The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

fan. — BANK HOLIDAY. .0 After the remarkable weather we have been experiencing recently, it was a matter of delight to the holiday-makers on Monday that they were able to pursue their pleasure-seeking in genial eunshine. It was by no means certain in the early morning that this happy state of things was going to prevail, and many doubtless deemed discretion the better part of valour and stayed within easy reach of the friendly shelter of their own homes. Those who ventured forth were rewarded for their temerity. The roads were in capital order for cycling, albeit the. wind was a little high and a little cold. Chester was once more the destination of many hundreds of ex- cursionists, but there were fewer than on many previous Whitsun Bank Holidays. The steamers and the smaller boats on the river were extensively patronised. The privilege of viewing Eaton was taken advantage of by large numbers of visitors. For Cestrians who wished a day's outing there was a host of attractions, including racing at Hooton and Wrexham, and that ever popular fixture, the Oulton Park Fete. OULTON PARK FETE. YEOMANRY TOURNAMENT. The Oulton Park Fete is growing in popularity each year. This was clearly demonstrated by the large crowds of people who arrived there in brakes, on cycles and otherwise on Monday, notwithstand- ing the unsettled weather. And it is not to be wondered at, for where is there a more ideal place for a fete than Sir Philip B. Grey-Egerton's stately park? It would be hard indeed to find more picturesque surroundings. One may ramble at will along the eight velvety walks which lead to a common centre, through the well-kept gardens, by the side of the lake, or beneath the shade of the giant trees in the Park. There are very few restrictions at Oulton on such occasions; the visitor enjoys a sense of freedom and to this may be traced some- thing of the popularity of the Oulton fete. More- over, the gathering is always excellently managed, thanks to Sir Philip's courteous agent, Mr Douglass, and the committee. This year there was combined with the Primrose League fete a military tourna. ment under the auspices of the Earl of Chester's Imperial Yeomanry, and thus was provided a host of attractions which proved irresistible to local holiday. makers. The weather, as to which much anxiety was evinced, proved delight- ful. The military tournament took place opposite the terrace, and the various competitions and displays were watched with keen interest by a laige gathering of people. They were viewed from the terrace by a distinguished company. Among those present were Captain the Duke of "Westminster, the Duchess of Westminster, Capt. Sir~ Philip B. Grey-Egerton, Bart., and Lady Grey-Egerton, Colonel the Earl of Harrington, Lieut.-Colonel J. Tomkinson, M.P., Mrs. and Miss Tomkinson. Major the Hon. de Tatton Egerton, Captain Neil Haig, Mr. J. L. Birkett, Mr. Christopher Kay, Mr. W. H. Verdm, Mrs. and Miss Yerdin, Lieut. H. Barnston, Lieut. Barbour, Lieut. Lees-Milne, Lieut. Tomkinson, Lieut. Massey, Lieut. Phillips, the Rev. Dr. Payne and Mrs. Payne, the Rev. C. H. Prodgers (chaplain), Mr. T. A. Egerton, the Rev. F. Farrar, Mr. George Garfit. the Rev. and Mrs. Gubbins, Mr. and Mrs. Douglass, Mrs. Dods, Mrs. R. Edwards, the Rev. E. W. Evans, etc. A feature of the afternoon's sports was a polo match between the officers of the Earl of Chester's Imperial Yeomanry and Hooton Park. This was played opposite the terrace and was watched with the keenest interest by thousands of oil- lookers, to many of whom it was quite a novelty. The teams .were:—Yeomanry Officers: The Earl of Harrington (captain), Captain the Duke of Westminster, Captain Neil Haig, Lieut. Phillips. Hooton Park: Messrs. Tyrer (captain), Midwcod, Heap and Watson. The game was fast and exciting. Lieut. Lees-Milne was one of the Yeomanry team until the arrival of the Duke of Westminster from Hooton Park. Goals were scored for the officers by the Earl of Harrington, the Duke of Westminster, Captain Neil Haig (three), and Lieut. Phillips (two); and for Hooton by W atson (four), Heap (two), and Mid- wood (two). Result: Hooton, 8; Yeomanry, 7. The military events were concluded after the polo match. They were judged by the Colonel Commanding, who was assisted by Captain Sir Philip Grey-Egerton, Lieut. Barnston, the chaplain, and other officers. A committee of officers had made the arrangements, which were all that could be desired. Contestants were plentiful and the sport keen. The results were briefly as follows:—Heads and posts: Corporal Astall, Arley Squadron, 1; Trooper Salmon, Jiaton Squadron, 2; Sergeant Jones Arley Squadron, 3. Tent-pegging: Sergeant Jones, 1; Corporal Astell, 2; Trumpet-Major Yarwood 3 Arley Squadron. Lemon-cutting: Sergeant Wright, Tatton Squadron, 1; Sergeant Jones, 2: lrooper Salmon, 3. Victoria Cross: Corporal Astall, 1; Sergeant Jones, 2; Trooper McGregor, forest Troop, 3. Bending competition Trooper Barnard, Arley Squadron, 1; Quartermaster Pownall, Tatton Squadron, 2. A musical drill by sixteen Yeomanry on horse- back was a very pleasing spectacle in the afternoon. Sergt.-Major Hopper directed the various figures which the troopers formed, and the regimental band, under Mr. Clement,' ably accompanied. By special request, this pretty dril! was repeated in the evening. The preparations for the Yeomanry competitions were made under the direction of Quartermaster Lewis, who has just been deservedly promoted to the rank of regimental quartermaster-sergeant. The usual committee, with Mr. J. Lewis, Cote Brook, as hon. secretary, carried out the foot and bicycle races, which were held in a separate en- closure.. There was an excellent card, and the various events passed off smoothly and satisfac- torily, due in a large measure to the splendid arrangements, which had been supervised by Mr. Douglass. Results: -100 yards handicap—First heat: J. Booth, 6 yards, 1; T. Thompson 4, 2. Second heat: J. W. Weedall, 6, 1; Thomas Whito, 5, 2. Third heat: Thomas Owen, 11, 1; H. Barnes, 12, 2. Final: T. Thompson, 1; J. W. Weedall, 2; Thomas White, 3. Quarter-mile handicap (open)—First heat: F. Hodkinson, 25 yards, 1; T. Owen, 45, 2; C. Oakes, 10, 3. Second heat: J. Booth, 25, 1; Thomas White, 30, 2; B. Birtwistle, 20, 3. Final: F. Hodkinson, 1; P. Birtwistle, 2; J. Booth, 3. Mile Bicycle—First heat: F. Vernon, 120 yards, 1; E. Curzon, 50. 2; Geo. Pritchard, 80, 3. Second heat: J. Davies, 120, 1; Thos. Dunning, 10. 2; W. Har- rison, 80, 3. Final: F. Vernon, 1; E. Curzon, 2; Thos. Dunning, 3. FRODSHAM ATHLETIC SPORTS. On Whit-Monday afternoon the Frodsham Athletic Club held their second May festival. The weather happily kept fine throughout the afternoon, and, although the wind was bitterly cold, the sun shone out brilliantly at intervals and the whole of the events were gone through without interruption. There must have b6en nearly a thousand people present during the afternoon, and it is anticipated that the athletic club will gain some few pounds at least by their venture. The judges were Messrs. E. G. Steward. C. E. Linaker, and F. W. Spencer starter, Mr. James Tudor; while Messrs. Webb, Rodgers, Maddock, Aitken, and Tudor were the handicappers. The promoters are to be heartily congratulated on their earnest endeavours, in trying against. undoubtedly great odds to continue in possession of the athletic field even at a high rent, and so secure to the town a means of recreation for young and old alike. The results of the most important events were as follows :—440 yards fiat race (open) 1, J. Matthews (Runcorn silver-plated tea service; 2, E. Powell (Chester), silver-plated biscuit jar 3, W. Fenton, silver-plated match-box. One mile bicycle race (local) 1, G. Linaker, English lever silver watcn ». Meadov.'croft, case of carvers 3, E. Jones, silver-plated jam dish. Two mile bicycle race (open) 1, S. Clutton (Wrexham), case of cutlery 2, T. Ridgway (Saltney). handbag 3, J. Morrey (Altrmcham). silver-plated cruet. 100 yards flat race (open): 1, E. Powell (Chester), marble clock 2, J. Jones (Wmsford); luncheon cruet; 3 F. Cartwright (Helsby), silver-plated jam dish.— The prizes were presented to the winners by Mrs. F. Boston, in the unavoidable absence of Mrs. J. Ockleston. The Preston Brook Brass Band was in attendance, and dancing was indulged in during Ille evening. NESTON CRICKET CLUB SPORTS. The annual sports meeting promoted by the Neston and District Cricket Club was held on Monday on the cricket ground at Parkgate. Although the weather was fine there was a bitterly cold wind blowing across the field, and probably it was due to this drawback that the attendance of visitors was not so numerous as was anticipated, However, locally the sports were well patronised, and the programme, which, as will be seen, was of a v aried and interesting character, afforded much enjoyment to the spectators. The competitors in the cycle races described as mile and two miles on the programme, resolved these events into slow rides and one-lap races, a much to be decried state of affairs. The most amusing event was the donkey race, the cricketers having the greatest difficulty in I ull steering, and, in some cases, riding their mounts along the track. During the afternoon the 1st -r lint,shire Royal Engineers Volunteer Prize Band I Ke'ect'(:'n of music. The principal n o £ ?lals Mesw.s. J. Ward Dale, N.C.U., Me^r* I}™!? a+1d Lec' JudSes 5 marksmen, Messrs. R. Barnett and T. J Gleave starter, Mr. R. hmethurst West Cheshire Harriers; honorary treasurer, Mr. R. L. Price; and honorary secretary, Mr. T. J. Gleave. At the conclusion of the racing the prizes were handed to the winners by Mrs. A. A. Miller, the wife of the club president. Results:- 120 Yards Flat—Heat winners: H. R. Band, West Cheshire Harrier. ? yards W. Disbury, Sutton H, 11 yards W. Lamb, Eccles H, 9 yards; Jos. Woodward, Neston, 1W yards; B. J. Kehoe, West Cheshire H, 12 yards. Final: J, Kehoe; 2, jBand) 3, Disbury. 