The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

PEACE PROSPECTS. As we go to press, the probabilities of an early conclusion of the South African war are eagerly discussed. Opinions differ mainly on the question of time, many people believing that it is now a matter of daY" only. One of the most hopeful signs was contained in a message which Mr. Seddon, the Premier of New Zealand, sent to his own Colony, informing it that he had had a satisfactory interview with Lord Milner and Lord Kitchener, and that he did not think a further New Zealand contingent was necessary. The publication of this intelligence in England on Monday buoyed up hope, for it is a foregone con- clusion that the projected terms of peace must be eminently satisfactory, if they com- mend themselves to such a man as Mr. Seddon, an Imperialist of Imperialists and a patriot of patriots. Throughout the war no Colony has for its size, contributed more heartily towards the successful prosecution of the campaign, and in this work Mr Seddon has always been in the forefront' sending off detachment after detach-1 ment with rousing speeches calcu- lated to keep the fire of loyalty and patriotism aflame. Mr. Seddon has again and again frankly stated that he will be content with no patched-up peace, and his message to the Colony is, therefore, of great significance. It is, however, to be regretted that, just when feeling in this country is becoming most sanguine, Reuter's agent at Pretoria should cable that the prevalent optimism throughout South Africa is hardly based on solid facts." The protraction of the conference, he argues, is not necessarily a hopeful sign, as it has been interpreted here. The delegates are reported to have abandoned all hopes of independence, but at the same time they are, Boer-like, trying to drive a hard bargain with the Government by wring- ing from them concessions upon minor, yet vital points. The singular feature of the business is that the obstinate minority are said to belong to the Orange River Colony, a community which had originally no quarrel with Great Britain, but simply threw in its lot with the Trans- vaal Boers, with the view of securing a Dutch Republic throughout South Africa. The erstwhile Orange Free Staters, it is true, have sacrificed everything for nothing. They waged war against us without the pretence of a grievance, and it may appear peculiarly odious and disappointing to them to have to cry "peccavi," after having ventured all and won nothing, when they had no necessity to enter into the quarrel at all. Still, their action at that critical period was entirely of their own choosing, they made, in Lord Salisbury's memorable words, a bold bid for empire," and now, having tried the fortunes of war and got less than they bar- gained for, they need not whine and com. plain of their hard luck. They went willingly, gleefully into the fight, they con- tributed largely to the success of the Boers in the early stages of the war, and it is impossible to entertain any sympathy for their present ruined position.

CHESTER CATHEDRAL. SERVICE LIST FOR WEEK COMMENCING MAT 28. WEDNESDAY, MAY 28TH.—Morning, 8.0: Matins. 10.15: The Litany hymn 280. Evening, 4.15 Service, Kelway in 15 minor anthem, Lift up thine eyes" (Goss). THURSDAY, MAY 29TII.—Morning, 8.0 Hoiy Communion. 10.15 Service, .Nares in F anthem, Lord, for Thy tender mercies" (Farrant). Evening, 4.13: Service, IS ares in F anthem" Lcad, kindly light" (Stainer). FRIDA.V, MAY OOTII.— Morning, 8.0: Matins. 10.15: The Litany hymn 43. Evening, 4.15 Service, Wesley in F; anthem, "Hear my prayer" (Arcadelt). SATURDAY, MAY Z;I',T. Morning, 8.0: Matins. 10.15: Service, Keay in F; anthem, "How goodly (Ouseley). Evening, 4.15: Service, Reay in F; anthem, "Hearken xmto my voice (.Sydenham). SCXOAY, JUNE 1ST (First Sunday after Trinity).—Morning «.0 Litany and Holy Communion. 10.30 Service, Smart preacher 'thp •3"?>' U,°'y 0omi»»nion (Smart in F); preacher, the Canon in Residence. Uvening, 3.30 Service ijmart in F; anthem •« In that day" (Elvey); hynmll' and .Nunc Dmnttis to Chants hymns 164 362, 2J3 preacher, the Right Rev. Bishop Hine, D. D. (Collection for the Central African Mission).

