The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

Ruction Ðinr1!. Sales by MESSRS. CUNNAH & ROBERTS. Dec. 31—At the Chester Smithfield—Fat Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, and Calves Jan. 1, 1908—At the Hooton SmithSeld—Fat Stock Jan. 2 At the Chester Smithfield Horses, Carriages, Harness, &c. Jan. 2-At the Smithfield, Chester—Flowering Bulbs By MESSRS. CHURTO. ELPHICK, ROBERTS & RICHARDSON Jan. 7, IWS-AT the Auction Mart, Foregate-st.- Furniture and Effects Jan. 14 & 15-At the Auction Mart, Foregate- street—Oriental Carpets, Rugs, &c. Sale bu Auction. AUCTION MART, FOREGATE-STREET, CHESTER. MESSRS. CHURTON, ELPHICK & co. will hold a Sale of Miscellaneous FURNI- TURE and EFFECTS, on TUESDAY, 7th January, 1908. Early entries invited. AUCTION MART, FOREGATE-STREET, CHESTER. MESSRS. CHURTON, ELPHICK & CO. .1' will SELL BY AUCTION, on JANU- ARY 14th and 15th. 19GS, a valuable assortment of ORIENTAL CARPETS, RUGS, Etc. TUESDAY, 31st December, 1907. AT THE CHESTER SMITHFIELD. "m/TESSRS. CUNNAH & ROBERTS will 1?| hold their usual WEEKLY SALE of Fat CATTLE, SHEEP, PIGS and CALVES commencing with Cattle at 11 o'clock.. Entries respectfully solicited. Auction Offices: Grosvenor Buildings, Chester. WEDNESDAY, January 1st, 1908. AT THE HOOTON SMITHFIELD. MESSRS. CUNNAH & ROBERTS will hold their usual WEEKLY SALE of FAT STOCK, commencing at 1 o'clock. Entries respectfully solicited. Auction Offices Grosvenor Buildings, Chester. On THURSDAY. January 2nd, 1908. CHESTER HORSE FAIR. MESSRS. CUNNAH & ROBERTS WIN hold their uiual MONTHLY SALE of HORSES, CARRIAGES, and HARNESS. Sale at 1 o'clock. Entries respectfully solicited. THURSDAY, January 2nd, 1908. AT THE CHESTER SMITHFIELD. MESSRS. CUNNAH & ROBERTS will SELL BY AUCTION a selected con- signment of FLOWERING BULBS. Sale at 11 o'clock prompt. public flaticto. EDUCATION ACT, 1902. CHESHIRE LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 (1) of the Education Act, 1902, that the County Council of the County Palatine of Chester, being the Local Education Authority for the purposes of Part III. of that Act, propose to provide a new Public Elementary School for about 300 children near the Hoole Main Road in the Parish of Newton-by- Chester or in the Parish of Hoole. The School will be available for the following area:— The Parish of HOOLE comprising the HOOLE URBAN DISTRICT. The Rural Parish of NEWTON-BY- CHESTER. REGINALD POTTS, Clerk to the Local Education Authority. Dated November 22nd, 1907. EDUCATION ACT, 1902. CHESHIRE LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accord- ance with the provisions of Section 8 (1) of the Education Act, 1902, that the County Council of the County Palatine of Chester, being the Local Education Authority for the purposes of Part III. of that Act, propose to provide a New Public Elementary School for about 150 children at Tattenhall. The School will be available for the following area:— The Parishes of TATTENHALL, NEWTON- BY-TATTE-NHALL, and GOLBORN BELLOW. REGINALD POTTS, Clerk to the Local Education Authority. Dated November 26th, 1907. COUNTY PALATINE OF CHESTER. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the next GENERAL QUARTER SESSIONS of the Peace for the COUNTY PALATINE OF CHESTER will be holden at the CASTLE OF CHESTER, in and for the said County, on MONDAY, the 30th day of December, 1907, at Half-past Eleven o'clock in the Forenoon, when the Grand Jury will be empannelled. The hearing of all Appeals arising within the fetty Sessional Divisions of Broxton, Chester Castle, Daresbury, Eddisbury, Nantwich, Runcorn, Wmsford, and Wirral, forming the Chester District, and the trials of all prisoners committed from the last-mentioned Divisions, will take place at such Sessions. The Grand and Petty Juries for the Chester District must be in attendance at the Castle of Chester, at the Opening of the Court on MONDAY, the 30th day of December, 1907, at Half-past Eleven o'clock in the Forenoon. THE COURT will be Adjourned to the COURT HOUSE, KNUTSFORD, on WED- NESDA Y, the 1st day of January, 1908, at Eleven o'clock in the Forenoon. The hearing of all Appeals arising within the Petty Sessional Divisions of Altrincham, Bucklow, Dukinficld, Middlewich, Sand bach, Congleton, Northwicb, Prestbury and Stockport, forming the Knutsford District, and the trials of all prisoners committed from such Divisions, will take place at such Adjourned Sessions. The Grand and Petty Juries for the Knutsford District must be in attendance at the Court House, Knutsford, at the Opening of the Court on WEDNESDAY, the 1st day of January next, at Eleven o'clock in the Forenoon. REGINALD POTTS, Clerk of the Peace for the County of Chester. Chester, 9th December, 1907. CITY OF CHESTER, AND COUNTY OF THE SAME CITY, TO WIT. SIR HOBATIO LLOYD, KNIGHT, Recorder. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the next GENERAL QUARTER SESSIONS of the Peace for the City and County of the City of Chester will be holden at the TOWN HALL, in the said City, on MONDAY, the 6th day of JANUARY, 1908, at HALF-PAST TEN o'clock in the Forenoon precisely, when and where all persons bound to appear are required to attend. Dated this 9th day of December, 1907. N. A. ERNEST WAY, Clerk of the Peace. N.B.—Instructions for Indictments are to be sent to the Office of the Clerk of the Peace on or before the 31st instant. CITY OF CHESTER, AND COUNTY OF THE SAME CITY, TO WIT. SIR HOBATIO LLOYD, KNIGHT, Recorder. