The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

= A CESTRIAN'S V.C. ■ ♦ A despatch from Lord Roberts yesterday ays :—The Victoria Cross was presented to-day o Trooper Ramsden, late of Chester, and of the Protectorate Regiment.

DEATH OF PRINCE CHRISTIAN VICTOR. « We deeply regret to announce the death of Prince Christian Victor of Schleswig-Holstein, the eldest son of Prince and Princess Christian and a grandson of the Queen. The news, which has been confirmed by the War Office, was received on Monday from Pretoria in a telegram stating that his Highness had died from enteric fever. It was announced last week by the War Office that Prince Christian Victor was suffering from enteric fever, and Princess Christian, who was at Cumberland Lodge, was kept well informed of her son's condition. He was reported to be not so well," and though grave anxiety was caused, the announcement of his death was not expected, and came as a great shock. It is understood that by the special desire of her Majesty and of Prince and Princess Christian the public announcement was delayed for a short time in order to avoid throwing any gloom over the festivities connected with the reception of the City Imperial Volunteers. Princess Christian was preparing to leave Cumberland Lodge for London to witness, the Volunteers march through the streets when the sad tidings were conveyed to her Royal High- ness, who immediately cancelled all her engagements. Intelligence of the death of Prince Christian Victor reached Windsor on Monday afternoon, and was everywhere received with a most pro- found sorrow. A passing knell from the belfry of Windsor Parish Church, in the High-street, and the Curfew Tower bell at Windsor Castle were tolled. In consequence of the death of Prince Christian Victor all the excursion arrangements made for the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York to Lord and Lady Llangattock, at The Hendre, Monmouth, have been cancelled. Prince Christian Victor Albert Ludwig Ernest Anton was the eldest son of Prince and Princess Christian, and was born at Windsor Castle on April 14, 1867. He received his education at Wellington College and Magdalen College, Oxford, which he left to enter the Royal Military College at Sandhurst. He received his commission in 1888, and was appointed second lieutenant in the King's Royal Rifle Corps. Two years later he was promoted to be lieutenant, and in 1896 became captain, with the brevet rank of major. His war service had been considerable. He served with the Hazara Expedition in 1891 as orderly officer to Major-General Elles, com- manding the forces. He was mentioned in despatches, and received the medal and clasp. He was in the Miranzai Expedition of the same year with the 1st battalion of his corps, and was present at the engagements at Sangar and Mastan. The next year he was in the Isazai Expedition. When it was found necessary to despatch a force to Ashanti against King Prempeh in 1895 his Highness volunteered his services, and was made aide-decamp to Major-General Sir Francis Scott, who commanded the expedition. For his share in the Ashanti Expedition Prince Christian Victor received the star and pro- motion to the brevet rank of major. He also served with the Soudan Expedition under Sir Herbert (now Lord) Kitchener in 1898 as staff officer to the troops on board the gunboats flotilla. He took part in the bombardment of the forts of Omdurman, and was present at the battle of Khartoum. For his services he was mentioned in despatches, and given the Fourth Class of the Osmanieh, the British medal, and the Khedive's medal with class. Prince Christian Victor was gazetted in October last for special service in South Africa. He took part in many engagements before the occupa- tion of Pretoria, and was appointed an extra aide-de-camp to Lord Roberts in August of this yearr. His Highness was an enthusiastic cricketer, and frequently in former years captained a team of the Windsor Home Park Cricket Club. Besides the distinctions mentioned above, Prince Christian Victor was also a Knight of Justice of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in England, a Grand Cross of the Bath (conferred in 1890), and a Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (1898). A few years ago he received the honorary freedom of Windsor.

.Sporting. NORTHAMPTON MEETING.—TUESDAY. NENE HANDICAP.—Deep Sea, 1; Winsome Lad, 2; Siloah, 3. Nine ran. CORPORATION PLATE.—Merrilla, 1; Rosalinda g., 2; Separation, 3. Nine ran. CASTLE ASHBY HANDICAP.—Squire Jack, 1; Flavus, 2; Morningdew, 3. Ten ran. ROTHERHAM MEETING.—TUESDAY. ECCLESFIELD SE L LING.- Bonfire, 1; Night Jar, 2; Travelling Lad, 3. Seven ran. SANDBECK HURDLx.-Mints talk, 1; Yenikale, 2; Hoylake, 3. Three ran. SHEFFIELD STEEPLECHASE.—Chapeltown, 1; Merry Love, 2; Hard Nail, 3. Four ran.

SKELETONS AT CHESTER. « Yesterday (Tuesday) morning, during the excavations for the erection of a new abutment in connection with the extension of the Holy- head railways near the Shropshire Union Canal Offices, Chester, the workmen discovered about six feet below the surface of the old towing path, a number of skeletons, all of which were in a splendid state of preservation. One skeleton was about six feet long. They have been re-buried.

CHINESE PROBLEM. ♦ THE MASSACRE OF MISSIONARIES. A Pekin correspondent, telegraphing on Friday, says that a conference of the foreign Ministers held that day decided to add the names of Prince Yi and Ying Nien to those of the seven officials whose execution is demanded by France. One of the latter, Kang Yi, is already dead, but it is unknown whether it is a case of natural death or suicide. Another Imperial Edict has been issued, attempting to placate the Powers by ordering further nominal punishment of the guilty officials. A Pao-ting-fu message states that the officer commanding the allied troops, moved by the story of the cruel treat- ment of the rescued missionaries, has arrested the Provincial Treasurer, who is chiefly res- ponsible. It is still hoped in Pekin that the Allies will inflict salutary punishment on the city. A Shanghai correspondent says that, according to a Chinese report, Yu Haien, Governor of Shan-si, who ordered the massacre of the missionaries, has committed suicide. The announcement is possibly madato ascertain its effect on foreign opinion. If satisfactory, similar declarations respecting the other highly- placed officiftls who are accused will follow.