The Earl and Countess of Denbigh have arrived at 10, St. James's-place for the season. We are pleased to hear that Mrs. Griffith. Boscawen is making satisfactory progress towards recovery. Lord Penrhyn on Monday returned to Mortimer House, London, from Aberdeenshire, where he has been salmon fishing in his private waters. Major-General Lord Chesham, Inspector-General of Imperial Yeomanry, had the honour of being received by the King at Buckingham Palace on Saturday. The Hon. Lady Grey Egerton, having let her house in Mount-street for the season, has taken Eartham, Sir John Milbanke s place in Sussex, for that time. Mr. George Wyndham, M.P., Chief Secretary for Gravi,left Eaton on Sunday. The Countess BeaueWm ani u £ W^y Luttice Grosvenor, also Lord A marriage has been arranged, and will shortly take place, between Mr. W. Preston Gill,son of Mr- R. Preston Gill, of Woodhayes Hall, Cheshire, and Aymée, eldest daughter of Mr. Allan Gilmour, younger, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, N.B. The Duke and Duchess of Westminster are going abroad to-morrow (Thursday) for a week or ten days. All communications of a business character which require an immediate answer should in the mean- time be addressed to Colonel Wilford LLoyd at Grosvenor House. Princess Christian, attended by Lady Agneta Montagu, presented certificates at Grosvenor House on Saturday afternoon to ladies successful in the examinations of the National Health Society, when among the crowded assemblage were the Countess of Derby, Lady Broadbent, Sir Herbert and Lady Perrott, Lady Saunders, Canon Benham, and the Hon. Mrs. Hardcastle. The Earl of Derby, who has lately become president of the society's council, was in the chair. On Saturday afternoon, Mr. R. Brocklebank, of Haughton Hall,. Tarporley, one of the directors of the London and North-western Railway Com- pany, unveiled a beautiful memorial window in the east end of St. Barnabas' Church Crewe provided by public subscription in memory of the late Queen Victoria. There was a large attend- ance. Among the clergy present were the Vicar (Rev. W. C. Martin), Canon Blackburne, Canon Webb, Revs. W. C. Reid, D. M'Varisb, W. H. Martin, A. J. Ward. and E. G. Auden. Canon Blackburne gave an address, and after Mr. Brocklebank had unveiled the window, the choir rendered the Hallelujah Chorus." General the Hon. Savage and Mrs. Mostyn have arrived at 35, Beaufort Gardens for the season. Mr. W ilbraham, of Delamere House, has ac- cepted the presidency of the Middlewich Agri- cultural Society. We are requested to state that Mr. J. R. Thomson was unable to attend the funeral of his old friend Colonel Miller owing to his being from home at the time. Mr. Herbert Maddick, 23rd Royal Welsh lusiliers, has been appointed Aide-de-Camp to his Excellency Sir Augustus Hemming, G.C.M.G. Governor of Jamaica. It is announced in our advertisement columns that Eaton Hall and gardens will again be open to the public from .Monday, June 2nd, until further notice, on the usual conditions. ro&rr?yerS Mostyn has bought the long lease of o3, Onslow-gardens, which is now ready for the reception of Sir Pyers and Lady Mostyn of lalacre and family. It is announced from Sydney that the Earl of Hopetoun will reside there during the last two months of his stay in Australia. The Countess of Hopetoun will leave for England on .Tune 3. The secretary of the Chester General Infirmary begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a donation of B2 8s. 6d., being offertory collected at lielsby irarish Church, at service attended by the Foresters and Druids, per Rev. Edmund Jermyn. The Earl of Shaftesbury presided on Wednesday night over the 104th anniversary festival of the Royal Society of Musicians, held in London. There was a large attendance, including many eminent members of the musical profession. The Chairman pleaded the cause of the Society, which, since first it was founded by Handel, had, he said, done noble work in providing for aged or disabled members, or for the widows and families of musicians, who had brought much happiness into the lives of the general public. Tit AM R.ETUR.NS.-Tlie tram returns for the week are as followsMonday, passengers 5,159, £ 25 9s. lud.; Tuesday, 3,434, AL16 3s. Wednesday, 3,040, £ 14 Is. 8d. Thursday, 3,180, S14 7s. 9d. Friday, 3,574, £ 10 19s. Id. Saturday, 0,310, £ 29 15s. 9d.; Sunday, 1,932, Xlo 4s. 4d. total for the week, passengers 20,035, £ 120 lis. 5d. compared with 11,905 passengers, and S105 Os. 7d. in the corresponding week last year. The increase is passengers 14,670, and £ 21 10s. lOd. BIRD S NEST UNDER RAILWAY -MFTALS.-Birds occasionally fix upon strange placfc for the building A>-I ™?sts- Un Sunday som#'employes at the Middlewich Electrolytic Alkali Works observed a wagtail alight on a crossing near the bleach plant, and disappear as if into the earth. Presently the bird re-appeared, and when there was a cessation in the shunting operations which were being carried on an examination was made of the crossing. The discovery was then made that the wagtail had built a nest right under the metals, just out of reach of the hand. A TEACHERS' BAZAAR.-On Friday and Saturday next a bazaar will be held in the Town Hall for the purpose of aiding the Retired Teachers' Homes Association. As announced in these columns last week £500 is needed for a sustentation fund and £ 70 in order to free the two houses from debt. The teachers and scholars of Church schools in the district have been working hard for some time past for this worthy object, and the bazaar should prove a huge success. On Friday Mr. R. A. Yerburgh, M.P., will open the bazaar, while on Saturday the ceremony will be performed bv the Mayoress WREXHAM YOUTH'S DESIRE. David Philip Roberts, aged fourteen, was at Wrexham on Monday sent to prison for fourteen days, and after- wards to a reformatory for four years for obtaining by false pretences two sums of money—6s. 8d. and 5s. 82d. respectively. The prisoner was employed nai ym butcher named George Price, and called upon two customers and said he had been sent for the account. The money was paid over to him in each case, and prisoner receipted the bills. When arrested near Corwen the boy said he wanted the money to visit his father's grave at Llanelidan. A MIDNIGHT MiSHAP.-Mr. H. Thomasson, of Knutsfoi-d, an official in the Manchester County Court, while returning home from the Yeomanry Camp at Oakmere about midnight on Friday, was thrown from his cycle, and sustained somewhat severe injuries, when in the neighbourhood of Speedwell Hill, Sandiway, near Northwich. He was picked up in an unconscious condition, and Dr. trough found that he was suffering from concussion and cuts about the face. On Saturday morning it was ascertained that he was brother-in-law to Dr Horton-Smith, of Northwich, and he was accord- ingly removed to that gentleman's residence. During the day he recovered sufficiently to be conveyed to his own home. Air. Thomasson was the gentleman who so pluckily seized the assailant in connection with the outrage on Judge Parry in the Manchester County Court two or three vears sum INTERESTING PRESENTATION.—A pleasing little ceremony took place on Friday evening at nr T> A 8, ^allway Station, when Mr. 1..bradburn, who recently relinquished his ap- pointment of stationmastcr and goods agent, which be had held for over a quarter of a century, was made the recipient of a presentation at the hands of the station staff. The gift, which took the form of a timepiece, was presented on behalf of the staff by Inspector Lynn, who had been official.y associated with Mr. Bradburn almost since his advent to Chester, and in suitable terms he referred to the harmonious relations which had existed between the late stationmaster and the staff and the great esteem in which he was held. They were exceedingly sorry to part with him, and ne hoped he would live for many years to enjoy his well-earned retirement.—Mr. Bradbum, in acknowledgment, referred to the many happy years he had spent at the station with his staff. ACCIDENT ON THE DEE.—About 4.30 o'clock on Saturday afternoon Mr. Williams's steamer, Smoored to a stage near Eccleston Ferry, was being boarded by passengers when the planking of the stage on the inner side cracked alarmingly and collapsed. A number of persons went down on the planks into some three feet of water amid consider- able excitement. Police-Sergeant Johnson and Mr. W. Williams, the captain of the steamer, and others rendered willing help, and beyond an upleasant dip the excursionists, chiefly hailing from Lancashire, were none the worse for the mishap, no injuries being sustained. They pro- ceeded to Chester on the Volunteer. The stage, which is the property of the Duke of Westminster, is not the principal landing stage, but one used fairly frequently for parties. It was constructed about eight years ago. At the time of the accident it was by no means unduly crowded, and the collapse was probably due to the cross-beams being decayed. CHIEF CONSTABLE AND VACCINATION FEES.