The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

4 WARM WELCOME. Gratifying evidence of the cordial, nay Affectionate, relationship that has existed for generations between. the House of Grosvenor -and the citizens of Chester was abundantly furnished yesterday (Tuesday), when the .young Duke of Westminster received a warm welcome on his return from South Africa. ,From the time of William the Conqueror the Groavenors and Chester have been inseparably linked together, and Costrians are ever glad of an opportunity of demonstrating their appreciation of the friendly interest which their distinguished neighbours have always manifested in the old city. The present Duke, on the threshold of his career has had 'the advantage of serving under two of the .principal actors in the great South African ,drama-Sir Alfred Milner and General Lord Roberts-and everyone will agree that his experience could not have been gained in a better school. His Grace has been closely I' associated with historic events in the southern .portion of the Dark Continent. To go back what now seems a considerable period, it may be men- tioned that he was present at the memorable meeting of Sir Alfred Milner and ex-President Kruger at the Bloemfontein Conference. And it -is worthy of note that on this occasion Oom Paul shewed that he was in touch with English affairs by congratulating the then Viscount Belgrave upon the victory of Flying Fox in the Derby. The Duke's next visit to Bloemfontein was under very different circumstances, for he ,then accompanied Lord Roberts on his triumphal entry into the capital of the now -defunct Free State Republic. Yet another honour was in store for him, and that was the proud privilege of hoisting once more and for ever the British flag over Pretoria, an incident which signalised a decisive stage of the operations in South Africa. Now that the war is, as we all hope, nearing its end, the Duke has come home to take upon himself the important duties which attach to his title and position. It 18 only natural that Chester and the tenantry should, having watched with almost parental solicitude his career at the front, take the advantage which the occasion offered to accord him a truly hearty welcome. The Norman mail boat, on which his Grace returned from South Africa, reached South- ampton on Friday evening, and he was met by the Countess Grosvenor, who had travelled down from London. The Duke at once pro- ceeded to London, where he stayed until Monday.

ARRIVAL HOME, His Grace, accompanied by the Countess Grosvenor, Mr. George Wyndham, M.P., and Lady Lettice Grosvenor, arrived at Saighton Towers, the home of his boyhood, on Monday afternoon, and received a joyous welcome from tenantry and residents. At Waverton station was erected an arch, festooned in the Duke's colours, bearing the words Welcome Home and God Bless You." Bunting and flags were to be seen here and there in the village at the entrance to which a large arch spanned the roadway, and the inscription upon it was Blessings all from great and small." Opposite the schoolhouse were projected the words Welcome Home" and, on bannerettes hung over the roadway, "Good Wishes" and "iloreat Eatona." The gateway to the Towers was bedecked with evergreens and bunting, and, as though to emphasise the sincerity of the expression, here again were the words Welcome Home." There was considerable excitement among the villagers, who gathered here and there to raise a cheer as the young Duke, whom they knew so well, passed by to his home. The Duke arrived by an express train, which was specially stopped at Waverton Station at 4.25 p.m. As he stepped on to the platform, looking bronzed and the picture of health, he was cheered by a number of tenants and residents who had congregated on the platform. His Grace recognised several old friends, and cordially shook hands with them. The party drove straight away for Saighton Towers. At the gates, the horses were taken out of the carriage by a number of residents. When the cheering had ceased for a short space, his Grace addressed a few words of thanks for the warm welcome. A gathering of school children sang Home, Sweet Home," and then the Duke and party were drawn in the -carriage to the Towers amid renewed cheering. Here, the children sang the National Anthem.

