The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

BOARDS OF GUARDIANS. » WIRRAL. A fortnightly meeting of this Board was held at Clatterbridge Workhouse on Wednes- day, Mr. C. Morris presiding over a good attendance of members. WANT OF A HOME FOR EPILEPTICS. In accordance with the request of the guardians, the Clerk (Mr. J. E. S. Ollive) said he had made out a circular having reference to epileptics. The notice stated that he (the clerk) was directed to inquire from each union within the county what arrangements they had for the treatment of their epileptic cases. At present the Wirral Board had a boy, 12 years of age, in the Workhouse, who iran epileptic, and was reported by the medical officer to be dangerous. He (the medical officer) also recom- mended that the boy should be removed from the Workhouse and placed in a Home. The only Home his Board knew of was that at Maghull, which was always full and always had a long list of cases waiting for a vacancy. Under these circumstances it was not available, except perhaps after along period of waiting, for odd cases such as occurred in a rural union, and he (the clerk) was directed to write to the other unions in the county, with the view of ascertaining whether any of them had made any special provision for such cases, which might also be available for other unions, and if not, whether they did not think it desirable that all should unite to provide such a home for the county.—The Clerk said he had received a reply to his circular from the Raacorn Vaion, which stated the guardians there would consider the matter at their next meeting.—The clerk of Bucklow Union wrote stating that the Board had already made suit- able arrangements for dealing with their own sane epileptics. The Macclesfield Union stated in reply that they had no special provision for these cases, and the Macclesfield Guardians felt very strongly the necessity for proper classification. They had called the attention of the Local Government Board to the matter, and that Board, they had no doubt whatever, would con- sider favourably any feasible scheme for pro- viding proper accommodation.—For the present the question was allowed to drop without discussion. AN INCONVENIENCE. A letter was received from Mr. H. E. Lawrence, clerk of the Association of the Poor Law Unions in England and Wales, stating that the Council, at its last meeting, considered the letter ot this Board as to the inconvenience of the same person in rural districts having to be both Guardian and Rural District Councillor, and resolved that they could not support the suggested amendment of the law as in their union. The convenience of the present arrange- ment outweighed the inconvenience which might be experienced in some cases. There was little discussion upon this matter, but Messrs. S. W. Gill and G. J. Townshend were appointed as delegates to attend the annual meeting of the Association, which will take place on November 15th and 16th. PAUPER LUNATICS AND THEIR MAIN- TENANCE. A communication was received from the County Asylum, Chester, stating that at a meeting of the Committee of Visitors held on the 16th of October, a rate of maintenance of pauper lunatics in this asylum for the quarter ending 31st December next, was fixed at 7s. 1. per head per week. NEGLIGENT GUARDIANS. Mr. S. W. Gill asked for the names of those guardians who had not attended the meetings during the last six months, and also for those who had attended once.—The Clerk stated that Mr. J. Knowles and Mr. J. Piggott had not attended at all, while Mr. J. Kitchen had only attended once.—Mr. Gill proposed that the two first-named be written to, reminding them of their non-attendance, and asking for an explana- tion.—Mr. Ledsom seconded, and the motion was carried. THE TRANSFER OF ROCK FERRY TOWNSHIP. Regarding the compensation question in reference to the transfer of Rock Ferry town- ship from Wirral to the Birkenhead Union, the Clerk reported that a proposition had been made whereby Birkenhead Town Council and the Birkenhead Guardians should pay Li,ooo between them to Wirral in settlement of the latter's claim, and, subject to the Birkenhead body agreeing to withdraw a counter-claim which they had set up, amounting to L4,811 9s. 9d., the Wirral authority should settle the matter on these terms.—A motion to this effect was passed on the proposition of Mr. T. Davies, seconded by Mr. S. W. Gill, and that, failing a settlement being arrived at on the terms indicated, the Local Government Board be asked to appoint an arbitrator. HAW ARDEN. SIXPENCE EyrRA. OUT-RELIEF. On Friday a meeting of this Board was held at Broughton Workhouse, Mr. W. Fryer pre- siding. On the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. J. Wright, a vote of sympathy was unanimously passed with the family of the late Rev. J. Davies, of Tryddyn, for intuy years a member of the Board, and at one time the chairman of the authority. Major Gibson moved the following resolution: That, having regard to the high price of fuel, 6d. per week extra be paid to each house in which a poor person or persons is, or are, receiv- ing out-relief during the months of November, December, February and March. Mr. Millington seconded the motion, and Mr. Belhs supported. Mr. Maurice Jones moved an amendment that the cases be treated on their merits, but no seconder being found, the motion was passed with only one dissentient. letter was received from the Local dietarv rt*o OD tbe 8ubject workhouse IZA f g u ^on8' and the Clerk was in- structed to obtain a copy for each guardian. The Clerk read a letter from the Local Government Board intimating that the parish y Wf81° £ 6 transferred from the Holywell Union to the Union of Hawarden The Board requested the clerk to write to the Local Government Board, asking for particu- lars of the new arrangements for registration. The question of heating the Board-room came up for discussion again, and the Board decided to accept the tender of Messrs. T. Wood and Son, of Chester.