—At the meeting of the Holywell Board of Guardians ™ 'iV V'ia'> 11 ^tter was received from the Flintshire Cinef Constable (Major Webber), who had at the previous meeting forwarded a sum of 18s. for the re-vaccination of himself and two other members of his family by the public vaccinator of the Mold division, in consequence of some remark of a general cnaracter made on the subject at a recent meeting of the Board. A fortnight ago Major Webber, in sending 188., requested that it should Do uovoted to improving the fare of the workhouse inmates on Coronation day, but the clerk was instructed to inform him that the guardians could only receive the money as a payment to the common loud of the union. Major Webber's present letter was to the effect that his intention appeared to have been entirely misconstrued, and he asked for the return of the money. The clerk was instructed to return Major Webber the 18s., Mr. Petrie (Green- held) remarking, "The next time he raises a quarrel he must not shout when he gets hurt." THE SALT UNION.TI)e report of the Salt Union states that the scheme for the reduction of the capital of the company was duly confirmed by the Court on the 21st April. As the reduction only takes effect from the date of such conformation, the accounts for 1901 have to be presented without showing the effect of the reduction. The assets in the balance-sheet of December 31, 1901, were £ 1,1.37,217, and under the scheme the amended amount is £ 2,421,058. The reduction of £ 1,715,559 in the value of the assets is provided for as follow By the amount written off Preference Capital," £ 400,000 by the amount written off Ordinary Capital, £ 1,200,000 by the extinction of the present reserve fund, £ 108,823 and by transfer from profit and loss account, £ 0,735. The profit and loss account shews that the gross profit on salt, inclu- S°1 +T 0tl'er so"rcea. has amounted to £ 21/8, lop, while the nett profit amounts to £ 95 543 forward from 1.100, £ 101,170. From this has to be deducted Debenture interest for the year, £ 47,770, and the directors recommend a dividend for the year 1901 at the rate of 6s: per share on the Preference Shares, which will require £ 30,000 that there be placed to reserve fund (new account), £ 10,000; and that there be oarrwd for ivaid MOTOR AND CYCLIST IN COLLIsION.-On Monday, on the Tarporley and Chester road, a collision occurred between a motor car and a cyclist. The motor, containing two passengers, was being driven towards Tarporley and the cylist was riding from Chester to Winsford. The collision occurred at the cross roads by Jordan's training stables. The driver of the motor was flung from his seat into a hedge on the opposite side of the road, and sus- tained a nasty cut behind the ear. The cyclist's machine was twisted in all shapes, but the rider escaped with a slight bruising of the leg. The mud-guards and seat of the motor, which over- turned, were smashed. CHESTER BOILERMAKER'S OFFENCE. At the Carnarvon County Petty Sessions, on Saturday, before Dr. Taylor Morgan and other magistrates, John Bailey, a boilermaker, from Chester, was summoned for travelling on the London and North-western Railway from Penygroes to Car- narvon without a ticket.—Evidence was given by H. V. Summerton to the effect that when the Penygroes train arrived at Carnarvon on the 19th of April the defendant was in the train and pro- duced a return ticket from Carnarvon to Chester, saying he had had no time to get a ticket at Peny- groes and had given the porter there a shilling. This story was found to be untrue, and the de- fendant when next seen admitted that he had not paid his fare.—He was fined 10s. and costs. MR. H H. GRIFFITHS. OF BANGOR.—Com- mercial travellers throughout North Wales will be as shocked and pained as were the inhabitants of Bangor on Sunday to hear of the sudden death of Mr. H. Ii. Griffiths, licensee of the North-Western Station Hotel, Bangor, which occurred at seven o'clock on Sunday morning, after only five days' illness. Mr. (jrrimths was only 44 years of age, and was a Freemason, and last Tuesday night attended at the St. David's Lodge, Bangor. On his return home he complained that he was dreadfully cold, and took a cup of hot tea, but after going to bed that night he never rose again. Mr. Griffiths had spent some years in South Africa, and was a genial and well-liked man. He leaves a widow and three children. FISHING WITH DYNAMITE.—Great indignation has been aroused among fishermen at Llangollen by the operations of a gang of river exploiters, who during the Whitsuntide holidays have been dynamiting the Dee." Their procedure is verv simple. An explosive bomb is thrown into the water, with the result that dozens of fish are killed by the concussion, and these are secured by the destroyers. On Whit-Monday, in parts, the surface of the river was covered with dead fish, and in one place a keeper witnessed the men gathering in the fruits of their efforts. They made off, however, before he could get round to effect an arrest. The Denbighshire police are now co-operating with the river authorities with a view to securing the offenders; their efforts being followed with close interest in the locality. During the summer months hundreds of angling clubs visit the town from Manchester, Liverpool, and other parts, and proceedings of this kind will be resented by all bona-fide associations. NOHTH WALES ASYLUM.-The 53rd annual re- port of the North Wales Counties Lunatic Asylum —which belongs to the counties of Denbigh, Flint, Anglesea, Carnarvon, and Merioneth, in union- has been issued. With regard to the extensive additions being made to the buildings, it appears that Messrs. Jones and Sons, of Liverpool, are working out a contract of £ 45,995, the whole of the works to be completed by the end of next vear. The committee recommend the purchase of the farm of Parc-y-Noll, which has hitnerto been held on lease by the asylum for a sum of E3,000, and certain woodlands adjacent to the farm. This arrangement is subject to the sanction of the five county councils and the Secretary of State. The general statement of accounts for the past year shews receipts of £ 32,947 13s. 10d., the principal items being £ 9,571, balance on 1st April, 1901 £ 1, <89 received for the maintenance of private patients, and £ 15,734 from unions for the main- tenance of pauper patients. The payments amounted to £ 27,044 0s. 4d., and on March 31st last there were balances in hand of £ 5,903 13s. Od. The principal heads of expenditure were as follows; Salaries and wages, £ 4,479; provisions, £ 5,674 enlargement account, £ 0,691. The average weekly cost per head of the patients was 9s. 4d., and the weekly charge for pauper patients during the year was 8s. 9d. A NORTHWICH F AILURE.-At Crewe Bank- ruptcy Court, on Friday, before Mr. Registrar Speakman, Charles Matthews, saddler, of High- street, Northwich, attended for his public examination. The gross liabilities were JE685 14s. lid. and the estimated deficiency £ 521 Is. In reply to Mr. F. P. Lamb, Deputy Official Receiver, the debtor said that he had succeeded, about 15 years ago, his father in an old- established business that had been carried on in Northwich for at least 100 years. He had no capital of his own, but he received about £ 130 from his father's estate. The business fell off, and in 1894 he failed with liabilities about £ 1,430 and assets £ 948. He paid a composition of 13s. in the £ Sir John Brunner, M.P. finding the ^?rpe^ January, 1898, he got into financial difficulties again, his liabilities then being between £ 400 and J6500. That was paid at the rate of 10s. in the £ the money being again guaranteed by Sir John Brunner. Sir John had found him altoget-her about £ 1,000 to enable him to tide over his two past failures. A year ago he sustained a loss of £ 500 by a fire at his premises. The damage was £ 914, and he was insured only to the extent of £ 400. He con- sidered he was quite solvent at that time. He had suffered from want of capital, and had had resort to professional money lenders. He did not like to ask Sir John Brunner's assistance again. The Deputy Official Receiver said the debtor had been living beyond his means. The examination was adjourned for a cash and goods account.

