The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

AGRICULTURE. 4. DISAPPOINTING OUTLOOK. It is rather disappointing to have to record as the weeks come round that so little progress has been made in regard to matters agricultural, and that we remain practically at a stand still; but so it is. It is many years since we had such inclement weather in May as we are having this year, or such varia- tions in the temperature. Of late the atmospheric conditions have become somewhat modified, and there seems an end for <the time at least of frosts, though cold winds prevail after sundown; but so great have been the changes, and so persistently has the wind lingered in1 che north and east, that we can scarcely tell what to expect from day to day, and it may happen that when these lines reach the reader a reaction has taken place, and the com- plaints of cold may be keen as ever. Locally, as the reader needs no reminding, we have had a pretty good supply of rain of late, but the real position of affairs may be somewhat estimated by a statement made at the Ashton-under-Lyne Town Council during the week The chairman of the Waterworks Committee said he "wished to draw the attention of the public to the fact that they were in a very serious position as regarded the supply of water. They supplied a population of ltiU,000 inhabitants, and they were now a hundred million gallons worse off than they were this time last year, and if great care were not exercised there would be a water famine this summer. On the following day the committee would probably con- sider and decide on a restriction of the supply." This, to say the least, is an "early groan," and it is to be hoped will not represent the normal state of things later on. Again, the "Agricultural Gazette" says:—"The season must be pronounced late, harsh, dry, and unpromising. The early hay crop has undoubtedly suffered, although there is a good deal of grass in the pastures. The apparent difficulty in ram- making suggests the wish for some treatment whereby the bound-up state of the atmosphere could be opened. Cloud we have in abundance, but a confined condition, due to some unknown cause, prevents any continuous fall. It is a pity to relinquish the hope of a fine season which was prevalent a fortnight ago, and experience has taught us that this is a spring of surprises, and it may yet turn out better than aupearances now warrant." Owing to holiday influences, the demand for cheese this week has been very quiet; but as there is little of fine quality on offer, holders have been firm and not disposed to make con- cessions. There is a tendency to rush the market with new Cheshire, the supply being beyond the demand and prices easier in conse- quence. Quotations in the Manchester market, however, are still from 65s. to 70s. per 1201b. for finest; fine, 58S. to 62s.; and medium and lower grades 56s. to 53s. Finest Canadian, September- Octobers, where available, are quoted at 62s. to 63s., coloured white, 59s. to 60s. per cwt.; fine to finest, 58s. to 60s.; finest new, 558. to 58s.; and fair samples, 54s. to 56s. New Zealand in fair request at 59s. to 60s. THE R.A.S.E. AND ITS PRESIDENTSHIP. The Royal Agricultural Society has now entered into possession of the land which it has acquired at Ealing for a permanent showyard, and it is hoped that the show will be held there next year. In reply to the resolution recently passed by the council, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales has written cordially accepting the office of President for the ensuing year, and expressing the hope that the first exnibition on the London show- ground may be as successful as that at Man- chester, which was held when his Royal Highness lasl, occupied the position. BRITISH DAIRY FARMERS AND COLONIAL BUTTER. At a meeting of the council of the Britisn Dairy Farmers' Association, held last week, it was decided to provide two classes for colonial butter at the next dairy show in October. There will be one class for salt butter and one for fresh, in boxes containing not less than 561b. The stocks of New Zealand butter on the English markets were exhausted last week, but have since been reinforced by the arrival of the Gothic with about 6,800 boxes of butter, which has been meeting a ready sale at 102s. to 104s. per cwt. for "choicest" brands and 96s. to 100s. for "finest." The Wakanui is due on May 21st with about 2,000 boxes, and Messrs. Weddel state in their report that this will close the New Zealand season. Canadian butter is now coming forward, and will be the only colonial butter on our markets until September or October next. THE TRADE WITH ARGENTINA. Much satisfaction is felt by agriculturists, and indeed among the general public, at the re- opening of the ports of Argentina to English stock; but it goes Without saying that it would be much more appreciable if the same could be said of our own ports respecting the vice versa position of affairs. There is no doubt, however, that the Board of Agriculture is right in con- tinuing the enforced restrictions on this side, although the state of affairs is particulary irk- some at the present crisis. There can be no doubt, however, that Mr. Hanbury, whose ap- pointment to the presidency of the Board was considerably criticised at the time, has given great practical proof of his fitness for the office and of sincerity in his aesire to sympathise with agriculturists. He is understood to have told a deputation of the