Tuizir INVESTMENTS.—Herbert Close, confi- dential clerk in the employ of Messrs. Marr and Loveridge, High-street, Hull, was at Hull on Friday committed to prison for six months for embezzling 9100 belonging to his em- £ 4°ra>8Vv,^ vni a"e8*ed he admitted stealing £ 4g0, the whole of which he had lost by horsl

SKASONABLB NOTES. The fine weather which we were all recently priding ourselves upon, and which seemed to give promise of a St. Luke's summer, has un- fortunately not maintained its promise. The past week has been stormy, cold rains prevail- ing, with hailstorms, though fortunately of short duration, but violent enough while they lasted. A sharp thunderstorm occurred on Friday evening, accompanied by a high wind and rain and hail. From what we rea.2, how- | evvr, tnis kind of weather has been confined chiefly to the northern and midland part of the country, and it is curious to note that from the southern counties there is cgmplaint of drought, and of the consequent unworkable nature of arable land, even the clover leys, it is said, requiring more moisture to make them fit for the drill and harrow. In the locality of Cheshire outdoor work has been delayed in con- sequence of the storms, and little progress has been made either with wheat sowing or root pulling and storing. Upland grazings are beginning to shew the approach of winter, but the low-lying pastures still present a fair bite for the season, and dairy cattle are allowed out in the finer intervals, which are becoming gradually rarer. As potato lifting proceeds no improvement is to be noted either in the quantity or quality of the produce, and the crop, it is to be feared, will have to be set down as the worst for some years. Many farmers are already asking 3s. 6d. a measure of 841b. Threshing has been carried on to a limited extent in the district, but in both the cases of wheat and barley the result is said to be dis- appointing, and the recent estimates will in all probability need considerable revision. CHEESE. There is little or no change in regard to cheese during the past week. English has been in fair demand at late prices; while Canadian and United States produce have been decidedly quiet as to the general trade; and though holders are firm at former prices, shipping quotations are officially reported as steady to 6d. decline, but not much offering. Liverpool is the only centre which reports rather more inquiry, although the actual business did not shew much improvement. The third draft of this year's cheese made during the month of June at the Bath and West Cheese School has been sold at 68s. per cwt. The cheeses numbered 60, and the aggregate weight was nearly 50cwt. From 5,960 gallons of milk were made 5,8891b. of green cheese, which when sold weighed 5,4661b., the shrinkage amounting to about 7? per cent. r MILKING TRIALS. A London morning contemporary which deals considerably with agricultural matters, says: "It is already clearly evident that a blind acceptance of the lessons taught by these com- petitions would be fraught with real danger to our class of dairy cattle. Mere milk production is not all that is necessary in the making of a good cow, and the recent dairy show furnished unmistakable evidence of the need that exists for qualifying the lessons of the trials and paying attention to the other essential char- acteristics of the ideal dairy cow. Constitutional vigour and capabilities for beef production must not be sacrificed to liberal milking or the ultimate consequences to the common cattle of the country would be disastrous." Old dairy- men will, no doubt, smile in their sleeve," as the saying goes, on reading such a statement, especially if they were to be questioned on the subject of their "cast-offs." FOHKIGN BUTTER AND CHEESE IMPORTS. British dairy farmers will probably be not very much disconcerted to learn that the sup- plies of Danish and other Continental butters are falling off in the English markets. On the other hand, however, Australia is sending over larger quantities of butter than ever, and the quality is said to improve with each shipment. Pure spring grass butter will soon begin to arrive. The best brands are quoted at 108s. to 110s. per owt. The arrivals from Canada and the United States since the season began in May are about 5,250 tons less than at this time last year. Irish butter is beginning to .diminish, and the home make in Great Britain is shrink- ing into smaller compass. The market for autumn cheese has been temporarily discounted by the release of July cheese from cold store in Canada. It is expected, however, that there will be an enhancement of value in the case of actual autumn-made cheese, as the September make is computed at twenty or twenty-five per cent. lees than in 1899. Arrivals of cheese from Canada have so far considerably exceeded those of last season. The make in the United Kingdom this year is about an ordinary one, though larger than that of last year. THE SMITHFIELD CLUB FAT CATTLE SHOW. The 102nd annual show of fat stock under the auspices of the Smithfield Club will be opened at the Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington, from December 10th to 14th inclusive. There are 36 classes for cattle, 32 for sheep, and 18 for pigs. The total value of the prizes offered for competition is £ 3,894. In addition to the class prizes a breed cup is given for the best entry in each section of cattle, sheep, and pigs, as many as 32 breed cups being thus available. The champion plate of lOOgs. goes to the exhibitor of the best beast in the show, while the Queen's Challenge Cup, value X150, is given for the best beast in the show bred by the exhibitor. For sheep there are two champion plates of RW for the best pens respectively of longwools and shortwools, besides the Prince of Wales's Challenge Cup, value E100, for the best pen of sheep or lambs bred by the exhibitor. A 920champion plate goes to the exhibitor of the best pen of pigs, and the Duke of York's Challenge Cup, value X50, is awarded to the best pen of pigs bred by the exhibitor. In the carcase competition three classes are provided for cattle and four for sheep, and in addition to the class prizes a champion prize of R5 is offered for the best beef carcase and also for the best mutton carcase. THE FORTHCOMING FAT STOCK EXHIBITION AT BIRMINGHAM. There will be 27 classes for cattle, 11 for sheep, and 14 for pigs at the forthcoming Fat Steck Show at Bingley Hall. The Elkington, Thorley, and Webb Challenge Cups, value 100 guineas each, are offered under the usual conditions for the best beast in the show, and the Birming- ham Daily Post" Challenge Cup, value R50, for the best beast not exceeding two years old. An extra prize of E50, in addition to the class prize, is offered for the best Hereford, the best shorthorn, and the best Scotch, an extra prize of £20 for the best Devon, and an extra prize of E30 for the best beast in the Welsh cross-bred, Kerry, and Dexter classes. The Cooper Chal- lenge Cup, value 25 guineas, is available for the best pen of sheep, and the Hotel and Inn- keepers' Challenge Cup, value 20 guineas, for the best pen of pigs. IRELAND AND BRITISH LIVE STOCK. It is stated that owing to difficulties having arisen from ignorance of the regulations at present governing the cattle trade with Ireland, the Irish Department of Agriculture desire it to be made known that no live stock liable to contract foot-and-mouth disease will be admitted into'Ireland from Great Britain for the present. The normal state of things cannot be restored until foot and mouth disease has been thoroughly eradicated from this side of the Channel.

