The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

cfotsl obetnmtnt jottings. It is satisfactory to note from the quarterly *Jfctement of the Local Government Board for 1900, just issued, that the state of in Lancashire and Cheshire shews a "rY inaterial decrease. At Midsummer il900, there were 29,175 indoor and 47,972 outdoor Supers (irrespective of lunatics in asylums, catered hospitals, and licensed- houses and Vagrants) in receipt of relief, against 29,707 in- door and 49,117 outdoor on the corresponding of 1899, being a decrease of 1,677, or 21 Per cent. The number of persons in receipt of belief was smaller than in the corresponding Periods for thirty out of the forty-three pre- ying years, and the proportion which they We to the population was smaller than in any the preceding years. The proportion was highest in 1863, reaching 47 7 per thousand, "hile in 13 out of the 15 years, 1857 to 1871, it Was over 40 to the 1,000. New public baths have been opened at Birkenhead by the Mayor. The accommoda- tion includes first-class swimming bath 63 feet by 24 feet; a second-class ditto, 75 feet by 30 feet, with the customary dressing cubicles; 19 slipper baths, various, for males and females; vapour bath, with a needle and shower bath 14 connection. Salt and fresh water supplies Prearranged for. There, is a commodious and "eU-equipped laundry in connection with the btlildings, and the various classes are accom- modated with waiting rooms and sanitary Arrangements. There is also a caretaker's house, and the whole building is cellared, so that all the fittings can be readily examined. The cost of the building, including machinery, 18 about Ell,000, and of the salt water storage tanks and filters 21,600. Councillor John Jones (Cedars), of the tilaududno Town Council, has given notice of Motion that the Council should undertake all Are insurance in the town. A few hundreds of Pounds, he said, would cover the whole cost of flfttaage by fire in the town for the past 30 years, while thousands had been paid in Premiums during that period. The same = gentleman took strong exception to a proposal to expend R25 for transplanting trees for the Purpose of beautifying the town. At the same Jtteeting a proposal to form a committee to Consider the question of advisability for con- structing an elee'ris t ramway round the Great rmes Head was unanimously adopted. There was au unusual scene at a recent "leeting of the Lleyn (Pwllheli) Rural District Council. A deputation from Abererch parish Appeared in support of an application con- cerning a certain road, which having been Explained, the deputation was asked in the 'Uual course of things to withdraw while the Council discussed the question. This they doggedly refused to do for some time, declaring that the meeting was open to the public. firing the wrangle a Mr. E. R. Davies asserted to Mr. J. T. Jones You want to be boss of the thow." (It is astonishing what plain English 400me of these good people can use when they 'Choose.) Ultimately the scene ended by the deputation thinking better of it and retiring, but they did not succeed in gaining their point. The City and University authorities of Oxford are likely to come into serious conflict the rating question in connection with the latter body. The City Corporation have Recently had a re-valuation made of the University and College properties with a view increased assessment. This was reported 011 at a special meeting of the City Council Recently, when it appeared from a comparative Valuation list that it is sought to raise the Assessments of the colleges from fA2,522 to 464.046, and the university properties from 411,647 to 921,369, and numerous other pro- perties in like proportion. In moving the Adoption of the report, the Chairman of the tnitte8 and representative of the University d the final issue would very likely come before the law courts. He did not hail with satisfaction the prospect of a very serious, a tbry long, and very expensive litigation. A certain class of Irish seem to take a gleeful Pleasure in shewing their disloyalty on every Presentable occasion against everything con- nected with this country. At a meeting of KUardians of the North Dublin Union the other day, a guardian named Goggins must needs Btep out of his way to propose a vote of thanks to the Queen of Holland for affording pro- Section to Mr. Kruger in his hour of distress. Colonel Lindsay, another guardian, denounced 1(1', Goggins as a most disloyal man, and, *emarking that he could not stay in the same tOOIn with such a person, withdrew from the Meeting. The motion was carried with one dissentient only. and Goggins remains famous for ever. A further development of these pin- pricks" is a proposition that the Dublin Town Council confer the freedom of the city on ex- president Kruger.

HONOUR TO CAPTAIN BROMLEY- DAVENPORT. « The chairman of the Macclesfield Conserva- tive Association (Mr. Alderman Savage) has deceived the following cablegram from Captain Bromley-Davenport, M.P., who has been re- turned unopposed by the Macclesfield Division, and who is at present in South Africa with the Imperial Yeomanry :-tt Grateful thanks to Political supporters and opponents for high honour conferred by my second unopposed Selection. Am hoping very shortly to turn toward home and friends.—CAPT. DAVENPORT. The Macclesfield Division Unionist Associa- tion has resolved to present swords of honour to Captain Bromley-Davenport, the re-elected toember for the division, who is in South Africa Commanding the Staffordshire Yeomanry, and to General Brocklehurst, a Macclesfield man, And nephew of the late Mr. W. C. Brocklehurst, who represented Macclesfield ior many years. It was also agreed to ask the Mayor of the borough to lead in the matter, and also to invite the co-operation of the Liberal Association.

