The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

CHESTER SAVINGS BANK. 4 The quarterly meeting of the committee of management was held at the Bank on Monday. Dr. Henry Stolterfoth presided, and there were also present the Ven. Archdeacon Barber, Messrs. G. H. Bramall, G. R. Griffith, J. G. Holmes, and W. Welsby. The Secretary (Mr. H. E. Crane) submitted the quarterly statement of accounts, and also a return shewing the pro- gress of the bank since the daily opening, t e, for the period ending 20th August, 1900. The receipts from all sources had been S26,612 Os. 6d., as against X23,173 8s. 3d. for the corresponding period last year, an increase of X3,438 12s. 3d. The now accounts opened were 619, as against 266 last year, being an increase of 353. The number of transactions were 7,696, as compared with 5,604 last year, an increase of 2,092. The amount in the hands of the National Debt Commissioners shewed an increase of 91,100 2s. Sd., and the amount due to depositors an increase pf 21,264 13s. 5d., as against the corresponding period last year. The committee considered the report as most satisfactory. The official auditor (Mr. Charles Coppack) pre- sented his report, from which it appeared that the assets of the bank were £ 179,022 Os. 4d., and liabilities X178,365 4s. 6d., leaving a c%sh surplus of R656 15s. lOd. over and above what will pay off every depositor, in addition to the estimated value of the freehold bank buildings, furniture, and fittings (94,100.)

FAMILY NEGLECT AT CHESTER. ♦ RESERVIST'S MONEY MIS-SPENT. At the City Police Court on Saturday, before the Mayor (Mr. H. T. Brown) and other magistrates, Ellen Nicholson, married woman living at Bellis'-court, C uppin-street, was charged in custody with neglecting her two children, aged eight and ten respectively, in a manner likely to cause injury to their health. Mr. E. Brassey, prosecuting on behalf of the N.S.P.C.C., said prisoner was the wife of a Militia reservist now in South Africa, and since his departure she had been in receipt of the usual Government allowance of nearly R3 per month in addition to sums of money from the local funds. In consequence of her drunken habits the local allowance was discontinued, but not the Government allowance. Mean- while the state of the children was called to the notice of the officer of the N.S.P.C.C., who visited the woman and cautioned her. Her behaviour, however, did not improve. On the 2nd of this month she received her monthly grant from the Government, and two days later she had apparently spent ic all, because she was then seen pawning one of the children's boots. Inspector Nicol again visited prisoner's house, and found the children in an exceed- ingly dirty condition and scantily clad. The girl was the cleaner of the two, as her grandmother, living in the same court, had been taking Gate of her at her house. The matter culminated a few days later, when the children were brought to the police station by the grandmother, who had been maintaining them from the Saturday till the Thursday, because the mother was utterly incapable through intoxication. The police then paid a visit to the house, which they found in a squalid condition, and it had apparently been used for the pur- poses of a brothel. Prisoner was discovered drunk. The grandmother of the children would be prepared to take charge of the children in future, and he understood from the Chief Constable that permission could be obtained to allocate a portion of the Govern- ment allowance to her for doing so. Inspector Nicol gave evidence in support of this statement, and Dr. Harrison corroborated witti regard to the condition of the children. c.C. Griffiths deposed to having received a complaint from prisoner's mother-in-law that the children had been neglected. He could gain no admittance to the house, which was in dark- ness, and had to force an entrance, finding the FhllTfti?/11!1 °n&°ouch'and several notorious characters also on the premises. The Chief Constable stated that after giving prisoner two weekly allowances from th? local soldiers' relief fund, he found her helplessly drunk, and consequently discontinued the payments. He would be able to make an arrangement whereby the person who took the custody of the children would have an allow- ance of 6d. per day, and all necessary clothing for the children. Prisoner was sent to gaol for two months with hard labour.

