The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

THE CRAWFORD MILLIONS. DRAMATIC CLIMAX. The extraordinary story of the Crawford millions has had a most dramatic climax. On Friday officers of the law visited Madame Humbert's Paris mansion and forced open the safe which was supposed to contain the immense fortune which that lady stated had been bequeathed to her by a grateful American. They found in the way of millions-absolutely nothing. Simultaneously with the search, all the claimants to the phantom hoard have disappeared. SOLICITOR ARRESTED. Paris, Saturday. A solicitor named Parnientier, representiii<T Crawford Bros., has been arrested as the result of the search at IVladame Humbert's residence.

BILE BEANS IN CHESTER. THREE YEARS OF INDIGESTION ENDED. The People of Cheshire will be interested in the story ot a Chester woman who has been cured of cnronic indigestion and pains in the chest by Cnas. rorde's Bile Beans for Biliousness. Mrs. Annie Hargreaves, of 23, Queen-street, has been a sutterer from indigestion for over three years, and during that period her life was one prolonged agony. By tho use of Bile Beans, however, she has been once more restored to her wonted health and strength. When visited by a Chester reporter sue gave the following information with a view to its publication:- "I have suffered for over three years with indi- gestion and pains in the chest; and during the whole of that- time I was in terrible torture. Mv back and sides ached continually, and life seemed almost unbearable. One peculiarity of my case was that I had a sensation as of a larare lump on cither side of my ribs." "Did jou not have medical advice?'' queried the reporter. "Yes," replied Mrs. Hargreaves "I consulted two doctors, and each prescribed for me, but their medicine only gave me temporary relief. After a time I became just as bad again, and I began to think I should never get better." "How did you first become acquainted with Bile Bean<0" "I read in a paper about some remark- abk CUM s which had been effected by the Beans, and 1 resolved to give them a trial, I sent for a box and commenced to take them. Soon after commencmK with the:.TI I felt better, and as the result- of a full course the indigestion lias entirely disappeared. My appetite has been fully restored, I «« woll and hearty, and feel ten years younger. All tins I can safely say has been done by Chas. rorde n Bile Beans for Biliousness. I have given some of them to a friend of mine who suffered as 1 did, and she has also experienced arreat relief. I shall never cease to be thankful for Bile Beans, and shall recommend them to my friends whenever an opportunity presents itself." Chas. Forde's Bile Beans for Biliousness, which accomplished the above cure, are purely vegetable in composition, and their excellence has been so well proved that many doctors are now prescribing them largely. They are a certain cure for indi- gestion, biliousness, pains in the chest and side, congestion of the liver, headache, neuralgia, faint- ing fits, attacks of dizziness, flatulence, defective secretion of the bile, wasting affections, female irregularities, pimples, skin eruption, and the host i ai. 10j^s having a common oriprin in impurity of the blood, a general congestion of the system, and loss of vital force. Obtainable from all chemists, or post free from the Bile Bean Manufacturing Co., 119 and 120, London London, E.C., upon receipt of prices, Is ld. or 2s. 9d. tier box (2s. 9d. box con- tains three tunes Is. ld. size). Bile Beans are sold only in sealed boxes; never loose.

CIIKSTKK POST OFFICE.— Miss Gertrude Wood- cock lias passed the Civil Service examination for the post of telephone operator. She was prepared for the examination by Mr. Skeldon, of the British Schools. RAClXG TIPSTERS IN TROUBLE.—On Wednesday Jacob bmith and Solomon Pester, described as two London racing tipsters, were charged with travel- ling from Birmingham to Crewe without paying their fares. Prisoners, along with many others, arrived on Tuesday at noon by the Birmingham to Chester race special, and after tickets had been collected at Crewe and the train was moving awav, they rushed into compartments. Two were arrested out of about six. They were sentenced to & week's imprisonment. I

