The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

AGRICULTURE. + AN IMPROVED PROSPECT. It would not be very far wrong to say that all the earth—that is, all the earth so far as our own country and Europe generally are concerned—is rejoicing in the improvement brought about by the more genial weather. A colder May than that which has just passed has not been experienced since 1869, and we may hope never to see its like again for at least another generation. In that year, it is pointed out from Bell's Messenger," at Claydon, near Ipswich, a farmer having clipped fifteen soore of ewes grazing on the marshes at Ramsholt, found on the morning of May 29th no fewer than ten score and-sixteeil of them dead-ohilled and blown to death on the bleak, marshy ground, which afforded no shelter. It was the coldest and wettest day in the then remembrance, and it is further significantly pointed out that on the date alluded to the grass in some parts of Scotland was "scorched brown" by frost. We have not gone quite so far as that in this year of grace, although we have baen very near it, as everyone who knows anything about farming must have observed in the back- ward state oi everything connected with vegeta- tion how close to the ground and unpromising the autumn wheat is in appearance; and, further, how the young foliage of chestnuts, syoamores, and even the elm trees, has suffered from the cold winds and frosts, not to speak of the bare pastures and scarcity of grass for the season. To turn to the other side, the last week or ten days of the departed "queen month" brought a more appreciable change, auguring well for the month on which we have now entered, and which those who profess to be wise in meteorologio lore have prophesied is to restore the farmers' hopes and prospects. It is to be sincerely hoped tnat this may be so. The country stands sadly in need of a recuperative force which shall. send matters forward by leaps and bounds in order to make up for lost ground. We have heard little or nothing lately of the "cycle" of years which was the favourite theme of the pessimists not so long ago; but a writer in the "Times"—whether by way of joke or not does not appear-suggests that the seasons of months should be readjusted, and that winter should be found in January, February and March, spring in April, May and June, summer in July, August and September, and autumn in October, November and Decem- ber. Of this, however, it may be said that we are apt to get impatient when the weather doesn't fit the months and seasons as we mortals have arranged them. Meanwhile, we must be thankful that the prospect has improved thus far. Reports from different parts of the country vary considerably as to the present outlook, but all agree concerning the improvement brought about by the rains and the more genial atmosphere. Also it seems generally conceded that, owing to the tardy growth of the grass, the hay orops of the seueD are bound to be light, Root seeds on the whole have drilled in well, the germination so far is favourable, and another week or two of the weather we have experienced will send things nicely forward in this respect. With the advent of new cheese into the markets in considerable quantities prices have declined, and even the remnant of the old make excites but little enquiry. Finest Cheshire is quoted at 62s. to 66s.; fine, 55s. to 58s.; medium and lower grades, 45s. to 52s. per 1201b. Of course the market for Canadian is in sympathy, especially seeing that large shipments of the new make are expected. Finest old coloured is quoted at 60s. to 61s.; white, 59s. to 60s.; new, 53s. to 55s. per owt. New Zealand is reported to bo moving off but quietly at prices varying from 5Ss. to 59s. for finest, and lower qualities 66s. to 57s. "AGRICULTURAL AWAKENING." In a recent issue the "Standard" remarked: — In a recent issue the "Standard" remarked:- It is not long since we congratulated Mr. Hanbury on his conception of the duties apper- taining to the Board of Agrioulture. We hope that in a short time the fruits of it may be mani- fested in the Royal Agricultural Society's new showyard. He himself is setting the example of "waking up," and if he can persuade the farmers to follow it, agriculture may, perhaps, be lifted out of the difficulties in which it is stiu struggling. It is hard for most men, and harder perhaps for farmers than others, to accommodate themselves to "new discoveries and new methods," and abandon the ancient ways in which they have trodden all their lives. If they are to do so on a large scale now, not only in a few exceptional cases, they must be made to understand very clearly what it is that they are called upon to do, and what is the precise result to be expected from it." OLD-FASHIONED FARMING. As has been more than once pointed out in this column, the results of experimenting in regard to matters agricultural have done a great deal to emphasize the utility and soundness of old-fashioned methods. Nevertheless, it cannot be said that these experiments have been made in vain, if for no other reason, for without them many so-called scientific agriculturists would still be in doubt, whereas, according