120 Yards Scholars' Handicap: 1, William Henry Williams, Parkgate, 14 yards start; 2, Edgar Gray, Neston, 22 yards; 3, Charles Metcalf, Neston, 20 yards. Mile Novice Bicycle-First heat: 1, W. J. Morris, Alsager, 85 yards start; 2, F. Barnes, Chester, 75 yards. Second heat: 1, P. Jones, Chester, 75 yards 2, William Hazlehurst, Thurst- aston, 110 yards. Third heat: 1, J. W. Burrows, St. Helens, 75 yards; 2, Lee Mealor, Ness, 100 yards. Final: 1, Hazlehurst; 2, P. Jones; 3, W. J. Morris. 300 Yards Steeplechase First heat: 1. Alfred Maudsley, Sefton A. and C.C., 5 yards 2, H. C. Brown, West Cheshire H. Second heat: 1, W. Disbury, Sutton H., 5 yards 2, E. Allen, Formbv, 12 yards. Final: 1, Disbury; 2, Brown; 3, Maudsley. 100 Yards Sack Race 1. A. Maudslev, Sefton A. and C C. 2, F. Harrop, Salford H. 3, W. H. Welch, Sefton. Quarter Mile Flat-First heat: 1, B J. Kehoe, West Cheshire H 32 yards; 2, H. R Band, West Cheshire H, 29 yards; 3, W. Parkinson, Bootle, 33 yards. Second heat: 1, G. T. Cummings, Earles- town H., 30 yards; 2, C. A. Mason, Liverpool, 30 yards; 3, J. Sims, Wilmington Park, 30 yards. Final: 1, Kehoe 2, Parkinson 3, Band. 120 Yards Hurdles (ten flights of 3ft. Gin.)—First Heat: 1. T. C. Murphy Lichfield, owes 2; 2, T. J. Gleave, Neston and District C.C., owes 4. Second Heat: 1, F. Harrop, Salford H., owes 3; 2, H. S. Woodward, Eastham, scratch. Final: 1, Murphy 2, Harrop 3, Gleave. Mile Bicycle—First heat: 1, B. Hughes, East- ham, 185 yards 2, F. Barnes, Chester, 175 yards. Second heat: 1, C. Evans, Chester. 150 yards; 2, W. Booth, L.R.C., 190 yards Third heat: 1, Thos. Hulme, Middlewich, 180 yards; 2, R. H. Hill, Rochdale, 105 yards. Final: 1, Evans; 2, Hill; 3, Hulme. Mile Flat: 1, A. Hancock, West Cheshire H., 130 yards; 2, G. A Ashworth, Manchester A.C., 135 yards; 3, Frank Britton, West Cheshire H., 135 yards Two Miles Bicycle: 1, W. Booth, L.R.C.C., 285 yards; 2 J M'Clusky, Wrexham, 275 yards; 3, R H. Hill, Rochdale, 245 yards. Quarter-mile Obstacle 1, F. Harrop, Salford H., 20 yards; 2, R. Mellor, Huddersfield, 15 yards 3, T C. Murphy, Lichfield, 40 yards. Quarter-mile Donkey Race for The Parkgate Stakes" (confined to members of the Neston and District C C ): 1, Mr A. Priestman's lcen; 2, Mr. le' J. I. N. Price's Pony; 3, Mr. J. M Housden's Moneyspinller ROSSETT. A large number of excursionists came in from Liverpool and district during the morning. At the Cocoa-rooms the members of the Stanley Park Christian Association and the Liverpool Wesleyan Mission assembled, while the Richmond Mission, from Liverpool, visited the Trevor Arms Hotel, Marford. An unusual number of motor cars and cyclists passed through, the roads being in splendid condition for them. Amateur photographers and anglers were also very much in evidence. GRESFORD. Gresford, with its historic church and beautiful surroundings, is undoubtedly growing in favour as a holiday resort. Among the parties who stayed during Monday at the Plough Hotel were the members of the Granville Cricket Club from Liverpool, the Everton Valley Presbyterian Church Guild party and the Rev. Musgrave Brown's party Hum ou. element a utiurch, Liverpool; while at the "Griffin" were the Watchmakers' Association from Whittle, together with a party from All Saints' Church, Liverpool. During the evening a number of villagers enjoyed dancing upon the green to the strains of the ilhosrobin Brass Band. HAWARDEN. FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' DEMONSTRATION. Hawarden Park was thronged with visitors on Monday on the occasion of the friendly societies' anniversary demonstration. Probably never since the days—days now relegated to the chamber of forge tf ultiess-when thousands of excursionists from all parts of the North of England were attracted to Hawarden on Bank Holidays and other occasions by the magnetic personality of Mr. Gladstone, has the quaint, picturesque village been so besieged by holiday makers as it was on this occasion. It was almost feared that with the passing away of the great statesman Hawarden, the favourite holiday resort, would inevitably sink into obscurity. True, many of the old glories of Hawarden have irrevocably gone, but its prestige is not lost, and one could not but think that the merry crowds of "trippers" who thronged the park on Monday strikingly reflected the holiday scenes that were familiar during Mr. Gladstone's lifetime. By a strange coincidence, Monday was the anniversary or the venerable statesman's death. Though he has been laid to his final rest, the spirit still haunts the quaint and old-wcrid viilage. Visitors to the church inspected the various objects which awakened memories of him. In the chancel there is the Gladstone pew, and here also the visitor was shewn the very Prayer-book he used. ,Mr' Gladstone s seat is the shining eagle of brass upon whose extended wings sup who o C thVSUal rests the Bible who»o lessons he was accustomed to read A cross, lot into one of the pew desks, indicates the fa?al f Archbishop Benson fell down m fatal faint and a brass tablet affixed to an t reC°rds.this fact- One cannot a triV,nfI f ^om;crse any without having Lum Al -th*e fa™0"* figure which will ever quiet and lovely spot. waatW ua'!u favoured with fine, sunny a S- g- J temperature was cold and a Doiste.ous wind was blowing. At ten o'clock °fu Pride of Wales Lodge of bers oYthe1!1 ?rng 17°' Cnd the mem" Ders of the Loyal Dee Lodge of Druids to the abo.ut 150> assembled in the' village, and wiTllrpS' P1'cturesqHe regalia of the Orders, and walked m procession to the church headed lespectively by the Bucklev Town Band' and the Svme^ervilj1 Thf Wh<3re they att*nded bers marched to Ewloe. On their return to Hawarden the Shepherds proceeded to the Gymnasium and tne Druids to the Girls' School dinner PMr Tf Pa,rtaken of- At the Shepherds'' the foval tLP' lUeJ u0nC'\ Presidc<3- and after „ 1o, 11 toasts had been honoured the "Armv and Navy" was proposed by Bro. Wm BeSs and responded to by Bro C William^'nf /l,f Hawarden Volunteers; "The Set and Lodge was proposed by Bro. E. Peers and re- b,T Bro- John Da vies; and "The Mcdical Officer was proposed by Bro. William responded to by Bro. John Dutton in the absence of the medical officer (Dr Burli'no- ham). The annual statement of accounts wfs piesented, from which it was seen that the lod^e 9d forW172 1U fCk bTfitS the sum of £ 4"95 od tor 172 sick members, and £ 39 10s in chddren ThetS £ 'embfers and their wives and was 436 ir ^r/v 'f of, ^pnibers on the books member's :am 7ft0" ^hl°h there were 12 h°n- S 'V I6 Juvenile members. At the DiuicJs dinner Dr. Burlingham presided and the visitors included the Rev. Mr. Cane 'Mr A Parish Co M n VVnsht (chairman of the was drunkUnTH T ? l°aSt °f "The Visitors" That Jn L Tit sta^cr?ent f accounts shewed iu<u on tne sick and funen?l fnnri 4-v,^ ± i last*'wer^U £ 719 Us and^e^ £ 786 0<? f)irl ? r the expenditure 2 over rrmV„f £ 66°i.a 9Jd Th°/ rXccd'i™ amount of the fund from £ 1 797 Is 3d IE fcmbef t0 P'73? 15s-'5id- at 31st Th^ nur?bor of members is 555. three o doek mrf tn6 nPark commenced at bcW arrano-p',1 tL 6 Programme had DCen arranged. Dancing was freely indulged in bands0 £ "'1 w Buckley and Hawarden the afternoon ll W3S CCntred dllriX afternoon in tho cricket match betwpen sh„r„ '<■ 1", a larS'G marquee claimed a larue March" (Godfrey) A Coronat'on Prize sports was^vitneft'd of a*hletic ing attraction the most interest- choir comoetitions h-id0^1"' comPet'ti«n. Two Nort'non (']] ) n arrai1-ged, but the was the only that°nut Harper) compete fnr Put in an appearance to best male ^cice choirG *?ineas for Snartan Heroes nn") t^t pieco wa.s 'The T. Rimmer and J IT j!r ':djU,d^ators (Messrs. sidered thei; rendering to^be worthv^of T~ pnze. which was acconlinglv^ awarded to th those of EwJoe, NorihoD Hall, Queen's Ferry and the V- edgewood Choir Crown Tt 7 y ,"9 F*h'> -hose llSSty Jter"PIndThc choir ° Th^'f 7,U"H,as was awarded to the Crewe -ports- On !re th° dntaiIs of the athletic fooHxiIl '(boys) :'t \v' G^lffShs 2?' IV'ck'ng the football (men) F. Roberts. Tortoise to Mr rT°Wn°' l fnn- v W°rd °f praise is d,,p to Mi. J. Wilcock for his general secretm-iil arrangements of the whole day's proceedirigs.