DON'T LOOK OLD. With advancing years greyness increases. btop this with LOCKYEB'S SULPHUR HAIR RESTORER, Which darkens to the former colour and preaeirea the appearance Lookyer s keeps off J* time, by darkening the grey streaks. Large cheap bottles. THE ROYAL ALBERT ASYLUM, LANCASTER.— The general annual meeting of this institution tor the care and training of feeble-minded young persons belonging to the northern coun- ties, will be held at the Town Hall, Durham, on Tuesday afternoon, October 30, under the presidency of the Rev. Canon Tristram, Lh.v., F.R.S., chairman of the Durham County Com- mittee. The Right Hon. Sir John T. Hibbert, K.C.B., chairman of the Central Committee; Prof. Sir George H. Philpson, Knt., M.D., and other influential friends of the institution will attend. At the present time there are 593 inmates, and accommodation for 640, which will be increased by 100 when the Ashton wing, now Ul course of erection, is completed. The object JI L of the new wing is to facilitate ciassmcawou. The committee are appealing for donations to the extension fund, and for annual subscrip- tions for the maintenance of the institution. NEws BY THE TAPE has often been utilised by a bold speculator for the speedy accumulation of a vast fortune. Knowledge is powerin every aven e Of life when properly wielded. The proprietor of Holloway's Pills and Ointment is fully alive to this filot and knowing their value as a cure for all diseases, he has made their merits known in all parts of the world. Commercial men who, to Keep Pace with the times, have always to work at hign geagnre should never be without a supply 01 eae valuable medicines. They purify the blood, in the stomach, quicken the circulation and invigorate the system. For nervous or fceuralgio headache, no remedy has been found to B^toh them in excellence,

THE NATIONAL HOME-READING UNION. » ■■ The annual meeting of the National Home- Reading Union, of which Mr. Yerburgh, M.P., is hon. secretary, was held on Friday evening in the offices of the London School Board, Victoria Embankment. Sir Charles Elliott, who presided over a large gathering, said a party of them on the London School Board had been engaged in a struggle to resist the grow- ing tendency to enlarge the scope of scientific and mathematical teaching and to encourage more what was called the humanities." He was glad to say that during the last school year, for the first time in the history of the Board, there had been a slight increase in the numbers of those who had taken class subjects as compared with those taking mathematics and science. They had now reached the position that the study of literature on the part of the scholars in their elementary schools occupied a higher place than it had ever done before. He should like to see the connection between the schools of the Board and the Home-Reading Union much closer than it was at the present time. One of the greatest benefits they could confer upon the children was to induce them to make use of the union's selected books, reading them both at home and in school, and acquiring in this way that real love of reading for its own sake, not because it was a lesson, which would prove one of their greatest treasures in after life. Dr. Sophie Bryant, in the course of an address on the dangers of the undue systematiza- tion of education, said the play of the imagination and of the fancy was very apt to be checked by a training too narrowly scientific, too entirely fashioned on the lines of logical accuracy and systematic methods. The natural playgrounds for the human mind, the subjects. of learning, of study, of thought, which were naturally preserved as playgrounds, were art and literature. The danger to art from over-systematization seemed to her to be very great, and the same might be said of literature. The great thing to avoid in all attempts at literary lectures or other means of literary education was anything in the nature of dogmatism. They did not want to tell any one what they ought to like. They wanted to bring them on and develop their own faculties of judgment, their own sensitiveness of ear and activity of pictorial imagination, so that they might be able to judge independently for themselves and know what it was they liked. She hoped much more would be done than had been done up to the present by the London School Board and the School Boards of the country to bring good literature and literature of the kind suitable for children within their reach and taste and appreciation. Professor Earl Barnes also addressed the meeting on the necessity for organizing the reading of the people. The proceedings closed with the usual votes of thanks.

OUR SOLDIERS' RETURN- DRINK AND PATRIOTISM. The sister of a soldier returning from South Africa writesOur troops are now returning to their mother country as quickly as possible; they have had nearly twelve months of strict discipline, and the war, with its attendant sufferings, will have taught many of them much in the way of patience, endurance, abstinence, and thoughtfulness for others. Gold is purified by fire, man by trials and sufferings, and though I do not by any means imply that all our splendid men who bravely went to face death in South Africa are worthless scamps, yet the soldier is, we know, not altogether infallible any more than any other mortal, and the war having rigorously taught its lessons and brought out all the best points in the men, I know that many .who went out with a shadow of their own casting on their lives will return to us refined. liked the gold, and freed from dross- new men," and full of good resolutions. But, alas! some men, in spite of their good resolu- tions, are deplorably weak, and who can answer for these when once more free from discipline and in the midst of temptations? It is for such as these-the weak-that I plead most, for some, though brave and strong as lions in the battlefield, are weak as water when brought face to face with temptation. It behoves us, therefore, to welcome the return of our glorious heroes in a befitting manner, and to shew them our heart-felt gratitude for so gloriously up- holding ttle British nag, by lending them a LIOIPIUG unuct I/uwaras luriuei hJ. HIe, instead of degrading them by offering them intoxicants—and that to such an extent as to at once scatter all their good resolutions, take away all their manliness, and level them with, I might say, the beasts of the earth. I saw a young soldier in khaki, only about 20 years of age, being led through the streets of Liverpool. He was in a completely helpless, pitable state, and supported on both sides by two men—I presume his companions—who, very probably, were altogether answerable for his condition. The sight turned my heart sick with pity. Why cannot "friends" be what they pro- fess to be-real friends, instead of bitterest enemies ? Many a good but weak man has been spoilt-nay more, utterly ruined by his so- called friends. I am not a teetotaller myself, and I do not, except in certain cases, advocate total abstinence; on the contrary, I think a little in a glass" does a man good some- times, but "too much of a thing is good for nothing," as they say in Latin, and if a man does not know when he has had as much as is good for him, why, then, I would say, do not take it at all. In the case of the soldiers returning from South Africa, and from nearly twelve months of almost total absti- nence, intoxicants will, of course, affect them all the more, thereupon all the more reason for them te be on their guard and be temperate, if not temperance men, and I would suggest that all those friends" who mean well towards the returning soldier, offer him money or tobacco-even though it be only a cigarette or pipeful—in preference to drink. It is frequently said that smoking leads to drinking (intoxication), but I do not think that is neces- sarily so, now there are so many pleasant non- intoxicating drinks. Surely patriotism and intoxication should not go together! for patriotism means love of one's country, while intoxication means the utter ruin of it. The whole country has shewn its devotion to its beloved Queen and gallant defenders by so nobly coming forward with voluntary assistance, in sending out comforts for the soldiers abroad, and looking to their families at home. I, having been one of the war fund collectors, could tell some pitiful stories of poor poverty- stricken sympathisers who denied themselves common necessaries in order to help the fund and send out comforts for the troops. And now the war is closing and our soldiers are returning-we have done all we; could for them while away-let us now shew our loyalty and patriotism once more by giving them each a hearty welcome and a helping-hand as they return. They write home that they are wondering how we shall receive them in dear Old England." Let us receive. them right royally, with all the honour, pomp, and glorification befitting weather-beaten, long-tried, victorious heroes. Let us do all this, and more, but-for God's sake, and their own, do not let us make them drunk. I write strongly because I feel strongly for these brave men, and I ask all merchants and other employers who have, or are likely to have, vacant posts in their establishments, to publish the fact, and to say that they will give preference (if they will) to steady, eligible reservists and volunteers, for these men, culled from every social grade, resigned their employ- ment to go to the front, and, consequently, have now to start life over again. A helping-hand in this way would, indeed, be a helping-hand (and a right patriotic one too) which would be thoroughly appreciated by all of our gentlemen in khaki," and would very greatly encourage our volunteers to again come forward if, at any future time, their valuable and very creditable services should be required.