to the old say- ing, "seeing is believing." These observations apply more particularly to tillage and not to dairying matters, in respect of which it is freely admitted that much good has re- sulted from scientific research. It is refreshing to notice some observations of that well-known agricultural writer, Professor John Wrightson, on this point in the "Agricultural Gazette." In dealing with the Cambridge University experi- ments on the manuring of potatoes, as reported by the Board of Agriculture, 1900-1901, Mr. Wrightson arrives at the conclusion that they leave us in a complete fog as to the effect of arti- ficial manures on this important crop. If these experimental results," he says, "are used as illustrations of soientifio manuring at Cambridge University, the students must be considerably fogged in their ideas. A oomplete manure is here demonstrated to be inferior to a large dress- ing of phosphatio manure thrown on the land with a lavish disregard of cost which no farmer would be guilty of. Nitrate of soda, which has been proved over and over again to be an ad- mirable manure for potatoes, is demonstrated to lower the yield of potatoes. Potash, which if useful anywhere at all is eminently fitted for potatoes, is shewn to lower the yield when added to superphosphate. A reasonable dressing of lowt. of nitrate of soda, 5cwt. of superphosphate, and 2cwt. of muriate of potash, is demonstrated as inferior to 5cwt. of superphosphate alone. The experiments. at Needham and Benwick are mutually destructive of eaoh other, and are also contrary to practical knowledge as to the best combinations of fertilising ingredients. They cannot be used for teaching purposes, and are useless for sractical truidance." ASPECT OF THE BUTTER TRADE. A reoent writer in the "Times" points out that the quantity of New Zealand butter still on the market is rapidly shrinking, and holders are obtaining prices unprecedented at this season of the year-10211. to 104s. per owt. for "ohoicest" brands, and 98s. to 100s. for "finest." Canadian butter is not yet in large supply on the spot, but considerable shipments are afloat. Prices for saltless range from 102s. to 104s. per cwt. The Copenhagen official quotation for Danish butter remains unchanged at 90 kroner, as the markets both in London and in the North of England continue firm, "choicest" being now quoted at 101s. and finest at 98s. 6d., as against 99s. and 94s. 6d. respectively a year ago. Russian butter continues to arrive in large quantity, the import for the first week of May having been 631 tons, as oompared with 284 tons for the corresponding week last year. Messrs. Weddel and Co., in their market report, observe in regard to Mr. Hanbury's statement in the House of Commons, that the legal advisers of the Board of Agricul- ture consider that a "sufficient disclosure" of the amount of water in butter when over 16 per cent. will be a sufficient defence in case of prosecution, that this may be true when the butter in dispute i" Irish, and made on the old-fashioned plan in which brine is used. But whether it will be a good defence when water is added to butter after it is made remains uncertain. In the case of "milk-blended" butter the courts have held that the "sufficient disclosure" is a good defence. RUSSIAN DAIRY PRODUCE. The "Grocers' Journal" points out that the recent visit to London of a deputation represent- ing Russian agricultural interests is already bearing fruit, for we learn that oontraots have been signed for the regular importation of large quantities of Russian dairy produce. The English market is already well supplied with Russian eggs, but an opening has been found here for the disposal of butter and cheese from the same country. These articles are said to bear very favourable comparison with the ex- ported produce of Denmark and Belgium, so r-uoh of which is consumed in England. Russian hares, also, could be imported, given the demand, in such large numbers that they would become almost as cheap a food for the million as Australian frozen rabbits; and it is to be the business of a City firm to endeavour to create such a demand. AMERICAN GRAIN PROSPECTS. According to the latest report on the United States grain crops, it would appear that whereas last autumn the area of winter wheat was 31,971,000 aoresf, this has now diminished to 27,10.5,000 acres, the shrinkage of fully 15 per cent. representing presumably the extent of winter wheat which has been ploughed up. T'.e State of Kansas alone reports the abandonment ot 1,835,000 acres. Over the States, as a whole, the acreage abandoned represents nearly three times the wheat area of the United Kingdom. The average condition of crop still standing works out at 76.4, or 6.8 points below the mean cf the last ten years. Neither is the report as to later spring sowings very enoouraging, for whereas there was a possibility of making good in spring the aoreage lost to winter wheat, it is now reported that the preparation of the land for seeding in the spring wheat States has been delayed by unfavourable weather; and there is c. probability that the spring wheat acreage will also register a contraction.