Meat Traders' Association who waited on him the other day with the object of securing the removal of the present restrictions on the importation of Argentine cattle that, while fully realising the importance of Argentina as a source of supply to this country, he could c give no definite promise as to when our ports would be open, but that communications were passing between our Government and the Argentine, and he hoped at no distant date to be able to give a favourable reply. It is under- stood that tne country can now shew a clean bill of health as regards foot-and-mouth disease. Messrs. Alfred Mansell and Co., of Shrewsbury, nave recently shipped from Liverpool for Senor Ricardo B. Zimborain, of Buenos Ayres, thirty- two Shropshire ewes and two rams, from the Harrington dispersion. The same firm have also recently shipped from Liverpool, on behalf of Mr. H. T. Harding, 6 high-class bulls (3 Herefords and 3 Shorthorns) from leading breeders, and a choice selection of Shropshire' and Hampshire sheep, including a valuable Shrop- '•J ? RAN^(^ROM Mr. J. Harding by the 150-guinea S IJ-D-Q- and another equally good sire by Maidstone Juvenal," 2nd R.A.S.E. Maidstono. F XF *?G WAS fortunate enoueh to secure ^OWN ™A- EI MA»SELL'S famous" flock 4 welh PROWN rains by Strong Bone" and "Bright Th,lcil Aare described as equal to anything exported to Argentina. THE LAMB CROP. Now that the lambing season is over, except per- naps in some remote nortnern localities, the dis- position becomes natural to take a retrospective estimate, as tar as possible, of the situation, as regards the crop, so-cailud, from the reports that nave been furnished as the time of lambing has passed. And principally it may be said that there has been little or nothing to complain of in tne number of iambs dropped or mortality among the ewes. But, as the "Times" remarks, the question arises as to how many of the ewes re- turned as kept for breeding purposes in 1901 were ready put into the breeding tioek in the suc- ceeding autumn. The number of such ewes last year was returned at 10,lbl,830; but the shortness of hay and straw, tho discouraging prospects of the root crops, and the autumn drought, were all factors the tendency of wnicii wotud be to reduce the proportion oi ewes turned out at tupping time, and to swell the number sent to the butcher. time, and to swell the number sent to the butcher. As against this it is necessary to remember, how- ell (Irl that twin lambs have probably been above the average, and this shou.A tend to keep up the numbers when the annual census is taken a month hence. In making any estimate the varying per- centage of twins is a factor by no means to be neglected, for the annual returns shew that whereas in 1897 every 100 ewes left 104 lambs, in 1899 the same number of ewes left only 88 lambs. Up to 1883 no return was made of the ewes kept for breeding, so there are no means for instituting a comparison between ewes and iambs in the period prior to 1393. As to the dimensions of the crop ot lambs in Great Britain this season, there is no apparent reason for estimating the total fall to be less than ten million head. The annual ad- dition to our Hocks has not sunk below this level in any year since 1895, while over the six inter- vening years the number of lambs has varied be- tween 10,737,617 in 18T9 and 10,114,742 in 1897. A PROSPECTIVE DROUGHT. .Notwithstanding the fair fall of rain experienced in the Cheshire district recent.y. there is much complaint of feared drought and consequently dry and unproductive summer in the southern half oi the country, and many correspondents are already writing in anything but a cheerful tone respecting the future out:ook. Says one, writing from the Midlands: Unfortunately warmth and moisture, at any rate in adequate proportions, are just the things that have been lacking, and the deficiency in the latter becomes more threaten- ing each week. In London the fall was only 0.48in. in April, and for the four months no more than 3.57:n., or 3.27in. below the 35 years' average, although that period covered several of the recent dry seasons. Then again, the writer on agricul- ture in "The Field" takes A most lugubrious view of the aspect of affairs. He says The shortage in the year's rainfall, is unpleasantly, but cor- rectly, reflected in the enfeebled state of the springs and the shrunken condition of the ponds. From all quarters, particularly in the southern counties, the same story is told of the scarcity of surface water, the flow from the spring's and the reserves in the ponds not having been so low at this season of the year within living memory. Little wonder that the summer is being anticipated with con- siderable misgiving, for experience does not war- rant the hope that spring deficiencies will be made good, or even that the position will be maintained, in the summer months. The accumulated evidences of many years suggest rather that the position wili be worse before it can be better. He points out that, obviously, the duty of all stockowners who consider their ordinary sources of feed supplies menaced by deficient moisture is to fortify their position by planting what areas they can with one or other of the deep rooting crops that are prac- tically unaffected by drought, and that prosper to best advantage in seasons of intense and sus- tained heat. Cheshire agriculturists might take the hint with advantage by studying the probable future and acting accordingly.