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the PORTMOTE and PENTICE COURTS for the City and County of the City of Chester will be holden at the TOWN HALL, in the said City, on MONDAY, the 6th day of JANUARY, 1908, at HALF-PAST TEN o'clock in the Forenoon. Dated this 9th day of December, 1907; J. H. DICKSON, Sown Clerk and Registrar. |Jufoltc police. TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. CHRISTMAS BOXES AND GRATUITIES. THE Chester Traders' Association respectfully calls the attention of the Public to the fact that under the new Act of Parliament for the prevention of Corruption, it is expressly forbidden for Traders TO GIVE, or Servants and others TO RECEIVE any private di^countfl, gifts or commissions. As this Act provides severe penalties for both giver and receiver, the Members of certain Trades (in which it has hitherto been customary from ancient times to give such acknowledgments when asked), being desirous of complying with the new Law on the subject, are now compelled to discontinue the custom, unless they receive an intimation from the Employer that such acknowledgments are not objected to. BY ORDER. PREPAID ADVERTISEMENTS OF THE FOLLOWING CLASSES: — HOUSES TO BE LET, APARTMENTS WANTED, HOUSES TO BE LET, APARTMENTS WANTED, Housaa WANTED, APARTMENTS TO BE LET, SITUATIONS WANTED, MISCELLANEOUS WANTS, SITUATIONS VACANT, LOST OR FOUND, ARTICLES TO BE SOLD. are now inserted in The Chester Courant at the following rates:— NOT EXCEEDING TWENTY WORDS— ONE INSERTION 1 TWO INSERTIONS 1/6 THREE INSERTIONS 2/- EXC&EDING TWENTY WORDS, BUT NOT EXCEEDING THIRTY-FIVE WORDS- ONE INSERTION 1/6 TWO INSERTIONS 2,6 THREE INSERTIONS 3/- Eo be Het. T 1ST OF RESIDENCES, ISSUED MONTHLY, SSNT P03T FREE ON APPLICATION TO W. & F. BROWN & CO., CABINET MAKERS & UPHOLSTERERS, EASTGATE ROW. CHESTER. SHOP TO LET, next to Royalty Theatre.— Apply Manager, Royalty Theatre. TO BE LET, No. 16, WALPOLE-STREET immediate possession. Rent £ 30 per annum. Apply Cunnah & Roberts, Auctioneers, Chester. LOWER BEBING TON. —Ashbrooke-terrace. Good Six-roomed HOUSE, and bath-room garden in front; rent 10s. weekly, clear of taxes. J. and C. Balmforth, 42, Castle-st., Liverpool. SUPERIOR front BED and SITTING- S ROOMS TO LET, in Queen's Park; just vacant; bath (h. and c.), piano.—Address R 74., "Courant" Office, Chester. COTTAGE TO LET at Rowton; parlour, C kitchen, scullery, 2 bedrooms, linen closet, large garden. Rent 4s. 6d. clear.—Apply John,-on, West View, Rowton, Chester. UPTON PARK.—Early in new year, HOUSE, containing 3 sitting and 5 bedrooms, bath- room, kitchen, scullery, pantry, washhouoo, and large garden good motor-house, stabling and haylofts; greenhouse by arrangement.—Address B 48, "Courant" Office. "SXTRJEXHAM, The Metropolis of North » » Wales."—TO LET, capital Lock-up SHOP, corner of main street, close to three markets; good windows, cellar, etc. Low rental. -Thomas Lewis, Incorporated Accountant, 57a, Hope-street, Wrexham. O BE LET or SOLD, GLEN AUDLYN, Kilmorey Park; pleasantly situated, five minutes from General Station two entertaining, six bedrooms, bathroom, w.c., and out-offices. Excellent garden back and front.—Apply S. Davies, Estate Office, Mollington; or Fairfield, Kilmorey Park. BANKS OF THE DEE, Chester.—TO BE LET, Furnished, a charming HOUSE, with balcony and garden, containing large double drawing-room, dining-room, four bedrooms, bath- room, &c stabling and keep of pony may be had close by for 10s. per week.—For further particulars apply to S. Waterhouse, Sons, and Co., 3, Cook- street, Liverpool. UlanteB. q" Wl ANTED, a good, steady GENERAL, age 25 to 30, with good references.— Apply Red Lion Hotel, Bickerton, Malpas. NURSERY GOVERNESS REQUIRED; entire charge three children, 9,7, 4.—Reply, enclosing photograph, to Mrs. Yale, Bryn Con- way, Bettwa-y-Coed. THE Rev. J. C. C. Pipon, late headmaster of Arnold House School, Llandulas, has a VACANCY for a PUPIL in January. Special attention to delicate and backward boys.— Toddington Rectory, Dunstable. r|>0 TAILORS and Clothiers.-WANTED, JL by leading firm, fashionable SUITS and OVERCOATS to Cut, Make-up and Trim; best workmanship.—For particulars, address H 50, Courant" Office. 1167 V1TANTED, a good GENERAL, one able to wash; country girl preferred.—Apply Mrs. Youd, Imperial Hotel, Presoot. WANTED, superior GENERAL; good home, private family.—Apply Mrs. Slater, Endsleigh, Old Colwyn. A Young Lady REQUIRES Re-engagement after Christmas, as Daily or Morning uu VERNESS, in or near Chester. -Address A 55, "Courant" Office. WAN1ED, a good GENERAL; plain cook- ing and washing. Small family. State wages; references.—Apply School House, Guilden Sutton. WANTED, thoroughly experienced single- handed GARDENER; very strong, active and hardworking; married. Must have first-rate character.—Address H 49, "Courant" Office. BOARD-RESIDENCE in private family re- quired after Christmas, by a lady. Terma moderate; ba.th, piano.-Addrem W 60, "Courant" Office. ANTED, Two TEAMSMEN, married Good ploughers. Good wages given to suitable men.—Apply G. & J. Ledson, Marsh Farm, Sealand, Chester. WANTED, to Purchase or Rent, COTTAGE, about 2 acres Land, few miles from Chester by rail; on elevated position. Possession March.