The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

♦ DUKE OF RICHMOND'S ESTATE. The late Duke of Richmond has left estate of the gross value of £ 355,573.

-+- MR. BALFOUR. This morning's bulletin reads Mr. Balrour has passed an unrestful night, although in all other respects his condition has much improved."

ELECTION NEWS. RETURNED UNOPPOSED. Mr. Alban G-ibbs (Unionist) was to-day re-elected member of Parliament for City of London without opposition. MID-HERTS. Mr. Vicary Gibbs (Unionist) and Mr. Ban;ford Slack (Radical) were to-day nominated as Parlia- mentary candidate.- for Mid-Herts. Polling will take place on Friday, and the result will he declared on Saturday.

SPORTING. FOLKESTONE. TUESDAY. DEAL HURDLE.-George Fordham, 1; Tuscan, 2; Sixteen ran. ROSAMOND STEEPLECHASE. Napper Tandy, 1 Box-ley. 2. Six: ran. WALMER STEEPLECHASE.-Goidwasher. 1 Calla. 2 Tobacco II.. 3. Ten ra.n. FOLKESTONE HU"RDLE.—South America. 1 Clandon Li1.d. 2; Colourless, 3. Five ran. BARHAM HURDLE.—Hopeless II. 1; High Flavour II., 2 Cassia Bark, 3. Three lan. DONCASTER. TUESDAY. DON HURDLE.—Naivate, 1; Isthmus, 2: Chicago, 3 -Nine ran. BARN BY HURDLE.—Royal Blaze, 1; Cold Harbour. 2 Big Bravs, 3. Five ran. STOCKIL HURDLE. -Rock Castle, 1; Ches- hire Beau, 2 Hurst Park, G. Ftvc, rzin.

BALTIMORE IN FLAMES. A fire which broke out at Baltimore on Sunday morning continued all day and night, and on Monday morning the flames still spread. The fire brigade were powerless, anI assistance had to be sent from Washington, Philadelphia, New York, and neighbouring towns. Practically the whole business quarter of the town has becan destroyed, in addition to the Customs-house, banks, theatres, newspaper offices, and warehouses. The local police were unable to prevent looting, and police from other towns had to be drafted into the place. The fire was not got under control until after burning 36 hours, and it had destroyed practially the whole of the city with the exception of the residential portion The damage is estimated from 200,000,000 to 250,000,000 dollars. It is reported that fifteen firemen were killed, but only one body his been recovered. his been recovered.

LOCAL DIVORCE COURT. — In the Divorce Bn ision on Monday, the President had before him the undefended petition of Mrs- Isabella Milner for a divorce by reasan of the desertion and adultery of her husband, Mr. Joseph Milner, stated to be a gentleman of independent means, living at Violet Lodge, Vicar's Croso, Littleton-lane, Chester. Mr. Barnard, who appeared for the petitioner, said that the parties were married on the 8th March, 1898, at Gateshead. They after- wards lived at Hunmanby. Yorkshire, and there were two children. The parties lived happily together down to December. 1901, when the wife noticed that her husband was frequently at the Sun Hotel, Hunmanby. In January, 1902, he went to Manchester for a holiday, and when he returned he told his wife he had taken a shooting-box near Manchester, and that unfortunately he had "vL got into trouble and would have to go away for some months. He asked her to sign a paper, which she did, and he then went away. He after- wards communicated with his wife's solicitors and represented that he was living separate under a deed and that she had consented to a separation. She at once wrote to her husband demanding that he should take her back, and there was a suit for restitution of conjugal rights. At the time he set that up as a bar, but at the trial he withdrew that defence. It now appeared that the respondent had taken a shooting box at Violet Lodge, Vicar's Cross, Chester, for Mrs. Young, formerly of the Sun Hotel, Hunmanby. Mr. Young commenced proceedings in that court for a divorce against his wife, making Mr. Milner the co-respondent. Mr Young got a divorce, and the damages were assessed at S500 against Mr. Milner. The petitioner was called, and bore out the opening statement of counsel. She stated that in regard to the document her husband asked her to sign she never read it. She afterwards found out that it gave her no allow- ance whatever. Further evidence having been given, the President granted a decree nisi, with costs, and custody of the children of the marriage.

RECTORY OF DODLESTON. -Tli.? Rev. A. P. Wood, M.A., curate of Bebingcon, lias been appointed by the L-eaii and Chapter of Chester to the rectory of Dodl-ston, vacant by the death of the Rev. A. C. Gordon. SHREWSBURY STORE STOCK SALES.- This sale will be held on Friday, February 19th, in the new covered sale mart, at Shrewsbury. Entries comprise 1.180 cattle of various classes, ages and breeds, including the usual good tots of Angus and Galloway crosses, Hereforda, shorthorns and polled shorthorns, crossbreds and WeUh.