PARR'S BANK LIMITED. « AMALGAMATION SCHEME. An extraordinary general meeting was, as we briefly announced in a telegram in our last issue, held at Cannon-street Hotel, on Tuesday, to consider resolutions authorizing theedirectors to enter into an agreement with the liquidators of Pare's Leicestershire Banking Company (Limited), and increasing the capital of the company to £ 8,542,500 by the creation of 12,250 new shares of £ 100 each. by the creation of 12.250 new shares of £100 each. to be allotted according to the agreement. Mr. Cecil F. Parr, who presided, moved the resolutions, observing that the shareholders had been called together to sanction a provisional arrangement which the board had come to with Pare's Leicestershire Banking Company for an amalgamation with them. The directors believed that the amalgamation would prove as advantageous to their institution as former amalgamations had done. In its inception Pare's Bank was very like their own. Beginning more than a century ago as a private bank, with one or two partners, its development justified its being turned into a limited liability company. As such it commanded the same respect in Leicestershire as Parr's Bank did in South Lancashire and Cheshire It had come under a newer law in the banking world-that it must either eat or be eaten, and as Parr's Bank was the larger concern the latter case applied. From the point of view of the eater he could assure the shareholders that they were absorbing a very sound business indeed. He had been admitted, in confidence, behind the counter of the other bank. He found that it had been con- ducted on the same lines as their own-in a prudent and safe way, and a substantial reserve had been accumulated. A good proportion of the surplus funds had been kept well m hand, and no undue proportion of the funds bad been advanced to the public. The books shewed an assured profit, so far as any banking profit could be assured, over and above the amount Parr's Bank would pay in dividends on the 12,250 shares allowed. It would be a great advantage to Parr's Bank to occupy a new and populous dis- trict in the Midlands. Many growing towns existed on the Midland main line, and the new district would form a half-way house between the great Lanc^hire business and the London business of Parr's Bank. He believed that the alliance would be equally favourable to the shareholders in Pares s Bank. It was not proposed to disturb existing arrangements more than could be helped. The board had arranged with the directors of Pares's Company to give the same attention to the bank as before, and the same manager would be continued. The Leicestershire people would, therefore, have no reason to complain of any violent change, and he thought that they would come to the conclusion that the existence of a larger and a stronger bank behind them would benefit shareholder and customer alike. If the resolutions were now passed they would be sub- mitted to another meeting, which would be held on the 12th prox.—Mr. E. W. Nix seconded the motions, which were adopted.