LOCAL GOVERNMENT JOTTINGS. -+- When, twelve months since, various local governing bodies were shewing fair margins of profit on their gas undertakings, in the exuber- ance of their elation they resolved to lower their charges, and that, too, in tho face of a great riaH m the cost of coal. This at the time did not ap- pear creditab'e to their foresight as men of busi- ness; and now, after a year's working, the inevitable has come, and they find their depart- mental accounts considerably on the wrong side. An instance among many may be men- tioned in regard to Dukinfield, where the loss during last year on tho gas undertaking amounted to £877- The Mayor (Councillor YV. E. Wood), while regretting the loss, said there had been enor- mous leakages during the year, amounting in the aggregate to £700 of money value. At the recent meeting of the Darwen Town Council, it was reported that there had been a loss of £816 on the waterworks during the year; and, owing to a slump in residuals, the loss in the gas department was £3,800. It was recommended by the committee that to meet this the price of gas should be increased by 3d. per 1,000 feet. By an amendment the latter item was deferred for a month, to give time for consideration. There was a. small profit of JB126 in the electricity depart- ment, but the tramways account shewed a loss of over £1,304. The Gas Committee of the Bangor City Council reported a record increase of nearly two million cubic feet during the year, shewing a good profit, out of which it was proposed to hand over £490 to the rate account. On the other hand, the electric light department was responsible for a deficit of JB965. Notwithstanding this, Councillor Baynes was "full of hope for the future of the city." Heywood has a deficiency on the gasworks un- dertaking for the past year amounting to £299 and a loss on the first six months' working of the electric lighting department of over £ 149.—Wigan is among the more fortunate towns in reference to its gas account, halving £5,550 to hand over in aid of its general district rate. They appear to manage matters better at Blackpool, where at the late monthly meeting of the Town Council the gross profits on the tram- ways were reported as amounting to £13,558, and after paying £6,648 for interest on capital and sinking fund, there was a. nett profit of £6,509. The income for eleotric lighting was £27,912, being an increase of £ 4,381 over the previous year. The gross profit was £9,192, and after paying £9,135 for interest and sinking fund, there was a. nett profit of JE57. At the monthly meeting of the Warrington Town Council it was stated that, despite the competition with the electric light, there had been an increase of tweqty million cubic feet- of gas during the year, the profits during that period being £2,737 58..lOd. The minutes of the Tramways Com- mittee set forth that the total amount of the esti- mates to which the Council would bo committed, if certain resolutions were passed, was £93,131, and out of that the actual expenditure up-to-date was £86,251 4s. Id.; and the sum did not include the cost of street alterations. The minutes were adopted. A lengthy, and at times animated, discussion took place at the quarterly meeting of the Ruthin Town Council, upon a proposal to "hand back" to Colonel Cornwall is-West, Lord Lieutenant of Denbighshire, a piece of land which he, in con- junction with his son, Mr. George Cornwallis-West, presented to the town some years since as a recrea- tion ground. The Council had never taken the trouble to finally and legally transfer the land to themselves, and although JB80 of the ratepayers' money had beon spent on it, it had never been used except by the small boys of the town. Col. CornwaIIis-West naturally objected to the ground's being neglected, and the matter in due course came before the Council in committee, who deputed the Mayor (Dr. J. M. Hughes) to see Colonel West, who expressed his willingness to take back the ground, in consideration of which he said he would give a donation of £100 towards some object in the town during the Coronation year. When this intimation was conveyed to the Council, several members expressed a. wish that the ratepayers should be consulted before any stepe were taken. It was ultimately decided that the Mayor should again see Colonel West with a view of ascertaining whether he would give another piece of ground of a more suitable nature in ex- change for the old piece, for a recreation ground. This may not present itself to the minds of the members of the Council as "looking a gift horse in the mouth," but as the Chinee man would say— "al!ee same."

-r'>C" ARMY AND VOLUNTEERS. -+- Captain H. W. B. Thorp, son of Lieutenant- Colonel Thorp, V.D. of Macclesfield, has been ordered home from South Africa to command a company of the 1st King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in Ireland. Captain Thorp, who is the youngest captain but one in the line was mentioned in despatches for his excellent work with the Somaliland expedition. CHESHIRE YEOMANKY.—Tuesday night's' 'Gazette" stated that in the Cheshire (Earl of Chester's) Imperial Yeomanry W. W. Holland, gent., is appointed second lieutenant. THE VOLUNTEER ANNIVERSARY.—On Monday the Volunteer force entered on the forty-fourth year of its existence, the Secretary for War's circular authorising the formation of corps having been issued on the 12th of May, 18ÕU. 0 DENBIGHSHIRE "HUSSARS.—In this regiment the following changes were gazetted on Tuesday :— Sec. Lieut. (Hon. Lieut. in the Army) J. H. Wrigley to be lieutenant Sec. Lieut. (Temp. Capt. in the Army) W. R. K. Main waring to be lieutenant and to remain seconded Sec. Lieut. (Hon. Capt. in the Army) E E. Hutton to be lieutenant. ARTILLERY RESIGNATION.—It was announced in Tuesday night's "Gazette "that Lieut. E. Claike, of the 1st Cheshire and Carnarvonshire Volunteer Garrison Artillery, resigns his commission. OFFICERS' BADGES.—it is notified in Army Orders that the rank of second lieutenants, lieutenants, and captains shall in future be denoted, on all uniforms other than the service dress jacket, by the following badges:—Second lieutenant, one star lieutenant two stars; captain, three stars. The badges of other ranks will remain as at present. NEW EQUIPMENT.—A new equipment regulation issued in Army Orders states that dismounted officers, warrant officers, and staff-sergeants of dis- mounted units, including departmental corps and military foot police, will not in future be armed with pistols. A carbine will form part of the ordinary equipment of company officers, warrant officers, and staff-sergeants of infantry units, and will be carried at manoeuvres and on service, but on no other occasion unless specially required. Other dismounted units will be supplied with the carbine on mobilisation. This order will not affect existing instructions for equipment of troops going to South Africa. THE CHESHIRE REGIMENT.—in Friday night's London Gazette" It was announced that the following changes have taken place in the Cheshire Regiment Sup. Captain C. G. E. Hughes to be captain, in succession to Major W. C. Neville, D.S.O., who holds an extra-regimental appointment. The promotion to the rank of lieutenant of Second Lieutenant E. G. J. Byrne is antedated to Feb. 1, 1902, to complete establishment. Second Lieutenant V. R. Tahourdin to be lieutenant, vice A. Crooken- den, promoted. The second Christian name of Second Lieutenant Harry Sidney Hodgkin is as now described, and not as stated in the "Gazette" of June 25. 11)01.

