The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

LOCAL GOVERNMENT JOTTINGS. » In reply to representations from several towns as to Coronation addresses, the King has intimated, through General Knollys, that his Majesty does not think these places could do better than apply the cost of the addresses in question to his Lon- don Hospital Fund. According to the report for 1901 of Dr. A. G. Craigmile (medical officer of health to the Wal- lasey District Council), the number of deaths for the year was 773, a decrease of 87 on the previous year, the rate being 14.31 per thousand-lower than any year since 1894. The death-rate was 2.6 below the English rate, 3.4 below the urban, and 1.0 below the rural rate. Wallasey village came out with the low death-rate of 12.14. At the fortnightly meeting of the Festiniog Board of Guardians, it was stated that paupers residing in other unions and chargeable to the Festiniog Union were "leading quite a gay life, that they wore better clothes than the guardians themselves, and occasionally went for a drive in a carriage and pair." Inquiries were ordered to be made. The Local Government Board have written the Wrexham Rural District .Council asking for an explanation of the unusual mortality during the last quarter in the Ruabon district, no fewer than nine deaths having oocurred from measles.—Dr. W. Jones, the medical officer, explained that the disease became prevalent in November, 1901, and that the deaths were due to bronchial troubles, owing to carelessness on the part of parents in exposing their children. A copy of the report was ordered to be sent to the Local Government Board. At the late meeting of the Wrexham Town Council, a letter was read from the Llangedwyn Estate Office, in reference to an application from the Council, that Lady Williams Wynn would be willing to sell a certain plot of land, amounting to 17f acres, for the purpose of a public park, for £ 5,000, the Corporation to pay all legal costs con- nected therewith. The general feeling of the Council was stated to be in favour of the scheme, the Town Clerk (Mr. T. Bury) being instructed to ask her ladyship to allow three months' grace to consider the matter before arriving at a final de- cision. The discussion of the subject of deputations or annual visitations to asylums gave rise to un- seemly squabbles at the late meeting of the West Derby Board of Guardians, who have some 1,500 malo and female cases at the various lunatic es- tablishments. A guardian, in supporting the motion, said he was one of a deputation to Rain- hill last year, and he found that the union had been charged for the maintenance of a female who had been dead three months.—The Clerk said it was not possible to pay for a dead lunatic.—Dr. Davies created something of a scene by persistently maintaining that the deputations had no assurance of the identity of patients.—Alderman Ellis con- strued this as an aspersion on the medical super- intendents, and remarked that he bad no doubt that Dr. Davies would be very glad to have the position of medical superintendent at one of these institutions.-Dr. Davies (indignantly): I don't want it. What do you know what I want? you silly owl !-The expression gave rise to considerable commotion, Dr. Davies eventually withdrew it, and the deputations were appointed.

CHESTER SCIENTISTS' EXCURSION. o BEESTON CASTLE AND PECKFORTON HILLS. Owing to the ungenial weather which has prevailed since spring opened the excursions of the Chester Society ef Natural Science have not com- menced so early as usual, but on Wednesday afternoon a start was made, and a number of mem- bers under the leadership of the president (the Rev. A. R. Fish), Mr. J. D. Siddall, and the curator (Mr. Newstead) journeyed by rail to Beeston Castle Station for Peckforton Hills and the surrounding district. Permission for the visit was kindly granted by Lord Tollemache, through his estate agent, Mr. Stephen Cawley. A pleasant walk across the fields from the station brought the party to the old Castle, the erection of which was commenced in 1220 by Randle Blundeville, sixth Earl of Chester. After inspecting the remains of this ancient fortress, some of the members of the party had a novel experience of being grouped on and around what is intended to be the centre-piece of the Coronation bonfire, and afterwards exposed to Mr. Newstead's camera. After the party had enjoyed a hearty tea, the President had the pleasure of submitting the names of 13 ladies and gentlemen for election as members of the society. The walk was then continued to Horsley Bath, which lies in the romantic valley at the northern edge of the Peckforton Hills. This bath was formerly of considerable local celebrity for its virtues in rheumatic and other diseases. A tablet over it bears the following inscription :— "SANITATI SACRUM. Obstructum reserat durum terithumidasiccat Debile fortificat si tamen arte bibis. DanlL Jackson. Anno 1624." Peckforton Hills were afterwards scaled by way of beautifully-kept woodland walks, and on arriving at the highest points—the "Table Rock" and "Stanner Nab'—the views were particularly enchanting. Powerful binoculars were brought into play, bringing Chester and other Cheshire towns and villages into apparently close distances, while the landscape was most charming. In the course of the afternoon several interesting plants were found, the characteristics of which were lucidly described by Mr. Siddall. After enjoying a rest on Stanner Nab, a descent was made by a circuitous route back to Beeston Station, and Chester was safely reached shortly before nine o clock. In addition to the leaders the party included Miss Lucy Brown and friends, the Rev. J. Cairns Mitchell, Dr. J. T. Roberts, Mr. D. Dicken- son, Mr. E. 0. Roberts, and the honorary secretary, all of whom expressed themselves as having had a most pleasant, and enjoyable outing.

