The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

The Duchess of Wellington has arrived at Kinmel Park, Abergele, North Wales, from St. Nicholas, Richmond, Yorkshire. The venerable Rector of Whitchurch entered upon his 90th year of age, a few days ago, amid the congratulations of his parishioners. Major-General Swaine, commanding the North-western District, was to preside at Capt. Strachan's lecture in Liverpool on "Army Life," last (Tuesday) evening. It is stated on good authority that the install- ation of the Hon. Alan de Tatton Egerton, M.P., as Provincial Grand Master of Cheshire, in place of his brother, Earl Egerton of Tatton, resigned, will take place at Chester about the 17th or 13th December. Mr. A. Griffith-Boscawen, M.P., has been offered and has accepted the office of Parlia- mentary Charity Commissioner (unpaid), vacated by the appointment of Mr. J. Grant Lawson, M.P., as Parliamentary Secretary to the Local Government Board. A marriage has been arranged, and will take place at St. Peter's, Cranley-gardens, on January 17th, between Malcolm Graham, second son of Professor G. G. Ramsay, Glasgow University, and Edith Margaret, youngest daughter of Mr. Gilbert Wakefield, Machynlleth, North Wales. Mr. George Wyndham, M.P., Chief Secretary for Ireland, will be the principal speaker at a dinner on Wednesday, December 12th, for which the Chairman (Mr. J. G. Butcher, Q.C., M.P.), the committee, and members of the United Club have issued invitations to all the new Unionist members of Parliament. At a meeting of the Central Committee of the Poor Law Conferences, held in London on the 14th inst., Capt. Griffith-Boseawen, chairman of the Wrexham Union, was unanimously elected chairman of the committee for the ensuing year. Arrangements were made for holding the Central Conference at the Guildhall, in the last week of February next. Mr. George Wyndham, Chief Secretary for Ireland, has appointed Mr. S. C. Dowdall to be his private secretary. Mr. Wyndham was to start yesterday (Tuesday), on a tour through the West of Ireland, his object being to acquire information respecting the condition ef several estates which have been purchased by the Congested Districts Board. A marriage has been arranged, and will take place early in February, between Guy Durnford, lieutenant in the Royal Engineers, only sur- viving son of Colonel Durnford, late Royal Engineers, and Muriel, younger daughter of Litfut.-Colonel J. Ford, late Royal Artillery, Brereton Lodge, Wokingham, Berks, and grand- daughter of the late Rev. Frederick Ford, Rector of St. Peter's. Mr. W. H. Lever, it is said, has been making seme further extensive purchases of landAd property. To his recent acquisition of Riving- ton Hall estate, on the slope of Rivington Pike, he has now added the estates of Wilderswood and Burnt Edge, owned by the heir of the late Mr. Brownlow. The "picturesquely situated residence known as Rockhaven stands on one of the newly-purchased estates. Dr. Clement Le Neve Foster, F.R.S., Inspector of Metalliferous Mines for North Wales, has been awarded the William Bolitho Gold Medal by the Council of the Royal Geological Society of Cornwall, in recognition of the distinction he has attained as a mineralogist and of the many services rendered by him to the society as curator during the years in which he filled the office of Inspector of Mines for Cornwall and Devon. The Duke of Westminster and Countess Grosvenor returned to Saighton Towers from London on Wednesday. His Grace, who was recently elected a member of the far-famed Tarporley Hunt Club, was hunting with the North Cheshire pack on Thursday, when the meet was at Hargrave. On Friday and Satur- day the Duke was also hunting with the same pack. On Monday, His Grace visited Flint and Halkyn, where he was presented with addresses, and yesterday (Tuesday), he was out hunting. Much interest is being taken, says a Liver- pool contemporary, in the patriotic entertain- ment in aid of Lady Lansdowne's fund for the officers' branch of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families' Association, fixed to take place in the Concert-room of St. George's Hall, next Monday, the 26th. The tableaux vivants and scenes, which were so greatly admired at a recent entertainment at Chester, are to be reproduced by a distinguished company, at the head of whom is the Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Twelve tableaux, arranged by Mrs. Lanford- Brooke, Miss Cotton-Jodrell, Mrs. Egerton Leigh, and Mrs. Hornby Lewis, constitute the first part of the entertainment, while the second oonsists of a Welsh Druid scene, a historic scene after the picture by Herbert Sydney, arranged by Lady Mostyn and the Hon. Miss Brodrick, and a patriotic scene arranged by Lady Cholmondeley. A CHESTER STORY-WEITEK.—The current number of the Sunday Magazine contains a short story by Miss Ada Dennis, of 47, Nicholas- street, Chester. It is entitled, The Story of Elizabeth," and illustrated by H. R. Millar. The story is happily conceived and prettily told. NEW FLINTSHIRE MAGISTRATE. — An adjourned court of quarter sessions for the county of Flint, was held at the County Hall on Monday. Mr. P. Tatton Davies-Cooke, of Maes Abyon, presided, and Mr. William Bullock, of Hill Side, Gwespyn, Holywell, quali- fied as a justice of the peace for the county. THE CHESHIRE SALT TRADE.—Official returns of salt produced in the United Kingdom salt centres during October were issued on Friday. In exports and coastwise shipment& there was a reduced trade as compared with the corres- ponding month of last year of 3,796 tons, the total shipments reaching 61,000 tons. Cheshire shewed an improvement of 2,526 tons, Liverpool alone being over 4,000 tons to the good. The Middlesbrough trade was depressed by 4,284 tons, and Fleetwood by 1,600. The total exports had increased by 3,324 tons, but coastwise ship- ments were depressed to the extent of 7,000 tons. CHESHIRE FARMER AND MONEY-LENDERS.— At the Manchester Bankruptcy Court, on Monday, William Youd, a farmer, of High Legh, Knutsford, appeared for examination.— Debtor assented to the memorandum, which was read, shewing that he had got behind in his rent, and borrowed from money-lenders. In this way he got deeper and deeper into difficulties, until he was forced to file his petition. Altogether he had dealings with seven money-lenders, being forced to raise fresh loans to meet instalments. His total indebtedness was JE500. Debtor attributed his failure to borrowing, and on losses in stock.— The examination was concluded. DEATH OF A DISTINGUISHED VETERINARY SUROEON.—A few days ago there passed away in the person of Principal Williams, of the new Veterinary College, Edinburgh, a gentleman whose loss will be deeply regretted by a wide circle of professional friends and stock-breeders not only in Scotland, but throughout the king- dom. Principal Williams, who was one of the most distinguished members of the veterinary profession, was a native of North Wales, having been born at Bontnewydd in September, 1832, and he was thus in his sixty-ninth year. He was an acknowledged authority on all diseases of stock, and he was the author of two standard works, which are in use in the veterinary colleges throughout the world—" The Principles and Practices of Veterinary Surgery," which has run to nine editions, and The Principles and Practice of Veterinary Medionie," which has reached its eighth edition. THE DUKB OF WESTMINSTER AND FLINT- SHIRE ROADS.—Operations in connection with the construction of certain new roads in the mountainous parish of Brynford were concluded on Saturday. One of the last acts of the late Duke of Westminster was to commence the con- struction of a fine, wide road from Brynford across the Penyball Mountain to Pantasaph. Unfortunately his Graoe died before the com- pletion of the work, which was, however, carried to a satisfactory completion by his representa- tives, and the road has now been in use some months. In order to join the new road to the existing highway which leads to Halkyn the Brynford Parish Council undertook the con- struction of a public length of road from Bryn- ford to Dafarn Dywyll, tHe cost being defrayed by public subscriptions and a grant of £200 from the Flintshire County Council. It is this section which has now been completed, afford- ing a splendid circular drive from Halkyn to Holywell via Pantasaph. It is the intention of the Parish Council to erect at the Brynford Cross" a huge monolith from the Halkyn quarries, on which will be placed a commemora- tive inscription. RETIREMENT OF THE POSTMASTER. — After occupying the important position of Post- master for nearly a quarter of a century, Mr. George Caswall severed his connection with the Chester Post Office this week. Despite his lengthy connection with the city Mr. Caswall is personally unknown to the majority of citizens, his retiring disposition having kept him aloof from almost every public and social function. After being 42 years in the Civil Service, Mr. Caswall retires on a well-earned pension, and will continue to reside at Saighton House, Saighton, where he has lived for many years. Prior to taking up his duties at Chester in January, 1877, Mr. CaBwall was in the sur- veyors' branch of the Post Office at Shrewsbury. During his tenure of office at Chester he has effected many improvements, notably the inau- guration of the parcels post and the introduc- tion of express deliveries, telephones, night deliveries, and midnight collections. When Mr. Caswall came to Chester there were many houses in the rural parts of the district which had no postal delivery; now there is a delivery to every house, the staff of postmen having been more than doubled. He has had control of 60 sub-postoffices. A recent innovation at Chester is the delivery of telegrams by cyclist messen- gers. Mr. Boulter is at present acting as Postmaster. It is not at present known who will be Mr. Cas wall's successor. TEMPERANCE CONFERENCE AT CHESTER.