VOLUNTARY SCHOOLS. — The futility of some of the arguments against the Education Bill passes belief. The Methodist Times," which has distinguished itself for the folly of its utterances on this question, asks "Why sectarian schools are so numerous." The answer is Because ever since 1870 the Anglican clergy have done their utmost to prevent the formation of. school boards, to hinder the pro- gress of school boards where established, and to reduce the eflicience of board schools. And how have they achieved this result? By appeal- ing in the meanest way to the miserliness or the misery of the ratepayers." Has it ever occurred to the "Methodist Times" that what it calls "sectarian schools" existed before its annus mirabilis 1870? How does it account for their number before then? HOLLOWAY'S IILH are admirably adapted for curing diseases incidental to females. At different periods of life women are subject to complaints which require a peculiar medicine; and it is now an indisputable fact that there is nothing so suitable for complaints of this nature a3 Holloway's Pills For all the debilitating disorders incidental to the sex, and in every contingency perilous to the life and health of women—youthful or aged, married or single—they are a safe and reliable remedy. Their purifying qualities render them invaluable to females of all ages. They are searching and cleansing, yet invigorating a few doses will speedily remove irregularities in the system, and thereby'establish health on a sound and firm basis.

DISTRICT COUNCILS. ELLESMERE PORT URBAN. A meeting of the Ellesmere Port Urban District Council, was held on Monday evening. Mr. W. Stockton was the chairman and Mr. H. Price vice-chairman, while there were also present the Revs. W. Bidlake and T. Kynaston, Dr. Finney, Messrs. C. Whitridge, J. Wynne, W. BrecWon, T. Jones, J. H. Lloyd, J. D. Dutton, W. Worsey, J. W. Ellis, L. Lindop, and the clerk (Mr. D. Bunting).—The question as to rating owners instead of occupiers of cottage property, a-j tc?r«,^eci^1ct\ons 'n consequence, was con- 4f1 1 jirk ,said !t would affect between and Mr YV |fdl<?rds-—Mr- Whitridge proposed mtl Vh seconded that the Council rate the owners and allow oompounding up to with motion was carried.-In connection nr, rL > yHv,US IPcltl0rh 14 was decided on the proposition of Mr. Breckon that the usual notices be sent. The Clerk said he understood that the overseers allowed 30 per cent. off; but the owners had to pay the rate whether the houses were occupied or not. He thought 25 per cent. quite enough and that empty houses should be allowed for as well.—This was-agreed to.-It was decided to reply to a query by the Local Government Board concerning the representation of the Council on the YVirral Joint Hospital Board that the Council were negotiating with the Wirral Joint Hospital Board on the matter.^—Mr. Breckon s motion, that as Mr. T. Wallis had declined the position of inspector of canal boats, the gentleman who should be appointed building surveyor, etc., be asked to accept the vacant position without an additional fee, was defeated by a big majority.—Mr. J. M. Hudson, Ellesmere Port, was appointed building and roads sur- veyor, etc., for a period of twelve months at a salary of £ 100.—Messrs. Beloe and Priest's report anent the sewerage works which had now been completed, was read, and Mr. Priest, who was present, explained several matters to the Council. It was decided to apply to the Local Government Board^ for a loan of £ 250, which was needed with the £ 170 in hand to settle the contractor's account.—The agreement between the Wirral District Council and the Pontoons and Dry utee appointed to consider the proposed nur chase of the shed from Mr. J. TaXr recom- mended that the Council purchase it for £ 5 and it was agreed to offer Mr. Taylor that amount. CONNAH'S QUAY. The monthly meeting of the Connah's Quay Urban Council was held on Wednesday evening Mr. James Reney (chairman) presiding. NEW PROPERTY AND SEWERING. The minutes of the Health Committee shewed tliat Mr. Prince was re-elected chairman ot the committee, on the motion of Mr. E. Roberts, seconded by Mr. U. Eilwood.—The Inspector ki\,Ir. VV. E. Ungues) reported that the late mghtsoil con- tractor (Mr. T. Jones) had cleansed ail the ashpits about which he had received notice, and the balance due to him under the contract ( £ 50) had been paid. The Inspector also i reported having lound sheep-slaughtering on unlicensed premises, and the c.erk was instructed to write cautioning the offender. Ihe clerk was authorised to obtain the necessary books to enable him to keep a register of the factories and workshops within the dlstnct.-Tue Chairman enquired if anything had been done with reference to connecting Well iiouses with the new sewer.—The Inspector re- plied m the negative, but said the matter was re- ceiving his attention. The work of the new sewer was being proceeded with.—Mr. F. E. Jones's amended plans were submitted, and a committee, consisting of Messrs. J. Reney, T. Rowlands, J. Prince, W. H. Lioyd and E. B.ane, was appointed to inspect the site of the proposed new bunding and report.—Plans of houses for Mr. T. Bennett, between High-street and Maud-street, were ap- proved conditionally. Alterations in plans of new houses for Mr. Biano were approved.