CHESTER EDUCATION COMMITTEE, j --+-- SCHOOLS CONDEMNED. IMPORTANT RESOLUTIONS. A special meeting of the Chester Education Committee was held at the Town Hall on Monday to consider the recommendations of the Ele- mentary Schools Management Sub-Committee on the sanitary and structural conditions of schools. Alderman H. T. Brown presided over a fair attendance. The Chairman regretted the necessity of calling the meeting of the committee, but the subject of the sanitary and structural conditions of schools was one that required the earliest possible con- sideration. inasmuch as until it was settled a great many questions might arise between the Board of Education and the managers of great many questions might arise between the Board of Education and the managers of schools. That was the earliest opportunity the committee had of considering the recommenda- tion of the sub-committee upon the report which had been made by the Director, based upon the report., of the Inspector of Education, aid upon the City Survevor's report-. UNFIT FOR THEIR PURPOSE. Mr. James G. Frost then formally moved the first recommendation, which was as follows:—"That the Director communicate with the managers of the Chester Wesleyan (St. John- street). Christ Church (Boys'), and Saltney-cun;- Lache Schools, referring to the, report of the Board of Education of the 22nd December. 1903. aDd informing them that the committee have con- sidered that report, and they have also been advised by the City Surveyor upon the schools, and they are of opinion that the schools are unfit for their purpose as public elementary schools under part 3 of the Education Act, 1902; and drat the commitree will be glad to receive the pro- po-al, of the managers at an early date. The Rev. J. D. Best seconded. Alderman John Jones (St. Oswald's) said the recommendation practically condemned, among others, the St. John-street School as an ele- mentary school. He wondered whether there was any manager representing the Corporation on that school present. The Rev. J. K. Montgomery: I have seen the secretary. Mr. Oldmeaclovv, and he practically said they could do nothing. The Chairman: It is not a surprise to then, then. I am afraid that unless the managers have some very sweeping propo-at- it means the closing of these schools. The resolution was carried. IMPROVEMENTS DESIRABLE. Mr. Frost then moved the next recommenda- tion, as follows: That the Director com- municate with the managers of St. Francis' (mixed). Boughton British (mixed and infants). Trinity (boys and girls), Chester Wes- leyan (infants), referring to the report of the Board of Education of the 22nd December, 1603, and informing them that the.-committee havr- considered that report, and that they have also been advised by the City Surveyor upon the schools, and they request the managers to con- sider a number of alterations and improvement; as desirable, though not now demanded by the local authority, and to regard others as definitely required by the local authority under part 3 of the Education Act. 1902. section 7 (1) (d), and that the committee will be glad to receive the proposals of the managers at an early date." The Rev. J. D. Best seconded, though he had serious objections to the sending out to all schools in Chester what had been recommended. Certain schools had practically been condemned by the Board of Education, and on account of the report of the inspector he did not see that any alternative wa, offered them. In respect to other schools, it might be wise to proceed with some caution. In the first place. as regarded the recommendation already made, the committee were making very large demands upon the managers of Christ Church Schools, among others, in respect to the boys' school. In the second recommendation also the committee made serious demands in regar 1 to the girls' school. That argument applied io other schools as well. as, for instance, the St. John-street Wesleyan. It did not give the managers a chance to do what they would like to d, and if the whole body of the recommendations, were passed a wholesale condemnation would o out. It was simply overwhelming the schools rf Chester at a time when they could not possibly L be prepared to meet those demands. In respect to some. he suggested that at any rate the com- mittee might wait until they received something from the Board of Education about the schools. He could not see why the committee should move in advance of the Board of Education. They might wait until the Board of Education had .-een fit to condemn. It might be t'tat ir. the course of a year or two the commit Dee should make some forward movement, but he did not see that the present time wa< just the juncture when they should oppress managers with their ideal requirements. The recommendations wore the I utcome in the first place of the report of the City Surveyor, who had specified all tno<o things as defective and to be condemned, which he would not allow in a building to be built to-day. It was, of course, very reasonable from his point. of view. He would like the schools to be ideal in all respects, and so they all did: but they ought to be reasonable in the advances they made towards that idea. It could not be achieved all at once, and he could not help thinking that the managers deserved consideration, and that unless, for instance, the Christ Church managers wished to build new schools, the burden would fall upon the few supporters of Church schools in Chester at a time when the committee were making demands on all the other Church schools. The same thing applied to the British and Wesleyan. The com- mittee would do well to act cautiously and quietly. If he read the section of the Act aright, lie found that the requirements for improvements should be reasonable requirements. The word reasonable required a little attention. First of all. the requirements ought to be reasonable a* regarded the locality and the supporters of the schools. As regarded locality, in that the committee should not ask or demand playgrounds where they could not be obtained except at an almost pro- hibitive cost. As regarded the managers, the committee ought not to overwhelm them with many demands at the same time. It had been the practice of the Board of Education for many years past, when manager. wished to do what they could to improve the character of the schools, to allow time, even years and years, before still further demands were made upon them The committee ought to be guided by the Board cf Education in that respect, and, although the minutes were most valuable in themselves, he did not think they ought to be issued wholesale. The question was when they should be communicated to the managers, and in that the committee might exercise a wise discretion. Ic The Rev. J. K. Montgomery, as representing the Boughton British School, said tile recom- mendations should have been made months ago— (hear. hear)—and not now, after the committee had been seven or eight mouths in possession of I tii- schools. The committee would have to con- sider whether they could enforce those recom- mendations. He was not aware that the surveyor was an expert in educational matters, or that he mate recommendations as to the interior arrang ments of the schools to the school management. That was within the province of the Education Department and inspector. The inspector had made certain reports upon Boughton British School-, and the managers knew exactly what ir would cost to comply with the suggestions. He was authorised to say that the managing com- mittee were not prepared to carry out those recommendations to the flit: extent. The managers were prepared to do certain things, but not others. The inspector had i:1brmcd him personally that there was a deficiency of accommo- dation in Boughton. and his (Mr. Montgomery's) suggestion was that it would minimise expen-e both to the Corporation and managers if the main school in Boughton was taken over as an infants' school and the infants' school became a training school for kindergarten and rudimentary know- ledge. There would then only be required a new school for boys and girls. The Rev. Fr. Chambers, on behalf of the Catholic body in Chester and the managers of St. Francis' Schools, said the managers were pre- pared to do anything reasonable. They ceriainlv considered that the requirements were' somewhat sweeping, and he thoroughly agreed with them. He was in sympathy wirh Mr. Best's remarks concerning all the schools in Chester. He re- minded the committee that the Act was primarily passed to relieve so-called denominational and Voluntary schools. Since they had been relieved in the matter of staff payment, etc., the com- mittee were going around to make it impossible for the schools to live by condemning them wholesale. That a room that had be-en allowed to be used by the Board of Education should now be considered as unfit wa., certainly too criticising altogether. If it were a new builc-ing- he could understand it. It was not advisable, con- sidering: the trade and the city's poverty, especially among the Catholics. Mr. R. Lance-ley said every member would be anxious to ease the burden on the managers. There was one important point that had been overlooked, and that was as to whether the re- quirements stipulated differed from the require- ments of the Board of Education. As to the par- ticular room referred to by the Rev. Father Chambers, it was not that the surveyor and director regarded it as unfit, bur that the Board of Education regarded it as urifif try teaching purposes at all. While they should exercise every reasonable forbearance. they should see that the requirements of the Board of Eelucation wore carried out. The Bishop of Chester asked what was the precise relation between the report. of the sur- veyor and the Board of Education. The com- mittee should know if the surveyor was s?oing con- siderably ahead of the inspector, and, if so, they might reasonably think that his zeal was in excess of his discretion. At present he was not aware that there was any great discrepancy between the two reports. Of course, whatever the com- mittee determined, the managers could always appeal to the Board of Education. The last word was not to be said by the local authority in any case. The Chairman: That is so. Continuing, Aid. Brown said the recommendations we"e based partly upon the opinion of the Board of Education and on the surveyor's own knowledge as an expert. The sub-committee had divided their recom- mendations into two classes, firstly, those require- ments which should be carried out at once, and secondly, certain suggestions based upon the reports of the inspectors from time to time. The recommendation wound up by asking for the managers' proposals. It would be for the com- m-ittc-e to say then whether the requirements were absolutely necessary. The committee were simply pointing out what was desirable and asking what the managers proposed to do. The Bishop said the chairman's important ex- planation seemed to be to the effect that the word proposals contemplated improvements by in- stalments, and that managers were not to suppose that the committee was so unreasonable as to press simultaneously for the whole of the improve- ments thought desirable. The Chairman said it was furthest from the sub-committee to press unduly on the managers. The utmost they had done was to call attention to the necessary alterations and ask what the managers proposed to do. Alderman vV. H. Churton quite agreed that the recommendations were very wholesale indeed. It would be wise to proceed tentatively. He thought the last recommendation might stand I over. The m'hop suggested that only the first two recommendation j should be taken. It was de- sirable the ratepayers should regard the com- mittee as reasonable beings. (Laughter.) The Chairman said it was necessary to settle the question forthwith, as the question of repairs, which was the subject of the last recommendation. -r involved the question of wear and tear. In order to avoid conflict with the managers, it would be desirable to pass ail the recommendations, as the question would arise as to whether the repairs were needed at the time the committee took over the schools or Lad since arisen from the use of the schools. The Rev. J. K. Montgomery said the details of the- third recommendation were very vague, imperfect, and mis-directing. The second motion was then put to the meeting and carried. STRUCTURAL REPAIRS. Mr. Fro.,t, then moved the following and last recommendation That the Director communi- cate with the managers of the remaining public elementary schools in the city, and inform them that the committee have been advised upon the schools. and that they now request the managers to consider a number of altera- tions and improvements as desirable, though not now demanded by the local authority, and to regard others as dcfintelv required by the local authority under part 3 of the Education Act, 1902, section 7 (1) (d). and that the committee will be glad to receive the, proposals of the managers at an early date." r.l:. W. Vernon seconded. Alderman Churton said the recommendation brought up the important question of the repair of playgrounds. He was not quite sure whether it came within the province of the committee to repair playgrounds. He moved an amendment that the recommendation stand over for six months to enable the managers to receive the necessary funds to pay for the alterations, and that the Town Clerk obtain the opinion of the Boarrl of Education upon the subject of the repair of playgrounds. The- kc-v. J. K. Montgomery said it had not yet been decided what proportion of the school pence the managers were to receive. If the com- mittee gave them one-half they would put their requirements into execution. tlr. Lancek-y said that just so far as the matter was delayed so would the difficulties of the com- mittee in deciding the question of wTear and tear increase. The proposals of the sub-committee were perfectly reasonable. The Rev. J. D. Best seconded the amendment. J. D. Siddall asked whether it would not be better to make a greater distinction between the fir.-i- two and the last recommendation, and let the items in the motion go as suggestions and not requirements. The carrying out of the recom- mendations would involve an enormous amount of cost. which would come out of the few people interested in and supporters of education in the city. He hoped the recommendation would be modified in the way he had suggested. 'lne Bishop suppoi-ted Mr. Siddall. It was extremely desirable the managers should have the suggestions before them. It would be rather disturbing to them to receive them all as require- ments. He did not see that anything would be really lost, and probably the committee would get the managers to co-operate with them if they approached them in the first instance in a some- what less drastic tone. Mr. Churton dropped the first part of his amendment and adopted Mr. Siddall's suggestion in its place. For the amendment eight voted, and the same number voted for the resolution. The chairman gave his casting vote against the amendment. Mil. Lanceley moved a further amendment to omit the portion of the recommendation—"And to regard others as definitely required by the local authority, etc." The amendment was accepted, and in this modified form the recommendation was carried. The Town Clerk (Mr. J. H. Dickson) was in- structed to take the opinion of the Board of Education "n playgrounds. FIRE DRILL. Ir "as resolved at a meeting of the sub- committee "That the managers of schools be requested to adopt a system of drill by which, at regular intervals, children may be practised in leaving school rapidly at an alarm of fire."