SALMON SNATCHING" IN THE DEE. « UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT. IMPORTANT PROSECUTIONS. [BY OUR OWN REPORTER.] SPECIAL TELEGRAM. Llangollen, Tuesday. At Llangollen Petty Sessions to-day, before Mr. R. Myddleton, Lord Trevor, and other magistrates, several important prosecutions were heard at the instance of the River Dee Fishery Board, with the object of preventing what was alleged to have been a somewhat common offence for a considerable time by illegal or foul hooking of salmon in the fish- pass at Llangollen Weir. The first of the three cases was against Albert Dean, a youth, living at Llan- gollen, who was summoned for kill- ing five salmon without a licence, and for unlawfully using what was called a snatch for catching the salmon. Mr. H. D. Jolliffe prosecuted on behalf of the Board, and defendant, who denied the charge, was repre- sented by Mr. W. H. Bott, barrister, Oswestry. Describing the method of fishing by means of the snatch," Mr. Jolliffe said Dean, in com- pany with the other defendants, was discovered by a bailiff, on special duty to observe the mode of fishing, using a large stiff rod and a very strong line, the hook at the end of which was exceptionally large and of a type never used in fair fishing. It was baited with a worm, which was obviously used purely as a blind." Attached to the gut was a long strip of lead, very heavy, and quite unnecessary for ordinary trout-fishing. The rod and line were of course a perfectly legal instrument for the purpose, but the defendants, in using it, pulled the line violently out of the water immediately they put it in. The line, when thrown in, immediately sank, and was placed where the fish congregated chiefly preparatory to going up the pass. It was then sharply pulled up without a pause, and the salmon were hooked in various parts of the body. Evidence was given on the first charge by Superintendent Simpson, and on the charge of illegal fishing by Bailiff John Calder. Mr. Bott contended for the defence that Dean, on the occasion in question, fished with ordinary rod, line, and hook, in a legitimate manner, and that no sea trout were taken, the only fish caught being four ordinary trout, the heaviest of which weighed lib. loz. Evidence bearing out these contentions was given by the defendant, Edward Stephen Jones, flannel manufacturer, and Thomas Roberts, weaver, who were fishing in company with defendant at the time. Defendant said he never saw a salmon in the river that day. He saw Calder, who did not speak to him, watching the fishing ten yards away on the bridge. The Bench considered the caies proved, and imposed a penalty on the first charge 91 10s., and on the second of XI and costs. The second case was one in which William Holbrook, an elderly gentleman of considerable means, living at Lenton, Nottingham, was charged with fishing with rod and line in the fish-pass so as to wilfully hinder salmon from passing through, and of using a snatch for catching the salmon on the 9th October. Defendant denied the charges, and was repre- sented by Mr. Lloyd, solicitor, St. Asaph. The case was proved by Bailiff Calder. Mr. Lloyd said his client, whose favourite pastime was angling, had fished in Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, and owned a pool at Bettws-y-coed. He was certainly not the kind of man one would expect to poach on the sly. As a matter of fact, he caught no fish whatever on the day in question. Giving evidence, defendant said that spaaking as an angler of over twenty years' experience, the foul kind of fishing with which he was charged was most reprehensible, and he would be the first to prevent it. Cross-examined He denied he was cautioned by Supt. Simpson against fishing in the pass and against snatching." Bailiff Calder deposed to having seen defen- dant kill two sea-trout in a portion of the pass. The Bench considered both charges proved, and imposed the full penalties in each case of C5 and costs. They also allowed the advocate's fee of one guinea in each case. George May berry, fisherman, of Llangollen, was summoned on three charges of fishing with- out a licence, of using a "snatch," and of fishing in the pass. Defendant (for whom Mr. Bott appeared) admitted not having a licence, but denied the other charges. Defendant, who had been previously convicted of illegally killing salmon, was fined Ri 10s. on the first charge and £1 on each of the others. The fines were paid in court by a gentleman.

A NORLEY PRODIGY. YOUTHFUL ADVENTURER. John Sydney Cook Grice, who lives with his father at Norley, is an exceedingly innocent and childish-looking boy of 10, but he seems to possess a remarkable criminal tendency for one of his tender years which has led him into trouble on numerous occasions. Escorted by his father-an infirm and crippled man-this juvenile prodigy ap- peared before the magistrates at Eddisbury Petty Sessions on Monday on a charge of stealing from a lady at Norley, Mrs. Catherine Thompson, the sum of 91. The father informed the magistrates that he had entirely lost control of the boy, who was constantly getting into mischief of one kind or another. He would not go to school, though he had been summoned before the magistrates several times for his non-attendance.—Mrs. Thompson said on the evening of the 15th of October she took the boy to his home, and did not see him again until seven o'clock the following morning, when she was surprised to discover him behind her bed- room door. Asked how he had managed to pay such a mysterious visit to her house, he replied, I come in last night." Mrs. Thompson, who had several times forbidden the boy to sleep in her house, then became very angry, and sent him home. That night she missed a sovereign she had put in a drawer with some other things, and when she subsequently heard that Grice was in possession of a lot of money she was con- vinced he had stolen her sovereign, and gave information to the police.—Albert Lidgett, a boy of ten, living at Norley. said while in company with Grice on the morning of the 16th, he (defendant) told him he would find some money if he looked on the ground. He did so, and found a half-crown. Grice then threw half a crown and a two shilling piece on the ground, and witness picked those coins up also., Grice told him to keep the money if he went to Chester on Saturday, but instead of doing so he gave it to his mother, and told her of the matter.- P.C. Roberts, who apprehended defendant, said when questioned about the sovereign, he told him he returned to Mrs. Thompson's house ;?* f. ? k *"m home, entered it stealthily, and hid under the sofa. When the lady returned to bed he followed her upstairs, seized an opportunity to take the sovereign from a drawer in her bedroom, and slept the remainder of the night in another room. The constable added that a fortnight ago the boy one night entered Mrs. Thompson's house from a bedroom window by a ladder.—Mr. Lees (police court missionary at Northwich) suggested that the boy be sent to the Tattenhall Boys' Home, and the Bench adjourned the case to enable that gentleman to arrange for his admission te some institution of that kind.

NORTHWICH GttAVE-DICIGiefes TRAtffc DEATH. -On Saturday evening George Acton, aged seventy-two years, of Moulton, expired with awful suddenness. For a long period he had been the grn.z at Davenham Church, near Northwich, and after following his usual occupation he was proceeding home. While climbing Davenham Hill a litfcle girl saw him fall. Constable Edwards went to hi3 assistance, and discovered him dead.