THE WEATHER AND THE CROPS. Cheshire farmers are already suffering severely from the unfavourable weather. The recent frosts practically spoiled the early potato crops in many parts of the country, the haulms sprouting above the ground being rendered quite black and the growth of the young tubers effectively stopped. The season will therefore be very late, and one of the effects has been to send up the price of last season's potatoes from 50 to 75 per cent. more money. The continuance of the .cold, damp weather, and the absence of sunshine is very in- juriously affecting the dairy farmer. There is a great scarcity of grass, which in normal seasons at this time should afford a good pasturage for stock. Cake and other artificial feeding stuffs have to be resorted to, and the increased expense is a very serious item, especially to dairy farmers. In many districts milk producers give notice that they are not able to reduce the price of milk to the usual summer level on account of the unfavourable weather and the increased cost of feeding stuffs.

THE MILK SUPPLY TO TOWNS. In the House of Commons, on Friday night, Mr. Tollemache asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his attention had been drawn to the loss and inconvenience caused to dairy farmers owing to the manner in which urban authorities occasionally used their powers in con- nection with the milk supply in their respective districts; whether he was aware that a clause enabling a farmer who could prove unfair treat- ment by an urban authority to recover compensa- tion had been introduced into several local Acts, among others into the Leeds Corporation Act, 1901, and the Brighton Corporation Act, 1901 and, seeing that a similar clause dealing with infec- tious diseases had been introduced into the London County Council Bill of this session, whether he would, in conjunction with the Local Government Board, endeavour to secure the insertion of similar clauses into all future bills promoted by local authorities.—Mr. Hanbury replied My answer to both questions is in the affirmative.

BUTTER NOT KEEPING. (From The Field.") I write to ask your advice on the following sub- ject. I have been much troubled lately with my butter; it is churned twice weekly, and very care- fully washed and all buttermilk pressed out. Never- theless, it is very good for twenty-four hours after churning, then becomes very cheesy tasted. The cows are now getting one peck of middlings (coarse) and chaff, besides what they get when turned out. I should be very much obliged if you can give me any idea of the cause of this nasty flavour, as I have never had it before—BLOUXTS. [The flavour in your butter is owing to the presence of an objectionable organism, which finds its way into the cream owing to some uncleanly habit in the cowhouse or the dairy. See that the milker washes his hands and the cow's udder before milking, and that his pail and strainer are absolutely pure, having been cleaned with bdiling water or steam. Next turn out the dairy, remove every utensil into the open air, lime wash the walls, scour the benches and floor, clean every utensil to perfection, leaving no corner untouched. Then bring IN the cream, and you will certainly find that the butter is no longer what it was. If you can obtain a pint of butter- milk from some first-class dairy, add it to your cream to assist ripening. The inoculation will help to impiove the flavour.-ED.J