DEATH OF A LEADING AGRICULTURIST.-Irfr. Samuel Rowlandson, a member of the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society, and a well- known agriculturist in the North of England, died on Wednesday morning, at his residence, Newton Morrell, near Darlington, at the age of 63. THE AGE OF A PEDTGBEE BULL.—At the Birmingham Quarter Sessions on Tuesday, Joseph Gorling, a farmer, of Radford, Leamington, pleaded guilty to falsely repre- senting the age of a bull at the Birmingham Shorthorn Show and sale in March last, and was fined X120. The animal, in consequence of the misrepresentation, was shown in a class with bulls three months his junior, and obtained a first prize of R20, and was sold for 260 guineas.

non I. Seeulb la ) a few drow m tke ftoUftUb morning CARTERSrmj^i lEusEESOZObONT Will Sweeten the Breath all day, ^V and make all the difference bi- Absolutely cure Sick Head- tween— ache. Biliousness, Dizziness, 8ood Teeth and Bad Teeth. Torpid Lirer, Constipation, Whit* Teeth and Yellow Teeth. TheTSOiUerLter0nSrUe' Teeth«nd Wf Teeth. »nr.th^ar.CARTERS. Comple^m Tojle^ C^ase. with

FUTURE OF THE YEOMANRY. » IMPORTANT STATEMENT. The Central News states that Colonel Lucas and Colonel Deane, the two Special Service Officers who left England on July 30 for South Africa to examine and report upon the organi- sation and work of the Imperial Yeomanry throughgut the campaign, have just returned to England. They haye made their report to the War Offi<&> and it "ill probably be presented to Parliament at the com- mencement of hthe Session. This important document ooxfcains some far reaching recommendation f for the organisation of the Yeomanry of the future. Colonel Lucas and Colonel Deane visited the scenes of all the operations in 1lhich the Yeomanry took a prominent part, and it is an open secret that Lord Roberts, in assisting them in their work, declared that ho^ould not have carried out the campaign without the assistance of this force. The question of the future of this branch of the service has been discussed with the Com- mander-in-Chief in South Africa, and in this connection the Field-Marshal has made more than one proposal. It is understood, adds the Central News, that none of the Yeomanry, so far as present arrangements go, are likely to return before Christmas, but is hoped that all will be home by March next.