A WFLRH VENDKTTA. Two young farm labourers named John and Thomas Williams, of Llangoed in Anglesey, were brought up before the Menai Bridge magistrates on Saturday charEred with the unlawful wounding of a man named William Jones the previous night,. The accused said there had been a family feud between them and Jones for nine years, and that the reason they attacked him was because he to!d them when returning home from Tllnm wV father was a wicked old man Thomas W ilhams was sent to prison for two months month and hls brother John for one EYES THAT SEE that is to say, many eyes which were seriously affected, can now see as well as ever through Mellor's Treatment. Pamphlet free.-MFLLOP., Fye Specialist and Gold Medalist, 286, Oxford-street, Manchester. 12

HOLY TRINITY PARISH CLERK « On. Wednesday a well-known Chester church- warden passed away. William Johnson began his duties in Holy Trinity parish as deputy parish clerk while yet the old church was standing. On December 18th, 1865, he was appointed to the vacant clerkship, and held the office up to the day of his death. The congregation of Holy Trinity was then worshipping in St. Martin's Church during the re-building of the parish church Mr. Johnson was at once appointed choirmaster, and a photo of him surrounded by a group of choirboys of that period is still extant. He held the office of choir- master until 1893, since which date he had received as a pension the small salary which previously attached to that office. He remained, however, the principal bass of Holy Trinity choir to the last. He died in harness, singing as usual in the choir at matins and evensong as late as Sunday. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon. From deceased s late residence the coffin was carried to Holy Trinity Church, outside of which was a large number of people. The choir, with the rector (the Rev. L. M. Farrall) and the curate (the Rev. T. W. Mundy), met the cortege at the entrance and chanted the opening sentences of the burial service as it proceeded up the central aisle. The hymns, Now the labourer's task is o'er" and On the Resurrection morning" were beautifully ren- dered, while the psalms were also sung. The organist (Mr. T. Pate) played the "Dead March" in Saul. At the Cemetery, where the rector also officiated, the hymn Peace, perfect peace" was sung. The principal mourners were Mrs. Johnson (widow), Miss Johnson and Miss Alice Johnson (daughters), Mr. and Mrs. H. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. A. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Catherall, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, Messrs. J. and T. Mottram, Mr. Hooson, Mr. and Mrs. G. Bucknall (Cheltenham), etc. Beautiful floral tributes were sent by the following relatives: — Harry and 'Alf (sons), Maud, May, Annie and Alice (daughters), Mr. and Mrs. G. Buoknall (son-in-law and daughter), Hugh, Stanley, Dora, Elsie, Winnie and Baby Eva ((grandchildren), Mr. J. Boardman (son-in-law), Mr. T. B. Mottram, Stafford (brother-in-law). The fol- lowing also sent wreaths, etc.The Revs. L. M. Farrall and T. W. Mundy, Mr. and Mrs. H. Johnson, Mrs., Miss and Mr. S. Marston, Mr. and Mrs. J. Knight, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Marston, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lee, Mrs. Thomas and family, Miss Webster, Miss Godwin and Miss Willis (Stroud), the Misses Ainsworth, Mr. and Mrs. Speed, Miss Harris, Mr. Munge (Lichfield), Miss Brinsden (Manchester), Miss and Mr. S. Wilkinson. Mr. W. Wilkinson, etc. The choir of Holy Trinity Church sent a beautiful floral harp.