MILK SUPPLY TO LIVERPOOL. CHESHIRE FARMERS APPEAL. Mr. James Sadler, the Secretary of the Cheshire Milk Producers' Association, on Wednesday for- warded to Mr. H. J. Tollemache, M.P. for the Eddisbury division of Cheshire, for presentation to the Board of Agriculture, a statement of the facts in the proceedings taken by the Liverpool Corporation against Mr. A. Ward, farmer, Darnhall Mills, who was alleged to have sent tuberculous milk to Liverpool, together with the comments of the council of the association thereon. The points which the council of the association now emphasise are that the cow from which the milk was obtained was sent away and slaughtered tlia, same day as the complaint was made; that the order prohibiting Mr. Ward's milk supply to Liverpool was made after the cause of the com- plaint had been removed; and that no change whatever had taken place in the condition of Mr. Ward's-cows or in his milk supply from January 13th, after the suspected cow had been removed, until April 17th, when the Corporation saw fit to withdraw the order which they had mado on January 24th. The council were strongly of opinion that the Liverpool Corporation inflicted a gross injustice upon Mr. Ward, inasmuch as their action in the first instance was arbitrary; that there never was a sufficient reason why a pro- hibitory order should be made against his milk supply; that if any such reason did exist it exists to-day, and the order ought not to have been with- drawn at all, as the conditions were precisely the same; that Mr. Ward's business has been inter- fered with in an unreasonable manner, and that for a period of twelve weeks he has been sub- jected to inconvenience, annoyance and loss, for which no redress can be obtained.

AGRICULTURISTS' SUCCESSES. At the Prescot Agricultural Show on Thursday, Mr. Charles Bell, Norley, took second prize in the stock bull over two- years-old class second, in the draught colt foaled in 1901 class first, in the draught filly foaled in 1900 class; first, in the filly foaled in 1899 class; and first in the shire stallion class. Mr. Robert Jeffs, Hapsford, was third in the filly foaled in 1900 class. Mr. F. V. Grange. Farndon, took third place in the class for jumpers FARMERS AND URBAN MILK SVPPLY. In view of the loss and inconvenience caused to dairy farmers owing to the manner in which urban authorities occasionally use their power in con- nection with the milk supply in their respective districts, the President of the Board of Agriculture has given a promise that he will, in conjunction with the Local Government Board, endeavour to secure the insertion in all future Bills promoted by in local authorities of a clause enabling farmers who can prove unfair treatment by an urban authority to recover compensation. CARLISLE WHITSUNTIDE HIKINGS.—The Whit- sun tide hirings of farm servants were held at Carlisle on Saturday in wet and stormy weather. There was a large attendance of all classes of servants, and these being the first hirings in the district high wages were asked all round. The best class of men asked up to £ 20 for the half-year ending Martinmas next, but £ 16 or £ 17 was, generally speaking, the highest wages obtained', anything above this being exceptional. Second- class men were engaged at from £ 10 to £ 1.3, and lads at from about £ 5 to C8, according to their age and capability. Women were scarce and difficult to hire, engagements being come to at kl2 and £ 13 for the most experienced. Others obtained from or £10 upwards, while girls were hired at from £5 to £ 8, according to their age and usefulness. On the whole the hirings were slow and dragging.

Horniman's specially blended Coronation Tea is now being packed in .-lb. and l-lb. handsomely decorated tins, to commemorate the CORONATION of His MAJESTY KING EDWARD VII. and his CONSORT, QUEEX ALEXANDRA. Can be obtained at— I Chester: Spencer, 3(5, Bridge street Co operative Society; Moss, ü8, Brook street Cryer, 25, Christleton-road Jones & Davies, bakers, Hoolc. Neston: Lee, chemist. Little Sutton: Swindells, baker. Tarvin: Langford, grocer. Birkenhead J lay wood, chemist. Rhuddlnn. Roberts, grocer. New Ferry Fawcett, cheuii*t Upper Brighton Somerville, Garrat, chemist Bromborough Pool Co-op. Society. Mynydd Isa Co-op. Society. Tattenhall Batonian. Mold Junction: Co-op. Society. Buckley: Everall, grocer. Queen's Ferry Spark's Stores. THE DEE ESTATES.—In the King's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice on Wednesday the case of The King v. The Dee Estates, Limited, came before the Lord Chief Justice and Mr. Justice Channell, sitting as a Divisional Court, on an application for the issue of a writ of certiorari to remove an indictment for trial into the High Court. Mr. S. Moss. who made the application, read an affidavit by Mr H. G. Roberts, solicitor, of Mold, Flintshire, and clerk to the Hawarden Rural District Council, from which it appeared that the inspector to the Hawarden Rural District Council, named Lloyd, laid an information against the Dec Estates before the Hawarden justices, under section 94 of the Highways Act of 1835, alleging that higher Ferry Lane, in the parish of Sealand, was out of repair, and that the Dee Estates, Limited, were liable to keep the highway in repair. The defendants denied their liability, whereupon the justices ordered an indictment to be preferred against the defendants. The motion now was that tne indictment should be removed into this court. The Court granted the writ of certiorari, making it absolute in the first instance. Tfcsre is Security la | A RW dropi on the toothbnuB every morniug WITTLE I pius' S0Z000BT m Sweeten the Breath all day, jBt&flESSiiy and make all the dilFerence bo- A!»solute!v cure Sick IlencI- tneen ache. Biliousness. Dizziness, Good Teeth and Bad Teeth, Torpid Liver. Constipation, White Teeth and Yellow Teeth. Indigestion, Furred Tongue, pretty Teeth and Ugly Teeth. They Touch tne Liver. „ t r n OTco*o Coniple.e i;t I oi.ot C.a'-e, witb X* »ttro they are ChRftRS. xooUi Powder, suo.