THE DUKE AND HIS TENANTS. INTERESTING CEREMONY AT SAIGHTON. HIS GRACE'S WISH. Yesterday (Tuesday) morning a deputation of the Eaton and Chester tenantry waited upon the Duke at Saighton Towers in order to pre- sent him with an address of welcome. The proceedings were marked by an absence of formality, and were characteristic of the happy relations existing between landlord and tenant on the Eaton Estate. The Duke, who received his visitors in the drawing-room, was accom- panied by the Countess Grosvenor, Mr. George Wyndham, M.P., Lady Lettice Grosvenor, the Hon. Cecil T. and Mrs. Parker, Miss Parker, and Colonel and Mrs. Wilford Lloyd. The tenantry included the following members Of the committee, who had had the matter in handMessrs. John Jones (chairman), John Hartshorn, George Parker, John F. Pickering, John Alcock, Thomas Wood, Thomas R. Probert, John D. Siddall, and Sidney R. Fearnall (hon. secretary). There were also present the Rev. Berkeley, Messrs. T. L. Dodd (Cotton), Wm. Minshull (Poulton), A. W. Butt, W. H. Richards, E. Wells, G. B. Baker, R. D. Allwood, A. W. Armstrong, T. Shaw (Hatton Heath), W. Johnson (Wrexham-road), W. Fearpall, J. Wright (Waverton), James Roberts (Kinner- ton), T. Barber (Saighton), R. H. Davis (Waverton), T. Salmon (Waverton), S. Jones, T. Gregory, John Pickering (Dodleston), T. White, j. Wallworth (Aldford), &c. The Hon. Cecil Parker briefly introduced the deputation to his Grace. Mr. John Jones (Saighton-lane), as chairman of the committee, asked the Duke- to accept an address as a small token of esteem, and he expressed the hope that the Duke might have a long and happy life. nr. Sidney Fearnall then read the address, which was in album form and was bound in Russian leather, the Duke's monogram and a coronet being affixed to the outside. On the first page were the arms of the Grosvenor family and the city of Chester, with a sketch of Eaton Hall at the foot. The address was couched in the following terms To the Most Noble Hugh Richard Arthur, Duke of Westminster. May it please your Grace, We, your devoted Chester and Cheshire tenantry, desire respectfully to approach your Grace on the occasion of your home-coming with heartiest expressions of affection and esteem. We embrace this, the first, opportunity of tendering our warmest congratulations on the attainment of your majority, and of testifying our great joy at your return safe and sound to your ancestral home after gallant and patriotic service for Queen and Empire in the historic South African War. In offering your Grace a true Cheshire welcome, we feel assured that the cordial relations which have existed for generations between landlord and tenantry on the Eaton estate will be perpetuated. Our earnest prayer is that you may long be Pared to maintain the noble traditions of the "lustrious House of Grosvenor and to enjoy under Qod's blessing the rich inheritance and exalted Position which carry with them so many responsi- bilities. Signed on behalf of the tenantry by: -Conunittee: John Jones (chairman), John Hartshorn, George Parker, Richard Fearnall, JohnF. Pickering, John Alcock, Thomas Wood, Thomas R. Probert, John D. Siddall, Sidney R. Fearnall (hon. secretary). List of subscribers —Chester Messrs. Brown and Son, Messrs. A. Butt, T. G. Burrell, John Dodd, C. Haswell, Mrs. Knowles, Messrs. W. H. Lipsham, C. Orme, John Simon, F. J. Warmsley, Miss Wilbraham, Miss Emily Wilbraham, Mrs. Bird, Messrs. Baker and Son, Courant" Office, Mr. T. Dodd, Mr. S. Hamley, Messrs. J. R. Dutton and Co., Mr. A. Donald, Executors of J. E. Ewen, Mr. D. L. Hewitt, Miss E. Melting, Messrs. A. Parkes, A. Richardson, U. W. Richards, Mrs. Ellen Roberts, Messrs. Frank Powell, A. Roberts, D. Sherratt, R. G. Shaw, Messrs. Wood and Son. Kinnerton: Messrs. Thomas Davies, Thos. Gillham, Walter Gillham, Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, Mrs. Lawrence, Messrs. John Lea, F. Lindop, James Roberts. Handbridge Messrs. H. T. Barker, R. Dawson, W. Edwards, Thomas Edwards, R. Fraser, Egerton Gilbert, R. Hilton, Wm. Johnson, W. T. Lock- wood, Messrs. McHattie and Co., Messrs. R. Newstead, Jos. Powell, George Parker, James Johnson, Thos. Powell, Geo. Powell, J. D. Siddall, James Strange, J. Swindley, Martha Speed, Mr. John Thompson. Bretton •. Messrs. Denson, Wm. Higgott, R. Higerinson, B. Jones, W. Moulton, Mrs. Susannah Mitchell, Mr. T. R. Probert, Mr. B. Youd. Aldford and Churton: Messrs. John Allwood, Job Astbury, Henry Broster, Job Clark, William Clarke, Chas. Durrant, Wm. Fearnall, John Jones, Edward Lewis, Rev. A. G. Lewis, Mrs. Parsonage, Mrs. Butler, Messrs. W. H. Phillips, R. J. Smith, Joseph Thomas, Laurence Thomas, Thomis White, William Wallworth. Dodleston: Messrs. Robert All- wood, J. Beckett, Peter Edwards, Thomas Fellows, Charles Gillham, Richard Ham, Thomas Hulmston, Joseph Jones, John Pickering, Thomas Roberts, Joseph Yarwood. Poulton and Pulford Messrs. John Alcock, E. Cookson, Wm. Dyke, H. Denson, J. E. Davies, Ellis Gillam, W. Jones, S. Jones, Griffith Jones, W. A. Foster, Wm. Moore, Wm. Minshull, Mrs. Mullock, Mr. J. S. Moore, Mr. J. L. Okell, Mrs. Partington. Mrs. Price, Mr. Robert Parker, Mr. Wm. Toft. Eccleston Messrs. E. Evans, A. Fearnall, Jas. Parker, David Richards. Waverton Messrs. Richard H. Davis, John Gregory, Charles Gregory, Thomas Lea, Wm. Lee, Richard Mullock, Enoch Robinson, Thomas Salmon, Joseph Wright, John Walker, John Wynne, Edward Wells (Eccleston), the Rev. Baillie Hamilton. Hlntington and Lea Messrs. Sidney Denson, Richard Fearnall, Enoch Parting- ton, Thomas Salmon. Cotton: Messrs. Thomas L. Dodd, Thomas Fearnall, E. Rowe, Tom Toft, R. P. Walley. Mai-iston-cttm-Lache: Messrs. F. Allwood, John F. Pickering, E. Randies. Saighton; Mr. John Allwood, H. Barker, Mrs. Boden, the Rev. J. C. Berkeley, Messrs. William Olubbe, Charles Davies, James Dutton, George Edwards, Samuel Jones, John Jones, John Minshull, Thos. Shaw, George Caswall. Mr. John Hartshorn, after the reading of the address, said :—I should not like to leave here without expressing to your Grace the great pleasure it has given the tenantry this morning to meet you and to give you a most cordial welcome, as has been stated in the address, congratulating you on j your return home from the perils of war. I feel that the address contains all that need be said; it contains most fully the sentiments of all present, and I am sure we all most sincerely and respectfully coincide with what has been said. I wish you a happy and prosperous career throughout life, and I hope-and I am sure the tenants present share with me that hope,—that the mantle of your late beloved grandfather may fall upon you. (Applause.) Mr. H. W. Richards said: I am desired on behalf of the city tenantry to convey to you an expression of esteem and regard, especially as you have recently taken a position in South Africa in connection with the unfortunate war which has taken place. I assure your Grace we all feel deeply sensible of the great obliga- tion under which you are laid, and I trust that under Divine Providence you will be guided aright in all the great circumstances through which your life is called to pass. I can only assure you on behalf of your Chester tenants that we welcome you heartily and affectionately to your home and estates, and I trust, as has already been said, that the mantle will fall upon you of your illustrious grandfather, whose loss we all mourn. (Hear, hear.) The Duke, in reply, said: It is with very great joy that I have returned home, and find you coming at once on my return to present an address of welcome to me. It has touched me very much. I may say that during the last two years, having been abroad with the exception of a few days when I came back last January, one has not bad the opportunity of knowing you as one ought to do, but now I have come back- I hope I have come to stay, in fact I know I have-it will be my pleasant duty to know you better. We all know how the late Duke got on-if one may say so-with his tenants. (Hear, hear.) They esteemed him and looked up to him as a landlord, and now I hope they will look up to me in the same way, and will know me better when they have an oDDortunitv of doing so. (Hear, hear.) I think it is well known that the relationship between the late Duke and his tenants was almost an exceptional one, and I hope to earn, as he did, the esteem and regard of my tenants. I again thank you very much, Mr. Jones and gentlemen of the deputa- tion, for the address of welcome you have given me. (Applause.) The tenantry were then entertained to light refreshments. After these proceedings the Duke and party drove to Eaton, where his Grace was warmly welcomed by the household; and thence he drove to Chester. ARRIVAL AT OVERLEIGH LODGE. Punctual to the time arranged, the Duke and his party arrived at Overleigh Lodge, where they were received by the Mayor (Colonel H. T. Brown), and Sheriff (Mr. R. Lamb), the Town Clerk (attired in their robes of office), the Recorder (Sir Horatio Lloyd), and the Mayor's Chaplain (the Rev. J. F. Howson). The lodge was naturally a point of great attraction to sightseers, and a crowd of many hun- dreds assembled there a long time before the Duke's arrival, and cheer- fully braved the elements in order to give his Grace a hearty welcome home. The Duke alighted from his carriage, in which he was accompanied by Countess Grosvenor, and shook hands with the Mayor, Recorder, and Sheriff, and had a brief conversation. He was then escorted to the Market Hall, and was loudly cheered by the crowds who lined the route. Grosvenor-road and Grosvenor-street were elaborately decorated with Venetian masts supporting streamers of flags, large banners, shields, and bannerettes, while crossing the road near Bridge-street was a conspicuous display of bunting with a large sheet bearing the inscription, Success to the House of Eaton."