CHESTER BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held yesterday (Tuesday) morning, Mr. T. Knowlcs pre- siding over a good attendance. STANDING ORDERS. Mr. H. Preston moved the appointment of a committee to formulate standing orders for the proper conduct of the Board. He pointed out that all public bodies adopted standing orders, and it was only fair to the chairman that tney should iumisu aim with tile ru,eS by which he cou;d conduct the business. Standing orders would be a special advantage to new members, who would have more confidence in addressing the Board on being acquainted wim the rules. Mr. S. Coppack seconded, and the motion was carried. ilc, chairman, vice-chairman, Messrs. Butier Minshuli, H. B. Dutton, E. T. Hallmark, M. Ken- nedy, and ii. Irckiton were appointed on the com- mittee. THE SUPERINTENDENT-REGISTRARSHIP. ine ClerK UVir. w. x uriiock) read a letter iroai the Kegisiru.r-oenerai, stating for tne iniormation ot the guardians that (Joionei Evans-Lioyd had notified to nun his resignation of the oltice of Bupenntendeui-registrar tor the Chester liegistra tion District, to take efiect on the 1st of August next, wiui a view to claim his pension to which his iOng teivices ill that capacity entitled him, under the provisions 01 the Poor LalV Officers' Superan- nuation Act. lile Registrar-General had received applications iroai tne guardians oi the Hawarden aii(I larviii onions that those unions might eacii be created a. separate legistrauon district. The Kegistrar-Geneiai thereiore requested that no action niigiic be taken to appoint a successor to Mr. Evans-Lioyd until lie had dealt with the two app ications reterred to. xc was aecordiiigiy decided to postpone action. THE COof OF VACCINATION. STltONG KEMAKK-S. A PLEA FOR HLFURM. Mr. H. Crowder moved—"That m case of fur- ther smallpox scare within this union, the clerk be empowered to immediately write to the Local Government Board tor powers leading to the tem- porary re-estabnsnment of suitable stations for the pertormance or vaccination." Mr. Crowder re- marked that during the recent smallpox scale Dr. Harnson perfonaed 1,165 vaccinations at the homes of the people in tno city, while in the sur- gery and elsewhere onry Z>8u vaccinations were penoriue-d. Tins shewed that the people had mostly been vaccinated at their own homes, at very considerable cost to the union, and he thought it would be a great saving if tne clerk was em- powered to take steps immediately in case a fur- ther scare occurred. Mr. Rowe Morns seconded the motion. Mr. M. Kennedy asked, for the benefit of the public, how many cases of smallpox had occurred at Chester during the recent scare. The Clerk repned that he knew of only one case that had occurred in Chester. Mr. Kennedy ^warmly): And we have spent nearly a thousand pounds oil false pretences, or the next thing to it. I think it is an everlasting disgrace and shame. The Clerk reported the receipt of letters from the Rugby and Wodingborough Unions on the subject of vaccination. The Kugby Union sub- mitted a copy of a memorial forwarded by them to the President of the Local Government Board, in which they stated that the cost of tne attendance of the public vaccinator at the homes of persons for the purpose of re-vaccinatioas at the cost of the rates was an unnecessary expense, and there was not any sufficient reason why persons desiring re-vaccination at the public expense should not either attend at the surgeries of the public vac- cinators or at some other appointed place for the purpose of vaccination and inspection, or them- selves defray the cost of the public vaccinator's journey to their own homes. (Hear, hear.) They therefore prayed that the Local Government Board would issue an order amending the Vaccination Order of 1893, by providing that the fees payable out of the rates for ro-vaccinations at the homes of the persons vaccinated shall be the same as those for re-vaccinations elsewhere than at such homes, and that the public vaccinators shail be entitled to fees for their visits for persons re-vaccinated at their own homes. They further prayed the Board to undertake the gratuitous supply of lymph for primary and secondary vaccinations by private medical practitioners.—The Wellingborough Union forwarded a copy of a resolution protesting against the control of vaccination officers having been taken out of the hands of boards of guardians. They also called attention to the enormous ex- penditure which the vaccination officers had it in their power to incur. They considered that as the control of the vaccination officers had been taken away from the guardians, the Local Government Board should appoint those officers, and thus re- lease the guardians from any responsibility in the matter. In their opinion, it was desirable that any expenditure incurred in carrying out the Vac- cination Acts should be paid out of Imperial taxa- tion rather than out. of the poor rate. Mr. W. Vernon moved as an amendment that the recommendation oi tho Rugby Union be adopted and forwarded to the Local Government Board. The Rev. E. C. Lowndes seconded. Mr. Crowder did not think that recommendation affected his resolution in any way. The Clerk informed the Board that during the scare Dr. Harrison had made 1,185 vaccinations at the homes of the people, at a fee of 6s. for each case, and had made 380 vaccinations elsewhere, at 2s. 6d. for each case. Dr. Butt, during the same period, had vaccinated 263 persons at their homes, and 61 at other places. Mr. H. B. Dutton wished to know why the guardians allowed a fee of 6s., when the minimum fee fixed by the Local Government Board was 5s. The Clerk explained that the guardians originally fixed the fee at 5s., but the Local Government Board increased it to 6s. Mr. E. T. Hallmark wished to know whether those people who had practically made themselves outdoor paupers by being vaccinated at home at the cost of the rates were liable to be disenfran- chised. (Lautrhter and cries of "Oh, no.") Mr. Hallmark: Well, I think they ought to be. The amendment was then put to the meeting and carried. Mr. I-I. Ù. Dutton intimated his intention to move that representation be made to the Local Government Board of the enormous amount paid to the vaccination officers in 6s. fees during the scare, and recommending that the fee be reduced to 5s. Mr. Butler: I think a lot of people have taken advantage of this cheap vaccination, and the Local Government Board should know the number and the class of people who have taken advantage of the ratepayers. I think they ought to be well ashamed of themselves. Mr. Rowe Morris: I am given to understand that there aie plenty of people in a respectable position who have been vaccinated at a cost of 6s.. and they can afford to pay as well as any gentleman around this table. Mr. Butler: I should like to ask the clerk to get a list of those people we paid 6s. for. The Clerk pointed out that every person had a perfect right to be vaccinated at the expense of the ratepayers. A Voice: It is a farce. Mr. :plitler: It is high time this imposture was put an end to. The subject then dropped.

CORONATION FESTIVITIES. (See also paqe 6.) SIR HORATIO LLOYD INVITED. We understand that his Honour Sir Horatio Lloyd has received an invitation, by command of the King, to be present at the Abbey Church of Westminster on the 26tli June for the Coronation of their Majesties King Edward VII. and Queen Alexandra. HOOLE AND NEWTON. The programme for the coronation celebration in -Hoole has now been drawn up. We understand that the inhabitants of Newton have subscribed and will join Hoole in entertaining the aged poor and children in the districts of Hoole and Newton. On the Thursday morning at nine o'clock a special service will be held in All Saints' Church, at which the special form of service authorised by the King and Lord Bishop of the Diocese will be used. At half-past ten the children will assemble to receive medals, the gift of the vice-chairman of the Hoole District Council (Mr. W. Williams), after which there will be a procession of children through the districts. At one o'clock sports will commence, and prizes will be offered for men, women and children. At four o'clock the children will sit down to tea, and at half-past six Mrs. Richardson, wife of the chairman of the Hoole District Council, will present the prizes won at the sports. At seven o'clock there will be dancing, and at half-past nine a bonfire will be lighted. The festivities will be continued on the Friday, Tea will be provided for the infants at three o'clock, and at four o'clock the old people will be entertained. On the following Sunday the Holy Communion will be administered at All Saints' at 8 o'clock in the morning, and Coronation hymns will be sung at the morning and evening services.

