The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

ROYAL ADIEU. The King and Queen of Norway, with Prince Olaf, left Victoria Station this morning on their return to Christiania. King Edward saw the Royal party off, and was affectionately kissed by Prince Olaf.

LORD KELVIN. "SINKING SLOWLY." Lord Kelvin's secretary telegraphed as follows to the Press Association this morning:—I regret >o say that Lord Kelvin is sinking slowly.

ATTACK WITH A HAMMER BODY IN A POND. At Valloyfield, Penicuik. Edinburgh, this morning, Miss Cockburn, a young woman, was proceeding to work when she was attacked by a man with r. hammer. She received terrible injuric3 to her head, asd her condition is critical. Liter the body of Jonn Brown, aged 28 with whom Cockburn had kept company, was discovered in a pond near.

SHREWSBURY SCHOOL CAXTON. + THE PROPOSAL TO SELL. Considerable discussion has been aroused among old Salopians and the burgesses of Shrewsbury by ? proposal of the Governors of Shrewsbury School to sell the famous Caxton edition of Gower's "Confessio Amantis," printed in 1483. The book was presented to the school library in 1669 by Esau Watk n a bookseller and freeman of the town. At a. special meeting of the Town Council on Saturday, the Finance Committee were instructed to report upon the circumstances in which the book was to be offered for sale. Mr. Alderman Morris said nothing but the direst necessity could justify such a step as was pro- .posed, and he could not bebeve that the finances of the school were so low as to force the authority to contemplate disposing of such a priceless relic.— (Hear, hear.)—Mr. Barker said it seemed to him that the sale of the book would do a deal of indirect harm to the school. It was virtually publishing to the world that the school was going down if they sold one of their most precious heritages. (Hear, hear.)—Mr. How, bailiff of the school, said governors elected by the Council were not dele- gates, and were not responsible to the Council in the way that bad been suggested. The sale of the work had been postponed, and old Salopians would have an opportunity of ensuring that it should remain at Shrewsbury School.

THE REV. G. U. ROBINSON. IMPORTANT APPOINTMENT. We understand that the Rev. George Croke Robinson, M.A., of Kingscote, Chester, has been appointed Precentor and Assistant Priest of St. Alary's, A thereto no. in the diocese of Worcester, and will leave Chester at the end of January. Mr. Robinson was licensed to officiate in the diooese of Chester in 1906, and during tbo short time he has resided in the city he has madi) many friends, who will be glad to hear of his new appointment. Ho is a late student of Christ Church, Oxford, &nd took second olass in natural science. He gained his M.A. degree as long ago aa 1861, and has been curata of Leeds 1863 6, curate of West Brom- wich 1866-7; vicar of Benson, Oxfordshire, 1867-79, ourate of St. Phillip's, Sydenham, 1879- 81, ourate of St. Augustine's, Honor Oak, 1881- 3, curate of Holy Trinity, Rydo, Isle of Wight, 1884-6, curate of St. Mark's, North Audley- street, London, 1891-4, curate of Kemsing, Kent, 1895-6, vicar of Whitton, Middlesex, 1896-1903, chaplain of Spelthorne St. Mary's, Bedfont, Middlesex, 1903-5, and vicar of Faw ley, Berks, 1905-6. Mr. Robinson is also author of "Cate- chism on the Book of Common Prayer.

CHESHIRE CHEESE FAIRS. 1 A RIFT IN THE LUTE? At a meeting on Saturday of the Nantwioh Urban Council, over whiah Dr. Turner pre- sided, a letter from Mr. Challinor was read enclosing a list of tho cheese fairs for next year. Mr. Hockenhull inquired if the Council were under any obligations to tha Cheshire Dairy Farmers' Association. The Chairman They organise the fairs and we pay a contribution from our tolls. Mr. Hockenhull said it was evident they had no contract with them. He pointed out that them was a strong foeling in the neighbour- hood in favour of the Council taking control of their own faira and forming an association simi.ar to that of Whitdhurch. Tho Chairman said in that case they would have to rescind the resolution standing on their books. Mr. Hockenhull contended that there was as much ohceso pitched at Nantwich fairs aa at Chester, but the prizes awarded at the annual dhow at Chester were considerably of greater value than at Nantwich. He thought that Nantwioh was being sweated to bolster up Chester. Thoro was a strong feeling that a separate association should be formed and called the Nantwioh Dairy Farmers' Association. If such ¡, association were formed they would be abl:> to make their cheese show as important a a the Chester show. lie was convinoed that they oouJd run their fairs independent of Chester and make a greater success of them. II 3 promised To bring the matter forward for future con- ui oration.

FOLKESTONE MEETING. TUESDAY. GUILDHALL STEEPLECHASE. — Black Ivory, 1; Monotype, 2; Lady Compton, 3. Four ran. SEABROOK HURDLE.-Bonar, 1; Sabot, 2; St. Moritz, 3. Six ran. DEAL IIANDICAP.-Blunderbuss, 1; Miss Redford. 2; Tideway, 3. Eight ran. it; VENILE I,IU.H.DL.E,-Benthon, 1; Roman Knight. 2; Phidippides, 3. Eleven ran. OTTERPOOL STEEPLECHASE.—Veglo, 1; Razorbill, 2. Four ran.

CHESTER MEETING, 1908.-The entries for the Eaton Maiden Plate, for three-year-olda, are to hand, and it closes with the capital entry of 33. Hia Grace the Duke of Westminster is responsible for two—Trysting Tree and Orange Rose. HOOTON PARK CHRISTMAS STEEPLE- CHASES AND HURDLERACES (BOXING DAY).—There are six races to be decided at this meeting, and aome excellent sport should be had, if ciaaB can give it, the best known hurdlers and 'chasere being due to compete. It will be remembered that last year the meeting was abandoned through snow. It is to be hoped more favourable weather conditions will prevail.