NESTON LIBERAL CLUB. OPENED BY SIR JOHN BRUNNER. On Wednesday evening the handsome new Liberal Club in Hinderton-road, Neston, was opened by Sir John T. Brunner, Bart., M.P., who addressed a crowded meeting in the olub, where Mr. W. H. Lever presided. Among others present were Mrs. W. H. Lever, Colonel J. C. Lloyd, Alderman James Smith, Mr. Peter Owen, Miss Annie Maud Owen (chairman of directors), Messrs. A. G. Grenfell (secretary), T. T. Rees, T. L. Dodds, and R. W. Brown. The Secretary (Mr. A. G. Grenfell) read letters of apology from Messrs. R. D. Holt, Edw Evans, junr., James Moon, Alderman T. Cook, and "the brother of a Tory M.P. who enclosed two guineas as a thankoffermg for having been saved from association with that conglomeration of in- compatible political atoms calling itself the Liberal party. (Laud laughter.) Mr. Grenfell, in welcoming Sir John Brunner and Mr. Lever, said if there were two men in England who believed in the principles they con- fessed, and acted up to them, they were on the platform that night. (Applause.) The Chairman, in his opening address, paid a tribute to the earnestness and tact of Mr. Grenfell, to whom was largely due the fact that their club existed at all. (Hear, hear.) He hoped Sir John Brunner would give them his ideas of what was the meaning of the Tory party tinkering with Liberal measures. They would not quarrel with the frank adoption of Liberal measures, because it was on Liberal principles that our freedom-loving Empire had been founded and was extending. In Neston he believed they would honestly pursue their Liberal ideals, irrespective of whether it might get them into power or not. Let there be no wavering out of concession to foolish fashions. Sir John Brunner, after referring to the work u i! 8&id that gentleman's phrase that the object of Liijeraiism was to make the lives of all happier, b^jjfhter and more healthy, gave an excellent idea o/ what they aimed at. He reminded them that there was now a proposal to establish an Imperial Customs Union, which would be an absolute infringement of the principles of Free Trade. He considered that his first duty wu to those who lived at home. With our oolonies we carried on one-fourth of our external trade. The Tories were actualiy trying to make folks believe that by putting on import duties they would make the foreigner pay, and they would also cause a community of interest by letting the colonies send everything free. Whatever duties they .put on would be paid, every farthing of it, by the people of the United Kingdom. Wages in the colonies were double what they were nere, and they were seriously asked to pay duties in order to benefit those men. Rather than consent to a proposal to tax poorer men for the benefit of the richer, he would out off his right hand. (Loud ap- plause.) He was sure the colonies were too proud of the mother country to assent to the suggestion that she should purchase their favour. (Hear, hear.) So long as one-third of the people of this country could not get enough to eat, we could not boast ourselves rich, nor could any honest man consent to these people's paying more for bread than the freest of markets would allow. (Loud applause.) Referring to the various grants in aid, he in- stanced the six millions given to make the railway in Uganda, and said it was proposed at one time to make a 700-mile road in Persia. That was what we did, but France was spending forty-three mil- lions in making free canals within her own bor- ders, a course which Holland, Belgium and Ger- many were all pursuing. Yet the Chambers of Commerce of this country had to wait humbly upon Mr. Gerald Balfour, begging that the House of Commons mirrht. lTivp a litflo fimA tn rlisjninaa a Bill giving facilities for the making of canals at the expense of localities. Why should they not have free canals or railways in Cheshire? This county was of more importance to us than Uganda. (Applause.) If we only had cheap in- ternal traffic, we could beat every foreign manu- facturer in the world, and our prosperity would b» immediately doubled. (Loud applause.) Touching upon education, he referred to the limits of expenditure, and said we would never strengthen our Empire by increasing the military expenditure, but we could make it stronger than the world could imagine it, if we would only spend enough upon education. (Applause.) The country spent practically nothing on the training of its doctors, engineers, and farmers, and certainly did not spend upon all her higher education what Germany spent on one school. He thought it was a shame to themselves that they should return to power men who wished to stint the sacred cause of education. (Hear, hear.) In conclusion, Sir John dec!ared the club open, and wished it every success. Miss Annie M. Owen, in proposing success to the club, said they might congratulate themselves upon having erected a club that would compare with any political club in any such district in the country. (Loud applause.) She hoped the public would avail themselves freely of the many facilities offered, and though the committee would not in- quire too keen'y into politics, they would en- deavour to instil good, sound Liberal principles. (Hear, hear.) Miss Owen strongly condemned the tax on corn, and said the one thing that should not have been touched was the poor man's food. (Loud applause.) Alderman James Smith seconded the resolution, which was unanimously passed. The Rev. S. Gamble Walker proposed a vote of thanks to Sir John Brunner, which was seconded by Dr. Hewett, and cordially adopted. On the motion of Colonel J. C. Lloyd, seconded by Mr. Roper, junr., a hearty vote of thanks was given to the chairman. The new club consists of a large hall, with a gallery and stage, capable of seating in all about 700 people. There is a billiard-room for three tables, which can also be thrown into the large hall by means of folding screens, a dining-room, oloak-room, committee-rooms, kitchen and ser- veries, secretary's office,, four bathrooms, heating chamber, and cellars in the basement. A verandah has been placed along the west front, which overlooks the bowling green. The walls are of brick with red pressed dressings and white plaster gables, the roof being covered with green slates. The internal work is pitch pine varnished. The heating is by low pressure hot pipes and radia- tors. The contract has been earned out by Mr. James E. Evans, of Neston.