CANO.NTSCOTT ON EDUCATION. -+- THE VOLUNTARY SCHOOLS. THE EDUCATION BILL. The Rev. Canon Cooper Scott con- tinued his remarks on "Elementary Educa- tion m his sermon, on Sunday evening, at St. John's Chupch, Chester. Speaking of the condition of affairs at the time of the passing of the Educa- tion Act of 1370, he said the great increase of the population in our large towns had outgrown the powers of voluntary effort to meet the demand for education. It had done what it could; but it could not longer meet the increasing demand of the people. It became evident to all that the Government must interpose to provide for the deficiency. Some of the very best intellects and the greatest experts in educational matters were employed in devising a scheme which would best meet the wants of the nation in this respect. This work was not done hurriedly, but very carefully and deliberately. Those who had undertaken to form a scheme were convinced that the work which was done by the Voluntary schools was so efficient in its character, so widely extended and so valu- able in its influence, that it could not be dispensed with, and to have interfered with it would have thrown back the cause which they had at heart. It was, therefore, deliberately determined to make use of the existing machinery, and to encourage Voluntary schools to continue their work. In all schools there was a deficiency of money. In the case of Board schools, that deficiency was made good by the simple process of levying a rate. In the Voluntary schools, the deficiency had to be provided by contributions, collections in the churches and chapels, by tea, parties and concerts, and so on. Of course the competition, where board and Voluntary schools existed side by side, was a severe strain upon the Voluntary schools. Other important changes were made. HIS Majesty's inspectors ceased to make an examina- tion of the children in religious knowledge, and the Church of England appointed diocesan in- spectors for that purpose. The attendance of the children at school was made compulsory, and this rendered more schools ne-c-essary. It was with a feeling of relief, if not thankfulness, that they saw provided what voluntary effort could not provide. On the whole, the feeling was ono of thankfulness. He never did like to hear those board schools spoken of slightingly, as though they were antag- onistic to religious teaching. <=> He believed, him- self, that a very large number of board school teachers would prefer to have some religious teach- ing in the schools to which they were attached. At the time of the passing of the Act, he happened to be in charge of a large and very poor parish in the south of London, and saw those great schools growing up around it. He knew many of the teachers who were employed in the board schools, and they felt keenly any reflection upon the re- ligious teaching given. It was true there was one clause in the Bill which forbade strictly Church teaching. Children who had been baptised in the Church of England were placed at some consider- able disadvantage, and something like a. grievance was felt then. and was felt. still, upon that particu- lar point. Mr. Chamberlain told them, at Bir- mingham, that the board which thought to remove all religious teaching were met by a widespread outcry. Mr. Chamberlain was evidently surprised, but wholesomely impressed bj| the opposition to what was regarded as a Godless school. When they disregarded the cultivation of moral life, they were doing a grievous injury to the world. He was amazed when he heard really religious men advocating a secular education only. Turning to the history of their Voluntary schools, the rev. gentleman said he remembered quite well that the general impression was that a few years would see the end of Voluntary schools, and that they would disappear into a national system of educa- tion. For some reason or other that had not been the case. He was surprised at the statistics which had been published. Church schools had, during the last generation, increased in accommodation from 1,365,000 pllces to 2,791,000 places, an in- crease of more than double; while the attendance of the children had increased from 844,000 to 1,893,000. The increase of children attending Church schools alone was more than a million. Taking the money side, it was found that during the past 30 years the Church had expenaea upon schools and training colleges more than £ 28,000,000. It was really astounding. He was sure that Voluntary schools which did not belong to the Church of England could shew a similar increase. He was at a loss vo sav how the great increase had come about. It might mean that people had a certain amount of attachment for the schools in which they were educated. Then they might hope that in many cases the parents had valued the distinctive religious teaching. They had seen the passing of a Free Education Act. It was not a very e-special benefit to the schools themselves. It had possibly not resulted in a greater value being placed upon education. Mr. Chamberlain had confessed that although he was in favour of a merely secular education, he found that most people disagreed with him. He was prepared to welcome the work of the Voluntary schoo's, and even go further and em- body them in a general system of national educa- tion. They were doing the work of secular educa- tion with great efficiency. The machinery was in full working order. Why, then, should they throw back the cause of education indefinitely. Why should they paralyse the work while making that groat change, and why should they dis- courage those who were interested in the secular education of the people Its well as the religious welfare? They were commonsense questions, and they were not surprised that no commonsense answers had been given. What, then, was it pro- posed to do with our educational system at the present time? It. was proposed to place all schools under one controlling body also to provide for the maintenance of schoo! teachers, but to leave to the managers of the schools the duty of keeping tho buildincs in repair. The country thus had the use of all Voluntary schools for nothing. Tne obliga- tion to keep the schools in repair would be a very serious one indeed, and would cause _a giea of anxiety. There was the conscience c< c- which forbade the managers to aLovv any religious instruction to which parents objected. In places where there was only one school. and all children had to attend it, it would certainly, he. thought, become necessary to exercise the very greatest care in such matters. In a town, of course, it would cause very little difficulty, because parents could select a, school. How was it that as mana- gers of Voluntary schools the,- were willing to accept such an ar r ai,enient? He supposed it was because they valued the education of the people, and the presence of religious teaching. He thought that those who had denied themselves time and money would have sor/ie further ae- knowledgment than they had received as yet. They had not. been working for their own personal credit, or for the advancement of their own inter- ests, but for the welfare of the community.

L- PRESENTATION* TO A CHEKTEK JOURNALIST.—On Saturday morning Mr. Isaac Mellor, of th Chester Guardian," was presented by his confreres on the Chester press with a case of tobacco pipes on the occasion of his leaving to take up a position of trust on the Eastbourne Gazette."