MALPAS PUBLICAN FINED. » At the Broxton Petty Sessions, yesterday (Tuesday), when Mr. J. H. Leche (chairman), Mr. George Barbour, and the Rev. C. Wolley- Dod were the magistrates, Thomas Bradshaw, licensee of the Wheat Sheaf Inn, Hampton, was charged with being drunk while in charge of a horse and cart on the Cholmondeley road, Hampton, on the 10th inst. Mr. W. R. Churton appeared for the defence. P.C. Kennerley said he was on duty in Hampton shortly after eight p.m., when he saw a horse, which was attached to a spring cart, running down the Cholmondeley road, and in the cart were defendant and another man named Robert Gough, both of whem appeared to be drunk. Defendant had possession of the reins, and he was driving on the wrong side of the road. Witness spoke to him, and said he appeared to be unable to drive pro- perly. Bradshaw replied "Very well, I shall want to see the old doctor" —meaning Dr. Jordison-but witness said I can't allow you to go any further." Witness then got in the cart and drove defendant and Gough back to Malpas, from where they came, and on arriving at the police station he (witness) jumped out. When defendant gained the ground, however, he had to support himself with both arms against the shaft. Witness tried to take him inside the police station, but Bradshaw resisted, and he was so feeble that he fell to the ground. Eventually, however, defendant was placed on a chair inside the office, and P.S. Howard, who came in immediately afterwards, went for Dr. Jordison, at Bradshaw's own request. Dr. Jordison not being in, defendant agreed to have the opinion of Dr. Simpson, his assistant, who examined him and pronounced that he was under the influence of drink. The examination took place about an hour after he (the con- stable) had taken him in charge. In reply to the Chairman, P.C. Kennerley said the man's speech was thick and indistinct. Mr. Churton Was it sufficiently light on this particular night for you to see the men in the cart properly ?-Witness: It was very moon- light. Mr. Churton: I believe you are not very friendly with my client ?-Witness: We have never quarrelled. Mr. Churton: But a short time ago he pre- vented you from taking water from his tap, because you used it for slopping purposes?— Witness Yes, he did. Mr. Churton: And for that reason you stopped getting milk at his house ?—Witness I dtd not approve of my sister buying milk at his house. (Laughter.) P.S. Howard said in his opinion Bradshaw was drunk, when he saw him in the police station about 8.45 p.m. On seeing witness, defendant jumped up from his chair and staggered from one side to the other. Defendant seemed to be very annoyed at being detained there, but witness told him to keep still until he was sober, unless he cared to let someone else drive him to Hampton. Witness, however, replied to the effect that if he could not drive himself he would not go at all. About 11.30 the same night Bradshaw was conveyed home by some friends. Dr. Cecil Simpson said he was called to the police-office on the night in question, and found defendant in a very excited state. He made him walk round the room, which he did with apparent ease, and when he asked him to repeat several difficult sentences he articulated very plainly. He did not consider the man was drunk, but he was certainly under the influence of drink. If he was asked to express hi"pinion either one way or the other, he would say that the man was sober, although he oertainly had had some liquor. Colonel Cope: Would you say that he was fit to drive a horse in his then condition ?— Witness I don't think I should. Harriet Groom, Blue Cap Inn, Hampton, said defendant came in her house about 7.30 en the night of the 10th, but he did not ask to be served with any drink. Witness could see that he was somewhat under the influence of drink, but he was quite capable, she had not the slighest hesitation in saying, of driving his horse without running into danger. Mr. Churton said in cases of this kind the magistrates generally had to overcome certain difficulties. In the present case the evidence was rather conflicting, and the magistrates would perhaps have diffi- culty in arriving at their decision. According to one side of the evidence defendant was drunk, while on the other he was simply under the influence of drink. Anyone who had tasted a glass of beer, he contended, was under the influence of drink to a certain extent. Several witnesses were called for the defence, and defendant, who gave evidence on his own behalf, said he only had twopennyworth of whisky in the norning, and two glasses of beer in the afternoon. After a few minutes' consideration, the Chair- man said they had decided to convict, and wouM Ana duf indmit 20'. and cists.

COUNTY POLICE COURT. SATURDAY.—Before Messrs. H. D. Trelawny (chairman), Jos. Pover, the Hon. Cecil T. Parker, and Colonel Miller. Gun: TRESPASS AT INcz. George Royle, labourer, Ellesmere Port, was summoned for trespassing in search of game on land in the occupation of Thomas Darlington, at Ince, on the previous Saturday.—Mr. E. Brassey appeared for the complainant, and said that defendant was accused of trespassing upon one of two coverts which border on the railway line. On the day in question, while the tenant was shooting the coverts, the defendant was noticed in company with another man, who had a gun, lying on the railway embankment watching the sport evidently for the purpose of shooting any birds that passed in their direction, or picking up any killed birds that had not been found. A dog was with them. Several birds had been shot over this covert and not found, and the keepers were instructed to watch the two men. They did so, and observed defendant presently enter the covert with the dog, which hunted the wood backwards and forwards for shot birds. The other man disappeared, and was not seen again. The under keeper (Fox) then waited on the railway for defendant's return, and caught him as he emerged from the covert. The nearest public road to these coverts was nearly two miles distant, thus defendant must have walked over a large area of private land to get to the place. This was not the first occasion the complainant had been annoyed by trespassers in search of game, and the offence had become a great nuisance.—Evidence in support of the case was given by the under- keeper, Frank Fox, and a youth named William Southern, and the magistrates imposed a fine of 20s. and costs (Zl 15s. 6d. altogether).

