The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

CHRISTillASTIDE. t

CHRISTMAS IN OLD NESTON. Those whose memory goes back more than seventy years will remember quaint scenes in this Wirral market town. Long before Isaac Watt's hymn began to be sung on The Cross, Christmas Eve was usually augmented by a well-known eon of Neston, commonly called "Dicky Handley," whose band consisted of his fiddle and a humorous company of vivacious volunteers. The performance was that of seranading the respective friends of Dickey, by calling out each respective family's name and wishing Christmas joy to the household. When the church clock had signalled the midnight hour, the choir approached the Vicarage, and there began the annual round by singing "Lift up your heads with joyful hope, salute this happy morn," varied with "Ariee and hail the sacred day, cast all low cares of life away and thoughts of meaner things." Eventually the bells pealed out the joyful sound of "Jesus saves." In the parish church, Tate and Brady's old hymn, "While shepherds watched their flocks by night" was rendered, supplemented by Charles Wesley's well-known hymn, Hark the herald angels sing." John Byrom's now famed "Christians awake" had not then reached old Neston. Down through the ages Christmas time has brought untold joy to the lordly castle and also to the cottage home. In much of this consists our old "theology." Those that are averse may well stand aside and survey this festival's surround- ings, and therefore soe what Christian Socialism has done, and what it is doing, for the better- ment of mankind. The sun that bids us rest io waking our kith and kin in the distant pan. of our vast Empire, and they are doubtless taking up and enjoying also our Christmas refrain concluding with Bishop Hcber's famous linos— Waft, waft, ye winds his story, And you ye waters roll, Till like a sea of glory, It spreads from pole to pole, Till o'er our ransomed nature, The Lamb for sinners slain, Redeemer, King, Creator, Returns in bli&s to reign.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS IN SUNNY ITALY. To avoid the damp, chilly and dull days Merry England is heir to, we leave for a winter sojourn in Naples, and take a Booth liner from Liverpool, and after a short but delight- ful sea passage in the sumptuous R.M.S. Anselm arrive in France at Havre. From here rapide trains take us to Paris, Bala, Lucerno, Lugano, Milan, Geneva, Pisa, and Rome, through magnificent panoramas, until we ap- proac-h in the early morning our goal, and see the sunrise in all its wealth orf glory casting its rosy, golden dawn around Vesuvius that throws off its purple mantle of smoke in strik- ing contrast. Arriving at the principal station at seven 0 clock amid the hurry and bustle of the gaily attired inhabitants, we get a good view of the city, and notice its fine square blocks of deli- cately coloured i?ione buddings, with good shops along the thoroughfares, intersected by spacious squares, ornamented with trees, statues and fountains. The general appearance of Naples, seen from the hills, suggests an enormous anipi-lith-eatre with the bays as its arena; the blue, clear waters glisten like sea shells in the hot sun, and from 'he esplande rise^ tier above tier, beaut'ful villa terraces in semi-circular form, that make a striking effect. Two of the principal streets, Via Roma and Via Chiaia, whose six-storeyed houses have windows with balconies and green shutters all the way up, above the attractive shops, are rot wide onough for the enormous traffic, which requires a London policeman to control it. The broad staircase-like ways that lead down to them reminds one of Clovelly in Devonshire. Hundreds of handsome churches and institutions claim attention, so we go first to the splcnd'd granite Cathedral of S. Gen- naro, built en the site of the Pagan temples Apollo and Neptune. Tho wholo facade is of the 13th century; the inside of the building has a nave and two aisles in the form of a Latin cross. The wood ceiling is of the 14th century, decorated with three paintings and two ovals by Fordi. The high altar is of choice marble, the baptismal font is an Egyptian vase ct basalt on a porphyry base, adorned with at- tributes of Caccus, in which the Pagans burnt their offerings of blood There are many side chapels, but that of St. Januarius, which is also called the treasury (Tasoro), because of the immensa quantity of jewels, silver statues and busts it contains. The paintings in this chapel are on plates of silvered copper by tho merit, celebrated artists of the time. The Saint's blocd is hermetically scaled in two silver and glass phials, and is kept in the taber- nacle, and liquifi-es in a miraculous way on tho 1st Saturday in May, 19th September, and the 36th December. It was shewn to us on this last date by the priests. There are two Royal palaces, one in the eentro of the city, t.he other at Capodimonte. Each is full of art in all its branches, but I like the one in the city best. There is less of the exhibition about it The National Museum is full of treasures, objects from Pompeii, Roman and Greek sculp- tures, and a splendid picture gallery. San Martino is also a m-useum on the summit of a hill overlooking Naples and the bay. It was there at this celebrated monastery that the liqueur "Chartreuse" was made in 1856. The splendid public gardens (Villa Nazzonalle), about a mile in length, runs parallel with the sea front, has lovely PALMS AND ACACIA trees, grand statuary, marble and bronze foun- tains, aquarium, art and tennis club. The municipal band of eighty professors discourse tho symphonies of eminent composers during the afternoon from their stand, while we sit under the trees listening and sipping our coffee, brought from the cafe in the grounds, and see the rank and fashion of the period pro- menade. It is nice to see the tender care shewn to the children by the fine, healthy pea- sant. nurses, that are attired in neat, yet very gay, dresses, wearing massive gold ear-rings and combs, with head-dresses of rich wide silk ribbon, with streamers almost reaching to their feet. "Cook's" have their tourist offices in the Galleria Vittoria, which is a commodious new building of circular form, with three storeys of shops, with glass dome roof. A band plays daily from 5 to 7, and there are also free to Cook's patrons smoking and reading rooms with English papers, magazines, and writing materials. There are twelve theatres, of which S. Carlo is the most magnificent, with six tiers of boxes and a gallery. Here many stars have received their baptisi-P. All