DEE CONSERVANCY BOARD. ♦ ANNUAL MEETING. NAVIGATION IMPROVEMENT SCHEME. The annual meeting of the Gonrvat-ors of the river Dee fishery district was held on Monday at Chester Town Hall, Mr. John Thompson pre- siding.On the motion of Mr. Charles Davison, seconded by Mr. James G. Frost, Mr. Thompson was re-elected chairman for the ensuing year.— The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the statement of accounts, pointed out that the ex- penses incurred in the maintenance of the naviga- tion works amounted to £1,158, being an increase of E250 compared with the previous year. He believed that the increase was accounted for by the cost of restoring and repairing those parts of tlie half-tide embankment which had been damaged by the river.—Mr. J. Watkinson seconded the resolution, and the accounts were adopted.—Messrs. Warmsley, Jones a.nd Co. were re-appo-id;e.dl auditors.—The annual report of the acting conservator stated that the embankment and training walls had required considerable at- tention and outlay during the past year. A large gap in the northern training wall had been closed. taking altogether 945 tons of slag. and a further quantity of 1,490 tons of slag had been placed on the lov.er length to repair the damaged portions and keep it in fair condition. There were still three small gaps caused by the large quantity cf wafer which found it> way on ebb tide from the Ohesshire side. The navigable channel, though often changing its course below the training walls, had been good. The heavy rainfall and the strong floods of the past year had assisted in keeping a good depth in the river. He had not reoeivedi any I complaints as to the, working of the Hawardcn and (Queen's Ferry bridges during the year. The proposed installation of telephonic communication between these bridges had not yet been carried out by the Great Central Railway Company, but the matter was in hand. The grab dredger had been employed during part of the year in remov- ing sand from the shoals near Saltney. The plant had also been on hire to the Weaver Navigation Trustees. The vessels and machinery, etc., be- longing co the Board at the end of the year 1903 were valued at JE532. The traffic in the river for the year ending December 31st, 1903, shewed an increase over 1002 of 12,235 tons. The; increase was divided among the following wharves- Hawarden Bridge, Queen's Ferry (including Willans' and Robinson's new jetty). Coed Talon stage, Flint, Greenfield, and Point of Ayr wharf. At Co nnah's Quay there was a slight decrease. Representatives of t.he Board had met in confer- ence those of the Flintshire County Council, Denbighshire County Council, Chester Ccrporation, and the Dee Fishery Board, to consider the fur- ther improvement of the navigation of the river. A committee "ëH appointed at the conference to go thoroughly into the subject.—The report was adopted.—The question of improving the naviga- tion was discussed, but it was pointed cut that nothing further could be done at the present time in the- matter.—Mr. F. F. Brown, in reply to the Chairman, said they had not yet given up hopes of inducing the Cheshire County CouncJ to lend practical aid to the scheme. Personally, ne thought- Cheshire ought to have a frontage to the nver„ and the fact that it had not got one was most probably due to a little supineness about two 'hundred years ago when the first Act was passed.

FLINTSHIRE COUNCIL ELECTIONS.—At a meeting of Mold Unionists on Friday it was decided to nominate the following for the three divisions at the County Council elections: West Ward, Major Lloyd (the present member); East Ward. Mr. Philip Tatton Davies-Cooke; Broncoed Division, Mr. Samuel Beresford. At a meeting of the Flint Conservative Club on Friday it was decided to nominate Mr. Bate, Kclsterton. as a candidate, in opposition to Dr. J. H. Williams in the Eastern ard. and Mr. T. Henry Denny for the Central Ward. in opposition to Mr. J. L. Muspract. The Western Ward is represented by Mr. T. W. Hughes (U), who intends to seek re- election. DEATH OF MR. E. MUSPRATT.—We regret to record the death of Mr Edward Muspratt, who passed away on Thursday morning at his residence. Within Croft, Dee Banks, at the age of 81. Deceased, who was a native of Wiltshire, came to Chester in 1876 as general manager for Messrs. Smith and Sons, who carried out the rebuilding of Eaton Hall for the late Duke of Westminster. Deceased was also engaged in many other important undertakings, including the Exhibition of 1851. He was highly esteemed. He retired from business many years ago, and had enjoyed good health until the past six weeks, during which he had been confined to his bed. He leaves a widow and family. The funeral took place or. Saturday at Cheater Cemetery.

LOCAL NEWS. I -0 CHESTER CATHEDRAL. I SERVICE LIST FOR WEEK COMMENCING r EB. 10. WEDNESDAY, FBBRUARV IOTII.—Morning, 8.0: Matins. 10.15: The Litany, hymn 2iid. Evening, 4.15: Service, YVeeden in C anthem, ■■ Come, ray soul (Martin). TUCKS DAY, FEBRUARY 11TH.—Morning, is 0: Holy Com- munion. 10.15: Service, Tuckerman in F; anthem, "Enter not into judgment" (Attwood) Evening, 4. Lo Service, Tuckerman in F anthem, -1 Blessed be the Lord God" (Bennett). FRIDAY, FKBHUARY 12TH.— Morning, 8.0 Matins. 10.15: The Litany, hymn 43. Evening, 415: Service. Walmisley in C anthem, Come unto Hnn" (Gounod). SATURDAY, FEBRUARY m-m.—Morning, 8.0: Matins. 10.15: Service, Tours in F; anthem, How dear are Thy counsels (Crotch). Evening, 4.15: Service, Tours in F; anthem, Hear my crying (Weldon). SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14TIf (Quinquagesima). Morning, 8.0: Holy Communion. 10.30: Service. Stainer in E flat; anthem, "See what love" (Mendelssohn); introit, hymn 310 Kyrie and Credo (Stainer in E flat) preacher, the Archdeacon of Chester. Evening. 3.30: Service, Stainer in E flat; anthem, Blessed be the God and Father (Wesley); hymn ilL. (1.30: Processional hymn, 242 Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis to Chaiits; hymns 292, 515, 252 preacher, the Rev. J. M. New, M.A.

