The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

CHESTER MYSTERY PLAYS. PERFOMED IN LONDON. The first performance of the Chester plays onp1 -at University College, Gov/r-street, r;day, attracted a large aud attentive audi- i 00■ There are 25 mysteries in the cyel*: ^a«wn as Chester plays. They have ua in tho form erf five sixteenth cen- t",y supposed to have been written klan "^an'c^a^ Higginet, a monk of Chester j The principal play produced on Friday gnt W;,e "Slaying of the Innocents." o, e °thers Were "The Salutation Play," "The tepherd's Play," and "The King's Play." of 8Ca°*ng' wais in keeping with the character the revival. Curtains with subject illustra- IOns served to drape the stage, and under a nopy hung with deep red curtains the scene f IIoIy Family was enacted. Scenes un °»dod themselves nictoriallv, as the old Pinters have made familiar to us, even the details of the vase of Annunciation lilies, 8a1>d the lily in the hand of the Angel Gabriel. rr. Nugxrnt Monck who was responsible for tile production. had chosen his performers well. The expositor spoke clearly, reverently, and t>l C'a,e aPProoiation of the language of the *V*y- Ho with each player As the mysteries re unrolled the value of the language was dwy made manifest. Quiet, reverent move- <^ue empl)as'a given to effects of light- 8» grace of diction, and a series of stately P'ctures afford \1 intellectual pleasure consist- with the character of those beautiful plays P'ctures afford d intellectual pleasure consist- with the character of those beautiful plays n 'Mediaeval times.—"Daily Telegraph."

NATIONAL SERVICE. I » MR. YERBURGH'S ADVOCACY. I At the inaugural meeting of the Preston and t olackpooi division branch of tlie National Ser- ice league, at J-reston on Thursday night, Mr, Robt. Yerburgii said the Army was re- *luir< d to garrison colonies and India and J? take the field in the event of complications. They oould not depc><nd upon the Volunteers ,<Ar foreign service, and there must be an army protect England against raids by picked for- f!^71 droops. No one desired conscription, but wished every man to be trained and fit; TV was no proposal to send (hem abroad. <Jy were to'cd (hat compulsion was un-English, but they forgot that, the battle of Trafalgar ""as won by pressed men. While the Volunteer *7 OIn v.-as the country's glory it was also its ^aiQ«, because' behind iho Volunteers there many shiikers, who evaded their duty. If ti "V found one man doing his duty, they found ny who were not. The advantages of the tional service system were that it was ^roughly democratic and it made no distinction fa "Wfy':n duke's son or cook's son. There were to° many wide divisions between classes in oouritry, aud if they were brought together ,y r one service they would recognise that y were not so wide apart, but weie the sei1- tho^ °n" °°IIlmun'ty- He oon'ieaided that W S^sfcom national training would secure fo 'C count,ry the greatest possession—peace; { 1 ^he best way to secure peace was to prepare f War- While at paesent we wort* fairly free the shadow of war, we would be altogether from it if we weae a nation tunned in arms.

UDY ARTHUR GR0SVEN0R. VISIT TO ST. OSWALD'S. G On, ^ednet>day afternoon Lady Arthur 1'oS\enor journeyed from Broxton Old Hall la0c Performed the opening ceremony at a Û6 cy fair and cafe chantant, proruoted in St. in a-> Hall by the Young Helpers' League iarg Dr. Barnardo's Homes. There was a 8Uoce^a^1;an<?,e ;uu' the function proved most <iet0r!6!u^ There were a number of prettily- oth€r<ttf^ stalk, dainty tea tables, and many ev^i^ tractionfi, wlhle during the afternoon and Couoerte were given, in which young part. tJie League, in fancy costume, took The Mao tjr'd-c<] r Chester (Alderman John Jones) prcsent at tho opening, and among those Wtrv. +L to Lady Arthur Groevenor, the Mayoreas (Mrs. Jones), Mrs. B. C. Roberto, Mrs. Gibbons Frost, the Rev. E. C. and re. Lowndes, Mrs. James C. Bate, Miss Fluitt, arren Trevor, Mies Constance berts, Mise Goodwin (Wardle Y.H.L.), Misa aylor and Miss Hero Taylor, Mr. J. M. Ap^iam' Brown (hon. secretary), etc. Sher?#1^ alwjlK:<' AV<!rc received from the Llovd ( r1€'Tman J- M- FrM and Sir Horatio fUri., F W e Mrs. Mond sent £ 1 towards the 2.7 for the sale. l'he M.ayor eaid the purpose of the sale wa. to th6 t ° funds of the Chester Habitation of tai,ier/?U<? ln .connection with the cot main- ^stifa +• t m ln ^r" Barnardo's Homes. That •Verv If107] no commendation to their tioij r ft-vn:i>athy and favourable considera- "jeve'o W°rk of rc"jC''lln £ -r young lives from, crifj-.■ 'n!ri" lnt° drunkards, and perhaps into ^e Waa*% a,nd of &ivinff them a fair start in *ork k b''c°mlrig respectable citizens, wae a but+k 1 f^marK,efl not only their sympathy, the support of all right-thinking people. He very pl<iased that they had the work of tho ome 6o%nuch at heart as to furnish a cot in institution at a cost of £ 30 per vear, and was pleased to hear they were not in any Iq118? but they were taking time by the ^.ock by anttcipating the demands of the -xt. yoar. Rai^'Y ^rthur Gro^venor, in opening tlie fair, Dlo- and gentlemen,—It is with great a,nUSUr<' that I come here this afternoon. I rn Btai]f ir<' tlle stallholders will go away with the ?ood einpty' because Chester people are very ^K1 at putting their hands into their pockets they have any good object to support, i I have great pleasure in declaring the ^aar open. (Applause.) than'6 ^v' Lov-ndeo proposed a vote of to Lady Arthur Grcwrvenor and the Jj0^0r- In commending the work of the ^r" ^>->wndes quoted the Bishop of ^don as having said "I look upon Dr. Ca fllardo as one of the finest pioneers in the 1160 of distressed children we have ever had in ^Steuid." Mr. Lowndes said Dr. Rarnardo ^°- 'mv0 60'vc'^ the religious question. tta- children in the Homes received a careful 112 llie ^cr'Pturrs' and thofie known to ^urch of England parentage were brought Jn the religion of their parents. ^he Mayor responded on behalf of Lady himself. Her ladysliip wm pre- i wki by Katie Lowndes with a handsome qu;t. kin,dly provided by Mrs. B. C. Roberto. 1%,4q bj, lollowing were tne stallholders:—Fancy 4oH Mre. BrWley, Miss Amott, Miss Brown Smitli; flower stall, Miss Pritchard »nl ^1,SR Beewick; sweet stall, Miss D. Smith F' ,N'nhtingaIe; doll stall, Misses F. Stall i^* an<^ Gamm; proviftion Evans and'Mies Lucy Williams; Tut?i-P'0' etc.. the Misses Lindop, Fennali and Jj odds and ends stall, Misses E. Watkin, ^'ynne and C. Atkin competitions, Messrs. }j P Brien and H. Atkin: art gallery, Master Tupling; poet-office, Misses Daisy anc' tea room, Mrs. Spencer, Win- Byrne, Misses Kilby, J. Haswell, C. lams, D. Ellis, G. Lumb, Irving, B. Nevitt O. Burgess, R. Spancer and C. New- o^n- -Tlie following artists took part in the :—Mea=rs. A. J. Armstrong, W. F. aad n' 11' Bx>binmn, C. W. Wilson, S. Owen J>ri+ Davi^-s, and the Misses Hero Taylor, A. Tu ?• r^' Phyllis Anderson, Kitty Silver, G. Dor°thy Atkin, F. West, L>. Camm, ell- and G. Lumb, and Young Helpers' ^gue members. Mr. A. H. Robinson acted flffj CCompaniBt. The secretarial duties were *Wr t> Carri< °"' hy M- W- Brown. a^d Vr"' gave a contribution to the fair, the 19SrS' Dioks-°rifi and Messrs. Mellattle lent nt« for the decorations.