FLINTSHIRE POLICE COMMITTEE. [By OUB OWN REPORTER.] A meeting of the Flintshire Standing Joint Committee was held at Mold on Thursday, Mr. R. Llew. Jones (Rhyl) presiding over a small attend- ance. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Mr. R. Llew. Jones was unanimously re-elected chairman for the ensuing year. THE CLERK OF THE PEACE. Mr. H. J. Roberts asked whether the Clerk of the Peace had found a residence in Mold or dis- trict yet, as he understood that when Mr. Bromley was appointed to that offioe, there was a dofinite understanding that he should reside in Mold. Dr. Humphrey Williams and Mr. Astbury sup- ported the remarks of Mr. Roberts, stating that it was clearly understood that Mr. Bromley would take up his residence in Mold. The Clerk explained that he had not yet been able to find a suitable houso in Moid or neigh- bourhood, and had continued to iive at Rhyl. He had been advised that it was not necessary for him to reside in Mold, but if the committee thought it was he would bow to their decision. CHIEF CONSTABLE'S REPORT. The Chief Constable (Major Webber) submitted his report, which shewed that during the quarter ending 31st March there were 24 indiotable offences reported, for which 17 persons were ap- prehended, six persons proceeded against by sum- mons, and one case was undetected. Of the 23 persons proceeded against 22 were dealt with sum- marily, and one committed or bailed for trial. In the corresponding quarter last year thejaumber of offences committed was 20," and the number of persons proceeded against 19. Four were dis- charged, 14 were summarily convicted, and cne was committed for trial, while one case was tln- detected. During the last quarter there were also 203 persons proceeded against for non-indictable offences, of whom 164 were convicted, 23 dis- charged, and in 13 oases the charges were with- drawn. Of the 164 persons convicted, seven were for assauits, 25 under the Elementary Education Acts, 64 for drunkenness, and throe for offences under the Poor Law and Vagrancy Acta. In the corresponding quarter last year 186 persons were proceeded against, 29 discharged and 157 con- victed, while in 10 cases the charges were with- drawn. Four fully-lioenscd houses were proceeded against during the quarter and convicted. Ihe new police station at Prestatyn had been formally handed over to him. His estimata for pay and contingencies for the months of July, August and September shewed a total of £ 1,550. His estimate of the total approximate amount required for police purposes during the quarter ending 31st March, 1903, was 96,600. On account of the visit of the Prinoe and Princess of Wales to Rhyl, he was obliged to make special police arrangements for that day. The total oost amounted to iI bout 85. Mr. R. Jones observed that the amounts of the fines imposed upon licensed appeared to bo disproportionate. Three free nouses were fined respectively 60s. and oosts, 100s. and oosts, and 40s. and costs, while one tied house was fined the small amount of 10s. and costs. He asked for en ex- planation of this. The Chief Constable replied that be was not in a position to make an explanation, as it vas a magisterial affair. Colonel Messham pointed out that the offenoes for which the houses were fined were of a different character, one being Sunday opening, another eeiiing to drunken persons, and another for adul- teration of spirits. THE ROYAL VISIT. COST OF POLICE ARRANGEMENTS. Dr. Humphrey Wililaana asked if the Chief Con- stable expected to rooeive a cheque from the Rhyl authorities for the eum expended in the ponco arrangements on the oocasion of the Royal visit to that town. Mr. John Jones (Prestatyn): I propose we ask the Rhyl Council for a oheque. The Chairman pointed out that the hospital which their Royal Highnesses opened was not merely a local one. It would benefit a very large area, including the whole of Flintshire, and it only happened that it was situated at Riiyl. Surely the county of Flint would not grudge to pay its share of cost in the protection and con- venience of the Prince and Princess of Wales in any part of the county they might visit. He hoped they would not regard tins matter from a parochial point of view, but rather from a oounty, if not an Imperial, point of view. (Hear, h.