the opera houses are open, for the season is now in full swing. The gallery, Umberta II., is a splendid arcade, after the style of Milan, but more ornamented inside. It is a useful place to meet friends, being central, and having good shops and restaurants. We go back from to-day and meet the past face to face at Pompeii, for nowhero in the world can the life of ancient Romans be understood as in this walled city, founded by the Italian people in the sixth cen- tury before the Christian era. We wander through the silent streets and roofless houses, and there on the walls of these palatial resi- dences are masterpieces in frescoes and paint- ings that speak volumes for design and colour execution. Copies of these pictures have been made by that clever and painstaking Neapoli- tan artiet, Signor V. Loria, who, after years of diligent work, has now these masterpieces of intricate art reproduced by oromo-liiho- graphy in two volumes, explained in different ,u languages. They have been bought by the crowned heads and Royal families of Europe. To this gentleman I am indebted for the very lucid description of all that is Pompeiian. The dispositions of these edifices shew the magni- ficence and sumptuous life led by the nobles of their day. The marble baths, with peristyle and wails adorned by beautiful scenes, the floors of floral pattern mosaics, depict luxury. Jewellery, bronzes, statues, armoury, house- hold utensils, glass and pottery ware, skeletons, mummified bodies, hen's eggs and food, are shewn in the museum, but many objects have been placed in tho National Museum at Naples. The city was, indeed, the pleasure resort of the rich, who lavished their wealth in amuse- ments of the Pagan epoch. Beautiful villas were built in the Doric style. and there were paved streets with magnificent public monuments. The large open theatre would accommodate 5,000 people, with three orders of seats. A separate entrance led to a gallery for women, who viewed the spectacle from behind a lattice, so as not to be seen. The long narrow stage was decorated with statues and columns; and a reservoir of water behind the stages was used to send down a light artificial rain to refresh the audience during the heat. In the BARRACK OF GLADIATORS inscriptions were found regarding the life- combats and victories of the gladiators. Under the Barrack are the prisons. Here two men were found in the stocks. Altogether 70 human skelotons have been taken from this building. The Triangular Forum has a por- tico of 100 columns. It was used as a waiting- place for theatre-goers. The Civil Forum was a public mting place, and courts of law, paved with marble slabs, Doric and Ionic columns of white marble. The area was decor- ated with statues of illustrious citizens. There are temples of Hercules, Jupiter, Agustus, and Vesta., with sanctuaries for sacrifices; halls used for banquets, and paintings depicting the meeting of the -ods-fome of these recently excavated have a wonderful freshness. The ruins of Ilorculaneum, discovered about 30 yards under ground, are of little interest after Pompeii, so we go to Pasetum, which is like being transported to ancient Greece. Here is a eigh/t of a once groat city founded by Greek colonisits 600 B.C., and three Greek temples built in tlic early pait of tbo 5tli century B.C. The temple of Neptune is the best example pre- served of Greek Doric architecture in exist- built in the early pait of the 5th century B.C. The temple of Neptune is the best example pre- served of Greek Doric architecture in exist- ence. Standing on an almost deserted plain, between great purple mountains and the green- blue sea, the situation of the temples is most

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WINDFALL FOR A COLLEGE.—The death is announced of Lady Pearoo, widow of Sir William Pearoo. The will of Sir William, which was published only on Saturday last, directed that on the death of his wife property, valued at over £400,000, should go to Trinity College, Cambridge.

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From a weather point of view Christmas Day Was not of the old-fashioned" type that is associated with snow-laden roofs and trees and ice-covered ponds. But if it lacked those charms, it brought a more seasonable temperature than we have experienced on many former anniversaries. Except for a slight fall of rain in the early morning hours, the weather remained fine throughout the day, and the prevalence of a bitter easterly wind gave a zest to fireside joys. Of all the days of public recognition in the year, Christmas Day is perhaps the most closely observed. The historic plum-pudding nicti.itains an honoured place on every English table, and the plump turkey is still slaughtered in undiminished numbers for the great feast; while in spite of recent legislation there have been no signs of the threatened decadence of the good old custom of Yuletide gifts. That such gifts tend, irrespective of their intrinsic value, to preserve and strengthen mutual regard between friends, and particularly employers and their servants, is beyond dispute. Then this is essentially the season of charity and the necessity for it. It is a good thing to remember that in a report which they issued not long ago the Charity Commissioners observed in defence of the policy they had been pursuing, that never has the tide of charity flowed with such I ace and volume as now. Tnanks to the organised Christmas charities, the 1 or of Chester were not forgotten. All the necessitous children in the city were given the customary dinner in the Market Hall the Sharitl similarly entertained the children.of the Industrial ±nd Bishop Graham's Schools and a happy day was spent by the inmates of the Workhouse and the children in the Union homes. In another direction the Christmas spirit was manifested by t-,be waits and carol singers, who ushered in the morning with their music, and sang and played imo the small hours. Special services were held in all the churches, which were seasonably dhCcrated. A great attraction to those on pleasure 1 ?nt was the football match on the Sealand-road ground. CHILDREN S PARTIES AT EATON- On Boxing Day and on Friday, the Duke and Duchess of Westminster kindly entertained the children of the neighbouring villages at Eaton as usual. On the first day there were present 224 children from Aldford and Eccleston, and yester- day there were 189 children from Saighton and Dodleston. On each occasion there was a hand- some Christmas tree laden with gifts, which were distributed among the little guests, who greatly enjoyed themselves. The Duke and Duchess and several members of the house party joined in the proceedings. POOR CHILDREN'S DINNER. It is gratifying to know that no child in Chester, however poor, need go without a good dinner on Christmas Day. For many years past the poorest children in tho city have beon entertained at the Market Hall, and the function took place on this occasion with per- haps greate.