DEATH OF MR. WILLIAM FLEMING. OF NESTON. 4 THE FUNERAL. Mr. William Fleming, of the Retreat, Neston, died at his residence at midnight, on Saturday week, at the comparatively early age of 39 years, and after a brief illness of a week. Many institutions with which the deceased was connected were represented at the interment, which took place on Wednesday afternoon. The funeral was oniit of the most imposing ever wit- nessed in the Wirral district. The cortege was formed at the deceased's residence in Liverpool- road soon after three. The firing party of the local Volunteer Company, in full dress and with arms reversed, led the way, under command of Sergt.-Instructor Thomas. Next came the brass band of the company dis- coursing the solemn strains of the Dead March,' and immediately after the following Druids, bearing the dispensation draped with black crape:—Arthur Coventry, John Kameen, John Cassidy (secretary), J. Cottrell, John Reeves, Thomas Jones, Samuel Jones, and Edward Price. The coffin, consisting of a casquet of panelled and polished oak, with an inner metallic coffin enclosing the shell, was made by the employes of the deceased in their own time and by their special re- quest. The Union Jack was used as a pall, and surrounding this were lovely floral wreaths, the whole being crowned with the helmets of the departed fireman and volunteer. The coffin was borne shoulder high by Colour-Sergeant Swift, Colour-Sergt. J. Tarbuck (Heswall Company), Sergeant F. Pritchard, Sergeant F. Birch, Sergeant H. Swift (Heswall), and Sergt. S. Ellis (Heswall). The following members of the Fire Brigade, in uniform, also acted as bearers2-H. Williams, Jas. Roberts, H. Grundy, J. Lawley, 0 Bartley (driver), and Walter Jones, Hon. Captain Isaacs being in command. Following the coffin were the relatives of the deceased: John Fleming (son), John Fleming, Alfred Fleming, and Albert Fleming (brothers), Thomas Matthews and William Cross (brothers-in-law), William Ashbrook and Joseph Ashbrook (uncles), Edwin Hooson, John Ashbrook, William Ashbrook, Thomas Ashbrook, and Joseph Ashbrook (cousins), Richard Matthews, Thos. Matthews, and Jonathan Matthews (nephews), William Smith, William Mealor, John Mealor, John Smith, James Smith, Joseph Smith, Thomas Smith, and Henry Smith (relatives). After these came the following Masonic brethreus-Broo. J. Morris, P.S.G.W.; W. Jones, J. W. Shaw, P.G.Std.B.; John Mayer (Treasurer), G. Poole-Poole, C. Davies, J.W.; G. Nixon, J.G.; F. Goodwin, S.S.; J. Kitchen, A.S.; G. Hollis, A.S. j W. Burkey, Moses, Robinson, W. Chrimes, T. Cottrell, Joseph Conway, W. Pattinson, Bruce, Johnson, Jack- son, Stephen Scarratt, Bowne, Taylor, F. Kitchen (Organist), Sergt.-Major Craft (Hon. Tyler), R. Bridson, Joseph Parry, J. Littlemore, Williams. The general mourners followed the procession, numbering in all over 300 persons. The blinds throughout the town were all closely drawn, and as the procession slowly made its way down the main street the scene was most impressive. At the churchyard entrance the bearers were relieved by the following employes, who acted as bearers to the church and to the grave :-James Maddox, Samuel Mealor, John Maylor, Richard Smith, Thomas Wollom, and William Thomas. The cortege was met at the church gates by the Revs. Canon Turner (vicar), L. Rees, and the surpliced choir, who led the way into the building. The coffin was laid at the foot of the chancel, and the service was fully choral, including the hymn, On the Resurrection morn." The