Re«eroniieHff of Chester (Mr. John M. Frost) has dinner f offered to provide the usual Christmas JUgged grht,ie children of the Industrial and

JU- ES E* B? & VegetalJlo beef tea«"- A '"It additions. breakfast Cup for a-Id.

FLINTSHIRE VOLUNTEERS' PRIZE DISTRIBUTIONS. 1 MR. HALDANE'S DRASTIC PROPOSAL. DISSATISFACTION EXPRESSED. HOPE AND CAERGWRLE COMPANY. The annual prize distribution and supper in oonnootion with F Company, 2nd V.B. R.W.F., t-ook place at the Drill Hall, CaergwTle, on Wednesday evening. Captain E. S. Clark presided, being supported by Colonel O. E. Willes, Captain and Adjutant W. M. Kington, D.S.O., Captain C. Hurlbutt, ComwNs Quay; Captain Wilson let. Battalion, Gwersyll't; Lieutenants Allison and Trevor Roper; Sergt.- Major Armstrong, the Depot, Wrexham; jor ClaTidge, Hawarden Messrs. S. G. Allison, J. Allison, A. L. N:ni&, and Q. 1\1. Scrgoaat T. Da vies.

STOP PRESS. I STOP PRESS. -=--=-=" >- HOTEL FIRE. The Hove Lawns hotel at Hove, Brigh- ton, was destroyed by fire this morning INDIAN OUTRAGE. MAGISTRATE SHOT. A "Times" second' edition telegram from Calcutta, states that Mr. Allen, a Daooa magistrate, was shot from behind by an unknown native last. night on Goalando railway platform. His con- dition ia grave. The assailant es- caped. It is believed the outrage is connected with a society, some members of which were recently punished for ■:ai;bing offenoes. THE DRUCE CASE. ^^rly this morning' the work of the erection of a hoarding1 along the Druoo um Highgato Cemetery was begun, -• i karr1'ca<l,o will be completed' to- l8 ■ The date of the opening of the grave is still being kept a secret, but the exhumation cannot take place for days. i