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MUNICIPAL TRAMS FOR CHESTER. ♦ TOWN COUNCIL'S SCHEME. THE EXTENSIONS. A special meeting of the Chester Town Council # was held on Wednesday afternoon to determine the question of applying for Parlia- mentary powers with reference te the acquisition of the Chester Tramway Company's undertaking, and as to the extension and work- ing of the system. The Mayor (Alderman H. T. Brown) said if the Council decided to proceed in the next session of Parliament for the required powers, it was necessary that the Town Clerk should receive his instructions at once as certain preliminaries had to be arranged before the application could be made. As chairman of the Committee it was his duty to submit certain resolutions, and possibly, it would be as well if he were to submit a rdsumd of what had taken place with reference to the matter. There were two subjects which they had that day to con- sider broadly. First of all there were the terms of the purchase of the undertaking, and in the second place there was the future of the undertaking. Having already decided upon the purchase, the only question was the amount to be paid. The question first came before them two years ago. He found that on the 5th October, 1898, the Improvement Committee passed a resolution that the Mayor should be requested to convene a meeting of the Council, as the General Purposes Committee, to consider whether statutory notice for the taking over of the tramways should be given or left over for another seven years. Under the Tramways Act the municipal authorities had power at the end of the seven years' lease to acquire the tramways. He found that nothing was done for twelve months, for there was on the 28th September, 1899, a special meeting of the Council to enable them to make up their minds as to whether they should buy or not. That was followed by another meeting of the Council in October, 1899, when the following resolution was passed on the motion of Mr. Lowe, seconded by Alderman Churton:—" That the Council do decide to give the necessary notice for taking over the Chester Tramway Company's under- taking." As to the purchase another resolu- tion was passed upon the motion of Alderman Churton, seconded by Mr. Lowe, and that was that the Local Government and Parliamentary Committee should be entrusted with the con- duct of the matter, and do what might be necessary for giving effect to the above resolu- tion. In November, just twelve months ago, at. a special meeting of the Council, resolutions were passed requiring the company to sell their undertaking un the terms and manner prescribed by the Act, and to apply for the approval of the Board of Trade, and after the approval of the Board of Trade was obtained, that the committee enter upon the whole subject and take expert advice. The approval of the Board of Trade was obtained in December, and formal notice was given to the company in January this year, and that placed the Council in the position that they were bound to buy, and the Tramway Company that they were bound to sell. It was only due to the Tramway Company to mention that throughout the whole of the negotiations they had received at the hands of the Company every help it was in their power to give them. (Hear, hear.) The negotiations had proceeded on the most business-like lines, and so far as the Company were concerned they had received the utmost courtesy, and he hoped they (the Com- pany) were able'to say the same of the Corpora- tion. Of course, there bad been a wide divergency of opinion as to the price at which it was worth while for the Corporation to acquire the property. By negotiations they had reduced the amount the Tramway Company originally asked, and. the committee came before the Council tnat day to ask them to accept a price which they thought was certainly fair to the town and, they hoped, to the Tramway Com- pany. The original price put upon the undertaking was certainly very much more than the Corporation were prepared to give, and possibly more than the Tramway Company noped to get. Valuations were made on behalf of both the Tramway Company and the Corporation. The latter engaged Messrs. Pritchard, of Birmingham, who hid had large experience in valuations of that kind. So far as the freehold was con- cerned it was decided that it would be best to employ a local man, and for that purpose Messrs. Churton, Elphick & Co. acted for the Corpora- tion. The property came under three heads- the freehold property (consisting of the stables, and over an acre of land adjoining which at present was not occupied for business purposes); their plant and stock and the track. The figure he was going to quote them embraced the track and the freehold property. The stock and plant, it was obvious, as they were not prepared to complete immediately, .would have to De the subject of another valuation. For the track and the freehold property the committee recommended that the Council authorise them to agree to purchase at a sum of £ 18,000. In addition to that sum they asked the Council to give to the Tramway Company a sum of 2300 in lieu of their costs and expenses connected with the sale and transfer of the property, because, strictly speaking, it was a compulsory sale. The Town Clerk would bear him out when he said that in all cases of compulsory sale the purchaser bore the cost of the sale. They thought in this case 9300 was a fair sum to cover the costs the com- pany had incurred up to the present and what they would incur in the future. The company made an offer to the Corporation to sell their undertaking for £ 22,130. That was to include the track and their freehold property. They, however, originally asked the sum of £ 31,225! The committee stated that they could not think of acquiring property at such a price, and after taking advice they thought it was practically worth 916,000, or, strictly speaking, 915,996. They now asked the Council to pur- chase at E18,000, which, they would see, was a considerable reduction from the original figures mentioned. He moved the recommen- dation of the committee, that the property be accepted at that price. Mr. B. C. Roberts seconded, and it was carried. The Mayor said they had next to consider the future of the tramways, which resolved itself largely into (1) what should be the means of traction when the tramways came into the hands of the- Council, and (2) whether the Council should content themselves with carry- ing on the tramways within their own district —within the borough-or whether they should extend them to the outlying districts, serving the populous outskirts which had arisen outside the town, instead of confining themselves within their own boundary. If they confined them- selves to the borough, there were further extensions of the tramways which were suggested within the borough. But there were reasons why he distinguished between keeping them