ADVICE TO MOTHERS !—Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pains 6f cutting teeth ? Go at once to a chemist and get a bottle of MRS. WINBLOW'S SOOTHING SYRUP, which has been used over 50 years by millions of mothers for their children while teething, with perfect success. It is pleasant to taste, produces natural, quiet sleep by relieving the child from pun, and the little cherub awakes aa bright as a button." It soothes the child, it softens the gums, allay all pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and is the best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes. Sold by Chemists everywhere at Is. lid. per bottle.

SALTNEY PARISH COUNCIL. ♦ A meeting of the Saltney Parish Council was held on Friday at Mainwaring Farm, Mold Junction, under the presidency of Mr. John Jones. There were present Messrs. T. C. Davies, S. Manley, Joseph Woodhouse, F. Doubleday, W. Coppack, and C. Davies, with the clerk (Mr. R. W. Carter). PERSEVERANCE WINS. Satisfaction was expressed at the news that, after an agitation extending over the long period of five and a half years, the Council had induced the Hawarden District Council to effect an adequate water supply to St. David's- terrace.—Mr. T. C. Davies proposed that a reso- lution be recorded on the minutes expressing their satisfaction, so that their successors on the Council would marvel at their perseverance for the welfare of the parish. (Laughter, and hear, hear.)—The proposal was agreed to. A POLLUTED DITCH. Mr. T. C. Davies said he had been com- plained to by the inhabitants of Church Houses, Saltney Ferry, of a serious nuisance arising from a polluted ditch in the vicinity, into which a sewer emptied. The water in the ditch became stagnant, and caused an offensive stench. The nuisance had existed almost two months, and cows drank of the polluted water. If it was the duty of the property owners to clean the ditch, it was the duty of Mr. Barrett (the District Council sanitary inspector) in the first place to urge them to do so.-It was decided to complain to the District Council of the nuisance. THE PROPOSED BURIAL GROUND. The Clerk said he had received no further communication from the Hawarden Parish Council in reply to their intimation that they had appointed a committee to meet their depu- tation on the question of providing an additional burial ground. WANTED: MORE REPRESENTATION ON THE C.C. A discussion arose on the question of the representation of Saltney Parish on the County Council.—The Chairman pointed out that they had received no reply to the communication they sent nearly two years ago to the County Council, asking for the appointment of one or more additional members of that body to represent the parish of Saltney. Considering that Saltney was the largest parish in the county, and contributed as nearly as possible one-third of the ratable value of Hawarden district, everybody would agree that they were under represented. In the number of votes Saltney was larger than Rhyl.— The Clerk But Rhyl is more com- pact. What militates against Saltney is its large area.—The Chairman remarked that they felt the need of better representation when they were fighting for a great improve- ment, such as a sewerage scheme.—On the motion of Mr. Woodward, seconded by Mr. Doubleday, the clerk was instructed to request the County Council for a reply to their letter on the subject. A MAGISTRATE REQUIRED. Considerable discussion took place as to the desirability of having an additional magistrate resident in the parish of Saltney.—The Chairman said they had requested the Lord Lieutenant to appoint another magistrate on the ground that their only justice, Mr. Hurlbutt, was seldom accessible, being frequently away from home. Scarcely a month passed in which a magistrate's services were not required. A policeman had had to go to Mr. Podmore, of Sealand, to obtain an order to remove a Sandy- croft lunatic to the asylum.—The Clerk pointed out that he had to go to a Connah's Quay magistrate to get the rate books of Saltney signed.—It was decided on the motion of Mr. Woodhouse to again acquaint the Lord Lieutenant of the great inconvenience caused in the district by the want of an additional magistrate.—The Chairman remarked that if their letter had no effect, it would be advisable for the Council to agitate in Parliament through Mr. S. Smith, M.P.