—A communi- cation was received from Messrs. Lamb, Kyfiin, Taylor and Ashworth, solicitors, Birkenhead, with reference to the discharge of a sewer in the rail- vyay ditch. Ihe clerk was instructed to reply that the drainage of the district was receiving atten- tion. Ihe minutes were confirmed. T, „ i'LAS BELLIN-LANE. Ihe Clerk reported to the Highway Committee, of winch Mr. O. Eilwood was elected chairman, that he had written to the County Council, draw- ing tneir attention to the bad state of Plas Beliin- lane, and that the Main Roads Committee of the County Council had had the matter before them at their meeting on the 16th April.—Mr. Prince reported that he had endeavoured at the meeting of the Main Roads Committee to obtain a grant of Jb500 towards the repair of the road, and that the Main Roads Committee had recommended a grant of JB200. He (Mr. Prince) was of opinion that the Urban Council ought not to be called upon to pay more than £100 towards the cost of repairs, and the better plan would be to wait until they knew what the Holywell Rural Council would contribute.—Further consideration of the matter was deferred.-Tiic, Council confirmed the proceedings of the committee, and, in reply to Mr. \V. 11. Lioyd, the Chairman said that no exnen- sive repairs could De carried out until the meeting of the County Council in June. UNLIGHTED LAMPS. Mr. W. H. Lloyd reported at the Highway Com- mittee meeting that the lamp at Penyilan, by the Rock Bridge, had not been lighted for a fortnight. It was also mentioned that the lamp in Tavern- lane had not been lighted.-It was resolved to com- piaiti tQ the company of the unsatisfactory light- ing of the district.—The Surveyor requested the instructions of the committee as to the storage of lamps at the end of the season.—On the motion of Mr. J. Reney, seconded by Mr. E. Roberts, it was decided that the room in Cable-street, in the occupation of the surveyor, be rented for the pur- pose, and for the general use of the Council, at an annual rental of C4.-Tlils was confirmed. FIRE BRIGADE ARRANGEMENT. The General Purposes Committee, of which Mr. j. T. Humphreys was elected chairman, had appointed Messrs. E. Blane, U. Hughes, E. Roberts, J. Prince and T. J. Reney as a sub- committee to discuss with Mr. E. Sydney Taylor the proposed arrangement with the Sandycroft Fire Brigade. The sub-committee reported that Mr. E. Tay,or had expial ned the circumstances 01 the wojrking of the fire brigade. It was a private institution of his company's, and the services of the biigade were available in the district at any tIme. He suggested an annual subscription by the Council towards their fund. It was resolved that an annual subscription of JB5 be given for the services of the brigade, and that the best thanks of the committee be accorded to Mr. E. Sydney la3rlor for his courtesy in the matter.— lne proceedings of the committees were con- firmed. EMBANKMENT FOOTPATH. A sub-committee reported having visited the footpath leading along the embankment from the Borax NVorks in the direction of Hawarden, and that they were of opinion that the fence along the footpath on the east .side of the railway was an obstruction. They recommended that the Council should request the removal of the obstruction.— The recommendation was adopted. PUBLIC HEALTH Dr. J. Humphrey YVihiams was re-appointed medical officer of health, on the proposition of Mr. J. Prince, seconded by Mr. T. J. Reney. His report for the month ended 31st March recorded 18 births and three deaths, compared with 13 births and one death for the corresponding month of last year. Both the birth and the death rates were satisfactory. There were no zymotic diseases during the month, and the district was practically free from infectious disease.—The annual report of the medical officer of health to the Chester Port Sanitary Authority was laid before the Council. It recorded that the trade for the year had been of the same nature as in previous years, iron ore, timber, coal and firebricks being the chief materials. A much larger number of had been inspected than in former years. os of the vessels were satisfactory, but 70 notices were served on the masters for improvements, most Ol which were readily carried out. No notification was received during the year, and no sickness ap- peared on board. The hospital at Mostyn was in a fit condition for the reception of patients. SUNDAY SALE OF NEWSPAPERS. Mr. Coppack enquired whether the Council had any power for preventing the sale of newspapers and the hiring of cycles on Sundays.—In the course of a discussion Mr. Prince suggested that the mat- ter should be brought before the different churches. Mr. Coppack said it was not a matter of selling the newspapers in the street; they went to the doors of houses and asked' if they wanted the papers. The Chairman said he had not seen that. The Clerk (Mr. T. W. Hughes) explained that it was a matter for the police. It was competent for the Council to send to tho police a resolution complaining of it. Mr. Prince, who was on the Standing Joint Committee, might be able to do something. '1 Mr. Prince: If you make a proposition I will bring it forward. On the motion of Mr. Coppack, Mr. Prince was requested to bring the matter forward.