in the borough and extending them outside their limits. If they went outside their own limits, they would have to proceed to Parliament to acquire the necessary powers, but if they con- fined themselves to the district under their own jurisdiction, a Provisional Order was sufficient, provided there was some extension. He thought the general opinion was that if they took the tramways into their own hands, as they would do, they would hardly be 'satisfied in leaving them as they were. There was hardly a question about it, that the "ystem of traction would be electric. (Applause.) He understood that at the Electric Light Works the extensions that were now being made would be amply sufficient f the traction of their tramways, and the further they might extend them. That being so, there was hardly a question that the Council would adopt a system of electric tramways. The next thing they had to consider was whether they were satisfied with the tramways as existed, or whether they would go further afield in order to serve the outlying districts and so extend their lines and he hoped their profits as well. There were two matters he would like to refer to. The Committee bad had representations made to them from two quarters with reference to extensions. They had a very influential deputation from the Hoole Council who, not being in a position themselves to take up any tramway system, strongly urged the desirability of extending the tramway system into their district. The city surveyor had pre- pared a plan shewing exactly what was proposed to be done. He thought the in- chnation of the Committee in the first place was not to take the extension quite so far in that district as was pressed upon them by the deputation from Hoole. They had talked about extending the tramways about as far as the house occupied by Colonel Hamersley, but the deputation wished the extension to be to Hare-lane, as, they said, there was a very increasing population in that neighbourhood, and the fact of the tram- ways being carried that far would induce a further development of building. That being so, the committee were prepared to recommend that the line should be carried as far as Hare-lane. The line would be carried from the station over the bridge and so into Hoole. The next represen- tation was a memorial from the inhabitants from the more distant parts of Saltney. The memorial was presented by Mr. Rae. It was represented that it was desirable to extend the tramways as far as Mold J unction, where there was a very large popula- tion and, he supposed, there was a probability of an increased population. That they considered very carefully, but it would be no news to the Council that there was a great difficulty in ex- tending the tramways in that direction. When once they got to the bottom of the hill at Saltney they came upon the railways crossing the road, and the great difficulty would be iu crossing the railways. Months ago represeu- tations were made to the railway company, and the Council had not as yet been able to get any definite reply. They did not know what view the company would have to their crossing their lines. Until that was decided it was impossible to do anything in the matter. The committee ventured to ask the Council's approval tenta- tively to extend the tramways so far as Stone Bridge, and they did not see their way to ask the Council to extend the tramways beyond that point. Their impression was that if the different districts wanted they would be able themselves to devise some means of transport, and avail' them- selves of the tramways at that point. There was still a great difficulty to be overcome with regard to tne railway company, but he could not tell them more about it, although the com- mittee had done their utmost with them on the subject. The utmost that was promised was that there would be a joint meeting of the two companies concerned on the 12th inst., when the matter would be considered and the Council would then hear something further. The other direction in which it was suggested to extend the tramways, was in Boughtun. By the plan they would see that the proposal was that a branch should run out from the present tram line at the end of City-road, and that it should go to the fork where the two roads—Christleton- road and Tarvin-road—branched off, and that the line should then traverse Christleton-road or Tarvin-road and form a junction at Filkin's- lane. That, they believed, would be a profitable undertaking if accomplished, as there was a great deal of building in that neighbourhood and a large population already, in all probability the tramways development in that direction would lead to further building in that neigh- bourhood. The next recommendation was with reference to an extension. within their own boundary. It was proposed to bring a line from the foot of Flookersbrook Bridge along Brook-street, and up George-street, to the junction of George-street with Upper Nortbgate-street, then taking one braach along Upper Northgate-street and Liverpool- road as tar as the Bache, which was the extremity of their boundary, and taking another branch from the junction of George- street and Northgate-strtot over the canal bridge, under the Northgate, to the Market. It would depend upon their decision with regard to those extensionki what proceedings were necessary. If they decided to extend the lines in the directions indicated, Parliamentary powers would be necessary, but if they contented themselves with exten- sions within their own boundary, then a provisional order was all that was need4 With regard to Filkin's Lane there was a diffi- culty. He understood that the road was halt in the county and half in the city, and unless a line could be laid in the city part of the road, they would require Parliamentary powers for thac extension, and he understood it would be more convenient to construct the line in the portion of the road which was in the county, rather than confine it to the city portioq. It was absolutely necessary if they were to pro- ceed at once tnat their decision should be made known at once, as the time was very short for the preparations to be made for the next session of Parliament. He moved:—" That application be made to Parliament at the ensuing session for an Act conferring the necessary powers for carrying out and giving effect to the acquisition of the Chester Tramway Company's undertak- ing, and adopting the same for mechanical traction and for constructing the extensions No. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, in the minutes of the com- mittee of the 28th ultimo, and shewn on the plans now submitted, and for working the whole undertaking." The Sheriff (Mr. R. Lamb) seconded. Mr. G. H. Reynolds asked whether they could not be given some idea as to how the price was arrived at. The Mayor pointed out that that part of the business had been disposed of. Mr. Tom Browne moved that no extension take place, and that they kept within the borough. If Hoole wanted to get out of the difficulty, why did not they come into Chester and be part of them ? The people of Hoole made their living in Chester, and only went home to sleep, and if they wanted tramways to take them there why did not they come into Chester and be honest and fair and pay the rates and support the tramways ? If the tramways were a loss to Cheater, would Hoole support them ? Not at all. That was a busi- ness transaction and they must go into it in a business way. It was not a charity, and they were not going to take the people of Hoole in penny stages. They used Cnester streets and electric light and wny should they not join in paying their share ? If there was a profit then let them take the benefit of it, and if there was a loss then let them bear their share. Why should Hoole ask for the tramways ? If they liked they could run a penny 'bus to where the tramways finished, and if that did not pay let it be taken off. And why should they take the railway company's servants down Saltney P Let the Council try their own speculation first with- out getting an Act of Parliament, which meant a lot, as lawyers knew. Let the Council make a small beginning, and if outside people wished for an extension then let them offer some advantage to the Council to extend it to them. Do not let them (the Council) throw it at them. He moved that they keep within their own boundary and rights. Alderman J. J. Cunnah differed from Mr. Browne's remarks. He considered, after serious thought, that the further they sent the tramways—the greater the distance—the greater would be the benefit to the trade of the city. They all knew that people had to go somewhere to sleep, ana it they slept at Hoole it would be an advantage to the trade of the city ot Chester to bring them in the daytime into the city in a cheap and convenient manner I to do their shopping. Mr. Jas. G. Frost: Will Hoole contribute anything to the tramways ? Mr. B. C. Roberts: A penny per head. Mr. Jas. G. Frost: Have you estimated what the whole cost of the undertaking will be P We have only estimated the cost of buying the old stock which is absolutely useless. Mr. Edgar Dutton said if the tramways were taken to Hoole the Hoole people would have to pay for travelling on the trams. It was their duty to place the trams where they could, as they would bring in money. Mr. G. H. Reynolds: 1 understand they will go to the Bache and will not stop at Rocky-lane. The Mayor That is the proposal. Mr. Rae said they ought to discuss first whether they should apply for a Provisional Order or an. Act of Parliament. He thought the Town Clerk bad pold them that it was just as simple to get an Act of Parliament as a Provisional Order, and that the difference in the cost would be very little. He thought the Council should take full powers, and work their scheme of extension out gradually. They wanted a thorough scheme. Mr. Tom Browne: What would be the difference in cost between an Act of Parliament and a Provisional Order ? The Town Clerk said if either were unopposed the difference in cost would be very litfte. Of course, it was impossible to say whether there would be any opposition. The recent applica- tion with reference to the rural sewerage scheme was opposed, and the cost was quite as great as though it had been a Bill in Parliament. As far as he was able to tell them the difference in cost, assuming that it was unopposed, was practically little more than the cost of the House fees, and the House fees did not amount to more than .£100 altogether. Alderman J. Jones (St. Oswald's) advised the taking of the fullest possible powera open to the Council. (Hear, hear.) No member of the Council would for a moment think of going in for all the extensions straight away. They would certainly have to act with prudence and discretion in the matter. The only extension which he thought called for immediate &tten. tion was the Boughton one, but while they were going for an Act of Parliament they ought to take powers for extending where they might expect some remuneration for their outlay. In Hoole, for instance, there was a very large population waiting for some method of convey- ance into the city. It was common knowledge, and while they had been negotiating with the Tramway Company they had been told all along that the 'bus traffic to Hoole, the Bache, and Boughton had been the most remunerative of all traffic. Those were the districts in which people were living, and thither the extensions ought to be made. Did it not seem a very reasonable thing that if the people of Hoole could ride into Brook-street or any other part of the city for a penny, it would bring a good deal of the trade into the city, which wy now kept in Hoole. (Hear, hear.) He thought they should be penny wise and pound foolish if they did not support the extensions. Mr. G. H. Reynolds asked whether they could get all the powers they wanted if a Provisional Order was applied for. The Town Clerk: No. Mr. Reynolds: Then it seems to me undoubtedly absolutely essential to go in for an Act for Parliament. Mr. B. C. Roberts: I think it only fair that those gentlemen who are not upon this Committee, also the public generally, nhould know that the Committee have so intention of forthwith going in for this scheme as a whole, because, of course, any business man would see at once it would be a most imprudent thing to do. It is a very great question whether electric trams will pay or not, and the Council, if they are wise, will adopt a tentative scheme of some sort, possibly extending slightly upon the present track. Of course we should all like to be taken home by electricity, but it is a serious matter to be taken home at the ratepayers' expense. If that is not their intention, I certainly do not agree with them. Mr. J. G. Holmes expressed himself in favour of an Act of Parliament. Mr. B. C. Roberts was decidedly in favour of an Act of Parliament. It was quite understood that they should have full powers. Mr. Denson asked if they were to be confined to the route as mentioned, or would there be any deviation. Mr. B. C. Roberts said it was the very best route that had been suggested. Mr. Denson pointed out that George-street was often blocked at the top, and suggested that the trams should be brought along Victoria-road and up Delamere-street. Mr. J. Jones (Boughton) did not think there was likely to be any opposition to the Bill. The natural way from Hoole into Chester was along Frodsham-street to Foregate-street. He did not think much trade would accrue from going up George-street. He thought they ought to take the opportunity of widening Frodsham-street. It would be a capital thing for trade. Mr. D. L. Hewitt asked whether the Com- mittee bad had under consideration the taking of the tramways down Lower Bridge-street and over the Dee. It seemed to him that there