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BLACKBURNE FAMILY MEMORIAL. ■ —— WINDOW AT CHESTER CATHEDRAL. On Thursday the dedication of a new stained- glass window took place in the south transept of the Cathedral. The window, which is placed on the east side of the south transept, was designed by Mr. C. E. Kempe, Nottingham-place, London, and forms a beautiful addition to the restored transept. The memorial has been erected in memory of the late Mrs. Blackburne, wife of the Rev. Thos. Blackburne, rector of Crofton, York- shire, afterwards Vicar of Eccles and Rector of Prestwich, Lancashire, and of their daughter, the late Mrs. Townley-Parker, of Cuerden Hall, Lanes. The window consists of four lights, and the four saints—St. Stephen, St. Catherine, St. Margaret, and St. Leonard-are represented in the main design. St. Leonard is the patron saint of Warmingham Church. The upper portion of the window is artistically decorated, while below each saint is an historical scene. The burial of St. Stephen and the deliverance of St. Peter from prison. The following is the tion In loving remembrance of Emma Anne Blackburne, here married A.D. MDCCCXIX., and of Katherine Margaret, her daughter, here baptised A.D. MDCCCXXIV., this window is dedicated in the name of God, MDCCCCII." At the Dedication Service, which took place at four o'clock, there were present the Rev. Canon Blackburne, the Rev. Canon Foster Blackburne, Admiral Blackburne, Miss Blackburne, and the Rev. F. Edwards. The Very Rev. the Dean offered three prayers. At the close the choir sang the hymn "Hail gladdening light."

COUNTY COUNCIL SCHOLARSHIPS. EXAMINATION RESULT. The report has been published on the examination for scholarships offered by the Cheshire County Council. There has been a great increase in the number of candidates compared with last year. The examination was held on April 26th, at nine centres in the county, and the candidates numbered 396 compared with 2(52 last year, and 331 in 1900. At the Chester (Grosvenor Museum) centre there were twenty-three candidates, as against ten last year. The candidates consisted of 265 boys, and 131 girls, of whom 93 were for schools situated in rural districts, and 303 for schools in towns and urban districts. Candidates were forthcoming from 93 schools, of which 31 are in rural and 62 in urban centres. This is an increase of 21 on the number of schools supplying candidates last year. It represents, however, not one-fourth of all the schools in the county. The candidates were of somewhat similar attainments to those of the previous year, though there was abundant evidence that in many cases no attempt had been made to prepare students for the examination. The number obtaining 70 per cent. of marks, or upwards was 63, or 16 per cent. Last year the percentage was Jl. Ireography and algebra were again the favourite subjects, but the marked increase in the number taking history was very satisfactory. The following wl local candidates are included in the list of those who are eligible for scholarships:—Harry Cutbell, Bromborough Pool; Herbert Collins Mickle Trafford; C. H. Hough, Neston; W. Astbury, Ashton Hayes.