The Cunard Liner Mauretania, which was brought to her moorings in the Mersey on Friday afternoon preparatory to sailing on Satuiday for New York, went aground off Egremont Ferry during tho evening owing, it is supposed, to the ebb tide's swinging her round and causing her to drag her anchors. Shortly before four o'clock on Saturday morning the liner, with the aid of several tugs and her own power, was refloated and towed into mid- river. The vessel ha3 been examined by divers. There was no trace of damage, and she sailed for America on Saturday evening as advertised. TERRIBLE COLLIERY EXPLOSION.-A serious explosion occurred at the Dinas Main Colliery, Gilfach Goch, South Glamorganshire, on Saturday afternoon, with the result that seven men were killed. There were only twelve men in the pit at the tima. and of these five were rescued

WIRRAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. I ■ 1 Mr. T. Davies presided over a meeting of this Council held on Vlonday at Birkenhead. LITTLE SUTTON DRAINAGE CHARGE. In reference to a complaint a3 to the levying of a special charge upon Littlo Sutton for a township c€ we rage scheme, a letter waa received from the Local Government Board, pointing out that it was for the Districc Council to decide in the first instance to what account the sum should be charged. It was open, however, to any ratepayer or property owner in the district at the audit of the accounts of the Council to object to die manner in which the payment had been charged, and if aggrieved at the auditor's decision, to appeal to the Board. The Board could not undertake to exprcee an opinion at the present time. The Chairman said he failed to see why the cost of the scheme should be made a general charge, as the Parish Council employed labour against the District Council wish and without their knowledge. No action was taken SEWERAGE OF HESWALL. A letter was read from Mr. G. Talbot, of Heswall, renewing hid complaints aa to the defective character of the sewerage at the north side of Heswall, and of the "inertia of the parish council" in dealing with the matter. He urged the District Council to exercioc independently the powers they posrvetscd. The Clerk (Mr. J. E. S. Ollive) said the Parish Council did not approve of the scheme pre- pared by the engineer (Mr. Priest), and were going to carry out a scheme of their own. He had received a letter from the Local Government Board, intimating that no more crude sewage must be discharged imo the river. The whole of the sewage of Heswall would have to be treated. Mr. Tapocott said the Parish Council did not consider the echeme of Mr. Priest was necee- sary at the prevent, time. Mr. Wailirf (inspector) said the private drains ought to be relaid. Mr. Tapscott: Wo think a scheme costing £ 6,CC0 or £ 7,000 is far too expensive. The Chairman thought it would be a farce if their engineer prepared a small scheme in view of the fact that the locality was growing. Mr. Tapscott said the idea was to adopt a portion of the scheme, so that they could extend it at any time to meet future requirements. The Chairman said this way what Mr. Priest suggested. Mr. Lyall said they felt very strongly about the scheme, becauoo it would largely affect land that was at present unbuiit upon, and would serve a few very isolated housed. He did not think there wavs a single case where the sewage question was urgent, and the District Council ought not to be made a lever for forcing Heswall to expense. The Medical Officer (Dr. G. A. Kenyon) said the sewerage of Quarry Bank was urgent. Further consideration of the subject was post- poned pending communication from the Parish. Council, and the letter from the Local Govern- ment Board as to the necessity of purifying the effluent was also referred to the Parish Council for their observations. CONTRACT. Several tendere, were received for the sewering of Red Lion-lane, Little Sutton. The lowest tender, that of Messrs. Cartwright Bros., for JB54, was accepted. HIGHWAYS COMMITTEE. At a meeting of this committee, under the presidency of Mr. T. Daviem, a vote of sympathy was passed with the surveyor (Mr. Davies) in his recent accident, which resulted in a broken thigh.—The surveyor's accounts shewed total receipts amounting to E291, and payments of £ 169, leaving a balance in hand of 21,221. The treasurer's aecounta shewed a balance in hand of about B720.

THE BRITISH NAVY. + LAST Y.M.C.A. LECTURE. The last of tho Y.M.C.A. course of lectures in the Musio Hall was given on Monday even- ing by Mr. Frank T. Builp-n, on "The way they have in the Navy." A large audience assembled under the presidency of Mr. Robert Yerburgh, who was cordially cheered on his appearance on the platform. Mr. Bullon is widely known both as a lecturer and as a writer of sovcral popular books, and on the present occasion he certainly did not belie his reputation as an en.- tertaining speaker. The Chairman said he was there in what was to him a very pleasing capacity. He wanted to emphasise the point that he was not there to introduce the lecturer, because Mr. Bullen re- quired no introduction from him. He was far too woll known. He had won himself an im- portant place in our literature. His works were standard woiks, and they were doing for the merchant service what Capt. Marryat's works had done for the Royal Navy. Picturesque and vivid in their descriptions, they had put before people the -conditions of those who followed the merchant servio?, and the perils they had to encounter, and everybody who was interested in the country know what the merchant servioo: meant to us. Mr. Bullon had not only devoted himself to writ.ing about the merchant service, but he had given his great talents towards fur- thering the well-being of the men who wero engaged in tho service. Thureforo that night they welcomed him not. only as a great writer, whose works gave readers the greatest delight that was possible, but as an Englishman who was doing his very best to advance the well- being and interest of the English merchant ser- vice. In introducing his subject, Mr. Bullen ex- plained that lie had served 16 years in tine merohant service, and he then had all those prejudices obtaining in the mercantile marine against tho Navy. Those prejudices existed because tho men in the mercantile marine looked upon the mpn in the Navy as Prince Bismark was said to look upon t'he people of England, namely, as being "too comfortable. He left the mercantile marine in 1882, and in 1897 he had the inestimable privilege of being ap- pointed a special correspondent of a London newspaper to attend the autumn manoeuvres of the Navy. In one month he was about the most bigoted convert they ever saw to the many virtues and the extraordinary excellence of tho men of the Navy. (Applause.) The lecture was illustrated by a number of excellent lantern slides, commencing with a picture of Lord Nelson, and shewing by the contrast of ships suoh as tho Victory with the Dreadnought and other modern battleships, the enormous de- velopment that has taken place in sea warfare. Mr. Bullen pointed out one peculiar fact in connection with the development of armaments, and that was as weapons became more terrible and powerful the death roll in battle decreased. At the battle of Le Panto, when Don John of Austria settled tho question whether Europe was to be Christian or Mohammedon, 80,000 men had perished, whik* at tlie recent battle of Tsushima, where one ship was equal to a whole fleet in tho days of the battle of Le Panto, the casualties had amounted to only 5,000. Mr. Bullen mentioned that he had recently been through tho Dreadnought, which he described as "that gigantic congeries of wonders." He said it was difficult for even Naval men to realise all that the Dreadnought meant, but tho tremendous fact was that the Dreadnought waa in oommission thirteen months from the time her keel had been laid. He often wished the taxpayers could look upon the wondeis of the Navy, and see what great value they were getting for their money. There was now at tho head of affairs a man who had caused the greatest 'opposition. There had orrtainly been a revolution within the last few years, and some people considered it was too early to judge the entiro effect. It was not too early to judge of tho fleet in being, or of tho effect produced among fore-ign nations of the marvellous change. When even the Admiralty had failed in their duty and started to do things that were absurd, ho had been an advocate of "going for them," as the Navy League had dona in times gone with great success. The Navy League had done things wiser than that. When they had found the Admiralty wore doing the right thing, the League had done- the right thing. and had left tho Admiralty alone. (Applause.) Before the commeucemait of the lecture ex- cellent selections of inuaio were provided by Mr. H. E. Crane's baud.