DEATH OF MR. MURLESS, RCABOX.—Intimation has been received at the Wynnstay Arms o_e Ruabon, that the landlord, Mr. P- i succumbed to enteric in South Afrwa. went out as sergeant major with the b.)th 1 ip^ Yeomanry about fourteen months ago. ini was a staunch Conservative, was a member of the Ruabon Parish Council since 1894, and was widely known as a successful farmer and stockbreeder. THROAT AFFECTIONS AND HOARSENESS. BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TUOCHVS, which hav« proved so successful in America for the Cure of Coughs Colds, Hoarseness, Bronchitis, Asthma, Catarrh, or any irritation or see. ness of the throat, a.re now imported ami solil in this country :it I,, i per box. Pnt iij, 4n the form of n. lozense it is the most convenient, pleasant, safe and sure reined; for elenring- aRd strengthening- the voice in the world. No family should be withont them. The eenuine have the words HEOWS'S BRONCHIAL TKOCHES" on the Government stamp arfltmd pacli box —London Depot: 33. Farringdon-iostd, and of all Patent Medicine Vendor;

NATUilAL HISTORY NOTES. (From" The Field.") » STARLING NESTING IN MAGPIE'S NEST. I hardly think this is so rare an occurrence as your correspondent imagines. Some years ago I found a. starling's nest with eggs in an old magpie's nest in the top of a tall Scotch fir. I have also found a starling's neet with young ones in an old rook's nest, and a starling's nest, with eggs, in an old squirrel's "drey" in a tall spruoe fir.-E. W. H. Blagg (Cheadle, Staffordshire). NUMBER OF EGGS LAID BY A TAWNY OWL. I shall be glad to know if any correspondent has noted the average number of eggs in a clutch of the tawny owl (S. aluco). While in Somerset- shire in March last, I hsd an opportunity of examining five nests, in all of whioh the birds were sitting hard on three eggs. I had thought that four was the usual number, although Mr. Saunders, in his "Manual," says three, four, and even six. I should be obliged for replies from personal observation.—N. G. MATERIALS OF MAGPIE'S NEST. On April 22 I found a magpie's nest, which, in addition to the usual lining of fibrous roots, con- tained a goodly amount of black horsehair. This may havo got there by chance, but I think not as there was too much of it. Although I have examined many magpie's nests, I have never before seen hair of any kind employed in the lining, and it strikes me as being distinctly unusual. J. A. Walpole Bond (Tynllwyn, Llan- fanedd, Builth, Breckonshire). BIRDS' NESTS IN PRIVET HEDGES. I have two privet hedges, one some 70 or 80 yards in length, and the other about 20. Though nests abound in other parts of the garden, I have never seen any in those, though one would have imagined them specially suitable for many birds. I also notice that birds do not seem to frequent these hedges as they do the neighbour- ing thorn hedges. Is it possible that the smell of privet is offensive to birds? I should be glad to know if others have noticed a similar instance —F. H. H. G. WHITE EGG OF GROUSE. When crossing the moors near Pen-y-ghent last week I came across a grouse's nest with ten eggs in it. Of these nine were the usual brown mottle, the remaining one white. Never having seen or hoard of a white one before, I wonder if any of your readers have. I havo asked several old sportsmen, but not one has observed such a thing. W. Foster. [Many birds which normally lay coloured eggs occasionally drop a white one. This is a mere accident arising from some injury to the glands which secrcte the colouring pig- ment, and as a result the egg is colourless.—Ed.] EARLY ARRIVAL OF THE SWIFT. The swift is usually one of the latest of our lummer migrants to arrive, seldom appearing before May 2 and 3. This year it has been re- ported from several localities in the south of England quite a week earlier than usual. For example, in the "Field" of April 26 Mr. R. H. Cecil" Baker announced that it had reached Exeter on April 21, and on the 25th five were seen by Mr. F. Penrose passing along the coast from west to east at Lynton, N. Devon. Throe days later Mr. H. E. Forrest, writing from Shropshire, reported some at Bewdlay. Yet further to the West, namely at Axbridge, Somersetshire, Mr. C. L. F. Edwards saw none until May 5, which is about the normal date for their arrival in that part of the country.—Ed. WILD ANIMALS AT PLAY. The note in your last number on fox and leveret playing reminded me of a curious inci- dent. I was watohing two rabbits feeding near some gorse, when a large stoat ran out of the gorse between the two rabbits, and began frisking about all round them, with his back arched up, like a ferret at play. The rabbits were not at all alarmed, and continued feeding, until one of them became annoyed by the stoat jumping just in front of his nose, and turned on him, and ohased him for twelve or fifteen yards up the hill. The stoat was apparently delighted at having roused the rabbit from his apathy, but, on the rabbit refusing to continue the game, he rolled over five or six times, and ran back into the gorse.—R. M. WHEATEAR IMITATING SONG OF LARK. On May 2 I heard a wheatear (Saxicola cenanthe) imitating in a wonderful and marked manner the song of a skylark. Many times pre- viously I had noticed a few of the notes of the skylark intermingled with the ordinary song of this species, but never listened to such a master- ful imitation as that exhibited by the bird alluded to. I watched it ascend from a stone wall several times to a height of from 7 to 10 yards at a slight angle; this performance was done in so ludicrous and clumsy a manner that one could hardly refrain from smiling at its attempts. Skylarks are very abundant in the vioinity, as also the corn bunting, and I have noticed that old ones ot the former occasionally give utterance to a jarring, unmusical note borrowed from the corn bunting. Indeed, not many years ago the lark catchers destroyed as many as they could for this reason. Rosse Butterfield (Wilsden, Bradford). CURIOUS SITE FOR SWALLOWS' NEST. A pair of swallows, presumably the same pair, rears two broods every year in the porch of St Paul's Church, Causeway Head, near Silloth. The first nest is attached to a chain hanging from the roof, which was once used for suspencb ing an oil lamp. The chain is an ordinary curb chain doubled. The nest is attached an inch or tv/o below the point where the chain is fastened to the roof, and in appearance, allowing for the difference of building material, is not unlike the nest of what, I think, is cailed the "paper" wasp, such as one sees attached to the twigs of tre9. Does net a swallow's nest of this kind upset the Old story that the swallow, through inattention to the lessons of her teacher tho magpie only learnt to build half a nest, and so stuck it against the wall to hide the deficiency? The second nest is stuciv in the usual way against the frontwaH o. the poroh, inside, where the remains of last years nest could bo scen.-(Rev.) Francis Lewis (St. Bees, Cumberland). AGE OF BULLFINCH. Having read in several books on birds that the average life of a bullfinch in oaptivity is from five to six years, it may interest some of your readers to know that I have had a bullfinch for twelve years. He is in splendid plumage, and iSeVL>ra^ sonSs very sweetly. I may mention that he has always been fed with a special mix- ^u,ret° seed, and I always give him river sand, wmch may have something to do with his Ions? life.-E. A. K. [The age which birds may attain in captivity affords no criterion of that which they reach in a wild state, for in the former case the continuous supply of food, the absence of wear and tear, and the protection from natural enemies must obviously tend to prolong the duration of life. A bullfinch of greater aab than that above mentioned has been reported. One that lived for nineteen years is noticed in Ihompson s Birds of Ireland" (vol. iii., p.467), and other small cage birds are recorded to have lived as long or longer. In the "Ibis" for 1899 (pp. 19-42) will be found a very instructive article on this subject by Mr. J. H. Gurney, who has brought together from various sources much curious information concerning the longevity cf birds.—Ed.] J