—Address D 61, "Courant" Office. WANTED, good COOKGENERAL, three WANTED, good COOKGENERAL, three in family, nurse and boy kept; English good character; £ 20- £ 24.—Mm Eric Byron! Llanfair P.G., Anglesey. ANTED, a GENERAL for IW^e after Christmas, another Servant kept. Good wages given.—Apply Mrs. Wright. Church House, Alvanley, Helsby. WANTED, at onoe, Furnished Detached Country HOUSE or COTTAGE, within reasonable distance of Liverpool. Rent must be moderate. Address N 22, "Courant" Office, Cheater. B.C. GUIDE TO STOCK EXCHANGE. • —1907 Edition (27th). The simplest and best Guide to every description of Stock Exchange transactions. How to open an account with small capital. Contains highest and lowest sales for last 15 years. Gratis and Post Free from Pub- lishers.-FRUBORN, FRANKLIN It Co., 12 Bank- street, Royal Exchange, Manchester. ESTABLISHED 1832. Tsu No. 258. pART and LURRY TARPAULINS, \J LONG and LOIN CLOTHS for Horses, COAL and CORN SACKS, equal in price and bnality to any in the kingdom. Ladders, Blocks, Pulleys, Rope of all sizes. TENTS suitable for all purposes, Decorations if required. Prompt atten- tion to enquiries either for Sale or Hire of above.— Apply DA VIES & SONS, Crane-et., Victoria. road, and 4, Coal Exchange, Cheater. r SPECIAL HAMPERS, suitable for w XMAS & NEW YEAR PRESENTS. TSTo 1— /One Pint WHISKY, Scotch Irish. K 9_ /One Bottle WHISKY, Scotch or Irish. J*°-1 One Pint Fine RUM. \« 1 O (\ J One Pint London GIN. 0NE BOTTLE LONDON GIN- 8 = (CI° Tw«B.«le, BURGUSDX* Included) ^One Bottle SnKunv. Included) ^Two Bottles PORT. No 3— One Bottle WHISKY, Scotch or Irish.. Thiee Bottles CLARET. One Bottle Fine Jamaica, Rum. V Three Bottles PORT. 21/- One Bottle London GIN. 25/- One Bottle SHERRY. ,n„OQ j One Bottle Cognac BRANDY. i Two Bottles MARSALA. TV °NE BOTTH PORT- T Two Bottles Old Scotch WHISKY. Included) ^Qne Bottle CHAMPAGNE. Included) (^ONE Bottle London GIN. DELIVERED FREE WITHIN OUR USUAL RADIUS. PRICE LISTS OF OUR LARGE STOCK OF WINES AND SPIRITS ON APPLICATION. OUELLYN ROBERTS & Co., THE OLD CRYPT, WATERGATE ST., CHESTER. SPECIAL NOTICE. We are offering a SPECIAL PURCHASE of 0 ENGLISH AXMINSTER CARPETS AT 4/9 PER YARD. TILL DECEMBER 31ST ONLY. RICHARD JONES & CO., LTD. BRIDGE STREET, CHESTER. o be &oIU. PRIVATE GREETING CARDS from Is. 6d. dozen, Christmas-New Year Cards, Gift Books, Fancy Goods, etc. Don't forget!— Wright's, Watergate-street, Chester. 1168 SPAR GRAVEL, CHIPPINGS, Macadam, kl Limestone, &c., for Drives and Walks. Buxton and Welsh LIMES. SLEEPERS for all purposes. Quotations to any station.—Robt. W. Killon, A1 Coal Exchange, Chester. Telephone 70. HARTZ Mountain Roller CANARY, &plendid songster day and gaslight, with cage, 12s. 6d.—9, Prinoe'e-avenue, Chester. HIGH CLASS POM PUPPIEST lovely coats, good carriage splendid pedigrees.— Apply 30-3, Commonhall-street, Chester. LOVELY Blue, pure-bred Persian Male KITTEN, also Yorkshire Terrier PUPPIES, FOR SALE.-46, Watergate-street, Chester. TURNOUT, comprising Bay Cob, 5 years, about 15 hds. handsome Float and Brass- mounted Brown Harness. All new. The cob is free from all vice and a free goer. Open to any trial or examination.—Apply George Thompson, Cuddington, Northwich. DOORS.—Why use Foreign Doors? English made, 6ft. Gin. by 2ft. tim. by lin. square, 5, mould two sides, 6/2; solid moulded, 5/1. All other sizes in stock. Send builder's trade card for list.—Jennings & Co., 343, Penny well road, Bristol. 1156 S 1 ENT'S CYCLE, "Victor"; 26in. frame, free VUT wheel, two rim brakes; a second-hand machine in good condition cash price, with lamp and bell, £4. A good selection of other SECOND-HAND CYCLES {ladv's and gent's). J. E. BRASSEY & SON, Ltd., Chester. QTEAM ENGINES" AND BOILERS, k} SAW BENCHES, ETC. ELECTRIC MOTORS supplied, and con- nected to existing or new machinery, etc. REPAIRS to every description of Steam, Gas and Oil Engines, Motor Cars, etc. SHAFTING, PULLEYS, etc., kept in stock. LANCELEYS, ENGINEERS, CHESTER. f&jjUros, hotels, QRAIGSIDE HYDRO, LLANDUDNO ACCOMMODATION FOR 200 VISITORS. FOUR TENNIS COURTS AND TWO COVERED COURTS. TURKISH AND SEA WATER BATHS. Telephone, Llandudno, No. 4. R. E MUNRO, Manager. FINEST HEALTH RESORT IN NORTH WALES. RHOS ABBEY HOTEL, COLWYN BAY. Facing the Sea. Pure, bracing air. Charming scenery. Elegant apartments. Every home com fort. High-class Cuisine. 'Bus meets principal trains. Excellent Golf Links by the sea within half a mile. Exclusive sea fishing in weir facing hotel. Motor Garage. Charming Grounds, etc.— Apply F. C. MKIRB, Proprietor (late of Windsor Hotel, Glasgow), Telephone, 0198 Colwyn Bay. SftaUtoags. G.W.R. EXCURSIONS. TUESDAY. December 31st—To WOLVER- HAMPTON, West Bromwich, Dudley, Stourbridge J unction, Kidderminster, BIRMING- HAM, Leamington, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwick, Banbury, OXFORD, Reading, Gloucester and CHELTENHAM, for 2, 3, 5 or 6 Days, from CHESTER, &c. To LONDON, for 2, 3, 5, 6 or 8 Days. Leave CHESTER 12-35 p.m. Fare for Two Days, 12/6. For Details, see Bills or send Postcard to Stations or Offices, or Divisional Superintendent, Chester. Southern Ireland, its Lakes and Landscapes," price 3d., at Principal Stations. JAMES C. INGLIS, General Manager. pipping. QANADA BY ALLAN LINE. The Only Line with Govt. Contract for Canadian Mails, and the ONLY TURBINE STEAMERS TO CANADA. EXPRESS WEEKLY SERVICE. Shortest Sea Passage—Cheapest Route; FREE FROM ENGINE ODOURS, NOISE AND VIBRATION. Finest Hotel Appointments, Unequalled Service. Special Low Through Fares to all parts. Apply ALLAN LINE, 103, Leadenhall-street, E.C., õl, Pall Mall, London 19, James-street, Liverpool; or CHA8. WRIGHT, 26, Watergate- street, Chester. CHESTER STEAM LAUNDRY, VICTORIA ROAD (CLOS8 BY VAN NORTXIATS SCATI3N). All the arrangements are on the most approved modern system for Washing, Ironing, Drying, Packing, &c., and the management most efficient. W. H. LIPSEIAA, Secretary & General Manager. (Chester Si4mm lawatry C* Lti.) TELEPHONE No. 411. Inspection is specially invited on any day excepting Mondays and Saturdays. NEW UNIONIST AGENT.