CHESTER'S WELCOME. ENTHUSIASTIC DEMONSTRATION. TOUCHING REPLY BY THE DUKE. The city welcomed the young Duke home with a cordiality which was unmistakable. The arrangements were perfect, with the exception of one thing, and that the weather, but the clerk of the weather ignominously failed in his efforts to damp the enthusiasm of the citizens. Large crowds of people commenced to assemble in the Rows and streets shortly after noon, and some time before the Duke's arrival every place of vantage was occupied. The tradesmen had plentifully bedecked their premises with bunting the Eastgate had been decorated by the civic authorities; here and there the motto, "Welcome Home" was displayed, and alto- gether the city wore an appearance worthy of the occasion. The Cathedral and other church bells rang out merry peals of welcome, and as the Ducal party drove up Bridge-street and North- gate-street to the Market-hall, the assembled spectators enthusiastically cheered, and franti- cally waved pocket handkerchiefs. The Duke heartily acknowledged the salutations. His Grace was accompanied by the Countess. Mr. George Wyndham, M.P., Lady Lettice Grosvenor, the Hon. Cecil T. Parker, Mrs. and Miss Parker, Col. and Mrs. Wilford Lloyd. The Market Hall was reached at two o'clock, and as the distinguished party entered the building the audience warmly cheered. The scene in the hall at this moment was one to be remembered. Every corner of the spacious building was filled by citizens eager to see and welcome his Grace. The Market Hall has by no means an attrac- tive appearance, but the decorators had been surprisingly successful in their efforts, and for the nonce the building bad quite a gay and inviting appearance. Conspicuous on the wall at the far end of the hall were the National Arms, and flags and trophies galore were attached to the roof, the pillars, and, in fact, were in every suitable spot. The tops of the stalls had been effectively draped in blue with festoons of orange, and the effect was most artistic. On either side of the central entrance to the hall was drawn up a detachment ef the Chester Fire Brigade in full uniform. The main plat- form was covered with red baize and ornamented with yellow chrysanthemums and ferns. Just below there was a profusion of palms and letters of yellow and white chrysanthemums, forming the word" Welcome" on a background of moss. On three sides of this space sat fifty Clio boys, and beyond was a vast gathering of citizens. On the balcony at the far end the bands of the 1st C. and C.V.A. and the 2nd (Earl of Chester's) V.B.C.R. discoursed selections of music, and to the right of them was a large motto in blue on a white background, bearing the words Welcome Home." The Mayor and the ducal party took their seats on the central platform, where a bright bit of colour was lent to the scene by the aldermen in their picturesque gowns. Among those who had also seats allotted to them on this platform were the Mayoress,the High Sheriff and Mrs. B. C. Roberts, the Bishop and Mrs. Jayne, the Dean and Mrs. Darby, Major-General Swaine and Mrs. Swaine, Mr. Henry Tollemache, M.P., Miss Alicia Brown, Miss Howson, Sir Thomas and Lady Frost, &c. The Mayor rose amid renewed cheers and said: My lord Duke, and citizens of Chester, I beg to extend to your Grace the hearty con- gratulations and hearty welcome of the city of Chester. (Cheers.) We look up to you and welcome you as the head of the great House of Grosvenor-one of the noblest in the land -id(cheors) and we beg you to accept our hearty congratulations upon your having recently attained your majority and having entered upon the enjoy- ment of those wide possessions and those great privileges which are part of your great inheritance. We welcome your Grace as our n ighbour, and, if I may say so without pre- sumption, as our friend. (Applause.) We welcome your Grace as by right of birth a Freeman of the ancient city of Chester. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) We welcome your Grace as the son of thegracious lady, the Countess Grosvenor, who has won for herself from every section of- the community our deepest respect and our affectionate regard. We welcome you-aud with the very warmest thankfulness—on your safe return from the scenes in the South African war now, we are glad to see, becoming a thing of the past. You have taken your part in that war fighting for the integrity of the Empire, and for the maintenance in that destracted region of those grand principles of liberty and freedom. (Cheers.) Your Grace has been good enough to devote one of the earliest days of your return to visit this ancient city and to accept the address which the citizens desire to present to you of congratula- tion aDd welcome upon your return. That address will express to you in far better terms than any poor words that I can use the feelings of the city towards yourself. I will now ask the Recorder of the city, Sir Horatio Lloyd, to be good enough to read it. (Cheers.) The Recorder then read the address, which was in scroll form, was bound in silk, and was attached to an ivory roller. It was surmounted by the city arms, and at the foot was a piece of silk in yellow and black-the Duke's racing colours—on which the city seal was fixed. The address ran as follows:— To the Most Noble Hugh Richard Arthur, Duke of Westminster. May it please your Grace, We, the Mayor, Aldermen, and citizens of the city and county borough of Cheater, desire very sincerely to bid your Grace hearty welcome on this, your first visit to our city after your safe return from South Africa. It will doubtless be a life-long satisfaction to your Grace that, in circumstances which might reasonably have otherwise influenced you, you have taken an honourable part with the Imperial Forces in the war in South Africa, now happily nearing its close. It is owing to your Grace's absence abroad that we have not earlier had the opportunity we now seize to tender our hearty congratulations on your attaining your majority, and succeeding to your title and estates. It is with pleasure and pride we hail your Grace as a citizen born free of our city, and recall the long, intimate, and much-esteemed connexion and association of your noble House with Chester. It is our earnest wish that every earthly blessing may attend you, and that you may long live to enjoy the affectionate regard and deep esteem so long entertained by all classes of our citizens for the House of Grosvenor, and so greatly strengthened by the high and noble character of your predecessor, the late much- lamented Duke, in whose footsteps we hope and believe your Grace will feel it your highest privi- lege to follow. Given under the common seal of our city, the 6th day of November, 1900, and signed by the Mayor and Town Clerk. The Duke then rose and received the address, and this was the signal for an outburst ol cheering. He said:—"Your Worship, Aldermen, and fellow-citizens of Chester, I thank you from my heart for the welcome home which you have given me. (Cheers). And for all the kind thought and good wishes embodied in this address. My absence abroad in a distant province of the Empire, where Cheshire soldiers and Cheshire yeomen have fought side by. side with forces drawn from all parts of her Majesty's dominions has not loosened, but has drawn closer, the natural ties which bind me to this ancient city. (Cheers.) You have spoken of the regard and esteem in which my dear grandfather was held by all who knew him. (Cheers.) I know how hard it will be to fulfil the duties which he has left to me, but I shall have one great help, which you have indicated in your address. I, shall have a model to follow the memory of his character and devotion to duty. (Cheers). And I find yet another great help in the goodwill which you shew me by the warmth of your welcome. (Cheers.) Assisted by your goodwill, I shall constantly endeavour to win your esteem also by following his example. Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you. (Loud cheers.) The Mayor called for three cheers for the Duke of Westminster, and the response was of a character which shewed that the Duke was indeed .welcome home." All upstanding, the cheers echoed and re-echoed against the roof. Then the memorable proceedings terminated, and the city bells again clanged forth a joyous peal. Among others present, in addition to the names already given, were:—Aldermen W. H. Churton, Thomas Smith, Dr. Stolterfoth, J. J. Cunnah, G. A. Dickson, G. Dutton, W. Williams, John Jones; Councillors J. M. Frost, S. Coppack, John Lightfoot, Dr. Archer, John I Jones, U. W. Lmtton, J. b'. JLjOwe, J. Higerton Gilbert, R. Cecil Davies, Dr. John Roberts, Dr. Mann, S. Moss, M.P., Dr. Hamilton, Roger Jackson, Isaac Jones, John R. Rae, J. William- son, James G. Frost, D. L. Hewitt, H. Dodd, J. Gooddie Holmes, W. Ferguson, G. W. Haswell, W. Carr, G. H. Reynolds, E. Dutton, and W. Vernon; the city treasurer (Mr. J. R. Thomson), the city coroner (Mr. E. Brassey), the city surveyor (Mr. I. Matthews Jones), the chief constable (Mr. J. H. Laybourne), the city accountant (Mr. F. J. Beckett), the committee clerk (Mr. W. Peers), the medical officer of health (Dr. Kenyon), the public analyst (Mr. W. F. Lowe), the police surgeon (Dr. Harrison), the electrical engineer (Mr. Thursfield), Dr. Duff, Mr. N. A. E. Way. Magistrates, not members of the Council: Mr. J. Thompson, His Honour Judge Wynne Ffoulkes, Messrs. F. Bullin, R. L. Barker, H. R. Bowers, J. Cullimore, W. M. Dobie, James Taylor, with Mr. F. W. Sharpe (magistrates' clerk), and Messrs. Geo. Davison and Allan Sharpe (assistant magistrates' clerks), Messrs. F. J. Warmsley and Harry Jones (auditors), Dr. F. J. Butt (chairman Hoole District Council), Mr. J. Pover (chairman Board of Guardians), Mr. Thomas Knowles (deputy-chairman Board of Guardians), Mr. R. T. Richardson (chairman Chester Rural District Council), Mr. Rowe Morris, Mr. W. Turnock (clerk Chester Rural District Council), Messrs. W. Shone, J. D. Siddall, James Hunter, Geo. P. Miln, C. G. Haswell, James Rogers, Hugh Ll. Jones (official receiver), Dr. Lawrence, the Rev. A. E. Farrar, Mr. Alex. Hornby (Upton Asylum), Mr. H. Stockham (surveyor of taxes), Mr. J. C. Belton (gas engineer), Messrs. W. S. Moss and Geo. Crowe (Water Company), Mr. Harvey Lowe (Telephone Company), Mr. W. Thorne (superintendent Joint lines), Mr. F. H. Dent (district superintendent L. & N.-W.-R.), Mr. G. Grant (district superintendent G.-W.-R.),Messrs. T. Henshaw, Cunninghame Green, J. T. Reddish, W. Marrs, H. Footner, T. Hales, J. G. Hope, J. Bradburn, J. M. Hengler, J. Gardner, W. Ballance, Colonel Dixon (chairman County Council), Mr. T. W. Killick (deputy chairman), Messrs. H. F. Bull, H. Beswick, J. Williams, Reginald Potts, C. Hibbert, Col. Hamersley, Col. Cope, Mr. W. Leah, Mr. Trevor Parkins (Gresford), Dr. Davidson. Military: Majors A. Fuller, Acland Hood, Colonels Courteney, Savage and Winter, Captains Wright and Evans Lombe, Lieut.- Colonel Parkinson, Colonel Compigne, Lieut.- Col. Gunning, Lieut.-Col. Gilbert, Major Mere- dith, Major Phillimore, Capt. Butler, Capt. Forestier Walker, Surgeon Major Colman, Capt. T. Ward, Capt W. McKay, Capt. D. B. Thomas, Col. A. W. Sheringham, Major Wyley, Lieuts. Cramer Roberts and Napier Nunn. 1st C. and C.V.A.: Majors Mason and Bonnalie, Captains J. B. Hall and F. H. Lloyd, Major Fountain, Captain F. Taylor, Lieutenant V. H. Dickson, Captain J. H. Wood, Surgeon-Lieut- Wright. 1st V.B. Cheshire Regiment: Colonel T. J. Smith, Colonel A. R. Fluitt, Captains Q. 0. Evans and C. E. Bromley, Lieutenants R. L. Nicholson and H. Davison, Surgeon H. W. King, Lieutenants W. A. V. Churton and Cecil Smith, Captain and Quartermaster C. Edwards. Earl of Chester's Yeomanry Cavalry: Lieu- tenants Swetenham, H. Barnston.and Verdin. Citizens, &c.: Major-General and Mrs. Adair, Mrs. and Miss Ashmall, Miss Ashmington, Miss Lucy Brown, Mr. T. and Mrs. Browne, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Booth, Mr. and Mrs. George Barbour (iiolesworth Castle), Mrs. and Miss Bagnall, Miss Barclay, Miss Barker, Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Bonnalie Dr. J. C. Bridge, Mrs. Jno. Brown, Mrs. and Miss Broadbent, Mr. H. and Mrs. Broadbent, Mrs. Chas. and Miss Bennett, Mr. Herbert and Mrs. Brassey, Miss Birley, Mr. G. H. Bramall, Mr. F. and Mrs. Coplestone, Mr. G. F. and Mrs. Clough, Mrs. and Miss Cummings, Mrs. Churton, Mrs. and Miss Pitcairn Campbell, Mr. J. P. Cartwright, the Misses Cartwright and Mrs. T. C. Cartwright, Major and Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Clegg, Mr. A. and Mrs. Clemence, Mr. Geo. and Mrs. Caswall, Mrs. W. Denson and Mr. Jno. Denson, Mr. Edward Dixon, Mr. Thos. Henry and Mrs. Dixon, Mr. W. L. and Mrs. Davies, Mr. Henry Duckworth, Mrs. and Miss Duckworth, Mrs. C. Dutton, Mrs. Dixon, the Misses Du Pauget, the Misses Donne, Mrs. J. Donne, Mr. and Mrs. Trevor Dickson, Mrs. and Miss Keith Douglas, Mrs. and Miss Dickson (Upton House), Mrs. Alfred and Miss Dickson, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Davies, Lieutenant- Colonel Drury, Mrs. Ambrose Dixon, Mr. J. Douglas, Miss Eggers, Mr. and Mrs. John Fenna, Miss Fluitt, Mrs. and Miss Gilbert (Liverpool-road), Mrs. and Miss Greenall, Miss Gunton, Miss Glascodine, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Hignett, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Hayes, Mr. James Hobday, Mr. Edward and Miss Hobday, Mr. and Mrs. Melville Holmes, Miss Harrison (Paradise-row), Mrs. and Miss Hostage, Mrs. Hignett, Miss Hillyard, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Hincks, Mrs. and Miss Haining, Mr. W. H. and Mrs. Henderson and Miss Clough, Mrs. Hughes and Mr. W. H. Hughes, Col. and Mrs. and Miss Herne, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Hostage, Mr. and Mrs. Holme, Mr. John Hargreaves, Mrs. and the Misses Ingall, Mr. W. Carstairs Jones and Mrs. Jones, Major B. Johnson, Mr. E. M. Joyce, Mr. H. A. Jenner, Mr. S. Bulkeley and Mrs. Jacson, the Rev. Hayward Joyce and Mrs. and Miss Joyce, Mrs. R. Jones and Miss and Mr. E. Jones (Barrel Well), Mr. R. Jones (Bridge-street), Mr. Norman Jones, Mr. Eustace Jones, Judge Gwynne James, Mr. E. C. and Mrs. Kendall, Mrs. and the Misses Kennedy, the Misses Kerr and party, Miss Kelham, the Misses Kelsall and Miss Robinson, Mr. F. W. and Mrs. Longbottom, Mr. H. A. and Mrs. Latham, Mr. W. E. and Mrs. Little, Mr. W. E. and Mrs. Lindop, Mrs. James and Miss Lowe, the Rev. W. Lutener, Mrs. and Miss Lutener, Mr. P. H. Lockwood, Mr. H. Lyle Smyth, Mrs. and Miss Smyth, Archdeacon Goldwyer Lewis and Mrs. Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Lockwood, Major-General and Mrs. and Miss Mocatta, Mr. E. and Mrs. Minshull, Lieut.- Colonel Miller, Mr. J. M. B. and Miss Mowle, Miss Massie, Mrs. and Miss Marston, Mr. and Mrs. Allan T. Morris, Mrs. McEwen, Mr. and Mrs. Marillier, Mr. J. A. and Mrs. Mowle, the Misses Marsden, Mr. and Mrs. McCulloch, Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Ould. Mr. and Mrs. G. Oldmeadow, Mr. and Mrs. Ockleston, Mr. G., Mrs. and Miss Okell (Barrow), Mrs. Arthur Potts, Mr. Robert Parry, the Rev. Mungo Park and Mrs. Park, Miss Potts (Hough Green), the Misses Payne, Mrs. and the Misses Porter, Mr. and Mrs. Blencowe Peake, Mrs. T. J. Powell, Lieut.-Colonel, Mrs. and Miss Read, Mr. C. W. and Miss Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. W. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. R. Roberts, Mr. O. Ambrose Roberts and Mrs. Roberts, Mr. Morden Rigg and Mrs. Rigg, Mr. P. L. and Mrs. Rooper, Mrs. R. Roberts and Miss Roberts, Mrs. and Miss Royle and Mrs. Young, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Leighton E. Shone, Mr. Jno. Scott and Miss Scott, Mr. James Strong and Mrs. Strong, Mr. W. F. Small, Mr. Frank Segar, Mrs. Scotland, Mrs. Stewart, Miss Helen Smith, Miss Smith (Abbot's Hayes), Mr. Ernest and Mrs. Speakman, the Rev. Hylton and Mrs. Stewart, Mr. H. Taylor Harrison, Mr. Frank and Mrs. Turner, Mr. Wilfred Trubshaw, Mr. F. Willis Taylor and Mrs. Taylor, Mr Alfred and Mrs. and Miss Tyrer (Plas Newton), Miss Tilston, Mrs. and the Misses Tomlin, Mr. and Mrs. James Turbett, Mr. Edward and Mrs. and Miss Thomas, Mr. R. T. and Mrs. Wickham, Mr. R. J. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Colt Williams, Mr. A. Wolfenden, Mr. and Mrs. W. Welsby, Mr. and Mrs. W. V. J. Walley, Mr. H. S. Whalley, Mr. T. J. Price Walmsley, Miss Wood, Mrs. J. R. and Mr. M. Williams (Gros- venor Park-road), the Misses Wilbraham, Mrs. T. Wood, Mrs. R. S. Wood, Mr. and Mrs. E. Wells, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Welsford, Miss Wad- dington, Mr, J. Lightfoot and Mrs. and Miss Walker, Mr. A. and Mrs. Wild, Miss Weaver, Mrs. and Miss Giles, Mrs. and Miss Robin, the Hon. Mrs. Carr, Mr. and Mrs. J. uoiaer, Mr. and Mrs. Fraser, Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Trelawny, Mr. and Mrs. Algernon Chambres, Miss Johnson Roberts, Col. and Mrs. Butlin, Miss Waters, Mr. and Mrs. R. Fleming, Mr. Stanley Clarke, the Rev. W. F. Shillito, Mr. Stivens, Miss Greswell (Infirmary), Miss Wright (Rescue Home), Sister Violet Hyde, Lady Superior of the Dee Convent, Mrs. Sandford, Messrs. Boden, C. H. Minshall, A. E. Jones, J. P. Carter, R. Challinor, Lewis Roberts, J. Elphick, T. B. Richardson, J. A. Lyon, S. Pickering, W. H. Nightingale, T. Ryde Jones, F. Amos, H. E. Crane, Beresford Adams, E. Andrews, E. N. Humphreys, H. J. Price, F. A. Pye, J. Rogers, H. Small, H. Jack- son, John Williamp, A. Lamont, junr., R. B. L. Johnston, H. E. Taylor, J. W. Huke, Charles Greenhouse, F. F. Brown, J. Sheriff Roberts, T. Hart Davies, W. E. Little, W. F. J. Shepheard, Ironside Bax, Ward, A. Clemence, W. A. Billington, George Richards, W. Coventry, A. H. Jones, J. L. Kemp, T. B. Meacock, E. Cuzner, James Parry, H. B. Dutton, T. G. Frost, R. P. Bradbury, T. W. Jones, James Dutton, F. Skipwith, T. Wood, F. Bolland, A. W. Butt, C. Cooper, M. Barber, Ernest Dodd, and G. H. T. r .1\.1 era e;' Clergy: Archdeacon Barber, Canons Feilden, Upperton, Cooper Scott, and the Revs. F. Anderson, M. Hervey, W. D. Ward, T. P. Dimond Hogg, P. F. A. Morrell, T. D. James, L. M. Farrall, T. M. Mundy, L. Garnett, G. C. Briggs, J. L. Bedford, W. Sparling, H. Grantham, J. T. Davies, W. N. Howe. A. Radford, E. C. Lowndes, P. A. Miller, O. P. Fisher, F. Edwards, J. C. Mayne, T. E. Evans, F. T. Stonex, G. Hindhaugh, A. H. Fish.-Chapels: The Revs. J. C. Mitchell, D. Wynne Evans, F. Barnes, J. Morgan, W. Jones, J. Nicholas, J. Bourne Jones, F. F. Bretherton, P. J. Roberts, J. Pryce Davies, E. L. Perry, T. Pope, J. A. Cheeseman, J. Crompton, W. Albert, J. B. Morgan, J. Emerson, W. Povey, D. T. Jones, Eryl, M. A. Collins. Roman Catholic: Canon Lynch, the Revs. Joseph Chambers, F. S. Honniball, F. Oswald, F. Ignatius, F. Dominic. Museum officials, etc.: Messrs. A. Lamonc, J. Frater, E. Hodkinson, J. Dodds, Walter Conway, J. Simon, R. Newstead, G. R. Griffith, John Dodd, J. W. Marriott, Roberts, Taylor, W. Schroder, C. R. Warren, J. B. Piercy, F. A. Stevenson, J. H. Spencer, P. H. Fletcher, J. Day, G. Watmough Webster, R. Wilkinson, J. Grindley, J. A. McMichael, H. F. Rushton, J. Errington, A. Hodgkinson, A. W. Lucas, W. S. Walker, G. E. Poggi, R. S. Johnson, F. Mad- docks, J. W. Caruth, R. Lloyd, T. S. Gleadowe, W. E. Brown. Medical Profession :—Drs. Ambler, Burges, W. Gladstone Clarke, W. H. Dobie, Ilerbert Dobie, Cyril E. Dobie, Elliott, Giffen, Granger, A. G. Hamilton, H. Markby, P. H. Mules, W. A. Newall, T. S. Parry, E. Lloyd Roberts, J. T. Roberts, D. Carlyle Sutton, Lewis A. Williams, Wright, and Caffer. Legal Profession :—Col. Evans-Lloyd, Messrs. John Gamon, H. Y. Barker, W. H. Barnes, J. C. Bate, H. J. Birch, E. Caldecutt, Ed. Cawley, J. Cullimore, J. H. Dickson, S. J. R. Dickson, D. Dobie, C. P. Douglas, T. Moore Dutton, R. Farmer, J. Fenna, J. Fletcher, A. R. Fluitt, J. P. Gamon, E. Gardner, E. S. Giles, H. G. Hope, W. G. Jolliffe, H. D. Jolliffe, F. Horatio Lloyd, A. C. Lockwood, F. B. Mason, J. M. Nicholson, H. Potts, A. C. Preston, F. E. Roberts, R. Salomonson, Cecil P. Smith, Hy. Taylor, and Frank Turner. Accommodation was also provided for the following :-King's School, 50; Queen's School, 75; Collegiates, 50; Science and Art School, 20; Chorister Boys' School, 25 j Lay Clerks, 8 Blue School (Boys), 25; Blue School (Girls), 17; Clio, 50; Certified Industrial School, 20; Convent Ladies' School, 20. A word of praise is due to the City Surveyor (Mr. I Matthews Jones) for the admirable manner in which he had provided for the accom- modation of those who were present in the Market Hall. Naturally, an event of this des- cription entailed much work for the department of which the Chief Constable (Mr. J. H. Lay- bourne) is the head, and it is satisfactory to record that the police arrangements were every- thing that could be desired. Last, but not least, come the Town Clerk (Mr. S. Smith) and the Clerk of Committees, who spared neither time nor trouble to ensure the con- venience and comfort of all. The gathering had caused Mr. Peers and his staff endless work, and they, in common with the other officials, are to be congratulated on the success- ful manner in which everything passed off. THE "AT HOME." The Duke and party were entertained to lunch by the Mayor at his residence. Afterwards, from half-past four to half-past six, an "At Home" was held by the Mayoress at the Town Hall, and about a thousand persons were present. At the entrance, in the main corridor, and on the stair- case were arranged large palms and chrysanthe- mums. The various rooms were tastefully decorated. On one side of the main corridor were the Duke's and the City's coats of arms and the mottoes Virtus non stemma and Antiqui Colant Antiquum Dierum." HOOLE'S CONGRATULATIONS. At the meeting of the Hoole Urban Council on Monday evening, the Clerk reported that he had communicated with the Town Clerk of Chester as to the practicability of Hoole presenting an address of congratulation to the Duke of Westminster. The Town Clerk bad replied that the programme had already been sanctioned and that it was too late for any alteration to be made.—It was decided on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. J. Taylor (deputy chairman), that a resolution should be sent to the Duke congratulating him on his safe return and on attaining his majority. THE DUKE'S FUTURE MOVEMENTS. Our London correspondent interviewed the Duke on Saturday, and he writes:—" The Duke's military duties will soon recall him to London. The Horse Guards Blue are, I understand, very short of officers, and though his Grace would, of course, have two or three weeks' leave on his return from the war, his services would again be claimed by his Regiment, in which event he would no doubt take up his residence at Grosvenor House. I am informed that a telegram has been received by the family with reference to Lord Gerald Grosvenor, whose mishap has caused considerable anxiety, but it is re-assuring to to learn that the gallant young officer is making satisfactory progress." ADDRESS FROM WELSH TENANTRY. On Thursday night a meeting of the tenantry of the Duke of Westminster on the Halkyn Castle Estate (Flintshire) was held, under the presidency of Captain Francis, Halkyn Mines, when it was decided to present to his Grace, on his return from South Africa, an illuminated address of welcome. A tea will also be given to the school children of the parish. The date for the presentation of the address was left open pending communication with the Duke, who, it is expected, will go to Halkyn Castle t9 receive the address and to meet his Welsh tenantry.

