The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

THE PROMISE__pF 1909. Ring out the false, ring in the true.

FOOTBALL. THE FESTIVE CESTRIANS. To desert the festive board for the playin field was apparently no sacrifice at all to th- merry yuletide crowd that assembled at Sc, land-road on Christmas Day, when the Druid encountered the leaders of t.he Combination The Ccutrians played a new centre forward i the person of Street, and the visitors were a r, pre&eiitative eleven. It was quite a suitabl. day for the winter pastime, the breeze beint only slight and the ground in capital condition Some bustling play was witnessed at the open ing, and the advantage seemed to hang in th, balance. A spurt by the Chester forward aroused enthusiasm, but an alert defence proven' an effective impediment. Two Cestrians, how ever, scintillated in the attack, namely, Mat- thews a.nd Lipsham. The former, working lik- a Trojan, in midfield, gave Street a glorious opportunity, but the recruit was taken off h if guard and the first chanoo of the match wa." literally thrown away. Then it was that th admirable combination of the Druids' forwards shewed, the ball being transferred from tho centra and over to the wings in workmanlike fashion. They swooped into the Chester terri- t,ory and drew the defence. The pressure wa.* great and Chester fought gamely. The point was inevitable though, and, ironicaEy enough, Wallace Jonas, the old Cestrian, was the in- strument. Having drawn first blood the Druids now in" stilled vigour into their play and recommenced in a dangerous manner. But with a goaJ to the bad the Chester men were nothing if not deter- mined, and matters became interesting. Strangely enough the home forwards accom- plished much that was brilliant when they were far away from goal, but when it came to shoot- ing their efforts could only be d t-cribed a* erratic. At length, after a heated struggle, an incident occurred in the penalty area which presented to Chester the chance of equalisation. The referee, having awarded a penalty kiok, Matthews came forward, took the punt, and to the dismay of the spectators, failed. A contest in which the Chester halves were very promi- nent ensued, and time and again equalisation was denied when it seemed a certainty. With the approach of the interval, as the spirits of the onlookers began to sink, Dame Fortune veered round and smiled on Chester. From Stockton the leather spun out to Lipsham, who was excellently situated, and without hesitation he volleyed it into the net amid resounding cheers. The remainder of the first half saw the Druids on the aggressive, and more than onco Matthews was the saviour of his side. Resuming, Chester opened with the wind in their favour, and caused thjeir opponents some anxiety, Granger having hard luck. After mid- field scrambles Lipsham led an attack on the Druids' goal, and sent in a beautiful shot which was cleared at some risk. For a time the visitors were quite hemmed in, and Bentley ought to have been more judicious with a free kick close in goal. Lappin galloped in from the wing and rattled ft paDd centre straight across in front of goal, but for some inexplicable reason all the forwards were looking elscwnero at the time. A great improvement was no a seen in the play of the home men, and vision of the winning goal were entertained. B- n Roberts was a host in himself, and Bentl-ey among the halves was a constant source v worry to the Druid. Following a oom-bined attack, Street struck the croæbar with a rip- ping shot, and the ball rebounded to Ro^-or. s who converted with a fast drive Stimulated by the cheers of the Cestria-nt tlK men in green were insatiable and the \o»;tOi? failed to hold them. Lipshani centred anc Jones saved splendidly from Street, who f1." playing- a fine game. He rushed headlong ¡¡d, the net and Jones fisted away as he was cha-rgfd to the ground. Two minutes later Matthew' submitted what was undoubtedly the effort < the game. Some interchanging having take; place about fifteen yards from goal, the spher- came to Matthews when he wae isolated. I] took aim for goal and kicked, and it was wit) a roar of approval that the crowd saw the be. hurtle through the air and curve from a goo- h isrht into the goal, Jones having conssdiera. •' difficulty in saving. The Druids were not- ho\> ^ver, disposed to see a victory snatched wit. o-' retalia.tion. and the right wing iwn weie the fore with tricky dribbling and passing. Th however, was nullifi'd owing to the leather find ing touch at the critical moment. Davics the. re-turned for Chester, and Street, atter a capita] run, sent out to Lappin, who shot. wide as tbc whistle blue for offside. Stockton and Ber Roberts made headway, but on this occasion he Druids were one too many for them. A clover piece of work by Street deserves mention. He robbed an opponent very skilfully and urning round, shot at goal, but owing to the oack no difficulty was experienced in clearing, 3 time went on plav was monopolised mor. nd more by the Ceetri-ans, and they won or, heir merits by two goals to one. What at one time promised to be a disappoint- ng game turned out to be an invigorating dis- day of football. The trial of Street was a iccess; the Chester halves never played better 'ootball and had the forwards played with more finish in the first half two more goals at least might have been obtained. The combination 'mong the Druids was admired on all hands, nd had their halves been as zealous as the Chester trio they would have been undeniable. Moreover, they maintained a sound defence hroughout.