CITY POLICE COURT. (See also page 6.) YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).-Before Mr. J. J. Cunnah. ALLEGED EMBEZZLEMENT, Robert Morris, 1, Belgrave-street, Chester, described as a clerk, was charged with embezzling 5s. on the 25th March, received by him for the Singer Manufactur- Company from a person named Duckers.— Prisoner It was the morning I got dismissed.— I he magistrates clerk (Mr. G. Davison): Did you get os. which you did not account for to the Singer •Manufacturing Company ?—Prisoner Yes, I received 5s from Mr. Duckers.—Detective Hughes said he arrested prisoner on the previous night on a warrant.^ Tne warrant ■was read over to him and he replied All right. —Prisoner was remanded until to-morrow.

FISHERMEN'S FAIR. e NAUTICAL BAZAAR AT CHESTER. There are few institutions more worthy of a help- ing hand than the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen to which her Majesty the Queen has graciously extended her patronage. A bazaar, the proceeds of which will go to the general fund, was opened under the auspices of the Chester Branch by the Mayoress of Chester (Mrs. James G l^rost) yesterday afternoon, in the Newgate'- MV « YI -Room. The local branch, of which Miss Sybil Clark is the enthusiastic hon. secretary was established in 1898, and has been supported by many ladies and gentlemen who realise the great work which the Mission is doing. The bazaar was instead of the usual meetings. The Assembly Room presented a picturesque and naval appearance, the decorations being representative of sea industries. The fisherfok and sailor costumes of the helpers were in happy harmony with the nautical features of the fair. The stall-holders were as follows:- Fancy Sta!I: The Mayoress and Mrs. H. T. Brown assisted by Miss Brown, Miss- Kerr, Miss Hills' Miss Rolt and Miss N. Porter. Labrador Stall and Eskimo- Hut: Mrs. Grenfell (Parkgato) and Miss Sybil Clark, assisted by Miss Hero Tavlor Mrs. and Miss Greenhouse, Miss Brown and Miss Cooper Scott. China Basket and Flower Stall- Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Robert Roberts and Mrs |!uitt, assisted by Miss Roberts, Miss Eisie Hamilton and Miss Mabel Dickson. Dairy Stall: Mrs. and Miss Bridge and the Misses Dobie. Tea- room Mrs. B. C. Roberts, Miss H. F-aotner, Miss Roberts, Miss Rolt, Mrs. Martin and Miss Ash- malt. Bala Stall: Miss Voyd and Miss Sybil Clark, assisted by Miss W. Footner, Miss H. Birch, Miss Cooper Scott and Miss Alys Parsons. Magic Well: Mrs. Barker and Miss Freda Bar- ker, assisted by two little friends. Lifeboat: Two sailor girls and Masters W. and M. King. Enter- tainments were given at intervals by Miss Thomp- son, Miss Marsden, Colonel Savage, Miss Giles, Miss H. Footner and others. A pianola, kindly lent by Mrs. Dale, was exhibited. A cinemato- graph exhibition, descriptive of the Mission work, was conducted by Mr. Frank Wilson, Mission delegate and a fisherman. Mr. Owen Hope acted as bellman, and wore a Neapolitan fisherman dress. Various competitions attracted interest. The parcels delivery was managed by Miss W. Footner, assisted by Mrs. Mungo Park and Miss Mungo Park. About a dozen gentlemen rendered willing help; they included Mr. Greenhouse and Mr. Price.

CR.TWFORDIS ij CREAM II I CRISP AND CRACKERS. CREAMY. <

VOLUNTEERS' HOME-COMING. — + PREPARATIONS AT CHESTER. About 5.20 last (Tuesday) evening, the second Special Service Company of Cheshire Volunteers were expected to arrive in the city from South Africa. Preparations had been made to give them a fitting reception. Col. Smith and the members of the 2nd (Earl of Chester's) Volunteer Battalion Cheshire Regiment were to meet them at the station, and escort them to the Town Hall, where the Mayor (Mr. Jas. G. Frost) had arranged to welcome and entertain the gallant company at dinner. Major-General Hallam Parr, commanding the North-Western Division, his aide-de-camp, Col. Courtenay, from Watergate House, Col. Ommanney, commanding the 22nd Regimental District, and two other officers from the Castle, representatives of the different volunteer companies in Cheshire, also a number of the leading citizens had been invited to be present to welcome the men. The men departed for South Africa some 15 months ago, under the command of Captain Abercrombie, of the G (Sale) Company, with Lieut. Frost, ofthelst (Birkenhead) Battalion, and Lieut. Moir, of the 5th Battalion.