THE REV C. A. GRIFFIN. + INTERESTING PRESENTATIONS. The e&teem in which the Rev. C. A. Griffin is held in St. Johns Parish was ruanifeet-d on Tuesday evening, when lie was the recipient of several presents. Thewe were given by the teachers and boys of the Sunday school and their mothers, and tlie communicants' cJaæ, as a mark of their respect and affection. The interesting function took place in St. John's Parish Room. The Kev. Canon Cooper Scott presided over a goodly attendance, which included the Rev. C. A. and Mrs Griffin, Dr. Mann, the Rev. F. G. A. Sheppeard, and Messrs. W. Ockleston, A. G. Roberto, H. R. Taylor, James Davies, A. S. Dutton, etc. The present of the members of the communicants' olass took the form of a beautiful lamp, which was inscribed as follows:— "Prewnt-ed to the Rev. C. A. and Mrs. Griffin as a token of grateful remembrance, by the mem- bere of the Young Men's Communicante' Class of St. John Baptist's Church. September, 1907." It was accompanied by the following addretis:- "To the Rev. C. A. Griffin.St. John's Churoh, Chester.—We, the undersigned, on behalf of the Communicants Ciil.ffi of St. John's Churoh, Chester, wish to express in some email measure the rospect and a flection in which you have always been held, especially by the member of the above class, as an appreciation of the interesting manner in which you have always worked. We wish you to accept this lamp as a token of our regard, and we all wish you happi- new and every success in your new parish.—' (Signed) Tom Hall, Robt. Mayers. Sept., 1907." The teachers' and boys' and their mothers' present consisted of a study chair, which bore the following inscriptionSt. John Baptist Church. Chester.—Presented to the Rev. C. A. and Mrs. Griffin, as a mark of love and esteem, from the teachers and boys of St: John Baptist's Sunday School, and the mothers, on his leaving j the parish to bocome vicar of Dunham-on-the- Hill. Sept., 1907." Canon Cooper Scott said they were met to shew their appreciation of Mr. Griffin's valuable services while at St. John's Church, and he thought the rev. gentleman would value those gifts, as they were the expressions of regard and feeling of those whom he chiefly influenced or helped personally. He read several let-tens of apology for absence from members of the con- gregation.—Mr. A. H. Davies, on behalf of the communicants' class, eulogised the excellent services which Mr. and Mrs. Griffin had ren- dered to the class, and which they all appre- ciated. Mr. T. Hull then made the presenta- tion, and wished Mr. and Mrs. Griffin happiness and succ-ees in their new parish.—Mr. Barton, on behalf of the Sunday School scholars, teachers, and mothers, presented the study chair, express- ing the hope that Mr. Griffin would be very comfortable in his new seat. (Applause.)—Mr. Griffin suitably acknowledged the presentations, and alluded to the assistance and encouragement he had received from Mm. Griffin. Whatever they had done had been a great pleasure to them. They had always taken a great interest in the people of the parish, and had done everything with the one purpose, that those they assisted might be the better for what they had done, and be encouraged and helped. Alluding to the work of tho Sunday School, he remarked that there was a tendency to treat Sunday as a Saturday, and he urged them all to do all they could to maintain the sacred character ot the day. His work on behalf of the communicants' class had been hie hobby, and he wae glad to say that in each of the four parishes where he had served one member of each class had offered himself for holy orders. (Applause.) He would always remember the enoouragoment he had received in the parish and the happy times he had spent, adding that the best testimonial they oould give him was to lead high and noble lives, and put into practice what he, in his feeble efforts, tried to teach them. (Applause.) THE SEXTON'S SERVICES RECOGNISED.' Afterwards Mr. Powell, the sexton of the pariah church, was presented with a puree con- taining twenty-two guineas, in recognition of hia valuable services to the parish during the past quarter of a century. The presentation was made by Mr. A. G. Roberta while Mr. James Davies and the Rector spoke in felicitous terms of the good work Mr. Powell had done during his lengthy term of office, and referred to the respect in which he was held by The parish- ioners. Mr Davies hoped he would still be with them for a long time to oome.-Alr. Powell briefly acknowledged the gift and the compli- ments, remarking that he had been aseociatcd with St. John's Parish all his lifetime.

CORRESPONDENCE. J The Editor ia not recponsible for the opuaiono I of his Correspondent*. All letten miut be authenticated by the sender') naaie and address, not necessarily foi publi- cation.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS. TO TIlE BDITOS. Sir,—I loo", in vain in the ''Observer far Bomo iioti Cl- of the singing of the beautiful Christmas carols. It seems unintelligible why proper notioe cannot be given, so that those "who live outsido Chester, who have to travel by train or motor, may know. La&t year the hour of tho service at the Cathedral on Christ- mas Day was published as 4.30 p.m., so making some late, to their great disappointment. x. ♦

CHESTER CASTLE BYE-ELECTION. DR. HODGSON AND THE RECENT ELECTION. TO THE EDITOB. Sir>—I do not. think it policy usually to rake up what is said by those who support or oppose a candidate at an election, but I think it is only fair to myself to reply to Dr. Hodgson, who spoke in support of Mr. Rigby at a meeting held at Ince on the 25th ultimo. In the course of his speech Dr. Hodgson made pointed reference to myself making use of a report which ap- peared in the "Cheshire Observer," which in some respects did not represent, exactly wliat I said, especially in regard to certain figures whioh I quoted concerning educational expenditure. I have on several previous occasions given figures extracted from the annual statement of accounts and agendas of the Education Committee, which in my opinion clearly proved extravagance and bad management, and up to the meeting at Ince theee figures and quotations had never been challenged by any member of the County Council. Dr. Hodgson, however, getting hold of an erroneous report, at once attacked me at the Ince meeting. It ia quite true that there were errors in the report of my speech, but some of them were of such a nature as would have convinced any sensible reader that a mistake had been made. According to the report appearing in the "Chester Chronicle" on the 30th ultimo. Dr. Hodgson at the Inoe meeting wondered why Mr. Linaker had such an objection to the County Council," and went on to inform the public that I had a pension of JE28 a year, to! which remark eoine impulsive wiseacre cried "Shame." This person was at once rebuked by tno apeaKer, who said it was no shame as the. pension was in lieu of offices of which I was deprived when the Education Committee for the county of Chester formulated their present system of administration. I really do not see what this pension of mine had to do with the object of the meeting, unless it was to prejudice anything I had said and was an attempt to take an unworthy and unfair advantage. To listen to a chairman of an important County Education Committee talking of ten bob a week is not: very edifying, and I should have thought that a cultivated person would not have descended to alang. It does, however, indicate that eduoa- tion is badly wanted in other quarters than Ince. Then the Doctor says I have an objection to the Cheshire County Council. Thi,8 is not so. The procedure of the Cheshire County Council, until the administration of tlie 1902 Education Act. called for very little comment, but since the administration of this Act of Parliament very many and grave complaints have been and still continue to be made against the expenditure of this educational body, and I shall not, despite anything Dr. Hodgson may say, forfeit my right as a ratepayer to express my disapproval if necessary, of any course pursued by that im- portent body. When I taw the report in the "Cheshire Observer" I felt sure that Dr. Hodgson would take the opportunity of com- menting upon my figures, because lie knew per- fectly well that the report did not. represent actual facte. Anticipating this, I sent a repre- sentative, who corrected each statement as the Doctor mentioned it. I In referring to the amoimt charged for fuel, light a.nd cloanirig the temporary Council school at Runcorn, which in the year 1906 was set down as £ 117. 7s. 8d., and tlie year 1907 at! £ 120, the Doctor sa:d Mr. Linaker ought to have found out what was meant by that, figure, but he does not suggest how any outsid&r, read- ing the statement of accounts published by the Coiunty Council, is to assume that money put down in the column for fuel, light and clean-1 ing should be charged to the next column as rent. If anybody having the year's accounts will refer to them, he will find that in the year 1906 JB117. 7s. 8d., under the column fuel, light and oleaning, is charged, and under the column for rent J69. 14s. lid. For the year 1907 the amount under the first column is C120, and under the second column £ 10. Electors must try to find a reason for them- salves why tibeao figures wore ao transposed, but to say the least of it, it shcrws a want of super- vision on the part, of the Finanoe Committee, of which Dr. Hocfgson is a member, as indeed He is almost of every committee of the Cheshire County Council. If the intention was to de-1 ocave those who took tho trouble to study the County Council accounts, I say it is unworthy of a county councillor. If the rent paid, for it now turns out to bo rent, of J6150, two-thirds of which would be chargeable to tho Runcorn Urban Council, is a fair one, why smuggle it through the accounts under a wrong- ful heading? The Doctor then goes on to say that "1ft (Lintaikietn never foigave thcm about Holmes Chapol." All I havo done up to now is to j criticise the results obtained by the County Council farm, and I maintain that these re- sults are not satisfactory from a practical point