- success than in any previous year. The Market Hall annexe was converted into a bright and comfortable dining hall by the decoration of the walla, the furnishing of long wh^te-covered tables adorned with plants and flowers, and the introduction of efficient heat- ing arrangements. Tickete had previously oen issued by the organisers of the dinner to all clergy and ministers in the city, who ac- cepted the responsibility of distributing them to all needy children in their respective dis- tricts. In this way precaution was taken, as far as is possible, against an abuse of the oharity. To the number of about 1,350 the children filed into the hall in orderly proces- sion by the Princess-street entrance, and were fed with appetising hot-pot to their hearts' content. Lively tunes were played during the repast by Messrs. Marohants' string band, and the youngsters manifested the exuberance of their spirits by joining in popular airs with lusty voices and deafening knife and fork accompaniment The proceedings were not without an element of pathos. Said one little 1--d, not older than nine, to Mrs. Golder, "Missis, give us a bit of paper." "What for?" "I want to take my mince pie home to mother; she has no Christmas treat." Another wanted to take half of his mince pie to "the baby brother at home." Each child was pre- sented with a cracker and an orange on leav- ing. Grace was said by the Mayor (Alderman John Jones), and the Bishop of Chester and the Rev. Father Kirby were among the very few clergy who put in an appearance. The duties of hon. secretary and treasurer were carried out jointly, as in former years, by Mr. Jwn,m T. Golder and Mr. W. L. Davies, to whom the city is greatly indebted for the arduous labours they have given ungrudgingly in this cause for many years. Appended are the names of the helpers:—Mr. and Mrs. Ohalton, Mr. T. Davies, Mr. L. Davies, Mrs. Golder, Dr. King, Mr. and Mrs. Jolliffe, Miss Donnellan, Mrs. W. L. Davies, Miss Davice, Mr. Maclean Graham, Miss Pa-rry, Miss Davids, Miss Butt, Miss Nutting, Mr. Curlett, Miss Parry, Mr. and MNJ. Walley, Miss Thornthwaite, Mr. Taylor Harrison, Mrs. W. H. Brown, Miss Thornthwaite, Miss Delaoy, Miss Marshall, Mr. W. Wright, Mrs. E. H. Davies, Miss Lawson Miss Butt, Miss Thomp- son, Mr. G. Cochrane, Miss Wiseman, Alm. Henderson, Miss Marshall, Mr. L. Ohallinor, i Mrs. Lamb; Miss Marshall, Miss Sewell, Mr. Lamb, Miss Fraser, Mrs. T. J. Powell, Mr. Sprang, Mrs. Phillips, Miss Ruby Davies, Mr. Pa>tin, Miss W. Davies, Miss A. Smith, Mr. Hugh Dutton, Miss Basaott, Miss Roberts, Miss Hudson, Miss Ford, Mr. Griffiths, Mr. and Mrs. H. T Hinoks, Miss Dutton, Miss Egerton, Mass Muirhead, Miss Dodd, Mr. Weighill, Mr. Hugh Hincks, Mies B. Dutton, Miss Fee, Miss Arnold, Miss Bell, 11 Dodd, Mr. Weighill, Mr. Hugh Hincks, Miss B. Dutton, Miss Fee, Miss Arnold, Miss Bell, Mr. Stanley Dutton, Miss Price, Miss Ilaslem Davies, Miss W. Fee, Miss Cottier, Mr. H. W. Dutton, Nurse Roberts, Miss L. Dutton, Miss Matthews, Mrs. Hail, Miss Fairbrother, Nurse Hodges, Miss D. Dutton, Miss Atherton, Mr. Matthews, Miss ilollis, Mr. Massey, Mies Dooge, Nurse Black, Miss West, Mr. J. Dooge, Miss Haslem Davies, and six curses frosq King's Buildings. Carvers: Mr. Hincks, Mr. W. H. Denson, Mr. R. Farmer, Mr. G. Parker, Mr. J. W. Henderson, Dr. Harrison, Mr. S. Brittain, Mr. Sunter, Mr. J. G. Hardie, Mr. Grif. Roberts, Mr. W. H. Brown, Mr. F. own, Mr. R. Hayes, Mr. Harley. Mince pies: Mr. J. Day, Mr. Stone. Crackers: Mr. H. B. Dutton, Mr. R. S. Johnson. Water servers: Mr. Hayes, Mr. Hodgson. Special helpers: Mr. Wiseman, Mr. W. Dutton, Mr. W. Shcpheaid, Mr. Lightfoot Walker, Mr. E. H. Davies, Mr. A. Dodds. THE SHERIFF'S DINNER. The annual dinner given by the Sheriff of Chester to tho children of the Industrial School, Boughton. and Bishop Graham's School, took piaoc- an Christmas Day in tho Industrial School. PectJiar interpst was attached to the functiolI1 i-n view of the probable closing of the school at an early date. The school'-corn was beautifully decorated, and the children, to the number of 175 (66 belonging to Boughton and 109 to Bishop Graham's School attacked a substantial fare of roast beef and plum pudding. There was a large staff of willing waiters, who were unre- mitting in their efforts to empire the happiness of the little guests. Messrs. E. Lloyd, C. F. Jackson, W. John--on, J. C. Okell and J. Wil- liamson acted aa carvers. The visitors in- cluded the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. John Jones), the Sheriff (Mr. J. M. Frost), the R?v. and Mrs. F. Edwards and family, Miss Kynaston, Mr. and Mrs. John Hodgson Wynne, Mr. W. Ferguson, Mr. 0. Po-ikingiiorne, the Rev. T. E. Evans, Mi-. R. Lawrence, Mr. W. H. Churton, Mr. W. A. V. Churton. Miss H. L. Churton, Mr. G. E. Oidmeadow, Mr. W. Gamon Lockwood, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Lanoeley, Mr. J. H. Laybourno, Mr. J. Williamson, Mr. G. H. Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. James Frost, Mr. R. Lamb, Mr. E Lloyd, Mr. R. Lloyd, Mr. C. F. Jackson, etc. Mr. W. II. Churton, president of the School Committee, moved a vote of thanks to the Sheriff for providing the dinner, and mentioned that there was a possibility, though not an ac- tual certainty, that this was the last time the Slieriff would have the privilege of providing a Christmas dinner for the children. He could not tell how many years ago it was that his lave uncle, Mr. John Churton. originated the school. an-d gave the piece of ground on which the present buildings were erected. Ho could say, however, that the school had been of the greatest usefulness to Chester and tho sur- rounding district—(hear, boar)-and to him it was lamentable to think there was a possibility of tha.t being the last Christmas dinner in the school. The Sheriff, who was rec?ived with cheers, wished all present a merry Christmas and a happy now year, and said he could quite under- stand the regret of the managers at the thought of t.h3 school being closed, and ho pi d that course would 00 avoided. That school bad done a valuable work, and he trusted that the boys who would bo leaving in tho future would carry out the principles