THE 3RD CHESHIRES. -+- ON BLOCKHOUSE DUTY. REFUGEES AND PING-PONG. GAY KAFFIR WEDDINGS. A BRUSH WITH THE ENEMY. CORONATION PREPARATIONS. [FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Winburg, Orange River Colony, South Africa, May 3, 1902. Since my last letter, the regiment has had another loss by the death of Lanee-Ccmoral Kirk- 1 f C^PANY, WHO WAS ;CCI(JENTAII afteTit had bewi the refC°Vered his and laid the poor j^ mtltVS^pTe immediately afterwards. Sergeant Boultcn, who had some of his fingers seriously injured by a spring gun attached to his blockhouse, has been invalided home; also Private Disley, C Company, who had been in the hospital ever since he landed on these shores. You will notice by the above address that we have had a change of stations from Smaldeel to Winburg during this last fortnight. It took us quite ten days to execute it, as ourselves and the 5th Manchester Regiment, whom we relieved here, could only relieve each other about 100 men a day. As we took over one of their blockhouses, so they id the same with us, and in some cases that meant 60 or 70 miles between each. Anyone can quite imagine what tedious work it is when two regiments are guarding about 100 miles of block- ouscs. e have only one engine that- runs on ne m urg line, and she makes one journey a day to Smaldeli and back (distance 26 miles), so railway travelling in this part of the colony is not very brilliant. The engine is very old-fashioned, and our men call her "Kruger," and I must say she bears a slight resemblance to him! Our regiment. are all in forty blockhouses, which surround tho town of Winburg. These block- houses are all built on very high kopjes. We are constantly on the alert, and it would take a very strong force of the enemy to break through. We also have a battery of artillery and Vilonei's Scouts near Winburg. There is a large refugee camp here of 2,000 Boer and Dutcn people, and from the appearance nW0m'* 7 haVe VPry good liviil°- They h<i-e rl J ?! *irnuscmcnts> such as concerts, cricket and football matches, also lawn tennis, and last, but not least, that noble game of ping-pong. They are also allowed to come into town, provided they have a pass, and purchase what they wish. So, taking aU in r.11, their lot is not a very hard one. Since our arrival in South Africa, three of our officers-Lieutenants C. Young, P. Mottram and F. Savage (the latter belongs to Chester;—have received commissions in the line regiments. They are all worthy officers, and they have the bat- talion's congratulations. Just before we left Smaldeel, we found time to play a detachment of the South African Constabu- lary a cricket match. We had the first innings, and made a grand total, our colonel (Colonel A. Hill) and Major C. P. Lees making 100 between them. We had the S.A.C.'s all out for 42. They were surprised to find that we had such good bats- men and bowlers among us. We hope to play them a return match when the War is over. I W e, at Smaldeel, had the pleasure of witnessing a most unusual sight in the form of 12 Kaffir couples being made man and wife. The ceremony I was performed by a white minister in the remark- ably short time of about two hours. The whole of the. locations (native villagers) turned out en masse, the women being dressed in most blazing colours, the various brides, naturally vicing with each *other in the matter of dress and colours. It costs each couple £ 2 to get married, and considering that tho average Kaffir only earns 30s. a month, it is rather expensive. But I believe that these people save their earnings for months before, and then spend as much as JB20 and JE30 over tHeir marriage festivities. I noticed that they did a deal of sing- ing, and most of the tunes were taken from our own hymn-books. They sing in their native tongue. One of our blockhouses on the Winburg line had a brush with a party of Boers, who were try- ing to cross, but owing to the sharp fire of our men were beaten off. Private G. Costall, C. Company, was slightly wounded, but, I am pleased to say is now doing very well. The other morning we were enveloped in a ciond consisting of millions of locusts; they were ttf h ? one could easi!ycateh them with k A i,an country for miles around, which a een green, was one large patch of brown after they left. At times they alight on the rail- way metals, get in the engines, and stop the train from making any progress for hours! We have just heard of the sudden death of Sergt.- Major McGarvie, of the Volunteers of Chester. We, the permanent staff of the 3rd Cheshire Regi- ment, take this opportunity, with your kind per- mission, of tendering our deen svmnathv to his very unfortunate widow. T -1 The townfolk of Winburg are very enthusiastic over the King's Coronation. They seem to be most loyal to his Majesty, and are as keen Oil shewing their loyalty and appreciation of the event as the larger towns of South Africa. The commandant (Colonel A. Hill) has been invited to take the chair as president of the committee at a meeting to draw up a programme of sports, etc., which will last two days. The country round about here seems in a very peaceful state, but we are always ready for any surprises, as one never knows when the enemy may take it into their heads to try and cross our boundaries. Our regiment are keeping in fairly good health; we have about 30 in hospital with fever, in most cases in a very mild form. NVe have got over the fever months, but the cold weather is coming on now very rapidly, and our young soldiers will feel it for a time. We trust our friends in England wid have a jolly time at our King's Coronation. —— 1

KIXDXESS TO ANIMALS.—Nora Watt, aged 12, a pupil at St. Paul's Girls' School, has obtained the first prize offered by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for an essay on Kindness to Animals" This is the second time a girl from this school has obtained first prize, a circumstance upon which the head mistress, Miss Moulton, is to be congratulated. TWENTY MILLION'S FOR THEATRE TICKETS.—NO less a sum than £ 20,000,000 has been spent, savs the Daily Telegraph" correspondent at New York, by Americans for theatrical amusements during the season now closing. This according to a moderate estimate made by Mr Alfred Hayman. president of the syndicate which controls nearly one hundred of the most important theatres in the country. The feature of the season has been the very large number of average successes, but one piece, the "Sleeping Beauty and the Beast." has played to more money at the Broadway Theatre than any other attraction ever presented in this city. Its receipts have been at least ?1,000 a week more than those of "Ben Hur at the same house, and "Ben Hur's" success was regarded as phenomenal. "The Sleeping Beauty same house, and "Ben Hur's" success was regarded as phenomenal. "The Sleeping Beauty and the Beast" will have played, when it closes on Saturday night, for thirty weeks, and Ben Hur" was presented for only twenty-four weeks. Other attractions have been almost as successful, com- paratively speaking. Mrs. Carter, in "Du Barry," has played since Christmas to literally crowded houses. Sir Henry Irving, Mrs. Patrick Campbell, Mr. Richard Mansfield, Mr. E. H. Sothern (in "If I were King ), Miss Maude Adams, Miss Julia Marlowe, Mrs. Fiske, Mr. Charles Hawtrey, and Miss Lulu Glaser, all had highly successful seasons.

