, E.C.

HOLIDAY-MAKING IN A MANX GAOL.- 4 ?°,Un £ ElV?llshman put up at the Fort Anne Motel, Douglas, last summer, and after running up a bill for £ 39, was arrested and plaoed in gaol under an action for recovery of the amount which he refused to pay. The case was mentioned in the Manx Chancery Court this week, but the prisoner refused to avail himself of his privilege to attend, and the only message that could be got from him was to the effect that he was very well satisfied with his oomfortabl-e. quarters in the gaol and intended to do nctliing to shorten his stay.

DEATH OF MR. J. POWELL- WILLIAMS. --+- At the rising of the House of Commons on Friday evening, the Hon. J. Powell-Williams. member for South Birmingham, had an apoplectic fit, and had to be conveyed in an ambulance to Westminster Hospital. The right hon. gentleman died on Sunday. Mr. Williams, who was born in Worcester 64 years ago, was the son of the late Mr. Joseph Williams of that city. His name has for a great many years been associated in the public mind with the political and municipal life of Birmingham, where he was one of the most assiduous supporters of the policy of his friend Mr. Joseph Chamberlain. In 1877 he became a member of the Birmingham Town Council, was afterwards appointed chairman of the Council's Finance Committee, and was elected an alderman of the city in 1883. Before the Liberal Unionist split he was honorary secretary of the National Liberal Federation, and at the time of his death was chairman of the Management Committee of the Liberal Unionist, Association, in the fortunes of which organisation he had from the start taken a keen and active interest. He was first returned to Parliament at the general election of 1885 as Liberal member for South Birmingham, and from 1886 on- wards he represented the constituency in the Liberal Unionist interest. At the last general election he was returned unopposed, and in 1895 his majority over Mr. W. Priestman, Liberal, was 3,573. In Lord Salisbury's Administration from 1895 to 1900 he held the office of Financial Secretary to the War Office, and he was subse- quently sworn of the Privy Council In the House of Commons Mr. Powell-Williams's death will be sincerely mourned by members of all parties. He spoke very seldom, but when in offioe his replies to unofficial members were often characterised by an appropriate and ready humour which did much to increase his popularity.

LITERARY NOTICES. --+- THE FEBRUARY MAGAZINES. [SECOND NOTICE.] In the "Wide World" the thrilling story of "The White Avengers" is brought to a conclu- sion. The account by Mr. Charles E. Simmonds of his adventurous journey on foot into Thibet, comes with addled interest in view of recent events in that land of mystery. Motorists are well catered for in a vivid description of the perils en- countered by an enthusiastic American who drove his car across the American oontinent from ocean to ocean. Another capital article from across the water describes the varied beauties of the newly- discovered Yoho Valley in British Columbia, while among a host of other items How I be- came a Lion Tamer," by Miss Ella, takes a pro- minent place in tms capital numuer. NEW BOOKS. Chester Archaeological Society's Journal."— Volume X. of the new series of the journal of the Architectural, Archaeological and Historio Society for the county and city of Chester and North Wales is now on issue, and we have received a oopy. The item possessing most interest to the general reader, as it is also the one occupying the premier place in the volume, is one by the Rev. Canon Morris, D.D., F.S.A., who is strongly in evidence in a paper entitled "Gleanings from the Muniment Room of the Town Hall of the City of Chester" (Stuart Period). He d-aws a picture of the old times such as will cause readers to bless their lucky stars that they were not destined to live in such days even though they now have to pay stiff rates for present privileges. The rev. canon reveals the pioture of a city with streets badly paved and ill-lighted, cumbered with foul and objectionable refuse; the Walls decayed; the r rat<?s in a dangerous condition; disturbed not in- frequently by the turbulence of soldiers awaiting a fair passage to Ireland; crowded1 with an un- savoury horde of vagrants; and made horrible by the sight of gibbets, on which the heads and quarters of criminals were fixed. Compa.re the safety and comfort of Chester in 1902 and its electric-light installation, with the Chester of 1610 and for many years after, when the treasurer dis- bursed to one John Rees, for tending the city lantern, 2s. 6cL for six pounds of candles, 2s. 3d. Four years later 12d. was paid to redeem the city lantern, impawned by the sexton of St. Peter's for 2s. It would be understood how necessary it was on dark nights, when the other parish lantern- the moon—was not lighted, to have a supplemen- tary light; and the Mayor had a frequent charge on th city funds for links to light his way from banquets and from his official visits. The canon concludes with the remark that, prosperous as the citizens were then, and despite- the pomp and ceremony and banquetings, at the expense not of the Mayor but of the worthy citizens themselves, and merry though England was for the most part in that period, our lot has fallen in pleasanter places, and we, indeed, in most respects, are better off than our fathers as regards the comforts and conveniences of life. The remaining papers com- prise Chester in the Twelfth and Thirteenth Centuries; being notes on a number of recently- discovered documents relating to the city, dating from the year 1178," by Mr. Wm. Fergusson Irvine (the hon. secretary of the Record Society of Lancashire and Che-hire); The ancient glass in the Church of St. Mary-on-the-Hill," by the Ven. Archdeacon Barber, who also holds the suc- ceeding place in the volume with a paper on "St. Werburgh and her Shrine." The Rev. F. Sanders, M.A., F.S.A., and Mr. Henry Taylor, F.S.A., follow respectively with papers on "George Lloyd, D.D., Bishop of Chester, 1605- 1616," and "Ten Early Chester Deeds, 1270-1490." All these items, however, which bear evidence of careful compilation, as may be ocneeived are of more interest to the antiquary than the general public. The after part of the volume comprises, among other things, a tribute to the memory of the late Judge Wynne Ffoulkes, one of the earliest members of the society: a visit to Dorfold Hall, etc. Each article is amply illustrated with in- teresting photographs by Mr. Newstead and Dr. H. Stoltcrfoth, M.A., and the whole volume is a I creditable succe.-sor to its prcdec-cisors.