HOLLOW AY s PZLLS. -For the cure of debility, also liver and stomach complaints this inappieciable medicine is so well known in every part of the world, and the cures performed by its use are so wonderful, that it now stands pre-eminent above all other remedies, more particularly for the cure of bilious and liver complaints, disorders of the stomach, dropsy, and debilitated constitution. The beneficial effects of the Pills are so lasting that the whole system is renewed, the organs of digestion strengthened, and a free respiration promoted. They expel from the secretive organs the morbid matter which produces inflammation, pain, fever, debility, and physical decay, thus annihilating, by their purifying properties, the virulence of the most pamful and devastating diseases.

ASHTON POULTRY FARM. « COLD WEATHER AND CHICKENS. EXTRAORDINARY CHARGE OF FRAUD. At the occasional court of the Eddisbury Potty Sessions held at Northwich on Wednesday, the case of the Cheshire Police v. Edward Davies Owen, poultry farmer, of Ashton, near, Chester, occupied from 11 a.m. to 6.45 p.m. Owen, who had been arrested on warrant and allowed bail, was charged with having feloniously obtained 10s. by means of an advertisement inserted in "Poultry," setting forth that he had for sale 12 buff Orpington chickens with mother, although at the time he received the 10s. from Philip Alfred Hope, brakesman, Bank Quay, Warring- ton, he was not, so the warrant alleged, in a position to supply the fowl. Mr. A. Fletcher prosecuted on behalf of the police, and Colonel Hamersley waa in attendance. Mr. W. Bancroft defended. Mr. Fletcher, in his opening, said the case was brought by the police consequent upon almost a deluge of complaints from all over the country with reference to the prisoner and his methods o. trading. The false pretences alleged against him was that he set forth that he was carrying on the "Mid-Cheshire Poultry Farm," adver- tised in papers which had a wide circulation among poultry fanciers, and stated that he was in a position to deliver certain specific poultry on remittances to him. When he told them that there were something like 49 cases of which com- plaints had been received they would see that it appeared to be a fraud of a considerably ex. tensive oharacter. Between forty and fifty cases stood on the list, and communications and com- plaints were coming in by every post, even up to that very morning. The first point to be raised in 6J1jvm00 was,^at the prisoner lived in a cottage of. & 10 rental at Ashton, near Tarvin, and cer- tainly the statement that he was the manager of the Mid-Cheshire poultry farm would convey the idea that he had something more than a cottage. As a matter of fact, the prisoner had no business to trade at all, as he was an undischarged bank- £ ont' his Petition in December, 1896, disclosing liabilities £ 1,025 and assets ±<lo los. He had already had a warning as to carrying on business by the fact that in January, 1eGl, the County Court at Chester directed him tc be prosecuted for having contracted a debt of I- without disclosing the fact that he was an ur-dischar-ed bankrupt. That order had, how- ever to be rescinded owing to the death of the "0 creditor. Another caution was subsequently administered, but the creditor received a erood deal of his money back and no order was made for proseoution. He mentioned this to shew that prisoner had had ample warning not to trade, and it was the carrying on of business in this v!ay that had forced the police to take proceed- ings. The object of the police was solely the pro- tection of the public. The question was whether, as would be contended by the defence, it was a case of legitimate over-trading, or of fraud. Prisoner received money on the representations contained in his advertisements, and in several cases he had sent consignments of chickens since the warrant was issued. In the first case, that of Hope, he altered the consignment from the station on the day he was placed under arrest, but it seemed to him (Mr. Fletcher) that this did not get rid of the offence. Hope's order was sent on March 24 and the chickens were despatched on May 16, although on March 25th prisoner had replied to a letter that they were ready for delivery but they would not be sent on for 14 days. Hope waited until April 23, and wrote again, receiving a reply that the birds would be sent early in the following week. He wrote again in May, and then complained to the police. The chickens were received at his house °L- 16th, and, as a matter of fact, they were chickens of ten days old, so that the defendant could not have had the power to fulfil the order when he