TRAGEDY AT STOCKPORT. 0 WIFE MURDER AND SUICIDE. A terrible tragedy was enacted on Friday morning at Stockport. About two o'clock a man named Fred Burton and his wife, who lived in a court off Lower Berry-street, were heard quarrelling, but no importance was attached to this by the neighbours. Subse- quently, however, the wife should have gone to diTcovery that HBMffW On an entry being forced, a terrible spectacle was presented. The woman was lying dead on the bed in pools of blood, with her throat and face fearfully hacked. The husband lay upon the floor with his throat also cut, but he was still living, and was conveyed to the Stockport Infirmary, where he died last evening. The statement of the police says the couple were married five months ago, and about last Christmas Burton, owing to mental depres- sion, was detained for some days in the work- house. About a month after the marriage Burton again suffered from mental troubles, and for a month he was detained in the imbecile ward at the Stockport Workhouse. He was liberated in August, and went to reside with his wife again. He did no work until Monday last, when he obtained employment as a throstle differ at Messrs. M'Clure and Son's mill at Stockport. His wife found employment at the jam works of Messrs. Faulder. The last that appears to have been seen of the couple was at nine o'clock on Thursday evening, when Burton went to the jam works to meet his wife. Previous to setting out on this errand he remarked to a sister-in-law that he wished he had never got married." No notice, however, was taken of the remark. Mrs Barton had not to eo to work until about seven o'clock in the morning, and she bad been in the habit of leaving the door key with Mrs. Bailey, a sister- in-law, who also lives in Lower Berry.street. On Friday morning she failed to call with the key, and when Mr. Bailey went home to break- fast his wife informed him of the fact. Mr. Bailey went to the house of the Burtons, and found that the blinds were drawn, and that the key was in the door-lock. Thinking that Mrs. Burton had perhaps left her husband in bed, Mr. Bailey went to see if the woman was at work. When he found that nothing had been seen of her Mr. Bailey gave information to the police. Detective Howarth and another officer at once proceeded to the house, and found it as Mr. Bailey had described. A ladder was pro- cured and one of the officers looked through the bedroom window. He could see Burton and his wife lying on the bed, and the door was promptly forced. The officers went upstairs, and A HORRIBLE SIGHT presented itself. Mrs. Burton was lying on her right side on the bed, and it was soon evident that she was dead. There was a frightful wound in her throat, while the top of her head was almost battered in. One of her ears was nearly cut off, while her face and hands were badly damaged. On one of her hands there were no fewer than 10 wounds, Burton was lying on his side on the bed, and was also bleeding from a wound in the throat and in- juries to his head. Howarth found a meat chopper and a blood-stained penknife lying on the bed, and it was evident that it was with these that the terrible tragedy had been enacted. Hair from the woman's head was found both on the knife and the chopper. The woman was in her nightdress, and it is supposed that after inflicting the injuries on his wife Burton turned the same weapon upon himself. He was in his night clothes, but it is believed that he had had his trousers on, for the pocket is blood- stained. The bed upon which the couple were found was saturated with blood, and the walls and floor were bespattered with blood. It is believed that the tragedy took place about three o'clock in the morning. At that hour a greengrocer who lives close by heard screams in the house, but he took no notice, because he says he had heard screaming in the house before. It is said that Burton threatened his wife last Sunday week. The domestic tragedy was the subject of an inquiry on Monday afternoon by Mr. J. F. Price, the Manchester County Coroner, at Heaton Norris. After hearing evidence con- cerning the death of Mrs. Burton, the jury found that the woman died from injuries in- flicted by her husband, Frederick Burton, against whom a verdict of wilful murder was returned.

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THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA. A SHARP FIGHT. DESPERATE BOER ATTACK. Lord Roberts, in a despatch received at the War Office on Friday, states that a party of Boers managed to get into Jagers- fontein during the night of the 16th inst. In the morning a fight ensued. Our losses were nine men killed and two mortally wounded. The Boers lost their Commandant and twenty of their number killed.

E-X I T KRUGERI SECRETLY EMBARKS ON A WARSHIP. Lourenco Marques, Friday. Mr. Kruger was secretly taken aboard the Dutch warship Gelderland at five o'clock this morning.

AFRAID OF THE BURGHERS. Lourenco Marques, Oct. 19. The reason given for Mr. Kruger's early em- barkation is that he feared that the Boers here would attack him. The feeling among the Boer refugees against the ex-President for fleeing the country is very strong. Mr. Kruger left the Governor's house at five o'clock this morning in a hired carriage, accompanied by Dr. Iloymann. The Governor followed in a private carriage, and the party drove through the Custom House and embarked at the Custom House pier, instead of at the regular passenger jetty. It is expected that the Gelderland will sail to-morrow. A re- ception was held on board the Gelderland at three in the afternoon. No British officers were invited.

METHUEN AT ZEERUST. A Reuter telegram from Mafeking says that Lord Methuen has arrived at Zeerust after fighting the Boer commanders Delary and Lemmer for several days.—The arrival of the transport Aurania at St. Vincent, with the City Imperial Volunteers on board, was reported yesterday morning.—The railway authorities at Lourenco Marques have received instructions to hand over to the Military Railways Adminis- tration all the wagons and other rolling stock of the Netherlands Railway Company, as they are required.

A KRUGER ANECDOTE. AMUSING DOG FIGHT ANALOGY. Durban, October 20.—General Buller, in his speech to-day, related the following anecdote:— In 1881, when coming But of O'Neill's Farm, in the vicinity of Newcastle, he met Mr. Kruger, who said, General, we don't like this peace." He (General Buller) replied, I also don't like it, because you have got nothing to stand upon. You think you have beaten us, but we know we can beat you." Mr. Kruger rejoined, Well, General, I have seen that when two dogs fight and are separated, they are never right until they have fought it out." We have fought it out," General Buller continued, and we have come out on top. We shall be good friends afterwards, because the top dog never takes advantage of his position."