ALLEGED TRADE SWINDLE. A BUCKLEY FIRM VICTIMISED. At Mold, on Monday, before Messrs. H. Lloyd Jones and Samuel Berresford, Walter Adams, a middle-aged man hailing from No. 6, Crosslet- street, Old Kent-road, London, S.E., was charged on remand under warrant with obtaining from Messrs. Isaac and William Powell, of the Ewloe Potteries, earthenware goods to the value of £ 24 7s., by means of false pretences. Mr. W. H. Churton (Chester), who prosecuted, said that Messrs. Powell were engaged as potters at Buckley. They first opened transactions with the prisoner in consequence of a letter received from mm dated the 22nd November last. The Powells had never known the prisoner before, but they were induced to do business with him because his bill-head stated that he was estab- lished in 1820 as a "wholesale china, glass and earthenware^ dealer," at 232, New Kent-road, London, b.E. In this letter the prisoner stated I have been recommended to you by a friend of mine in London as a maker of Rockingham ware. bend me one of your lists, and if prices suit I may send you a sample order. I deal largely in common goods, and if your wares suit me 1 can be a good customer." A second letter was re- ceived from the prisoner on the 28th January from 6, Crosslet-street, Old Kent-road, stating that on looking through their list he thought he would try a truck of their goods, but would await enquiries for them from customers. The prisoner i^ote: You will see since receiving your list I have moved to larger and more convenient premises, and 1 have hardly got things into work- ing order just yet. You can depend upon an order from me in a week or two's time." On the 12th April Messrs. Powell despatched a quantity of earthenware goods by rail to prisoner to the value of L24 7s., and a letter was subse- quently received from prisoner (April 24) stating that the goods had arrived, but owing to indis- position he had been unable to see them, and "when able to get round to the warehouse i will write you again." Certain enquiries were made, the result of which induced Mr. Isaac Powell to A t0 ^orl^on* made enquiries as to ao. 6, Crosslet-street, which he ascertained was in a low and dangerous part of London. He went to Scotland Yard, and thence to the Rodney-street Police Station, where he secured the assistance of police officers, who accompanied him to Crosslet-street. Instead of finding the commodious premises" referred to by prisoner, it was found that he occupied two rooms in a small house, and that his (prosecutor's) g*oods were stored away *» the backyard. JVfr. Powe/) saw prisoner, who dared him to remove the goods and became very impudent. It was true that the goods were now in a place of safety in care of the London Police, but Mr. Powell felt it was his duty to protect the public from men of this sort and to prevent others from being swindled in the same way. Isaac Powell gave evidence. Describing the interview in London with the prisoner, he said prisoner met them at the door and said "Stand back there; 1 know you" (referring to one of the officers). The officer replied I know you too Adams." Prisoner said "I know the law, and I dare you to stay on the premises. Have you got a warrant?" They replied "No," where- upon the prisoner added Then clear out; I know the law." The officer said You had better be careful; you've obtained these goods from Mr. Powell and you must find the money, otherwise deliver up the goods." Prisoner said "I'll do neither." He (witness) said "You've had these goods from us, and I now ask you for the money or the goods, and I'll give you a quarter of an hour to find the money." Prisoner said "I'll be after you." Witness went to the place of Burrows and Adams, expecting the pri- soner to follow, but although he waited half an hour the accused did not come. The officer had previously warned the accused that if he didn't find the money he would probably have to go to Chester, and would get nine months. By the prisoner: He made enquiries before going to London about the prisoner, and he now produced the reply received. The reply was from an inquiry agency. He arrived in London on the 8th May, but did not call on the prisoner until the 12th. He did not call before because he heard something unsatisfactory about him, and he was also warned by the police that the place was dangerous and that if he went there alone they didn't expect to see him come back with his hat and coat on. He did receive a letter from prisoner, dated the 1st April, countermand- ing the order uniess the goods were despatched within seven days. Witness replied regretting the delay, but stating that the order would be executed within the time, and this was done. The goods were despatched on the 12th April. Two window pots were gratuitously sent to the accused, and one bore the date the 16th June, which was the date of a bazaar for which it was originally intended. The terms of payment were a month's grace, with 2 per cent. discount if paid before tho end of April. He asked the prisoner for the goods or the money. Prisoner d:d not offer to let him have the goods back, as they were useless to him, on condition that wit- ness paid him what he had spent for cartage, etc. Prisoner did say that goods had been sent which were not ordered. Re-examined: The goods were sent as ordered. ¡ He received a letter from Burrows and Adams on the 13th May to the effect that it was no use their approaching the prisoner, as he meant to keep the goods without payment, and as they could not even see the goods, they did not feel inclined to purchase them. (This letter was put in at the request of the prisoner.) P.C. William Gabriel (Mold) said that on the 22nd inst. he proceeded to the prisoner's address a 6, Crosslet-street. The goods, when removed from the backyard, had to be carried through the front door. They were removed to Rodney-road Police Station by order of the police authorities. He received prisoner into custody aaid brought him to Mold. In the train prisoner said h" was sorry he did not turn up the goods to Mr. Poweli as he had had the chance, and not get himself into that bother. At Mold witness charged and cautioned the prisoner, and he re- plied I think I'll keep what I have got to say until to-morrow." He was remanded on Friday, and afterwards he asked to see Mr. Powell, adding You can tell him I don't want to row with him; if he doesn't press the charge against me I can get him a good customer in London for his goods." Mr. Powell did not come to the Police Station. Subsequently he. asked prisoner how much of the goods he disposed of in the Old Kent-road from a barrow, and he replied "About 5s. worth it was such a wet day." Prisoner had also said that if Mr. Powell did not press the charge against him he would agree to pay all expenses, so that Mr. Powell would not be a halfpenny out of pocket. Re-callcd, P.C. Gabriel said: I ascertained that the old address, 232, New Kent-road, was also a small house and prisoner was only a lodger there with the same people. In answer to. the charge, prisoner said that when he first wrote to Mr. Powell he (Mr. Powell) kept writing and writing, and sent him at least six letters to his one. He (prisoner) failed to see where the false pretences came in. He wrote to the police and asked them to procure and send him his correspondence, but they would not do so, and, being so far away from home and his witnesses, he was placed at a great disadvantage. As the Court had no power to deal summarily with the case, the Chairman advised the accused to reserve his defence, and this he decided to do. The prisoner was thereupon oommitted for trial at the Flintshire Assizes, on the 16th June, bail being accepted for his appearance, himself in L50 and two sureties in 925 each. The prisoner asserted that if required he could find bail for E500!