advertised or when it was sent. If the defence was that Owen had received the orders for the same chickens and had sent them off, it was no answer to the case that he did not return the money. What he should have done was to have returned the money with the intimation that a previous customer had bought the chickens. Prisoner had no right to deal in futures, nor yet to count his chickens before they were hatched. In a further case, a man named Jones wrote asking whether he could positively have the chickens in the course of the next day. This was on the 18th of March, and on the 20th prisoner wrote that he could supply-either Rocks or Orpingtons. On that representation a money order was sent, but from that time to the present Jones had been corresponding, and before the previous night (when he received chickens eight or ten hours old) he had not received a bird. The chickens received by him the previous night were mongrels, and four of them had died from exposure. Superintendent Nield, the first witness, proved the arrest of the prisoner, who replied that he had had Hope's money and that he had sent 2,000 chickens away during the season. Prisoner resided at a small shop with a small cultivated garden. He saw a fowl or two running loose, and he could see nothing about the place to justify the title "Mid-Cheshire Poultry Farm. Cross-examined: Witness had seen a letter to Colonel Hamersley in which prisoner offered to give every assistance and appending a list of persons from whom he had bought hens and eggs. He also stated that he had executed 200 orders. William Helmsley Brown, Chester, produced the particulars of prisoner's undischarged bank- ruptcy. Evidence as to the forwarding of orders was given by Philip Alfred Hope, of Warrington; Daniel Jones, of New Ferry, who said he received chickens a few hours old the previous night; James Wilkinson, stationmaster, Eccle-stone, who stated he had received neither the fowl nor his money; James Beattie, baker and confectioner, St. Helens; James Hopkins, Bolton, who re- ceived his cheque back that morning; and others. Mr. Bancroft, for the defence, contended that cwing to the cold weather of March and April chickens had not been hatched quick enough to satisfy the orders. He submitted that the charge of false pretences had not been made out, and that, while there might have been poor business qualities displayed, the prisoner, who acted as his wife's manager, had supplied 2,000 chickens and 200 broody hens, and fulfilled all orders with the exception of about 20, all of which would be met in 14 days. The business was a large one and warranted the title, and the advertisements in the papers were bona fide in every sense. Prisoner then gave evidence, and said his wife received all monies and paid all debts, but he took upon himself the full responsibility of these proceedings. Last year he received warnings horn the police about delay, but every order was completed. At the present moment he had 70 sitting hens, and in the cold weather there had been 200 sittings at once.—Prisoner was cross- examined at length as to his bankruptcy and individual transactions. He had, he said, the run of his father-in-law's farm and other places where he kept fowl. Detective-Inspector Hoole gave evidence as to cautioning the prisoner, who shewed him the extent of his stock. This was also the case with P.C. Wilson, of Kelsall. John Thomas Robinson and Henry Shallcross spoke to the large quantities of poultry which they had kept for the prisoner, while Thomas Lightfoot, Kelsall, and Herbert Lewis, of Longley, deposed to the number of eggs which they had supplied to him. The clerk at the Mouldsworth Station produced a list of persons to whom poultry had been consigned by the prisoner, and other witnesses for the defence spoke of the disastrous character of March and April for hatching purposes. The presiding magistrate said he did not think it was a case to be sent to the sessions for trial. He did not believe Mr. Owen really intended to defraud, although he had been very careless in the way in which he had done his business. There was no doubt he ought to have let the people know at once that he could not supply the things within a given time, but it appeared to him that if the people had waited patiently they would ultimately have got the goods. He hoped prisoner would take it as a warning. He had been sailing perhaps rather near the wind, and m future if he could not supply goods he should send money back at once. He would have the benefit of the doubt and be discharged. The county would have to bear the costs of the prosecution and the prisoner would have to pay his own costs.