— On Wednesday afternoon a temperance con- ference, organised by the joint committee of the British Temperance League and the Chester Christian Temperance Society, was held in the magistrates' room at the Town Hall, Chester. Dr. Stolterfoth presided, and those present included Dr. W. Carter, L.L.B., professor of therapeutics at the University College, Liver- pool; Mr. Montgomery (Liverpool-road), the Rev. H. J. Boyd (secretary of the British Temperance League), Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes, Dr. Duff, the Rev. J. Travis, Mr. BereBford Adams, Mr. J. W. Travis, Mr. A. Storrar, the Rev. G. M. V. Hickey, Dr. King, Father Hayes, Mr. J. H. Spencer, and the Rev. W. Jones. Dr. Carter read a paper on National Intemperance and the Power of Controlling it, as Established by National Records." Miss Montgomery (Chester) then read a paper describing the Liverpool licensing reform and what it had led to, written by Miss H. M. Johnson, who, it was explained, was unwell. The paper dealt exhaustively with the move- ment tor preventing the sale of drink to children of tender years. Votes of thanks were accorded to Dr. Carter, on the motion of the Rev. H. J. Boyd, seconded by the Rev. G. M. V. Hickey, to Miss Mont- gomery and Miss Johnson on the motion of the Rev. J. Travis, seconded by Mr. Beresford Adams, and to the chairman on the motion of Mr. A. Storrar, seconded by the Rev. H. J. Boyd.—Mr. J. Dalton, in speaking to one of the motions, urged the advisability of inaugurating a temperance federation in Chester. POOLE'S MTRIORAMA AT CHESTER.—To give a fair and adequate idea of what Poole's Myrio- rama is like would be somewhat difficult. The bright scenic effects and clever^ performances of well-trained athletes, together with the sweet instrumental music and the rendering of popular songS cannot well be improved upon. The company came to Chester on Monday week for a fortnight, and to judge by the large audiences which have witnessed the entertainments in the Music Hall, this year's visit will prove an even greater success than those on former occasions. The arrangements are excellent in every respect, and one is interested and amused from beginning to end. Among the many grand pictures shewn are some representing memorable scenes in South Africa, such as the great decisive battles of Belmont and Colenso, while an exhibition of the destruction of the Spanish Fleet near Santiago is realistic, the sound of canon and shell being heard. There is also shewn a gorgeous and dioramic panstereorama of Venice with its charming buildings, canals, &c., intro- ducing the most enchanting effects. Chinese and Japanese views are also attractive. Up- wards of 100 charming pictures are thrown on the screen, and they are explained by a guide who is a fluent speaker and an experienced traveller. At intervals appropriate and national music is played by the band, and many beautiful Eastern melodies are intro- duced. The trapeze and other difficult per- formances are amazing exhibitions of skill. The humorous parts of the varied programme are wellsustained,while the Pooleograph pictures are clever. One of these on Monday night was entitled, Short but sweet," an amusing film depicting a couple of lovers in the act of kissing; while another was called" The Beggar's Dream." A good idea was also given by this up- to-date cinematograph of the arrival in London of the C.I.V.'s, and the grand reception Sir Redvers Buller met with at Aldershot. Every illustration was applauded. The entertainment concludes each night with a marvellous pan- stereorama of a State ball in Buckingham Palace in honour of the Diamond Jubilee. These productions must be placed in the very foremost rank for artistic merit, variety of subjects, marvellous mechanical effects, and finished detail. The Secretary of the Chester General Infirm- ary begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following donations :— £ 4 11s. 3d. from the Engineering Staff, Postal Telegraphs, per Mr. J. Levingston; R4 Is. 6d. from the Eaton and Chester Tenants' Committee, being the Unexpended balance of fund raised for presenta- tion of an address album to His Grace the Duke of Westminster on his return home, per S. R. Fear nail, hon. sec., Lea Hall, Aldford also the receipt of a collection of S2 2s. from St. John- street Welsh Presbyterian Church. MYRTLE IN BLOOM.—AS an evidence of the phenomenally mild weather which has been experienced up to the past few days, we have received a sprig of myrtle from a tree now in bloom at Mr. Smith's Hotel, Penmaenmawr. At this time of the year one expects to find that shrubs of this kind have lost most of their colour and bloom, but the sprig we have received is full of buds and blooms. A BEAUTIFUL METEOR.—A correspondent writes that about ten minutes past eight o'clock on Saturday night he witnessed the fall of a lovely meteor. Taking the form of a brilliant sky-rocket with a pale steel blue apex, followed by a stream of sparks, the meteor appeared to fall from the neighbourhood of the pole-star, pursuing an erratic course towards the west. For the moment of its duration it seemed to light up the heavens, and was altogether a most beautiful object. Probably the meteor was seen by many others. CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.-The annual sermons to be preached in connection with the Church Missionary Society, and a combined meeting of the S.P.G. and C.M.S. are advertised in another column to take place on November 25th and 26th. The Rev. W. St. Clair Tisdall from Persia, and the Rev. T. G. Nicholas, of Woolton, Liverpool, form the deputation. At the meeting on Monday evening, November 26th, the speakers will be the Lord Bishop of Coventry and the Archdeacon of Durham, and the Lord Bishop of Chester will preside. QUEEN-STREET P.S.A.—The large chapel was crowded on Sunday, when collections were taken on behalf of the Workingmen's Hospital Saturday Fund. The chair was occupied by Dr. Parry, who spoke of the noble institutions which were the outcome of Christianity. The Rev. Mr. Hackett also delivered an address. Messrs. Shone and the president (Mr. J. W. Marriott) also took part. The Artillery Volun- teer Brass Band was in attendance, and under Bandmaster Vine played several selections. The arrangements were in the hands of Mr. J. Hankinson. THE COWWKCTION BETWEEN ISRAEL AND Evans-Lloyd, wife of Col. Evans-Lloyd, of this city, has just published an interesting work entitled "Heera Singh," a sequel to "The Squire's Manuscript," which enjoyed a large measure of popularity, and is now sold out. Mrs. Evans-Lloyd, we gather, strongly believes in the identity of the British nation with the lost Ten Tribes of Israel, and her object in the present book is to throw further light on the connection between Israel and Great Britain. Round this attempt she has ingeniously woven an interesting story, which will doubtless claim the attention of many readers. Mrs. Evans-Lloyd deals with Old Testament prophecies, which many people agree with her in thinking are closely connected with the history of our nation. Of course if the Ten Tribes had settled in this country, one would naturally expect to find Hebrew names given to the localities they came to, and Mrs. Evans-Lloyd quotes several instances where this has occurred, as, for example, the Hamath of Scripture repeated at Hamath in Gloucestershire, and an Ararat Hill a few miles from that place. In many other important respects she shews that there was a striking similarity between the lost Ten Tribes and the ancient Britons, and altogether she makes out an excellent case in support of her theory. We do not say the book will convince everybody, but it is certainly worth the careful study of all who are interested in this fascinating subject. The price of the work is 2s. 6d., and the publishers are Messrs. Phillipson and Golder, Chester, and Messrs. Simpkin, Marshall and Co., London. 2ND CHESHIRE RAILWAY ENGINEERS.—The annual distribution of prizes in connection with the 2nd Cheshire Railway Engineers took place in the Town Hall, Crewe, on Saturday evening. Colonel Cotton-Jodrell, the command- ing officer. presided. Major-General Sir Thomas Fraser, K.C.B., after distributing the prizes gave an address, in which he spoke of the value of musketry practice to Engineer soldiers. He thanked the London and North Western Railway Company and the town of Crewe for the valuable assistance they bad given to the Royal Engineers by sending them more than 120 men, whose admirable technical know- ledge was invaluable in carrying on the opera- tions of the war. Addressing them as railway experts, he wished to ask their attention to one question which was being forced upon the attention of the authorities. Owing to the enormous loss of animal life in our late wars on the North-west Frontier of India and South Africa the question of providing mechanical means of transport became more pressing. He had made a calculation that they had lost in these wars something like 180,000 transport animals. Some mechanical means would, how- ever, have to be adopted so as to relieve the great stress of their transport. MEMORIAL TO MISS KINGSLicy.-The desire has been very widely expressed among Miss Kingsley's many friends and among the still larger number of those who knew her through her writings and lectures, to establish a permanent memorial to her. Immediately after her death a movement was set on foot by Liverpool and Manchester merchants to perpetuate her memory by associating her name with a small hospital for the treatment of tropical diseases to be established in connection with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Other of Miss Kingsley's friends desire that her name should also be associated with a Society for the Study of Native Customs and Laws, which was her first object and occupied the greatest part of her time and energy, and that The Mary Kingsley Society of West Africa should be established to stimulate research and to collect from all sources informa- tion concerning West Africa. Several meetings of Miss Kingsley's friends have been held in London to discuss the matter, and it has been decided that the memorial should include both the hospital and the society, and that an appeal should be made to the public for support to both; the subscriptions being assigned to either the hospital or to the society, according to the wish of subscribers. Contributions for the Mary Kingsley Memorial Hospital should be sent to Mr. A. H. Milne, B 10, Exchange Buildings, Liverpool; and for the Mary Kingsley Society of West Africa to Mr. George Macmillan, St. Martin-street, Leicester-square, London.