DISTRICT COUNCILS. -♦ HOOLE URBAN. A specially convened meeting of the Hoole Urban District Council was held on Thursday evening for the purpose of the signing of the general district rate. Mr. W. Williams presided, and there were also present Dr. Lewis A. Williams, Messrs. A. L. Williams, J. T. Ball, W. H. Nightingale, T. Woollam, W. Mealing, W. E. Phillips, J. Croydon, and C. Atkin (inspector of nuisances) —Mr Nightingale asked if they could get a flag-pole and nag for the park and pleasure ground and pay for it out of the loan.—The deputy clerk was certain they could not.Mr. W. Williams thought is would be as well that the surveyor should be instructed to get an estimate for a liole.Nlr. -J. T. Ball moved that the surveyor be instructed to obtain a tender for a Hag-pole for use at the Coronation, and that it be placed in the Park after- wards.—Mr. Croydon seconded, and it was carried.

BrsHoP OF ST. ASAPH ON BULLFIGHTS An RACI-\G. -At an eisteddfod held at Cefn Mawr, Ruabon, last week, the Bishop of St. Asaph said he had just returned from the South of Europe and had seen the Spaniards, toga on the shoulder like the old Romans, flocking to the bullfights. He had nothing to say against that; he had not come there to discuss morals. But, when he compared the bullfights with their amusements, he felt bound to say that the Welshmen did not come out badly. When he got to London he found a great crush at the railway station waiting for a special train to convey them to a race meeting not far away. He was not in the special fortunately, but he might assure them that lie never saw such a set of people as these racing people. He never saw such roughness or heard grosser language anywhere. Englishmen might pride themselves on their virtues and talk disparagingly of the bullfights, but they had better look at home. Then he came to old Wales. It was not a great country for races, but it had many virtues. He was very fond of horses, but he had never been to a great race meeting in his life. He considered the eisteddfod a much better form of national amusem3nt than some people found pleasure in, and he congratulated them upon the continued vitality of eisteddfodic institution. j I I

SIGHT GONK—-ALT. IS GONE, but there is hopo for the hopejess in Mellor's New System of Treat- ment. Particulars free. MKLLOR, Eye Specialist, 286. Oxford, street, Manchester. Don't delay Write at ODoe. 13

LADY LETTICE QEOSVENOR'S WEDDING. -+-- The marriage of Earl IV-^champ and Lad V1Ttn°\WiJ1, ifc 13 1inde«tood, take place at Eccleston Church, on the 20th of July.

QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL- THE CHESTER STATUE. On Saturday afternoon, at Chester Castle, Earl ger.on of Tatton, the chai-rr.an 0f the Cheshire County Council (Colonel Dix.O the chairman of -Wns (Sir Horatio Lloyd), and the ,B'8l;op of *he dloce^ v, ere met in conferenco r by the Mayor of the city, the ex-Mayor and the Town Clerk on the subject of £ joint memorial of the late Queen Victoria. Earl Egerton presided. e representatives of the city stated that they acquiesced in the proposal for a joint memorial by the county and city, and approved of the erec- tion of a statue of her late Majesty in the Castle Yard It was also intimated that the citv was pre- pared to contribute £ 500 towards the cost, which in the a^regate will be ivporoximateiy £ l 500 Up to the present the county representatives ha-vo subscribed £ 873, and about is still required, which will doubtless be shority forthcoming. It ought also to be stated that the county has in ad- dition raised and paid 750 to the National Fund, through the Lord Mayor of London. At Saturday's meeting the model of a bronzo statue of Queen Victoria, upon a stono base, was submitted by Mr. Pomeroy, sc Jptor, London, who was responsible for the memorial of the late Duko of Westminster in the South Transept of Chester Cathedral. A model was also submitted by Misa Kathleen Shaw, of London. The meeting, after inspecting both models, decided in favour of Mr. Pomeroy's, and it was left wok Sir Horatio Lloyd to arrange terms with him for the provision and erection of a bronze statue hi a position which loll w the committee selected in the, Castle Yard. Tho site chosen is a spot in fro-,?, of the Shire Hall, which leaves sufficient spaco for vehicles to pass between it and the county buildings. Mr. H. Beswick, who was also present, agreed to confer with Mr. Poriiieroy ozi the in-,p<')rtant qtle:stions of t'fl. qt,.Ffty h, i'Vu_rl tions of the base of the monument.

CORRESPONDENCE. The Editor is not responsible for the opinions of his correspondfeLie. All letters must be authenticated by the sender's name and address, not neceasariJy for publication. Correspondents are particularly requested to write only on one side of the paper. .r-