A HOMING SPECIAL TRAIN. A special London and North-western express, consisting of twenty-six vans, passed through Crewe on Friday with thousands of homing pigeons collected from York- shire, Lancashire, and Cheshire. The birds were consigned to Bristol and Bath for liberation. The railway traffic in carrier pigeons is growing immensely, and it is a matter of frequency now for pigeons specials to be used. I LIVERPOOL AND NORTH WALES.—Encouraged by the increasing popularity of their steamers on the i a. xt.. T-* i xuii i/u AJirA-uuuuiiu iwiu tue ou;uu$, tile j-uverpooi and North Wales Steamship Company announce some extra sailings. In addition to the regular daily (Sundays included) sailings of the St. Tudno and St. Elvies, the Snowdon will leave the stage on Saturdays at 2-15 p.m. for Llandudno and the Straits, being due back at 10-45 p.m., while every Sunday in June she will leave at 11-15 a.m. for Llandudno only, passengers returning by the ordinary steamer, which is due back at 7-30 p.m. ADVICE TO MOTHERS !-Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pains of cutting teeth ? Go at once to a chemist and get a bottle of MRS. WINSLOW'S SOOTHING SYRUP, which has been used over 50 years by millions of mothers for their children while teething, with perfect success. It is pleasant to taste, produces natural, quiet sleep by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes as bright as a button." It soothes the child, it softens the gams allay all pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels and is the best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoaa, whether arising from teething or other causes. Sold by Chemists everywhere at Is. lid. per bottle.

CRICKET. + CHKSTER BANKS V. BARROW.—Played on Wed- nesday at Bought on Hall. Score:— BARROW. I CHESTER BANKS, Rev Arnold run out .73 Hallmark run out 27 Ellis b Hallmark .6 Williams b Dodd .20 Dodd b Hallmark 4 Gamon b Dodd 0 Okells c& b Rigg .22 Whitfield b Wright 8 Jones lbw b Whitfield.15 1 RiggbDodd .17 Jeffs not out 0 Griffiths not out 9 Wright st b Whitfield.. 0 Owen b Wrigat 12 Owen not out 0 Conolly lbw b Dodd 4 He-ndry b Whitfield 0 I Cheatle b Wright 2 Walker lbw b Whitfi'd J Vincent not out 8 Kuscoe did not bat Crockett did not bat. Extras .14 J Extras 8 Total .136 Total 115

POLO. WIRRAL v. CHESHIRE YEOMANRY. The officers of the Cheshire Yeomanry visited the Wirral Polo Club on Wednesday in a return fixture, the match at Oulton Park having resulted in a win for Wirral. Wednesday's game had a similar result, the home side being the stronger all round. Their team was Messrs. A. Tyrer (1), W. Midwood (2), S. L. Watson (3), and F. W. Wignall (back); while the Yeomanry were repre- sented by the Earl of Harrington (1), Mr. Phillips ;L}, the Duke of Westminster (3), and Captain Neil Haig (back). On the home side, Mr. Tvrer was very strong in forward play, and the others were rather better than the visitors in attack, but Captain Neil Haig played a magnificent game. He saved many times when a score seemed oertain, and he also put in several power- ful attacking moves. Lord Harrington's years sit lightly on him, and his play falls but little short of what it was twenty years ago, when he was for many years the recognised cicerone through the mysteries and art of polo. He opened the scoring by getting one through in the fist quarter, Mr. Wignall soon equalising. The s(cond was very brisk, but nothing was scored. the next period opened sensationally, the Duke ot Westminster putting a good one through. l'rom the next hit-off Wirral went away with equal briskness, and Mr. Watson hit a good goal for Wirral, the score now being 2 all. Wirral took the lead for the first time in the fourth. Mr. Watson, after a smart run up, had the goal at his mercy, having already beaten Captain Neil Haig, but he shot wide. He redeemed himself a moment later, Mr. Tvrer oarrying the ball down the field for Mr. Watson to score. Mr. Midwood also put through, and the home club led by 4—2. Captain Neil Haig's grand defence alone prevented a big score being put on, and the two final quarters, although most stubbornly contested, were unproductive, the game ending iu a win for Wirral by 4 goals to 2.