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CHESTER TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION ♦ PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. The 128CI quarterly meeting of the Chester and District Teachers' Association was held on Satur- day afternoon in the Bishop Graham Memorial School, Mr. R. Lloyd. the retiring president, pre- siding over a fair attendance. After the trans- action of various routine business, the new presi- dent (Mr. S. Earlam. of Cnristleton) took the chair and delivered his inaugural address. He urged the necessity for the thorough union of all mem- bers of the profession, so that in approaching the authority with suggestions or requests that autho- rity might know that those suggestions or re- quests canie not from a section, but from the united body of teachers They would need to be united in considering the schemes of instruction which must appear-in the insistence of the crear tion of conditions necessary for the effic;ent in- struction of children, the agreements between teachers and managers, teachers' salaries, etc. With regard to the last item, it would be neces- sary to watch closely the meetings of the commit- tees having for one of the leading objects of their consultations the question of adopting m.iform scales teachers salaries in the combined areas represented. After deploring the number of teachers who held aloof from the association, the president said that previous to the year 1902 the opinion was freely expressed by those who were qualified to judge- that our educational system was in a state of chaos. In fact. we had no system. and as a consequence our trade, prosperity and commercial prestige were on the wane. The Act of 1902 was passed to remedy this stato of things. After indicating the principles of the Act aa-id the powers it confers upon local authorities, he pro- oeeded to say that- in their own immediate areas the teachers had been particularly fortunate in securing the co-option on the Education Commit- tee of teachers of sound judgment, wide experience and high professional standing. (Hear, hear.) They were courageous and courteous exponents of teachers views, and had individually rendered yeoman service to their profession. As was naturally expected, the new authorities were some- what slow in getting to work. Great urdertakings —and that of education was surely -eot-couid not be carried through in a. hurry. Some amount of dissatisfaction was expressed in the- early days of their county authority s regime 1hp delay in payment of teachers' salaries, and tie delay in the supply of and the quality of school materials sup- plied. They must, however, be reasonably patient in those matters. There were already signs of improvement, but some time must neces- sarilv elapse before everything couid bo got into perfect working order. The aim of the education authorities would be, he understood, to have the young so efficiently educated that we should have eventually a nation of intelligent and skilled work- men, who would be able to compete successfully in commercial and scientific matters with foreign countries—to so graduate and co-ordinate primary. secondary and technical education as to produce harmony in our system—to bring well within the reach of the poorest child thc- attainment of the highest position in our educational system, the only qualification necessary being that of mental capacity. (Hear, hear.) To erect a sound struc- ture there must be a solid foundation. The chief work of the elementary school teac-her was to lay that solid foundation for the educational structure, and that all-important and necessary work could only be done under favourable conditions. It must surely be the duty of the educational autho- rities to bring their influence and work to bear in securing those conditions. The child should come in for the first consideration. His education should be made a matter of interest and pleasure. and the schoolroom should be for him a place of comfort and happiness. The authorities should see that unsuitable, unsightly and dilapidated schoolrooms should be either demolished or com- pletely renovated. The course of lessons to be given in school should to some extent harmonise with the scholar's daily life and be a preparation for his future calling. Under such conditions, he was sure that. the great majority of school chil- dren would, with a little judicious management, earnestly strive to progress and be happy in their