THE MISSING CHESTER TROOPERS. RELEASED BUT SEVERELY WOUNDED. News has just been received of the two former members of the Cheshire Yeomanry, Troopers William Leslie Simon and J. Kelly, now of the Cape Mounted Police, who were a few days ago both reported missing, after the severe struggle of the police with two Boer Com- mandos near Hoopstad on the 23rd October. Mr. J. Simon, chemist, Eastgate-street, Chester, brother of Trooper Simon, received an intima- tion yesterday (Tuesday) morning from the Secretary of State for War acquainting him that an official telegram had been received, dated Cape Town, 17th November, reporting that No. 903 Private Simon, of the Cape Police, was released on the 16th instant, but regretting to say that he was severely wounded. Official information is now to hand that Troopers Simon and Kelly were taken prisoners along with a number of their comrades in that encounter. and that they have been released at Wolmaran- stad, and have now arrived at Christiana. Kelly is also severely wounded in common with all his comrades except one. Much anxiety has been felt locally for the missing men, and their many friends will sympathise with their anxious relatives. Trooper Simon served for four years with his brother in Chester, joining the Chester detachment of the Imperial Yeomanry when it was raised for the war. He is a son of Mr. Simon, veterinary surgeon, Forgue, Aberdeenshire. Trooper Kelly also joined the Yeomanry at Chester, and about two months ago became a member of the Cape Mounted Police along with Trooper Simon and a number of the Cheshire Yeomanry. Some idea of the sanquinary nature of the encounter at Hoopstad may be gathered from the fact that the twenty captured police were all severely wounded, with the exception of their captain.