was a large population in Queen's Park and Hand- &¡,l. -1..2 1. -2 _L_ _0 urivigo, WUU WUULLI UWOUIQ gouu OUSUULUWra OL the tramways. The Mayor said that had been most carefully considered by the committee, but it was not possible owing to the narrowness of the bridge. Frodsham-street was also exceedingly narrow, and it it were thought desirable to take the trains along Frodsham-street they would have to consider the question of widening the street. Mr. Denson again asked whether they were tied to the various routes mapped out. The Mayor: I take it you are. You must submit to Parliament a scheme. Mr. J. G. Frost: How much is this scheme likely to cost ? The Mayor said he was afraid it was abso- lutely impossible to state that. Mr. Thursfield's report gave them an estimate of the cost so far as it was possible. Mr. J. Jones (Boughton) moved that a branch line be run from the Saltney line at Overleigh Lodge, through handbridge and up Bridge-street, and that that be included in the scheme, not necessarily to be carried out at once. Mr. D. L. Hewitt said inasmuch as Northgate- street was likely to be widened in the near future, he thought that should be included in the scheme that the tramways run to the Cross and not stop at the Market. Mr. R. C. Davies was also of opinion that Frodsham-street should be included. Mr. D. Hewitt seconded Mr. J. Jones's motion. Mr. Vernon thought a very much better plan would be to go from Overleigh Lodge to Eaton-road and then run every other tram from Saltney via Eaton-road. They would then have a double service through the city. The Mayor, speaking with reference to the suggested branch line through Handbridge, said it was absolutely impossible, as they would have to rebuild the Old Bridge, and that would be an expensive job. The road inclined so much that the thing could not be worked. Mr. J. Jones (Boughton) did not think there would be any difficulty about the bridge if it was a single line. The Mayor: It is impossible to carry a line in that direction. Mr. Jones's motion was put to the meeting, and carried by 16 votes to eight. The Sheriff moved that Frodsham-street be included in the Act of Parliament, the branch to join the trams at Foregate-street. Mr. R. C. Davies seconded. Mr. Edgar Dutton supported Frodsham-street. The Mayor: You will have to satisfy Parlia- ment that it is a proper street for the purpose. Mr. F. F. Brown said while he was in sympathy with the amendments, he thought it was advisable to take the recommendations as they came before the Council. Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes thought they were trying to create opposition by over-loading the scheme. The Town Clerk explained with reference to the last amendment it would be putting the Council in a very false position. Unless they were prepared to also embody in the Bill powers to widen the old Dee Bridge, and to acquire property in Frodsham- street to enable them to get the statutory width, it was no use applying for powers to extend in those directions. There was a stand- ing order of Parliament that the distance bet- ween the kerb and the nearest line should be as a minimum 9ft. 6ins. And they could not get that on the old Dee Bridge, or in Frodsham-street, In regard to Bills which had come before Parliament from other boroughs wherever these standing orders had been infringed, Parliament had put upon the Corporation the obligation to buy the property and widen the streets. If the amend- ment was persisted in, they should seek powers in the Bill to widen the old Dee Bridge. Alderman John Jones (St. Oswald's) said in view of that statement would it not be wisdom on the part of the Council to accept the scheme as it came from the committee ? If opportunity served in the future, they could widen Frodsham- street and Northgate-street and carry out the extension. The Sheriff did not see why they should not go in and attach to the Act ot Parliament powers to acquire property and widen the bridge. Mr. F. F. Brown thought the Council would be well advised if they took the recommenda- of the committee entirely. Mr. G. H. Reynolds: There is no harm in getting the powers; we need not necessarily extend our tramways that way. Mr. B. C. Roberts: You would have to do it in five years, or the power would be void. Mr. J. M. Frost said if they saddled the Bill with compulsory powers of acquiring property, they would be bringing about their heads great opposition. He hoped they would keep to the resolution, and take it in sections, and not go in for the whole scheme all at once. Alderman Dr. Stolterfoth was strongly in favour of the committee's recommendations as they stood. If they loaded the Bill with any- thing further than what the committee had recommended, they would perhaps land them- selves into very considerable expense over and above the extension of the tramways. Ald. J. J. Cunnah said if they added a foot- path to the bridge, outside the bridge, and it could easily be done, it might meet the require- ments of the Act. The Mayor: As far as I can remember the path is on the side of the bridge already. Mr. J. Jones (Boughton) said he had taken the feeling of the Council on the matter, and they had decided in favour of the extension, but after the explanation of the Town Clerk, he would be only too pleased to withdraw his motion, if it was the wish of the other members that he should do so. (Hear, hear.) The amendment which Mr. Jones (Boughton), had moved, was then withdrawn. Mr. Lightfoot rather thought it would be wise as they were extending the tramway to Stone Bridge, to take it to Mold Junction. Mr. Roger Jackson pointed out that the rail- way workpeople at Mold Junction could travel backwards and forwards to Chester on the rail-- way for quarter fare. Replying to Dr. Roberts, Mr. B. C. Roberts said Delamere-street was not public property. The Mayor said it was the property of the railway people. Mr. B. C. Roberts seconded the resolution that the committee's recommendation be adopted, &c. Mr. G. H. Reynolds: Does this resolution take the tramways down to the Bache Hotel ? The Mayor: Yes. The resolution was carried unanimously. Ald. J. J. Cunnah: I should like with your permission to ask one question. Provided that the Council work the trams by electric power, will it be necessary for the Corporation to take over the rolling stock and everything at valuation, or is that optional ? The Mayor: It is part of the agreement that we shall take the rolling stock at a valuation. Ald. J. J. Cunnah It will be of no use to us. The Town Clerk said they were limited to 11 cars, 50 horses, 20 sets of harness, &e. The Mayor: That means.the tramway stock; it has nothing to do with their omnibuses. Before proceeding to Parliament we shall have to obtain the formal, sanction of the ratepayers, and it will have to be submitted to the statutory meeting of the ratepayers, and also to a formal meeting of the Council.