of training which had been inculcated by the masters. He had been reminded that the school was built in 1856, the year in which lie (the Sheriff) was born, so that it formed a peculiar coincidence if he was to be the last Sheriff to provide the Christmas din- ner. He hoped, however, that he would not be the last Sheriff to carry out this custom, but that it would continue for many years. (Ap- plause.) Mr. W. Ferguson proposed a vote of thanks to the- donors, which was heartily carried. L Mr. R. H. Lanceley, replying on behalf of the donors, said if this was the last time they would have their Christmas dinner there, they had the satisfaction of knowing that tho insti- tution had contributed to the well-being of the community in the old city, and many a boy had rceeived thore the only training he had ever had a.nd the foundation of every success in which he might happen to have been favoured- The names of Churton and Frost would always be gratefully remembered in connection with Boughton. On leaving, each child received two apples, two oranges, a cracker, a packet of sweets, and a new penny. The donors and gifts were: The Mayor, box of oranges the Sheriff of Chester, barrel of apples; Mrs. Pitcairn Campbell, box of oranges; Mrs. Bullen, oranges and illustrated papers; Mr. R. H. Lanceley, barrel of apples; Mr. J. E. Okell and Miss Orton, Tattonhall, ditto Sir Horatio Lloyd, 250 crackers; Mr. F. H. Lloyd, packets of sweets; Mrs. J. D. Sid- dali, football; Mr. J. E. Hasweli, illustrated papers; Messrs. R. Bolland and Sons, largo cake; Mr. J. A. Kendrick, mottoes and paper for decorations. THE WORKHOUSE. The workhouse inmates were entertained on Christmas Day in the usual manner, and no efforts were spared by the master and matron and their staff to make the day as happy aa possible. The room was brightly decorated, and presented a very festive appearance. A sub- stantial dinner consisted of roast beef, potatoes, vegetables and plum pudding, and the fact that 5001b. of beef, 6001b. of vegetables and 6001b. of J pudding were consumed shews the formidable scale on which the catering was done. The inmates were afterwards presented with oranges, tobacco and snuff. A number of visitors who were present included Mr. T. Nixon (chairman of the Board of Guardians), Mra. Douglas, Mr. H. Crowder, the workhouse chaplain, and Mr. C. Polk inghome. Presents were given to the inmates by the following:-Miea Lilian Trelawny (sweets), evergreens from the Grosvenor Park and from Mr. Foster (Pulford), Mrs. Swetenham (toys), Mrs. Caratairs Jones (case of oranges and snuff), ladies at the Temperance Hall, George- street (Christmas tree), Mr. J. McLean Graham, Christleton (tobacco), Alderman Vernon (grapes), Mrs. Walmsley (Christmas letters), Mr. Lightfoot (apples), the Mayor (box of oranges), Messrs. Martin and Co. (case of oranges), MeærB. Bollands (cake). Mr. Kendrick delighted about seventy children in his role of Santa Claus. After dinner the house was thrown open, and dancing was indulged in between the hours of six and ten o'clock. Christmas Day festivities also took place at the Children's Homes. CHRISTMAS AT THE DEPOT. On Christmas Day the men stationed at the Chester Castle were entertained at a sumptuous dinner in the spacious dining-hall, which had been tastefully decorated for the occasion with evergreens, etc. Sergt.-Major Ryan presided over a company of about 70. Afterwards the men gave cheers for the commanding officer, officers, and for Sergt.-Major Ryan. On Bank Holiday evening a most successful concert was held in the oanteen, and was largely attended. It opened with the toast of "The King," which was drunk with musical honours. THe following enjoyable programme was gone through :—Sergt. Usher, "A Warrior Bold"; Mr. H. Williams, "The Friar of Orders Grey" (encore, "Tho Vicar of Bray"); Q.M.S. Scott., "If those eyes could only see" (encore, "Sing that melody again"); Mr. Fiak, "Tim Finagan's Wake" Mr. Dickin- son, "Hold your row" (encore, "What for"); Mr. Ruffle, "Sweet Genevieve"; Mr. Nugent, "The Interfering Parrot" and "Chin Chin Chinaman" Private Hogg, The Irish Jaunting Car"; Mr. Williams, "The Village Blacksmith" Mr. Evans, "I'm following in father's foot- steps Mr. Lewis. "Marv" and A nilqrfff- hv I members of the regimental band. During the interval the Chairman proposed the health of Major Gosoot and the officers, and spoke of their pleasure at serving under such capable officers as were those at the depot. The Major's efforts were always for the good of the men. The toast was received most enthusiastically, the men cheering and singing "For they are jolly good fellows." At the conclusion of the programme Q.M.S. Scott proposed the health of Sergt.- Major Ryan, and it was received in a warm manner. The evening's proceedings were brought to a close at about 10.30 by the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem. The civilian friends who had so kindly assisted with the programme were afterwards entertained in the sergeants' mess. On New Year's Day the sergeants will hold their annual dance, when a large attendance is expected. CHILDREN'S HOME. I An enjoyable time was spent at the Chil- dren's Homo, Wrexham-road, on Christmas Day. The children hung up their stockings overnight, and Mr. Preston (the superin- tendent) as Santa Claus filled them with small toys. A substonf'al tea was served, and sub- sequently the juveniles were entc-rtained with a huge Christmas tree. Toys and fruit were sent by the following: -ialr. Lloyd, Mr. Jones, Mrs. Whitlow, Mia. Turnook, Alderman Ver- non, Mr. Or itch low, and many others. Among those present at tho Christmas tree were Mr. and Airs. Howard Ward, Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Ward, Miss Ethel Wynn Ward, etc Many well-known tradespeople sent hampers of fruit, toys, etc. RECORD POSTAL WORK. The General Post Office presented a busy scene oil Christmas Eve, many people having de- ferred the posting of their Christmas corre- 5pandcnoe and parcels until tho last moment, in "pi oÐ of the appeal which is made by tho authorities for early posting. The duties of the officials of every gi ado are always extremely arduous during the Christmas season, but the postmaster (Mr. Noble) informed our represen- tative that tho work undertaken on this occa- sion was heavier than the 0 d0st servant has oy-or before experienced. The postings on Christmas Eve taxed their re.sources to the utmost, while the number of parcels dealt with was also largely in cxecss of last year. The number of parcels deuvared on Christmas morn- ing were 400 in cxccss- of