Mr. Samuel Moss, M.P., is laid up at Chester, suffering from a severe chill. We learn that the Bishop of Chester is better and has resumed work, but Mrs. Jayne is suffering from a severe attack of influenza. It is stated that H.S.H. Prince Francis of Teck and Earl Kilmorey have intimated their intention to be present at the concert to be held at the Music Hall on Monday. HONOUR TO COL. BROMLEY-DAVEN- PORT. --Clieshire folk will be pleased to learn that Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport, M.P., is one of the two civil members of the newly- appointed Army Council. Colonel Bromley- Davenport, M.P., is the eldest son of the late Lieut.-Colonel W. Bromley-Davenport, M.P., and was born in 1853. Educated at Eton and Balliol College, Oxford, he has represented the Macclcsfield Division of Cheshire since 1886. A major in the Staffordshire Yeomanry, he com- manded the 4th Battalion of the Imperial Yeomanry in South Africa during 1900 and 1901. The Duke of Teck has left Combermere Abbey for Windsor Castle. The Duke and Duchess of Westminster returned from Grosvenor House to Eaton on Wednesday night. The King has been pleased to approve on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor the appointment of Mr Edward Honoratus Lloyd to the rank of King's Counsel. Mrs. James Taylor, Haygarth House, Chester, much regrets that she is unable personally to acknowledge all the kind enquiries received during the illness of Mr. Taylor, but she desires to express her most sincere gratitude to all. A marriage has been arranged and will take place shortly between Digby E Easton, son of the late Mr. Williams E. Easton, of Brighton, and Hilda Florence L. Elkington, second daughter of the late Mr. Howard Elkington, of Plas Newydd, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire and Leeswood, Mold, Flintshire, and of Mrs. Elkington, of Plas Llanerch y Mor, near Holywell. Mrs. Mary Binney, of Fairfield, East GrinAead, Sussex, who died on the 14th December, widow of the Right Rev. Sibbert Binney, fourth Bishop of Nova Scotia, left estate valued at £ 25,539 9s. lOd gross, with net personalty of 4:23,762 18s. Among several bequests, the following local ones occur:- £100 each to the Witton Curacy Fund. at North- wich, and the Chester Diocesan Board of Education On Wednesday and Thursday next, a bazaar in aid of the funds of St. Martin's Welsh Church, Chester, will be held in the Assembly Rooms, Newgate-street. The bazaar will be opened each day at half-past two. Mrs. Yerburgh will open the proceeding on the first day, and on the second day the Mayoress will perform a. similar office. There will be entertainments of a varied and interesting nature each day, morning and afternoon. POLICE COURT MISSION.—An entertainment is advertised to be given by the Ohio Minstrels to-night (Wednesday), at the Town Hall in aid of the Police Court Mission. The date of the annual meeting is also advertised ALMOST SUCCESSFUL.—The Aldershot Urban District Council recently received 149 applications for the position of surveyor in the district. This number was reduced to 10, of whom Mr. W. Matthews-Jones, assistant surveyor, Chester, was one. He was the only assistant surveyor, the other nine being engineers and surveyors. Unfortunately Mr Matthews-Jones was not successful in getting the position The salary commences at k200 and rises to JB300. NATIONAL HEALTH SOCIETY.—Under the auspices of the Chester Branch of the National Health Society, the first of a course of lectures upon "Home Nursing" was given by Miss Terrell, of the London National Health Society, on Tuesday evening in St. Martin's Room, Nicholas-street. There was a numerous and appreciative audience. A course of lectures on Hygiene will also be given by Miss Terrell in St. Martin's Room on Friday evenings. MR. KENY;ON AND LIBRARIES.—A Bill is being brought in by Mr. Kenyon for extending the Public Libraries Acts to county councils. Sir James Rankin, Mr. Bryce, Sir Howard Vincent, Mr. S. T. Evans, K.C., Mr. Lloyd-George, Mr. Ellis Griffith, and Mr. Lloyd Morgan have pro- mised their support. It is provided that a library rate, not exceeding one penny in any year, may be levied on the assessable value of the county, subject to exemptions where within a county a library district is already formed. Such district would be excepted. LIFE IN JAPAN.—A general meeting of the Chester Natural Science Society was held on Thursday evening at the Museum, Dr. Granger presiding. There was a crowded attendance, the accommodation being insufficient for the require- ments An excellent lecture on Life in Japan" was given by Miss E. P. Hughes, late principal of the Training College, Cambridge. On account of the present situation in the Far East, the lecture proved of more than ordinary interest, and was followed with marked attention by the audience. NEW DENBIGHSHIRE MAGISTRATES. — On the recommendation of the Lord-Lieutenant of Denbighshire (Colonel Comwallis-West), the following gentlemen have been placed on the commission of the peace: -MesBrs. David Sa un, ders Davies, Plas Castelle, Denbigli; Richard Edward Hughes, M.P., Bank, Denbigh; Edward Owen at ken Davies, Plas yn Green, Denbigh; George Baxinall Bovill. Bcttwa-y-coed; Albert Leonard Pilkington, Erbistoclc, Ruabon; and Cecil Arthur Hops, Ruabon. ROYALTY THEATRE.-The pantomime en- titled "The Babes in the Wood entered upon the second and last week of its run at the Royalty Theatre oil Monday evening. The production is thoroughly in keeping with Mr. Milton Bode's best traditions, being composed of an entertaining blend of bright and tuneful music, capital choruses and songs, graceful dancing, various speciality performances, and an immense fund of comical "business." With a strong combination of able artists and a general excellence of mounting, the piece leaves nothing to be desired. UNIVERSITY EXTENSION LECTURES; At the Grosvenor Museum on Thursday afternoon, Miss Royden, daughter of Mr T. B. Royden, the High Sheriff of Cheshire, delivered before a numerous audience the second of a course of six lectures, under the auspices of the Chester Univer- sity Extension Association, on the subject of "Shakespeare's Women." The lecture? has classified the characters for consideration under four denominations—the passive, the active, the evil and the ideal. On Thursday she dealt with those characters of Shakespeare's women that come under the first-named heading, and selected Gertrude, Ophelia and Desdemona as examples. At tke con- clusion of each lecture a class for students is held. MILWR AND DISTRICT MINES DRAIN- AGE BILL.-On Monday a.t the Blossoms Hotel, Chester, an extraordinary general meeting of the Holywell-Halkyn Mining and Tunnel Co., Ltd was held for the purpose of considering the Milwr and District Mines Drainage Bill and the effect it would have upon the Mimng Co. The Hon. Cecil T. Parker (chairman) presided, and there was a very representative gathering of shareholders, who evinced great interest in the matter. The Chair- man gave an exhaustive and lucid explanation of the objects and scope of the Bill, and the manner in which it would affect the Mining Co. Considerable discussion was raised by seme of the shareholders, and satisfactory explanations were given by the Chairman, Mr. J. Thompson and others. Thefollow- ing resolution was unanimously earried :—"That this general meeting unanimously approves of the Bill and authorises the directors of this company to support it and do all in their power to further its passing." From the general tone of the meeting it was quite clear that the shareholders were satisfied with the progress the mines have made, and have great hopes of the future. EXTRAORDINARY ACCIDENT —A remark. able accident occurred in the early hours of Wed- nesday morning on Hough Green. Shortly after midnight George Hillier, cab-driver, was en- gaged in conveying home a gentleman and his wife, who had been present at the Mayor's "At home," and while passing along Hough Green the horse shied and ran the cab against an ete-ctric lamp-post. The vehicle snapped in front,, and, leaving the body of the cab with the occupants in- side, the animal galloped merrily along Curzon Park, where the harness snapped. animal freed from any incumbrance turned townwards, and; passed along the streets unmolested until he reached King's-buildings, where E. Jones, driver for Mr. Crawford, brought him to a standstill, and subsequently handed, him over to Hillier. The lady and gentleman in the in- terior of the cab fortunately escaped unhurt and the driver also came out unsoatbN. The rs was slightly bruised, and ha4 a wound on the hind leg. The glass of the lamp which received, the charge of the horse was smashed. The eab itself was a wreck, and wast moved off the read on to a grass plot adjoining an entrance to Ourzon Park, whence it was removed later tb, morning