—The services of Mr. C. H. Glassey, the newly-appointed Unionist agent at Chester, who for fourteen years has efficiently discharged the duties of agent and secretary of the Handsworth Division Conserva- tive Association, are to be suitably acknowledged. The members of the Executive Committee have decided to promote a testimonial, and the official heads of the Executive are taking the initiative in the matter. ( fHt I! e SUN FIRE OFFICE, O* The Oldest Insurance Office £ £ 0 in the World. FUNDS IN HAND, £ 2,545,328. Insurances effected against the following risks :— FIRE WORKMEN'S PERSONAL COMPENSATION SICKNFSS^10^^7, EMPLOYERS' SICKNESS AND LIABILITY, FTDPTTTV INCLUDING LUDHLIIY ACCIDENTS TO GUARANTEE, DOMESTIC BURGLARY. SERVANTS. LOCAL AGENTS CHESTER Messrs. CHEERS & HOPLEY, 6, Northgate-street. Messrs. W. DENSON & SON, Northgate. MAI-PAS Mr. THOMAS MULLOCK, Cuddington Heath. ELLESMERE PORT Mr. R. B. BLAYNEY.

DIARY OF COMING ENQAOIEMENfS. Dec. 25—CHRISTMAS DAY. 26—BOXING DAY (BANK HOLIDAY). 26, 4-c. -1"a nto in ime Babes in the Wood at Royalty Theatre. „ 26-Cattte Pair. SO—Quarter Sessions at Castle. +

IRISH REIGN OF TERROR. The sentence of six months' imprison- ment upon Mr. Laurence Ginnell, the Nationalist M.P. for North Westmeath, for contempt of court, may be misrepresented in certain quarters as a sign of Government activity, in stamping out the abominable crime of cattle-driving which is driving many of the peaceable people of Ireland to the verge of despair. The conviction, how- ever, was obtained without the intervention of the Irish Executive, and cannot be claimed as an assertion of the law by Mr. Birrell and his friends. The Government, in fact, have not the courage to tackle their Irish masters. This prosecution took place, because Mr. Ginnell had the audacity to incite the populace to the crime of cattle- driving on property which was under the control of the Chancery Court. That court, with a courage which is sadly lacking in the Irish Executive, is determined to protect the property under its care against the illegal acts of wrong-doers. Mr. Ginnell accord- r5 ingly was summoned for contempt oj court, by interfering with lands under the court's jurisdiction, and Mr. Justice Ross sentenced him in his absence to six months' imprison- ment and to pay the costs. In passing sentence, his lordship made it very clear that the proceedings did not originate with the Executive. He found it proved that the defendant had "incited to cattle-driving and to the boycotting of any man who ventured to do what he had a legal right to do-to take this land for the purpose of feeding his cattle and worse than all, he offered to those who engaged in this illegal act the first and best bit of land. That speech was an incitement to serious crime." Commenting on the disturbed state of the country, the Judge said "I am aware of this form of organised violence. From the time I first called attention to it myself from this bench, it has grown and increased beyond measure and expectation." The people, he said, were incited to invade the property of others in open day, and were taught to pride themselves on breaking the elementary law, on which civilisation depended. The result was "the demoralisa- tion of the people" to an extent never equalled in his memory. If we had men of the stamp of Mr. Justice Ross in command of the government of Ireland, the present tide of crime that disgraces that country would be speedily stemmed. But unfortun- ately we have in his place Mr. Birrell, who pooh-poohed the gravity of the outbreak of crime last July by saying that the lawless- ness "was a very small and limited question as compared with other questions," and that "when one remembers the discontent in the minds of the people, those deeds should not cause any great measure of astonishment." At the same time he spoke of cattle-driving as "technically injuring cattle." To day, however, the Irish Secre- tary has been forced to confess that the situation present^ very grave features which require prompt and speedy and courageous action." But the Irish Executive, while driven to the tardy conclusion that crime is rife throughout a large area of the island, stubbornly decline to take any action calculated to stop the outrages. Mr. Ginnell's prosecution is only the isolated action of the Court of Chancery, and for that action the Irish Executive can take no credit. The Executive apparently are paralysed, while the cowardly intimidators and boycotters do their ghastly work unscathed, and decent folks are deprived of the protection of the law. All the comfort they get is to hear their ministerial repre- sentative talk of "courageous action," which however, ends in talk, and meanwhile the reign of terror spreads and intensifies.