COUNTY POLICE COURT. -— SATURDAY —Before Mr. Trelawny, Colonel Miller, and Messrs. J. Pover and T. B. Richard- son. MOVING A PIG.—Charles Newport, farmer, Barrow, was fined Gd. and ordered to pay the costs, 4s. Gd., for moving a pig without having the necessary permit. A FREQUENT OFFENDER-Lydia Roscoe, of Primrose Hill, Ellesmere Port, who did not appear, was charged with being drunk and dis- orderly.—She was fined 10s. and costs.—The Chairman stated that she had been fined 10s. and costs six times and 5s. and costs once for a similar oifence. ELLESMERE PORT AGAIN.-Bertha Knight summoned Wilfred Grimes for assault, and Ann Grimes, mother of the other defendant, summoned Bertha Knight for a like offence. The parties live at Sunnyside, Ellesmere Port, and it seemed that they had some unpleasantness, which culminated in some discreditable language and the alleged assaults. The Chairman said the Bench could make very little out of the case and considered one as bud as the other. They bound each over in £5 to keep the Eeace, and ordered the parties to pay the costs etween them. ALLEGED THEFT AT THE STATION. Agnes Wilson, of Liverpool, was charged with stealing on the previous afternoon a Gladstone bag, valued at £5, the property of the L. and N.-W. Railway Company.—Prisoner pleaded not guilty.— Detective Throstle said that on the;, previous after- noon he received information that a Gladstone bag had been stolen from off the platform at the General Railway Station. It appeared that a lady named Miss F. M. Butcher was travelling from Glasgow to Colwyn Bay. he got out of the train at Chester and placed the bag in question on the platform, telling a porter to take it to the Colwyn Bay train. A few.minItes later the bag disappeared, and on a search being made two railway employes found the bag in possession of the prisoner, who was. III a third class compartment of a Birkenhead train. Prisoner was afterwards taken into custody, and on the platform she became very violent, giving one of the inspectors a black eye.—Miss Butcher, at present staying at the Y.W.C.A. house, Colwyn Bay, identified the bag, and said she remembered seeing the prisoner on the platform, where she left the bag in charge of the porter.—Prisoner was remanded for a week.

KAISER'S CONCESSION.—In a rescript addressed to the Statthalter of Alsace-Lorraine the German Emperor authorises that official to enter into com- munication with the Imperial Chancellor with a view to the abolition of what is known as the Dictatorship Paragraph in the Law of 1871, with reference to the government of the conquered provinces.

4!. for Children. [ < The extremely nourishing qualities and c > exquisite natural flavour of Van Houten's y Cocoa recommend it for children as well as p z for adults. It is a powerful aid in promoting ) 5 the growth and strength of the young. It t r furnishes the necessary material for forming ? j blood, brain, bone and muscle, and is as X c delicious to the taste as it is beneficial to < health. lft N t I /0 f!f!

IIESWALI,. THE LATE ME. S. RI-NG.-Before commencing business at the Birkenhead Bankruptcy Court on Friday Mr. Registrar Cave made a feeling reference to the death of Mr. Samuel Ring, deputy official receiver. His Honour said he very sincerely re- gretted the sad event. Mr. Ring had been attending regularly at the court for some years, and he was most courteous and painstaking in his work. He would be very much missed.

ROWTON. DEATH OF MR. W. CAWLEY.-We regret to state that Mr. William Cawley, farmer, Rowton, died suddenly at his residence early on Thursday morning. Deceased, who was about GO years of age, had been in indifferent health for some time. When he was a young man Mr. Cawley lived in Texas for some years. He had travelled exten- sively, and had many interesting experiences to relate. Deceased was a churchwarden at Christleton Church, and a member of the Parish Council. He was a director of the firm of Messrs. Arthur Waring and Company, tanners, Warrington. Mr. Cawley was noted for his straightforward and kindly dis- position, and he had a wide circle of friends. Much sympathy is expressed for his widow, who was a Miss Hughes, of The Beachin.

MOLD. ALLEGED BRUTAL ATTACK ON A SlSPER. Before the Mold justices on Tuesday afternoon, George O'Neil, labourer and fish hawker, of 3, Milford-street, was charged in custody with inflicting grievous bodily harm upon his unmarried sister, Mary Ann ONeil. Mr. J. B. Marston prosecuted, and the application of the prosecutrix for leave to withdraw the charge was refused. The evidence was to the effect that the parties reside with their father, who keeps a common lodging- house. On Saturday night prisoner, who was intoxicated, struck his sister a violent blow in the face, with the result that when medically examined she was found to be suffering from a fractured cheek bone, contused eye, and bruises on the right side of the face.—The accused, who pleaded that he was drunk and did not remember what had happened, was committed for trial at the quarter sessions and liberated on bail.