^ar.) The police arrangements were excellently carried out, and he thought the Chief Constable and his subordinate officers were to be congratulated upon the excellent way that everything passed off. On the occasion of the Royal visit in 1894 the cost of the police arrangements was Lli8 6d. 5d., and the county paid it without any hesitation. Colonel Messham said the Prince of Wales him- self expressed great satisfaction at the police and military arrangements at. Rhyl. He did not think any would grudge the payment by the county of that very small item. Tho Prince had con- ferred a great benefit to Rhyl and the whole of Flintshire by coming to open a hospital which would be an immense benefit. to suffering chil- dren, not only in Flintshire, but far and wide in England. Mr. J. Philip Jones I take it his Royal High- ness' visit to Rhyl was a visit to Flintshire, and Flintshire is honoured even by his visit to Rhyl. I think that the bill proeented is very moderate, and I propose that the county should pay this JS85. Colonel Meesham seconded the motion, and it was carried. OCCASIONAL LICENCES. Dr. Williams asked if there were means by which the public could be informed when occa- sional licences were going to be applied for to the magistrates. The Chief Constable said there was nothing in his instructions on that point. Dr. Williams asked if notice was not given that as occasional licence was going to be applied for. The Clerk said applications were sent in to the magistrates' clerk, who thereupon summoned the magistrates to a special sessions. Mr. E. H. Wain did not think magistrates ever granted a licence without inquiring if the police had objection to it. They never acted blindly, and always tried to obtain the exact knowledge of the case from the police. The Chief Constable said at least fifty per cent. of the applications were opposed by the police. Dr. Williams: Certain things have happened that want inquiring into. SUPERVISION OF DRINKING CLUBS. Notice had been given by Mr. Thomas Lindop of the following motion: -TI)at. in view of the alarming increase of drinking clubs in the country, e.nd espocially in' Wales, this committee do respectfully memorialise his Majesty's t Govern- ment to introduce into Parliament a Bill making the formation of such clubs illegal, or for placing them under the existing licensing laws applicable to public-houses." The Chairman pointed out that a Bill was now before Parliament for the purpose of registering all clubs, and he suggested that Mr. Lindop should move a resolution in support of that Bill. Mr. Lindop ,accordingly withdrew his motion, end substituted a resolution supporting the Bill.— This was carried. PROTECTION OF PROPERTY. Mr. J. Philip Jones moved that the Chief Con- stable ba asked to tako steps to prevent malicious and wilful damage being done to unoccupied property. He contended that it was as much the duty of the police to protect property that had been damaged as to protect property that had been stolen. The object of his motion was to pro- tect property generally. People seemed to think they were at liberty to destroy premises, and con- siderable damage had been done to empty houses, of which the police took no notice. He knew of houses that nad been completely guttcn oy_depre- dations. Shutters were taken down and windows broken; the houses were entered, and the stairs carried away. Mr. J. T. Rency seconded the motion. carried away. Mr. J. T. Rency seconded the. motion. Mr. Prince (Cormah's Quay) thought it was the duty of the owners to look after the property. Ho strongly opposed the motion. Dr. Williams concurred with Mr. Prince. What had the police got to do with unoccupied houses? He understood that everybody knew he had the right of requisitioning the assistance of the police in protecting his property. Property owners should take a little more interest in their property. After further discussion, the motion was put to the meeting and carried. MAGISTRATES' ROOM AT CONNAII'S QUAY. An application was received by the. owner of the magistrates' room at Connah's Quay for increased rent, and on the motion of Mr. Prince, it was agreed to increase the annual rental from £ 3 to I E-10.