AUDLEM. The ancient church was, as usual, very taste- fully decorated. The congregations at the hree services were very good, especially in he evening, when the attendance was remark- able. The number of communicants was in xcess of last year. The Rev. Stapleton Cotton preached from Heb. i., 1 and 2, emphasising he rtuth that it was the personal revelation of lod to man at this season which brought real happiness into men's hearts, while the joy of the world was but unsatisfying and transient.

HELSBY. The services at the parish church on Christ- mas Day commenced with celebrations of Holy Communion at seven and eight o clock, and at he morning service, all of which weie well attended. The chancel, choir sta-lis and pulpit were tastefully dccoratcd with flowers and ever- greens. The Rev. E. W. Evans (vicar) pieaxshed uid the usual Christmas hymns were sung. At Recreation Hall mission services were, held on Sunday evening, when the Rev. E. W. !5vans (vicar) preached, and the choir rendered uveral carols in excellent manner, the solos being taken by Miss Elsie Harding and Mr. V. B. Bajrlow, Miss Barlow presiding at the organ.

LITTLE BUDWORTH. On Christmas Day, at the parish church, Holy Communion was celebrated at 7 and 3 a.m morning prayer and Communion at 10.30, and evening prayer and carctis at 7. As usual, tho carols at the. evening service were admir- ably rendered by the choir. The church was very tastefully decorated, and theire were good eongiegatione. The collections were in aid cf tine Sunday school prize fund.

FRODSHAM. This ever-popular season possesses all the same old-time attractions in this neighbour- hood, which have characterised it foT many years past. On Christmas Eve the usual con- tingent of carol singers from the several plaoes of worship were abroad, in addition to the Vol- unto and Town's Subscription Bands. At the parish churoh the beautiful bells rang out their ouftomary peals. At too Post-offioe, notwith- standing the alleged diminution of the post- card craze, there was a large increase of the various seasonable tokens and messages, and the ordinary staff being found totally inade- quate, nt had to be considerably supplemented. The work throughout, to thoe, credit of Miss Ormorod and her assistants, was performed with quick despatch, and gave satisfaction. On Christmas Holy Oommunion waa celebrated at the parish church at 7 and 8 a.m., and after morn- ing service, the Vicar (the Rev. H. B. Blogg) preaching to a good congregation. On Sunday tho festive services were continued, and were fully choral, the usual well-known Christmas hymns also being heartily sung. The anthem, "Arise, shines for rhy light is come" (Elvey), was well rendered by the choir. After the evening service an organ recital was given by the organist (Mr. C. H. Hibbea-fct, L.L.C.M.), and carols were sung by the choir. Disappoint- ment was caused by Mrs. A. D. Lomas a great favourite at these recitals, being unable- to at- tend as the soloist on account of a sevare cold. The necessarily curtailed programme consisted of: 017" solo, "Fanfare," Tempo di Marcia, Op. 40 (Ascher); carol, "The Bethlehem Star" (Hibbertt); organ solo, "Nasareth" (Gounod); carol, "Thene was a silence on Bethletnem's lds" (Stainer); organ solo, "Hallelujah Chorus" (Handel). The interior of the church had been prsttiiy decorated with evergreens The oold on Sunday and Monday was intense, the snow having drifted to a considerable depth in pkiofss. Boxing Day was, oat tho whole, quiet, owing to the exodus of pleasure-seekers to Chester, Liverpooi, etc.

MALPAS Tho weather on Christmas Da.y was dull acd cold, the earn*; conditions continuing on Satur- da.y. On Sunday, however, there was a decided change, and snow fell most of the day, cover- ing the ground to a depth of six inches. There were three oeiebrations of the Holy Communion at the parish churcl1 on Christmas Day, when there were It goodly number of oocNiMBMcamia. The Rector (tho Rev. L. Armitstead) preached 1 at the morning service, a.nd Christmas hymns were sung. The church was seasonably C,eoJfu-¡ ted witn holly and evergnsens. Not a few homes were cheered with Christmas gifts from privtte sources, and the Post-cflioe deliveries wer? heavier than past years.