N ETON. Mrs. Ellen Stonehouse, widow of the late Jaises Stonehouse, died on Thursday at her residence in Parkgate-road, Neston. She was in her ninetieth year, and retained her faculties until the last, being confined to her bed only one day. Mr. Stonehouse, who died on the same day of the same month twelve years ago, also aged over eighty, was the author ot several books on o;d Liverpool, which are still being re-printed, and are con- sidered as authorities. DEATH.—An intimation reached Neston on Thursday morning to the effect that Mr. James Norman, eldest son of Mr. Thomas Norman, of West V iew, Neston, died at Toronto on April 19tli. Deceased, who was only 4U years of age, and unmarried, had resided at Toronto for over twenty years, and was very highly respected. There was a large attendance at the funeral, and the floral tributes were very numerous. The cause of death was phthisis,

u SAIH/UAIX, DEATH OF MRS. SNELL-Mrs. gneli, widow of the late Mr. Thomas Snell, passed away I early last week. Deceased, who was highly respected, had been a resident of Saughali for 74 years, and had lived in the same house for 52 years. Up to the last her memory was unimpaired, and she was able to converse on any subject. She was a kind and sympathetic friend to anyone in trouble, and was a devout Christian. The funeral took place on Wednesday, at Shotwick Parish Church, the vicar (the Rev. F. Wansbrough) officiatisg. Before the funeral, prayer was offered in the house by the Rev. C. F. Cross, a former vicar of the parish. The coffin, which was of polished oak, with brass mountings, bore the fol- low ngInscript Ion:Ellen Sneil, born 1820; died 1902." A beautiful wreath was given by the daughters, and the Hon. Mrs. Trelawny sent a splendid cross. Among those present at the funeral were Mrs. Ramsden, Mrs. Boon and Mrs. Denny (daughters), Mr. Ramsden (London), Mr. T. Williams, Mr. Fryer, Mrs. Bithell, Mr. and Mrs. John Moores, Mrs. Jones and Miss Jones (Gato Inn), Mrs. Norton, Mrs. Marshall, Mr. and Mrs. J. Mawby, Mr. and Mrs. Foulkes, Mr. R. Bithell, Mr. T. Crump, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Woods, etc.

FRODSHAM. SCHOLASTIC APPOINTMENT. — For the vacant headmastership of Frodsham Endowed Boys' School there were over 300 applications. These were reduced to three, and Mr. John Cragg,' of Runcorn, has been appointed to the post. Mr. Cragg has had a successful career as semor assistant master at Runcorn Board Schools for eight years ASCENSION DAY.—According to custom, the children attending the various day schools in the parish assembled for games at Overton on Ascension Day morning, and subsequently attended a special service in the parish church at eleven o'clock, when Ascension hymns were heartily sung and the Vicar (the Rev. H. B. Blogg) gave an appropriate address. A holiday was given in the afternoon to the children. PRESENTATION.-On Wednesday evening an interesting presentation in the form of a Bible was given to Mr. Stokes on behalf of the members of the Frodsham Bridge Mens' Bible Class. The vicar being unavoidably absent, the Rev. T V. Garnier presented the book and read a letter from the vicar, in which he bore testimony to the value of Mr. Stokes's earnest and faithful efforts to promote the spiritual welfare of his neighbours. By the generosity of a few fricnds, a tea was provided, and Mr. Jones also arranged a pleasant concert. The whole affair was most successfully planned as a surprise to Mr Stokes, who was evidently much pleased at receiving labours'1 gra ul rec°gniti«n of his devoted

+-- MALPAS. P-,IRISH COUNCIL.-A meeting of this Council was held on Tuesday night in the Jubilee Hall. Ihero were present Mr. Danily (chairman), Messrs. E. Battarbee, J. Eaton, H. T. Hesketli, J. W. ycherley, J. Huxley and W. Bentley (clerk).- n„ P,elrk presented several accounts, including »i „ fr o s if lighting for the'past season; tul S~ f,TOm Mr" J- Huxley, lieutenant of tlie fare brigade, for expenses incurred for pumpers, etc., at the recent fire at Bickley, and cheques were drawn for the same.-The Clerk stated that the tender of Mr. Eaton for laying the new service Pipes through the Wyvern premises had been con- nrmed by the District Council.-Mr. Eaton inti- mated that as soon as the ground had been levelled no was in readiness to commence the work.-The Clerk stated the consumption of the town supply of water for the past month For the week ending April 4th, 126,800 gallons; April 11th, 155.300'; 18th, 170,900; 25th, 133,500; May 2nd, 142,000. The figures shewed a decrease on the precediii month.—It was decided to ask the District Council to purchase another water meter, so that tests could be made in special cases of large consump- tion of water. The proposed cottage buildin" scneme was discussed, and it was intimated that i -VS a? c,V'lo^\lon(lol(,y was not prepared to build. Mr. St. John Charlton had intimated he would be prepared to consider anv exchange of and that would be more eligible for building on than the Moss Land.-It was ultimately decided ,v that the members of the Council should meet on I f? mornillo to survey two suggested sites, one ot winch was in Church-street, now in the occupa- tion ot Mr. J. Eaton, who very magnanimously had consented to give up the tenancy for the good of the town if it. was required for building cot- tages upon. The other site was at the Oathills, on the Station-road, now in the occupation of Mr. W. WooIIey.

¡ WREXHAM. DEATH OF A SURVEYOR.-The death of Mr. W. L. Walker, surveyor for the Wrexham district of the Wrexham Rural District Council took place on Tuesday. Mr. Walker was a young man of marked abilities, and was only recently appointed surveyor. He was only taken ill on Thursday.

ALDFORD. DANCE.—A dance, in aid of the Homes for Retired Teachers' Bazaar to be held in Chester at the end of this month, took place in the institute on Tuesday evening. The weather was unfavourable but, in spite of this, 60 were present. The duties of pianist were performed by Mr. J. B. Brownson, of Chester, and Messrs. George Taylor and Evan Price acted as M.C. s.