WIRRAL HOSPITAL BOARD. THE GREASBY HOSPITAL. "ANYTHING BUT CREDITABLE." The monthly meeting of the Wirral Joint Hos- pital Board was held at Birkcnhead on Tuesday, Mr. H. A. Latham occupying the chair. The Rev. P. C. Robin reported that he had paid a. visi, with Mr. Townsend, to the Greasby Fever Hospital, and recommended that several alterations be carried out. They had found the wails of the cottage were bare, and the chimnev blown away. The place looked very uncomfortable, and the wall ought to be p!astered in order to make the cot- tage more homelike. It was a miserab.e-looking place at the present moment. They had asked Mr. r rancis to specify what improvements were neces- sary, and he had done so. The hospital walls wore at present white-washed instead of being smooth, while the whole system of drainage was of such a primitive and out-of-date description that the architect was also asked to bring forward a scheme dealing with the matter. They strongly recommended new drainage should be laid, be- cause if even a new hospital was built, the drainage would always be of use. Although it had nothing to do with their report, he (the speaker) thought the wholo hospital block was not worth spending money upon, and a new building ought to bo ereoted in its place if anything was done at all. The bathroom was used as a lumber-room, and it was a disgrace. If all the members of the Board had visited the hospital, instead of sending a small deputation, he felt sure they would concur with the views he had expressed. The hospital re- flected anything but credit upon the Board as it stood at present. Mr. Townsend agreed with what had been said, and said the drainage was deserving of urgent and immediate attention. The hospital was a primi- tive one, and not worth spending a great deal of money upon. Mr. T. Davies: There is no doubt the drainage needs repairing, but it is only a temporary hos- pital. We are building a new block at Clatter- bridge, it should be remembered. The Chairman: Well, I don't know about it being a temporary hospital; it is looked upon as our hospital for small-pox cases. Mr. Earl thought that some decisive action ought to be taken by the Board, even if they went the length of condemning the hospital. Mr. Townsend said that the hospital was at present totally inefficient and not suitable for its purpose. Supposing they had a couple of cases of serious disease, would they be in a fit condition to treat them at Greasby Hospital? Mr. Davies But we have had a number of cases in there. The Chairman: The matron has not found any fault with the building. Mr. McGivering thought that the best plan would be to give up the present hospital and build a new one on a more suitable site. Mr. Townsend urged the Board to carry out the alterations specified by the architect, as they were absolutely necessary. It was unanimously resolved to accept the tender of Messrs. J. Lee and Sons, of Higher Bebington, to carry out the work necessary at a cost of J655. THE MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. The Medical Officer reported there had been 21 patients in the hospital during the month, and one death. There were at present 17 in-patients. With the exception of six, all were suffering from scarlet fever. Hoylake and West Kirby contribu- ted seven of these cases.—A short discussion took place referring to the subject.—Mr. Townsend said that the authorities at the Convalescent Home at West Kirby had had the sanitary arrangements inspected, and found them satisfactory.—Mr. McLeavy said it seemed unfair that the Board should be responsible for diseases which came in from Liverpool or Birkenhead via the Con- valescent Home. He thought the Board should be paid by either the Corporations of these places or else bv the Convalescent Home authorities. He moved that a claim be made on the Con- valescent Home authorities for 7s. per week for each child in hospital which came from the Home. —Mr. McGivering seconded. Mr. Davies sup- ported, and the motion was carried. WHITBY'S ALOOFNESS. A letter was read from the Whitby District Council, stating that the Council did not desire to become a contributory body to the Board, but they wanted to know what would be the cost per week of the Board for the maintenance of any patients having infectious disease.—Mr. McLeavy said he was surprised at the stand the Whitby people were making in this respect.-Mr. McGiver- ing We should send them a precept for the amount due.—Mr. Davies agreed, as also did Col. Lloyd.—On a motion being put to the meeting, it was carried. PROPOSED CONVALESCENT HOME. Mr. McLeavy formally moved that a sub-com- mittee be formed to take into consideration the desirability of providing a convalescent home for the reception of those discharged from the hos- pital at Clatterbridge. Mr. Townsend seconded. Mr. Davies said that when they had their new hospital complete, there would be ample room in one of the wards to make a convalescent home, while the ground at their disposal would also be considerable. The Medical Officer said he was not in favour of the idea. It would be all right as a "make- shift." Mr. McLeavy: But the sub-committee, when appointed could discuss that question. The Chairman said that was so. Mr. Earl said that before they appointed the committee he would like to say something with reference to the question of efficiency of the small- pox hospital, which should be looked into at once. The committee to be appointed might consider both questions, and try to get the accommodation for small-pox patients on a sounder footing. It would be wrong to lose this opportunity of rectify- ing any weakness which might exist in their arrangements. Mr. McLeavy said that such a proposition ought to take the form of a separate resolution. The original resolution was carried, the sub- committee appointed consisting of the chairman, vice-chairman, Messrs. McLeavy, Townsend, McGivering and Ledsom.