£ 605 AN ACRE. 1 COUNTY EDUCATION EXTRAVAGANCE. NANTWICH GUARDIANS' PROTEST. At the Nantwich Board of Guardians, on Saturday, the Finance Committee recom- mended payment to the County Council of £ 1,627 11?. 5d. The recommendation was carried by four to three, and when the minutes came up for confirmation Mr. Wm. Emberton, a rural guardian, proposed that action be deferred until the next meeting. He said that the County Education Committee pro- posed to build at Crewe a training college, and had acquired as a site. land for which they had paid £G03 per aero. This was an alto- gether unreasonable price. It was pointed out at the meeting of the Education Committee that land could have been bought within a short dis- tance from Crewe in a much better situation, away from smoky surroundings, at B150 an acre, and yet the committee chose to pay £ 005. He moved the resolution as a protest against the extravagant price which had been paid. The Rev. W. Bidlake, Crowe, seconded. Mr. T. Smith (Crewe) said that although the price appeared large. it worked out at 2s. 8d. per square yard. He reminded the guardians that the site was chosen because of its close proximity to Crewe Station, which made it a convenient site for the purpose for which it was required. The amendment deferring payment was carried by 16 votes to 5.

ALLOTMENTS IN NEWTON. AN EXTRAORDINARY APPLICANT. An interesting insight was afforded at Mon- day's meeting of the Newton Parish Council into the demand for small holdings and allot- ments, to satisfy which an Act was passed by tho Radical Government, and will come into force in January next. The Clerk (Air. James Prince) submitted the following letter, which ii-) had received:—"41, Ermine-road, Hoole, parish of Newton, 7th De- cember, 1907. Dear sir,—I am an applicant for an allotment of five acres or thereabouts. I wa.nt a'so a oot,tago and the usual eas?ments and outbuildings. I want it. if I can get it, in Newton, preferably at the bottom. Will you kindly tiotle, this? I have a complete plan to shew how it can bo done, cost and everything. If I could so3 you and Mr. Ash worth I oould give you full details. Your early acknowledg- ment will (:>! ige. Yours truly, Edward Powdl.Tho Clerk said he had acknowledged the receipt, of that letter, and had received the following laat-c-r in rc|pily :—"Markeit Square, Dec. 9t.h, 1907. Dear s.ir.-I got your note of this a.m., and note your statement about sub- mitting it to your colleagues. Right! My object now is to say that if you will kindly sand your future notices to the above address, it. will bo in my hands earlier than if it go to any other. Eastman's, tho butchers, will point out to you, if you wish to call or leave a letter, whcrj you can drop it. I am changing my pre- sent quarters soon. Your obliged servant, Edward Powell. The Clerk called attention to the poster re small holdings and allotments issued by the County Council, and in which tho following ecntenoo ooours: "Any person therefore belong- ing to tho labouring population (i.e., any per- son who in substance make a livelihood by manual labour) and resident within the adminis- trative county of Chester, and desiring an allotment, is requested to furnish his full name and address and occupation to tho undersigned, Reginald Pobts, clerk to the Cheshire County Council."—Mr. Prince mentioned that Mr. Powell's was tho only application he had re- ceived. It was decided to inform Mr. Powell that his application had been received, and that he must apply to tho County Council for the neees- savy form on which to state his application.

HUNTING. + CHESHIRE HOUNDS. A fine day's sport took place from Burleydam on Tuesday. Finding at once in the square cover near the fixture, they raoed their fox with a brilliant scent for forty minutes without a check, pulling him down near Broomhall Windmill. Finding again in Combermere, they ran through the Chapel Cover into Sir Watkin's country, losing their fox just as darkness was coming on. Ashton Hayes was the fixture for Wednesday. In one of the Ashton Hayes covers they found what turned out a roal good forest fox. Cross- ing the Park, they soon entered the Foiest. Crossing the Norley-road they ran fast over tho New Pale Farm through Alvanley Cliff to the far end of Fox Hill, Mickledaie. After try- ing the earths he ran downhill again over the Frodsham-road. where ho was lost. Going back to the Forest, they found again in Ilatchmere. This fox went straight away in the open past Kingsley and downhill nearly to Crewd Wood, where they lost. After drawing tho Norley Covers blank hounds were taken home. I Barton Lodge, Cholmondeley, brought to- gether a large field on Thursday, which included quite a number of Sir Watkin's followers. Besides the Duke and Duchess of Westminster, there were present Lord and Lady Arthur Grosvenor, Lord Cholmondeley and Lady Lettice Cholmondeley, Lord Shrewsbury. Lord Kenyon, Captain Richardson, Lord Harlech, Captain Fcnwick, Mr. Wilbraham, and others. Finding in Neville Wood, they ran over. the low ground with only a moderate scent to the hills, where hounda were stopped. Going back to Cholmon- deley, they found near the Castle, but their fox I seemed to havo no inclination to leave his home, and was killed. Brett's M<k'8 held a fox, as usual. Going away on tho Nlalpae side, bounds ran with a fair scent down to Barmere. Cross- ing the meadows they pointed for Macefen, in Sir Watkin's domains, but turning sharp to the right they croseed the Malpas road, killing their fox in tho farmyard of Mrs. Perrin, Bickley Wood. BLUECAP. SIR WATKIN WYNN'S. FOX IN A KITCHEN. CHILDREN'S DELIGHT. Good sport was associated with these hounds on Saturday, when the fixture was fulfilled at Preea Heath. During a run from Sandford, between Whitchurch and Market Drayton, the fox became so exhausted that he sought shelter in the kitchen of a cottage at Longslow. Here the children, not knowing what the animal was, were highly delighted in trying to catch hold of his tail as he ran under the tables and chairs. The fox was afterwards killed near Drayton Railway Station. THE CHESHIRE BEAGLES. On Tuesday Backford was tho fixture. A hare was found at onoo, close to the Hall, and hounds soon crossod the road leading to Molling-ton Station, and ran down to the canal and along tho bajiks to the viaduct, and straight on to near Mr. Dodd's house at Mollington. Here a field full of sheep caused a check, but a cast over the Par kg ate- road recovered the line, and hounds ran on as far as tho railway near to Blacon Hall, where ecent gave out altogether. After returning to Backford two more hares were found, but soent was so bad that little could be done with either of them, and at 3.30 word was given for home. LEVERET. I

SIR W. W. WYNN'S HOUNDS MEKT ON Wednesday, Decamber 18, Cockshutt at 10.45 Friday, Den. 20, Brynkinalt (Chirk Lodge at 10.45 Saturday, December 21, Iscoed. at 10.45

WHOLESALE "CO-OP." FINED.—Mau- cheater Wholesale Co-operative Society was on Wednesday, at Rochdale, fined five pounds and costs, on a summons, for having given a false warranty for butter sold to tha Littlesborough Co-operative Society. Theproceedings were taken by the Lancashire County Council. Recently the latter society jwaa summoned for selling butter containing four per cent more water than is allowed, and the warranty being pleaded the case was dismissed. On behalf of the Wholesale Society, it was stated that when the warranty was given it was believed to be true. Evidence waa given by Mr. W. L. Stokes, who stated that all butter bought by him for the society from the farmers of Limerick was ordinarily analysed on purchase but he could not swear that an analysis was made of the particular butter sold to the Littlesborough Society.