-+ HA WARDEN. Miss Thorn was credited with the remark at the « !nt;ctlllfr of the Board of Guardians to the effect that they would not give beer to the inmates of the W orkhouse on the occasion of the Coronation festivities The observation ought to have been attributed to another member, for Miss Thorn, as a matter of fact, supported the proposal to give the inmates a glass of beer.

TARPORLEY HIGHWAY EXPENDITURE. The com- mittee appointed to consider the Surveyor's estimate of expenditure on the highways for the ensuing year, with a view to reducing it to permit of a 2s being levied, have reduced the estimated expenditure in Tarporley from E187 16s. to R155 3s. 6d., in Utkmton from B239 12s. to kl89 2s., in Rushton from ~106 5s. to 1:143 19s., and in Eaton from Cl98 15s to £ 164 5s.

ELLESMERE PORT QUEEN VICTORIA NURSING FU-iND.-The sum of £ 5 2s. 3d. has been collected on behalf of the Queen Victoria !Nnrsing Fund, and forwarded to the general treasurer. POLICE CHANGES.—P.C. Whiteley has removed to ?\antwich to aot there as dirisional clerk. Although the officer has not had a long residence here, the public have learned to appre- ciate his work.

ROSSETT. flfS CJ4;SE*~We are inarmed upon good authority that the appeal against the magistrates' decision regarding the fishing case has been abandoned, the period allowed for notice to be given having: expired. ACCIDENT. James Fleet, goods porter at Kossett Station, met with an accident on Thurs- day evening. While he was covering a truck with a tarpaulin sheet a rope broke, causing him to fall and break his right leg. Dr. Godfrey Roberts was speedily in attendance, and Fleet ft_ was shortly afterwards conveyed to his home at oaltney upon a special train that happened to ba passing through.

RUABON. •TEW ELLEU s ADVENTURE.—An extraordinary case of robbery with violence was heard at Ruabon Police Court on Monday. Evidence was given to thp. effect that a travelling jeweller, named Raper- tert, arrived at Rhos, and on Saturday night, under pretence of finding him lodgings, he was decoved to the house of Edward Jones, alias Delph.. As soon as they entered the house the lights were put Qut. Rapertert was then assaulted and oruelly ill- treated by Jones and another man named VI. H Hughes, Kelk. While the ill-usage was going on Jones's wife took Rapertort's h.mcj-bag. containing £ 12 worth of jewellery, upstairs and threw it through the window to Hughes. The men were arrested by Sergeant Lee on Sunday night, and the woman was taken into custody on Monday. The three prisoners were remanded.

GRESFORD. CROWNING THE MAY QUEEN. The ceremony of crowning the May Queen took place on Friday last upon the green. Although the weather was not altogether favourable, everything passed off very satisfactorily. The children, dressed 111 white and carrying staffs decorated with flowers, met at the Girls' National Schools, where the pro- cession was formed, the ex-Queen (Miss Frances Williams) accompanied the new Queen with her maids of honour, trumpeters, &c., to the dais where the throne had been prettily decorated with flowers and evergreens. The ex-Queen performed the ceremony of crowning the new Queen, Miss Annie Lloyd, who gave a suitable address, at the con- clusion of which she received the congratulations of her maids of honour. Suitable music was rendered by the children, Miss Calbely acting as accompanist. At the close all took part in the May-pole dance, the children shewing that they had been remarkably well trained.

DENBIGH. T,ORD ABERDEEN AT HOWELL'S SCHOOL.—On Saturday evening the Earl of Aber- deen, on his way from the installation of the Prince of Wales at Carnarvon, visited the Howell's School for Girls, Denbigh, at the invitation of Miss Beloe, B.A., the head mistress. He was met by the Lord Bishop of St. Asaph (chairman) and other governors, and he thoroughly inspected the school and the work of higher education for girls going on there. Subsequently, at a gathering of the scholars, governors, and friends, the Bishop introduced Lord Aberdeen, who counselled the girls to make the most of the great opportunities given them at the school, and indicated the means of educational advancement conferred. He laid special stress on the girls fostering the spirit of sympathy with each other in their work, and to help on the name and fame of that excellent school by the cultivation of that spirit of sympathy which it was one of the aims of the teaching there to cultivate.

NORTH WICH7 BAND AND THEIR BANDMASTER.-On Monday at the County Court, before his Honour Judge Bowen Rowlands, the representatives of the band of the 2nd Cheshire Volunteers brought an action against Thomas Sadler, until recently the bandmaster, for the recovery of a cornet, music stand, and music books, or in the alternative £6 10s. damages.—The case for the plaintiffs was that the defendant and other members of the band absented themselves on practice nights and commenced play- ing at dances. On this a resolution was passed calling upon them to resign and to return their instruments, uniform, &c. Sadler was a paid servant of the band, but be contended that he had an equal share in all the property of the band, and that before he surrendered anything at all the instruments. &c must be sold and the proceeds divided.—The plaintiffs contended that the instru- ments, &c., had been largely raised by public sub- scription, and that defendant had no right whatever to any portion of the property.—His Honour made an order for the return of the instrument and other things, the liberty of the action generally being adjourned to enable the defendant to formulate a counter claim for wrongful dismissal, &c.

BUKT EI,ECTION. -poll inm for the election of a Parliamentary representative of Bury to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. James Kenyon (U) took place on Saturday, and resulted in the return of Mr. G. Toulmin (R) hy a majority of 414 over Mr. H. Lawson (U). ADVICE TO AIOTHKKS -Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pains of cutting teeth ? Go at once to :L 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 pleisaiit 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. lid. per bottle.