SHOCKLACII. Ou Christmas morning the usual choral ser- vice, with Ho.y Communion, was hCld. At the eiae tho choir sang with epiiit the carol "Brightest and best are sons of the morn- ing." A year ago and again this year the procsxi-cb of the poo- box and collections were appropriated towards a fund in aid of those in th, p.bllsii who \ve.e at a time of deatii and sickneas in immediate need, rather than at Christmas time, as there are not any really poor in ilie neighbourhood. The see red edifice looked well in its garb of hotly and red: cloth, and those ladiew who took part in the decora- tion were hea.tily thanked by the Vicar.

HA v> ARDEN. The usual seivices took place at the parish chuioh on Christmas Day. There were four ujxbrations of Ho.y Communion, at 6, 7 and 8 a.m., and at 12 noon. The eight o'oloc-k ser- vice wa-i choral, and the Roc-tor was the cele- brant, being assisted by Canon Joyce, Warden of St Dv.iiiOi's Libra.y, and the Rev. R E. Barlow Poole. Tiiere was a laige congregation at niat.ins at 11 a.m., when tne sermon was preached by the Rector. The Tc Deum was sung io Stanford in B flat, and the anthem was Gounod's "Ciad.d all lowly. In the evening was festal evensong at 6 p.m. The ant-hem was "Lo God, our God, has come" (Battison Haynes). There was no sermon, a collection of carols being sung instead.

ROSfcsETT. The Christmas season was quietly observed at Rossm-xt. On Christmas Day there, were early celebrations of Ho.y Communion and morning prayer with sermon at the parish oiiuich, the officiating ciergy being the Vicar and the Rev. A. H. Fish (Chester), the latter poaching. The. church was prettily decorated wvith hoJy and evergreens Oarol singers visi- ted too houses- of many of the inhabitants, the Presbyterian choir being among the number,

GRESFORD. Carol singcro paraded the village on Christ- mas Eve, as did aiso tbø Gresiord handbed ringeis, visiting many of tire residents. On Cliril-taba- Day there were early ce,ebiauous of Holy Communion at 6, 7 and 8 a.m., and aite-r Lüo noonday service, all of wnioii were largely aiicnckd. At 5 p.m. there was a special caroi service, under the con doctor ship of Air. F,. ). Cunnaii, organist and choirmaster, the carols Deiiig pieiasmgiy rendered. Tiie church was tasteiuily dex-orated lor the occasion.