LISCARD BAZAAR RECEIPTS.—The bazaar in aid of the recently-erected hospital at Liscard was closed on Monday evening, the total receipts amounting to £ 5,800. NEW HOSPITAL FOR HOYLAKB AND WEST KIRBY.-The Hoy lake and West Kirby District Council decided on Monday night to give notice of their desire to sever connection with the Wirral Joint Hospital Board, the proposal being to build for their own district a separate isola- tion hospital.

CHESTER BOARD OF GUARDIANS. « A fortnightly meeting of this Board was held at the Workhouse, Hoole, yesterday (Tuesday), under the presidency of Mr. J. Pover. THE ASSISTANT CLERKSHIP. The Clerk (Mr. W. Turnock) reported that 14 applications had been received in reply to the advertisement for an assistant clerk.—The appli- cations were finally narrowed down to two, and the final appointment was adjourned to the next meeting. THE BOARD AND THE INFIRMARY. The Clerk stated that the following letter had been received from Mr. F. J. Warmsley, secre- tary to the Infirmary, dated Nov. 7: —1 beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of yesterday's date in reference to James Williams, deceased. The Board of Management do not meet until the fourth of next month, but I will then lay your letter before them, and obtain instructions. BIG-GAME SHOOTING. EX-BOARD OFFICIAL'S AMUSING LETTER. The Clerk said he had received the following letter from Mr. Ellis Edwards, formerly assistant clerk to the Board, who went out to South Africa with the Imperial Yeomanry :-The Labour Board of Southern Rhodesia, Salisbury, Rhodesia, S.A., 19th Oct., 1900. Sir,—I have the honour to ac- knowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th ult., and in reply beg to state: That in view of the fact that I have broken my engagement with you (as representing the Board), in that I took my discharge from the Imperial Yeomanry, I acknow- ledge that it would have appeared inconsistent on your part had you given your assent to the request made in my former letter. Although I had no intention of staying out in this country when I left home, yet when the offer of a good appoint- ment was made to me, with splendid prospects ahead, I thought I could not do better than to '-Ou close with the offer. In this I trust you will find reasonable excuse for the course I took, and hope that you will not think unfavourably of me on account of the same. I have to thank you for your kindness in the first place for allowing me to proceed to South Africa, #nd secondly for the fact that had I performed my engagement my appoint- ment would have been kept open until my return. Apologising for the inconvenience, &c., I have caused you, I have the honour to be, sir, your obedient servant, Ellis Edwards."—The Clerk said he had also received a private letter from Mr. Edwards, in which he said: "You will observe I have got a change of appointment. I have been very lucky indeed. I am now in the office of the Chamber of Mines and the Labour Board of South Africa, a Government appointment, and worth at present £ 360 a year, which is an increase on my last salary of JE60, and in six months my salary is to be raised to £ 35 a month, so you will see that I ought to be very thankful to be in such a position. One has to rough it rather considerably. The hours are much the same as the Government hours at home, so I have plenty of time for pleasure. I go out big-game shooting. (Loud laughter.) It is rare sport, and then at night, when you are out on the veldt, you have to make a big fire round your camp bed to keep the wild beasts away. (Laughter.) You can hear the growls of lions, tigers, wolves, &c. (Laughter.) At first it made my hair, curl, but now I am almost as seasoned as a regular Rhodesian, and withal in perfect health, and getting as brown as a berry. Mr. Butler: Big-game shooting would suit me down to the ground. (Hear, hear.) A WELCOME GIFT. The Master reported that thirty volumes of books, suitable for the school library, and some scap books had been presented to the house by Mr. Meeson, bookseller, Eastgate-street.—Mr. Meeson was thanked for his gift.

DEATH OF CHESTER'S CENTENARIAN. ♦ MR. RICHARD BECK. We regret. to record the death of Chester's oldest inhabitant in the person of Mr. Richard Beck, who so recently as October 9th this year celebrated his 100th birthday amid congratula- tions from far and near. The end did not come unexpectedly. Mr. Beck had been gradually sinking for the last fortnight, and he passed peacefully away on Monday morning at a quarter to one o'clock. His friend, Dr. Dobie, who has been his physician for more than 30 years, was in constant attendance upon him in his last days, and was present at his bedside a quarter of an hour before his remarkably long life terminated. Mr. Richard Beck was born at Sandbach on the 9th of October, 1800, where his early childhood was spent with his grandfather, Mr. Twemlow, a retired medical man, his father having died when he was very young. In 1808 his grandfather and mother came to reside in Flookersbrook, Chester, and were accompanied by Richard Beck and his sister. During his school days he became much attached to Mr. William Brown and Mr. Henry Brown, who were then young men, and also with their nephew, the late Mr. Charles Brown, between whom and Mr. Beck there existed a life-long friendship. Many are the amusing anecdotes Mr. Beck could relate of his early days spent with his companions, the Browns. On the termination of his school life he was invited by a relative to become an apprentice in a lucrative business in London, of which he was the head. The sudden death of this gentleman and the collapse of the business put an end to all Mr. Beck's hopes of future advancement, and he was thus thrown upon his own resources. Mr. Beck then decided to enter the service of the East India Company, and was appointed purser to one of their ships. He related, many interesting inci- dents connected with his voyages to the East, and his visitors were never tired of listening to the amusing and interesting stories he had to tell. He suffered in these foreign countries so severely from malarial fever and ague that he was at length compelled to give up life on board an Indianman. When about 30 years of age he commenced business as a wine merchant in Chester, at first in Bridge-street and then in St. Werburgh-street, where the late Mr. William Ayrton, his brother-in-law, joined him in partner- ship. In the year 1837 he was seized with a severe attack of paralysis of the left side, from the effeots of which he never entirely recovered. Soon after this he retired from business. After this illness Mr. Beck was unable to con- tinue his active usefulness, his power of walking became less, and deafness and diminished power of sight were steadily increasing. During these years Mrs. Lewis, his best friend, had resided with him, and it is greatly owing to her devotion and care that Mr. Beck attained his wonderful age. Mr. Beck, though deaf and partially blind, re- tained his mental powers unimpaired, and when not suffering pain was always bright and cheerful. He was able to take a lively interest in all passing events, and his life, notwithstanding his great age, was not wearisome. Mr. Beck took an interest in the war, and he was recently afforded much pleasure by a visit from Corporal Spong, of Spion Kop fame. Mr. Beck's life was characterised by many deeds of Christian usefulness. Under the aus- pices of his friend, Chancellor Raikes, he regu- laly visited the suffering poor in the Chester Infirmary. He was constantly at the bedside of the sick and dying, administering comfort and consolation, and for many years he was a most valuable coadjutor to the chaplain of the institu- tion, and his services were much appreciated by the Board of Management. He was always present on the day of the week when the cured or relieved patients left the Infirmary, and many of the poor and ill-clad left'the institution with new clothing and replenished purses. There were other charitable institutions which Mr. Beck constantly visited. His deeds of secret charity during his long career in Chester cannot be numbered. Many there are who still live to bless him not only for spiritual counsel and advice, but for pecuniary help in their difficulties. He expended a large part of his income in these works of love and* mercy. It may be noted here that Mr. Beck had in the year 1873 a very serious attack of erysipelas in the head, which very nearly terminated his life. He was closely watched by Dr. Dobie, who was as much rejoiced as surprised at his recovery. Anticipating his 100th birthday, Mr. Beck re- marked "Convinced as I am at my great ageyldw marked: "Convinced as I am that at my great age I must shortly put off this tabernacle, I am anxious, as a witness for God, to leave upon record a fresh proof of His divine faithfulness and all insufficiency, as personally realised by myself." Chester was proud of its veritably "oldest inhabi- tant," who had lived through the eventful decades of the fast-waning 19th century. His death, which severs a link with long-gone days, will be much regretted by Cestrians generally, and his wide circle of personal friends in particular, all of whom had hoped that Chester's G.O.M. would have been spared to have entered the 20th century, when he would have had the unique distinction of having lived in three centuries.