CHESTER REGATTA. -+-- ALTERATION OF DATE. A meeting of the Chester Regatta Committee was held at the Grosvenor Hotel, Chester, on Tuesday evening, Mr. W. H. Churton presiding over a good attendance. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the date of the Regatta. The committee, at a previous meeting, had decided to hold the event on Wed- nesday, July 16th. The Burton Amateur Regatta Committee had fixed upon this date also, and it was felt by the Chester committee that it would be damaging to both Regattas if they were held on the same day. It was pointed out that the Burton Committee had some years ago altered their date to suit the convenience of the Chester committee, and that the most cordial relations had always existed between the Burton Rowing Clubs and the Chester committee. Finally, Mr. A. D. Holland moved that in the interests of sport the date of Chester Regatta be altered from July 16th to July 23rd."—Mr. Frank Morgan seconded, and it was earned unanimously. It was decided that last year's programme should be repeated, and that the value of the presentation prizes in the race for the Wirral Challenge Cup should be increased from £18 to L20. With re- gard to the Canadian canoe race, which was so successfully instituted last year by Colonel Read, the committee decided to offer two cups, value JC4. The distances for the various races were dis- cussed. It was resolved that the two senior four races and the Wirral Challenge Cup race should be rowed as heretofore, over the full course of one mile and a quarter and forty yards; that the senior sculls' course should be increased from one mile to the full distance; that the distance for the junior sculls should be three-quarters of a mile instead of one mile; that the maiden fours should be increased from three-quarters of a mile to a mile and a quarter; and that the Town Plate course should remain at three-quarters of a mile. —JMr. r rank Morgan, iii moving the alteration in the course for the maiden fours, contended that the standard of rowing on the Dee was not what it used to be, and he attributed it to the three- quarters of a mile scramble. The secretary was requested to thank the Mayor and Sheriff of Chester for respectively offering to repeat the Mayor of Chester's Prize and the Sheriff of Chester's Prize.

ARMY AND VOLUNTEERS. ON SALISBURY PLAIN. THE CHESHIRE BRIGADE. LAST DAYS OF THE CAMP. lFROM: OUR CORRESPONDENT.] Friday dawned fine, and the Cheshire Volunteer Infantry Brigade were early astir, it being an im- portant field day. By 8 o'clock the camp was practically deserted. The forces were divided. The 1st and 5th Battalions (the Greys), under the com- mand of Colonel Sir W. Shackerley, moved out to the neighbourhood of Netheravon and took up a strong position to oppose the other half of the Brigade, 3rd and 4th Battalions (the Reds), who were under the command of Colonel W. Mothersill, and were advancing from Andover to attack. After ,Pourf °* manoeuvring the umpires held that the advance had been checked. The Brigade Bearer Company accompanied the attacking force. The whole of the battalions then had a "review," each marching past the Brigadier, Colonel A. E. Ommanney and his staff. They arrived back in camp at 4 o'clock. On Saturday the same manoeuvres were gone through as on the previous day, with the forces reversed and with the same result, the battalions arriving in camp a little earlier-3 o'clock p.m. The Bearer Company did not accompany either forces on this day, but were exercised with- in the camp, having three parades, at 6.30 a.m., 9.30 a.m., and 1.30 p.m. The afternoon was mainly spent by the men in preparing for the return hon.e. In the evening the camp was enlivened by a Military Torchlight Tattoo," the whole of the bands being massed at a centre point of the parade ground. The bugles and drums of the combined battalions marched and counter- marched on the parade ground, blowing the different calls for the close of the day, namely, first and last post, &c. This was a most stirring spectacle, and very successfully carried out. Chester people will remember something similar last summer in the Grosvenor Park, but of course on a minor scale. On Sunday morning reveille was sounded by three o'clock, and by 5.15 a.m. the 1st Volunteer Battalion had left camp for Ludgershall. Eight o'clock saw the camp cleared by all except the respective fatigue parties. After a quick run the Bearer Company arrived in Chester at 1.5 p.m., and were dismissed at the Drill Hall by 1-40 p.m. The camp has been a. most instructive one to the members of the Bearer Company, it being the first year of their existence as a separate unit.