MOLD. LITERARY AND MUSICAL FESTIVAL. Christmas Day, as usual in Moid, was spent • or the most part at. tne domestic heajtn, the only events ot a public nature being the custo- mary roiigious ser vices and the musical festival at the Town Hali. The parish church nod been decorated by Mioses Dstviee-Cooke, Miss rCobe-its (Bromheld Had). Mrs. K. V. Trubehaw, tne Owen, Miss Greaves and Miss Smith, ihe oicoraiors at St. John's Vvelsii Ci.urou were Alm. Robert Jones, Miss J. A. Dykins and I iViiy. v*. B. Rowdon. Midnight mass was cele- brated on Chi is. mas Eve ot. David s Ca.noiic Cnurcn, and mass and benediction on Christ- mas rooming, the Rev. Father Hayes (Cheister) officiating. The chuich had been decorated by ai? members of the choir, assisted by the Rev. rather VN aish and Mrs and Miss CmuLrigiham The usual tea and entertainment were held at the Pumitivo Methodist Cnapel. The ajinual Literary and Musical Festival in connection with the Bethesda C.M. Chapel was he-id at the Town Hall, the proceedings ix- ig eoiidueled by the Rev. John Owen, for- merly ot Moid, now pastor of the An tie. d road Cnapel, Liverpool. The adjudicatois were Mr. D. D. Parry (Llanwrst), the Rev. T. Moms ^ones (Colwyn Bay). R. Griffiths (Flint), and D. E. Roberts (Northop), Miss Hughes (St. Asaph), and Mr. J. E. Parry, B A. (Mold). The Misses M. E. Parry and M. J. Parry were the accompanists, the vocaaets engaged for the occasion being Miss Alice Williams (Conway) and Mr. Frederic George (Liverpool). Mr. Robert Lloyd (Bryn Dcrwen) presided at the afternoon meeting, the several competitions Ie- sulting as foi lows: -Writing (children under 13): 1, David John Davies; 2, Arthur Wool- lam 3, Adelaide Davies. Best summary of sermon: 1, D. Hughes; 2, Thos. Wynne and "Gwelym" (cquad). Bass rolo. H. Foulkes, Ha,kyn; solo (girls under 14): 1, Nellie Evans Halkyn; 2, Adelaide Davies; 3, Annie ,l.1lc" Pentro. Buttonhole-making: 1, Myfanwy Hughes; 2, Gwiadys Evans. Recitation (boys under 15): Robert A. Morris, Nannerch. Chil- dren's choir: Halkyn Juvenile Choir (conduc- ,or, vtuTTam Jones). Soprano solo: Katie Ed- wards, High-street. Recitation: 1. Annie Evans, Gwernaflkid; 2, Jane Thomas, Rhoses- J mor, 3, Annie Evans, Tryddyn, and Ma°-<de Morris, Mynydd isa (equal). Male voice com- petition: Moss Party (conductor, Evan Evans). Mr. J. W. Summers presided at the evening meeting, when further results were- as follows" Pencil sketch: 1. Charles Evans, Wrexham- street. Treble solo: David John Davics and Robert John Davics (equal). Recitation 1 Katie Edwards, High-street; 2, William Evans' Mynydd isa. Tenor solo: D. Mador Davies' Broughton. Stanza on "The Babe of Bet he- hem Mr. John Hughes (Ivan Arddwi). Ess-ay ^Mr. Morris T. Jones. Violin solo: Cyril, Caergwrle. Glee: Broughton Party (oonduutor. Mr. MaeioT Da™«)- Translation: Edward Wr hams, "America" Glee: Mr. R. W. Griffithsyt3 party.

FL NT. DEATH OF MR. 0. W. JONES.-We regret to record the deatii °f Mr. Owen William* Jones which took place at hie residence, Church-street' on tlie 24th in*t. Decoded waTa man, and was the eon of the late Mr. Michael Wi,° well-known throughout North aJea Deceased was 56 years of age, and had tW W some ime. tie was a prominent member of the xmg-nsin Presbyterian Church, and was prac- faca-oy the founder of that institution in Flint. In I y profession he carried on an extensive trade as a chemist, newsagent, etc. For many years ne was an overseer of the poor for the pLi^i death"1'ntDf hdd tJl'S at tl3e time of his death. He leaves a widow, but no family. Mr Jones will be greatly missed in tlie town. He close^v dLSI>oeitw>n> connected ofSoFhnfFmany "iSUt"UOIc^ secretary of the Flint Fema.e friendly Society and a mem- ber of the Reohabites' Friendly Society. The Wra! took place at the Flint Cemetery on Monday afternoon, when town was in general mourning. Service was held in the Caexealem Church at two o clock, at which there was a very Large attendance, the Reve. David Edwards, Gwynfryn Jones and Richard Jones conducting. The hymns Nearer, my God, to Thee," "Peace Perfect Peace," and "Days and momenta quickly flymg were impressively sung. The Mayor and Corporation attended the service, at the conclusion of which the Dead March in "Saul" was played. Touching reference was made at the church to the many good qualities possessed I by the deceased by ministers from Holywell Sandycroft, and Chester, and by Mr Hueh Jones, London House. Flint. The funeral cor- left the deceased's residence after the ser- vice in the following order:—Preceding the Mayor and Corporation were the R«v. David Edwards, the Rev. Gwynfryn Jones, the Rev. R. Griffiths, and others; Inspector Williams, sergoant-at-maoe, with the mace draped; the' Mayor (Alderman A. B. Lloyd), wearing the chain of office; Major C. E. Dyson, V D ex- Mayor; Messrs. T. Hughes, John Robe and J. R. Alexander, borough magistrates; Ald. R. F Harrison, and Messrs. E. A. Hughes, D. E. Davies. R. H. Evans, M. S. Rogers, J. Griffiths, H. Powell, J. M. Ellis, and T. H. Pumphrey. councillors; Mr. David Morris, borough treasurer; Dr. J. H. Williams, medical officer of health; Mr. Hugh Owen, borough surveyor; Meosfrs. John Kendrick and W. Lloyd, over- seen?; and Mr. John Williams, assistant over- seer. Then fol'owed members of the Reohabites' Friendly Society in regalia, and of the Flint Female Friendly Society. There was a very large following of the general public, including Mr. James Jones (registrar), Mr. J. W. M. Evans, Mr. W. Oldfield, Mr. Hugh Jones, Mr. H. W. Jones (postmaster), M. H. R. Thomas, the Rev. Christmas Lloyd, Mr. J. E. Gunning, Mr. Wood, Mr. Fairbrother. Mr. T. S. Burgess, Mr. W. Lloyd, Mr. Ardern, Mr. Newton Hughes. Mr. Sherratt, Mr. Foulkft? Mr. Meade, Mr. Holden, Mr. Oopteefcon, and others.