CITY POLICE COURT. » ■ THURSDAY.—Before the Mayor (Alderman H. T. Brown) and Mr. F. Bullin. DRIVING AT TEN OR TWELVB MILES AN HOUR.—James Lee, a salt hawker, living in White Lion Yard, Crook-street, was charged with furiously driving a horse along the Saltney road on the 22nd of this month, to the danger of passengers.-P.C. Griffiths, stationed at Saltney, said shortly before two o'clock on Monday afternoon, defendant was driving a horse in a spring cart in Chester-street, at the rate of ten or twelve miles an hour. He was racing with another man who had knocked a lady off her machine, and had already been dealt with. Witness had previously cautioned Lee about his reckless driving when several children were running about the streets.- Substantiative evidence was given by Geo. Hill and Wm. Hy. Mines (Saltney).-Defendant said the horse could not run at the pace of ten or twelve miles an hour if it was flogged to death.—Mr. J. H. Laybourne said the man had been summoned previously for a similar offence.—Fined 5s. and costs. SATURDAY.—Before the Mayor, Mr. J. J. Cunnah, and Mr. F. Bullin. A QUARREL AND THB RESULT.—Martha Dodd (or Cook), 4, Kaleyards, Chester, appeared on remand to answer a charge of assaulting Frederick Dodd, with whom she has lived, it transpired, for 13 years.-Defendant pleaded guilty.—Complainant stated that the woman came in the house about eleven o'clock, when she commenced to quarrel with him because he had been unsuccessful in finding work. He requested her to sit down and be quiet, when she pulled off one of her boots and threw it behind his head, on which was inflicted a severe wound. The wound bled profusely, and he was taken to Dr. Lees, from whom he still received medical attention. Witness did not wish to press the case against defendant.—Martha Dodd said complainant had been drinking for three weeks, and she became aggravated. Although he had lived with her 13 years, she had received nothing from him towards the maintenance of herself and the two children she kept. They never quarrelled except when complainant had been drinking, and it was not her intention on this particular night to inflict serious injury.—Mr. Laybourne (Chief Constable) said defendant had been at the court 11 times altogether on various charges, but principally for abusive language. The Bench took a lenient view of the case, and imposed a tine of 10s. and costs, or 14 days. ALLEGED PILFERING AT THE GENERAL STATION.—Thomas Rowlands, who has been in the employment of the London and North- Western Railway Company for twelve months as a porter, and who is in lodgings at Chester, was charged with stealing two haddocks, worth 8d., from the General Station the previous night.—Detective Plumb, who is in the service of the railway company, said he was on duty about 12 o'clock on Friday night in company with Detective Weaver, when he saw prisoner and two or three other porters pulling some boxes out of a van, which contained haddocks. After watching a short while, witness saw prisoner stoop over one of the boxes and afterwards walk away. He then examined the box, and found that it had been broken open. On looking into prisoner's coat subsequently the haddocks (produced) were discovered in one of the pockets.—Rowlands was remanded till Tuesday, bail being allowed. YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).—Before the Mayor (Mr. H. T. Brown), Mr. J. J. Cunnah, and Mr. G. A. Dickson. DARING THEFTS BY A YOUTH.-Frederick Rowlands, 15 years of age, and who is said to hail from Massam, Yorkshire, was charged on remand with stealing a gold watch, the property of Mr. Edward Hughes, of 1, Howson-terrace, Garden-lane; with stealing gold rings, valued at 932, the property of Mrs. Alice Huxley, a widow, residing at 4, St. John's-view, Hand- bridge and stealing a purse containing 21s., the monies of Mrs. Newham, of 3, Charlotte-street. Prisoner having pleaded guilty, the Chief Constable pointed out that prisoner had committed quite a number of daring thefts within one week. Representing himself to be in the employ of a gilder on the City-road, prisoner visited the residences of the persons named, asked for lodgings, and when subsequently lett alone he committed the thefts, some of which had taken place in the suburbs. Prisoner had robbed a widow of 5s. in Cornwall-street, and at another place he had stolen a cash-box. At Saltney prisoner gave a girl named Rachael Emily Davies one of the valuable stolen rings because she directed him where he could obtain lodgings. When seeking lodgings at the house of a Mrs. Jane Roberts, that lady observing him playing with a couple of rings induced him to leave them with her.—Detective Crewe deposed to arresting prisoner.—The Chief Constable informed the magistrates that prisoner had been in custody at Liscard for a similar offence, and was sent to a home in Liverpool, from which he ran away. There was also a com- plaint from Manchester; and, although he had communicated with the address given by prisoner where he said his mother was a school- mistress, he had been unable to trace her.- The magistrates sent prisoner to the Bradwall Reformatory until he is 19 years of age. ALLEGED PILFERING AT THE RAILWAY STATION.—The case in which Thos. Rowlands, railway porter, General Railway Station, is charged with the theft of a couple of haddocks, valued at 8d., from the platform, was called, but adjourned by consent until Thursday

EDDISBURY PETTY SESSIONS. MONDAY.—Before Sir Philip Grey Egerton (presiding), Captain Higson, Mr. Roger Bate, and Mr. H. C. Burder. MAINTENANCE OF A LUNATIC.—Mr. H. Grant Bailey, clerk to the Tarvin Union, applied for authority to provide for the future mainten- ance for two years in the county lunatie asylum of George Pivett, late of Tarvin, out of his money in the bank. It was stated that the patient was a hopeless lunatic, and the sum required was 944.-The application was granted. UNDUTIFUL SONS.—Four young men named William Hignett, Fred Hignett, Samuel Hignett, William Hignett, Fred Hignett, Sa.muel Hignett, and Albert Hignett, all of Kelsall, were sum- moned for neglecting to support their old and impotent parents, George and Anne Hignett, who had become chargeable to the Tarvin Union.—Mr. Willis, the relieving officer to the Union, pointed out that when the old couple first became chargeable to the Union in February last. the sons, after being communicated with by the guardians, had paid nothing towards their main- tenance till the 6th of October with the exception of two, who made payments for only two or three weeks. All the men were in good circumstances, William, Alfred, and Fred being prosperous butchers. The guardians desired them to contribute between them 6a. per week, and tba Bonch uiide an order accordingly.

WELSH SETTLERS IN THE ARGENTINE. A Parliamentary paper just issued contains the reports furnished by British naval officers who have visited the Welsh settlement at Chubut, in the Argentine Republic, during the last three years. Commodore GrQome, of her Majesty's ship Flora, who stayed there for a week in June last, reports that the floods which occurred in August, 1899, did great damage, the whole valley being completely flooded to some depth. Almost the entire town of Rawson, many of the buildings in Gaiman, and a large number of the outlying farmhouses were destroyed, and much injury done to the canals. The Government seems to have behaved very generously at the time of the floods, sending pro- visions, clothing, tents, &o, for the houseless, and has since voted about £ 9,000 for the repair of houses and canals. Be- sides this, private subscriptions were received from Wales, Buenos Ayres, and other towns, and also from the Falkland Islands. Com- modore Groome reports that there has been a large and increasing influx of Argentines and Italians in the last few years, and there have been a good many marriages between them and the Welsh. I should think that probably in a generation or so the Welsh part of the commu- nity, as a separate body, will have almost totally disappeared, though the older settlers now there will not allow or cenfess that this will happen. I was talking to children about ten or twelve years of age, and, picking up a Welsh book, asked if they could read it; they said Yes, with difficulty,' but that they could read Spanish very easily." Considering that, with very few exceptions, all the Welsh who had gone out to Chubut were of the poorest description, and brought no capital, had their passage out paid for them by private subscription, and then were assisted by the Government, being given grants of land, &c., Commodore Groome is of opinion that they have done very well for themselves. Many are now in comfortable circumstances, and can afford to go home and visit their country. One working man told me he had lately paid as much as 93 for a telegram to get news during the present war with the Trans- vaal. Nearly all are Nonconformists and a large number are teetotallers; they are hard- working and steady, and it seems a great pity that when they emigrated in 1865 they did not go to one of our own Colonies."