CRAWFORD'S CREAM CRISP CRACKERS. CREAMY. LL —

THE CHESHIRE YEOMANRY. 0 DISCOMFITURE UNDER CANVAS. [FROM OUR OWN REPORTER.] The Earl of Chester's Imperial Yeomanry Cavalry Regiment went under canvas at Oakmere on Tuesday afternoon, for their annual fourteen days' training. It has been their lot to experience some trying weather. The first night they were in camp two degrees of frost were registered, and if some of the yeomen thought longingly of the com- fort of their feather beds at home who could blame them? The following night—Wednesday—the clerk of the weather, to vary the monotony, caused rain to fall heavily, and the downpour continued intermittently throughout Thursday. Neverthe- less, the men are making the best of matters, and are entering on their duties with a cheerfulness which aoes them infinite credit. The regiment has increased considerably in strength, the parade slate shewing that there were I 25 officers and 450 men in camp. The patriotic spirit called forth by the war probably accounts in I a large measure for this growth in the regiment, and it is highly gratifying to find civilians so willingly coming forward, often at inconvenience to themselves, to make themselves efficient for the defence of their country. It may be said that there is an obligation on the part of some farmers to do service, but there are many others who are volun- teers. Colonel the Earl of Harrington is in com- mand, with Lieutenant-Colonel Tomkinson, who was absent on leave owing to his Parliamentary duties until Thursday. The particulars with regard to the various squadrons are as follow :—A Squadron (Tatton): A bout 85 strong, officers, Major the Hon. Alan de Tatton Egerton, M.P., Major Birley, Lieutenant Phillips, Lieutenant Egerton, Second Lieutenant A. Holland; B Squadron (Eaton) About 95 strong, officers, Major Lord Arthur Grosvenor, Captain the Duke of Westminster, Lieutenants Swetenham, Barnston and Barbour; Major George Wyndham is absent on leave through Parliamentary duties; C Squadron (Arley) About 120 strong, officers, Captain H M. Wilson, Lieutenants Verdin, Glazebrook and Massey; D Squadron About 130 strong, officers, Major Brocklehurst, Captain Sir Philip Grey- Egerton, Lieuts. Legh, Lees-Milne, and Tomkin- son. Captain Neil Haig is the adjutant, and burgeon-Captain J. E. Phillips has charge of the hospital arrangements, while the hon. chaplain is the Rev. C. H. Prodgers, and the veterinary surgeon is Lieut. R. C. Edwards. Mention should also be made of Buller. the bull-terrier who accom- panied Lord Arthur Grosvenor's Company of Imperial Yeomanry in South Africa, and who I struts about the camp with all the dignity of an old campaigner. Major the Hon. Alan de Tatton I Egerton is president of the Officers' Mess Com- mittee, and the members are Capt. Wilson and Lieut. Swetenham Major Birley- is president of the Canteen Committee, with 2nd Lieut. Lees- Milne and 2nd Lieut. Holland as members; Lieut. Verdin is president of the Sports and Entertain- ments Committee, and the members are Lieuts. Tomkinson and Phillips and Sergt.-Major Dye is president of the Sergeants' Mess Committee, the members b-ifcs; Sergt.-Major Hopper and Sergt. Allwood. t The men 1&xe being supplied by degrees with khaki uniforms which it must be admitted are not very becoming, and slouch hats. They are armed with the i ee-Enfield, and as one of the lessons of the Boer war they do not carry swords, but it is a moot point whether this is a step in the right direction, as in a charge they would be practically helpless without either swords or lances. To all intents and purposes the Yeomanry are now mounted infantry. The men receive Ga. 8d a day, and from this 4s. (id. is deducted for food, which is supplied by Mr. Baker, Tattenhall. An allowance of kt) is made for each horse, and each animal receives 121b. of hay and 121b. of corn each day. Reveillee is sounded at 5.30, and by 6 o'clock the yeomen are expected to be attending to their horses. The latter remain outdoors all the time. In front of each line of tents is secured a stout rope, and to this the horses are tethered, while a short "hobble" attached to the near hind leg and a peg .serves to prevent the animals from bocoming restive. Though some of the animals naturally objected to this treat- ment, it is surprising how soon they become accustomed to the restraint.. The regi- ment paraded on Wednesday morning in drill order, and on Thursday, when the drill was a little later owing to the rain, they paraded for dismounted service. Unfortunately, on Wednesday one horse broke its leg and had to be destroyed, and on Thursday two troopers met with accidents. The drill that has been arranged for the training is decidedly of a useful character, and a good feature is that in the afternoon lectures will be given on squadron arrangements, mining work, advance and rear guards, reconnaissance, &c. On Thurs- day evening an enjoyable smoking concert, promoted by Lieut. Harry Barnston, was given in the canteen, and this example will be followed by Major Brocklehurst and Captain Wilson. The officers' dinner hits been fixed for next Friday, and on the following Sunday there will lie a display of the American biograph. It will be seen from this that life in camp has its enjoyable, as well as its business side, and all that is needed to ensure success in both respects is fine weather. SPORTS AT THE CAMP. INTERESTING COMPETITIONS. The change in the weather on Saturday proved all too brief, but those who spent the afternoon at the Yeomanry camp at Oakmere rejoiced in the spell of brilliant and warm sunshine. The after- noon was set apart for deciding the preliminary events of the annual tournament, which has always been associated with the annual training, and never fails to excito the keenest interest among the Yeomanry and their friends. The various competitions took place within a roped en. losure, prepared under the direction of Quartermaster Lewis, on the Chester side of the camp. The spectators lined the ropes or took up a position on a conveniently situated "kopje." A number of distinguished visitors, including the Duchess of Westminster, Lord and Lady -De!aaiic-,re,, Mrs. and Miss Tomkinson, etc., were accommodated with seats on a lurry. The officers present included Colonel the Earl of Harrington, Liout.-Colonel Tomkinson, Major Lord Arthur Grosvenor, Capt. Sir Philip Grey-Egerton, Captain the Duke of Westminster, Captain IT. M. Wilson, M.F.H., Captain Neil Haig (adjutant), Lieut. Harry Barnston. Lieut. Phillips, Lieut. R. N. H. Verdin. Lieut. Legh, Lieut. Lees-Milne, Lieut. Barbour, etc. In addition there were Colonel. Courtenay, of Chester, Mr. J. L. Birkett., Mr. Burder, Mr. Earle, the Hon. Leicester Warren, Mr. H. Hewitt, the Rev. Dr. Payne and many others. Colonel the Earl of Harrington judged all the events except the officers'. "Heads and posts" was the first competition, and was carried out under the new regulations. The troopers who took part gave a good exhibition, and finally Sergeant Jones, Arley Squadron, with 16 points, Trumpet-Major Yar- wood, Arley Squadron, with 15 points, and Corp!. Astall, with 12 points, were selected as the three best. A tent-pegging contest ensued. Trumpet- Major Yarwood was first with 18 points; Trooper J. C. Salmon, Eaton Squadron, second wiih 16 points; and Sergt.-Major Jones third with 15 points. A feature of the afternoon's tournament, was the officers' tent-pegging competition. After a tria.1 round, Colonel Earl Harrington led off, took the first peg and carried it. Returning, he lifted the second peg, but did not carry it. This splendid exhibition of skill by the veteran Colonel-Com- mandant of the regiment evoked great enthusi- asm. He touched the first peg and carried the second. Major Lord Arthur Grosvenor struck short of the first peg, and a few inches beyond the second. Captain the Duke of Westminster, going at a fast pace, did not strike the first pea:, and narrowly missed the second. Lieut. Phillips missed the first and carried the second. Lieut. Verdin, riding at a slow and cautious pace, missed the first and struck the second, but did not lift it. Lieut, Legh just pulled up the second peg, while Lieut. Lees-Milne and Lieut. Tomkinson struck unsuccessfully at both. Captain Neil Haig missed the first and carried the second peg. In this competition Co'onel Courtenay, chief staff officer at Chester, headquarters of the North- western Division, acted as judge, and made the following awards:—Colonel the Earl of Harring- ton. 10 points; Lieut.-Colouel Tomkinson, 8 points; Lieut. Phillips and Capt. Neil Haig, 6 points each. Lieut.-Colouel Tomkinson. remarked that it was twenty yeo,rs since he had taken part in a tent-pegging competition. A "Victoria Cross" contest was next held. The troopers were required to gallop down the arena, pick up dummies on to their saddle-bows whilo under fire, and gallop with them out of danger. Troopers Morton and A. Beckett, both of the Forest Troop, were first and second respectively, while Trooper Amaler, of Arley Squadron, was third. A new and distinctly pleasing feature of the afternoon's programme was a. musical drill, which had been successfully per- formed at the Agricultural Hall, and which had been introduced to the Cheshire troopers for the first time this year. Accompanied by the band, the selected Yeomc-n took up their positions and, under the direction of Sergt.-Major Hopper, gave an excellent display on horseback. In cutting various figures they controlled their steeds with splendid skill, and wound up with a charge down the arena. A word of commendation is due to the band, who were under the conductorship of Mr. Jos. Clement. They played during tho sports, and now and asrain would break into song while performing some piece of coon-like character. One of the items on their programme was "The Cheshire Yeo- men's Call" (Clement), dedicated to Colonel Piers Egerton Warburton, who for many years com- manded the Arley regiment. SUNDAY'S SERVICE. Another of those heavy showers to which the Yeomanry are becoming inured prevented the holding in the camp of the customary church parade, which is generally joined in by many cycling visitors. There was, however, celebra- tion of the Holv Communion in the hospital tent, the chaplain of the regiment, the Rev. Charles Prodgers, vicar of E'vaston, officiating. There was a voluntary service in the evenmg in the t troopsrs' diniag-roora. Nearly all tiie regiment attended, and the chaplain again officiated at what proved to be a most hearty service. Mr. 1 Prodgers preached an appropriate sermon, which was followed with deep interest by his military auditors. The discourse was based on the "send- ing of a embassage for peace" mentioned in tho Gospel of St. Luke, who records how one king at. war with another, sits down and decides to enter into negotiations and send an embassage. The preacher alluded to the negotiations now in pro- gress in South Africa, and touched upon tho terrors of war and the strong desire of those who had experienced such terrors to obtain peace. Stiil more terrible, he said, was the war now in progress—the war in progress even in that camp. As chaplain of the regiment, it was his duty to point out the terrors of the war of sin against which it was necessary to fight. It was neces- sary to desire peace, and having desired it, an ambassador must be sent. Our ambassador was the Mediator, Jesus Christ. While men had their health and intellect was the right time to sue for peace. On Monday afternoon the camp was practically deserted, the regiment riding to Oulton Park, the seat of Captain Sir Philip Grey-Egerton, where the military tournament proper was held in con- junction with the annual Primrose League Fete. A record of the various competitions will be found reported in another column of this issue. While most of the horses have got quite used to the picketing arrangements, it is evident that a tew or them stm ooject, ior one or two nave stampeded and wended their homeward way. One of these animals which have exhibited a decided preference for their own comfortable stables, be- longs to Captain Sir Philip B. Grey-Egerton, Bart., while a pc-regrinating- companion, hailing from Chester, made a bolt for the city. The latter may not have followed the turnpike road in its anxiety to reach its domicile, but it arrived, and that to the astonishment of its rider's family. Yesterday (Tuesday) the regiment was to be exercised in the protection of troops on the march. A sing-song camp fire has been arranged for Wednesday. On Sunday, weather permitting, there will be a morning church parade, and on Monday and Tuesday Colonel Courtenay will in- spect the regiment.