FLINT TOWN COUNCIL. « The monthly meeting of the Flint Town Council was held at the Town Hall on Monday, the Mayor (Major Dyson) presiding.—The tender of Mr. T. J. Williams for the widening and build- ing of a wall in Duke-street was accepted. Messrs. Lloyd, Harrison and H. Hughes were appointed a sub-committee to inspect and report as to the cost of erection of boundary posts. It was reported that the Free Library continued to thrive. Gifts of books had been received from Mr. Christmas Lloyd, Mr. J. L. Muspratt, and the Town Clerk, the report for the month shewing in the lending department 420 books had been issued and 182 in the reference department, there being 279 readers' tickets in force. It was re- solved that application be made to the trustees of the Peel Memorial Fund for participating in the distribution of books to be given by the trustees of the fund.—A letter was read from the Board of Education in reply to the resolution passed at the last meeting of the Council and forwarded to the Board, in which the Board intimated that the Muspratt Memorial School did not appear to be a public elementary school and was not there- fore included in the draft final order. Mr. Powell contended that the school was a public elementary school, inasmuch as thev had a public inspection, public grants and public ex- aminations. He proposed that the Council, being the minor authority, should ,,2nd a copy of the correspondence that had taken place to the superior authority, the County Council, and that a copy of that resolution be forwarded to the Board of Education. Mr. E. A. Hughes seconded, and the resolution was carried. The Chairman gave his report of the meeting of the sub-committee and a sub-committee of the Connah's Quay Urban District Council as to the adjustment of the accounts between the two authorities with regard to the recent outbreak of small-pox, a sum of JB45 having been agreed to be paid by the Connah's Quay authorities. The medical officer's report shewed 21 births and nine deaths during the month, with a birth- rate of 4.2 per month or 50.4 per annum, and a death-rate of 1.8 per month or 21.6 nor annum. Mr. E. A. Hughes complaineei of the poor supply of water at Flint Mountain, a dispute having arisen between Mi-. Blackweil and the Corporation as to the acknowledgment for the supply of water. A debit balance on the general district rate account amounting to £3ó5 o. 2d. was shewn. and on the borough fund account of JE122 18s. 8d.

WHITCHURCH. On Friday the fortnightly meeting of the mem- bers of the Whitchuroh Board of Guardians was hold in the Board-room of the Union Workhouse. Mr. R P. Etholston (chairman) presided over an attendance including the Rev. C. Musk, Colonel Barnston, Messrs. T. Topham. T. M. L. Vernon E. J. Howell. R. Pearson, T. H. Caldecott, W. H. Smith, H. Robinson. W. Penk. and P T. Godsal, with Mr. G. Richardson (clerk). Mr. T. T. Chubb (relieving officer), and Mr. E. R. Pike (master).—The Relieving Officer's report shewed that the out-ralief during the fortnight was as follows :—4th week, 151 out-paupers relieved at a cost of JB14 6s. 9d. 5th week, 143, at £11 15s. Od. The corresponding period for last year was: 4th week. 163; at £14 Is. 6d. 5th week. 161. at £13 17si 6d.—The Master's books shewed that during the last fortnight there had been 86 inmates in the houso. against 78 for the corresponding period of last year; and that 119 vagrants had been relieved during the same period against 191 last year The Master reported visits to the house by Mr. T. Nunnerley, Mr. Shone, and Major Godsal. Five vagi ants had been sent to prison for refusing to work. A boy named Arthur Jones was ready for service, and wished to go to sc-a.—It was decided to send him to the fishing smacks at Grimsby.— The committee reported having received tenders for the bedsteads, and they recommended that nine be purchased, with mattresses, etc., at 23s. 9d. each. also linoleum. It was decided to get these as recommended.—-The cook's superannuation was considered, and notice was given for a resolution. —It was also decided to advertise with a view to filling the vacancy, .at a salary of £ 20.—The Nant- wich Union wrote relative to the detention of tramps on Sundays and asking what the Board were desirous of doing.—Tlie Board thought they should be detained if possible, and if all Boards did the same thing it would be a good thing.—The Shifnal Union wrote enclosing a resolution in reference to the new provisional bye-laws framed by the Salop Education Committee, taking excep- tion to the bye-law fixing the sixth standard for leaving.—A resolution was passed, on the motion of the. Rev. C. Musk. seconded by Mr. Thompson, approving of the bye-law.

HUNTING I > SOUTH CHESHIRE. Mr. Corbet had another capital day's sport on Tuesday. Finding a good fox m Wrenbury, they ran past the Yeld Cover and alcmg the Wrenbury Brook for some distance over a nice country up to Cholrnondeley. They forced their fox through the Garden cover into the Laurels. Here they had their first check. They soon recovered the line, however, and went over the Colmondeley drain close to Bulkeley, leaving Ridley Moss on the right. After entering the grounds at Bulkeley Hall the fox ran as if for Peckforton Wood, but going past this cover he took them to Bunbury, and then to the right by Haughton and close to Hurleston. Short of the cover, hounds got a view of their fox. and ran into him a.t Radmore Green, after one hour and twenty minutes' hunt. NORTH CHESHIRE. Delamere Station was the fixture for Wednes- day. Hounds soon found a fox in the Forest, and he took them past Ashton Hayes to ground at Longley, near Kelsall. The remainder of the day was spent in bustling several others, but nothing in the way of sport was had, owing to a bad scent. Meeting at Horn's Mill. Dunham. on Thursday, there was a small gathering, owing, no doubt, to there being a heavy snowstorm over night- Fully three inches of snow lay on the higher ground, However, by half-past eleven it was- quite fit, the snow having disappeared on the 10.w ground. Hounds did not find until they got to- Barrowmore. Here, unfortunately, hounds chopped a fine dog fox. Sime kind (?) individual had set a large stool trap, and the unfortunate had one foreleg fast in it. The Duke. who had the Duchess with him. also the Duchess of Teck, took hounds to Waver- ton. Here they found a good fox, which took the field at a smart pace past. Hargrave Green up to Huxley Old Hail. Hen* our fox turned back J along the river Gowey, the meadows being quite flooded. Turning up on to higher ground, he went straight back to Waverton, through the cover and up to the Plough Inn, Christleton, Then he went to the right for Stain fend Bridge. Swinging right-handed, hounds hunted a very tired fox into Cotton; After a few minutes here, hounds gave him no peace, and forcing him. out they killed him against Mr. Tom Toft's farm- It was a nice hunt, lasting upwards of fifty min- utes. The Duke then tock them to Saighton. Finding at once, they ran over the Chester-road, and then right-handed as if for Handley, but short of Mr. Rowe's farm, they re-crossed the road down close to the Beaehiu. Here their fox turned uphill again past the snipe beds. Ilouuds lost their fox near Aldfo-rd. As the hounds were some miles from kennels, they were then taken home. A large company- met this pack on. Safcarday, the fixture feeing the: Cook Inn, Budwortb, near Northwioh. Punctually at eleven the master moved away to, dtaw Belmont, which along with Picikmiere, Fair Mess, and severe other covers adjoining Arley were all blank. A fox. however, was found in Artey Park, and he. went away with hounds close to him up to Combetbach. Here they to a check, but a holloa from a small cover close to Belmont sent hounds going again towafds CogshaU. Turning 3harp to the right they ran past the Birch and Bottle, through Cob- ler's Gorse, up to Stretiton. Ife The weather became so bad with wind and rain that hounds were run out of scent after a nice hunt, lasting Over an hour. Several covers, including Meyrvfall and Cogshall, were drawn without finding. Hounds were then taken homo, the write? haying thirteen miles to rido before reaching stable BLUECAP.

SIR W. W. WYNN'S HOUNDS MEET ON Wednesday, Feb,$0, Whitegate Tall Bar .at 11.0 I Saturday, Fsbruwy 13, New .at ll.Q

WHITBY. INQUEST.—On Friday, Mr. J. C. Bate, coroner, held an inquest on the body of George Clowes, aged 15. weeks. the infant son of George Clowes, canal boatman, Christleton. Deceased died on Thursday night on the boat "Protection," and Dr. Finney gave it as his opinion that death was due to convulsions.- A verdict of "Death from natural causes" was returned.