PROTECTED MR. GLADSTONE EX-HA WARDEN OFFICER'S DEATH. The death lias taken place at Abergele of the pouoe sorgo-amt who was responsible for the arrangameate for tbe piotcotian of the 1ate Mr. Gladstone at Hawarden Cbstl-e during tho dyn- amite soar?w Tliis officer was ex-Setgeant J. E. HughtO-, of the Flintshire penstabui-ary. He was in charge of tb.: police station a.t Hawarden during toe very trying period when watctii was kept on Mr. Gladstone and HawardeJi Castie for many mcnths. Sgt. Hughes had to ta.ke his turn with the other members oi the forcse, the grounds of the Castle being patroiied day and nig-ht. He retired from the force in 1895. He then took up his rt-sidonee at Abergele, where he resided up to the time of his death. Tly-, fun oral :ook place on Christmas Eve at Ha warden, where his wife was also buried. The service was conducted by th.2 Rector. In addi- tion to several friends and comrades present, Supt. Ivor Davics attended.

CHESTER BENEVOLENT INSTITU. TION. IvI AT E".N IT Y. RePOKT FOR WltEK. ENDING I -bLltMBKii 26. Cases on books 15 New cases 3 Visits paid 7131 MARGARET WAKEMAN. Matron.

DISTKiGT NUiteiiiSvi AosioGiATiON 9, WAiiSii Xow&xk G-i.tils.iSX. WEEKLY REPORT. Old cases 8o | Removed 2 New cases 12 I U"tl:h 1 Cured. 1 On books 90 Relieved. i visits 4C1 E. BATESON, Lady Superintendent. December 26, 1908.

BIRTHS, MARHIAUES œ DEATHS. BIRTHS. MARRIAGE and DEATHS au charged at the rate of 20 words for la. (prepaid). If not prepaid the charge will be 2s. 6d. The announcement must 00 authenticated by the Signatur,e and Address of the Sender. BIRTH. MUNDY—On S. Stephen's Day, December 26th, at Day- brook, Nottingham, the wile of the Rev. T. W. Mundy, B.D., of a son. MARRIAGE. CHAMBERS—TAXKEK,—Ou the 22nd December, at St. Mary's-on-the-Hill, Chester, by the Rev. Eo Sevmour Scott, Vicar of Fulwood, Preston, Fleet-ciurgeon Joseph Chambers, R.N., Becond w n of the late Thomas Chambers, J.P., Tandragee House, Bailieboro, Ireland, to Irene, elder daughter of Robert Cameron Tanner, Chester. DEATHS. CURRIF, On the 23rd December, after a short illness, ai Shepherdswell, Kent, Charlotte Currie, aged 64, of 17 Emperor's Gate, S. W., widow of Captain R. H. Currie (6th Inniskilling Dragoons), of Boughtou Hall, Cheshire, and daughter oi the i»te John Graham, D.D., Bishop ol Chester. WHITE—At the Infirmary, Chester, after a abort illness aged 21 years, Nellie, the beloved daughter of W. 0, and E. White, Deva-terrace, Dee Side. Kuneraj to.da. (Wednesday); Christ Church 2.15, and the Cemetery y p. m. Friends please accept this—the only-intimat. 0113

M E M OR I A L S MARBLE, GRANITE, STUNE & Alabastka. CHURCH Brasses. Ebtabushkd 1774. W. HASWELL & SON, K A hli V AiiDS, CHESTER. Estimates and Designs free on application. Telephone No. 161a.