Last year, while on the morning of Boxing Day the number shewed an increase of no fewer than 1,000 compared with last year. In the parcel sorting office at the General Railway Station the postmaster in- tioduoed an entirely new system of working, by which increased and better accommodation was afforded. The result of the alteration was en- tirely satisfactory, the whole of the enormous mass of parcels being disposed of without the slightest delay, and every paroel mail waa dealt with immediately on its arrival. Postmen com- pleted their deliveries on Christmas morning much earlier than in former yoars. The staff of postmen was augmented by eight men, who had undergone a sp-cial training during the past month for tho Christmas pressure. A large number of additional sorters were also engaged, and the Drill Hail had to be requisitioned as a temporary sorting office. Rural postmen were despatched fiom tliefe, and by a new arrange- ment all letter work for the sub-offices was transacted there, thus greatly relieving the con- gestion at tho head office and the station office. The total number of parcels delivered! on Christmas Day was 1,396, and on Boxing Day 1,364. Almost every postman had assistance, some bo Lag provided with handcarts and others with men. Rural postmen had to travel on their rounds by horse and cart instead of by bicycle, and the collections from the town offices were made with the aid of houses and carts in- stead of the usual handbags. Hourly collec- tions of letters were made from the town sub- offices. There were record despatches for t.he NVolsh mails in the morning, no fewer than 236 baskets being sent by the mail on Christmas morning. In addition to these, the eleven o'clock trains carried 186 baskets ona morning and 194 on tho other. The amount of letters delivered in Chester on Christmas Day was quite five times as large as that of an ordinary day, and the want of accommodation was par- ticularly felt in the letter department A notable feature of the paroel traffic was the secure manner in which the parcels were gener- ally packed, the postmaster stating that the public packed their parcels much better than they uaed to do. In tho thousands of parcels which passed through the officials' hands ex- ceedingly few were found to be broken or torn in any way. In former years the over- worked officials have experienced no little in- convenience at this season in regard to meals, but on this occasion the new postmaster ccn- siderately enlisted the services of a refresh- ment caterer, who supplied the wants of the men on the premises during the busiest period, when many of them worked sixteen and seven- teen hours a day. The postmaster, who him- self put in sixteen hours of work per day, addressed his staff on Christmas night, con- gratulating them on the efficiency of their work, and stating that he had never in his ex- peri-enco seen men work better and more wil- lingly. As a result the enormous postal mat- ter was dealt with without the slightest hitch. INCREASED RAILWAY TRAFFIC. There was an increase in the traffic at both the Chester stations, and the ancient city appears to have received its full quota of visitors. At the Chester General Station the passenger traffic was exceedingly heavy on Friday, Saturday and Monday, a large number of people coming from all parts of the country. Special trains had to be run and extra labour employed to cope with the heavy traffic. It was unfortunate that a fog should have descended on Christmas Eve. This added greatly to the arduous duty of the railway officials, and made the train service late, but everything was carried out without a hitch under the efficient supervision of the station- master (Mr. Marrs). The postal traffic was about up to the average, though it necessitated additional hands being employed. At the Northgate Station the passenger traffic waa about the same as last year, a large num- ber of people travelling from London, Lincoln, Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and other distant and local places. Despite the rush, the trains kept fairly good time. There was an in- crease in the parcel traffic, and extra vane had to be attached to trains. Everything passed off capitally under the direction of the stationmaster (Mr. Mitchell). CHESTER EISTEDDFOD. On Bank Holiday a large number of people gathered in the Music Hall on the occasion of the 19th Chester Christmas Eisteddfod. The eisteddfod lias now come to be recognised as one of the principal holiday attractions in the ancient city, and its popularity haa increased year by year. There were signs on Thursday that this interest was still developing, and the eisteddfod was a pronounced success. At the afternoon meeting the president was Mr. John Owens, who was supported on the platfonn by the conductors (the Rev. H. Ivor Jones), Mr. Henry Jones and Mr. Morrys Parry. The Rev. H. Ivor Jones referred to the nineteen years' career of the eisteddfod, remarking that it had been bright and successful, and had been the means of bringing to Chester from year to year some of the best musical talent in the kingdom. (Ap- plause.) This year they had again four emin- ent singers, who, if he was not mistaken, had never stood on a Chester platform before. Mr. John Owens, in his presidential address, expressed his gratitude to xhe committee for the excellent programme provided, and said he thought there must. bs many young people in Chester and the neighbourhood to whom such a holiday would fall flat were it not for the opportunity thus afforded of enjoying a good musical programme. No one had a higher ideal of what an eisteddfod should be than the pro- moters of the present programme, and he hoped that some day they at Albion Park and the Welsh Wesleyans would join forces in support of an eisteddfod more of the character of Eis- teddfodau in Wales. As they were aware, there was a proposal for holding the National Eistedd- fod in Chester—(applause)—and ho was not surprised that the suggestion should have met with some approval, but they would all agree it required grave and careful consideration be- fore the step was taken. When it was taken he was sure the residents of Chester and those who would have charge of the proceedings would do everything they could to make such a meeting a success. He would like, however, to see the principle of the Eisteddfod acclimatised to a larger extent in Chester, and some- thing comparable to the one at Dol- gelley and other places, or a national eisteddfod in miniature, so that out of &uoh an atmosphere a national eisteddfod would be held which