-+-- GRESFORD. THE LATE MR. F. E. HANCE.-We regret to record the death of Mr. Francis Edward Hance, of Keble College, Oxford, third son of Mr. Edward M. Hance, director of education to the Liverpool Education Authority, and nephew of the late Mrs. Hirsch, The Elms. Deceased was a frequent visitor to Gresford. He had recently undergone a surgical operation. His death, at the early age of 24 years, cuts short a promising career. The interment took place at Gresford Church on Wed- nesday. The officiating clergy were Canon J. Bell Cox (vicar of St. Margaret's, Liverpool), the Rev. E. A. Fishbourne (vicar of the parish), the Rev. C. C. Elcum (vicar of St. Agnes's Church, Liverpool). and the Rev. P. W. Sparling (rector of Erbistock). The hymns sung were On the Resurrection morn- ing and Now the labourer's task is o'er." As the mourners were leaving the church the organist (Mr. E. J. Cunnah) played Chopin's Marche Funebre." The principal mourners were Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Hance (parents), Miss Hance (sister), Mr. J. E. Hance and Mr. H. M. Hance (brothers), and Mr. John Bennett (uncle). The wreaths were numerous.

_u -+-- LITTLE SUTTON. FLOWER SHOW.—The annual general meeting of the Little Sutton Cottagers' and Allotment Society's Flower Show was held in the Presbyterian Hall on Friday evening, Mr. H. Porter presiding. The statement of accounts shewed that during the year the receipts amounted to £4778. 9d. of this amount £2!J 5s. fid. was received as subscriptions, and the gate-money amounted to £6 8s. The expenditure amounted to £48 0s. 9d., thus leaving an adverse balance of 12s. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the donors of special prizes at the last show. It was unanimously resolved to invite Mr. R. R. Douglas to he the president for the ensuing year. Mr. S. C. Woodward was again elected honorary treasurer, and Mr. J. Nicholls secretary. The committee, with a few exceptions, were re-appointed. Messrs. Toogood's offer of a silver challenge shield, bronze challenge shield, and their certificates of merit for excellence in horti- culture, at the next show, was accepted with thanks. The statement of accounts in connection with the allotment gardens shewed that the credit balance amounts to about £9. The xjroceedings terminated with thanks to the chairman.

— TARVIN. LIBERAL MEETING—On Saturday night. at the) Public Hall, a meeting of the electors of the Tarvin polling district was held to hear an address from the Hon. A. Stanley, the Liberal candidate. In addition to the candidate, there were on the platform Mr. R. P. Walley (Cotton Abbots), who presided. Mr. J. Tomkinson, M.P., and Mr. Geo. Cooke. (Clayley Hall).—The Chair- man, in his opening remarks, welcomed the Hon. A. Stanley and said the prospects cf the victory of the Liberal party in the division were never brighter. Proceeding to speak on the Fiscal policy, he said he was in favour of maintaining the principle of Free Trade.—The Hon. A. Stanley stated that hz. wished it to go forth that in this forthcoming fight he would avoid all personalities, and that as far as he was concerned he would try by arguments to convince the electors. He trusted that the contest would be fought squarely and fairly. Proceeding, he said that one of the first things for a Liberal Government to do was to amend the Education Act. The present. Act was an outrage upon public opinion. He was in favour of a unified system of education under popular control and public management. Touch- ing upon the drink question, he was not in favour of taking away from the. magistrates the discre- tionary power entrusted to thorn in the renewal of licences. If the publican was to be compen- sated for the loss of his licence it should come from the invested interests and not from the pockets of the ratepayers. After alluding to the land question, and the reform of the House of Lords, the speaker dwelt at some length on the Fiscal policy.—Mr. James Tomkinson and Mr. G. Cooke also spoke.

_+- SAUGHALL. UNIONIST ASSOCIATION.-The annual business meeting of this association for the Great Saughall polling district was held in the Town Hall on Monday evening, there being a good attendance, The following" were appointed officers for the coming •^ar:1TC^lrman"Mr- W" H. Nott; vioe-chairmanT AT 'JJ redden treasurer, Mr. H O Maddock; secretary, Mr. Joseph Lancelotte. As representatives on the General Purposes Committee for the Wirral division there were appointed Messrs. John Ball, Richard Fro&sham, J. Glynn- Johnston R. Kellock, John Mawby, Thomas tsmith, Stephen Walley, and George Williamson, The above also form the local committee, with the aacbtion of Messrs. James Ball, Edward Jones, G. Clark, John Davies, J. J. Dickinson, Watkin Faulkner, T. Gibbons Frost, H. Griffiths, Paul Harrison Robert Jones, Thomas Roberts, John Shone. Dennis Spruce, James Tlbot, James IVT M -Trelawnv, William White, W VV llhams, Thomas Bithell, G. H. Bradbury, H. Chambers, P H Fernyhough, George Pinches. J. Lancelotte (Molhngton), J. G. Loft, R. A. Rigby U. Corbett, and J. Edwards. CONCERT.—A concert in aid of All Saints' Church funds took place on Wednesday, in the Town Hall, SaughaH. The programme was ar- ranged by Mr. J. Harris. The chair was occh- pied by the Rev. F. R. Wansbrough. The first part of the programme comprised the following items: —Pianoforte solo. Miss May Jones; song, ^onsof Motherland." Mr. Alf. Thompson; song, Millei and the Maid, Miss L. Edge (encored); song. Mona, Mr. H. Williams (encored) mono- !°S,ue' T' Burglar Bill," Mr. Phil Stubbs; song. -lne Hay is in the IVIow," IVIiss Oriu? j son,v "The Irish Emigrant," Mr. W. R. Cook; song (character), "He calls me his own Grace Mr. Sid. Sprang (encored). The second part in- cluded a duct, "The Sailor Sighs." the Misses Edge and Oime (encored); song, "Alice where art thou," Mr. H. Williams (encored); song, "Love's own sweet song. Miss Onne; song, "The Veter- ans Song," Mr. W. R. Cook; song, "Co-o Song." S J L. Edge; monologue, "The Mysterious Uucst, Mr. Phil Stubbs (encored) song, "I've got to go back to work, Mr. Sid. Sprang (en- cored) The- accompanist was Miss May Jones. The efforts of the artists were much appreciated lhe stage was decorated with plants kindly lent by Mr. Horace D. Trelawny.