The King has been pleased to place in the hands of Messrs. Thomas Agnew and Sons tho copyright of the State portrait of His Majesty by Mr. Luke Fildes, R.A., and to permit them to arrange to publish a mezzotint of the picture by Mr. J. B. Pratt. LORD GREAT CHAMREKLAINSIU; — The court appointed to hear and determine claims to do services and exercise rights in connection with the coronation reassembled at the Privy Council-offices on Wednesday. Lord Shrewsbury claimed to exorcise the office of Lord High Steward for Ireland, and to carry the white wand as the symbol of office. The court decided that no right had been established. The question whether he should be commanded to attend was one for the King. If he was so commanded he had the right to carry the wand. Lord Cholmondeley, appearing by counsel, claimed the right to act as Lord Great Chamberlain, in spite of the recent decision of the Committee of Privileges of the House of Lords, the effect of which was to decide the right between the claimants leaving them to make the selection. The Lord Chancellor said whoever had the right to the office of Lord Great Chamberlain had the rights attaching to the office, but the court could not decide that Lord Cholmondeley had the right. The matter, therefore, remains where it was. Sir William Anstruther claimed to be summoned to the I Coronation in his capacity as one of the Masters of his Majesty's Household in Scotland. The court disallowed the claim. 1

WILL OF MRS. FRANCES E. HEY- WOOD-LONSDALE. 0 The executors of the will, dated 7th April, 1902, of Mrs. Frances Elizabeth Heywood-Lonsdale, of Cloverley, Whitchurch, Salop, who died on the 14th April last, aged 59 years, daughter of Mr. Dean Neilaon, of Hundhill, Pontefract, and widow of Mr. Arthur Pemberton Heywood-Lonsdale, are the testatrix's son. Captain Henry Hevwood Heywood- Lonsdale, of Shavington, Market Drayton, and her nephew, Mr. Henry Walter Fell, of Shavington v"I Grange, to the latter of whom the testatrix bequeathed E3,000, to her said son Henry 91,000, to her son John Pemberton Hey- wood Heywood-Lonsdale £ 4,000, to her daughter Anna Maria Lloyd her household effects, horses, and carriages, to her son-in-law Arthur Henry Lloyd and her grand-daughter Gwynedd Margaret Lloyd £1,000 each, to her brothers William and Daniel Neilson and her sister Katherine Helen Neilson £1,00ù each; and the testatrix appointed the trust funds settled on her marriage in 18G3 to her said sons Henry and John, and she appointed a sum of E20,000 under the will made in 1884 of her aunt Anna Maria Heywood to her said son John and her daughter, Anna Maria Lloyd, and the testatrix, whose estate has been valued at £ 81,287 13s. 8d., left the residue of her property in trust for her said two children.

HUXTIXGk 9-b NORTH CHESHIRE. DINNER TO KEEPERS AND EARTH STOPPERS. The annual dinner to the keepers- and earth stoppers was given on Saturday week at the Bear Hotel, Middlewich, and on Monday at the White Barn Hotel, Cuddington. More than 150 sat down to dinner on the two days, after being paid their usual fees. Mr. H. M. Wilson, the master, presided on both days, assisted by Mr. Hewitt, of Kelsall, and Mr. T. Cubberly, the huntsman. After dinner there was a short speech from the master, who asked all present to help him in the coming season to try and keep the foxes above ground, otherwise to stop well all earths and other places. Without this was done it was im- possible for any master to shew sport. The remainder of the afternoon on each occasion was spent in the enjoyment of a long pipe and a moderate supply of whisky punch, etc. This is the first time the master of this hunt has pre- sided at these meetings for many years. It is Mr. Wilson's intention to be always present, if possible, so long as he is master.

WYNNSTAY HUNTSMAN. George Sharpe, the popular Wynnstay huntsman, after twenty years' service, has, it is stated, resigned, leaving Ruabon for Bosworth, headquarters of the Pytchley pack.

The Order of the Golden Fleece has been con- ferred on the Duke of Connaught.

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