NEW VICAR OF HOOLE. I f An official intimation was received at Hoole on Sunday morning from the Simeon Trustees, that the living of All Saints', of which they are the patrons, has been accepted by the Rev. George Grantham Collins, M.A., rector of West Winch, King's Lynn. The announcement was made known to the congregations at the parish church at the morning and evening services. The Rev. G. G. Collins was educated at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, and at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. He was ordained at Southwark in 1884, and his first curacy was at Christ Church, Derby, 1884-G. He afterwards became curate and Jane's Lecturer of All Saints' Cathedral, near Wakefield, 1888 1891, and vicar of Alvet thorpe, near Wakefield, 1891-1903. For the last four years, he has been rector of West Winch, of which benefice the Lord Chancellor is the patron. According to Crockford, the nett income of West Winch is £303, while the Diocesan Calendar gives the nett income of All Saints' as £264, while there is, of course, a deduction to be made on behalf of the late vicar, the Rev. F. Anderson, who reigned a short time ago after 35 years' service.

CHESTER TECHNICAL SCHOOLS + The annual report's upon the work in the different departments of tho Chester School of Science and Art and Technical Schools are of a satisfactory nature, and indicate a further de- velopment in the usefulness of the institution. Reporting upon the Secondary Day School and evening classes, Mr. J. A. McMichael, B.A., B.Sc., states:—"Thore has been a remarkable increase, not only in the number on the books, but also in the number taking the full course of four years. The attendance throughout the year has been good, and the results in the ex- ternal examinations taken by the higher forms are most satisfactory. One boy has passed tho London matriculation examination, and six others have passed the examination of the Joint Matriculation Board, there being only one failure. These examinations qualify for admission to training colleges; and, at present, out of thiiteen boys in the school who are either actual or intending pupil teachers, seven are qualified for admission at least twelve months before the appointed time. Of the twelve eemior pupil teachers who were in the school during the year, ten were offered p'.aocs in training colleges; and in the preliminary examination for the elementary school teachers' oertifioate, two of them gained three distinctions each, two of them gained two distinctions each, and two others one distinction each. The prize given by the local education authority to the "best pupil teacher of the year" was divided between David Bell and Wilfrid Hulse. The upper fourth form took as part of thoir work the pre- lkninary technological course of the Union of Lancashire and Cheshire Institutes; and in the examination took tho first four places in tho whole of tbo Laiienshiio and Cheshire districts. Referring to the evening classes, the headmaster states that in the evening sohool further stps were taken towards a more complete organisa- tion. A considerable impetus was given to this work by tho ex-Sheriff (Mr. Lanceley), who generously offered £ 20 for prices in grouped courees, to those actually engaged in work- shops. Mr. Alex. Caruth had gained a national scholarship, tenable for threa years at the Royal College of Science; and Mr. Patrick G. Nagle, the winner of the president's go'd medal, had passed the intermediate examination in science (London University). In the examinations of the Union of Lancashire and Cheshire Insti- tutes they did particularly well, gaining eight distinctions and thirty-three first-class certifi- cates."

TOLL OF THE GALE. DISASTERS AT SEA. OI.e of the most violent gales cxpcrienoed in this country for many years raged throughout Friday night and the greater part of Saturday, and reaves behind it a melancholy record of death and disaster. Onoe more the rocks of the Scilly Isles, objects of dread to mariners for generations, have proved fatal to a noble ship, almost at the end of its voyage. A seven-master American schooner, the Thomas W. Lawson, reputed to be the largest sailing vessel in the world, struck one of the many treacherous rocks among the more western island of the group, and in the small hours of Saturday morning, when the gale was at its height, turned turtle, involving nearly the whole of the crew in destruction. Of nineteen men, three only were rescued, and one of these has succumbed to his terrible experience. A second disaster followed close on the heels of the first. The steam cutter of the gunboat Speedwell was swamped within a few yards of Sheerneas Pier, while taking a number of sea- men ashore for Christmas leave. Eight of the unfortunate men were drowned, despite every effort at rescue. On learning of the disaster the King expressed, through the Admiralty, his keen sympathy with the viotims. Off Swanage, a coastguard witnessed the foundering of an unknown schooner, and it is almost certain that the whole of the crew have perished. SERIOUS FLOODS. Several fatalities are reported from different parts of the country as the result of the gale, which was accompanied by heavy rains, resulting in many thousands of acres of land being flooded and roads rendered impassable. Tho velocity of tho wind in the neighbourhood of Liverpool at times reached se-venty-six miles a.n hour. The river in the Upper Thames valley rose with alarming rapidity at many points. At Wargrave, Bourne End, and other places water has been running through many houses, and resi- dents have left the ground floors. Roads arc impassable to pedestrians, and the whole of the Upper Thames valley in the neighbourhood of the river is one vast sheet of water. Punts, says a Maidenhead correspondent, had to be used to convey persons to church and chapel on Sunday, and Sunday school children proceeded from and to their homes in vans. The Eden Theatre could not be opened on Saturday night. It is like a huge Noah's ark in the midst of a watery waste. A gypsy encampment near Maidenhead had to be hurriedly struck. In one small tent a woman had just given birth to a child. Hundreds of cottages in the Ray- street and Waldeck districts arc involved in the flood, and the local Relief Committee are making arrangements for provisioning the poor people. MAN AND PONY DROWNED. Floods are reported from various other parts of the country. At Oaloott, near Bridgwater, a labourer named Norris, was driving a pony and cart along the flooded roadway when the. pony slipped into deep water, throwing Norrie out. Before assistance was forthcoming both man and pony were drowned. TREE BLOWN INTO THE DEE. On Saturday it was found that during Friday night's storm a large elm tree had fallen into the Dee at Eccleston, just missing the stasre where steamers from Chester land their passengers. Other trees are reported down in the district, including one or two at Aid ford. EFFECT AT FRODSHAM. The gale of wind and rain of Friday night and Saturday morning was one of the worst ever experi- enced in this district. A bill-posting hoarding on the Rock was almost demolished and a chimney in the same locality blown off, a portion of wall suffering in its fall. Two cottages in Main-street were partly unroofed, while chimney stacks in many cases were blown down or otherwise damaged. Most of the numerous old houses in the town have suffered through slates being torn off. Damage of a minor character is general throughout The town, and low-lying marsh fields are flooded more or less, albeit nothing of a serious nature or injury to any person has so far been reported.