endeavours. Alluding to the question of school attendance, the president said his experience ,Tk brought him to the conclusion that the attendance of the great majority of scholars was distinctly good, leaving absolutely nothing to be desired from either parent or scholar. It was the few only who were lax in attendance. and those were the teachers' worries and the classes' hindrance. (Hear, hear.) Why should irregularity be tolera- ted? He was by no means enamoured of the County Council's idea of increasing the regularity of attendance by giving a half-holiday a month gi I when the percentage reached a. certain figure. It appeared to him that, that was very mum like offering a bribe simply to perform one's plain duty; and further, the irregulars met with the same reward as the regulars, since they both re- ceived the half-holiday. (Hear. hear.; Rewards should only be given where there had been some extra. exertion voluntarily put forth and accom- panied by good behaviour. He suggested the following as the outlines of a possibly workable scheme for securing regularity of attendance j In any case of irregularity the teacher, being the first to make the discovery, should try to cure it. That was in some cases to be accomplished by moral suasion, but should he fail by appealing to the child, let him appeal to the parent, always insisting that his actions are for the: c-hild's good. Should that course have no effect, let the school attendance officer take up the case. The con- ditions requisite to success in that officer's work were that the area which he had to cover be not too large, that he should devote the whole of his time to the duties of his office. and that he should be adequately remunerated. He should be well supported by the committee, and his duties might be defined as follows: -To visit each school in his district at regular stated intervals, to inspect the class registers on every occasion he visits a -.b.rd and make extracts from them m case oJ irregularity; to visit the home of every irregular child and ascertain the reasons assigned for the absence, tactfully and courteously reasoning with the parents; to report results of his school and home visits to the committee and to receive their instructions in each case; to notify employers. casual or otherwise, that they would be prosecuted if they violated the law by employing children who ought to be at school. In any case of prose- cution the case should be heard in a special court. and not in a criminal one. and the justices should be pressed not to postpone a case when it. had been fully proved, but to penalise at once. He be- lieved that such a course as this weald quickly accomplish an improvement in the attendance. Alluding, in conclusion, to the question of teachers' salaries, the president urged that in fix- ing the scale- regard should be had to tne cost of the teacher's education, success of work. experi- ence and responsibility. (Applause.) Mr. R. Lloyd, in moving a vote of thmk" to the president for his address, said if they ccind only persuade the education authorities to adopt the suggestions outlined by him there would not- be very much to grumble about on the pari, of the teachers, parents or ratepayers. Mr. T. Barker (Saighton) seconded. Mr. J. Arkle, in supporting. remarKed that there was a growing disposition to make the teachers responsible for the attendance of the scholars, with the result that teachers were en- couraged to do the obnoxious work of cadging. A few years ago they were told that the salvation of the country depended upon technical education Where was it now? It was taking a very second I or third-rate, seat behind the tariff question. Al- luding to the school attendance question, he said in spite of an Act of compulsory school attendance children had to be practically coaxed to attend school by rewards, and teachers were also given & remunerative inducement in the matter. In consequence of that regrettable state of things they found already a dearth of teacher? and the greatest difficulty in getting pupil teachers, es- pecially of the male sex. There nrist- be some- thing very unhealthy in such a state of affairs, which called, for serious consideration. Further discussion followed and the resolution was carried. A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring president. Miss Middleton, Messrs. H. Lockett, Barker, Bebbington, Lloyd. Lodge, Earlam. Parry, Evans, and Turner were appointed delegates to the Portsmouth conference.