A CHESTER MAN IN ACTION WITH THE RIFLE BRIGADE. Mr. J. Stubbs, of City-road, Chester, has received an interesting letter from a former employe of his, Rifleman H. P. Martin, now serving with the 2ad Battalion Rifle Brigade in South Africa. It reads: Before you receive this I suppose you will have read an account of another big fight in which we have taken a prominent part. It took place on the 27th August. We have murched right up from Newcastle, and are now well up in the Trans- vaal. We have had several engagements with the Boers, and have kept them on the move, but they tried to make a stand on the 27th at a place called Bergeudall Farm. The artillery shelled them very heavily for some time at a distance of about 700 yards from their position. We then advanced in rushes until about 50 or 60 yards from them, wien we charged, and succeeded in driving thtm out of their position, which we iound to be a strong one. We were highly congratulated by the Generals, Lord Roberts and General ,fi.>¡I,1{;Q T'irn vfirv SrtrV* it was a most brilliant "õ' --t/ -J several of my comrades ay,oweye, that wounded. Our company alone had five killed and about 21 wounded, two of whom have since died. Our Colonel's arm was shattered, two officers killed, and in i1 about 85 casualties in the Battalion, so you miy be sure I feel very thankful that I am able towrite and say I came out without a scratch. Wt are now supposed to have another lot in a tigh. corner, so I hardly think the war will last much longer. I hope you will excuse me not lettaig you hear from me oftener, but we are ccnstintly on the move, so it is very hard work to ?et a little spare time."

LAINGS NEK TO MAJHADODORP, FROM A CESTRIAIS DIARY. Mr. Richard Thomas, orpnist, Tarvin-road, has received an interestin letter from his brother, Bandmaster E.. Thomas, now serving at the front with tb 1st King's Liver- pool Regiment. The leer comes from Machadodorp, and is date<?0th August. The writer says that gazing on Jstoric Majuba, one wondered how General Aller could have accomplished the taking ohat position with such little loss on our SB. Of course, the success achieved was mamldue to the flank attack on Botha's Pass, at he heard from good authority that the idaunted general told the howitzer battery hat they had not wasted one round of ammition. The band- master describes in an iuresting way the journeys from Laings Nekvia Charlestown, Volksrust, Zand Spruit, Ddfontein, Amers- voor, Ermelo, Botha's UlasKoomati River, to Machadodorp. Incidentally.e meiAiona that his regiment formed part ofhe rear guard of the 8th Brigade. They expenced a consider- able delay en route, owing the rough state of the roads, which were repad in some places by two companies of his regant, in order that the transport might move tag more evenly. Portions of his diary red some fighting. Extracts read:—22nd Augt (camp at Van Wyks Vlei). "The 7th tfade go out and engage the enemy. The c-alties on our side, I believe, are very slight, ant is reported that the enemy's loss is hes." 23rd. "We advance to-day on to Gelu) Farm, my regi- ment forming the firing lint!he casualties are rather surprising, which shd the undaunted courage of the men of my iment, especially C Company, who kept a la number of the enemy at bay, and who fo;t and held their ground until darkness cat them to retire. Our casualties were 10 kill45 wounded, and 35 men and one officer uflg. The officer was. I believe, wounded two places. He volunteered to come out he was always active and longed to getgaged with the enemy. Bravery too, I b(e, was shewn by the colour-sergeant. He hhis position with only eight men, and I mufty he was lucky in escaping unhurt." 24tf Our dead were buried after yesterday's ret, and I must say it makes one feel for our lomrades." 26th. It is rumoured to-day is lay, but fighting is very brisk, the Devons hg 45 casualties. Their stretcher-bearers find bring three of our dead that were mis" 27th.—"We advance, again driving tnemy from their positions slowly but sureThe 8th Brigade fights a rear-guard actiind one of our sergeants gets wounded the arm. We succeed in dislodging the ny and are close to the railway, which general Buller's object. Generals French Pole-Carew are on our left, Lord Dundona our right, and I believe Lord Roberts is atth us." 28th.— We advanced to-day ovee captured posi- tions. The enemy's lojust have been terrible, as some of theid (awful sight) were left in the laagers, advanced troops are still following up theay, and at night we find ourselves in Miodorp, the late residence of Oom Paul." The divisions move off to-day in chase. enemy, who are quickly retreating. But ill be pleased to hear that we and the lfles are dropped here on lines of commtion. We sent about 20 prisoners to Preto-day under an escort of my regiment."

The Press Association sthat it has been definitely decided that few Parliament shall not meet for the tstion of business before the middle of Jam