NEW BISHOP.—The following was issued from the Prime Minister's residence in Downing- street on Monday night:—The King has approved of the appointment of the Very Rev. Charles John Ridgway, M.A., Dean of Carlisle, to be Bishop of Chichester, in succession to the late Right Rev. Ernest Roland Wilberforce, D.D. CANALS AND WATERWAYS.-The Royal Commission on Canals and Waterways have recently obtained Treasury sanction for an enquiry into the probable cost of improving the canals and waterways connecting the Midlands with the Thames and the Humber. The enquiry will probably be extended to the water-routes connecting the Midlands with the mouths of the Mersey and the Severn. The investigation has been undertaken on behalf of the Commission by the firm of Sir J. Wolfe Barry and partners. This announcement will be read with interest locally because the enquiry will probably extend to the Shropshire Union Canal. I

LITTLE BUDWORTH LANTERN LECTURE.—On Tuesday even- ing a lantern lecture waa given in the Church- room in connection with the Little Budworth branch of the Scripture Union. The vicar was the lecturer, and the subject was "Devon and Cornwall." DANCE.—A successful dance took place on Friday evening in the Oulton Park School, in aid of the Little Budworth Cow Club. There were about forty dancing, and there would probably have been many more but for the incle- ment weather. The music (piano and violin) was supplied by Messrs. Wrench, and the duties of M.C. were ably carried out by Mr. C. H. Wood.

NANTWICH. ALLEGED FALSE PRETENCES.-An extraordinary case of alleged false pretences was heard by the Nantwich magistrates on Monday. The defendant was Edwin Pace, a labourer, and the prosecutor a young farm labourer named John Challinor. Pace wrote a series of letters to Challinor informing him of the approaching marriage of Challinor's aunt. They were signed "Your loving mother," and prosecutor, believing them, handed prisoner sums of money, which prisoner said his mother required to buy clothes for him to attend the wedding. There was no wedding, and a final letter written by prisoner informed the youth that it had been postponed. He was committed for trial.

MOLD. SQUIRE AND AGRIGULTURIST.At t.f.9 Town Hall, on Wednesday afternoon, the last of a curta led eourso of keturce was de- livo-ed by Mr. R. G. White, agricultural lec- turer, University College of North Wales. Tho subject was 'Dairying," and the atben- danoo, which at the outset was meagre, assumed quite respectable proportions as the meeting proceeded Tha chair was taken by Major Basil E. Philips, Rhual, a considerable land- cwnor in the district. Major Philips docs not disdain to participate in the physical labours of the agriculturist, in fact, his energy and enthusiasm would put many a farmer to shame. In the course of his oponin.g remarks, Major Philips expressed regret that the attendance was so small. They should endeavour to im- prove themselves, for there was no doubt that much of the butto • was not up to the mark. There was always a good market for good butter, and personally, he could always sell more butter than ho could make, bcoauso his bitter was made with care and on scientific principles Referring to foreign competition, he said that they had been ousted out of many things by Continental rivals, and lie, felt con- vinced that if that lecture had been an- nounced in Germany that room, and even tho adjoining assembly room, would not have been lc rge enough to acoommodatj the audience. At the close of the loctvro Major Philips, after responding to a vote of thanks, said that by th') principles he adopted in butter-making (and whioh he had previously described) he was enabled to produoc 501b. per week and sell at Is. 3d. per lb all the year round.

FRODSHAM. ADVENT SERVICE, S.T"ne preacher at tbo special Advent service on Friday evening ait tho Iron Church was the Rev. E. G. Green- ham, vicar of Halton. SUNDAY SCHOOL &KRMONS.—Tho annual sermons on behalf of the Overton and Church-street Sunday Schools wero preaohod on Sunday morning and evening by the Vicar. The offertories, which go to the fund for pro- viding prizes for the children and other ex- penses connected with tho two schools, amounted to B5. 18s. 9d. THE CHURCHYARD.—A quiet stroll through the Frodsha.m parish ahurdhyard at the present time will reveal the faot that tho general appearance of the graves, wallas, etc., is of an excellent charaoter. The work of the Churchyard Committee in grass-cutting, restor- ing order and uniformity has been well carried out, and the result may be said to be highly satisfactory. MUSIC SUCCESS.—Mr. Nelson Austin, son of Mr. John Austin, Frodsham, has recently been successful in gaining first-class with honours in the intermediate section of organ-playing in the London College of Music examination, with a total of 90 marks out of a maximum 100. Dr. Holloway was the examiner. Mr. Austin is a pupil of Mr. C. H. Hibbertt, L.L.C.M., of Frod- sham. This success of Mr. Hibbertt's ranks as over 30 gained by his pupils during the past few years, and includes in various colleges and exam- inations 5 diplomas, 18 firsts, 4 firsts with honours, 5 seconds, and a local prize tor highest in the district, the examination comprising organ, piano, harmony, composition, orchestration, history of music, form, counterpoint, analysis, etc. JOINT WATER COMMITTEE.—This committee held a meeting on Friday, when Mr. J. Illid £ 3 presided.—The proposed in- crease in the pumping powers at tho Frodsham Pumping Station was again brought up, and a plan was submitted by Messrs. Timmins, shewing how a new pumping instailation could bo put down without interfering with the present works, at an approximate cost of J6600. In answer to Mr. Linaker, the Clerk said the cost would be borne by both townships pro- portionately.—Mr. Linaker: It appears to be a. matter we are bound to faoe sooner cr later, and it would be best, to oarry out the work on tho best terms w' possibly could.-During the discussion a member remarked tiha.t should there be a shortage of water, the Lordship would suffer the worst, as the Township had tho first draw on the water.—Mr. Tilly said tho matter bad not been looked at in the Lordship from this point of view.—Messrs. Illidge, Maddcck and Frith (Township), Tiley, Basnett and Andrews (Lordship) were ap- pointed a committee to meet the Clerk and Mr. Timmins to go fully into the matter and report to the next meeting.—Messrs. Kydd and Kydd made an application for the reduc- tion of the charge per 1,000 galloM of water consumed by them. This was also left to the sub-committee to deal with.—Mr. Linaker gave notice that subject to the sub-committee's re- porting favourably on the proposed now water scheme, se should move at tho next meeting that the work be proceeded with at onoe. PAROCHIAL COMMITTEE.—A meeting wa., held on Friday, Mr. Linaker in tho chair. —The Clerk reported that ha wrote to Mr. F. Bratt, calling upon him to erect three air- shafts to his property in Bridgo-lane in com- pliance with plans submitted, he having at present erected only one.—Mr. Bratt and the builder, Mr. Gleave, wero in attendance, and it was decided to hear Mr. Bratt, who made a lengthy statement, from which, it wis gathered that he had sot the houses to be built by con- tract, and the contractor did not think it was nooeesary to erect the three airshafts. It was aleo his (Mr. Bratt's) opinion that they were unnecessary. There was an extraordinary fall for the sewage, and it had not far to go before it came to the. outfall, so that there was little possibility of any foul smells arising. Mr. Bratt retired, and the committee did not think it necessary to hear Mr. Gleave. The committee were of the opinion that there was a certain amount of defiance being shown, and that it wee not a proper spirit in which to deal with these affairs, and it was resolved that Mr. Bratt bo requested to erect the three airshafts at onoe. —The resolution was unanimous.—The erec- tion of a lino of telegraph poles from the railway bridge at Netherton to Frodsham bridge wa^, brought to the committee's notice, and after discussion it was decided to instruct the Clerk to eend a letter of protest, as such an erection would deface Main-street.— The Clerk reported that tho Lordship Council wore quite agreeablo to join the Township in the lighting of Townfield-lane, and Messrs. Maddock and Frith were appointed to meet two of the Lordship members and carry out the matter.—Regarding the missing lamp, the Clerk reported that he had looked up this matter and found that the Council had been paying for the lamp since February 21st, 1906. The Gas Company's offer to the Council to settle the maitter, which was accepted, has left the Council with considerably the best of the bargain.—Mr. Jones called the attention of Mr. Barrow (chairman of the Footpaths Com- mittee) to the bad state of certain footpaths, and his complaint was promised attention.— The Chairman, on rising, wished the Council a Happy Xmas and a Prosperous New Year, and hoped that the good feeling which had been exhibited at the meetings during the past year wo.ild be continued.