A goods train ran off the metals on Friday night between Wellingborough and Kettering, on the Midland Railway. All four lines were blocked, and were not cleared until Saturday morning. ST. JOHN AMBULANCE. ASSOCIATION.- A meeting of the Great Western Railway ambul- ance class was held on Sunday, in the Goods Office, Chester, where Mr. Paxton, fahe divisional super- intendent. presented the certificates andl badges gained in the recent examination to the successful candidates. Mr. Paxton said a few words about the necessity and importanoe of ambulance train- ing to railway men in general, and after present- ing the cerr.ficates and badges urged all the mern- bers to follow up their training and not ailow then- knowledge to become rusty, as they never knew wnen it might be required. Dr. Butt, the. lecturer who so ably instructed the class, addressed words of encouragement to them, and said it always gave him great pleasure to lecture to rail- Chestorn'r' D locomotive foreman at e"dor/?d. Mr Paxton's remarks about the necessity of being aJWe to render fhvt aid" « iY\ilry"rP^' also rymarking on hhe facilities afforded by the company for the furtherance of w rr C°, oa"le—Mr- Paxton then presented All. S. Tonks Wo:verhampton. with a beauti- ful timepiece, subscribed for by the members of the class, as a mark- of appreciation for the way in which he oondected the classes.—Aft-. Tonks rMponding, said tt- had aJways been pleasure to do his utmost for the class in the. capacity of secretary, which 113 held for about ffi. years. The meeting was then brought to a by Mr Jones s proposing-a, vote of thanfe to Mr. Paxtart. lor his presence,.also to Dr. Bu^t, A LOCAL ARTIST'S WO.RX.-Miss Edisti Trantom, an artist who baa- i^ently takan. up her residence m Chester^ on v- at Messrs. Mjnshu-Ii and Me-eaon's eallerv fw gate Row, a; pleasing exhibits tf mctmxi^ eluding portraits* figure subject and sketehee Miss Tran topi, has studied under noted Paris and elsewhere, and her wwk atta^f? standard of excellence. In tho recent I tTrcm^l Autumn Exhibition Misa TraatorT had ^v^l pictures advantageously placed, and some oi" in addition to others elsewhere f' be seeti. at Messrs. Mii«*wtt «d Mee«<S collection admirably testifies to versatility in her art. Her ^kdlfc J painter is. excellently exeraplifie(j ;n of the Rav. H. E. »„f'fPOtU1^ ladies. It is in her moro am'hit^ fev^ra| AnoUier wort of high excellence is "Hus<hra?80 Sorrow, III wh)oo a S^ef-stricken maiden is P1tthe.tically portrayed As a change from theaø, ^>h^Af"a3? °f the witching picture.' Mischief, m wh.ch the artist has shewn much originality; "The Sweetest Flower that Blows," Dreambooks, eto In the beautiful art of painting m pastel, Miss Trantom exoels, *a every- one will admit who sees her "Bowl of Pink Roses "Patience," and the sweetly pretty "In June!" the latter of whioh is a delightful study of a young girl in a straw hat. Whether Miss Tran- tom is more successful iI- than in patte] is very much a matter of taste, there can be no douM that m conception, exp^ ision. and general effeot Irer work is of «Q exce^onaUv high order.

UiiESTEil STOCK & SHARE LIST* -+-- Reported by Messrs. WARMSLET, JONES & Co., JJ, Eastgate Row (North), Chester. (JOSSOLS BASK KATE 4% Present price. OhesterUorporation 3 J Irredeemable Stock lic- 118 OnesDerOorporation 3 Hudeumabie Stock Uhester lias Go 5% Ordinary Stoos 112—114 » 1 Preference Stock loi-lus >» 3^ Debenture Stock t>5—97 Chester VVaterworks Co 7 Consolidated Stock 180—185- '0 7 New Ordinary Stock, 1st and 21ld moieties 170—17.» 6 iilO Perpetual Preference Shares, fully paid 16j— Wrexham and East Denbighshire Water (Jo Consolidated Stock 180-185 i. Cons. Pref. Stock 116—liu .» Ordinarv Stock 125-1;10 Hawardeiito District vVawji- Go £ 10 Shares, fully paid par Nat. Prov. Bank of Knyiand, Ltd. £ 75 Shares, £ 10 10s. paid *45 -46 ». £ 60 Shares, £ 12 paid *624—«r>8| North and South W'a.es Bank, Ltd. Z40 Shares, £ 10 paid 33 j 33J Parr's BanK, Ltd. £ 100 Shares, £ 20 paid 811-65 Lloyds Hank, Ltd.. £ 50 Shares, £ 8 paid 32$—j2-j Bank of Liverpool, Ltd £ 100 Shares, £ 12 10s. paid 34 -34! British Law, Life, Fire Insur., Ltd. klO Shares, Li paid 12 ox Chester Boat Co., 8 Ltd. £ 10 Shares, fully paid 10 n Chester Cocoa House Co., Ltd. £ 5 A:4 5-7 -5 £ 0 4 ij Chester General Cemetery Co £ 5 fully Paid par Chester Aew Music Jtlall Co., Ltd 1:25 18 Chester Northgate Brewery Co., Ltd. Ord. H10 Shares, fully paid.11 -12 ■> 6 £10 Pref. Shares, fully pd..l2j—12| „ 4 £ mo Debentures par Bent s Brewery, Ld. L10 Ordinary Shares 111—12 £ u- *5 £ 10 Pref. Shares 91—lOi. Birkenhead Brewery Co., Led. £ 10 Shares, £ 5 paid 14J—14$ £ 10 Shares, fully paid ISf—19i Cheater Grosvenor Hotel Co., Ltd. £ 20 Pref. Shares 23-25 Chester yueen Kail- way llotelCo., Ld. X20 Shares, fullv paid 26-28 £ 20 „ £ 10 13 —14 Chester Blossoms Hotel, Ltd. ClO fullv paid 9 -10 Chester Steam Laundry Co., Ltd. £ 5 Chester Race Co., T-FT. £ 100 „ £ 75 190—200 Dee Oil Co., Ltd. £ 1 Ord. Shares Walkers, Parkers & Co., Ltd. £10 Shares, fully paid, 6 Cum. Pref 1-2 • •> 4J Debentures 80—85 J. H. Billing-ton, Ltd., Chester 4^ First Mort. Deben. Stock .par .» >> 5 Cum. Pref. 21:) Snares par Ordinary 10 Shares p.tr Victoria Pier and Pavilion Co., Cohvyn Day, Ltd. £ 1 Ordinary Shares 15 '—20/— Halk.i, Dr'iiiage Co. fclu Shares, fully paid 19 —20 Halkyn Mining Co., tl Shares, fully pa'd C —8 Huiyweli Halkyn Mining and Tun- neiCo.,L!;d.El Shares fully paid 28/—30 East Halkyn Mining Co., Ltd el fully paid.3t-4 South Halkyn Min- 151- ing Co., Ltd. £ 1 „ 15/—17 C North Hendre Min- ing Co., Ltd L2 10s. Shares, fully paid 2]—3 Talacre Mining Co., Ltd Ll Ord 11 iCl Pref United Minera Co. Ltd iCl Ord. Isle of Man Mining Co., Ltd. (Fox- dale) Mines R5: li—.2 »» 74 Pref., £ 17 10s. paid 25—30 Llanarmon Mining Co., Ltd. 21 Ord., fully paid 2/6—7 6 Pl Pref ,6-126 Wirral Railway 3 Debenture Stock 854—86^ ii 4 410 Pref. Shares (1836 issue). 8 11 -9t 4%tlOPref. (1899 issue).sj—9J Wirral Railways Co. Ltd £ 10 Ord. Shares, fully paid 1|—2J *Ex dividend