MAGISTRATES AND LICENSING.-In the House of Commons on Thursday, petitions were presented against any legislative interference with the lioensing powers of magistrates by Mr. Henry Tollemache from Rechabite Tents at Cholmondeley, Tarporley, Manley. and Tarrin.

RATE RESISTERS. SALE AT FARNDON. The first rate registers' sale at Farndon tock place in the Raven yard at two o'clock on Friday, and, although the sale was advertised, there was no commotion. A small body of police was in evidence, a needless precaution as it happened, for, even when the sale finally resolved itself into a meeting protesting against the Education Act. there was not the slightest disorder. Something like a hundred people had assembled when Mr. Seth Hughes, auctioneer, commenced the sale. He announced that the sum required was 9s. lid., with L3 7s. 6d. expenses, and, after expressing his sympathy with the resisters, stated that he difi not intend taking any commission for selling. The first lot belonged to Mr. Alfred Sinclair, and consisted of a Gladstone bag and a volume. "Lifo of St Paul." They were -old for the necessary amount, lAs. 7jd. The second lot. a writing case and a "Life of Christ." belonged to Mr. J Baker, and fetched the required 14s. 6d. A similar amount was due from the Rev. L. M Davies. and to realise this his copy in Welsh .of The Pilgrim's Progress was sold. Two small cheese belonging to Mr. W. Davies comprised the fourth lot, and they fetched 25s. while the fifth lot, a sewing machine, taken from the house of Mr. Eli Pugh, realised jEl. The whole five lets were bought in for the owners without any diffi- culty. When the sale was concluded a contingent of ministers and others from Wrexham, under the leadership of the Rev. L. M. Davies. conducted a meeting. A Mr. Thomas took the chair and called upon Mr. Davies to read letters of regret from sympathisers who were unable to come. Among the writers were the Rev. J. Travis. of Chester, and the Holl- A. Stanley. who advised them to stand firm and continue the fight until the education law was altered. The Rev. Gilbert Sadler then moved a strong resolution against the Act, and, when this had been seconded and passed, the Rev. M. O. Davies moved a vote of thanks to "0 the resisters. the auctioneer and the assistant overseer. This also was seconded and passed without dissent. The meeting then closed, but a further one was held in the evening in the Rock Chapel. o that altogether it was a great day in the history of Dissent in Farndon. From the filet it was evident that the proceedings would be con- ducted without any disorder, and one by one the police quietly moved away. There were very few people present who were not in sympathy with the resisters, and these few were content to act the part of passive spectators.

FATAL SLEEPING DRAUGHTS. Four woman patients at Portsmouth Lunatic Asylum have died after having had a sleeping draught administered by a lady doctor helonging. to the medical staff. The doctor compounded an opiate of chloral and bromide of potassium, intending to administer it to five patients, but one refused to take the opiate. The sleeping draught is said to be the same as is usually given to refractory patient,?. The doctors were considerably hampered while try- ing to bring the women round owing to the failure of the electric light.

__n_ "Much depends on Dinner!" I And much-appetite, satis- faction, digestion, health- depends on the condiments used. Colman's Mustard is a good mustard, because it is a well-made mustard-a cheap mustard, because it is a good mustard. Colman's Mustard tickles the palate—stimulates the digestive organs. Colman's Mustard .ce. BORWICK'S 2= Bw BAZING "VIM NTMWONMPOWBER- ALLAN TO L ii :1 CANADA. U,41TED STATES, I RIVER PLATE & INDIA. SAILINGS FROM LIVERPOOL. Feb. 11.CITYOFBEKAEKS. Calcutta Feb. 11.SICILIAN .Halifax & St. John, N.B. Feb. 13 AusTRIAN .Monte Video and Buenos Ayres Feb. 13.SIBKBOTV .Philadelphia direct Feb. 18 ..BAVARIAN Halifax & St. John, N.B. OCEAN RATES:—To Canada, Saloon from tll Second Cabin, C7 10s. Third Class, 95 10B. To India, EX 10s. and LT- ( 10s. For full particulars apply to "ALLANS," 103, Leadenhall-street, London, E.C., and 19, James- street, Liverpool; or CHARLES WRIGHT, 26, Water- gate-street, Chester. Ihave used your Balsam for my children with great success; and have known your valuable Remedy for more than THIRTY YEARS. School House, East Markham, Newark. Mr. J. H. Hall, Jan., 1902. FOR 35 YEARS j HAS j CURED Sold everywhere, 2s. 6d. ICOUOH & COLD. P. Card for Free Sample to A. Hayman Co., 9 Albeniarle St. E.C. Mr. W. H. Shaw, Sept.. 1902. 72, Ashbourne Road, Liverpool. We always have a bottle in the house, having proved its efficacy times without number (CHEERS&HOPLEY. Northgate-atreet. DAVIES & CO., Bridge-street Row. PEARSON & CO., Chnstleton-road. <Z. KEMP. Bridge-street, Chester.