Rev. L. Rees impressively read the lesson from Corinthians, and as the cortege returned down the nave, the organist (Mr. Bulley) played the Dead March. The service at the graveside was conducted by the vicar, and was very affecting, tears being freely shed not only by the relatives but by the general spectators as the hymn, 0, God our Help" was sung by the choir. The customary three volleys in the air were fired at theclose of the service, and the Volunteer company, which was under the command of Captain Richard Johnson-Houghton and Lieut. Pemberton, retired. The church and the churchyard was thronged with fully a thousand persons, and the scene at the grave- side, with the last beams of the setting sun striking across the Dee and through the church- yard trees was very striking. The interment was made in the family grave, which was neatly lined with evergreens, and the plate of the coffin bore the simple inscription, William Fleming, died October 30th, aged 39 years." Among the general mourners present were Colonel Lacy, Drs. Yeoman and Grant, Colonel Lloyd, J. Percival Gamon (Chester), R. L. Price (North and South Wales Bank), Thomas Fogg (Bromborough), Dr. Riddock, J. G. Lee, John Woodward, A. Jamieson, W. Matthews (Denhall), W. Jones (Broadlake), Major Grundy, Thomas Molyneux, F. W. Cos- grove, James Platt, John Platt, Walter Platt, R. W. Kynaston (Heswall), W. Gray (Neston), E. Swift (Heswall), William Pritchard (Dee View), J. S. Warren, H. Smith (Chester House), John Evans, J. E. Evans, G. Kelsey, John Hale, W. Ledder (Heswall), Joseph Johnson, T. Toz or, T. Norman, H. Norman, J. Baanett' T. Morris (Hinderton), J. Byrne, Mark Flood, C. West, W. Briscoe, R. Ostle, J. Morgan, J. Kemp, T. B. Swift, J. Royden, E. Rooke, R. N. Heath, W. Adamson, Jas. Bushell, Jas. Gilbert, W. Hancock, W. Lawton, H. Stringer, H. Vicars, R. Webb, H. Jones (Back- wood), W. Handley, T. Coyle, J. Coy, B. O. Carruthers, Jas. Cassell, J; Jones (Heswall), T. Medcalf, T. Medcalf, junr., Joseph Medcalf, Jos. Bartley, John Bartley, J. Middleton, Ed. Minshull, Jos. Oxton, Jos. Jones (Badger Butt), G. Burkey, Wm. Davies, E. Price, W. Gamon, W. Garnham, J. Sale, John Birch, James Birch, E. Ellis (Heswall), H. Peers (Ashfield), J. Basnett, G. Hunter, J. Bourne, E. Reddy (Heswall), G. Davies (Heswall), E. Davies (Heswall), J. Lunt, James wait (oirkennead), C. Edwards (Rock Ferry), W. Crisp, C. Lennard, C. Lancelotte and B. Lancelotte (Heswall), Moseley (Backwood), G. Matthews (Denhall), A. Grierson, Thomas Bartley, Weaver, Thomas Roberts, W. Rutter, T. Taylor, W. Williams, C. Grimes, Isaiah Scarratt. W. Boscoe, W. Milner, McLevy, J. Oxton, W. Oxton, H. Hancock (Church-lane), and Lewis (Parkgate). Wreaths were sent by the following "Widow and family," Mother and brother Albert," brother John, Alt. and Mattie," Sister and Brother-in-law, W. Gray and his employes, Mrs. Singleton, Mrs. H. Jones (Backwood), Mr. and Mrs. J. Jackson, Mrs. E. Johnson, John Birch, Mrs. Theodore Rathbone and Miss Rathbone, Mark Flood, Mrs. Hancock, Jas. Edwards (Birkenhead), T. Cottrell, W. Matthews (Denhall), Mr. Lunt (Chester), Fire Brigade (Neston), Mr. and Mrs. T. Cottrell, Mr. and Mrs. W. Jones, E. H. Edwards (Rock Ferry), Mr. and Mrs. Moseley (Backwood), Neston and District Bowling Club, Mr. and Mrs. Jellicoe and family, Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Pugh, Mr. and Mrs. W. Burkey, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Wright, Neston Church Choir, and Mr. and Mrs. J. Houghton.