FATAL Gun ACCIDENT. — Mr. Frank Brown, solicitor, Clerk of the Peace for the county of Wick- low, accidentally shot himself dead on Thursday evening. He was with his wife and child in a field adjoining his residence, and had with him a gun to shoot at rabbits. Suddenly a cow broke through a fence near by, and Mr. Brown was driving her back with the butt end of the gun, when the weapon exploded, and the charge, entering his breast, caused instant daath.

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COL. TOMKINSON CAPTURED. I Some amusing stories are being told of the recent Yeomanry encampment at Oakmere. One has reference to the attack on Eddisbury Hill, which was defended by a detachment of the Chester garrison. The ascent to the top is rather steep, and Lieut.- Col. Tomkinson was left behind by the position of the attacking force which he commanded. How- ever he gamely followed up, but through his men having taken shelter at a farmhouse he missed them, and walked into an ambush of the defending force, to whom he was compelled to surrender. So the story goes. The regiment has this year been strengthened by reeruits from Stockport and Staley- bridge, some of whom came in clogs. One day Colonel the Earl of Harrington noticed a man riding his horse in a slovenly fashion, and admonished him telling him to sit up. The man re- plied in broad Lancashire I canna get mi clog in the blooming iron" His lordship tried to look stern, but waa obliged to turn his head in order to smile.

A DOCTORS' STRIKE. I 4 HAWARDEN GUARDIANS' DIFFICULTY. At xnursday's meeting of the Hawarden Board of Guardians a discussion took place regarding the question of the doctors and their vaccination charges. At the last meeting it was decided to determine the appointments of the four vaccina- tion officers connected with the union and to issue an advertisement inviting applications for the same. It appeared that there were no appli- cations to submit to the Board, and Mr. John Jones (Sandycroft) moved that the clerk be em- powered to make arrangements with the present public vaccinators to continue their duties until such time as other arrangements could be made. —Mr. J. Dunn seconded.—Mr. J. Wright said the Board were placed in an awkward position.— Mr. S. Taylor: And so they ought to be. Con- tinuing, he said it would be rather offensive to the old vaccination officers if they adopted Mr. the old vaccination officers if they adopted Mr. Jones's motion. They had given them tho sack and now they were asking them to go on until they could get men to take up the work at a smaller figure. He thought it was an insult to make such an offer under the circumstances. He was opposed to the whole Board when the resolu- ion was passed, and he now felt truly sorry for the guardians. They had got themselves into one of the prettiest messes a Board of Guardians bad ever done, and the only thing now was to write to the Local Government Board asking for their advice as the doctors were now on strike.— Mr. Jones did not agree that it wat an insult to ask tne doctors to continue their work at the old price; on the contrary, he thought they were dealing very fairly with them.—Mr. P. Wilcock moved as an amendment that the doctors be asked to continue until the expiration of their present appointments, which would be in about twelve months, and then make a fresh arrange- n,ent.-The Chairman That would mean rescind- ing the notice.—Mr. Millington, as the proposer of the motion giving 28 days' notice to determine the appointments of the vaccination officers and appointing a committee to deal with them on the best terms, said it seemed a pity that some men were left off the committee who would have known how to deal with the problem, instead of those who evidently did not know how to deal with it—(laughter)—and then they would have settled the whole question.—Mr. Jones said if they withdrew the notices the doctors might not be willing to continue their duties at the old rate of pay.