General Hallam Parr made an unofficial visft at the end of last week to the camp of the Anglesey Royal Engineers (Militia), now assembled for annual training at Llanfaes, near Beaumaris, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Sir R. Williams Bulkeley. General Parr who was accompanied by his aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Walwyn, went round the various departments in the camp and saw the men engaged on field works, pontooning, bridging, &c. The corps has a present strength of (;00 men, and is the first militia unit to have attached to it a field company, with horses, transport wagons, &c. ARTILLERY PROMOTIONS.—The following appeared in Tuesday night's Gazette" Volunteer Royal Garrison Artillery. lst Cheshire and Carnarvon- shire The undermentioned surgeon-captains to be surgeon-majorsA. M. Archer, M.D., R. L. Jones. NAVAL DEFICIENCIES.—The annual banquet of the Colonial Club took place on Wednesday night in London, when Admiral Fremantle, in replying to the toast of "The Imperial Forces," said our Navy was not strong enough. This, he had reasons for saying, was the opinion of the Admiralty. Strategically, we did not look forward. There was no one in the Admiralty sufficiently high to say point blank we must have this or that. Our guns were not sufficiently powerful. We were behind in our guns, in our projectiles, and our po personnel was, however, satisfactoij. Denison, of Canada, who responded for the Empire, urged protective duties. DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE'S CONGRATULATIONS.—The Duke of Cambridge, presiding over the spring general meeting of the National Rifle Association, on Wednesday, congratulated the volunteers and the Colonies on the important assistance they had given to the Government during the South African war. We had had very troublous times, but he hoped there was now a little daylight, although he was not at all confident. We must be prepared for anything and everything. The world was very jealous of us, because we had become a great empire not only in name but in power and extent. Our relations with the Colonies were in the right groove, and we would, he thought, do*, the right thing under any circumstances.

TARVIN. DEATH OF MRS. LEACH.—We regret to announce that Mrs. Leach died on Friday morning shortly before nine o'clock. a

ROSSRTT. HALF HOLIDAY.—The local butchers have decided to close their shops on future Mondays at one o'clock, the grocers closing at the same hour on Thursdays.

BUCKLEY. ACCIDENT TO MRS. DREW.—Mrs. Drew, wife of the Rev. H. Drew, vicar of Buckley, was driving with a groom from Buckley to Hawarden on Tuesday afternoon when the carriage collided with a van. Both Mrs. Drew and the groom were thrown out, and were severely shaken. Beyond this neither Mrs. Drew nor the groom was injured. The carriage was partly smashed. The accident was caused by the pony's taking fright.

PARKGATE. THE LATE MR. HOLBROOK. The "Weekly Columbian" (Canada) has a very interesting article on the late Honourable H. Holbrook, describing in eulogistic terms his many excellent personal qualities and the prominent part he played in the advancement of the Colony when it was merely an outpost of civilisation. On receipt of the intimation of his death, all the civic and other flags were half- masted at New Westminster.

HOPE. ACRIMONY AT THE COUNCIL.-A meet- ing of the Parish Council was held in Abermorddu Board School on Wednesday, Mr. Wm. Lewis, presiding. The discussion was long and acrimonious, and the resolutions, amendments, and counter amendments innumerable. On the question of paying £ 25 to Mr. Alfred Jones for alleged damage done to his property by purchase of land for cemetery purposes, it was finally agreed to refer the matter to the Local Government Board as to the legality of the payment, and this in opposition to the recommendation of the annual parish .t,o meeting.