HA W AHDi N. INTERESTING PRESENTATION—As a. memento of the valuable services rendered by Mr. and Mrs. A. McCaddon on the occasion of the attempted burglary recently, Mr. Rioi-i.- -d- son, jeweller, cf Hawardn and Buckley, hae presented Mr. McCaddon with a handsome gold watch, and Mrs. McGuddon with a gold brooch set- with precious stones.

DEATH OF MR. T. DODD. m— We regret to announce the death of Mr. Timothy Li odd, which occurred on Saturday at his residence, Moliington Grange. Deceased, who was bl years of age, was one of the best- known farmers in Cheshire, being a successful brooder of pigs and noted for his ni-s herd a large white Yorkshires. He had been aihng for some time, and for the last twelve months had been subject to severe heart attacks, which were followed oy periods of exhaustion. Mr. Dodd was a native of this district, and began his buai- ness career in the city at the age of twelve. For twenty-six years he was in the employment of Messrs. Brassey, ironmongers, and attained to the position of head shopman, having served under the father and grandfather of the present proprietors. Some thirty years ago he began business as a pork butcher in Northgate street, in and buextensive stabling and siaughter-house n Water Tower-street. About fifteen years ago he took up his residence at, Moliington Grange, where he began farming on a consider- able scale, continuing to engage in the pig trade. His breeding of large white YoTkehires won far him high distinction as a prizewinner at many important shows. Deceased was a worshipper at Groevenor Park Baptist Churoh, where he filled the offices of deacon and elder. Mr. Dodd was of a retiring dis- position, and declined frequent invitations to serve in various public capacities. Pre-deceased by his wife twenty yearn ago, he is survived by a family of five sons and two daughters. The funeral took place yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon at Chester Cemetery.

CORRESPONDENCE The Editor is not responsible for the opinion of his Correspondents. Correspondents are particularly requested to write only on one side of the paper. All letters must be authenticated by the sender's name and address, not necessarily for publi- cation.

THE SNOWFALL. TO THE IwnOB Sir, May I beg that the stupid and really cruel system of sprinkling salt should be stopped It is painful to those who cannot afford good boots. Experience has shewn that salt adJi intensely to tbe coldness of the atmosphere, anc numba the organs of the body. Boots are prac- tically ruined if this mixture of salt and slush worla into the leather, and hordes and animals suff r acutely. It -is an idle method causing pain. Many towns forbid this practice. Ashes or sard do far more good. A PEDESTRIAN.

» DANGERS OF PETROL. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, -I find our sale of petrol in small quantities for domestic use, viz., cleaning small articles of wearing apparel (ma-tly bel nging to the fail sex) is greatly increasing, and I think it a duty tc issue a note of warning against the use of this highly inflammable spirit for cleaning purposes. The growing familiarity with petrol has a tend- ency to make those who are not familiar with the use of this spirit, careless. Gunpowder remains where it is placed, petrol, being volatile, does not. There is an authenticated case of the vapour from thisspirit having travelled a distance of 30 feet, taking fire and bringing about a serious conflagration. It cannot be too stronsrlv impressed that the use of petrol in a room where there is a naked light or fire is highly dangerous. It might also be pointed out that to pour this spirit down a drain is an infringment of the law and lays one open to proceedings being taken against, them. In more than one instance tbe result of such an action has been to cause serious damage. In case oi a tire the use of water to extinguish petrol only increases the. danger, as ihe light spirit burns and floats on the water, and the teiide .ev is to increase the zone of danger. '1 he method to adopt in case of a petrol tire is to lIe one of the patent tin extinguishers, a syphon of soda water, and, oi soil, and in case of a small tire to beat it out. Yours fnithfully, THUS W. KEMP. Manager The Grosvenor Motor Co., Ltd. Chester, December 21st, 1908.