WELCOME HOME. » VERSES CONGRATULATORY. To His GRACE THE DUKE OF WESTMINSTER. Her welcome ringing from her reeling spires (As note to answering note peals forth amain) Take Chester's greeting. Son of noble Sires, A city's welcome-Welcome home again Her burghers' greeting one in heart combined, From civic chief, from humblest, rolls refrain Of heartfelt wish, of greeting loyal and kind, The Cestrians' welcome-Welcome home again! The county's greeting for from near, from far, O'er distant hillside, woodland, mere, and plain, From river, or o'er sounding harbour-bar, Rolls Cheshire's welcome- -Welcome home again! A nation's welcome, Soldier-Duke, and heir To sounding titles and to palace-home, To princely fortune, and to acres fair, All England bids thee welcome-u Welcome home Yet more! Though missed on earth, a note above Sounds from the halls of Heaven's starry dome (Lost but a year, and never lost to love !) In spirit-accent whispers Welcome home." Joined all!-the city, burghers, shire, and land, (And voice of him, at peace, whence none e'er roam) They greet the safe-returned from distant strand, The heir of Eaton welcoming to his home! Worth, Dover. ALFRED MOORE.

VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT IN NORTH WALES. » Colonel Sheriff Roberts (Chester), commanding the 2nd V.B. Royal Welsh Fusiliers, distributed the prizes of the C and I Companies at Rhyl on Friday night. Addressing the men, Colonel Roberts said he considered he was bound to attend that distribution, as not only was it the first time he had been present in Rhyl on such an occasion, but he could not forget that it was in that town that he selected the Volunteers who had gone to the war, nor could he forget that it was from the Rhyl Company that he had selected the largest number of men of the battalion who were now fighting in South Africa and proving themselves to be good Volunteers and soldiers. (Cheers.) That was the first year in his 40 years' experience of Volunteering that he considered the force had been treated seriously, but it was a good beginning, and he hoped that from one end of the Empire to the other Volunteers would be raised for national defence. (Cheers.) The past year had been a record one with the Volunteers in many ways, and he was able to say that he had learned more in the last camp than he had in any held in 19 years. (Hear, hear.) He had not seen the report, but he was told sufficient to lead him to believe that it was of a nature that any battalion need be proud of. (Cheers.) In fact, he had reason for sayng that it was to the effect that after the training they had had in camp the 2nd V.B.R.W.F. was ready to take the field on any emergency. (Cheers.) He was proud that they had done so well, and he hoped that they would go on improving year by year. He did not know how long he would be in command of the battalion, as his time, according to military rule, was up in May next. It was possible that he would be with the battalion a little longer than that—(cheers)—and when he came to leave it he hoped he would be able to say that it was not in a worse position than what he found it. The past year had been a record one, and whereas they had started with a strength of 800 they had now no less than 1,045 on the books, and he believed that the whole of that number ,would be returned as efficient. (Cheers.) It was a reiflarkable fact that they had had in camp last time 999, and 45 were out on active service. There passed before the inspecting officer no less than 854, which he thought was a good proportion. (Applause.) It was also remarkable that of the men who attended camp only 15 or 20 did not put in 14 days' service. The reason for that was that they came from the same works and could not be spared to put in the time required by the Government. Their employer was a patriotic man, and but for the peculiar nature of his business he would have allowed the men to attend for the fortnight. Neither the men nor the battalion suffered, as the gentleman not only gave the men what they would have had from the camp, but he paid them the regulation wages. In fact he had spent about JE20 or JE50 from a spirit of patriotism of which they were proud. (Cheers.) He congratulated the battalion on the service rendered in camp, and he was pleased to say that the 2nd V.B.R.W.F. did as well, if not a little better, than the other five battalions, and he would not have been afraid to have taken them anywhere. (Cheers.) He congratulated the sergeants of the Rhyl and St. Asaph Companies on the fact that they had kept up their shooting, and he was proud to find that some of the recruits of that year had made excel- lent scores. (Applause.)