HIGH PRIO. FOB A RACKNicy.-At the sale at Marton on Wednesday of Mr. W. Lawson's stud of pedigree hackney horses Mr. Gemmell, of Glasgow, gave 400gs. for Zaverda, a three-year- old filly by Polonius, her dam being Pearletta.

ENGLISH SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. HOW CHESTER STANDS. [BY AN ELEMENTARY TEACHER.] The annual report of the Chester School Attendance Committee presented to, and adopted by, the Chester Town Council at its meeting on Wednesday, 17th instant, deserves more than a mere passing notice in the local press and by those taking an interest in the education of the rising generation into whose hands the destinies, for weal or woe, of the British Empire must, ere long, be intrusted. It is worthy of note that at the recent General Election many of the candidates for Parlia- mentary honours included in their addresses, in spite of the fact that the election was being fought on a special issue, most sympathetic references to education and the need for advance and improvement in the present con- dition of affairs in this country. John Bull appears to be awakening to the fact that intellectualism is a factor, and an important one, in national defence. It is the high intellectualism on the Continent that has produced the acute commercial competition of the present day; and as this fact, as already stated, is beginning to be realised by many of our public men, a few figures with regard to school attendance, &c., may be of some service in creating an interest in educa- tion in the public mind generally. The-figures and statements quoted are taken from the Board of Education's (recently Education Department) return for the year ended 31st August, 1899. On the books of the public elementary schools, Board and Voluntary, of England and Wales, were the names of 5,672,403 children. The daily average for the year was 4,644,213, thus leaving over 1,000,000 children absent every time the schools were opened. This terrible waste is by no means unavoid- able, as every elementary teacher knows; it is practically the same children that are absent time after time—any and every excuse, or no excuse at all but crass perversity being given (or otherwise) by the parents for thus stand- ing in the way of their children's future. The raising of the maximum fine from 5s. to 20s. will, if the authorities use judiciously and firmly the increased powers for punishment placed in their hands, tend to speedily ter the present unsatisfactory attendance. With regard to percentages of attendance, Chester with its 82 per cent. comes 39th on the list of the English county boroughs (63 in number). The percentage for these boroughs was 83 3, Hanley heading the list with 87.8 per cent., while Liverpool and Birkenhead have 86 2 and 84-1 per cent. respectively. Chester is improving certainly, but there is still room for further progress as regards percentage of attendance. The percentages for the English counties was 81'8, Cheshire coming 39th in a list of 49 (Monmouth being included) with 81, while Bedford heads the list with 87 3. It is a striking fact that Westmoreland and Cumber- land with their geographical and climatic difficulties in the way of children attending school come 6th and 17th respectively on the list. The figures dealing with the ages at which children leave school afford interesting but not, satisfactory reading. Only 35 per cent. of the children attending school during the year ended 31st August, 1899, were over 10 years of age, and that percentage shews a falling off compared with the two previous years. Chester compares well with other county boroughs in this respect, as the city occupies the 18th place in the list of 63 boroughs with percentage of children being in- structed in the work above that of Standard IV. The average percentage is 22 3 j Chester's is 24*8. The county stands 8th on its list (49 counties) with 20'5 per cent., the average being 19 7. The agitation that our boys, the last figures quoted referring to boys only, are being more fitted for the stool of the clerk than for the bench or tools of the mechanic or skilled labourer is hardly borne out by actual fact. Only one boy in four, and one in five, in the county and city respectively, are being educated in subjects higher than those of Standard IV.

HOMES FOR INEBRIATES. 0 The annual Conference of the National Union of Women Workers was resumed on Wednes- day at Brighton. Lady Frederick Cavendish presided at a meeting in the Dome, when the questions of inebriates' homes and temperance legislation were taken into consideration. Mr. B. W. Branthwaite (Home Office) read a paper on inebriate homes, in the course of which he said that treatment with a view to the cure and care generally of drunkards had been his life's work. Inebriates might roughly be divided into two classes: of those who recognised their condition and consented to treatment, and those who, whether recognising their condition or not, stolidly refused to be placed out of reach of liquor. We now had power to deal with two classes of drunkards-those willing to undergo treatment, and those who by crime or repeated public exhibition of their condition brought themselves within reach of legal procedure. No Act of Parliament had perhaps met with so much adverse criticism and so many accusations of inutility as the Act of 1879 regulating the establishment of retreats. The criticism had been partly justified by slow development, but the progress, though slow, was marked and steady. When the Act of 1879 was passed the idea of drunkards being willing to enter such institutions as it provided for was scouted with derision except by a few. Sufficient time had now elapsed to prove that many, very many, would so consent, and the records went to shew that a large number had been turned away for want of room. Further accommodation, therefore, appeared to be one of the greatest needs of the work. Hundreds of cases to-day would willingly submit to treatment but for their inability to find the means for admission to an institution. The people financially unable to help themselves had not been provided for by philanthropic effort. Good industrial retreats for destitute cases, supported by voluntary aid, the work of patients, and by contributions from local authorities, would go far towards supply- ing an urgent need. There was a demand for high-class and middle-class retreats, and also an enormous demand for institutions for destitute cases; but he objected to mixed homes for all classes together. Turning to the Act of 1898 and its certified inebriate reforma- tory, he said that no philanthropic body should conduct a reformatory unless supported in their scheme financially by local authorities. It was a work that should be dependent upon State and local funds-not upon volunta o contribu tions. In the discussion which followed one speaker declared that the popular attitude towards drunkards required revision, She looked upon them as sick people. We did not, she said, get angry with people when they caught some disease. We pitied them, and so we should those who become ensnared by intemperance. (Laughter and hear, hear.) She also con- demned the prison dietary for people suffering from the after effects of liquor. Lady Battersea, who next spoke, expressed the hope that the inebriate homes would be increased in number. She described her visits to prisons, where she found that the greater number of female prisoners attributed their downfall to drink. Lady Frederick Cavendish did not think they must look upon drunkenness entirely as a disease, though it was partly so.