Mr. George Wyndham, M.P., the new Chief Secretary for Ireland, was on Tuesday afternoon sworn into office before the Lord Lieutenant and the members of the Privy Council at Dublin Castle. He was also sworn a member of the Privy Council. THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOLYHEAD.—The London and North-Western Railway Company intend expending about a million sterling in railway and harbour improvements at Holyhead to meet the requirements of their Irish traffic. The Board of Trade intend to transfer to the company the old harbour of refuge, Salt Island, and other properties adjoining for the purposes of erecting a pier and railway thereon. The pier will extend north from the Admiralty pier 414 yards. On the eastern side of Salt Island the pier will extend 600 yards in an easterly direction, and over 200 yards in a north-westerly direction from the centre of Stag Rock. The railway will run to Salt Island, so that some parts of the existing town will be demolished. A

PEAR CULTURE IN CHESHIRE. « [SPECIAL TO THE "COURANT."] In writing of fruit-culture in Cheshire, a sub- ject brought vividly before us last week at the Paxton show in Chester, we must award the pear its natural place as companion-fruit and comple- ment to the apple. Recalling the show, which is still recent enough to serve as an illustration (for what teacher nowadays can do without his lime- light lantern?), you will doubtless have observed one thing-the many apples, in number and kind, and the few pears. Also you may have noticed that the apples looked happier and more at home. The brave show they made with their rosy ckeeks and shining skins suggested long life and pros- perity, and readiness to take their part later on in decking festive board and Christmas bush, to say nothing of gay shop window. But when you turned to look at the pears you were con- scious of a difference. Fewer in number, in ap- pearance more delicate, the tender green-gold of their skin already shewing marks of touch, how- ever careful, and travel however short, they seemed fruits of a day, to grace a dainty dinner-table or to tempt the epicure, for while apples are daily food for all, pears are still the luxury of the few. In this difference lies one good reason for the disparity in number and variety, another in the much more limited keeping qualities of the pear, many varieties being already over. Apples also are the more useful fruit, being mainly for cooking. Few people of mature age eat apples raw, though there is a doggerel which we might take to heart— An apple at night Makes doctor's bills light. Pears, on the other hand, have little to do with the kitchen. Stewed pears are a refuge of cooks only tolerable with thick cream. Perry is not made in Cheshire, so does not concern us. They are first of all a dessert fruit. What a pity it is that as a rule home-grown pears set before you at dessert are uneatable. The public are very long- suffering, or can it be that they do not know what a good pear ought to be because they have never tasted any but bad ones? And those mysterious founts of wisdom—I speak with all due reverence and respect—the compilers of catalogues, do they really believe with the enthusiast in another speciality that there are good pears, and there are better pears, but there are no bad pears? All the pears they describe more or less, but much more than leiSs, &-re "melting," "sweet," "buttery," "vinous." I will tell you my experi- ence of these superlative pears, but I shall not expect you to take my word for it. You will, I feel sure, prefer to buy your own experience unless you are strangely wise, or far too busy, or very thrifty, and this last I feel sure the catalogue- makers would much rather you were not. There is a certain joy in experimenting. The pleasures of hope outweigh the pain of disappointment. The young tree with the queer name is an object of wonder and interest till the often long-delayed fruit appears. In all gardening the poetry con- sists in trying new things and making for a per- fection seldom realised. Knowledge gained this way is always valuable. The "I know" instead of "I have been told it is so." We have tried shall I say fifty-a hundred would be nearer the mark-of the most belauded varieties, and now we eat seven. Some others we still keep for sale, and for exhibition where, Pharisee-like, we care chiefly for the outward ap- pearance. This, then, is my list of first-class eating pears, in order of their use:-Fondante d' Automne, Comte de Lamy, Thompson's, Marie Louise, Doyenne du Cornice, Emile d'Heyst, Win- ter Nelis. You don't get a good pear, as you will see by this list, till October. The early sorts, the "barrow" pears, are dear to children and the man in the street, but I fear their one merit is that they are saleable, which cannot always be said for later ones; the really good early pear has yet to be discovered. William's Bon Chretien, probably best of early pears, is not very good in Cheshire; it may be superseded, perhaps, by the newer and very handsome Marguerite de Marrillat. I know that I am cutting down the list very low indeed, and that many well-known pears must feel overlooked. I quite expect a chorus of "What about Jargonelle, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Beurre Diel, the splendid Pitmaston Duchess, and many morn?" which if you have them in your garden you are bound to praise. I have a good word, however, for Louise Bonne of Jersey-it grows and crops well and is a fair fruit. Jargonelle I consider useless here, and Pitmaston Duchess only good for show. I know that tastes differ, and that many pears that you could name have their merits, so I will only say that the seven varieties I have given are enough to give a succession from early October till February of the very finest pears that can be grown in this neighbourhood. A really good successor to Winter Nelia has yet to be found. The very best of all is undoubtedly Doyenne du Cornice; it should be grown on pyramid trees and also against a wall, and left to hang as long as it will. Those grown on pyramids will ripen earlier than wall-grown fruit, will not be so large, but will be perhaps even better flavoured. All pears, Doyenne du Cornice especially, should be handled as little and as res- pectfully as possible. Thompson's does not need a wall-indeed I think it is better without. It must be grown on the pear stock, and should therefore be allowed to grow into a tall standard tree. Marie Louise, on the other hand, should have a wall, though in some seasons it does well as a standard. Marie Louise pears will hang on the tree longer than most others, and the season of this pear may be greatly prolonged by making three or four gatherings. The rule being that the first fruit gathered is the first to ripen, I should gather first the fruit off the lower branches. There are pears of this variety still hanging on a tree in our garden. Winter Nelis must have a wall, and the best place you can give it. It is a small, insignificant-looking pear, but perhaps the most valuable of all. It is nearly as good as Doyenne du Cornice, and has a much longer season, lasting from November until February. Don't be without this variety if you can give it any sort of wall As in my former article on apple-culture, I address myself to inquirers wanting practical ad- vice, so I would add a few remarks on growing pear trees. The same rules apply as regards pruning, grafting, transplanting, with slight varia- tion. In pruning there must be rather less spurring back; the fruit comes often on short branchlets three or four inches from the main branch. Thinning must be carefully attended to if large fruit be wanted. Grafting is rather earlier and the stocks used either pear or quince--ipear stocks for tall, free-growing trees, quince stocks for dwarfer kinds. The ripening fruit often needs to be protected on the tree, collectively by nets, individually, if you wish to exhibit, by muslin bags on the tree. In picking pears great care must be taken to get them at the right moment. They ought to leave the stalk readily when held on the hand in a horizontal position, and I have already mentioned that the ripening may be hastened or deferred, according to the time of picking. Once gathered, of course they require very careful watching. Some pears, as Fondante d'Antomne, Marie Louise, Emile d'Heyst, go quickly at the core, and this is not easy to detect. Others, as Winter Nelis, go first at the skin. All this will be quickly learned by a little experience. While we have proved the fallacy of a popular idea that you must sit up all night to eat a pear in perfection, we know that they may very soon go bad on your hands with a want of that care and attention which you will readily give if you believe, as I do, that what is worth doing at all is worth doing well, even if it is only growing pears.