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MR. ASQUITH AND THE HOeSE OF LORDS. TO THE BDITOB. Sir,-Alr. Asquith oomplains tliat what he calls "the will of the people" is liable to frus- tration at the hands' of a non-ropresentative body. This, however, is not true; nor. if true, would it be of the slightest importance, for the House of Lords is really representative, and expresses the mature and deliberate opinion of the nation far better than any mere accidental majority of the House of Commons. By a majority of thirty the lower House would have committed us to all the infamies and disasters of Home Rule; which, however, nine-tenths of its members detested in their hearts, and could never have been induced to sanction, but for their reliance upon the honour, courage, and patriotism of the House of Lords to interpose and prevent suoh disaster to the country. W'ha.t, indeed, was the very aim and object of that measure? What would have been its obvious and inevitable result ? Why simply to endow with supreme power men whose very footsteps Mr. Gladstone (26 Jan., 1881) de- clared to be dogged with crime. It was to en- throne the very men whom he had denounced, and imprisoned by hundreds, as "abettors and perpetrators of outrago"-men, who, he said, "had not been ashamed to preach a new and enlarged gospel of pluider" (7th Oct., 1881)- adding that "for the first time in the history of Christendom had these degrading and im- rroral doctrines been taught." Tho open and avowed object of Home Rule was to plaoe the government of Ireland in the hands of such men, men who had invented and inaugurated that system of terrorisation which Mr. Gladstone only too justly defined as "operating by fear of rum and starvation but which, wanting a further sanction, found it in murder and in murder only" (26 May, 1882). Well, therefore might Mr. Gladstone declare "It is idle to talk of law, or order, or liberty, or civilisation, 'f thes3 gentlemen are to carry through th; reckless and Vhaoiic schemes they have devised" (27 October, 1881) adding "Rapine is the first object; but rapine is not the only object. It is perfectly true that. these gentlemen wish to march thro-ugh rapine to the d siiitegrataon and dismemberment of \he Empire," and also saying "Hostility to Eiwrlsnd and Scotland is the motto and avowed frinciple of Mr. Parnell" (7 October, 1881). Well, indeed, was Mr. Gladstone justified in these denunciations. We find Mr. William O'Brien (1 October, 1901) speaking of the Irish as "disaffected to the core, and only need- ing the arms and training of the Boers to tes- tify their hatred of English rule." Mr. John Redmond added, "We are prepared always to take up yrms in Ireland to effect our free- clom"; declaring also that "Irishmen were united in hostility to England." No less explicit was Sir William Harcouit in denouncing this detestable w Icked-iom6 v. iT.ch he declared was "a vile conspin. y whose authentic doctrines were those of treason end assassination'' (3 March, 1881). From all thes? àisa8te, dangers, infamies and d.iMTaoes-frcAr. the certain and irretriev- able ruin of our country—we owe our salva- tion to the House of Lords, and the House of Lords alone. Does Mr. Asquith think we f going to abandon this great safeguard at our rights, our libert.es, our national exist- ence? Does he think we are going to do so, when we have received such i-n object lesson as to its prioress value? Does he think, in the language of Mr. Gladstone (27 September, 18'il,) "that we are gding to disintegrate the great capital institutions of the oountrv for the purpose of making ourselves ridiculous in the sight of all mankind ?" Does Mr. Asquith imagine we are going to do this for the pur- pose of placing uncontrolled power in the hands of a øet of poiiticaJ profii,gates, who joined hands with "the abettors and perpetra- tors of outrage"—the men "woo wish to march through rapino to the dismemberment of the E-ii-pire"-the men "whose avowed motto is hostility to England"—the men who have inaugurated "the boycotting that finds its sanction in mu-der, the men whose authen- tic doctrines a.re those of treason, assassina- tion" ? o, Let Mr. Asquith understand that. in the language of Sir William Harcourt (7 Dec., 1885), we shall leave such men in the company "of their Fenian allies," and to "stew in their Parneliite juioe till they stink in the nostrils of the country" !—I am, etc., CHARLES FELLOWS. Old Bank Chambers, Wolverhampton.