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES AND THE CORONATION. j'> I ana afraid the action of certain-unautho- lised members of the various friendly societies in the city will be the cause 05 one of the worst features of the coming celebrations. Who and what is the individual who takes it upon himself to assert that he can influence iiis soeietv by the provision of so much beer Has he the authority of his society for such a statement. I venture to say "no," and that the members of such society will repudiate his a-ctiou wjiii scorn. Does the cxpenence 01 the past justuy such a statement? J again say "no." My long experience of mem- bers of friendly societies \s that they would havo been dohglvttcl to have taken their part in the- festivities, and I don't yet despair of seeing them do so, if better counsels can be brought to bear. I cannot help thinking the *e must be something bccow the surface, or we rj-c,,f be an ungrateful lot. Let. us look back to the generous support we have unfailingly received from the Mavcvs, Corporation, nobility, clergy and gentry of tho city a.nd neighbournood, v/hf never it has been solicited. I refer in part-kular to then action during tho time the A.O.F. y,ere endeavouring to bring their High Court to Chester, and during tho holding of that High Court. It has always since been held up as an example tc. others, and I am not afraid to say that wnat s been done in the past would be done in the future. Is it, then, just to ourselves, or a recognition of favours received, for a few (I say advisedly) unauthorised members of our societies to decide such an important. ques- tion without even consuitmg- their courts, lodges, etc ? May I suggest that the tioc;eties at once take up the question. I have no 'far as to the result. It may be that we should :a."e to do without bands. What matter? I say members of friendly societies are among the most oyal portion of his Majesty's subjects, and ti*ai it will add to their dignity not to allow that question to prevent their demonstrating. In conclusion, 1 would al-o vert* ture to ask the members kdvviduaily, should a procession be decided upon,, to make- it a point to attend, and so shew that unauthorised, im- petuous, no iiiend of friendij society-men what their opinion is of his rash statement. I believo he is one of those goody-goodies who made the statement for his own aggrandisement!—I am, sir, UNITAS, BENEVOLENTLY ET CONCORDIA.

•LIGUTING-UP TABLE. — All cycles and other vehicles in the Chester district must be lighted up as stated in the following table P.M. Wednesday, May 28 9.21 Thursday, May 29 9,22 Friday, May iiO 9.2o Saturday, May 31 9.25 Sunday, June 1 9,2G Monday, June 2 00. 0 9.28 Tuesday, June 3 9.2!)

CHESTER INFIRMARY. WEEKLY STATE, ENDED SATURDAY LAST. In-patients are admitted on Tuesday mornings at 11 o'clock. m-pauenos .u¡SCIlarg lii-pawtnts. Cured 16 Admitted 19 Relieved a Remain in the House 85 Made Out-Patients 0 Unrelieved. 0 v Irregularity 0 Dead 1 House Visitors:—Mr. E. Yates and Mr. T. S. ilould. OUT-PATIENTS. Medical cases are seen on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings at KJevtn o'clock. Surgical cases are seen on Thursday mowings at Eleven o'clock. Ophthalmic caitea 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 G7

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS BIRTHS, MAKRIAOKS, and DEATHS are charged at the rate or ;0 words for Is. (prepaid). If not prepaid, the charge will be '^s. 6d. The announcement must be authenticated by the Signature and Address of tile Sender. BIRTH. LORT—JIa3» 19, at Bryniau, near Bangor, the wife cf V. P. Lort, of a daughter. MARRIAGE. NEWSO.M—GOODYEAR—May 22, at St. Nicholas's Church, Biundellsands, near Liverpool, by the liev. George Ernest NeWISOl11, brother of the bridegroom, assisted by the R<ov. H. T. Dixon, Harold, second son of George .Newsoni, of Htswall, to Elizabeth B. (Lily), eldest daughter of James H. Goodyear, of Biundellsands. DEATHS. BEswICK-May Hi, Henry neswie, of Tarporley (late of Biirrow liall), ayeu 8J years. GREAVES—May at Salisbury-street, Warrington, Catherine Graee Kate), wife of Thomas Greaves, and daughter of the late Patrick Thompson, of Liverpool LITTLEU.—May ;4, at Abergele, \VillialJJ, the beloved husband of Ann Littler, aged years. MICHELJJ—May 22, at Minera Cottage, Wrexham, Thomas Henry Miehell, aged ö years. OWEN—May 2b, at »v'oodchureh-road, Birkenhead, Elizabeth Owen, widow of the late Charles Owen, diaper, Wrexham, and youngest daughter of the late Thomas Roberts, Cross House, Gresford.

fyfEMG RIALS. AT ALL PRICES, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE & ALAEASTSii, On View, and to order. W. HASWELL <&; SON, MASONS, KALEYARDS, CHESTER Estimates and Designs Free on application. Telephone No. 161A..

The King has been pleased to approve the appointment of the Duke of Marlborough to be a Knight of the Order of the Carter 111 the room of the late Earl of Kimberley. MASTEKRHJI' or HOUNDS.—It is satisfactory to find sundry vacancies in the Mastership of Hounds that stood open at the close of the txist hunting season .gradually filling up Mr. ii." W. Boiieau has just oeen appointed to the command of the Old Surrey Foxhounds, succeeding Mr, Edmund Byron, cf Loulsdou Court, who lias nunted the country for a, quarter of a century with marked success. The Old Surrey Hunt is of ancient standing, having been established upwards of a century. Another announcement just made, giving equal satisfaction, is that Mr. Eugene Wells has reconsidered his determination to retire from the Mastership of the Suffolk Hounds, and will hunt the country, in deference to universal desire, for at ica^t auotb.r season*

lias been shewn that the only reported speeches that the Boers in the field care to carry about with them are the speeches of Sir Henry and his friends, when they are calling for a kid-glove treatment of the enemy and the early stoppage of the war. In a burst of child-like innocence, Sir Henry asks What was likely to be the effect upon the combatant Boers if it did come to their knowledge that there was in this country a considerable volume of opinion, not dominant, but, on the other hand, not alto- gether insignificant, which urged that harsh- ness should be avoided and that generous terms should be offered and that future self- government should be guaranteed." His own answer is: Could anything be imagined better calculated to soften the combatant Boers' feelings and to induce a desire for a settlement V' We do not hesitate to affirm that anyone who has studied the character of the Boers will smile at the egregious credulity which this process of reasoning betrays on the part of the leader of the Opposition. People who know anything of the belligerent Dutch- men realise only too well that, when they see a section of Englishmen urging the avoidance of harshness and the offering of generous terms and the guarantee of self-government, they believe in their hearts that the British are afraid of them. Clemency is worse than wasted upon the Boers, who always mistake it for cowardice. Nothing would tend to prolong hostilities more than this mani- festation on our part of an overweening anxiety for gentle methods towards the combatant Boers and the speedy termination of the war. This is not the way to wage war. All the great masters of the art of war that the world has ever seen agree that the best motto is The hotter war, the sooner peace." Our only complaint with the Government is that they have not waged this war with sufficient sternness, but have all along been too careful of the feelings of the Boers and too magnanimous to a thankless foe.