T RADICAL RURAL LEGISLATION. On previous occasions we have called atten- tion to the legislative efforts of the present Government, and have emphaeised the lack of discrimination in the matter of the requirements of country districts as contrasted with the needs of congested areas. A striking case in point is the Probation of Offenders Act of last session, which comes into force on the lfct of January next. The Act repeals the Probation of First Offenders Act, 1887, and ecction 16 of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, 1379, and confers more comprehensive powers on the justices than were contained in tho repealed statute. It provides, inter alia, for the appointment of probation officers during the month of January in each year, the province of such officers being to befriend the offender with a view to his reformation and to bring the culprit before the court, should he prove undeserving of the leniency extended to him. The duties of the probation officers are set out at some length in the Home Secretary's Rules, recently issued, and provision is made for the appointment of female officers for boys and gin's of school age, as well as of women and girJe over 16. The duty of notifying every appointment to the Clerk of the Pea-c-c and Chief Constable is imposed on the Justices' Clerk. Periodical reports are to be furnished to the court by the officers ap- pointed, also an annual report in the month of January on a prescribed form, which last- named report the Justices' Clerk is to forward during the month of February to the Secretary of State. We have omitted reference to several minor provisions, but the foregoing suffices to shew the elaborate nature of the Act and rules and their inapplicability to petty sessional divisions in country districts. It cannot 00 maintained for one moment that country Justioet; have failed to appreciate the value of the Probation Act of 1887, or neglected to utilise its provisions, when it was desirable to do eo, and yet, on enquiry, we find that in six petty sessional divisions in our immediate vicinity there are only two recognizances under the Act of 1887 now in force and that one of these will expire on the 11th January. f

Dr. Macnamara's remarks on the House of Lords are perhaps typical of the attitude of many members of the Radical party, if they would speak out. Answering a suffragette, Dr. Macnamara, while condemning the Lords for acting as the final court of appcaJ on the land question, in which he baYS they are interested owners of tho soil, adds these significant words:—"The best friend the House of Lords has to-day is the Socialist and Independent Labour party, whooe extravagances are causing foany otherwise estimable people to thank God for the House of Lords as a barrier between them and the crude, ill-thought-out feather- headed nostrums of many of those who seek to teach the people from under the banner of the Social Democratic Federation and the Inde- pendent Labour party." 4

In a special article to-day a correspondent discusses the seasonable subject of the Cheshire cheese trade in London, a subject on which a variety of opinions has been expressed at dairy shows during the past few years. There seems no reason to doubt that, while the present state of the Cheshire cheese trade in the metropolis is not so satisfactory ae it ought to be, very creditable efforts have been made under the auspices of the local associations to reintroduce this quondam familiar delicacy to the London public. Thanks to Lord Kenyon, the Whitchurch Dairy Farmers' Association were able to give the industry a tremendous advertisement, by in- ducing the King to accept a prizo cheese, which his Majesty pronounced excellent. For many years past men like Mr. Tollemache, Mr. Barbour, and well-known Cheshire landlords have done a friendly turn to the industry, by trying to get the matter brought before the right claas of customers. Both at the Cheshire Dairy Show and at the London Dairy Show the increasing popularity of the Cheshire product was evident, but much remains to be done, before our county cheese gains its proper place in the London market. If every Cheshire farmer, or for the matter of that every patriotic Cheshire man and woman, were to make it a point of honour to atlk for Cheshire cheese at every re6taurant and hotel vieited in London, the effect would be remarks,ble. This might cost the visitor a little inconvenienoc, but he would be acting as a missionary of trade. Big business concerns have been advertised success- fully in this way, by sending people out to ask for a particular commodity. Beyond this, how- ever, some organised effort is required, to con- vinoe, in the first place, the London tradesmen of the real superiority of the Cheshire article over its Canadian competitor, and then to let it have a fair chance on the market. Already our correspondent has been a good missionary, as is shewn by the extensive nature of his enquiries. +

Mr. Charles Linaker, in his trenchant criticism of education affairs, suggests that Dr. Hodgson should resign his chairmanship of the County Education Committee, inter ailia, because of hift bias. There is, however, another reason why the Doctor should not ojocupy his commanding position in regard to elementary education in Cheshire. The statement has been made more than onoe of late that Dr. Hodgson does not con- tribute to the county education rate. At the recent election meeting at Inoo he denied this state- ment. Non-county boroughs like Crewe are excluded from the county for elementary educa- tion rating purposes, although power was given them to join the county, if eo disposed. Crewe, where Dr. Hodgson acquires his quali- fication, has not felt disposed to join with the county for elementary education, preferring to 'I manage its own. Dr. Hodgson, for all we know to the contrary, may have property which is rated to the oounty, but this much is certain that he does not contribute a penny towards the cost of county elementary education through his Crewe property, nor do the Crowe ratepayers whom he represents. The education Act of 1902 expressly prohibits councillors like Dr. Hodgson, who do not represent the county charged with the elementary education rate, from voting in the County Council on elementary education questions, although it has been held un- fortunately that they are allowed to speak on these matters. Such members, we believe, have only a doubtful right to vote on elementary educa- tion in the Education Committee itself. Seeing that the people of Crewe, whom Dr. Hodgson represents in the County Council, have elected to manage their own affairs in matters of ele- mentary education, it is the height of incon- sistency that Dr. Hodgson should not only insist upon speaking and voting on such matters o the county, but should actually sit in the chair at the County Education Committee. The ratepayers: of Crewe, therefore, are in this position, that they: conduct their own elementary education business j without outside interference, and in addition interfere in the elementary education affairs of the oounty, in which they have not one penny interest. The position is rendered BtiJI more intolerable when it is reflected that Dr. Hodgson acts as the leader of that very aggres- sive party who take every opportunity of im- posing extravagant fads upon the county.