FRODSHAM SESSIONS. ♦ WEDNESDAY.—Before Messrs. J. Murray and H. P. Mortimer. A WARNING.—The bench granted an exten- sion of the opening hours ait the Bear's Paw Inn, Frodaham, for January 13th, on the occa- &ion of the farmers' ball, on the understanding that during the extra time only tliosc who had put up vehicles at the hotel could be served, and that local residents did not obtain drink after the usual hour. ENGINE-DRIVER'S OFFENCES —Richd. Roberts, engine-driver, of Waterloo-road, Lower Oruraps;611, Manchester, was summoned for three offences, the first that being tlie driveT of a heavy motoi-oar and drawing a trailer, he ex- ceeded the spoed of five miles an hour.—P.C. E. Roberta 6i«tud tliat at 9.10 pm, on Nov. 22nd he wae on duty in Main-street, Frodsham, when he saw defendant's engine ooming down the Rock at a speed of fiom twelve to thirteen miles an hour.—Defendant pleaded that he had run short of waier, and had to let the engine go at its own gp-ed.-A fine of 20s. and 9s. 6d. costs wae imposed.—Defendant wae aext- charged with not having his lighted lamp on the ex- treme right or offside of his heavy motor-car; also with not having the correct registered number fixod on the oar.-Sergt.. Breeze and P.C. J. Roberts proved the cases, starting that ait 5.45 p.m. on Nov. 23, when defendant was on the return journey after ti., previous offence, he was stopped, and it was found that his light was in th? centre of the engine, which was seven feet wide, instead of being on the ex- treme right. This was very dangxirous to traffic, as other drivers, thinking that tlie light was on the right side of the engine, might cause a collision. It was also found that thorc wae no identification piate on the back of the car Do- fendant told the witnesses that the proper hook for fixing tho light had bioken, but when spoken to he put the lamp in its posi-tio-n with- out any difficulty. With regard to the identi- fication plate, defendant said he had lost his plate, and chalked tho numbers on tlie car, unfortunately makiDg a mistake in the figures. —He was fined 5s. and costs for each oftence. ROUNDABOUT PROPRIETORS OF- FENCE.—Henry J. Wallace, rl-undabout pro- prietor, Seaforth, was summoned for wilfulty depositing ashes from a locomotive on the Chester-road, Diinham-o'-th'-Hil!. at 3.30 P.VL on December 3rd.-P.C. Brafct proved the o&w, and defendant was ordered to pay the costs <12s. 6d.). OTHER CASES.—George Herring ton, a labourer, of Frodsham Lordship, was fined 5a. for being drunk and disorderly in Church- atreot, Frodsham, an the evening of Nov. 23rd. while James Fletcher, labourer, Frodsham, was fined 18. 6d. and 8s. 6d. oasts for using abusive language on the eame date.

SPEED OF MOTOR-CARS.-Having bad their attention called to the speed of motor-oars in approaching Grosvenor Bridge, the Watch Committee have given instructions that two red triangular caution sign-posts as prescribed by the Motor Car Act, 1903, should be erected, one on either side of the bridge, at a distance of 50 yards therefrom. It was resolved that the Chief Con- stable be requested to examine all the road ap- proaches to the city, and report thereon and as to whether he considers anything further is neoes- sary in the way of indications for the guidance of motorists. ADVICE TO MOTHERS!-A- you broken of your rest by a sick child suffering with the paitis in cutting teeth? Go at once to a chemiat and get a bottle of Mrs. WINSLOW* SOOTHING SYRUP, which has been used or bO years by millions cf mothers for their chil- dren while teething with perfect success. It is pleasant to taste, produces natural, quiet sleep by relieving the child from pain, and the littJt cherub awakes as bright ae a button." It soothes the child, it softens the gums, allays aJ: pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and is the beat known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether ariwng from teething oc other causee Sold by Ohèmih everywhere at Is Hd per bottle. 1:iiiõo..z- Zc.l:1.JS:a- .IO- .HW'IiI.L:"Z.-I!t..?"t::z.-»":lr.AQtC: .-=.s; I Furnishing Goods f°r New Year's Gifts thte Lowest Possible Prices | at pTnTyfTpP'P FURNISHING STORES, •.«*«% £ l.tock I A REALLY at pTnTyfTpP'P FURNISHING STORES, •.«*«% £ l.tock I fi THE JL wA^i BOLD ST., LIVERPOOL. I All Purchases over 40s. 1 B | DELIVERED FREE to any 9 I CASH OR EASY H,RE PURCHASE TERMS. Catalogues and Terms Free. | in Qreat |