A WOMAN'S DOWNFALL.—Catherine Morris, of no fixed abode, was brought up at Chester Police Court on Saturday morn- ing, before Mr. J. J. Cunnah and other magistrates, charged with lodging in the open air without visible means of. subsistence, and without giving a good account of herself. A constable gave evidence to the effect that he saw prisoner sleeping in a garden in Bold- square at four o'clock that morning. The Chief Constable said he believed the woman was the wife of a solicitor's clerk who was now in Australia, and everything bad been done for her that could be done. Prisoner pleaded for leniency, and said she would go at once to Llandudno, whence she came, if the magistrates would let her off this time.—She was sent to gaol for seven days.

BANKS FOR THE PEOPLE." « PROSPECTS OF THE MOVEMENT. INTERESTING INTERVIEW. A representative of the Recorder," in the course of an interview with Mr. Henry C. Devine, organising secretary of the Co-operative Banks Association, of which Mr. R. A. Yerburgh, M.P., is the chief spirit, has obtained some interesting particulars concerning the movement. Asked what are the objects of the association, Mr. Devine said: — They are, to explain to the people the advan- tages of safeguarding their own savings and creating a national system of popular credit. All temporary advances for economical and pro- ductive purposes could then be made by them- selves to themselves," and thus their own" monetary capital fructify under "their own" control. What are the advantages of such a system in towns, and cities? Amongst other benefits, small tradesmen, artizans, clerks and workers generally (including coster-mongers and such-like) could obtain ad- vances from their own banks at moderate rates of interest to effect economies, and also aid them in earning livelihoods. All classes of wage-earners need occasional financial accommodation, as evidenced by the large number of petty usurers who flourish in working- class quarters, and the slate and various ele- mentary forms of loan clubs, which mostly meet in the unthrifty atmosphere of the public-house, and in any case are not as democratic and per- manent in character as the People's Own Banks which we advocate. Are these societies equally applicable to country districts? Most certainly! They are capable of doing as much or more good there than anywhere else. The need of cheap credit for the productive and economic purposes of farmers, small cultivators, allotment holders, and the labouring classes generally is very great. Big tenants as a rule can obtain monetary advances from Joint Stock Banks at a fair rate of interest, thereby earning a more substantial living than would otherwise be possible. The object of the Co-operative Banks Associa- tion is to help smaller people to obtain similar advantages, by association. Are you sure that there is a. need for such monetary credit? There is no doubt about it. The large number of Bills of Sale in the names of farmers, dairy- men, market-gardeners, conclusively proves the necessity for reasonable methods of obtaining credit amongst the agricultural population. In addition to assisting those already on the land, People's Country Co-operative Banks would be a means of increasing the number of small hold- ings, of the nature of those promoted by Lord Carrington on his estate in Lincolnshire. Besides the tenants, landlords and large farmers would also benefit, the first by prompt payments of rent, the second by the increased amount of strong, willing, able labour in their neighbour- hoods. Co-operative banks, in creating the necessary financial credit, would go a long way towards stemming the prevailing drift into towns, and raising the independence and morale of rural communities. If established genemlly they would be a great aid to farm labour rs to add to their small wages by the purchase of pigs, poultry, etc., repaying the outlay out r f profits. How do you propose that the working capital foi these various town and country requirements of the industrial populations should be obtained? By the people taking up shares in their own banks (payable a few pence per week) and this share capital, the additional credit it will com- mand and a certain proportion of their deposits, would form a fund, or rather series of funds, which would prove a veritable boon and blessing to thousands of thrifty, honest persons of all classes. Are the banks to become branches of one central establishment, or will they be organically independent ? Each will be separate so far as the control of its local affairs are concerned. They will be governed on what I may call home rule principles. Co-operative as opposed to commercial capital- istic methods will be adopted, and the Executive Committees and Councils of Financial Super- vision will be elected by the members at general meetings on the "one man one vote" principle! At the same time they will all be affiliated to- gether in order to obtain the expert advice, and every other benefit which membership of a national organisation can confer. How many banks are affiliated to your associa- tion already? Seven, up to date, but we are still in our early days, and this number will without doubt be con- siderably added to during the next twelve months. Where are they? Town banks in Newport (Mon.), Bethnal Green, Stepney and District, Yardley (Birmingham) and Hull. Country banks: Scawby (Lincolnshire), Hedge End (Hampshire). How are the financial interests of the members of these banks safeguarded? By affiliation to the Co-operative Banks Asso- ciation, who exercise a supervision over their accounts. By registration under the Friendly or Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, involving presentation of effectively audited accounts to the Chief Registrar. Also by their own Councils of Supervision, and bye-laws re- quiring money to be banked weekly, and fidelity guarantees of officials. And you find these effective? Yes! There are no insuperable difficulties in protecting Popular Provident Trusts. Our Co- operative Banks welcome the fullest investigation of their methods of finance. Every town bank publishes a balance-sheet weekly for the mem- bers' inspection, and sends a copy of the same to the Central Association. Who compose the Central Association? Every one sufficiently interested in this demo- cratic reform who contributes an annual sub- scription of 5s. and upwards towards their work of Economic Education, Organisation, and Supervision. How is it governed? By a Council of sixteen elected by the votes of the members at the annual general meetings. Who constitute the Council at present? The Chairman, Mr. R. A. Yerburgh, M.P., whose expenditure of time and money in stamp- ing out usury and encouraging the industrial classes in town and country in improving their position and prospects, is well known to all. The Hon. Treasurer, Mr. Henry Robson, of Messrs. Renton, Bros. and Co., who is a staunch sup- porter of all genuine efforts to promote self-help. Dr. J. B. Paton (of Nottingham), whose name is a household word, long linked with every project for the moral and material welfare of the masses. The Right Hon. Horace Plunkett, M.P., Lord Stamford, Mr. Geoffrey Drage, M.P., Mr. V. V. Branford, M.A., Mr. Thomas Farrow and others of all parties. What is your opinion of the general prospects of the movement in this country? Well! It has taken a big step forward during the past twelve months, which, of course, is very gratifying, but while an organiser of a new national ideal should never be discouraged by discouragement he should also never be satisfied by success. It is well that the movement should grow steadily and surely rather than with too great a rush, and as there is no patronage about it—through recognised working class channels. I should like to see members of Trade Unions, Friendly and Co-operative Societies get a greater grasp of the possibilities of co-operative credit, and of the personal and collective benefits it is so capable of bestowing. As was remarked in a recent article in the Speaker," credit is all-important to co-operative production, and the earliest step in co-operative enterprise should be the creation of Co-operative Banks." The people ought not to be satisfied until they establish for themselves a Co-operative Bank in every district throughout the land, to encourage and utilise their own savings and credit. We don't advocate mere miserly savings or loan clubs. The banks would be the enemies of prodigal wastefulness on the one hand, and centres of enlightenment regarding wise spending on the other. Before many years they will undoubtedly spread over the whole country like a wide tidal wave, operating as a powerful incentive to democratic thrift and self-government, and thus contributing to produce what all patriots desire to see—a prosperous, virtuous, and thriving people.