LOCAL NEWS. A The Right Hon. Herbert Gladstone and the Earl of Crewe each had an audience of His Majesty on Saturday at Buckingham Palace. Colonel Cotton-Jodrell, C.B., on Saturday re-opened a bazaar at Furness Vale Council Schools in aid of the erection of a new church, and the formation of a new parish out of portions of the parishes of Taxal and Disley. Mr. Ellis Griffith, M.P., is spending the Christmas holidays at Lausanne, in Switzerland, where Mrs. Griffith is wintering for the sake of her health and that of her little daughter, who is also delicate. Lord Shrewsbury's daughter, Lady Viola Talbot, was married on Thursday to Mr. Reginald Gore, R.N., H.M.S. Attentive, at the Oratory, Bromp- ton. Father Sebastian Bowden officiated. The young pair left for the Continent after the ceremony. In addition to the proposal to raise a memorial to commemorate the splendid work which Lord Chesham performed for the Imperial Yeomanry, there is a scheme on foot to arrange a Royal Bucks Hussars' memorial to honour his memory. Lord Chesham was Honorary Colonel of this Regiment. The Welsh national testimonial to Mr. D. Emlyn Evans, the Welsh composer, who is well- known in Chester on account of his association as adjudicator with local eisteddfodau, will take place at Llandrindod Wells next Friday. Sir Marchant and Lady Williams and a number of bards and others are expected to be present, A marriage has been arranged between Augustus M. Owen A. Anwyl-Passingham, Middlesex Regiment, youngest son of the late Major Anwyl- Passingham and Mrs. Anwyl-Passingham, of Bala and LI wyngwril, North Wales, and Margaret, fourth daughter of Mr. Radclyffe, of Hyde, Ware- ham, and Foxdenton Hall, Lancashire. The Duke and Duchess of Westminster are entertaining a large party of relatives- at Eaton for the Christmas holidays. Shooting took place yesterday at Pulford, and we under- stand that on Friday the Balderton and Bretton drives will be shot over, also that there will be a meet of the Cheshire Hounds near Eaton during the holidays. A marriage of Cheshire interest was solemnised at St. Paul's Church, Knightsbridge, by the Rev. F. Bryans, on Thursday, when Mr. Walter Guy Antrobus, sixth son of Colonel J. Coutt4 Antrobus, of Eaton Hall, Congleton, was the bridegroom, and Miss Kathleen Frances Broad wood, second daughter of Colonel Arthur Broadwood, C.V.O., was the bride. The South Dorset Conservative and Unionist Association met on Saturday, and formally adopted Sir Elliott Lees as the prospective candidate for the division. Sir Elliott is a Dorsetshire land- owner, has been M.F.H. of the South Dorset Hunt, and commanded the Dorsetshire Imperial Yeomanry in the South African war. He sat in the House of Commons at one time for Oldham, and afterwards for Birkenhead. The Earl of Enniskillen, who was 62 on Satur- day, succeeded his father as fourth earl one-and- twenty years ago. It was Viscount Cole, son and heir to the Earl of Enniskillen, who by way of keeping himself in condition a few years ago took a full daily watch at stoking on board the Carisbrooke Castle, on her vogage from Capetown to Southampton, and was none the worse, says the "Evening Standard," for his interesting if grimy experience. Captain Coningsby Disraeli, who since the last general election has been paying special attention to his work in the Royal Bucks Hussars, has now passed the cavalry pioneers class at the School of Military engineering at Chatham. Captain Disraeli has already gone through the Musketry and Army Service Corps School, has passed the army examination in tactics, has been attached to the Household Cavalry, and has served with the regulars in manoeuvres under Sir Ian Hamilton. MR. YERBURGH'S ENGAGEMENTS.- Mr. Yerburgh spent a busy time last week. On Monday, as will be remembered, he presided at Mr. Bullen's lecture on the Navy at the Music Hall, Chester; on Tuesday he spoke at the Navy League meeting at the Town Hall; on Wednes- day at a similar gathering at Burnley on Thurs- day at a National Service League meeting at Preston; and on Friday at a Navy League meet- ing at Darwen. In addition to the branch of the Navy League formed at Chester last week, branches have been started at Bolton, Blackburn, Preston, Burnley and Darwen within the last three weeks, and a branch of the National Service League at Preston. This is no small record of work for a busy public man. Lord Delai-riere left Mombasa for England on Tuesday. Lady Newton left London on Tuesday after- noon for Lyme Park, Disley. Baron W. H. von Schroder left London on Wednesday for The Rookery, Worleston. Lord Hugh Grosvenor left London on Mon- day for Combermero Abbey, on a visit to Katharine Duchess of Westminster. The Secretary of the Chester General Infirmary begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of £ 500, a legacy under the will of the late Mr. J. Gooddio Holmes. A marriage will take place on Tuesday, the 21st of January, at Christ Church, Higher Be-bington, between Henry Brancker, second son of Richard Braneker, of Heswall, Cheshire, and Winifred Caroline, third daughter of Geo. Henry Eaton, of Corsey Hey, Bebington, Cheshire. While Lord Vernon was motoring on Tues- day afternoon near Poynton Hall, his Cheshire se.wt, a few miles from MaccleefieJd, his oar, in turning a oorncr, dashed into a hedge. Lord Vernon was badly shaken, but escaped further injury, and after receiving attention at a local surgery was driven home in his carriage. "MESSIAH" MUSIC AT ST. PAUL'S.