would be expected to be a groat success. Speaking of tho absence of Welsh composers from the programme, he said they were in a strange land and not in their native element; their lamps were in a eanse "hung upon the willows," and they could not sing in a strange land the songs of their native hills. It was partly perhaps in deference to the English clement of their audiences. (Applause.) The first competition was the Welsh recita- tion, and there were eight entries for a prize of Ll, the test pieca being the lengthy "Ogof Ar- thur." Two competitors appeared, and the suc- cessful one was Miss Madge Jones, of Bottws- y-coed. For the baritone solo competition there were fourteen entries, the prize being 21. The test piece was the patriotic song "Cymru fy ngwlad" ("Sing of LleweJyn"), and the eminent adjudicator (Mr. Harry Evans), who, by the way, made his first appearance on a Chester plat- form, and of whom the musical world is proud, described the song aa one of the best Weitab songs they had, and said they all regretted that the composer (Puglio Evans), like others in Wales, died so young. Three competitors sang, and the c/djudioator, who considered the singing very good, awarded the prize to Mr. Tom George, of Gwersyilt, near Wrexham. The Warrington Apollo Male Voice Choir (conductor, Mr. Harry Berry), of 38 voices, were the only competitors for the choral contest for male voices {30 to 50 voices) for a prize of B15 and a silver-mounted baton for the conductor. The Birkenhead Welsh Male Voice Choir had entered, but did not appear. The test pie-oes were (a) "Where is He" (Beethoven), (b) "Myfanwy" (Harry Evans), the latter being one of the compositions of the adjudicator. Mr. Harry Evans con- sidered the choir's performance a very highiy- ootoured one, without a fault, most, effective, and a credit to the choir, and he congratulated them and the conductor on the excellence of the rendering, awarding them the fuU prize. A p iz-e of £ 1 was also offered in the soprano solo competition, attracting eleven entries, and the tost piece was Baoh's "Lord to Thee." In de- livering his adjudication, Mr. Harry Evans ex- pressed himself most pleased with the couragc of the local committee in putting Bach on the programme, and he hoped they would put in a uttle Bach each year. He praised the rendition of ail the competitors. and awarded the prize to Miss Sallie Young, of Christleton-road, Chester, especially praising her right mood and rhythm. The principal competition of the afternoon was of particular local interest, as the competing choirs were both from Chester. It was too Member for Chester's prize for mixed choirs (40 to 60 voices), and the prize was JS15, with a silver-mounted baton for the conductor. The test piece was Insulted, cha-in'd, and all the world our foe, Our God is all we boast below, the compooer being D. Emiyn Evans. There were three entries—The Chester Eisteddfod Choir (conductor, Mr. J. Skeldon, accompanist, Mi*. J. Dean), the Grosvenor Park, Chester (conductor, Mr. H. Dodd, accompanist, Mr. W. Edwards), and the Talke and District Prize Choir. The latter, however, did not appear, and the contest lay between the two Chester choirs. The adjudicator said that the excellence of one choir had beon emphasised and exagger- ated by the weakness of the other choir, and the weakness of the one had been emphasised and exaggerated by the excellencies of the other. (Laughter.) He contrasted the ohoruses of the choirs, and praised the perfect balanoe and tone, good enunciation, excellence of attack and release of the Chester Eisteddfod choir. There was a great difference between the choirs, and Mr. Skcldon's choir gavo an admirable and most creditable rendering, which was absolutely accurate. He awarded the prize to the Chester Eisteddfod choir. (Loud applause.) On the met-on of Mr. Robert Griffith, seconded by Dr. J. T. Roberts, the president was thanked for his services The selection of professional artists was ad- mirable, and their singing delighted the audience. Miss Gwladys Roberts's contralto voice charmed her hearers, and she was very popular. Her rendering of "Y Mae Anwyl Hen Wlad ("There's a land") (Alletsen), elicited loud applause, and an encoro was on- thusiastically demanded. Miss Jennie Eilis has a wonderfully powerful and effective soprano voice, which was heard to excellent effoct in the Welsh airs "Y Deryn Pur" and "Chychau Aberdyfi," and the audience were not appeased until she had responded with an encore. Mr. David Evans has a very pleasing and winning baritone voice, and his singing of Sullivan's well-known "Thou art passing hence" was exquisite, and well worthy of the ovation he received. The professional tenor singer was Mr. Furness Williams, who was equally successful in a Welsh selection by R. S. Hughes, "LIam y Cariadau." The accom- panist was again Miss R. A. Evans, whose efficient playing was a. pleasant feature of the proceedings. The meeting terminated with the singing by the audience, led by the pro- fessionals of "Hen "Vlad fy Nhadau." EVENING MEETING. VIBRATO SINGING CONDEMNED. There was another crowded house for the evening meeting, when the Mayor (Alderman John Jones) presided, being accompanied by the Mayoress, and supported by Mr. John Owens and Mr. W. fiferguson, with the con- ductors and adjudicators. The Rev. H. Ivor Jones sa:id he had been requested by the com- mittee to refer to the absence of their old and faithful friend, Alderman Dr. Roberts—(ap- plause)—who for the 19 years of the exist- ence of the Eisteddfod had been with them on the platform. They all deeply regretted his absence this year, especially considering its cause. (Mm. Roberts entered the hall at this juncture, and was greeted with applause.) The doctor had been a faithful and true friend to them all, and had filled very high positions in the old city, and they all wished him a very speedy recovery. The Mayor sincerely joined in these expres- sions, and spoke of his personal regard for the doctor. He (the Mayor) had a deep inbred sympathy with a good many Welsh institu- tion, and he always admired and enjoyed good Welsh singing. There were only four minor competitions, and the proceedings took more the form of a concert. In the English recitation competi- tion the test piece was Charles Kingsley's well- known "Lorraine Lorre," that beautiful ballad telling the story of how she Kept him straight, and won the race-as near as near could be! and a prize of £ 1 attracted fourteen entries, two competitors being selected to appear before the audience. The adjudicator (Mr. E. Noel Humphreys) considered