CHESHIRE BRIGADE AT SALISBURY PLAIN. This week end the Cheshire Volunteer Infantry Brigade, consisting of the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Volunteer Battalions Cheshire Regiment and a Bearer Company went into camp at Perham Down, Salisbury Plain. Formerly the Bearer Company was made up of sections from the various battalions, but now it is supplied entirely by the 2nd V.B. Cheshire Regiment, and is commanded by Brigade-Surgeon Lieut.-Col. King. The company paraded at Chester Drill Hall at half-past nine on Sunday morning, and proceeded by train to Perham Down. Colonel A E. Ommanney is the Brigadier-General, with Captain Johnson-Houghton, 1st V B as aide- de-camp, Captain and Adjutant Thomas, 2nd V B., brigade-major; Major Edwards, 2nd V.B, supply and transport officer; Sergeant -Major Dent. 4th V B brigade sergeant-major and Sergeant-Major Mellor, 2nd V B brigade clerk The total strength of the brigade is 2,888, made up as follows:—1st V B. (Colonel Blood) 501 all ranks; 3rd V.B. (Colonel Mothersill'. 707 4th V B (Colonel Pearson), 812 5th V,B (Colonel Sir W Shackerley, Bart ), 818; Bearer Company 41 and staff nine. The 2nd'V.B are not in camp, as they go to Salis- bury Plain with the 30th Brigade later in the year.

MONTGOMERYSHIRE YEOMANRY. On Monday General Sir Evelyn Wood, com- manding the Second Army Corps, visited Welsh- pool and inspected the Montgomeryshire Imperial Yeomanry, at present training in Powis Castle Park, under the command of Sir Watkin Williams Wynn. The 'regiment was exercised in recon- naissance and outpost work on the Long Mountain, which the War Office are acquiring under a iease from the Welshpool Corporation for military pur- poses, and Sir Evelyn expressed himself pleased with the scheme of attack and defence as laid down and afterwards carried out Subsequently the General inspected the training ground, paying particular attention to the horse line and com- missariat department, with which, again, he ex- pressed himself highly satisfied.

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. 4 MANCHESTER UNITY OF ODDFELLOWS. The Annual Movable Committee of the Man- chester Unity of Oddfellows was opened at New- castle-on-Tyne on Monday, when Grand Master R. J. Vullender delivered his inaugural address. The Grand Master said that at the end of last year the membership of the Unity was only 3,466 short of a million, and the capital stood a.t £ 10,750,854. Tho income o' the society was now £ 1,760,388, and the payments of benefits to members £ 1,399,763. Immediately following the Grand Master's address, the North London District raised a question with respect to the action of the Board of Directors in refusing to register a district- aided sick pay rule, under which a levy is made upon the whole of the lodges to maintain the benefits of members in deficiency lodges. An excited discussion ensued, the North London representatives contending that the directors had acted ultra vires. SONS OF TEMPERANCE. The 47th annual sesfion of the Order of the Sens of Temperance was held on Monday at Bolton, when delegates were present from ¡¡..II parts of the United Kingdom. One delegate had come all the way from Port Elizabeth. Bro. W. Gleadowe, of Hull, presided. Bro. W. Wight- man, London, the Chief Secretary, reported that the adult branches had been increased by 43, the juvenile by 42, the adult membership by 4,901, the juvenile by 4,043. and the capital by over £ 20,000. The members now numbered 54,188; the juveniles 25,929, and the capital was £ 242,659 12s. The mortality was remarkable, having regard to the risks incidental to employment of ) many members. This year the mortality had j fallen to 5.9 per 1,000. The close of business was marked by an interesting ceremony, when Bro. ) William Clarke, of Manchester, P.M.W. scribe, was presented with a testimonial in recognition of 26 years' service in the interests of the Ord-:I. Bro. Wightman made the presentation, wmch took the form of an address, in book form, and a purse of gold. In the afternoon the delegates were received by the Mayor and Mayoress (Alderman and Mrs. Miles) in the Town Hall. They were afterward.. entertained to tea by the Mayor, who presided at, the concert which followed, and extended a hearty welcome to the delegates. WELSH GOOD TEMPLARS. The Grand Lodge of Wales (I.O.G.T.) com- menced its annual sittings at Carnarvon on Mon- day, under the presidency of Chief Templar Rees Evans. In the evening- there was a formal TO ception of between 200 and 300 delegates from all parts of the Principality by Councillor R. O. Roberts, the Mayor of Carnarvon. The report, oi the Chief Secretary shewed the total number of adult members to be 4,318, an increase of 414. while the juvenile lodges shewed a remarkable increase. Eleven new lodges had been estab- lished throughout the Principality, and there was an increased membership of 935. The various lodges were urged to exert themselves in the direction of cutting virgin ground. Reference was made to the efforts made to reduce the num- ber of public-houses, and to the fact that several drinking olubs. especially in the mining regions, should be abolished. It was stated that these clubs flourished mostly in and near Wrexham in North Wales, and in the Rhondda Valley in South Wales. The fact that many "bona fide travellers" went by train to get drink on Sundays was commented upon, and the lodges at Abergele. Maestef, and the Rhondda Vallev were urcred to exercise greater vigilanco. Public meetings were held in the evening. GRAND UNITED ORDER OF ODDFELLOVIS. The delegates to the Annual Movable Con- ference of the Grand United Order of Oddfellows assembled in Burnley on Monday. The financial statement shews that at the end of 1901 the num- ber of active branches was 4,917, an increase of 73 on the previous year. The total gain in mem- bership during the year was 3,659. Eight counties have increased, while two have de- creased. Lancashire has suffered a loss of 329, broua-ht. about larerely through branches being expelled for refusiiiar to register their rules in accordance with the Friendlv Societies' Act- and | general rules of the Order. The sum of £297,688 had been received in contributions, etc.. for meeting sickness and death claims, and £ 164,737 has been paid, leavinsr an increase in receipts over payments of £1;"2.951. The total mombership is 330.452, and the capital account stands at £ 1,067,093.