MISFORTUNE PREYED ON His MIND.-The death occurred on Wednesday at his residence, Plas Newydd, Llanfair, Ruthin, of Mr. W. Kellett, one of the most prominent agricul- turists in the Vale of Clwyd. He was 69 years of age, and had farmed in the Vale since 1868. On Easter Sunday an extensive fire broke out on his farm premises, and this catastrophe preyed so haavily upon his mind that his health had declined ever since. Mr. Kellett was a man of wide experience, and was held in high respect by the agriculturists of the district. Beyond doubt HORNIMAN'S PUBE TEA is of wonderful value, refined flavour, delicious to the palate and invigorating to the system. Sold by-Chester: Spencer, 36, Bridge street: Co- operative Society; Moss, 68, Brook-street; Prit- chard, Christleton-road; Cryer, 98A, Foregate-st.; Jones & Davies, bakers, Hoole. Lee, chemist, Neston. Swindells, baker, Little Sutton. Langford, grocer, Tarvin. Birkenhead: Dutton, chemist; Haywood, chemist; Packwood, grocer. Rhuddlan: Roberts, grocer. New Ferry: Fawcett, chemist. Upper Brighton Somerville, Garratt, chemist. Bromborough Pool: Co-op. Society. Mynydd Isa: Co-op. Society. Frodsham Baker. Tarporlev Dunning. Tattenhall: Bateman. Hoylake: Smith, grocer. Mold Junction: Co-op. Society. Flint: Williams, grocer. Connah's Quay: Smith, grocer.

'Olfth, A Sure Cure for Rickets. Look out that your own neglect a does not cause deformity. GUEEMiE HENLY. (From A riu.t'.jfrJijU.) Wood Street, Calne, Wiltshire, November 8th, 1899. Gentlemen,-I beg to testify to the excellence of your Scott's Emulsion for rickets. When our little girl was six months old her shoulders appeared to be deformed. We had the doctor's advice about in, and he said it was rickets, and advised us to give her Scott's Emulsion, which we did, and have given it to her for twelve nionthn:. We cannot speak too highly of it to all who have rickety children, as our little girl is now as strong and healthy as any child cciiid be, thanks to Scott's Emulsion. I also advised my sister < it fo- her baby, who was suffering from eczema during teething. af-or using Scott's Emulsion for two months the child began to s Y, and is now quite well and healthy. (Signed) BESSIE HENLY. THE reason the doctor suggested Scott's- Emulsion in the foregoing case was unt doubtedly because he knew it to be the bess combination of cod-liver oil, hypophosphites of lime and soda, and glycerine. Rickets is a form of malnutrition. The system is not able to supply the demands of the growing body, and it naturally follows that growth will be defective. Cod-liver oil has long been a nutrient of the highest value. The hypophosphites of lime and soda are recognised by all physicians as of great aid to the system in conjunetion with cod-liver oil. Glycerine prevents fermentation and facilitates the absorption of the oil. The combination of these standard remedial agents, therefore, in the form of Scott's Emulsion, offers the best possible means for overcoming the wasting tendencies of the system. The formula by which Scott's Emulsion is made has the highest endorsement of the medical I profession, and in no other form will you find cod-liver oil either so palatabl& I or so easy on the organs of digestion- No other form of cod-liver oil is like Scott's Emulsion, or compares favourably with it. If you want to produce the best results possible from taking cod-liver oil you should by all means insist upon purchasing only the genuine Scott's Emulsion, containing our trade mark. Everybody who tries Scott's, Emulsion is convinced of its superiority. TRADE MARS. You can obtain a sample of Scott's Emol- sion by sending threepence to cover to Scott and Bowne, Limited, 95, Great Saffron Hill, London, E.C., and mentioning the name of this paper.