that the best render- ing was that given by Miss Dora. Lunn, of Chester, who received the prize. The commit- tee, in view of the excellence of the other reci- tations, awarded each competitor 10s., which they received from the Mayoress, and their names were Miss Annie Swallow (Manchester) and Mr. Herbert Wild, of Oldham. On the latter ascending the platform he was heartily I applauded. The adjudicator checked the cheering, and announced that Mr. Wild "was not in sympathy with the cheering." Mr. Wild: No, with the decision. The adjudi- cator Oh, I beg your pardon. Mr. Wild: Certainly I submit to the decision of the ad- judicator. (Applause.) There were four en- tries for the contralto solo competition, "Lascia Chio Pianga," and Mr. Harry Evans granted Miss Lillie Fairfiurst, of Warrington, who gave a very fine rendering, --he prize. Exoellent singing was heard from the three parties who competed for the prize of £ 2 for mixed quartettes, -he test piece being "Yea, though I walk" (Sullivan). The adjudicator (Mr. Harry Evans) commented on the vibrato practised by one of the parties. He con- demned it, remarking that God never made voioes like that in any human being, A good deal of it was due to nervousness, and a great deal to imitation of wretched professional vocalism, as given by singera who were called first-class, but who were not first-class at all when they had that wretched wobble. Vibrato singing was a terrible disease, and it was a thing that ought not to be tolerated, because it destroyed useful and generous gifts which God gave to a good many people in the way of good voices. (Hear, hear.) He awarded the prize to "The Lyrio Quartette," of War- rington, eulogising their singing. It was a rare thing, he said, to hear a most perfect quartette, but the winners' singing reached a very high level, being pure, in tune, and abso- lutely aharming. The remaining competition was that for tenor solos, "The Message" "Blum-enthal), and there were fifteen entries. Mr. Harry Phipps, of Birkenhead, was the winner, The singing of the professional artists in the evening again reached a high level of exced- lerroc, and the committee are to be congratu- lated on securing for a Chester audience such a musical treat. A feature of the proceedings was the rendering by the Chester Eisteddfod Choir, the winners of the afternoon's principal competition, of the test piece, "The Captivity," and under the able conductorship of Mr. Skel- don they equalled, if not excelled, their pre- vious performance, much to the delight of the audience. Miss Gwladys Roberts was again in a happy vein, and almost brought down the house by her beautiful singing. Her selections were "Hold thou my hand" (Briggs) and "Through love to light" (Cuthbert Wynne), but on each occasion an encore was demanded and granted. Miss Jennie Ellis won the loud plaudits of her h-earers for her more than de- lightful interpretations of Handel's "Lat the bright Seraphim" and "I think" (Guy D' Harle- tot), and "Dreams" (Warner). She was en- thusiastically recalled. Mr. David Evans's rich baritone voioo and splendid enunciation were well suited for the increasingly popular "My Old Shako" (Trotere), and the Irish selection given in response to repeated calls was splen- did. He al o contributed Stephen Adams's "Thora," which was suggested to the composer by Caino's story "The Prodigal Son." Another of Handel's selections was given, Mr. Furness Williams pleasantly rendering "How vain is man" He was also successful with Balfe's "Come into the garden, Maud." He and Mr. David Evans a so contributed the duet "Watchman, what of the night," which was greatly appreciated. Miss R. A. Evans again accompanied with her usual proficiency. -ipo rtey, Towards the close Mr. Harry Evans, the musical adjudicator, criticised' generally the music of the competitors throughout the day. He considered that tho standard on the whole was a very high one indeed. In some cases it had been quite excellent, and in some it had been good. They had not had a bad competi- tion all day, which was saying a great deal. What struck him as being the feature, and Oile that he would like to see copied everywhere, wa-s that the music selected had been of a worthy character and of a high order. (Ap- plause.) It is interesting to note that Mr. Harry Evans's services have been secured for next year. The proceedings terminated with the singing of the National Anthem. Praise is due to Mr. D. Reea Evans (Chester House), the secretary, for his excellent arrange- ments, and to the other officials, who were as follows:—Conductors, the Rev. H. Ivor Jones and Mr. Henry Jones; adjudicators— music, Mr. Harry Evans, English recitation, Mr. E. Noel Humphreys; Welsh recitation, Mr. Mor- rys Parry; chairman of committee, Mr. Henry Jones; treasurer, Mr. H. J. Hughes. A HOOLE SUCCESS. At the Cyn Mawr Christmas Eisteddfod the prizo for pencil sketch was won by Miss Nellia Jones, of HooLe, Chester. NESTON. At the close of the evening service at the parish church on Sunday evening, several Christmas carols were given by the choir, and Mr. Hopton (Cheater) gase an admirable rendering of Nazareth A considerable portion of the congregation remained after the service and greatly enjoyed the innovation. On Christmas morning tho carol" Wh-n fields were white was given as an anthem. The organist, Mr. Howick (Chester), presided at the organ on each occasion. The building was tastefully decorated with ever- greens presenting a thoroughly Christmaslike appearance. HOOTON. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day the members of St. Paul's Church Choir made their annual round of visits to the residences of the members of the congregation, and, as usual, they rcccivcd a very cordial welcome, the carols and hymns being much enjoyed. On Christmas Day there were celebrations of the Holy Com- munion at 8.30 and after the 11 o'clock service, the vicar officiating. There was a large congre- gation at the 11 o'clock service, and the offer- tones for the two services amounted to £15 9s. 8d., and are for coals for the poor. The number of communicants was 81. The. church had been nicely decorated with evergreens by members of the congregation. FRODSHAM. The cver-welcome Yuletide season still pos- sevtses for this locality the same attractions both to young and old, which have doubtless char- acterised it for generations. On Christmas Eve the usual contingents of carol and hymn-singers were out, and, fortunately for these "waits," the weather was fine, but it was cold. The Volun- teer Band and the new Subscription Town's Band