A PAINTER OF HORSES. » MISS EDITH TUDOR. A very interesting article appears in this week's issue of" The Ladies* Field," dealing with Miss Edit,h Tudor, as a painter of horses. The article, which is illustrated by the reproduction of two of her paintings and a portrait of the artist herself, will be of interest to Cestrians; as Miss Tudor is a granddaughter of the late Major French, and a niece of Mr. Frank French of this city. It reads:— It is a curious but undoubted fact that the feminine artist is peculiarly happy as a painter of animals. Perhaps one should say the modern feminine artist, for it was not until after Rosa Bonheur had shewn the wa.y that -women began to display their capacity in the new field that the great painter of The Horse Fair" had opened to her sex. Nowadays the number of women who devote themselves sue- cessfully to the pictorial representation of horses and dogs, and cats, is very large; and every year brings forth some new and promising recruit for that band of artists at the head of which stand Madame Henriette Ronner and Miss Lucy Kemp-Welch. Prominent among these rising painters is the artist whose portrait appears on this page-Miss Edith Tudor, a former pupil at Mr. F. Calderon's admirable school of animal painting. Miss Tudor, who is a daughter of the late Mr. Frederick Tudor, of Holderness, Yorkshire, commenced the serious study of art immediately after leaving Queen's College, Harley-street, where her earlier education had been conducted. She studied first under Messrs. Arthur Cope and Nicol at Brompton, where she drew and painted from the cast and from the life for about four years, a course of training which was an admirable preparation for the work she did subsequently with Mr. Calderon at Baker-street. There she painted for three years, studying thoroughly the anatomy, as well as the outward form, of the horse and the dog. Her artistic training com- pleted, Miss Tudor went to live in the country, at Bedford, where, at Diana Lodge, she has devoted herself entirely to painting, chiefly those animal portraits in oils which have gained for her a well deserved reputation. Miss Tudor's first commission was from Mr. Samson Fox, of Harrogate, for whom she painted a portrait of a chestnut horse, and the successlof this picture brought her many other commissions in Yorkshire. When Miss Tudor's equine sitters live far off from her Bedford studio she usually goes to stay with their owners while the portrait is in progress, and these country visits are among the most pleasurable incidents in her work. The artist can paint a portrait of a horse in four days, but the time, of course, varies. The size of the portrait and the tractability of the sitter have both to be taken into considera- tion—especially the latter. Some horses give her great trouble, while others will stand per- fectly, even when unheld. Miss Tudor loves riding horses almost as much as painting them, and is particularly fond of hunting; but for professional purposes she often follows the hounds unmounted, and, sketch-book in hand, gets many invaluable notes of horses in action. Miss Tudor thinks that an animal painter can learn much by visiting shows and there studying the finest types of horses. She herself makes a point of attending many country shows, besides the great affairs at Islington, generally making some sketches, and often meeting former sitters in the rings. One of the most successful of Miss Tudor's portraits is that of Otterburn, a splendid creature, the property of Mr. H. L. Constable, of Wassand Hall, Hull, who was greatly pleased with Miss Tudor's study of his horse. Miss Tudor occasionally paints portraits of hunting men as well as their mounts. A notable example of this was the presentment of Mr. J. Hill (formerly M.F.H.), of Brompton, Yorks., whom she painted on horseback—a commission from a number of the friends of Mr. Hill, to whom the portrait was afterwards presented. This clever young painter of animals has just finished two por- traits of horses and dogs for Mr. and Mrs. H. Mitchell."

"B.P.'S" ADVICE TO BOYS. — INTERESTING LETTER. The subjoined letter from Major-General Baden-Powell appears in the Runcorn Parish Magazine" for October. It should be explained that a "League of Health and Manliness" has been formed in the parish, the members of which promise not to smoke before is the president. The letter appended is in reply to a request from 15 members of the League-most of them choir boys, past or present—who wrote to the distinguished soldier asking him to become their patron: Rustenburg, Transvaal, 23rd July, 1900. My dear Boys,—I was very glad indeed to get your kind congratulations on the Relief of Mate- king. I am very glad to be elected patron of your club-and I have three reasons for taking special interest in it. Firstly, because I was myself for five years a choir boy in the Charter* house choir. Secondly, because I am -not a smoker. Thirdly, because I was partly educated as a boy at Northwich, and used often to go over to Runcorn. So you see I feel qualified to take a more than an outside interest in your doings. I quite agree with your principles, that it is at your time of life that your habits and character are formed and remain yours during your man- hood. A feeble youth who smokes because he thinks it is manly, is just as liable to drink or to swear because he has known grown-up men to do it-not because it is any pleasure to him—then he gets into the habit of it, and the fault becomes part of him for the rest of his life. The stronger minded boy thinks a bit for himself—as you in your—or may 1 say in our club, do-and keeps himself clear of faults which he recognizes are failing in men. Your recognition of the good work being done by the soldiers out here in their devotion to their duty, shews that you are look- ing in the right direction to see what is the proper example of man to follow. And I think that if boys would take the line of always trying to do what is their duty it would become, in a short time, part of their nature, and would thus guide every action of theirs as men. You who are choir boys, or past choir boys, will recognise that if each sings his part in the har- mony under the direction of the leader-that is, if each one does his duty-the result is a pleas- ing anthem, whereas if each sang what he liked best there would be a fine old cats' chorus. So it is in life-if each does his duty in his proper line or profession the whole community moves prosperously and successfully. Fellows are very often in doubt as to which of two courses may be the proper one to take, or are tempted to take one line because it is more pleasant or easy than the one which their conscience tells them is the right one. Well, if ever you are in such doubt there is an easy way of deciding, and that is to ask your con- science "Which is it my duty to do?" and that will nearly always guide you right. In this way you will soon find that it comes as a habit to do your duty to your leader, whether that be the choirmaster, the head of your department, employer, or officer, or the Queen. And remember always that in thus doing, conscientiously, your duty to your leader, you are also doing your duty to God. And also remember that as you lads may often-without knowing it perhaps-be imitating the examples of men before you, so also, unknown to you, there may be, and probably are, other boys watching you and imitating your example. So let your example to them be always a good one. In this way the whole of England's boys and men will in a short time be what the best of them now are, viz., a lot living honourably up to what their conscience tells them is their duty.—Wishing the club every success, I am, yours truly, B. S. BADJBN-POWKLL. To Fred Fryer, Hon. Secretary, Anti-Smoking Society.

THB RETURN OF TRooPS FROM SOUTH AFRICA..—A circular on this subject, issued on Wednesday at the War Office, states that the order in which the troops will return will depend entirely on military exigencies, and will be mainly based on the proportion of the various arms which the military authorities on the spot consider necessary to restore tran- quility. As soon as it is decided that any particular unit is to return home a notification to that effect will be published. Every endeavour will be made consistent with military requirements to bring back, as soon as they can be spared, soldiers due to return to civil life, so as to enable them to resume their civil employment; but individual cam cannot be exceptionally treated.

van &IRA eSt' GOLT Fafthejt Dcoa Exquijite Flavor,

PULFORD. CHORAL CLASS.—This class has been restarted by the rector (the Rev. H. S. Branscombe). The first meeting was on Tuesday night, but only a few came, owing to the inclemency of the weather. The class used to be conducted by the late Duke of Westminster's private organist, Mr. W. Brierley, but since the lamented death of the Duke, the society had been discontinued.