Captain Clark sa.id F Company could not be called a decaying one, and at camp they more than maintained their good reputation. The company was somewhat in a unique position at present, inasmuch as it possessed a full complement of officers. (Hear, hear.) He (the E1J{"ahr) had carried on the company for five years without an officer. They knew that changes were about to be made, but he felt that they would be accepted by every member of the company. He tha-nked the honorary members for their support. A rifle club had been formed in the village, which would in- crease tho popularity of rifle shooting. He proposed the health of Colonel WilJes, remark- ing that whatever ohanges were made he hoped the 2nd Battalion would remain intact, and that Colonel Willes would bo their com- manding officer. Colonel Willes, in reply, congratulated the company on its work and shooting. It had been mooted, he said, that the battalion would be reduced, and it seemed that in the past Flintshire and Denbighshire had been too patriotic. They all knew that Denbighshire were 1,000 strong, and so were Flintshire. -The suggestion was that each oounty should supply only 500 each, and form one batta- lion. He did not agree with this. He hoped they would be very good friends with their neighbours, but it would Lo very much better to remain separate, as lie thought that where there were few battalions as efficient, and in ellC-h a good financial state as these two it would be a bad thing to meddle with them. Nothing had been decided, but although the suggestion had been thrown out he hoped it would not oome to pats. The Colonel of the 1st RitloJio-q was sending in a petition to Mr. Haldane that the battalions be left alone, and he, on behalf of his own battalion, would do the same. The new scheme would cause a much harder time for the men, and the penal- ties would be much more severe, but. as far as ho could see, although they would be altered in name, and belong to the Territorial Army, they would belong to the 5th Battalion of the Royal Welch Fusiliers. As far as the condi- tions went anybody who joined before the 31st March next, would continue on the old lines. Anybody joi'iing after 31st March would come I under the now scheme, which meant a man would enlist for four ycais unless he could give his C.O. very good reasons why he should leave. The oamp in future would be for a fortnight. They would be paid Army rates of pay, a good deal better paid than in the past. (Hear, hear.) As far as drills, claes-firing, standard and physique, it would be very much the same as up to date. He thought, taken on the whole, the scheme would be a very good thing if carried out. Volunteers were to be taken much more seriously than in the past; in fact they wouJd be called the second line of defenoe. (Loud cheers.) Lieutenant Gordon Allison having proposed "Tlie Visitors," Captain Wilson (1st Battalion) replied, say- ing he thought the idea of Colonel Willes, in having a purely North Wales Brigade, was a good one. During the evening musical items were given by Captain Kington, Lieut. Allison, Lieut. Trevor Roper, and Private Maddocks. CONNAH'S QUAY COMPANY. On Thursday evening the annual supper and distribution of prizes in connection with K (Connah'o Quay) Company of the 2nd V.B. Royal Welch Fusiliers took place, and passed off very pleasantly. The function took place in the well-appointed Drill Hall, which had been gaily dcooratcd for the oocasion with flags and bunting, all in the national colours, and Chinese lanterns. The poular commander 01 the company (Captain C. Hurlbutt) presided over a good attendance, which included the followingLieut.-Colonel C. E. Willes, Major Dyson. Captain and Adjutant King- ton, Mr. J. W. Summers. Mir. E. Sydney Taylor, Captain Clark, Captain E. J. H. Williams, Lieut. Roberts, Lieut. Harrison, Lieut. E. Ll. Marriott, R.N., Quartesmaeter T. H. Haswell, Oolour-Sergeant Peel, Sergt.- Instructor Hill, Sergeant-Major Claridge, and Messrs. A. R. Daviee, J. V. Harris, Ed. BIano, W. H. Pox (Sealaiid), W. Reney, W. J. Williams (Shotton), Charlton, T. Patten, Dr. Whitholme, with the Rev. D. Evans.Apolo- gies for absence were received from Colonel ) Sheriff Roberts (who was indisposed), the Vicar, and Messrs. Williams, Davison, Bato, and tbe senior subaltern. After an excellent supper, catered for by Messrs. Bollands, Chester, the loyaj toasts were pledged. Ca.pt. Hurlbutt remarked that the occasion was very important, aa it was the last time they would meet at a Volunteer supper as Vol- unteers. Volunteers had played a striking part in history, and he instanced the work they did in defeating the Spanish Armada., and their assistanoe on tho occasion of Napoleon's threa- tened invasion about a century ago. The Volun- teers as at preeent existing wore formed about 50 years ago, and the service they had rendered was very creditable, the last notable fnstanoe being during tho South African war. At the end of March next they would cease to be Vol- unteers, and would become members of the ter- ritorial army. In the olde-n days Volunteers were called "dog shooters." Now it seemed they were going to the dogs altogether. They were going to be called "Terriers." (Laughter.) This, however, was not a matter of reproach, as terriois were a very fieroe fighting lot, and the Welsh breed would boot- them all. (R. ncwed laughter.) The onJy difference he could see in the new scheme was that, it would give him an opportunity of getting rid of "rotters, who had bean kept in the corps to cam the capitation granL Under the new scheme the capitation grant was more the concern of the County Association. The scheme would make no great changes, and what were made he hoped would be for the best, and that the men and the battalion would benefit. (Hear, hear.) Ho would like them to leave their battalion alone, but there were strong suggestions that the 1st and 2nd Battalions should be combined into one. Personally, ho thought that would never do. They were both good battalions, but he did not think they would mix very well. What- ever happonexl he hoped this would not be done, and if it was seriously proposed he would like to stir up a public agitation against it. If action was necessary, he hoped the County Council would assist them by petitioning the Army Council not to cut down the regiment of which they were all so justly proud. Rather let the battalions remain, and be given a chance to do in the future wh&t they had done in the past. {Applause.) He thanked the subscribers and the employers of labour, especially men- tioning Messrs. J. W. Summers, and announced that the local veteran shooting beam had offered for competition next year a ohallcngo cup or piece of plate. Continuing, the Captain said that the strength of the company this year was 94, the figures for the previous years being 84, 61 and 55 respectively. The classification in musketry was 95, the other figures to--in, 82, 55 and 60 respectively. But for tho loss of eight m011 who had joined other branches of the ser- vice tho strength would this year have been 103. There had been a great increase in the amount of Morris tube shooting, the quantity of ammunition expended in 1905 being 2.003 rounds, and this year it was 9,250. (Applause.) Mr. J. W. Summers then presented the prizes. The cup presented by Cap!. Hurlbutt for the highest score in cJass firing, company shoot. and tho Rhyi competition was won by Sergt. A. E.. Jones; that for the best recruit, presented by Mr. Davison, by Private J. E. Hughes; and that by the tradesmen of Connah's Quay for the beet shoo ing section by No. 1 section, in charge of Coir.