NEW YORK'S COAL FAMTXF, —In connection with th? pending colliers' strike Mr. Hanna. says thai the minimum demand of the miners is a five per ceiit. iiiere,-tw in wage- He thinks that civil federation can do nothing to end the strike Until the operators and the miners ag-ret) to arbitra- tion. Mr. Hanna is confident that there is no sympathetic strike among the soft coal miners. New York is face to face with a. coal famine. Tho supply of anthracite coal in hand will 12ct last two weeks. THE BEEF TRUST EXPOSED.—Mr. Arthur Colibv, the Beef Trust arbitrator, and the managers of every house concerned in the Trust have fle-d from New York State in their efforts to br..Jk the 1egal proceedings against the Trust. The New York Herald" prints copies of Mess. Armour s letter written in January or February last, ordering the prices to be raised in combina- tion with other Trust houses, and asking fer in- formation as to the violation of agreements by supposed competitors, also giving notice of mw price agreements, speaking of the shipping tf bad meat to New York, admitting collusion with I the combination, and exposing the whole hidden ¡ cf the Trust,

CORRESPONDENCE. The Editor is not responsible for the opinions of his Correspondents. All tetters must be authenticated by the sender's name and address, not necessarily for publication. Correspondents are particularly requested to write only (Tit one side of the paper.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. LORNE-STREET."—You will find ail elucidation of the mystery in our police ourt report of Wednes- day last

INKY RAIN. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,-In explanation of Mr. Leche's Questions, I write to say that rain lik(, ink in a. more or less diluted form is a phenomenon but too well known at Edge. A gentle breeze from north by east— the exact direction of Widnes—furnishes the sky with the required ingredients, and a shower under these oenditions is oonveried into ink. I find this pollution of the atmosphere disastrous to delicato alpine plants, and it greatly increases my difficulty in cultivating them. When tho black particles fall down without rain, a scum shewing rainbow colours becomes visible here on the surface of ponds aud puddles. These poisonous particles remain high up in suspension until they have crossed the ridge of the Peck- forton range of hills. They then descc-nd upon tho Western slopes cf these hills, as any one may find by passing his hand over a tuft of one of the young Scotch firs which grow there. When there is a brisk breeze the iri&teri&ls which colour this iilk pass quickly over the district, but when calm, anti-cyclonio conditions prevail, with a. light wind from the above-named direction, a bright morning is nearly always turned here by this baneful cloud into a gloomy afternoon, &■; if a thunderstorm was gathering. Though Widitca is the worst offender, Non-hwioh, Wiiifford and Warrington contribute thoir share. On May 9th, the date of Mr. Leche s letter, my grand- ohJiJdren owne Ihonie from gathering cowslips with their hands as black as if they had been grubbing in soot. In summer. after one of these black showers, I have seen all the white flowers in my garden stained as if with spots of ink, and th" marks last all their life. Cicero, when speaking of the portents whioh happened in his time, includes showers of milk, of earth and of bkod, and if there had been cord- fed ohemioal works then in Italy, he would havo addod-of ink. The microscope now reveals the true nature of these rains. Showers of milk are known to be oaused by tho pollen of the flowers of fir woods, carried high in the air to a distance and coming down with rain. The fine red dust which still falls in parts of either dry or in drops, is known to be blown by southerly gales from the Sahara. Indeed, Cicero conjectured Its true cause, saying that rai- tinted by some red earthy substance was mistaken by the supersti- tious for blood. But in spite of this explanation, bloody rain continued to be thought a supei- natural and awful portent, and the powerful guild of soothsayers at. Rome, whose. occupation was gone if such occurrences eeased to cause alarm, took ware to discourage any rational explanation of them.—Your obedient servant, C. WOLLEY-DOD. Edge Hall, Malpas, May

-0 CORONATION FESTIVITIES. TO THE EDITOR. ,ir,-Bristol is well ahead of Chesier in its treatment of the trades !>d friendly societies; for I read of an intendedprccessiDII cf military and the above, with tableit.N. with prizes, also the novel idea of costumt.s representing tho °f England from tne Conqueror to Wuliam IV. No cavilling or twitting "at suoh a time, as we witness here, ocr.cerning that mc-t important addendum at the termination of tho procession, the roast beef and plum pudding. Yet we find in Chester, although it. forms the title next to that of the heir appaj-ert. quibbling and paltry treatment and a preference to spend tho largo grant of £2,000 chiefly in illuminations It strikes me a little tact a ;d a desire to share or meet the trades and frit ndlv sociotv men in the expense of a lunch might. yet result in the striking scene on the con,Ig- day of such a procession that all wortid be proud of, but as things are this loyal city of Chester must take a back scat even to Bristol CE2TRIAN. May 17, 1902.

LIGHTING-UP TABLE. — ♦ All cycles and other vehicles in the Chester district must be lighted up stated in the following table TTT Wednesday, May 21 9.12 Thur-sday, May 22 9.13 Friday, May 23 9.15 Saturday, May 24 g jg Sunday, May 25 917 Monday, May 20 9^3 Tuesday, May 27. 9,20

CHESTER INFIRMARY. --+- —— WEEKLY STATE, ENDED SATURDAY LAST. III-pe,t,ient-s are admitted on Tuesday monjinv-s at 11 o'clock. In-patients Discharged. Cured. 14 Admitted 20 Relieved 2 Remain in the Ilcuse 8tS Made Out-Patients 0 Unrelieved 0 Irregularity 0 Dead 2 I Bottle Visitors A. Mottcrshcad and Mr. J. Rhodes. lOUT-PATIENTS. Medical cases are seen on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Surgkal cases are seen on Thursday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Ophthalmic cases are seen on Friday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Dental cases are seen on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at Ten o'clock, Out-patients admitted since Saturday last 82

-_u_ MEMORIALS AT ALL PRICES, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE & ALABASTER, On View, and to order. W. I-IASIVELI-I & SON. ;a?ASONri, KALEYARDS, CHESTER -t;,nate.,i end Designs Free on application. Telephone 161A. "(,

WILL OF MR. HA WORTH, DUNHAM MASSEY.— Mr. Abraham Haworth, of HiJston House, Dun- ham Massey, and of the firm of John Dilworth and Son, yarn agents, Manchester, who died at Hyeres on tho 9th of March, aged seventy-two years, left peisonal estate of the nelt value of S267,165 10s. The gross value of the whole of the estate is £63G, C6b 12s. 2d. The executors of the will aro the testator's brother, Mr. Jesse Haworth, of Bov/don, and his sons, Mr. Arthur Adiington Haworth, of Altrineham, Mr. Alfred Haworth, of Altrincham, and Mr. John Good e.r Haworth. The testator authorised them at their discretion to continue for one year after his death any of his periodical subscriptions, and to pay any subscrip- tions or donations which i.e had promised. Mr. Haworth confirmed seitiements made in favour of I his daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Goodier Herbert, on her marriage, and he bequeathed in trust for her £ f>0,000. He bequeathed £50,000 each to his four sons, and he left the icjiduo of his property in t e(|t;al shaiea to them.