FLINT. THE CHORAL SOCIETY. The winter's rehearsals were resumed on Tuesday in the Odd- fellows' Hall, Trelawny-square, when there was a good muster of performing members-over 40 —which will be considerably increased, as the work chosen, Handel's Judas Maccabeus," is a popular one. Mr. E. Robinson, of Chester, again holds the post of conductor, Miss L. Owen accompanist, Major Dyson president, and Mr. W. Hughes, solicitor, hon. secretary.

CHRISTLETON, BALI: OF WoRir.-A very successful sale of work and fancy fair were held in the Wesleyan school, Christleton, on Wednesday and Thurs- day, in order to clear off the debt remaining on the new building. It is believed that this has been accomplished, but particulars will be to hand next week. On Wednesday, Mr. R. Cathcart Smith, of Guilden Sutton, presided, and the sale was opened by Mr. W. T. Davies, of Chester, both gentlemen being well-known generous supporters of the Wesleyan church. On the following day Mr. G. Gunnery, of Tarvin, presided, and the sale was declared open by Mrs. Handley. The Revs. J. Bourne Jones, A. W. Ward, B.A., and W. S. Hackett took part in the proceedings. There was a crowded attendance each day. The stall-holders, &c.. were Mrs. Allington, Mrs. C. S. Bate, Mrs. Boswell, Mrs. Dodd, Mrs. Handley, Mrs. Hae&all, Mrs. Jones, Mra. Meacock, the Misses Bate, Broster, Birtles, Davies, Downes, Evans, Fellows, Gerrard, Handley, Meacock, Rowe, and Walker. The artists were Miq- Taylor (Runcorn), Mr. S, Çlr, and Yr. w E. Snelgon. Mr. T. Blower was director of the entertainments and competitions, and was assisted by Mr. Fellows, Mr. Colley, Mr. Fleet, Mr. Henry Mayers (the Pits), Mr. Meacock, Mr. Boswell, and Miss Nelly Allington. The treasurer was Mr. R. Cathcart Smith, stewards Mr. Handley and Mr. Fellows, and the secretary Mr. Frank F. Downes, who are to be congrat- ulated upon so gratifying a result.

FRODSHAM. Deïl-aF JJíOePELt:T!hOn Wednesda.Y. at the oeara ifaw Motel, Froasha.m, Messrs. Churton, iuphick and Co. put up for sale by public auction the freehold dwelling house and shop known as Nangreaves," with the outbuildings, yard, and garden, situate in Main-street, and comprising a total area of 1,344 square yards. The first bid was £ 400, and the property was ultimately knocked down to Mr. George Charles ¡ Jones, of Frodfiham, for X620. Messrs. Brown and Dobie, of Chester, acted as solicitors to the Vendor. INSPECTION IN RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE.— The following is from the report of the recent inspection in religious knowledgeFrodsham Endowed School: The school gives proof of the same careful teaching as in former years, and has passed a very satisfactorv examination. The answering was ready and intelligent. Catechism and repetition were correctly and weii saia, and. TNO order of the BCXLOOI W&S very good. Present 246, average 229. Five Crosses Infant School: The school is doing exceedingly well under the new mistress. The order is excellent, and the answering in both groups was well diffused, bright, and ready. Catechism and repetition were nicely and carefully said." Present 88, average 82. EXHIBITION or WORK AT GIRLS' SCHOOL.— On Wednesday afternoon the children attend- ing the National Girls' School (Miss Roberts headmistress) held an exhibition and sale of work done during the year in the schoolroom, consisting of articles of needlework, knitting, &c. There was a good attendance of parents and friends, including Mrs. Blogg, Mr. John Crosfield, Miss Ashley, Miss Violet1 Hayes, &c., and great interest was manifested in the intelligence and cleverness of the girls, who were seen doing the actual work shown. Drills and recitations were taken, and subsequently Mrs. Blogg distributed beautiful prizes, gifts of Miss Violet Hayes, to 70 children for regular attendance. Three girliJ who received prizes had not been absent once during two years, 18 had not missed during one year, and the others had been absent less than 20 times in the twelve months. Tea was provided for the girls.

HELSBY. PAROCHIAL COMMITTEE MxwrrNG.-A meeting of the Parochial Committee was held in the National Schoolroom on Monday evening. Mr. James Taylor was in the chair, and the attendance included Messrs. W. E. Davies, W. Musgrove, J. T. Collier, W. Davies, W. Griffiths, Jas. White, W. Diggle (surveyor), and H. War- burton (deputy clerk). A letter from Messrs. H. Bancroft and Son was read, complaining of what they considered the unfair treatment they had received in regard to the rejection of their sewerage scheme, and contending that they should have been given an opportunity to meet the criticism and condemnation of it by the sur- veyor before it was rejected by the committee, which they understood they were to have had. The sub-committee's report regarding a site for the purification beds was read, also letters from owners of land, and from the engineer as to its suitability.—The Surveyor reported that he had inspected the sites, and it was decided that the surveyor should further communicate with the engineer regarding it, and that the sub committee should be empowered, on receipt of Mr. Radford's reply, to negotiate for the purchase of land.—Mr. Collier asked for full particulars of the engineer's terms for the carrying out of the scheme, and it was decided that the Clerk furnish 'these at the next meeting. The advisability of acquiring the Helsby and District Water Company was again brought forward; but, after some discussion, the question was adjourned pending the engineer's furnishing particulars as to the quantity of water that will be required for the purpose of flushing in connection with the new scheme. During the discussion the chair was taken by Mr. James White, Mr. Taylor, as a director of the Water Company, preferring not to occupy the position while the matter was under consideration. The Surveyor presented plans of cottages to be erected by Mr. Thornely, which were passed subject to their being in accordance with the local bye-laws.—The Surveyor reported that Mr. Thornely had asked that the ditches on his land should be cleaned out, and it was decided after discussion that this should be done.