antics as Puss in Boots. Mr. Leslie Digby, as the merry impecunious monarch; and Mr. H. Hodgkins (tne demon) also ably fill their parts Excellent speciality turns axe given by the Sisters MiLburn and Cane, Eugene and Willie and Richard Lomas. With eight pretty settings of scenery and costumes o. great variety and splendour an imposing spectacular ffect is produced. The orchestra is under the direction of Mr. Wm. T. Gliddon, the author and coaiposer of "The Flower Girl," by whom the music has been arranged and Mr. George Beverley has the stage direction. CHESTER EISTEDDFOD. The twentieth Chatter Christmas Eisteddfod was held in the Music Hall on Boxing Day, and, as usual, there was a large influx of visitors to the city for the event. The lapse of vears brings with it no diminution of the popularity of the eisteddfod, and although at the outset :.11:0 attendance in the afternoon was sparse, it ■uickly assumed grati lying proportions. Col. ^vans-Lloyd presided, and the meeting was con- ducted by the Rev. H. Ivor Jones and Mr. !I"ii.ry Jones. The adjudicators were Mr. 4or s Porry (Welsh recitation), Mr. Harry vans (mwie), and Mrs. Harker (English reci- .'1t:on). T: e Chairman made a sympathetic reference o the loss the eisteddfod committee had sus- ■lined by the death of Dr. Roberts, and read tr bute in W'lh by Mr. Mcrys Parry, of The proofing*? commenced with a Welsh citation competition, for which there were ent-riei. In accordance with the rule for 1. r xoept the choral competitions only three jndidates selected at a preliminary test, ap- vmred publiclv. The prize was divided be- WJel'>n William Edwards and a boy named Os- vald Hughes, both of Brymbo. The tenor solo, "The eoft southern breezes" Barnby), attracted eisrhteen entries. In giv- ng- hi* adjudication, Mr. Evans said the aim of music wh^n it was vooaJ. was to intensify nd beautify the meaning of the words. In a •iso like that solo, where there was a beautiful nelody, the Ynclody eheuid be allowed to tell ts own tale. There was n danger of disregard- 1, tli* m-ti^i-o &ri<l pst-rmsr too much attention 1-0 th., wov<i+. The words should be spoken naturally, and the beauty of the melody would do the rest. In that competition the chief fault "as that attention seemed to be distracted from he melody to the words. The winner was Mr. James Morgan ("Mar- us"), Bagillt. Four choirs entered for the member for Chester's prize for mixed choirs, the test piece xing "He watching over Iorael" (Mendel- sohn). Buckley Musical Choir, 54 voices (Mr. ",¡vjœ ITtyes) and Talke Choral Society, 42 oio s (Mr, James Handford) competed, the bsentecs being the Connah's Quav Choral TTnion and the Rhos Excelsior Choir. The ad- 'indicator taid there was not much difficulty in deciding the winner, and he expected no ore would be heard of it after that day. Laughter.) The first choir had very nice oioes, well-balanced, and blended well. The ■,ace was quite right, and, generally speaking, he expression was good. The utterance was "vautiful and the g neral movement quite com- pact. The intonation was good and it was a feasant performance. The chief fault of the "econd choi r was the lack of the blend and of the voice, and the lctss of the gentle accent of he words. He awarded the prize to Buckley. The result was received with general cheers, in-d when the successful conductor appeared on h stage, he received an ovation. In the contralto solo, "Fair flowers" (Ger- man), there were eleven competitors. "It is nany a long year sinor- I heard e-uch beautiful ontralto singing, faid the adjudicator. 'There were seven excellent contraltoes this Tnorning. The winner was Mies Katie Peters ("Kate"), of Buckle", whose succeaj proved highly popu- 'sr with the audience. The choral contest for male voices aroused •rreat interest. The foKowing six choirs entered :md all appeared before the audience Brymbo, 16 voices (Mr. R. J. Roberts); Clambria of New- ron, Montgomeryshire, 46 voices (Mr. J. R. O. Evans); Packmcor, 50 voices (M.r. Joe. White- hurst) Tunstall Male Glee Union, 46 voices (Mr. W. A. Lonsdale); Warrington Apollo, 48 voices (Mr. Ha.rry Berry) Wigan Harmonic 45 voices (Mr. A. Bullock). In his adjudication, Mr. Harry Evans asked for the same consideration for adjudicators as they gave to oompetitore, and that the audience should believe them at least to be sincere. Ver- recently he had known cases in which adjudi- cators and choirs had listened only to their own performance and had sworn that theirs was the best. (Laughter.) They picked up stray re- marks of the judges about their particular choir, and fitted them in as suited them best, and generally mutilated those remarks. Adjn- dicating was a tremendously serious business and no man wculd throw away the whole of his reputation by an ni-contddemd judgment for the sake of a few paltry guineas. People might judge their ability as much as they