CHESTER STOCK & SHARE LIST CHESTER STOCK & SHARE LIST + P,eportedby Messrs. WARMSLKY, JON'KS & Co., 29, Ea^tgate Row (North), Chester. CONSOLS 325 BANK HATS 7% Present prie ChesterCJorporation 31 Irredeemable Stock .1C0—102i ChesterCorporation 3 Redeemable Stock. 90-95 Chester Gas Co. 5 A Ordinary Stock 109i—111 £ 4Con Preference Stock. 95-10;) 3i% Debenture Stoek S9—yl Cheater Waterworks 00 Z Consolidated Stock .180—1-2 „ 7 New Ordinary Stock .170—172 „ 6 £10 Perpetual Preference Shares, fully paid —17 j Wrexham and East Denbighshire Water O J Consolidated Stock 165-170 Cons. Pref. Stock 115-117 Ordinary Stock 12;—122 Hawarden& District Water Oo CIO Share, fully paid 7-8 Nat. Prov. Hank of England, Ltd. C75 Shares, £ 10 10s. paid 37—38 ■ £ 30 Shares, £ 12 paid 4 4—45 North and South Wales Bank, Ltd. 440 Shares, ZIO paid 31J—32 Parr'sBaiik, Ltd. iiloO Shares, £ 20 paid 8;—: 3, Lloyd's Kank, Ltd. £ 50 Shares, £ 3 paid 31-3 i Bank of Liverpool, Ltd £100 Shares, Z. 12 10s. paid .35J—3.VJ British Law, Life, Fire Insur., Ltd. £ 10Shares, £ 1 paid 4 -.1} Chester Boat Co., Ltd £ 10 Shares, fully paid 7—1) Chester Cocoa House Co., Ltd. £ 5 t4 5^—0 1 „ £ 5 „ £ 3 .4;&-Ù Chester Uetieral CemeSery Co £ 5 fully paid 34—4J Chester New Music Hall Co., Ltd £ 25 „ IS—1) Chester Northjjate Brewery Co., Ltd. Ord. CIO Shares 9-IO 0 £ 10 Pref. Shares —1(<4 II II 4 Debentures 90—9i Bent's Brewery, Ld. £ 10 Ordinary Shares „ 6 £ 10 Pref. Shares "j—7-J Birkenhead llrewery Co., Ltd £ 10 Shares, £ 5 paid 9.0 LiO Siiares, tuily paid ii 15i Chester Grosvenor flotel Co., Ltd £ 20 Shares, fully paid 5 Chester yueen Kail- way IIotelCo.,Ld. 4;20 Shares, fully paid 20- 1 „ „ £ 20 £ 10 10—11 Chester Blossoms flotel, Lt(L 210 fully paid 9—10 Chester Steam Laundry Co., Ltd. X5 „ ID — 1 Chester Ilace Co., Ltd £ 100 C75 135—193 Walker, Parker & Co., Ltd. J;10 Shares, fully paid, 0 Cam. Pref 3-3 „ 4| Debentures 80-8J Victoria Pier and Pavilion Co., Colwyn Bay, Ltd. 1:1 Ordinary Shares lIalkynDr'inag-eCo. £ 10 Shares, fully p-id zO I Holywell Halkvn Mining and Tun- nel Co., Ltd El Shares fully paid 9;-12, Halkyn Mining Co., Ltd £ 1 Shares, fully paid 1—2 East Halkyn Alining Co., Ltd £ 1 II fully paid 5 -6 South Halkyn Min- in,- Co., Ltd Cl „ II .126-1i/() New North Halkyn Mines, Ltd. 21 Ord. Shares, fully pa.id.37/û-4:?¡6 £ 1 • 17/tt „ .35/—3i,6 North Hendre Min- ingCo., Ltd Zt! 10s. Shares, fully paid .3t Panoymwyn Mining Co., Ltd tl Shares, fully paid J—1 Talacre Mining Co., Ltd Cl Ord. Shares, fully paid „ „ £1 Prel.t II United Minera Co. Ltd £ 1 Ord. „ „ „ Isle of Man Mining Co., Ltd. (fox- dale) Mines 25 1—1 i- 7i Pref., £ 17 10s. paid 25—30 Llanarmon Mining Co., Ltd. 21 Ord., fully paid „ „ tl Pref Wirral Railway 3 Debenture Stock 75—77 „ II i% £ 10 Pref. Shares(1885-6) 8i—9J 4 110 Pref. (1393). 6J-7J „ Irre. 4 Pref. Shares (1896) (i 1, „ (1899) 7'i—3J Wirral Railways Co. Ltd £ 10 Ord. Shares 2-3 Ex dividend.

ROSS rrT POSTAL FACILITIES.—The early despatch of letters now leaves at 12 noon (week-days) iustead of 9-30 a.m. as formerly, and is, we under- stand, sufficiently early for delivery the same day to the surrounding district. HAFOD ALYN. Titii beautifully-situated residence has been purchased by Mr. Alfred Hood, of Liverpool, brother-in-law of Sir Henry Tate, Bart. Mr. Hood is making extensive alterations to the place prior to taking up his residence here. +

SHOTTON. ACCIDENT.—On Thursday afternoon a serious accident occurred to a man named William Hewitt, agod 50, residing at Hotel- etreet, Shotton. While engaged in drilling holes in a orane line at Hawarckm Bridge works, was run over by an eleotrio crane. He waa taken into the ambulance room, and afterwards conveyed to the Chester Infirmary. His condition is serious. 4.