ROSSETT. CHILD LosT.-An exciting incident occurred at Burton, en Thursday evening, which created much sensation. A child of two or three years of age, whose father has a farm in the district, strayed from its home, and its absence was not detected until dusk, when after enquires a search party, which ultimately included almost the whole of the residents to the number of about one hundred, was formed. The searchers scoured the Burton meadows, a large stretch of land intersected by small brooks. Unfortunately, a thick fog came on and it was not until nearly nine o'clock that the frail wanderer was discovered apparently overcome with fatigue, fast asleep on the bank of one of the brooks. Had the little one proceeded a few paces further it would have fallen into the stream. The dis- covery was most fortunate, as at this time of the year, at night, these lands are enveloped in a dense mist.

ASHTON HAYES. CHURCH ADDITIONS.—The recent additions to the church of St. John the Evangelist, Ashton Hayes, were dedicated by the Rev. A. Gore, D.D., Canon of Chester, at a very well- attended and hearty service on Tuesday. The chief additions consist of a new organ chamber, and the formation of a baptistry in the lower storey of the steeple, with the provision of a reredos and stalls for the choir in the chancel. The architectural alterations were made under the direction of Messrs. Douglas and Minshull, of Chester, and the decoration of the church throughout has been very effectively done by Mr. Gilbert Gamon, decora- tive artist, of London. The Canon alluded in his sermon on the occasion to the effort which had been made to render the church more worthy of the worship for which it was intended, with most happy results. The large attendance of parishioners at the service shewed an appre- ciation of the improvements in the church, which was very gratifying to the Yicar (the Rev. A. Heygate) and his committee, who undertook tíj responsibility of the work. The h ds.«.. this oarfe af thi. j handsome appearance v. church has been contributed to in no small measure by the kindness of Mrs. J. Charlton Parr, who is the donor of an elegant oak reredos and holy table with altar cloth. The ladies of the parish united in providing an excellent free tea to the parishioners, and on Tuesday about 200 availed themselves of this liberality. The table-holders included Mrs. Heygate and Mrs. Turner, Mrs. F. Hayes, Mrs. and Miss Gamon, Mrs. Jefferson and Mrs. W. O. Wade, Mrs. Bridge, Mrs. H. Wade, Miss Waring, Miss Reece, Mrs. Dutton, Mrs. E. T. R I)ndA, MrQ. Lewis (Longley) and Mrs. R. Lewis, Mrs. E. Alvey, Miss Rutter, Miss E. Shallcross, Mrs. J. Greenway and Mrs. Stretch, Mrs. Gleave and Mrs. Mountield. Mrs. T. Shall- oross, Mrs. E. Owen, and Mrs. J. T. Rimmeralso gave valuable help in cutting up and arranging the food. Among the visitors were Mrs. J. Charlton Parr, Mr. Roger Charlton Parr, Mr. F. Hayes, the Rev. T. J. and Mrs. Evans (Tarvin), and the Rev. B. N. Atkinson (Kelsall). The collections at the services amounted to nearly S19, and it is satisfactory to add that practi- cally the whole expense of the improvements is now subscribed. The children of the parish, to the number of upwards of 120, had tea in the school next day, and in the evening were kindly entertained by the Rev. B. N. Atkinson, who shewed a capital selection of magic lantern views.

GREAT BUTTON. PARISH COUNCIL.-The quarterly meeting was held on Tuesday evening, Mr. Peter Owen presiding.-The Clerk intimated the receipt of a statement of the accounts in connection with the Eastham Burial Board, fibm which it appeared that the receipts, together with a balance brought forward of X54 18s. 5d., amounted to the sum of aC92 12s. 5d., the expenditure for the same period being 16s. 84.—A letter was read from the clerk to the District Council stating that the Council were now empowered to water the roads in the township whenever they may consider it necessary, the accounts to be forwarded to the District Council for payment. A further letter was read from the District Council respecting a nuisance in the ditch at the side of the high- way in Great Sutton. The District Council were desirous to know if the Parish Council would approve of the nuisance being abated by carrying out a plan for the sewerage of the whole place, or if they would acquiesce in the laying of a temporary drain which, in the opinion of the surveyor, would cost zCZ5, but the District Council wished it to be distinctly understood that the temporary drain could not be laid in such a manner as to be utilised in a general scheme of sewerage here- after.—Mr. Hughes stated in the course of his remarks that the same nuisance had been inspected some months ago by himself, Mr. Jenkins, and Mr. Woodward, and they found the drainage to be very defective and quite inadequate to convey the effluent to its proper place, consequently in the hot weather the effluvia arising therefrom were most disagree- able and offensive, and thereby became a public nuisance to the community.—The Chairman was of the opinion that the property-owners concerned should be called upon to abate the nuisance and not the Parish Council. The estimated cost of the proposed drain would involve a 3d. rate on the township.—After the matter had been further considered, it was resolved that the Clerk be instructed to com- municate with the District Council, stating that this Council were of opinion that it is not the duty of the Council to inaugurate a system of drainage for the purpose of putting other people's property in a sanitary condition, but that the property-owners from whose property the nuisance emanates should be called upon to institute such measures as would be conducive to the abatement and removal of the alleged nuisance; and the Parish Council trust that the District Council would deal with the matter in a prompt and thorough manner, in order that the nuisance may be suppressed as early as possible.