t COMPENSATION FOR Loss OF A PARISH.—At the Birkenhead Board of Guardians on Tuesday, Mr. P. Rothwell presiding, the Finance Com- mittee recommended the Board to join with the Birkenhead Corporation in offering between them £1,000 to the Wirral Guardians, who would accept that amount in settlement of their claim to compensation for the transfer of the Rock Ferry parish from Wirral to the Birken- head Union, Birkenhead at the same time to withdraw their counter-claim. The Wirral Guardians' original claim was for £4,000, but against this the Birkenhead Guardians set up a counter-claim amounting to more than £4,000. During the negotiations which ensued, the Birkenhead Guardians offered JE400 in settle- ment, and they now thought it was better to pay J6500 and avoid the trouble and cost of litigation with another public body. ADVICE TO MOTHERS !—Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pains of cutting teeth P Go at once to a chemist and get a bottle of MRS. WINSLOW'S SOOTHING SYRUP, which has been used over 50 years by millions of mothers for their children while teething, with perfect success. It is pleasant to taste, produces natural, quiet sleep by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes" as bright as a button." It soothes the child, it softens the gums, allay all pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and is the best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes. Sold by Chemists everywhere at Is. ld. per bottle.

COUNTY POLICE COURT. « SATURDAY.—Before Messrs. H. D. Trelawny (presiding), John Thompson, Jos. Pover, R. T. Richardson, Colonel Miller, and Dr. Butt. FURIOUS DRIVING.—A youth named Joseph Vickers, living at Guilden Sutton, was fined 2s. 6d. and costs for furiously driving a horse and trap in the village on the 20th October. WHY CYCLISTS RIDE ON FOOTPATHS.—John S. Mort, a young man living at Tarvin, was summoned for cycling on the footpath of Tarvin-road on the 20tb ult.-P.C. Radcliffe, who proved the case, said he had received complaints of this offence on the part of defendant on previous occasions.—Mr. Mort admitted the offence, but pleaded in mitigation that a portion of the road at Vicar's Cross was in such a bad condition that it was the talk of the country."—Refusing to accept this plea, the Bench imposed a fine of 6d. and 4s. 6d. costs. A DISHONEST HOOLE Boy.-Thomas Gee, a boy of twelve, living with his grandmother in Hoole, was summoned for stealing a sum of 2s, from his employer, James Henry Bentley. a farmer and milk dealer, on the 20ch ult. It appeared that the boy, who was employed by prosecutor to deliver milk to his customers, received from a lady named Elizabeth Clegg, residing at Coniston, Newton, a sum of 2s. for milk supplied, and kept the money, telling Mr. Bentley Mrs. Clegg had not paid him. His employer afterwards ascertained this to be untrue, and it was not until he told Gee that unless he confessed to the theft of the money he would inform the police that he admitted he was guilty. Prosecutor said the boy had been guilty on a previous occa- sion of appropriating a sum of 8J. 9 £ d. paid to him by customers, and he forgave him then on condition he would not repeat the offence.- Defendant's grandmother pleaded to the magistrates OIl his behalf, and said to her knowledge he had always behaved very well, and 6he never had any complaint to make against him.—The magistrates gave the boy a severe reprimand, and sentenced him to six strokes of the birch rod.

BUCKLEY PETTY SESSIONS. — « THURSDAY.- Before Messrs. J. Watkinson (pre- siding) and G. A. Parry. INVALIB AND VEHICLE: CURIOUS CASE.—A middle-aged man, named William Roberts, a confirmed invalid, who lives near Bistre Church, and had to be carried into the court and placed upon a chair, complained that Edward Davies, Bersbam, near Wrexham, employed as a traveller at a wine merchant's office in Wrex- ham, knocked him out of a chair in which he was sitting on the 15th of August through reckless driving.—Complainant said he was sitting in his invalid chair, close to the pave- ment, opposite Bistre Church, about three o'clock in the afternoon, when he saw a horse, which was attached to a float, coming at a good pace towards him. The horse was being driven on the wrong side, and as witness could not move or get out of the way he thought his "last minute had come." In passing witness, hewever, the vehicle swerved a little to the other side, but it caught the chair, with the result that witness was thrown violently out, his head coming in contact with the pavement. A young gentleman came to his assistance, and he was taken home. He had been a great invalid for 16 years, and he suffered con- siderably from the accident. His arms and legs were discoloured from bruises.— In reply to Mr. Colbeck, of Wrexham, who represented the defendant, he said he thought he was entitled to a little compensation.—Mr. Colbeck: Is it not true that you accidentally slipped from the carriage yourself through nervousness and excitement ?-Complainant: It was impossible for me to rlip.-Benjamin Rowlands, Buckley, and Elizabeth Owen gave evidence.—Mr. Colbeck said it was a serious thing to bring a oharge of this description against a man who was not guilty of a criminal offence. It was a case more for the County Court than for the police, because he could call evidence to prove that his client had neither been careless nor wilful in what he did.—On being called Davies said this was the first time during 20 years that any kind of complaint bad been made against him in the management of horses. On the date mentioned he neither touched Roberts nor the chair with his vehicle, because the horse was being driven two or three yards away.—Wm. Roberts, of Wrexham, who accompanied the last witness in the float, gave evidence.—The magistrates dismissed the case.

LIGHTING-UP TABLE. ♦ AU oycles and other v 3hicles in the Chester district must be lighted up as stated in the following table:— P.M. Wednesday, November 7 528 Thursday, November 8 526 Friday, November 9 5.24 Saturday, November 10 522 Sunday, November 11 5.21 Monday, November 12 5.20 Tuesday, November 13 5.19

MEMORIALS. AT ALL PRICES, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE & ALABASTER. On View, and to Order. W. HASWELL & SON. MASONS, KiLETiBUS, CHSSTES. Estimates and Designs Free on application. Telephone No. 161A.

EXCITING INCIDENT AT CHESTBB.-Patrick King, game dealer, Boughton, left his horse and trap near Sellar-street bridge for a few minutes on Wednesday at noon. During his absence the animal walked into the canal, dragging the trap with it. While trying te get the animal out, Mr. King was dragged into the water. He scrambled out and the horse regained terra firma at the other side, where the bank is shallow. The trap was also recovered. APPOINTMENT FOR A CESTEIAN.—Mr. H. M. Bairstow, son of Mr. John Bairstow, Queen's Park, Chester, has received the appointment of assistant engineer and manager at the works of the Cambridge University and Town Gas Lighting Company. Mr. Bairstow, who is only 22 years of age, was educated at Arnold House School, Chester, and on leaving there he served his time at the Chester Gasworks, under the late Mr. Hunter, manager of the Gasworks. He afterwards received the appointment of assistant manager at Darwen Gasworks, where the annual product of gas is 200,000,000 cubic feet. Last week, out of 33 applicants, he was given the post referred to at Cambridge. He commences his new duties on November 19th, at a salary of JE130 per annum, with house, gas, and coal. He has recently been offered a lucra- tive position in Brazil, and was also on the short list" for the assistant managership of the Bombay Gasworks, but he declined the former, and did not proceed in his application for the latter for family reasons. The Cam- bridge works manufacture 300,000,000 cubic feet of gas per year.

c RAWFORD'S g I E L F I N G E R 8, FOR AFTERNOON T EA.