TROUBLE IN THE POLICE FORCE. I « INSPECTORS EXONERATED. At a meeting of the Chester Watch Com- mittee on the 4th inst., a letter was read from Mr. John Whalley, of Ashfield, complaining of the conduct of a police constable on September 12th last, the night of the Chester Cycle Carnival. Mr. Whalley attended the committee in support of his complaint. The Chief Constable reported that the same police constable charged two of the police inspectors with conspiring against him, and that he had examined the whole of the members of the force with the view of ascertain- ing if there was any ground for the charge, and found it entirely unsupported. Several members of the police force were examined in the presence of the committee and the police constable, and after a long discussion it was resolved "That in view of the evidence pro- duced, there is no foundation for the charge made against the two inspectors. It was also resolved that the Chief Constable report further to the next meeting.

POLICE COURT BANTER. — + CHURTON v. BRASSEY. At the City Police Court on Friday an amusing passage at arms occurred between the solicitors (Messrs. W. H. Churton and E Brassey), who were engaged in a case which occupied several hours. The following was the colloquy which ensued:— Mr. Brassey (to Mr. Churton): Ask the witness one question at a time, and not four in one. Mr. Churton: Are you getting uncomfort- able ? (Laughter.) You ought to be if you are not. You ought to be ashamed to come here with such a case! (Laughter.) Mr. Brassey: I am not getting uncomfortable, but I have borne this as long and patiently as I can. Mr. Churton: And you'll have to bear it patiently a little longer 1 Mr. Brassey But I shall not! Mr. Charton: Then you had better go out of court if you cannot keep quiet. (Laughter.) Mr. Brassey ft is reducing cross-examination to a farce. Mr. Churton It doesn't matter whether it is a farce or not. (Laughter.) Mr. Brassey: I must protest, and ask my friend to put one question at a time, and give the witness time to answer. We shall have to have the muzzling order for my friend yet. (Laughter.) (A quarter of an hour later.) Mr. Brassey: Really I must protest against my friend putting leading questions. Mr. Churton it is a fine morning for hunt- ing, and my friend would have been enjoying himself much better outside. (Laughter.) Mr. Brassey I am having better sport here. (Laughter.) Mr. Churton: Let us go on quietly. You are only wasting time. We have lost three minutes now. (Laughter.) Mr. Brassey: Well, I protest against you putting leading questions. Mr. Churton Ail right, I will not offend his lordship's dignity if I can keep him quiet for a bit. (Laughter.) If he was standing for Parliament I could understand it! Mr. Brassey: I hope the new baths will be pushed on with, so that my friend can have a cooling dip. (More laughter.)

ST. MARY'S TRIENNIAL BAZAAR. « The spacious Assembly Room of Chester Town Hall presented a gay and picturesque appearance on Friday on the occasion of the two days' triennial bazaar in connection with St. Mary's Church. The object of the function was, a9 in former years, to provide funds for the Sunday schools, day schools, and other parochial institutions. The triennial bazaars have hitherto been held in the National Schools of the parish, but this year the bazaar has been organised on a considerably enlarged scale, and it became necessary to change the venue. By the proceeds of this bazaar it is hoped, as on the last occasion, to finance the parish Sunday schools for the next three years without the need of any further call for public assistance. Needless to state, the rector (the Rev. H. Urantham) and Mrs. Grantham co-operated heartily in the organisation of the bazaar. The stalls, all heavily laden with the articles for sale, bore evidence of much painstaking labour on the part of the ladies and other workers. A working party had been busily engaged for several months in providing material for the plain and fancy stalls on behalf of the Sunday schools, and another body of ladies, under the superintendence of Mrs. Atherton and Miss Withers, in providing the necessary material for a stall on behalf of the day schools. Numerous auxiliary attractions to the bazaar were provided in the evening by entertainments by the Hand- bridge Amateur Minstrels, and Professor Miller, and a gramaphone, the Massa string band, tableaux, shooting gallery, etc. Miss Dorothy Rolt presided over a gypsy tent, which opened at intervals for