FORBIDDING THE BANNS.—Horsell, a little village near Woking, is just now in the enjoyment of an unusual sensation. On Sunday morning, while the worshippers in the parish church were intently listening to the vicar, the Rev. Norman Pares, reading out the banns of marriage, and after the parson had solemnly announced that if anyone knew of just cause or impediment to the wedding now was the time to declare it, they were startled by hearing a determined female voice say, "I forbid them." A shock of excitement ani- mated the congregation, and when the sermon was over the interruption formed the theme of gossip. Who was it? Why was it? What was it for? The explanation which is now forthcoming is a rather curious one. The young man was of a bashful and retiring disposition, and although a capital hand at courtship was backward at matri- mony. But the young lady had no ambition to play the part of either Rachel or Leah, and thought she might accommodate all parties by put- ting up the banns herself. The swain did not care about having the pace thus forced, but did not possess sufficient courage to forbid the proclama- tion coram populo, so he imparted his scruples to his mother, who, with maternal affection, braved the ecclesiastical commotion and forbade the banns. To what this thorny path of courtship will lead hae not yet transpired.

THE DUKE OF WESTMINSTER. « WARM WELCOME AT FLINT AND HALKYN. INTERESTING SPEECHES. [BY OUR OWN REPORTER.] Pleasing instances of the cordial relations existing between the House of Grosvenor and their neighbours in Flintshire were furnished on Monday, when the Duke of Westminster was heartily congratulated at Flint and Halkyn, on the attainment of his majority and his safe return home. The late Duke of Westminstdk was ever ready to assist Flint in her hour of need, and the authorities of the ancient borough were only too glad of an opportunity of shewing, through the successor to the title and estates, their unfeigned respect for the illus- trious family which has so long been connected with their county. Similar worthy feelings were entertained by the Halkyn tenantry, who were anxious to shew that they are not a whit behind their Cheshire brethren in loyalty to their young landlord. Accompanied by the Countess Grosvenor, Lady Lettice Grosvenor. and Colonel Wilford Lloyd, the Duke drove from Saighton Towers to Chester Station, where he caught the 10.5 a.m. train for Flint. On alighting from the train the Duke was received by the Mayor (Mr. E. J. Hughes), the Town Clerk, members of the Corporation, &c. The Mayor welcomed his Grace to the ancient borough of Flint, and congratulated him upon having attained his majority and having entered upon a career so full of possibilities and respons- ibilities. The people of Flint hoped that he would long be spared to follow in the footsteps of bis illustrious grandfather, who had many connecting links with this old borough, and who was a more than generous friend to Flint in the dark days of a few years ago. The Town Clerk (Mr. Henry Taylor) then read an address and presented it to the Duke. The address, was inscribed on vellum in scroll form, and was embellished at the head with a sketch of the picturesque Flint Castle. It was as follows :— To the Most Noble Hugh Richard Arthur, Duke of Westminster. May it please your Grace,—We, the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the borough of Flint, desire to tender our warmest congratula- tions to your Grace on the attainment of your majority and your safe return to your native land. We avail ourselves of your visit to our anoient borough on your journey to Halkyn, to express the hearty wish of the burgesses that your Grace may long be spared to maintain the nigh traditions of your family and follow the noble character of your beloved grandfather, the late much-lamented Duke, a landowner, a neighbour, and a friend to whom Flint and its inhabitants were much indebted for very many acts of kind- ness. May we venture also to remind your Grace that your ancestor, Richard L'Engenour (the founder of the Belgrave family) was in 1277 the architect of our ancient Castle, the erection of which brought this town into existence.—The address was signed by the Mayor and Town Clerk. In a felicitous reply the Duke expressed the hope that he would be spared to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, to whom the address had alluded in such touching terms. He hoped that the ties which bound him and his family to that town might be still further strengthened in his hands. (Applause.) At the conclusion of the proceedings the ducal party drove off, amid hearty cheers, to Halkyn Castle, where their arrival was heralded by a merry peal on the church bells. A triumphal arch with the words, Welcome Home was erected over the lodge gates at the principal entrance, and there was a display of bunting both here and at the Castle itself. It had been arranged that an address of welcome should be presented in the Parish Hall, and this building, which had been artistically decorated, was crowded a considerable time before the hour fixed for the proceedings, while a large number of tenantry, miners and others had assembled outsidfe. With the latter was the Halkyn District Band, which played appropriate selections of music. The Duke's arrival was the signal for a hearty burst of cheering. The gathering was presided over by Captain Francis (chairman of the local com- mittee), and supporting him were Mr. Thomas Parry,chairman of the Flintshire County Council; Mr. Thomas Smith, chairman of the Halkyn Mining Company; Mr. J. J. Cunnah, Chester the Rev. A. J. M. Green, vicar of Halkyn; the Rev. W. Jones, Brynford; Mr. H. A. Cope, Holywell; Mr. Lester Smith, agent to the Halkyn Estate; Dr. Lees, Chester; Alderman Peter Jones, chairman of the Halkyn Parish Council; Messrs. J. Taylor, Celyn; R. Lloyd Davies, J. Bateman, J. Williams (honorary treasurer of the local committee), Peter Evans (hon. secretary), &c. The Chairman said.they were assembled with the object of giving a hearty welcome to his Grace the Duke of Westminster on his return from South Africa, and on his accession to the title. As a record of their feelings and senti- ments they desired to present his Grace with an address, which he now asked him to accept. (Applause.) Mr. J. Taylor (Celyn), in supporting the request on behalf of the tenant farmers on the estate, said he was sure the address expressed the feelings of one and all, and they trusted to have in his Grace as good a friend as they had in their late lamented landlord. (Hear, hear.) He assured the Duke that he might rely on having on the estate as good tenants as any in England or Wales. (Applause.) The Chairman next called upon Mr. Thomas Smith to speak, remarking that that gentleman might be regarded as his Grace's chief mineral tenant in Flintshire. Mr. Smith remarked that he had the honour of adding a very few words to those their chair- man had so well spoken as the representative of the lessees of the Duke's mines, and also as the representative, if he might say 10, of the workmen who laboured in those mines. (Hear, hear.) It