— There was a crowded congregation at St. Paul's Church on Sunday evening, when the whole of Parti, of Handels "Messiah" was rendered at the close of the service'. An augmented choir was under the conductorship of Mr. W. H. Churton, and although the work they had undertaken was of an ambitious nature, it was evident that it was well within their powers. Careful study and practice enabled them to triumph over most of the diffi- culties which present themselves in the choruses. The tendency towards a too continued loudness, which is often a fault in the performance of "Messiah" choruses, was happily relieved by an occasional gradation of expression and where this was attempted it was beautifully done. At other times the congregation were most pleased by a natural lapse into tenderness, perhaps the best of all expressions in sacred music. The solos were ably interpreted by Mr. W. E. Sneison (tenor), Mr. J. H. Diteliburn (bass), Madame Agnes Croxton (soprano) and Miss Edith Randies (contralto), and the organ was efficiently presided over hv Mr. 1L Thomas. [ Lady Acton, wife of Lord Acton, has gireni birth to a son and heir at Bordighera, wher4 she is staying with her fatter and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Henry Lyon, of Appletoa Hall, Cheshire. Both mother and son are dow ing well. Lord and Lady Acton's previous chi dren were girls, now aged respectively two years and one year. Negotiations have just been completed for the purchase by Mr. J. Herbert Roberts, M.P. (Denbighshire West), of the firm of Messrs. David Roberts, Son, and Co., Ltd., timber merchants, of Boo tie and Liverpool, of Dawpool, the charmingly-situated residence at Thurstaston of the late Mr. Thomas H. Ismay. The price paid for the estate is stated to be £ 45,000. The estate contains 380 acres, and provides a fair amount of shooting. Mr. Richard Gerard WellesJey Williams BoikeAey, Baron Hill, Baaunoaris, attains hia majority on the 21st July next, and the overslf will be celebrated by general and qx .cial re- joicings throughout the extensive Baron lfiU estates in Anglesey, where his father, the pre- sent Sir Richard Williams Bulkeley, Bart., and Lady Magdalen Bmkefey are doservecfiy .PGi. Jar, as indeed is Mr. Riohard himself. TRAM RETURNS.—The re* irns for the pasti week of the Corporation Tramv ays shew that on the Saltney section 41,060 passengers had been carried, and had paid £165. 7s. lei. in receipts. Compared with the corresponding week last yecrt, these figures shew a decrease of 1,019 passenger^ and 21. 3s. lid. in receipts. On the Boughtoa section 13,446 passengers have used the cars and have paid the sum of 951. 16s. 4.id. for the use aa1 them. Compared with the corresponding weet last year there is an increase of £ 4. 11s. 5d. and 881 passengers. MILK PRODUCFRS' ASSOCIATION.-A Special meeting of the Council of the Cheshire Milk Producers' Association, was held at C" "8 on Friday last, Mr. Henry Tollemache presiding, to consider a communication from the Royal Agricultural Society of England, inviting tkl association to appoint a representative on the National Agricultural Committee on Tuberculosis, which has just been formed. It was unanimously decided to appoint Mr. James Sadler, the Secretary, to represent the Association on this important committee, which meets in London on January 3rd, 1908. Mr. Sadler has given notice that he will submit proposals from the dairy farmers' point of view, in reference to the proposed new legislation to deal with the mi k supply. HAYRICK AS BEDROOM.—At an occasio: d county police court held on Tuesday at Mr. Churton's office, before Mr. J. W. Croydon, twr labourers of no fixed abode, named James Davit-i and James Conway, were charged with "lee p i n out in a building in the occupation of Richard Ithell, of Upton Hall, Upton, on the Farrw. morning. The evidence shewed that the di?,- fondants were found asleep in a hayrick at 3 a.m^ bv a constable. When aroused from theif slumber defendants were found to be under thtf influence of drink, and in Davies's possession was found a box of matches.-P.S. Jackson saio that was the way farm fires were oaueed.—ThO magistrate took a kniei.. view of tho case and discharged the men. CHESTER PANTOMIME.—The chief amuse- ment for t!:e Christmas season in Chester will ba the grand pantomime "Babes in the Wood, which opens on Boxing Day with a matinee ati two o'clock. The lyrics of this nursery play arè by Mr. J. Gar Kiddie, and have been set M pretty music. The management of the theatif have engaged the following artists:—Miss Ciesw! Kingsley, Miss Anena Walton, Miss Nora PreD" dergast, Mies Katie La Blanche, Miss Gertrude Halle, Baby Lillebelle, La Belle Sylvia, Mess; Harry Alberry, T. D. Tandy, Sammy Foster, Conan and Doyle, Leonard Charlee, the Lohreni Quartette, the Hammersley Ballet Troupe at Lady Dancers, and the Wambas. In addition there will be a ballet and full chorus. Perforrco ances will be given every evening until furtheaf notice, and matinees on Boxing Day, Fridayb Saturday this week, and each Wednesday andp Saturday during the pantomime season. THE INFIRMARY BALL.