were very much in evidence. It was the new band's initial public appearance, and the general impression formed from their playing on this occasion was that they were making excellent progress, especially considering tho fact that only a few months ago quite three parts of them had never handled an instrument, and great praise is due to Mr. John Ellison, the conductor, for liis undoubted laborious work in training and conducting, and also to the com- mittee of management, whose interested presence at the practices has undoubtedly con- duced to inspire continued effort on the part of the youngsters who form the band. At the local Poet Office the general verdict was busier than ever," ? < a result of the stupendous growth of the tra smie&ion of post-cards and various other ooason: ble tokens and messages, and, as the ordin y staff was found inadequate, additional c.arr had perforce to be requisitioned to meet the ceptional demands. The work, however, to lie credit of Miss Ormerod and her assistants, was performed with quick despatch. Christmas Day waa ushered in with a complete absence of what is generally described as typical Christmas weather, the previous day's anticipations of frost having been dispelled, and rain falling at inter- vals in the morning. The day was subsequently fine, but the cold wind was very piercing. At the parish church, which was effectively decorated with evergreens, Holy Communion was celebrated at 7 o'clock, when there were 35 communicants, at 8 o'clock, with 42, and again after morning prayer, the aggregate being con- siderably over a hundred, and in excess of pre- vious years. The morning service, which was well attended, was choral, the vicar preaching an excellent and appropriate sermon. The well- known Christmas hymn, "0 oome, all ye faith- ful," waa sung as a processional, while the other seasonable hymns were heartily sung by choir and congregation. Mr. C. H. Hibbertt, L.L.C.M., officiated at the organ. In the afternoon quite a record crowd assembled on the Athletic Ground to witness the football match between the local premier team and the Wed- nesday Shopkeepers' eleven. The game proved immensely interesting, albeit the strong wind militated against scientific play, the locals winning by five goals to one. MALPAS. At the Parish Church on Christmas Day there were two early celebrations of the Holy Communion at 7 and again at 8 a.m., while a third was held after the morning service, when at each celebration there were numerous com- municants. The sermon was preached by the Rector, the Rev. L. Armitstead, who delivered an impressive discourse. The hymns sung were in keeping with the great festival, and the singing was of a hearty nature. The prayers were intoned by the Rev. J. B. Littlewood (curate). The offertories were for coals for the poor. The church was seasonably adorned with evergreens. At the Wyvern Hotel the c iomary Christ- mas dinner was given to twenty old residents, by the kindness of Mr. W. Tyrwhitt Drake, lord of the manor, and an excellent repast was furnished by Mr. and Mrs. Aingworth, of the Wyvern Hotel. After dinner the health of the squire was drunk, and cheers were raised for the kind donor of this annual feast.

impressive, by the majestic splendour of their ruin and desolation. One of the most quaintly picturesque towns in Italy is Rovallo. In its churches are By- zantine pulpits. The cathedral has bronze doora by Barisanus, of Trani. The beautiful palazzo Rofolo. with its Saracenic court and tower, is suggestive of the Moorish architectuie of Spain. We journey now to Arnaifi, arriving at the Mecca of all travellers, the Hotel Oappuccini- Convinto, of which so many pictures have been painted recently for its "terraced walk," composed of sky arid s--a mountains, and the red- tiled roofs of the once famous seaport, am never to bo forgotten. Longfellow wrote Lord of vineyards and of land8 Far above tho Convent stands. On its terraood walk, a.!oof, Leans a monk with folded hands. It is the birthpiace of the oeebrated Flavio Gioia, the inventor of the nniincr's compass in 1302. In the middle ages its republic was the mistress of the sea, and a rival of Pisa and Genoa for the power of its navy and commercial activity. The Cathedral of St. Andrew is of Lombard-Norman architectuie, with a fine flight of steps loading to its bronze gates. Its in- terior is adorned with mosaics, paintings and sculptures. In the side nave is the crypt, whera since the 13th century have been preserved tho relics of the Apostle St. Andrew, brought from Constantinople. The ccfast is covered with cac- tus optuntia., prick!y pear or Indian fig, on tho way to Sorrento. Of it Marion Crawford Bays: "It is a beautiful place. Porhape in all the orangc-socnted south there is non? more perfect, moro sweet with gardens and soft sea breath, moro riah in ancient olive groves, or more ten- deriy nastled in the broast of a bountiful nature." No one can know the BEAUTIES OF SORRENTO better tha.n Mr. Crawford, who has built his home on tho cliffs overlooking the sea, along which are ecattcred many villas and hotels. Tasso, the poet, was bora there. Sorrento is known for its fine work in chequered and in- laid woods of different colours, and for its silk ecarfs. Now wo take the stca-mer to the most beautiful island in the gulf of Naples, Capri, and by boat visit the renowned "blue grotto." Its entrance is small and low, and can only be entered in oalm weather. A soft blue light mysteriously envelopes everything, oo'ouring with a magio azure the air and the thousand stalactites which hang from its vaults. All under the water seems silvored-even a nianla body, but his face appears as black as a nig- ger e, We land at Capri and ascend Mount Solaro, and from its elevated point command an exquisite view of the bay of Naples and glimpses of the Bay of Salerno. There is surely in the whole world scarce any other view at onco so wide, so beautiful and so steeped in tha associations of romance. It inspires a delight- ful sense of quiet. Christmas Eve fmds Naples like the 5th November at honvv It is the night of fireworks and coloured lights. This is the manner tho Neapolitans testify their joy for the birth of our Saviour. It is the custom to pre- pare for this occasion a rich fish supper, of which "capitone" (conger eel) must not be wanting. After having eaten, many proceed to t.he Cathe- dral and other ohurohes to sing the TV) Deum, plaoe the infant Christ in His cradle, and at- tend the solemn Christmas mass. In your festivities r-eceive with good cheer the salutations of J. PEMBERTON-MOORE.