BARBED WIRE-A REQUEST. Our hunting correspondent "Bluecap" writes a note to remind the public of the open- ing of the season in Cheshire, and to make a timely request to farmers and others who have barbed wire on the land to have it removed. He feels sure, as all of us do, that no Cheshire farmer would desire to see man or horse injured by the cruel barbed wire, and it is to be trusted that th6 dangerous obstruction will for the most part di appear in this neighbourhood. Those who from some reason cannot see their way to dispense alto gether with this form of fencing will, it is hoped, kindly erect a notice-board warning riders of the presence of the wire, also apprise the gentleman connected with the Hunt who is responsible for looking after that portion of the county. The appeal will not, we believe, be addressed on this occasion in vain, for nothing would please the Master, Lord Enniskillen, more than to know that his servants, horses and hounds had returned to kennels without injury through barbed wire. NORTH CHESHIRE HOUNDS. This pack met at Willington Hall on Thurs- day morning. After drawing several covers round the hall blank, a move was made to Priors Hayes cover on the farm occupied by Mr. Lea. This small cover, which is looked after by Mr. Hewitt, of Kelsall, is always good for a fox, and to-day was no exception to the rule. Unfortunately, two brace were killed in cover without any gallop. The remainder of the day was spent at Ashton Hayes, where another fox was killed in Beckett's Wood. BLUE CAP. THE CHESHIRE BEAGLES. On Saturday these hounds met at Bunbury Locks, when the attendance included Mr. Alfred Blain (master), Mr. Percy Roberts (whip), Mr. Geo. Stewart, Mr. J. Turbett, Miss Blain, Miss Mortimer, Miss M. Thomas, Mr. F. Mortimer, Mrs. Albert Hornby, Miss Royds, Mr. G. Hornby, Mr. R. Hall, Mr. E. Buckley, the Misses Madge and Theo. Linnel, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Potts, Mr. Gerald Cope, Mr. Eustace Cohen, Mr. M. Steele, Ac. We found almost immedi- ately in an old pasture field of Mr. Sheen's, and after running one ring, puss set her head straight for Wardle, and passing between Mr. Richard Boffey's house and the gorse, went straight on as if her point was Barbridge; but:, suddenly turning left-handed, she circled back again, hounds hunting her very prettily along the banks of the canal, and through the old tile works, near to the Clays Farm. A great many sheep and cattle had foiled the line, and a check took place. It; was some time before we recovered her, and scent, which had never been first rate, was by this time cold; still they continued to own it from time to time until the Master's keen eye viewed the hare stealing along about a field ahead, and quickly capping on his hounds they were soon on terms with her again, and a couple of fields further on, at the end of Mr. Tom Rutter's fallow field, a loud who-whoop from Davenport proclaimed a kill. This was not the real Simon Pure, however, for almost at the same moment the main body of the pack were seen running a beaten hare in view, and a few minutes afterwards they ran into her in a ditch in the adjoining field to the one where we first found, after an excellent hunting run of one hour and forty-five minutes. We soon found another hare in a field of roots upon Mr. John Robinson's farm. At first scent was very catchy, but it soon improved, and hounds raced away from near the Clay's farm along Mr. John Shore's to Haughton Moss, when they turned left- handed, and, running a wide ring, brought us back again to where we first found her. Then another big ring followed over much the same country, and our now thoroughly beaten hare was viewed several times before hounds ran into her at the side of Wardle Brook, after another capital run of one hour and thirty-five minutes. It was not yet three o'clock, but everyone had had quite enough for one day, and so wended their way homewards, well satisfied with the day's sport. LEVERET.

SIR W. W. WYNN'S HOUNDS HEET ON Thursday, November 1, Carden .at 10.45 Saturday, November 3, Macefen at 10.45

NEW WHIT. STAR LINBB.-The new colonial fleet of the White Star Line has been brought a step nearer completion by the launch of the twin screw steamer Runic, which took place last week at Belfast. The steamer is 565 feet in length, 64 feet in breadth, and her gross tonnage is 13,400, constituting her one of the largest passenger steamers afloat, and she is the 43rd vessel launched by Messrs. Harland and Wolff for this company. During the last four years no fewer than seven steamships of the largest type, aggregating 86,501 tons have been launched by Messrs. Harland and Wolff for the White Star Line.

MOLD. NEW RA.TEs.-On Monday the overseers of Mold (rural), Mold (urban), and Buckley (Mold) assembled with the assistant overseer, Mr. Joaeph Jones, for the purpose of fixing the amount of poor and school board rates to be levied for the ensuing half-year. It was resolved to levy on Buildings-la. lOd. in the £ for Mold (rural), and Is. 7d. in the £ for Mold (urban) and Buckley (Mold), half these sums being fixed in respect of land.

MOLLINGTON. BAND OF Hops.-The members of the Band of Hope commenced their winter meetings on Wednesday evening, in the Band of Hope Hall, with a magic lantern entertainment, the subject being "The Transvaal War." Most of the pictures were taken from scenes in the present campaign. The hall was well filled, some being present from Saughall and Chester. Mr. J. W. rravis, of Chester, gave a brief description of each picture as it appeared on the sheet, while the lantern was very ably worked by Mr. Rae, also of Chester. At the close of the entertain- ment a collection was taken to defray expenses.

NORTHOP. PETTY SESSIONS.—Thursday, before Messrs. Charles Davison, J. Watkinson, J. Reney, P. Jones, and S. K. Muspratt.-James Williams, labourer, Halkyn, was charged on remand with stealing from Benjamin Wheeler, fitter, of the same neighbourhood, a purse containing 91 12s. The evidence was to the effect that the prose- cutor missed his purse from his trousers pocket in a public-house after he and defendant had been drinking together.—P.C. Jones found the purse in Williams' possession, defendant eventu- ally admitting the theft.—Defendant was sent to gaol for 14 days.

0 T A RPORLEY. SCHOOL CONCERT.—The annual entertain- ment given by the children of the National School, in aid of their treat f und, was held on Thursday in the Town Hall. There was a large attendance of parents, who take almost as keen an interest in the event as the children them- selves. The 200, odd, children, who were seated on a platform, rendered each item of the following programme in a manner reflecting great credit upon themselves and Mr. Garner (headmaster), and his staff :-Opening speech, Martin Goulding; song, Clap, clap alto- gether," infants; song, Influenza," all; reci- tation, Red Riding Hood," infants; round, Greenwood Tree," all; recitation, The Bell- man," John A. Prince; song, The train," infants; vocal quadrille, Nursery Rhymes," all; recitation, Tiny Tim," infants; action song, White Sails," girls; song, Merry Little Soldiers," infants; ventriloquial enter- tainment, Bertie Hewitt, Harold Billington, and J. R. Martin; part song, The Sailor's Grave," all; vocal galop, Fire Brigade," all; recita- tion, Wet Day Troubles," Derothy Garner; action song, It Merry Minstrels," all; recitation, Daddy won't come back," Dorothy Fleet; song, "Old Soldiers," boys; song, Buy my Herrings," five girls; dialogue, Who gets the twopence," four boys; round, Maids of Lee," all; recitation, Red-cross Nurses," six girls song," Victoria, our Queen," all; part song, I think of thee," all; dialogue, Advice gratis," characters represented by A. Billington, James Fleet, W. Daine, R. Garner, B. Harrison, N. Spendlove, and Ethel Billington; songs, "Good Night" and "God save the Queen," all. During the interval the Rector (Rev. Mr. Hughes), after referring to the increase in the number of children attend- ing the school and to Mr. Garner and staff, spoke of the regret they all felt at the enforced resignation, through the requirements of the Educational Code, of Miss Brockley, school- mistress of the infants, whose sympathy for the little ones under her care they all so much appreciated.