-Sergt. Prince. On the motion of Capt. Hurlbutt, Mr. Sum- mers was thanked for his services. hi reply, Mr. Summers said he was glad to find from the figuics which had been read that they had gono up in strength from 65 to 94. He was glad for Capt. Ilurlbatt's sake. (Applause.) The Captain had been most assiduous and at- tentive as captain of tha company, and he dc-- eeivcd all the success he had achieved. (Hear, hear.) He congratulated him, moreover, on the fine body of man he had to command, and it r-eemed to him (Mr. Summers) that there was a good „«k?ial to be said for the Volunteers. He gave his time, he lout. a certain amount of pay during his oamp, and it sherved a great patriots ism in making these sacrifices for his country. Ho had no doubt that if the Volunteer were called upon to defend his country-tiid he hoped the need would never arise—he would be ready and willing to do his duty. (Applause.) Men- tioning the territorial scheme, Mr. Summers said it was not for him, a civilian, to criticise this scheme. It had been formulated by the finest Army experts that we had at the head of military affairs, and they must assume that it was the best poissible, scheme if thoroughly carried out. But it rested largely, almost en- tirely he might say, with the Volunteers them- selves to make this scheme a great sucoess. There was a County Association being formed to carry cut the scheme in that particular dis- trict, and he hoped as a member of that asso- ciation that, they would get. all the assistance they could. Mr. Haldane had given it as his opinion that he had every confidence that under the new scheme the Volunteer foroo would bo a groat strength to the Army, and would bo a splendid arm of tlie military service, and be much more efficient than it had been in the past. Of course it was impossible as yet to predict, or forecast what, the effect of the scheme would be. He knew the spirit of patriotism was alive throughout the country, and he wae toud that sinoe- the territorial scheme was for- mulated, recruits to the Volunteers had con- tinued to increase. If necessity arose for the R.W.F. to be enrolled for active service, he felt sure that K Company would be ready and fully competent, to defend our country. (Applause.) In conclusion he congratulated those who had won prizes, and the officers and men on their splendid efficiency. (Applause.) The to.a.st of "The Volunteers" was proposed by Mr. E Sydney Taylor, and ooupled with it were the names of Major Dyson and Capt. Ciark, who responded!.—"Our Guests" was also submitted, and coupled with it were tho names of Mr. J. V. Harris and Sergt. Peel.—The con- cluding toast was "K Company," which was proposed by Lient. CoL C. E. Willc&-Tlie ar- tis46 who contributed to tho harmony of the evening were Capt. Kington, Mr. Loui Parry (Chester), etc., the proceedings terminating with the rendering of the National Anthem. COL. DA VIE&-COOKE'S CRITICISM. Colonel B. G. Daviee-Oooke presided at the distribution of prizes in connection with the Mold (A) Company of the 2nd V.B.R.W.F. on Thursday evening. The Colonel said they lived in momentous times, especially for those Volunteers in North Wales, where best regi- ments it was proposed to reduce to half bat- talions, for that was what Lord Lucas, Mr. Haldane's secretary, bad, been deputed to tell them a.t the representative meeting, held last month at Denbigh, and convened by the Lords Lieutenant of Flintshire and Denbighshire. He felt it was a dagger in hie 'heart to be told that the fine regiment to which he had devoted over a quarter of a centuiry of the best. of his life, and on which had been quoted by the best authorities ae one of tho finest in the ser- vcie, was to be reduced. Surely some weaker corps and some worse dis- ciplined men might have been taken. He was a member of the County Association, and whenever ho had the opportunity he should speak tip for the Volunteers of Flintshire. (Cheers.) He lad heard a rumour that if pressure wae brought at the right time and the right place they might get this proposal regarding Flintshire and Denbighshire Volun- teers rescinded, and that a division would bo formed of North Wales men also. He was in hopes that they might get that part of the scheme appertaining to them altered or miti- gated. They might depend upon it the County Association would do all they could to cur- mount the difficulties which they thought they saw before them, and to further the interests of the Volunteer movement in North Wales. (Loud applause.) Besides the support of his friends, he had been helped to his decision to support the County Aseooiation. by an over- powering feeding of loyalty to his Kimg, who had called the Lords-lieutenant together and aaked their co-operation. He would bow to the wish of his King, and putting all other feelings aside, as the senior d^pirty-Jieutenant of the county, he would support the Lord- lieutenant He begged them all as old com- rades to follow his load and rely for an im- provement of the position on most humble and reepeotful petitions to his Majesty, to which he felt sure the King would not turn a deaf ear. (Applause.) BUCKLEY ENGINEERS. The annual supper and prize presentation of the Buckley Engineers was held on Thursday evening. The members paraded at the head- quarters, Mill-lane, at 7 p.m., and, headed by their fine band, under the leadership of Banel- master Arthur Griffiths, they marched to the parieh room, Lane End, where an excellent supper was served by Sergeant and Mm. John Jones. In the unavoidable absence of the com- manding officer (Major R. Cecil Davies), who is in Spain, owing to the serious illness of his daughter there, Lieut. David Fraser presided,, and he wae supported by Surgeon-Captain Lunt, Lieut. Haswell, Chaplain the Rev. D. H. Pierce, Capt. W. Newton (2nd V.B.R.W.F.), Captain Williamoon, Q.M.S. Lockwood, Q.M.S. Davies, Sergt. D. Thomas, Corporal Morris (20(1 Earl of Chester's Volunteers), Scrgt.-Major Woods (3rd Corporal Sparks (A.R.M.C.), Trooper Sullivan (Cheshire I.Y.), and Messrs. George J. Roberts, Hugh Moore, Howard Evans, W. H. Hallmark, George H. Fisk, and the non-com- missioned officers of the corps. Lieut. Fraser said that t.he present strength of the corps was 132, so 28 recruito were required to get up to the full strength of 160, and in the name of the commanding officer he would again offer the same prizes as last year for the member intro- duoing the larges-t number of recruite. The camp at Clhatham was a most instructive one, and he was very glad to say that the members' behaviour in camp could not have been better. It had boon a very bad season for their musketry courses, owing to the many wet days, but, not- withstanding this, 47 members and 7 recruits had fireel their clacss, and out of that total there were 17 marksmen. 13 2nd class shots, and two 3rd shots, and the average of the lot was 71 points. Next year's camp would most probably bo held at Abergavenny, Mid-Wales, but before that there would be some very important changes in the Volunteer force, and they would by then have become part of the new Territorial Army scheme, or, indeed, might possibly be put out of existence altogether. But the officers were going to try all they knew to put before the proj)cr authorities the importance of retaining them as Engineers, owing to the fact that Buckley was a good centre to obtain good engineers, because of the class of men employed in the district. He was very sorry that he had to take the place of Major Daviee that evening, and particularly for the cause of his absence,1 U- but he was very pleased to say that Miss Davie.s was repidly regaining health and strength, and he proposed to eenel a telegram in the morning conveying the officers' and members' congratula- lations to Major and Miss Davies on her recovery, and telling Major Davies that they had spent a most enjoyable evening. (Applause.) Captain Newton, in presenting the prizes, reo marked the corps had always been so officiently officercd by the successive commanders, Major Gibson, Major Lamb and Major R. Cecil Davies, and now Licut. Fraser had shewn them that he had a thorough grasp of the work of the corps and could take charge, as he had done that night. Other toasts honoured were The Command- 1 ing- Officer,' "The Chairman," "Surgeon-' Captain Lunt," "Lieut. Harwell," "The Visitor^ and "The Entertainers." At intervals during the proceedings various items were oon- tributed by Sergeant Hiornas (violin solos), Mr. W. H, Hallmark (recitations), the Rev. D. H. Pierce ;■ ketch), and songs by Trooper Sulli-' van. "Corporal Morris. Postman Yates (late 8}lwp.<;hirz:s), Sappers Peters and Fitton. Air. George H, Fisk was an efficient accompanist. The following were the principal prize- winners:—Cias3 Firing, trained men: 1, 2nd Corporal Joseph Hop wood. 95; 2. Sergt. Robert Fox, 93; 3, 2nd Corporal Enoch Hughes 91. Recruits: 1, Sapper Arthur Griffiths.0 112; 2, Sapper D. Griffiths, 97. Cup Competition: 1, Corpl. Jcs. Mountforel, 5&, £ 3 and cup, value ten guineas (presented by Major R. Cecil Davies); 2, SNgi, Samuel Peters, 54; 3, 2nd Corporal Enoch Hughes, 54; 4, Q.M.S. S E. Gregory, 52; 5, 2nd Corporal Harry Connah. 51. Drill Handi- cap: 1, 2nd Corporal Harry Connah, 88; 2, 2nd Corporal Enoch Hughes, 75; 3, Corporal Joseph Mount ford, 73. Recruits: 1, Sapper T. P. Gerken. 18; 2, Sapper A. Griffiths, 17. Aggre- gate Prizes: 1, 2nd Corporal Harry Connah, 105; 2, Q.M.S. S. E. Gregory, 104; 3, 2nd Corporal Enoch Hughes, 98. Tradesmen's Competition: 1, C.S.M. J. T. Hopwood, 24; 2, SeTgt. R. Edwards. 24; 3, Sapper A. Titton, 23; 4. Sargt.- Instructor W. P. Adams. 22; 5, Sergt. S. Peters, 21; 6, Sapper W. Bithcll, 21; 7, 2nd Corporal R. Ellis, 21; 8, Sapper J. H. Jones, 20.