MALPAS. CLAIM FOR LOSS OF HUSBAND.-At the Nantwich County Court on Saturday, his Honour Judge Reginald Brown gave judgment in the action of Pattenson v. Davies. This case was partly heard at Whitchmch County Court. It was brought by Leah Louisa Pattenson, of Marchwiel, against Joseph Davies, farmer, Haigbton, Maipas, plaintiff claiming for herself and children £100, as she alleged that her husband's death was brought about by injuries sustained in accident arising through defendant's negligent driving.—His Honour reviewed the evidence and expressed the opinion that it was a pure accident, and gave judgment for the defen- dant without costs. f

BUCKLEY. ALTERATIONS AT THE BLACK LION.— At the Mold Transfer Scesion.% on Monday, the justioes approved of plans of proposed alterations at the Black Lion Inn, Buckley. It was stated that the house was one of the beet places of busincse in Buckley, but was greatly in need of repaira, and that the premises would be much improved by means of the alterations indicated on the plans. PROPERTY OWNER IN A FIX.At the Mold Police Court, on Monday, John Rowlands, The Foundry, Buckley, was summoned at. the instance of the Holywell Rural District Council for having failed to abate a nuisance arising on promirc« at New Brighton, Mold. of which he was the owner. The defendant, in rep'y to the Bench, said he was anxious to abate the nuiaanoe, but the work was of oo disagreeable a nature that he had failed to find men who would do it; he supposed that if he still failed he muat do it himself. The defendant was ordered to abate the nuisance by the 31st December and to pay 15s. 6d. coets.

ELLESMERE PORT. A SAD INQUEST STORY.—Mr. J. 0. Bate (the West Cheshire Coroner) held an inquest on Monday at the Institute, Eilo.smero Port, on the body of William Nixon, 24 years of age, a labourer residing at 19, Wc rocsfcer-st: cot. Whitby, who died on Sunday morning.—Wm. Thomas Nixon said ho was dcocascd's father. His son left home about ten woeke ago b:o- caua-) of his intemperance. About four ycaM ago deceased had suffered from rheumatism.— Elizabeth Barlow, a married woman, with whom deceased lodged, and who had known him all her life, said tho deceased came to lodge with her about ten weeks ago, saying his father had turned him out. About six o'clock on the even- ing of tho 13th inst, he went homo from work, and had his tea. Later he left the house, a.nd at ten o'clock returned undbr the influence of drink. Ha lay upon the sofa, and remained there until four or five o'clock next morning. At o'jcven o'clook he got up, wont out, and returned at 12.30. He said he had been to an hotel and had had some whisky. During the afternoon ho kept leaving and returning to tho houoo, and at thr-eo o'clock he was drunk. lh was brought homo at 10.30 by two men, and witness saw him at 6.30 next morning, when he was dead. The police and a. doctor wcro called in.—Alfred Steadman, a young man re- siding in Worcester-street, stated tha.t about 10.25 on Saturday night he found docoased standing drunk at tho corner of Wort-stor- street. He took Nixcn home, and on the way 00 (deceased) drank the contents of a noggin bottle of rum which he pulled out of his pockot. When they got to Mrs. Barlow's house, de- oaased wanted to fight witness, but eventually ho went into the how, That was t;h., last he saw of deooasicd.—Dr. M. Cahill, of Whitby, said ho was called to the house, and found the man had been d?ad for some hours. In his opinion the oauso of death was heart failure. He had attended deceased about four years ago for an acute attack of rheumatio fever.—Tho jury returned a verdict to tho effect, that "Death was due to excessive drinking, as shewn by the medical evidence."

FLINT. AFTER SATURDAY NIGHT.—At an occa- sional Petty Sessions held at the Town Hall on Monday, before Messrs. Evan Thomas and Ij-. W. Bowen, Robert Campbell, of Flint, waa charged with being drunk and disorderly in the Market Square on Saturday night. Defendant pleaded not guilty.—Inspector Williams staled that in consequence of defendant's conduct Iø had to take him into custody. Defendant said he had had some bother at home. He was not, drunk. Defendant asked to Bee a doctor. Ho saw Dr. Marston, who oaid he was not drunk, He had a knife and a purse in his possession, which the inspector took off him. He knew what was in his purse, so he could not be drunk. P.C. David Hughes corroborated Inspector Williams, and swore defendant was drunk. A fine of 5s. and costs or seven dayis was imposed. -John Richard Robinson, an o!d offender, wW charged with a like offence, and also with doing wilful damage to the cell windows. Inspector John Williams stated that defendant was drunk and disorderly in Trclawney-squarc on Satur- day night. There was great difficulty to get defendant to the cells. He insisted on seeing a doc;or, and Dr. J. H. Williams visited the police- statiori and pronounced defendant, drunk. Dc- dendarit broke the windows of the oell. Dr. J. H. Williams said IKJ saw the man on Saturday night, and he was drunk. A fine of 20s. and co.sits or one month was inflicted on the first charge, and 10s. and cots or 14 days Oil tho second charge. _u-