ACTON. RECREATION COMMITTEE'S CONCERT.—The first of a series of concerts was given in the schools on Wednesday, under the auspices of the Recreation Committee, consisting of the follow- ing members:—The Rev. H. Moore (chairman), Messrs. J. Boffey (treasurer), James Sadler (secretary), John Williams. T. D. Hampson, F. W. Boffey, W. Corbett, S. Dutton, J. L. Williams, Frank Boffey, Henry Hull, James Boughey, T. Hodson, and J. Cornes. The room was filled with a large and appreciative audience, and the concert was of a class seldom heard in Acton. The artistes were Mrs. Tom Harlock (soprano), Mr. F. Clare (tenor), Mr. Harry Vernon (baritone), Mr. W. Horabin (humorist), Miss S. D. Bradbury L.L.C.M. (solo piano), Mr. F. Battams (solo violin), Mr.W. Davi- son (solo flute), Mr.Woolstencroft (bassoon), Mr. W. Dunning (accompanist). An apology was made for the absence of Mr. H. J. Tollemache, M.P. (who was announced to preside), on account of his having contracted a bad cold in London. It would be invidious to compare the merits of the various performers, but as a somewhat new departure had been made by the introduction of instrumental music, special mention' of that part of the' programme may be made. The pianoforte solo by Miss Bradbury was exceedingly well rendered, and received peals of applause from the audience, to which she responded with a piece equally well exe- cuted and equally appreciated; her 'cello solo by Van Biene was played in fine style, as also was the obligato to Mr. Vernon's song, The Bandolero." Mr. F. Battams, who made his first appearance at Acton, held the audience spell-bound with his violin solo, and received a hearty encore, to which he responded with a very pretty slumber song; he also played a beautiful obligato to Mrs. Harlock's song, I. For all Eternity." Mr. Davison, who is also new to Acton, displayed brilliant exe- cution in his flute solo, Home to our Mountains," from Verdi's "II Trovatore," for which he received a well-deserved encore. The pure, sweet tones of the instrument were brought out to perfection in his obligate to Mr. Clare's song "Marguerita." The humorous element was well sustained by Mr. Horabin, who convulsed the house with his songs "Teach- ing McFadden to Waltz and" English as she is spoke." He was recalled on both occasions. Mr. W. Dunning, whose abilities as a pianist are so well known, accompanied throughout the concert in his usual masterly style. The performance of the several vocalists was all that the most fastidious could desire, and the playing of the National Anthem brought a most enjoyable evening to a close. The proceeds of these concerts are to provide seats, lamps, kc,, for future recreative occasions.

BAZAAR IN BISHOP LLOYD'S PALACE.—There was a crowded attendance of ladies in Bishop Lloyd's Palace yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, when a Brabazon sale of work was held. Lady Grosvenor graciously declared the bazaar open, and business was then proceeded with briskly. The Bishop of Chester was among those present. HOSPITAL SUNDAY.—The Secretary of the Chester General Infirmary begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following Church collections:—St. Mary's without the Walls Church, £ 30 3s.3d.; St. Paul's Church, Boughton, E26 7s.; Chester Cathedral, JB12 10s. 6d.; Buckley Parish Church, jE9 2s. 7d. (25 19s. 7d. to the Infirmary and 23 3s. to the Parkgate Convalescent Home); Holy Trinity Parish Church, R9 Os. 9d.; Waverton Church, £ 7 7s. (R4 4s. to the Infirmary and £3 3s. to the Parkgate Convalescent Home); Bunbury Church and Spurstow School, fA 10s.; St. Marys-on- the-Hill Church, E4 5s.; Stoke Church, X3 4s. 2d.; City-road Wesleyan Methodist Church, £ 3 3s.; St. Mary's Church, Broughton, R2 lis. 9d.; the Good Shepherd Mission Church, Buckley, E2 9s.; St. Barnabas Mission Church, E2 6s. 9d.; Alvanley Church, 92 2s.; St. Martin's Welsh Church, 92 28; Northgate-street Catholic Apostolic Church, R2 2s.; the Presbyterian Church of England, Newgate-street, 12; St. Paul's Mission Church, JE1 15s. 9d. Sandycroft Primitive Methodist Chapel, 91 15s.; Frodsham Iron Church, P.1 5s. 4d.; Connah's Quay Primitive Methodist Chapel, £1 4s. Ewloe Primitive Methodist Chapel, J61 la.; Delamere Church (additional), 18s. 5d.; Mission Church of the Good Shepheard, 14s. 61; St. Thomas] Church (additional), 123. 6d. Frodsham Union Church, 10s.; St. David's Mission Church, Ewloe Green, Buckley, 5a. 10d.; Holy Trinity Mission Room, 5s. 5d. The Secre- tary also begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following donations: — £ 21 (to the Parkgate Convalescent Home) from Mrs. Foulkes, of Latham House, Liverpool-road, Chester; 93 from "Anonymous," per the Rev. T. J. Evans, Tarvin Vicarage, near Chester; 10s. from Mr. J. Niven.