went without saying that at all times his Grace would be honoured and welcomed in Halkyn. (Applause.) Their feel- ings of regard for the Duke were accentuated by the circumstance that his Grace had just returned from active service in support of our Queen and country in South Africa-(lood applause)—and more than that, that the Duke, in spite of great attractions in this country, stayed in South Africa until practically the war was over, and actually with his own hands unfurled the flag of Great Britain on the walls of Pretoria. (Renewed applause.) He was sure they would all want to pay esteem to the pluck and patriotism the Duke had shewn in this matter. He felt it a great honour that he had been allowed to add his few feeble words on that occasion. (Applause.) Mr. Thomas Parry, who was also invited to speak, was glad to have the pleasure and privilege of attending that most interesting ceremony. He heartily endorsed every word that had been said, and sincerely hoped that the Duke might be spared for many years to carry on the good work he had so splendidly commenced, and that God might grant him health and strength to do so. The warmth of his Grace's reception that day shewed that he might rely absolutely on the loyalty and sup- port of the people of Flintshire. (Applause.) Mr. Peter Evansthen read the address, which was executed by Mr. E. L. Smith, Chester, and was of an elaborate character, being in album form. It was luxuriously bound in Russia leather, having embossed and raised covers. The Duke's coronet and W was elegantly engraved in gold in the centre of the outside cover. The first page contained four water colour drawings representing Halkyn Castle, the Mines. Halkyn Church, and the Memorial Hall, and these were followed by an illuminated title page and several handsomely illuminated pages with a list of over 200 sub- scribers. The address was in the following terms:— To the Most Noble Hugh Richard Arthur, Duke oj Westminster. t May it please your Grace,—We, your Grace's agricultural and mineral tenants on the Halkyn Castle Estate, desire most sincerely to give you a very hearty weloome on your return from South Africa. It would be needless to remind you how deep and personal an interest the Welsh tenants of the House of Grosvenor take in the joys and sorrows of your illustrious family. It is, there- fore, with special pleasure that we address you on this occasion, and oongratulate you on the attain- ment of your majority and "feuoceseion to your title and estates. We feel assured that the intimate association of your noble House with the Princi- pality, which has existed for generations, will be continued in every good cause. It is our earnest wish that a life so valued may be attended by every blessing, both temporal and eternal, and that it may long be continued to maintain the noble traditions of your family, at a standard so worthily upheld by your illustrious grandfather, whose example we are assured will never oease to animate you.—The address was signed by the following members of the committee:—Matthew Francis (chairman), Jamee Bateman (vioe-ohair- man), John Williams (treasurer), and Peter Evans (secretary). The Duke, who was heartily cheered on rising to respond, said :-Captain Francis, ladies and gentlemen—I beg to thank you very much for the cordial welcome you have given me this day on my coming to visit you at Halkyn, and also I must thank you for the kind wishes that you give me, and the pleasure you have shewn in seeing me here, although I have not been here before often. I thank you all for welcoming me back from South Africa, and also for congratu- lating me on attaining my majority. (Applause.) I have always heard that the Halkyn tenants have taken a very friendly interest in my family—(hear, hear)—both in sorrow and in joy, and I am sure it will be my duty to foster this kindly feeling, and I hope it will be perpet- uated. (Applause.) I wish to thank you also for the good wishes you expressed for my future, and also for the kind allusion you made to my grandfather. He set a noble example; it will be a hard one to follow, but the traditions he maintained will, I hope, be upheld in a measure-perhaps not so well as he maintained them-by myself. ApplaUBe.) I tLgain beg to thank you very much for the cordial reception you have given me. (Applause.) The Chairman proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Countess Grosvenor and Lady Lettice for gracing the meeting with their presence. They all regarded the Westminster family with deep affection; he did not think any landlord had ever been regarded with so much veneration and affection as the lamented predecessor of his present Grace. He felt sure the Duke was endowed with the same qualities as his grandfather; he came from a good stock —(applause)—and he was sure there was net one in that room who had a shadow of doubt that his Grace would emulate the conduct of his grandfather, and maintain the high standard of duty which he had set before him. (Applause.) It had been very kind of the Countess and Lady Lettice to attend that meeting, and he was sure their presence had brightened it and given an added interest to it. They had been able to see the way in which the Westminster tenantry testified their loyalty and affection to their landlord. (Applause.) Mr. Taylor (Celyn) seconded, and the pro- position was carried with acclamation. Colonel Wilford Lloyd returned thanks on behalf of Lady Grosvenor and Lady Lettice Grosvenor, remarking that it had given them, as it did every member of the Grosvenor family, the greatest pleasure to be once more among the Halkyn tenants. (Applause.) Mr. Parry proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman. Mr. J- J. Cunnah seconded. The Rev. Mr. Green, in supporting the motion, said he scarcely knew whom to con- gratulate the most on that occasion—whether the noble Duke on his return from what had been a most critical period of his life in South Africa, or themselves on seeing him return in good health and in excellent spirits. (Applause.) He hoped he might be allowed to congratulate Lady Grosvenor, Lady Lettice Grosvenor, and the whole of the illustrious family of Westminster on his Grace's return. It was with very great pleasure they had read the reports of the meet- ings in Chester, and they had listened that day to what his Grace had said with regard to the noble example they had bad before them fer some years, and which his Grace had expressed his determination to do his best to emulate. (Applause.) They wished the Duke every success, and a life full of happiness. (Applause.) The proposition was carried. The Chairman, in returning thanks, hoped they would see the Duke often at Halkyn, and that he would maintain the connection of his grandfather with the tenantry and mines. (Hear, hear.) The gathering concluded with the singing of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" and hearty cheers for the Duke, Lady Grosvenor, and -lady Lettice Grosvenor. It had been arranged that the school children should be entertained, but owing to an outbreak of measles this festivity was postponed.