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PARKGATE PUBLICAN AND THE FISHERMEN. At Birkenhead Bankruptcy Court on Friday, Alfred Benjamin Meek, licensee of the Chester Hotel, Parkgate, came before the court with a statement shewing 4726 Os. 3d. of debts, and .7 2s. assets. In:answer to the assistant official receiver, the debtor stated that from 1879 to 1884 he was a reporter on a Natal newspaper. In the latter year he returned to Liverpool, and became bookkeeper and cashier with his father's firm, who were printers and stationers. He held this position for 14 years, and shortly after his father's retirement he left the firm, and became tenant of the hotel at Parkgate, his father advancing him the capital necessary to go in, and subsequently further sums, so that he was now scheduled as the largest creditor. Debtor admitted that he had not made sufficient inquiries about the business before going in, with the result that he found the takings were less than represented. The previous tenant had kept no book, but he told the debtor that the takings were J615 to X20 a week. He had paid about 9250 to go in. The house had never paid him, and his indebtedness went on increasing all the time. When the volunteers were at Parkgate in August the takings went up by leaps and bounds, but before that they were not more than R10 to 411 a week. He gave credit to the ex- tent of several shillings a day, chiefly to the fishermen of Parkgate.—The Assistant, Official Receiver: The fishermen owe you money for drink ? Yes.—What do they owe you alto- gether P I have never been asked that question before, and have never said anything about it, because I knew it was no use.—To what extent have you given credit that has not been paid ? Perhaps X20, or more.—You knew at the time you gave it that you could not recover that money by process of law. Yes.—And yet you went on giving credit P I had to do it, or shut up the house.—Can any of these men pay any- thing P I should think so. They all own boats, and some of them property.—Would they be inclined to pay if applied to P No, they would laugh at you.—They are Parkgate fishermen, you say ? Yes, and when I have said that I have said enough. (Laughter.)—The examina- tion was closed, on the application of Mr. Cole, who appeared for the debtor.

NOTED MONEYLENDER'S FAILURE. One of the most renowned lenders of money to clergymen, Edward Shuckburgh, of Bristol, has come to grief. In the Bankruptcy Court on Friday his liabilities were said to be 91,586. His business style was The Clerical and Medical Bank." Having announced that he had arranged to sell his business to a company for £ 10,000, Shuckburgh became invisible. On Friday the Registrar ordered a warrant to issue for debtor's arrest if he does not appear on Monday.

FATAL RESULT OF AN ELECTIOlf DINNER. CHESHIRE CONSTABLE'S DIO&TG- toolt On Tuesday Mr. J. C. Bate held the adjoc tj,&- inquest at the Liscard Sessions House, circumstances attending the death of Gibson, aged 25, a police-constable station Liscard. The deceased, with eighteen jp constables and an inspector, was ^6te duty at the Altrincham election. they were provided with dinner by a local ca After this meal Gibson and another c°n*0ii0 were taken ill, and the former 8U*>80?te0i^ died a week later. The doctors who a deceased gave as their opinion that he 00 from peritonitis, as the result of havine^ diseased meat the previous Thursday* sequel to the affair has been the death, shock, of deceased's father, Willi*01 which occurred on Sunday, after having tj* evidence of identification at the opening jJJ* inquest the previous Friday. YreaeB- ^pi court were Colonel Hamersley, chief c° of the county; Mr. R. Corbett, solicit01' senting Jules Emile Metzger, the Fletcher, barrister, representing the gQpp^ Co-operative Wholesale Society, w^°. w the meat to the caterer. Evidence L jjj, shew that the meat had probably a refrigerator before it was pj'Vf which would cause the heat to be dr e jtf' the centre and cause decomposition. returned a verdict of death through consequent upon eating putria -jøg expressed the opinion that the coo cooling of the meat was at fault. —"j

ANOTHER ELECTION PBTITI Russell-Cooke and Co. on Friday 3t9^fi petition on behalf of the Hon. T. A* for a recount and scrutiny of the voti fjpioP,* in Christchurch. Major Balfour, tn 0f candidate, won the seat by a three votes. It is understood that ^^at complains of personation and alleges voted.

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