fortune telling. The following were the stalls and the names of the ladies who presided over them: —Sunday school fancy stall: Miss Taylor, Miss Mill, and Miss Margerie Taylor. Flowers, plants and fruit stall: Mrs. R. E. Birch, Miss Gwynydd Grantham, and Mrs. Skipwith. Sunday school plain stall: Mrs. Kirkpatrick, Mrs. Gould, Miss Hurst and Mrs. Humphreys. Sweets, etc., stall: Mr. S. B. Jacson and Miss Jacson. Day schools stall: Mrs. Atherton, Miss Withers, and assistants. Dairy produce, game and poultry, etc., stall: Mrs. J. R. Fuller and Miss Fraser, assisted by Miss Florence Taylor, Miss Jessie Fraser, Miss Thompson and Miss Roberts. Fancy stall: Miss Massie and the Misses Porter. Refreshment stall: Mrs. Newman, Mrs. H. B. Dutton, Mrs. Siddall, assisted by Miss Gardner, the Misses Eastwood and the Misses Siddall. Fancy stall: Mrs. and Miss R. Roberts and Miss Potts, assisted by Miss L. Potts, Miss Mocatta, Miss K. Rogers, Mrs. Fluitt, Miss Fluitt and Mrs. Reynolds. Basket stall: Mrs. J. T. Golder and Mrs. Rowson. Fish ponds: Miss Jessie Taylor, the Misses Parkinson and Miss Gertrude Mill. Tobacco and parcels stall: Miss Higgins, Miss M. Higgins and Miss Robin. The bazaar was formally opened in the after- noon by Lady Lettice Grosvenor in the presence of a large attendance.—The Rector (the Rev. H. Grantham), in calling upon Lady Lettice to open the proceedings, said this was not the first occasion on which she had assisted them, for she opened their sale of work in 1897. He explained that the triennial bazaar was originally intended for the support of the Sunday schools, the scholars at which numbered five or six hundred. In 1896 the church council was instituted to manage the finances of the parish, and the triennial bazaar was instituted to help, not only the Sunday school, but every work connected with the parish. He gratefully acknowledged the help which had been accorded by the parishioners in this venture and the gifts of articles for sale.—Lady Lettice then declared the bazaar open, remarking that she was very glad to join in a work which must appeal to all. and she wished it every success. (Applause.)—On the initiative of General Mocatta, seconded by Mr. H. J. Taylor, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Lady Lettice for her attendance. The bazaar was continued on Saturday, and was largely attended. The opening ceremony was performed by the Mayoress.

THROAT AVFBCTIONS AND BOARSENESS. BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TBOCHPS, which have proved so successful in America for the Cure of Coughs Colds, Hoarseness, Bronchitis, Asthma, Catarrh. or any irritation or sore- ness of the throat, are now imported and sold in this country at, 1/14 per box. Put up in the form of a lozenge it is the most Convenient,, pleasant, safe and sure remedy for clearing ana strengthening the voice in tlje world. No family should be without them. The arenuine have the words Buows's BRONCHIAL Tpocars" on the Government stamp around each box.-London Depot: 33, Farringdon-road, and of all Patnnt Medicine Vendors, Iitil .c

DEATH OF A FORMER CHESTER OFFICER. « Information has reached us of the death of Captain and Quartermaster J. Horn, of the «, Royal Medical Corps, at his residence, 11, The j Willows, Breck-road, Liverpool, at the age of 58 years. From 1890 to 1897 he was employed as quartermaster at the Headquarter Offices, Watergate House, Chester, and during that period he lived on the Saltney-road. Smart- ness, combined with an efficiency which came of a wide and varied experience, led him to be regarded as the best of quartermasters. There are many in Chester who will remember him, and by those who knew him intimately his demise is greatly regretted. Captain Horn had a distinguished career. Having served with the ranks for over 19 years, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant of Orderlies on the 22nd March, 1879, and received a captaincy in 1889. He retired in 1897. He had seen considerable active service. commencing with the South African war of 1879-81. He also served in the Zulu Campaign, receiving the medal and clasp; in the Trans- vaal Campaign, and was present at the defence of Pretoria; and in the Soudan Expedition, 1885, receiving the medal with clasp and bronze star. Since his retirement his services have been utilised on several occasions. He was last employed during the trying period of mobilisation, from Oct., 1899, to April, 1900, when failing health compelled him to relinquish the duties.