LIGHTING-UP TABLE. ♦ All cycles and other vahicles in the Chester district must be lighted up as stated in the following table:— 9 V Wednesday, November 21 5.6 Thursday, November 22 5.5 Friday, November 23. 5.4 Saturday, November 24 5.3 Sunday, November 25 5.2 Monday, November 26 .o 5.1 Tuesday, November 27 5.0

WEEKLY STATE Of THfc CHESTEB INFIRMARY I KBDKD SATTHtBAT LAlIT. IN-PATIENTS. In-patients are admitted on Tuesday mornings at RlAV«n A'AIAAW IV-rATiraTS DI0CHABQCD. IK-PAXICSTTS* Cured 18 Admitted 19 Believed 9 Remain in the House 98 Made Out-Patients 0 Unrelieved 1 Dead 0 Bouse Visiton-Mx-. Reginald Pott43 and Mr. Hubert Potts. OUT-PATIENTS. Medical oases are seen on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday moruings at Eleven o'clock. Surgioal cases are seen on Thursday mornings at Eleven o'clock Ophthalmic oases are seen en Friday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Dental eases are seen on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at Tern o'clock. Out-Patienta admitted sinue Saturday last 87

Birttjs, JEarrtages, aTttJl3eatt)g._ BIRTHS, MARRIASES, and DEATHS are charged at the rate of 20 words for Is. (prepaid). If not prepaid, the charge will be 2s. 6d. The announcement must be authenticated by the Signature and Address of the Sender. BIRTHS. LuixooRim-November 10, at Ash brook Towers, Cheshire the wife of Chas. Frederick Coryndon Luxmoore, of a son. STUBBS-October 27, at Victoria, British Columbia, the wife of Frederick Wilton Stubbs (late of Chester Post Office), of a daughter. MARRIAGES. MCEWEN—SHAW—November 19, at the Parish Chureb, Alsager, by the Rev. Q. R. Sanders, Lieut.-Colonel Robert Bruce Jtcji-wen. late Gordan Highlanders, to Mary Elizabeth, second daughter of C. R. Shaw, Esq., of Canterbury, N Z., and niece of the Rev. D. Shaw, M.A., Incumbent of Christ's Church, Alsager, Cheshire. SHAW- WooiDpoiLiD--November 14, at the Parish Church, Ruabon, James Richard, second son of the late James Shaw, eurgeon, of Handsworth, Birmingham, to Lilian, elder daughter of G. E. Woodford, of Ruabon. DEATHS. BECK—November 19, at 17, Crane-street, Richard Beck. bern 9th October, 18o0. bio flowers.] EIDWAR]Ds-Novem ber 11, George Edwards, Trevor House. Ruabon, in his 67th year. FIRTH—November 5, at Blankanese, Hamburg, Maxia Jane, widow of the late Alfred Firth, of Hartford, Cheshire, aged 74 years. Rowx."Ds-November 12, at Durban, South Africa, of enteric, John Rowlands, of 2nd Brabant's Horse, son of the late John Rowlands, of Llanberis, and grandson of the late John Rowlands, J.P.D.L., Plas- tirion, Llanrug, aged 27 years. WKBSTK&—On Tuesday, November 13, at Brook Lodge, Chester, Vincent Clayton, son of G. Watmough Webster. WHITTINGHAM—November V2, at Elworth Hall, Sandbach, Wm. Whittingham, late of Ashley HIÙJ, aged 73 years.

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

CHURCH BUILDING SJ:BTY.- The Incor- porated Society for Promoting the Enlarge- ment, Building, and Repairing of Churches and Chapels held its monthly meeting (the first of the present session) on Thursday, at the society's house, 7, Dean's yard, Westminster, S.W., the Rev. Canon C. F. Norman in the chair. Grants of money were made, including jEllO in lieu of a former grant of X80, to Shotton St. Ethelwold, in the parish of Hawarden. In addition to these sums a sum of XW9 was paid towards the repairs of 35 churches from trust funds held by the society.

c RAWFORD'S K 1 E L E I N G E B S FOR AFTERNOON T EA.

on board the Britannic, and as the vessel cleared its moorings it was observed on the quay, a solitary specimen of the canine creation, look- ing disconsolately and piteously in the direction of the moving steamer. Not to be outdone in patriotism it plunged into the water, and by the Commander's order was hauled on board. It had not any connection with the Leinsters, who were not contemporaries of the Cheshires at Modder River, where the dog went astray- Howbeit, some stragglers of the Cheshires who entered Kimberley on February 27th came across the identical 'pet' looking exceedingly well, and boasting for its master a corporal of the Yorkshire Light Infantry. As it appeared quite happy and contented in its canvas home, and as it had installed itself in the good graces of the King's Own,' who were loath to part with it, the Cheshires did not urge its restoration. Therefore the story connecting the dog with the peculiar whistle of the Leinsters is a highly seasoned fallacy."