—Mr. Ford suggested that if the adver- tised terms were not sufficient to induce appli- cations the committee might offer improved terms.—The Chairman thought the charges ought not to be what they had been. Where 40 or 50 people were vaccinated they ought to be done at the same rate as they would have been at a vaccination station. Before the Board would n'eet again the time of the notice would have expired; therefore they ought to make some ar- rangement for the vaccinations in the meantime. —Mr. Millington defended the committee, stating that they had done their best.—Mr. Roberts (Well House) considered that the cost of vaccination should be borne by the publio exchequer, as the question was a national one.- Mr. Hampson proposed as a second amendment that a committee be appointed to meet the doctors to make the best arrangements they could. This was seconded, and afer further dis- cussion Mr. Hampson's proposition was carried by 9 votes against 7 for Mr. Jones's motion.—It was suggested that the committee should consist of Messrs. Wilcook, Hampson and Taylor.—Mr. John Jones thought if they did not appoint the old committee to meet the doctors it would practically be a vote of censure on them.—The Chairman complained that it had been insinuated that the old committee mismanaged the business. Mr. Hampson did not think that that sug- gestion had been made.—Mr. Taylor said he had insinuated nothing. He simply said they had made a ghastly mess of the business.—The old committee was appointed to see the doctors, Mr. Taylor's name being added to it.—Mr. Taylor said he was totally opposed to the Board, and should be all through. If they took him on those terms, they might do so. THE REGISTRARSHIP. The Clerk (Mr. H. Goodman Roberts) said the c-cmrnittee. appointed by the Guardians to con- sider the letter from the Registrar on the subject of an office for registry purposes had held a meeting, and had elected Miss Thorn as chair- man" of the committee. (Hear, hear.) They had resolved that a definite application should be made for the union to be made into a special registration district and that the registry office should be in or near Hawarden. A committee was appointed to select a room or house for the purpose, and he (the clerk) was requested to ask the Registrar-General whether there was a safe that would be handed over to the guardians.- The report was adopted.

CORN TAX: CAB OWNERS' CASE. — The Chancellor of the Exchequer, replying on Satur- day to a deputation from the omnibus com- Eanies, cab proprietors, and carting firms of ondon and the provinces who objected to the corn tax, denied their assumption that they could not recoup themselves by raising their charges. He would consider whether anything could be done to meet tho case of cab owners whose fares were officially fixed. He hoped the war would soon terminate, then they might expect a fall in prices greater than the tax. fares were officially fixed. He hoped the war would soon terminate, then they might expect a fall in prices greater than the tax.

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SAD DROWNING CASE.-On Wednesday Mr. F. Turner (deputy coroner) held an inquest at the Bull and Stirrup Hotel touching the death of Joseph Kelly, aged 12, who met his death by drowning under sad circumstances.—It appeared from the evidence that deceased, who lived at 12, Mount- street, Boughton, was last seen by his parents on Tuesday afternoon when he left home to go to school. On leaving school he went with three other boys to bathe in the canal by the waterworks. None of the boys could swim. Kelly got in first, jumping from the bank into the middle of the canal, and shouted "Help me." The boys shouted to a. lady who was passing, and she ran into the water- works for help. A man named Thomas Baines re- covered the body of deceased from the water shortly afterwards. A verdict of "Accidental death was returned.