1) MARKETS AM) S. LIVERPOOL CORN, TU, ESD AY. -Wheat, moderate trade at d. to ld. over Friday; No. 2' INorthern Manitoba, 6s. 8id to 6s. !)d. No. 1 Northern Duluth, (3s 8 £ d. Beans, Saidi. 27s. 9d. to 28s. Peas, Canadian, 5s. 5id. to 5s. Gd. Oats, unchanged. Maize, steady at Friday's rate; old mixed, 4s. mid. to 4s. 7d. new, 4s. 2d. to 4s. 2. Plate, 4s. 3d. to 4s. 3§d. Flour Gd. dearer. S ALFO RD CATTLE,. TUESDAY. -At market: Cattle, 2,360, with drooping prices. Sheep and lambs, 6.479, trade quiet but prices better. Calves, 100, with a fair trade all round. Quotations Cattle, 5d. to 6:1,d. sheep, 6d. to 9Ad. calves, 6d. I to Od. per lb. 2 WREXHAM CATTLE, MONDA Y.-There was a fairly good supply of stock at the market to-day and trade was about as usual. Beef was. steady and pigs shewed a slight advance. Quota- tiOllS :-Beef, 5vd. to 7d. per lb. mutton, 7d. to 83d. veal, 7td. to 8id. and pigs, Ds. 6d. to 10s. 3d. per score lb. LIVERPOOL CATTLE, MOXDA Y. There was a smaller supply of cattle in the market to-day. Demand fair, but pricos, in sympathy with country markets, unaltered. Sheep shewn in considerably reduced numbers. Demand good, finished handy- weights readily commanding a substantial advance. Other classes also easier to sell. Prices :—Beef, 6id. to 4d mutton, Scotch, 9d. to 7d. ditto, Irish, 9d. to 5d. per lb. 2 LONDON CATTLE, MONDA Y.- Beastsupply, compared with Monday last shewed a decrease of 40 head. Trade opened and continued slow and dragging, salesmen being, willing in many cases to. accept 2d. par 81b. less money than last Monday. A few Scotch offored met a slow trade at late rates. Fat butchering cows met a very slack demand, but maintained late rates.. Fat bulls, on the contrary, met more demand. Top rates :—80 to 90-stooe Scotch and Devon, 4s.4d. per 81b. 90-stone polled Norfolks, 4s. 2d. exeep. tional, 4s. 4d. 90.stone. fat cows, 3s. 2d. to 3s. 4d. exceptional. 3s. 6d. Tirade for wether sheep firm at an advance of 2d. per 81b. for all grades except Scotch and Lincoln longwoods Higher rates were also obtained for ewes. Lamb trade ruled very dull at fully 2d. reduction on last week's rates. Calf trade nominal. Pig trade slow. Quotations Beasts, 2s. (3d. to 4s. td. sheep, 3s. 6d. to 5s. lod. pigs. 2s. Sd. to 4s. liunbs, 5s 8d to 1;8. per 81b. BRADFORD WOOL, MONDAY. The war news has naturally checked actual transactions, but the market is quite steady if inactive orders from Japan have been dependent upon, war being declared, and consequently the piece trade. with the Far East has received a check. but the- general impression isv that, if England is not drawn. in. some improvement may be expocted in low Brad- ford goods and Bradford yarns generally. MANCHESTER HAY AND. STRAW, MONr DAY.—Hay, 4d. ro4,id.; clover. 4iid. to 5fd,straw. (oat), 2.jd to -Slid per stone of 1411;* CHESTER CATTLE, THURSDAY -At this. fair no special features presented themselves. Both; supply and demand were muob the same :m lastf week, and quotations also were generally unchanged. There were no-shecp or tat stook on offer. P,rices- Milch cows, £ 17 to £ 23; calvers, £ 16-to £ 20- barrens, XtOp to £13; heifers, S9 to i;14 stirks, JM to ZElo. NANTWIOH CHEESE, THURSDAY;,—There was a pitah. of 38. tons. Business was fairly brisk at the opening of too fair, and -,clearance was effected in about an. how at prices which were slightly lower than at last year's corresponding fair. Best qualities.made- irom 08s. to 73s. medi'im from 62s. to 66s. and fevwer grades Jown to 58:>. CHESTER EGG AND POULTRY-TSutter, Is. 3d. per lb eggs. 9 for Is.; oi i. fowl,. 2a. to 2s. 3d. each; chickens, 2s. 6d. to 3s. eachducks, 3s. to Se. 9d. each; nheasants, 51. (3d. ta 5s. 9d. a bicxse; hares, 4s. to 4s. 6d. each rahbita, Is. to Is. 2d. each; pi geons, 84. and 9d. e.. CHESHIRE BUTTER AND EGG.-An avewe- dlhvery of hor,,w dairy butter a W1 centres ana. aa improved stock of new-laid,eggs, on offer at higher figures at some markets. latest quotations: s,AKt (Friday); Butter, Is. od. ptT lb.; eggs, 8 for lb. duck egg-'t. 6 for Is. Croats (Friday): Butte*, Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 8 br. lli. Northwich (Friday): Butter, £ ld. and Is.%L, jer lb.; eggs, 9, £ 01 Is. Sandbaeh (Thursday) Buf&er. Is. 3d. oer lb.; eggs, 9 for la Macclesfield: Sutter. Is. Id. and Is 2d. per 11). eggs, 8 iioc b. Congleton: Butter, Is. 2d. :h,¡d Is. 3d. per lb. eggs,' 8 and 9, fear Is. Altrinchana Butter, l6. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 8 for Is. Nantwicb Butter, Js- 3*3. and Is. -d. per lb.; eggs, 9 sad 10 for 1s. Krmtsiord: Butter, Is. 3d. and 1s. -41. per lb. eggs. ikfor la. Runcorn: Butter, Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 8 for Is. Chester; Butter, Is. /id, per lb. eggs,, Sand 9 for 1& CHESTER; CORN, SATURDAY. -Trad ing- continues quiet for all descriptions oi EnglisE grain. O&ts. are perhaps, more fwmly held by sellers,, but the demand is only slow. Beaas and barley the turn in beers' favour. Indian cosro continues, firm at last week's figuyas. Foreign wheat qui&t at id. advaaee. Quotati..bns:- f ow OLD rS. D. 8. D.8. D. a. D. Wheat,white., per 76lfe. 0 0 to t 10 0 to M Wheat, red— „ 761b; 00 — 4S00 — 00 Malting Barley. „ eSHk 3 5 — I'. 7 0 0 — 0 0 Grinding do „ 8Mb. 2 6 — s 9| 0 0 — 0 0 461b. 2 3— 5 030 — 33 Beans „ 301b. 46— 5 o| 00 — 00 Egyptian Beans 2401b. 0 0 — 0 <»| 0 O — 0 0 Indian Oorn. „ 2401b. 11 3 —11 612 3 -12 tj

A SUCCESSFUL CESTRIAN.-Many citizens will be glad to learn that Mr. Frederick John Haswell (mejpber of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers) son of Mr. William Haswell, the Kaleyards, has been appointed secretary svnet manager to the Hull Hydraulic Power Company. Mr. Haswell served his articles with the Chester Hydraulic Engineering Company, and up to tho present time held the appointment of super in tenoent of the Liverpool Hydraulic Power Company. Printed and published for and on beh.. of the Cheshire N°rth WnJes Newspaper Commny, Limited, by JAMES ALBEIRT BIKCHALL, at Chester U01irtnt Ofnoe. 8, Bridge-street, In tho City o.t Cheater.— WUHOSSDAT, JTehruary 10,1904.

MOLD. BLASTING ACCIDENT NEAR MOLD.- Thomas Smith, of Cwerniffield, a married man with four children, has been admitted to the Mold Cottage Hospital suffering from fearful injuries as the result of a blasting accident at a lead mine at Pantymwyn. The doctors have amputated both his hands, and the unfortunate man has also last the sight of both eyes. Two other workmen who were injured were able to proceed to their homes.

— CHESTER. ATTENDANCES OF GUARDIANS. A meeting of the Guarelians W<3 held yesterday (Tuesday), Mr. Rowe Morris presiding. The Mother Superior of the Pantasaph Orphanage wrote asking for an increase of the sums paid by the Guardians to the Orphanage for the maintenance of the pauper chileren in the Orphanage At present 4s. 6d. per week per child was paid, and she thought 5s. at least should be paid. The Clerk said 5s. 6d. was paid to Fulwood, and 4s. 6d. to Mostyn.—Mr. M. Kennedy proposed that the sum of 5s. be paid for the maintenance of each child per week. Mr. Butler seconded.—The resolution was carried. —The Clerk (Mr. W. Turnock) said that in accordance with instructions horn the Board he had prepared a list of attendances of the guardians during the past three years. He had not com- pleted it, but he read the list of attendances at Board meetings and the meetings of Visiting and Children's Homes Committees. Of the 73 Board meetings that had been held during the three years, the following v/ere the principal attendances:—Mrs. Keith Douglas, 63; Messrs. T. Knowles, 73; F. Lloyd, 73 (Mr. Lloyd also attended 72 out of 73 meetings of the Visiting Committee); M. Gibbons, 72: S. Wedgwood, 70: A. R. Smith. 69; Cox. 68; H. Crowder. 66; W. Vernon, 65; J. Dean, 65; Rowe Morris. 65: T. Nixon. 64; R. Dobson, 63; J. Minshull, 63; M. Kennedy. 61: T Butler, 60.