Cbester Stock anb %bare JUat. "J' Reported by Messrs. WARMSLEY, JONES & Co., 29, Eastgate Row (North). Chester. consols 991 BAWK BATJ: 4% Present Chester Corpora. price. 31 Irredeemable Stock .118 —12fr Chester Corpora- tion 3 Redeemable Stock par Chester Gas Com. pany 10 A Ordinary Stock 225-230 tJ tJ tJ 7 B & C 160—170 » tt tt 7 Con. Pref. Stock 195-20) Chester Water- works Co 7\ Consolidated Stock 180—199 •• •• » 7 New Ordinary Stock, 1st and 2nd moieties 170-175 to to It 6 £10 Perpet'l. Pref. Shares, fully paid 17 —18 Wrexkam Water- works Co. Consolidated Stock 180-18.5 o Preference 410 Shares 15 •• » „ Ordinary 210 Shares 121—13 Haw'd'u" District Water Co ICIO Shares, fully paid par Nat. Prov. Bank of England Ltd. At75 Shares, 910 10s. paid 531-541 £ 60 Shares, £ 12 paid 62 -63 North and South Wales Bank Ltd. 240 Shares, B10 paid 37J-37t Parr's Bank Ltd. 9100 Shares, £20 paid 86i—87 £ Lloyd's Bank Ltd. £50 Shares, ieS paid 32|—32| Bank of Lirerpool Limited P.100 Shares. 212 10a paid 38f—39i British Law, Life, Fire Insurance Limited £10 Shares, el paid Il-ll Chester Boat Co., Limited 210 Shares, fully paid 11—12 Chester Cocoa House Co., Ltd. JB5 £4 5| £ 5 „ £ 3 i Chester General Cemetery Co. £ 5 „ fully paid par C hes terGros venor Hotel Co., Ltd. j620 „ „ 49 -50 Chest'rNewMusio HallCo., Ltd. £ 25 „ „ 21 Chest'r Northg'te Brewery Co., Umited Ordinary £ 10Shares,fully pd ..11 J—12J tt 6% Pref. £ 10$hares,fully pd ..13^—14} Chester Lion Brewery Co., Ltd. 51% B Cum. Pref. 210 Shares .10 Chester Cjueeu Railway Hotel Co., Ltd. £20 Shares, fully paid 28 -,30 „ ». „ £ 20 „ £ 10 14 —15 Chester Blossoms Hotel, Ltd. £10 „ fully loi-lot Chester Steam Laundry Co.,Ltd. £ 5 „ .fully 9 —9J Chester Trainw'ys Co Rio „ fully 5-6 Cheater Race Co., Limited aloo „ £ 75 185 -195 Dee Oil Co., Ltd. ei Ordinary Shares .pa.r Walkers, Parker & Co., Ltd. £10 Shares, fully paid. 6 Cum. Pref li-2i It It It 41 Debentures 84—86 J. H. Billington, Ltd., Chester 4t First Mort. Deben. Stock .par » It 5 Cum. Pref. 910 Shares par » „ „ Ordinary £ 10 Shares par Victoria Pier and Pavilion Co., Colwyn Bay, Ltd. £1 Ordinary Shares It-li Halkyu AliuingCo. Limited "1 Shares, fully paid .11 -12 Halkyn Drainage Co 410 Shares, fully paid 24)—25J East Halkyn Min. ingCo., Ltd £ 1 .15/33/-36,- SouthHalkynMin. ijig Co., Ltd. Al „ fully 21—21 £ 1 „ 18/ —2J North Hendre Mining Co., Ltd. £ 2 10s. Sliares, fully paid .5 -6 Talacre Mining Co. Lijwited Al Ord. „ fully paid &I Fret. „ „ "nited Minera Co., Limited Sl Ord. „ 17/6 paid .25/-30;. Isle ofmtu Mining Co., Ltd. (Fox- dale) Mines £ 6 „ „ 3|—3{ 7J Pref., £ 1710s pd 25—30 L lanArmou Mining Co., Ltd. Al Ord.. fully paid .5/-10/- iBi Pref., fully 15-20 Wirral Railway 3% Deboatura Stock par 1. 11 It 4 Preference (1896 issue).lolj—102 Wirrp.l Railw*ys Co. Limited MlO Ord. Shares, fully paid .3 -3t

„ imarkttg anti JATRG. LIVERPOOL CORN, TUESDAY.—Wheat in fair demand, but not much doing at about Friday's rates, except Kansas id. dearer. No. 1 Californian, 6s. 3d. to 6s. 4d.; No. 1 Northern Spring, 6s. 3!d. to 6s. 4d. Beans, Saidi, 29s. 9d. to 30s.; peas, 5s. 8d. Oats quiet; new white, 2s. 5d. to 2s. 7d. Maize in fair demand; new mixed, 4s. 2Jd. to 4s. 2 £ d., about 2d. under Friday. Flour unchanged. SALFOBD CATTLE, TUESDAY.—At market: Cattle 2,719 trade better. Sheep 7,436 choice light-weights scarce. Calves 126; trade slow. Quotations :—Cattle 5d. to 6id., sheep 6d. to 8id., calves 5d. to 7!d. per lb. WREXHAM CATTLE, MONDAY. The stormy weather to-day prevented some of the farmers in the outlying districts from bringing stock to the market, and the supply was a somewhat small one. Business was consequently brisk, and the clearance an exceptionally good one at highly satisfactory prices. Mutton and beef were in great demand, I while pigs were dearer. A few calves also were quickly disposed of. Quotations :-Beef, 6d. to 7!d. per lb.; mutton, 7 £ d. to 8id. veal, 6Jd. to 71d. bacon pigs, 8s. 6d. to 9s. per score lbs.; and pork pigs, 9s. to 9s. 6d. LONDON CATTLE, MONDAY.—Beast supply 430 less than Monday last. Best quality being scarce made late rates and sold readily; other grades slow trade, but nevertheless sold to rather better advantage. Fat cows and bulls short, but no dearer. Wether sheep sold slowly at slight decline on last week's quotations, while ewes met a dull trade at a decline of fully 2d. per 81b. Ewe lambs offered met with but little inquiry. Calf trade nominal. Pig trade slower at 2d. per 81b. less money. Quotations:—Beasts, 3s. to 4s. lid. sheep, 3s. 2d. to 6s.; pigs, 2s. 10d. to 4s. 8d.; lambs, 5s. 4d. to 6s. per 81b. LIVERPOOL CATTLE, MONDAY.—The supply of cattle in market to-day was practically the same as last week. Trade good, last week's improvement in prices being fully maintained. Sheep in slightly larger numbers. Trade slow, and prices rather lower all round. Prices Beef, 6!d. to 4!d. per lb.; mutton, 8d. to 5!d. per lb. MANCHESTER HAY AND STRAW, "MONDAY.— Hay, 4,d. to 5,d. clover, 5!d. to 61d. straw, wheat, 3d. to 3id.; ditto, oat, 3!d. per stone of 141b. BRADFORD WOOL, MONDAY.—This market is very quiet all round, and has been quite unaffected by some improvement in rates shewn at the London sales users only buy to satisfy immediate require- ments. The yarn trade is very depressed, especially as to twofolds, and the piece trade is quiet. Bright goods for America are talked about, but no definite orders will. come till after the general election. CHESTER CATTLE, THURSDAY. About an average show of store and dairy cattle, but scarcely so many buyers as of late, probably owing to the unsettled weather. The market was much the same as last week, any change being in favour of the buyers. The sheep shown were almost entirely Scotch and Cheviot, and trade was very quiet. Prices Milch cows X14 to,221, calvers 912 to R20, barrens £ 9 to £ 13, heifers £ 8 to £ 15 10s., stirks X5 to 27, bullocks £10 to £14, sheep 16s. to 38s. CHBSHIRB BUTTER AND EGG, FRIDAY.— Moderate supply of home dairy produce, but fully sufficient to meet all inquiry. Prices less favour- able to buyers. Stockport (Friday): Butter, Is. 3d. and Is. 4d. per lb. eggs, 5 and 6 for Is. Altrinc- ham (Tuesday) Butter, Is. 4d. per lb.; eggs, 6 for lii. Macclesfield (Tuesday) Butter, Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 7 for la. Crewe (Friday): Butter, Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 7 for Is. Sandbaoh (Thursday) Butter, Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 6 and 7 for Is. Congleton: Butter, Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 6 for Is. Northwich Butter, la. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 6 and 7 ffcr Is. Nant- wich: Butter, Is. 3d. per lb.; eggt, 7 for 18. Knutsford: Butter, Is. 3d. per lb.: eggs, 6 for Is. Runcorn Butter, 1s. 3d. and Is. 4d. per lb.; eggs, 6 for Is. Chester Butter, Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 6 and 7 for la. CHESTER EGG AND POULTRY, SATURDAY.— Prices at this market were :—Butter, Is. 2d. and la. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 8 and 9 for Is.; chickens, 2s. 3d. to 2s. 9d. each; ducks, 2a. 6d. to 3s. each partridges, 3s. 6d. to 4a. a brace; grouse, 5s. to 5s. 6d. a brace; pheasants, 5s. 6d. to 6s. a brace hares, 3s. 9d. to 4s. each rabbits, Is. and lB. 2d. each; pigeons, 8d. and 9d. each. CHESTER CORN, SATURDAY. — Wheat is not in large supply, and deliveries to local mills during the past week have only been to a moderate extent. Trade is quiet, and buyers are not anxious, late quotations being barely main- tained. The few samples of oats offered vary con- siderably in quality, and prices are irregular. Beans and Barley quiet. Indian corn, owing to larger arrivals, is about 3d. per 2401b. lower on the week. HEW. OLD. [S. D. S. D. S. D. 8. D. Wheat, white. per 751b. 0 0 to 4 2 0 0 to 0 0 Wheat, red „ 751b. 40 — 4 100—00 Malting Barley. to 601b. 0 0 -0 0 0—0 u Grinding do. It 641b. 0 0—0 0 0—0 0 Oats 461b. 2 3-2 90 0—3 6 Beans. to 801b. 5 0 0 01 6 0 0 Indian Corn 2401b. 11 3 -11 6; 0 0—0 0