liked, but they dared not question their honesty. He was glad to be able to say that in Chester. That particular competition had been ruined by canker-worm of bad intonation in many oases, far which the inside parts generally had been accountable. Trane had been a close contest between Wairrington and Wigan, and he awarded the prize to Warrington, for, on the whole, a "ery good performance. (Cheers.) Dr. J. T. Roberts proposed a voto of thanks to the Chairmaii, whom he described as a patriot of the true sort. He took a practical part in all good movements. They knew his connection with the Bible Society, and they knew that Bil £ (e teaching was the foundation and inspiration of education in Wales. His hurt act in the cause of education was the gift of a free library to the town of Bala.—The Rev. Fr. Haves seconded, and the motion was car- ried with acclamation. The Chairman, in responding, his- tory of the Chester Music Hall. It was origin- ally, he said, St. Catherine's Church. After- wards it became -ether a derelict place. The ground floor used to be the Wool Hall, and the upper part was a theatre, where he had heard aSl majinsT of things. Chester people set to work in 1852 or 1853, and put five or six thou- saaid pounds together to build the hall. They bad not been long in it when they were bank- rupt. They were sold up, and the liquidator isaid that anyone who would give £ 1,000 should have it. He wanted to save the hall for the citizens, and with others went to several people and raiaad tfex» MOMWA &Mount awl the hall. At first the venture was a dead iossj, but be was happy to say they were now in clover. He thought they were beginning to pay their way. (Applause.) The competitions wore interspe-reed with en- joyabie songs by Miss Laura Evans (soprano), Miss May Peters (contralto), Mr. John Roberts (tenor), and Mr. David Evans (baritone), all of whom had been engaged specially. The a.ternoon proceedings closed with the singing of "Land of my fathers." EVENING MEETING. There was a crowded and appreciative audi- ence at the evening meeting. The Mayor (Aid. R. Cecil Daviesi presided at the outset, but ow- ing to his having contracted a cold ho had to leave early, and his place was taken by Mr. W. Ferguson. The conductors were the Rev. H. Ivor Jones and Mr. Henry Jones. The Buck- lev Musical Choir (conductor, Mr. Davies Hayes), winners of the Member for Chester's prize for mixed choirs, sweetly rendered their test pieoe, Mendelssohn's "He watching over Israel. and the Mayor presented the prize to the conductor, remarking that he was ver) proud his old village had been so successful. There were only our minor competitions it, the evening, the proceedings taking more the form of a concert. The results were as follow —English recitation, "David and Absalom" (Willis), 14 entries, R. W. Barlow, of Birken head. Soprano solo, "The lovely" (Liszt), thre, entries, Beatrice A. Perkin, of Hyde. Ma> voice quartette, "0 peaceful night" (German 11 entries, the Bros. LewiE, of Bootle. Bari tone solo, (a) "Love of Mine" (b) "The rebel'' (Wallace), 16 entries, R. O. Williams, Ffynnor groew. near Mostyn. The professional artists were in excellent voice and their renderings delighted the audiencr who frequently demanded encores. Mr. Join Roberts (tenor) roused hie hearers to a higi- pitch of enthusiasm, and had not the conducte' intervened a second encore would have beer demanded of him. His first selection w. Cowen's "When the world is fair," and he r- plied to the cries of the audience with the popu !ar "The rising of the lark." He also oo: tributcd Adamis's "Island of dreams," his rich full voice interpreting with poetic feeling th prptty story. He joined Mr. David Evans, the popular baritone, in a duet, "The martial spirit, which of old" (Joseph Parry), given ir Welsh, which went with a capital swing, and wa- much enjoyed. Mr. Evans himiielf sang splen didly the prologue from "Pagliacci" (Leon carvallo), and replied with the stirring "Marc of the men of Glamorgan," in Welsh. Hie other contribution was the new eong, "Th touch of night," by Lambert.Miss May Peter- an able contralto, gave KingsJey's well-know "The sands of Dee," to Clay's setting, an "Two Indian Jove lyrics" (A. W. Finden). Th ■soprano soloist of the evening was Miss Laur Evans, whose sweet voice was heard to beaut' ful effect in "L' etc" ("The Summer"), and sh responded with the popular "The bells of Abe'' dovey." Later she sang "Welsh lullaby'' (Hubert Parry) and "Happy song" (Ten^sa d Riego). At the close the four artists gave delightful interpretation of "Strange adven ture" (Gilbert and Sullivan), and led in th singing of the National Anthem, which brough' the proceedings to a close. The accompaniments throughout the da were played with marked ability by Miss R. A Evans, while the secretarial arrangements a usual were in the able hands of Mr. D. Evans.