ROWDY RADICALS. 4 DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT. SRQUBL TO CHESTER ELECTION. At the City Police Court on Thursday, before the Mayor, Mr. John Thompson, and Mr. Roger Jackson, twelve youths, whose ages range from 16 to 21, and who are employed, with one excep- tion, at the Chain and Anchor Works, Saltney, were charged under the byelaws of the Improve- ment Act with insulting behaviour on the 5th instant. The defendants' names were Philip McHugh, Joseph McHugh, Edward Willetts, Alfred Willetts, Charles Ryan, John Williams, William Ibell, Edward Griffiths, Joseph Lewis, John Ryder, Edward Day, and William Foxhall. They all pleaded guilty. The Chief Constable stated that on Friday, about noon last, during the progress of the election, the defendants, in company with some younger lads, left Saltney and proceeded along Hough Green. They were all wearing a certain party colour, and everyone they met who was wearing the other party colour they insulted by throwing cabbage stalks, sods, and stones at them. They met Mrs. Birch, of Eaton-road, who was driving along Hough Green with her coach- man. They threw several things at her; the horse was startled, and the coachman's hat was knocked off. The defendants then commenced to kick the hat about the street. Early in the morning one of the elder defendants was cautioned by an officer at Saltney about his conduct. P.C. Griffiths said he saw the defendants and some others go in the direction of Chester from S&ltney. Some of them were carrying flowers, and others big posters in front of them. He had received several complaints concerning their conduct. He received one from Mr. Edwards, plumber, Boughton, and another from Mr. Warren Trevor. Afterwards he was told that this same gang had insulted people. He subsequently saw Foxhall by Lache-lane, going in the direction of Chester, and he said: Is it you who knocked the coachman's hat off p II Foxhall replied, No, it was Jack Ryder." He afterwards saw the defendants at Saltney, and on seeing him they all ran away with the exception of Philip McHugh, who turned round and came towards him. He said they were shouting, and the lady slashed at them with the whip and knocked the coach- man's hat off. Sergeant Adams, of the Flintshire police, said he was with the previous witness on the election day, and saw defendants leave Saltney in the direction of Chester. Some had flowers in their hands, some were dressed as niggers, and some had cabbage stalks. He considered their conduct was disorderly, and he cautioned McHugh in the morning first thing. Andrew Garston, 3, Wrench's Court, labourer, in the employment of the Corporation, was on Hough Green between twelve and one on the election day, and saw the gang coming up from Saltney. He saw Mrs. Birch driving towards them with a coachman behind her, and he saw the gang pull dirty yellow weeds out of the ditch, and pelt Mrs. Birch, because she had red, white and blue ribbons on her whip. The coachman's hat was knocked off, and kicked about the road. The whip was not used at all. He was not aware that any sods were thrown. The Chief Constable: Did you see anybody else assaulted ?-Yes. One of Mr. Frost's brakes was thrown at, and he was inside. Mr. Thompson: Which Mr. Frost ? (Laughter.) Henry Brown, another Corporation employe, deposed to seeing about 18 or 20 boys coming up Hough Green with yellow flowers in their coats. They insulted everybody who had red, white and blue. He saw the coachman's hat knocked off. Joseph Davies, coachman in the employment of Mrs. Birch, Eaton-road, said the gang threw sods and roots and other missiles at the trap, and his hat was knocked off. The whip was not used at all, but was in the socket all the time. He could not identity any of the gang. Mrs. Birch stated that on meeting the gang coming from Saltney she said to the coachman, Here is a gang of youths coming; I should not be surprised if theymob us or do something. they look so impertinent." She tried to get into the middle of the road out of their way, but before she could do so they pelted the trap with mud, stones, plants, and everything they could possibly find; some, in fact, took things out of their pockets. The horse took frigbfe she was hit on the hat, and the coachman's hat was knocked off. She could identify Philip McHugh. She did not use the whip at all. When she got back to Wrexham-road the defendants were sitting round the lamp, and being afraid that they were going to do the same thing again, she drove to them as near as she could, in the hope that if anything were thrown it would not hurt so much. McHugh: Did you use the whip ?—No. had it in my hand but did not use it. The Chief Constable explained that Foxbal1, Joseph McHugh, John Williams, and John Ryder had been previously convicted for various offences. He pointed out the gravity of the present offence. If the defendants had met similar gang of the opposite colour a riot might easily have occurred. The Mayor said he was present in the To#*1 Hall for about two hours on the election night* at the time when there was the greatest excitement in the public mind as to the result. The people who were assembled waiting for to result numbered as far as he had heard estimate somewhere betweenjl2,000 and 15, and absolute good order and good temper Was exhibited by all these people. Their conduct wa: most admirable, and it reflected the greatest credit on the city. It had been left to tn defendants to break the good name of in that respect, and to shew themself unworthy citizens. Their behaviour had nothing whatever to do with the election; they too advantage of the excitement to indulge ot. rowdyism and insulting and improper condo • The Bench did not look upon them as example of either Chester or Saltney- ad disgrace was entirely theirs. The four who been convicted before would each be fin6 cij, including costs, and the others 15s. < » including costs, or in default 14 « j imprisonment.

PRESENTATION TO SIR GILBERT GREENAL¡"- At the annual dinner given on Wedne night to the tenantry of the Walton estat Sir Gilbert Greenall, Bart., advantage taken of the occasion to present Sir with a suitable gift, in view of his appr marriage. The presentation ^f^r^hes in massive solid silver tea tray, thirty length, and weighing 200 ounces. flor*! early Georgian, with heavily-chas 0f border, and handles in character, the tray is tastefully engraved with a 1 design, and the centre bears the 10rt inscription: — Presented to Sir ^jtofl Greenall, Bart., by the tenantry of estates on the occasion of bis jg a October 25,1900." Accompanying als° very handsome silver tea and coffee serv njn.ety of Georgian design, to match, weign* the ounces. It is heavily chased, and tritn* five pieces of which it consists 8. the crest and monogram of Sir WUDW*