AUDLEM PARISH. --+-- 100 YEARS AGO. At the annual parochial gathering, held last week, the Rev. StapJeton Cotton, before present- ing to his hearers the acoount of parish work done during the past year, made mention of inter- esting events in the history of the parish 100 years ago. At That date William Cotton, brother of Cheshire's Field-Marshal, was vicar, the wardens being John Latham and John Robinson, who in a liberal spirit gave the six ringers 2s. in all to com- memorate their election to the wardenship. New bell-ropes cost. J61 16s. These were supplied an- nually. The dog whipper. John Hollins, had his now pair of shoes as usual, 10a.. and salary, JE1. Sl oes were first mentioned in 1723. and discon- tinued in 1810. A letter from Chester cost Is., and one fiom London the same price. An item for plumbing and glazing, 17s. 8d., was paid to John Hamnett, while Joseph Bickerton's bill for repairs amounted io £10 Os. 4d. The bells had rather a large outlay upon them. Mr. Simcock charging £ 9 3s. He and his man's eating, and ale extra, ran up a bill of £ 1 16s. 8d. The Dod- dington psalm singers were apparently invited to Audlem, and entertained to the tunc of one guinea. John Harrison's care of the clock cost the parish JS1 17s. 6d. Sparrow heads, 343 dozen at 4d. a dozen, were paid for. The wardens left off paying Is. for a fox head in 1798, while hedge- hogs were a source of trouble in 1784. Other ancicnt entries spoke of confirmations being held in 1742, 1754, 1797. In 1758 a walnut tree was cut down, and a sum of E2 Is. 6d was paid for labour. The trunk fetched JB6 5s. Distempered cattle in 1747 necessitated six orders of Council, costing- 4s. The curfew bell, which is ru-ng-dallv. and the date of the month tolled, was alluded to in 1772. the ringer getting £1 a year. In 1742 the vestry decided to purchasce a new black gown. Coming to a much later date, he found the Sunday school in 1816 being discussed, and suggestions for its improvement made. Valuables belonging to the church were dated, a silver font 1744, chalice 1635. alms dish 1685, and all are in use to-day; also a marble, font. in 1821, which cost JBI6. A flag was mentioned in 1813. price JB1 7s. The parish chest was removed out of the dungeon in 1744. Is. being paid. Comparing births, deaths and marriages in 1803 with 1903, he found 63, 18 and 34. as against 51, 8 and 32. Last year useful gifts of choir surplices, and hymn-books for the worshippers were made. R-ference was made to the different church organisations. the Vicar re- marking that it was wiser to strengthen those things which remained than to launch out into new enterprises. He thanked the people for their Easter offerings, which were expended on clerical help during Lent and Advent, offerings which were made not by Churc-hpeople only. The chief event of the past year was the coming into opera- tion of the new Education Act. It. would take time before managers quite realised the altered condition of things, but it should be their one object to endea-vour to facilitate the working of the Act as far as possible. The schools in this parish remained Church schools, and It was re- quired of foundation managers that they attended to the up-keep of the buildings and made struc- tural improvements where needed For this. the practical sympathy of the psople would bp warmly welcomed. In conclusion, the Rev. Stapleton Cotton expressed his deep gratitude to all church-workers, and only desired that this year th-v might all ''grow in graoe, and in the know- ledge of our Lord and Saviour. Jesus Christ. A stirring speech was then made by Mr. Hall, churchwarden, who congratulated the audienceou the hapnv state of the parish and exhorted every- one to do his or her part in the great work of the Church. He laid. great stress on the duty of contributing generously to the Easter offerings, and said it was a graceful way of shewing appre- ciation for the work of the clergy. A musical entertainment brought a very successful gathering to a close.