of view. Given the assistance of from 30 to 40 strong, able-bodied youths, who wish to study practical agriculture as well as the scientific side, there should be no possibility of a loss on the actual farming op?rations, especially when the fact that the farm is neither charged with rent, rates, taxes nor instructors is taken into ac- count. I venture to say tliat there are many members of the Agricultural Committee who share my opinion, and it would be useful in for- mation to the ratepayers generally if Dr. Hodg- son could be instrumental in having published in the papers a list of the pupils who have passed through the College during the past five years, denoting how many of these young gen- tlomen are. making their way as agriculturists, What, explaxiation can be given of the fact that 20 dairy cows (some of which the Doctor even went BO far as to say gave 1,000 gallons of milk a year), only produced milk worth J3249. And how comes it when this E249 worth of milk is passed fhro-ugh the Dairy Acoount, it produces & lose of JB79. 6s. lid., or 33 per cent, of the whole value? The Doc- tor says "all these things want understand- ing." If he is conversant with the whole matter, perhaps he will kindly furnish the public with satisfactory information, and I for one will bo the first to express regret, if it is found that I have found fa-ult umieccs- earily. In order to throw duet in the eyes of the Inoe electors the Doctor stated that money oould be got out of the £ 100,000 grant in aid of building a new school, and that in this case the ratepayers would not be called upon for a penny more than they are now paying, and he further said that he had a direct intima- tion from the Government officials that it was to such a C3.00 as Ince that a grant would be mode. I call upon Dr, Hodgson to prove this latter statement, as I for one do not believe that this £ 100,000 grant was ever intended to meet suoh a casj as the Ince School. Mr. Ward, in his very full report on the marter, said not a word about this extra grant, but he threw out a sort of sugglekstion that, inste.ad of the three townships paying two-thirds of the capital sum, they should only pay one-half, whioh would slightly reduce the extra rate they would be called upon to pay. I ventured to suggest that the statement made by Dr. Hodgson, wdt-h regard to the Winsford School, would wear a very different complexion, if correctly stated by someone who knew the facts. Mr. Stables has, I am glad to eay, taken the trouble to put the true facts before the public. I should like also to know from Dr. Hodgson why the special com- rr.ittee (of which he its a member) appointed in February last, to consider the Government Auditor'e report (which to my mind was a very eeve-e one), and also to take into account the whole question of the financial administra- tion of the ecfucation funds, has not yet thought it worth while to hold a meeting. What non- senee to talk of economical administration. In conclusion, I must say that the chairman of an important body such as the Education Committee should look upon hie position a little more furiously than to (Stump the oounty at a byfveleotion. make statements which are open to question, and use slang in order to further the interests of someone who he feels sure will be a strong supporter of "progressive, methods.The chairmen of important bodies are usually chosen for their fair-mindtcdneae and entire absence of bias, and I venture to suggest that as Dr. Hodgson has not oome up to this h-igh stand-a-rd, it would be a graceful aoad weloome proceeding if he handed in hie port- folio.—Yours faithfully, CHARLES E. LINAKER. The Rock, Frodeharo, 19th December, 1907. +