—The Mayor df Chester begs to acknowledge with thanks th# receipt of the following donations to the Infirmary Ball fund Miss Hobday, 91. Is.; Mrs. HonoratuS Lloyd, £ 1. Is. Mrs. B. U. Roberts, 21, is. Mrs. Chas. J. Hobbs, £1. la. Mrs. J. Stuart Goold, £1. Is.; Mrs. Robertson, PI. Is.; Mrs. Aldersey, £1. Is.; Mrs. Chas. E. Hope, £1. Is. Mrs. F. W. Hayes, £1. Is.; Mrs. Okell, £1. Is. Hon. Mrs. Cecil Parker, £1. Is. Mrs. H. F. Brown, £1. Is. ) Mrs. France Hayhurst, £ 2. 2s. Mrs. Jas. G. Frost, 21. Is. Mrs. W. D. Joliffe, 4;1. Is. Mrs. Anthony Dodd, £1. Is. Mrs. Darby, £ J. h.; Miss Darsie, £ 1. le. Mrs. C. M. Nicholson, m. Is.; Mrs. Jas. Taylor, 91. Is.; Mrs. A. 0. Preston, £ 1. Is. Miss Sneyd Kynnersley, jEl. 1,4.1 Mrs. E. B. Swetenham, jEl. Is. Mr. Ambrose Roberts, El. Is. Mrs. G. Chur- ton, 21. Is.; Mrs. Elliott, £1. 1B. Mra. Douglas Dobie, £ 1. Is.; Mrs. Tyrer, £ 1. la.; Mrs. H. J. Birch, £ 1. Is. Mis8 Kelaal, £ 1. ls.'f Mrs. Rogerson, 4;1. Is. Mrs. Welsby, JB1. Is. i Mrs. C. P. Douglas, £1. Is. Mrs. G. W. Hayes. :Cl. Is.; Mrs. Francis Barnston, Cl. Is Mrs. F. Skipwith, £ 1. Is. Mrs. Peter Jones, JE1. Is. J Mrs. Blagden, £ 1. Is. Mrs. E. Powell, £ 1. Is. I Mrs. R. Shand, £ 1. la. THE LATE COLONEL LANGFORD. BROOKE.—Much regret was expressed on Tuesday morning in the Knutsford district on the announcement that Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Lewis B. Langford-Brooke, the Squire of Mere, had died at his residence, Mera Hall. The Colonel, who was 65 years of age, had been ailing for sotne time, and latterly had been confined to the house. He was the eldest son of Mr. Henry William White, of Monar, County Ross, and Lentran, Inverness, who died in ]875. The Colonel, who assumed the name of Langford., Brooke by royal licence in 1874, was educated .»» Eton, and joining the Army became Captain ifl the 60th Rifles, and subsequently Major and Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel in the 2nd Battalion, the Cameronian Highlanders. Colonel Langforch Brooke, who was also a Deputy Lieutenant for Elginshire, married in 1877 Elizabeth, daughte* of Mr. Ferdinand Hanbury Williams, of Cold brooke Park, Monmouthshire. Succe*t!<'n<^ his aunt, the Hon. Mrs. Keane, in the ownership ol the Mere estate in 1894, he proved himself one of the best type of Cheshire landlords, and was greatly esteemed by his tenantry, in whoor wel- fare he showed keen interest. He was a membes of the Tarporley Hunt club, and had been President of the Mid-Cheshire Farmers' Show. The funeral took place at Tabley on Friday, a was attended by representatives of all the neiglf bouring county families. The farm tenants met at the Hall, and walked in procession a mile and a half to the church, and the coffin was borne on » wheeled bier, which was drawn by eight of tht estate workmen. The principal mourners were Mrs. Langford-Brooke, Major Throckmorton, Mr. Montagu White, Miss White, the Mackintosh of Mackintosh, Mr. and Mrs. Waldyve Martin, Mr. J. H. Martin, Mr. Dick-Cunyugham, Me, Hunter, Mr. Cecil Hunter, Mr. T. Algernon Earle, Mr. J. Earle, and Mr. Tom Egerton. The cortegfl was met by Sir Harry Mainwaring, Bart., Col. H. C. Legh, the Hon. J. E. Cross, Sir Frank and Lady Forbes-Adam, Mr. Ronald Forbes-Adam* Colonel Dixon, Mr. George Davies, Mr. J.Ussher, Mr. George Egerton Warburton, Mr. Thomalt Tatton, and Colonel H. A. Birley. The inter- ment was witnessed by a large gathering of cottagers and others, by whom the Colonel had been highly regarded. DEATH OF MR. GOMER WELSH.—W«j regret to record the death of Mr. Gomer Weishi which occurred at his residence, Kekborrovf House, Dehtmere, on Sunday. The deceased haxj been ailing for some time, and his death wa4 not altogether unexpected. He was a very well- known Cestrian. For over 30 years ho had carried on the business of a builder and con* tractor in the city, his premises being in Selleii« street. Mr. Welsh carried out numerous con- tracts in the district, perhaps his most prominent work being the alteration and renovation ofi Bishop Lloyd's Palace and the adjoining prof perty for the late Mr. Charles Brown, and aIOOJ(- wards the late Mr. Frank Brown. The deceasecf was a prominent Nonconformist local preaoheci, For many years he was identified with the City* road Presbyterian Church, being one of ital supporters. He devoted much of hie time to lajj preaching, and was a familiar figure in tW country churches. Though a staunch Froo Churchman, Mr. Welsh took no part in ttifel" Passive Resistance farce. Some six or oeveo years ago he moved from Tarvin-road, where Vd had long resided, to live in a pleasantly-situated residence at Delamere. Here he associated hinv self with the local chapel. Deceased was an; ardent supporter of the temperance cause, being! actively connected with the Chester CShristjap! Temperance Society. He was also interested iy? raseue work, and was connected with the Cit-jr- Mission, serving on the committee. He was 67 years of age, and leaves a widow, three daughteqjf and two sons, all grown up. His sons are weft known in the city, one being Dr. J. Welsh, o £ Tarvin-road, and the other an art master, whty was formerly at the Grosvenor Museum, and latterly in the service of the Fiintsrire County Council. The funeral will take p'acc to-uiorrOVZ (Thursday) at the Chester Cemetery, the firw portion of the servioe being at the Bseftbjrte&aa Church* at 2