MARKETS AND FAIRS. + LIVERPOOL CORN, TUESDAY.-Wheal market closing firm after moderate trade Winters 2d. and Springs 1d. per cental dearer than Friday's rates. Flour quiet, steady. unchanged. Maize mot better enquiry: Prime mixed American, 5.,i. (id.; Plata, 53. 2d. to 5s. 2d.; Odessa, 5s. 5d. to 5s. Gd. per cental. Barley, beans and oat3 steady, unchanged. Peas firm, but slow sale. SALFORD CATTLE, TUESDAY.—Cattle in fair show with somewhat firmer trade. Sheep of choice quality in rather better demand but poorer qualities quiet. An increase of 283 in cattle, and !J 14 in sheep, 132 calves on offer. Quoti,.tions,- Cattle, 5d. to Gd.; Gd. to rId. calves, M. to 7i. WREXHAM CATTLE, MONDA Y.-As usual at the market immediately succeeding the Christmas fat stock show, there were very few fat cattle on offer to-day, and trade was dull. There was a sharp trade for sheep, at good prices, and the demand for good dairy cows was keen, useful ones making up to 20 guineas each. LIVERPOOL CATTLE, MONDAY.—There was a smaller number of cattle 011 offer though slightly larger than the corresponding Christmas market of last year. The supply, however, was quite sufficient for the requirements of the trade. Extra well finished quantities made the top quotation, but middling and inferior sorts made only late rate3. Sheep also shewn in smaller numbers. There was very little animation in the mutton trade and on the whole it was of a disappointing character. Some choice small Cheviots made the top quotation, but for the ordinary run of butchering sheep prices were in buyers' favour. (uotations :-Hecf First class, (iid. second class, 5d.; third chus, 4id. per lb. (sinking the otfa))." Live weight First class, 31s. 8d.; second class, 2)s. 4d.; third class, 23s. per 1121bs. mutton, Did. to Gd. per ib. LONDON CATTLE, MONDAY.-At the Metropolitan Cattle Market this morning the annual sale of fat stock for Christmas consumption was held, when the exhibition of choice cattle was fully up to any previous period as regards quality. The Scotch cattle, as usual, were the leading feature of the bow. Next came Devons, which were also a very choice selection nor must it be overlooked that from Dublin were many fine specimens of the polled Angus breed. As soon as day broke an attempt was made to start sales; buyers, however, held back for lower rates, which salesmen were not willing to concede to at first. However, later on they accepted a decline oulasb year's prices, and sales went on slowly until 1 p.m., when they became rather brisker, but no higher rates could be quoted. Top prices paid per 81b. as follows 90 to 100 stone Scotch, 4s. lOd. to 58. 100-stone Devons, 4s. 8d. to 4s. lOd. 100-stone Dublin show cattle, 4s. Gd. to 4s. 8d. DO to 100 stone polled Norfolks and 95 stone Herefords, 4s. 4d. to 4s. üd. 95-stone runts and Irish, 4s. 2d. to 4s. 4d. 100-stone shorthorns, 3s. lOd. to 4s. 90-stone fat cows, 3s. 41. to 3s. 6d. There was a decrease of 490 in the sheep market compared with last great day. The Christmas character was distinctly marked by the prominence of tho pure Down breeds. Trade ruled extremely slow for all descriptions at hist Monday's values. Son.e choice small lambs found buyers. Calf trade not worth quoting. Pigs met a slow trade. Quotations per SIb., sinking the offal --Beasts. 2s. 9d. to 5s. sheep, 4s. to Gs. 2d. pigs, 3s. to 4s. (id. lambs, 6s. tid. to 7s. MANCHESTER HAVT AND STRAW, MONDAY.—Clover 51d. to Gd; straw, oat, 2.id to 3d per stone. BRADFORD WOOL, MONDAY. The market for raw material is unchanged, but there are fewer excessively cheap lots about. For merino tops there is a little more inquiry at low prices 60's are 201;61. Crossbreds are still very quiet; 4fs are quoted at 1; Ii. English wools are inactive except skin for the Leicester trade. In the export yarn market there is practically no new buying going on. CHESTER CATTLE. THURSDAY.—Thano was a smaller supply of stock and a somewhat quieter trade. At the close of the market, how- ever, a good clearance had been made, and prices Wé'PQ about the same as the previous week. There were no sheep on offer. Prices: Milch cows JB16 to £22. oalvers B15 to JElS, barrens JS10 to JE:15, heifers JB9 to JEil5, etirks £ 6 to 910, bulla Ell lo £ 15. NANTWICH CHEESE, THURSDAY. There was a pitch of 40 tons of chaese. Trade was moderately brisk. A clearance was even- tually effected at the following prices: Finest 66s. to 76s., medium from 61s.. to 64s., and lower grades down to 55s. p?r cwt. CHESTER EGG AND POULTRY.-Butter, Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, (j for Is.; chickens, 2s. Gd. to 3s. each pheasants, GJ. to Gs. üJ. per brace grouse, 4s. Gd. to 5s. per brace; capons, 3s. (id. to 4s. hares, 3s. Gd. to 4s.; rabbits H'd. and Is pigeons, 8d. and 9d. each. CHESHIRE BUTTER AND EGG.-Prices havo moved further against the buyer since last quotations. Inquiry continues steady. Stockporb (Friday): Butter, Is. 3d. and Is. 4d. per lb.; eggs, 5 for Is. Crewe (Friday): Butter, Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 5 for Is. North- wich (Friday): Butter, Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, J and 6 for Is. Sandbach (Thursday): Butter, is. 2d. per lb.; eggs, G for Is. Macclesfield: Butter, Is. 2d. and l. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 5 and 6 for Is. Cangleton Butter, Is. 2d. per lb. eggs. 6 for Is. Altrineham Butter, la. 3d. to Is. 'id. per lb. eggs, 5 for Is. Nantwich Butter, is. 2d. and la. 3d. per lb. eggs, 6 for Is. Knutsford: Butter, Is. 2d. to Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 5 for Is. Runcorn: Butter, Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 5 for Is. Chester: Butter, Is. 2d. and h 3d. per lb. eggs, 5 for Is. CHESTER CORN, SATURDAY.-Market continues quiet, with small trading in all descriptions of English grain, oats favour buyers and are more freely offered. Barley in small supply, also wheat, with little enquiry for both descriptions. Feeding stuffs in slow demand, at generally easier rates. Fiour Gd. lower with little business. Foreign wheat quiet, at a decline of a 1d. to lid. from Tuesday. NEW OLD a. D. 8. D. n. D. a. it- Wheat, white. per 751b. lOOtoOOOOCoOO Wheat, red It 751b. 5 ti f) 3 0 0 — 0 Waiting Barley COlb. II 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Grinding do. 6.lb. 00 — 00 00 — 00 Oats 461b. 7 — 2 0 0 0 0 0 Beans t. bvlb. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Egyptian Beans 2401b. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Indian Ooru It '2401b. 0 Ü (J Oil 0—15 0

SIR W. FOSTER'S THREAT.—Sir Walter Foster, M.P., addressing his constituents at Long Eaton on Saturday night, thought that a com- mencement might be made with old-age pensions at a cost of six or seven millions per year. The money could be found by tho taxing of mining royalties and land values. He would go back to the House of Commons to get as much as possible, and he would vote against the Government if they did not give enough. TRAGIC TELEPHONE MESSAGE.—"For God's sake send someone. I have shot mysclf This mes: a iP. was sent to tho New Brighton folico on November 8 by John Hodgson, "0 belonging to London, who was charged at Liscard (Liverpool) on Friday, with attempting to commit suicide. Investigation proved that the message was genuine. Hodgson was fuund lying on a seat in Wallasey Station suffering from a wound in the forehead, and with a revolver between his knees. A hat was found in one of the waiting rooms where there was a telephone. Hodgson now told the magistrates that he shot himself owing to having done badly in business. He was discharged on his brother's promising to look after him. P.inted and published for and on behalf of the Cheshire and North Wales Newspaper Company, Limited, by JAMES ALBERT BIROHALL, at the Chester Courant Office, 8, Bridge-street, in the Oity of Chester.— WKDHBSDAT, December 18, 1907.