CHRISTLETON. THE SALE OF W oRx.-Last week we published an account of a successful sale of work and fancy fair held in the Wesleyan School, Christleton, in order to clear off the debt which remained on the new building. On Wednesday, it will be interesting to know, the secretary, Mr. Frank F. Downs, entertained the workers and stall- holders at tea. About fifty were present. The treasurer, Mr. Cathcart Smith, gave an interest- ing address, and said the debt upon the building was a little over 962, so he was very pleased to announce that the proceeds of the sale of work, had totalled up to X82 3s. 6d. Printed and published for and on behalf of the Ch and North Wales Newspaper Company, Limited tY JAMES ALBERT BIRCHALL, at the Chester CaufGut Offioe, 8, Bridge-street. in the City of Chester* WEDWRBDAT, October 31,1900.

SHOCKING FAMILY NEGLECT. 0 BAD CASE AT TARPORLEY. At Eddisbury Petty Sepsious on Monday Arthur Harding, shoemaker, living at 12, Market- court, Tarporley, was charged in custody, and his wife, Agnes Harding, was summoned for neglecting their four children, of ages ranging from six years to two months, in a manner likely to cause injury to their health, between the 8th April and the 8th October.— The accused pleaded guilty.—Mr. F. Turner (Chester), who prosecuted on behalf of the National Socity for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, said the report of the doctor who examined the children, shewed with regard to the baby that it was in a precarious state, and a warrant was issued for the apprehension of the male defendant. The parties lived in a two-room cottage rented at 2s. 2d. per week. The man was addicted to drink, spent all bit time in the public-house, was very indolent, and would not take good employment which was always open to him. He provided his wife and children with very little means of support, and they had been living with practically no food for sometime. When the inspector visited the house on the 8th October he found it con- tained practically no food, and was in a disgracefully squalid state, and pervaded with an abominable stench. The state of filth in which the children's bodies were found in- dicated they had not been washed for many weeks; they were, with one exception, very emaciated, and covered with vermin.—Inspector Nicol, of the N.S.P.C.C., in giving evidence, said the baby was fearfully emaciated, weighing only 51b. Sozs., only about half the normal weight for a child of its age. The bottle from which it was feeding contained a fluid which appeared to be sour milk. Both rooms were exceedingly dirty, and filled with an almost unbearable effluvia. The only food he could find in the house consisted of a few dry crusts of bread and a small quantity of butter. He gave the wife some money to buy food, as she told him her husband had given her no money. On the 15th inst. he removed the children to the work- house, where they had remained till the present time.—P.S. Bourne and P.C. Harrison, in corro- borating this evidence, bore out Mr. Turner's statement as to Harding's drunken and indolent habits.—Dr. G. H. Ayres, Tarporley, bore out the inspector's evidence as to the state of the children. He added that the baby was in a dangerous state, suffering from inflammation of the stomach and bowels due to improper feeding.—The Matron of the Workhouse said the children were exceedingly dirty and verminous when admitted to that institution.—Mr. Turner remarked that the society felt bound to press the case against the man, whose conduct had been much more reprehensible than his wife's. Though he had perhaps neglected her in common with the children, they could not overlook the fact that she had abetted him in the neglect of the family.— Inspector Nicol: The woman admitted she had neglected the children, but that she was too disheartened through the conduct of her husband to properly attend to them.—After the magistrates had consulted in private, the Chair- man said they considered the case against the man most deplorable, and one of the worst that had been investigated at that court. Prisoner was a worthless man, and would do nothing to support his wife and family, and under these circumstances the magistrates could not see their way to inflict a less penalty than one month's imprisonment with hard labour.—At the request of Mr. Turner, the Bench agreed to the withdrawal of the case against the woman.

Ebe attft Folunteerg. Captain H. J. Madocks, the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, is gazetted major in recognition of his services in Uganda. In the 3rd Vol. Batt. the Royal Welsh Fusiliers the undermentioned gentlemen are gazetted second lieutenants :—H. C. Blake, J. H. Brennan. The disembodiment of the details, 4th Cheshire Regiment, is being carried out at the Castle, under Lieutenant C. H. Napier-Nunn and Colour-Sergeant Bradford, 3rd Cheshire Regiment. WELSH FUSILIERS AT MOSTYN PARK.—By permission of Lord Mostyn, the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers had a battalion drill in Mostyn Park on Saturday afternoon. The men reached Mostyn Station by special train, and then marched through Mostyn Park and Downing (the seat of Sir W. H. Tate, Bart.). There were present companies from Holywell, Flint, Hawarden, Colwyn Bay, Abergele, Rhyl, Mold, Caergwrle, with the Cyclist Company. The officers present in- eluded Colonel Sheriff Roberts (commanding), Majors Sparrow and Dyson, Captains Fielding, Stubbs, Dew, and Willes (adjutant), Lieuts. Hurlbutt, Williams, Francis, Kelly, Ac.