CLATTERBRIDGE. A FATAL SCRATCH.-The West Cheshire Coroner, Mr. J. C. Bate, last week held an inquest at Clatterbridge Workhouse on Joseph Wilson, labourer, 57 years of age, who lived at Morton. It appeared that on the 11th inst. deceased went out to get some watercress and somehow scratched his right thumb. He afterwards complained of a pain in his right arm and was admitted to the Clatter- bridge Hospital. Dr. Lewis Grant, deputy medical officer at the Workhouse, who saw him regarded his condition as hopeless from the first. The unfor- tunate man told him he scratched his hand and the next day got some cement in it A verdict of Death due to accidental causes was returned.

STOKE. WIDE-AWAKE CONSTABLE.-At Chester Castle Petty Sessions, on Saturday, Hugh Willis Thompson was charged with being a deserter from the Royal Marine Light Infantry since the 4th May. The evidence went to shew that Constable Potts, of Stoke is a wide-awake officer. On Friday morning he was on duty at Stoke, when he saw Thompson working on a farm. He had a conversation with him and asked him if he had ever been in the Army. Thompson replied in the negative. The constable then asked him point blank if he had deserted. This time the prisoner considered a v nile, and then admitted that he was a deserter. His uniform was found hidden in the building among some bags. The Bench ordered him to be detained until the arrival of a military escort, to which he is to be handed over.

GRESFORD. RETURN HOME.—Private James Plevin, of the 4th Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers, returned to his home at Gresford on Thursdayl after having served at the front in South Africa. COACHING.—The "Old Times" coach has commenced running between Chester and Shrews- bury for the season, and its appearance, together with the sound of the horn, has reminded the old inhabitants of the coaching days. The coach stops at the Plough Hotel upon each journey for the purpose of changing horses, which is generally made in less than three minutes. SCHOLASTIC SUCCESS.—At the scholarship examination held at the Cheltenham College last week, E. B. Fox, a pupil at Llay Place, was awarded an open mathematical scholarship of E80 per annum tenable for three years, together with the Southwood Scholarship of B27 per annum tenable for a like pariod, but open only to those intending ultimately to join the Army. -+-

SHOTTON. STREET NOMENCLATURE.—At Hawarden Rural District Council, on Thursday, a letter was read from Messrs. Evan Morris and Co., Wrexham, solicitors to the trustees of the late Mr. Piercy, stating that they understood that considerable inconvenience had arisen at Shotton owing to the fact that new roads which their clients had constructed had not been named. They were known to them by num- bers, so that as far as they were concerned it was not necessary to name them, but owing to the large number of'houses that had been erected, there had been a good deal of confusfon with -egard to the postal addresses, &c. They had acci.rdingly been asked to get the streets named. Their clients pro- posed to select the names of the new roads from the following: Llewellyn, Merlin, David, Caradoc, Glendower, Tudor, Owen, Cadwaladr, and Madoc- terrace —The Council decided to approve of the proposed christening.

I ELLESMERE PORT. SMELTING CORPORATION, LTD.—Mr. H. Terrell, K.C., applied on Wednesday to Mr. Justice Buckley, sitting for the disposal of company business, to modify a scheme of arrangement which was sanctioned by the Court on the 25th of April last. He stated that the scheme provided for a new company taking over the business of the old company, and the shareholders in the old company receiving shares in the new, provided that they subscribed for a certain amount of deben- tures so as to provide a working capital for the new company. The court sanctioned the scheme on the understanding that £ 150,000 was provided in cash before the 2nd of June. It was now found that £ 200,000 would be required in cash for a working capital, and it was asked that the time might be extended from the 2nd of June until the 2nd of August, in order that the additional P,50,000 might be subscribed.—His lordship granted the applica- tion.

FARNDON. MR. ROBERT OWEN'S SUCCESS. — The news that Mr. Robert A. Owen, son of the Vicar of Farndon, has been given a com- mission in the 118th Company of the Imperial Yeomanry, will be received with gratification by the members of the old 21st Company, with whom Mr. Owen is deservedly popular. When Mr. Owen went out originally with the 21st Company, he had a slight touch of illness, which proved rather fortunate, for it prevented him from undergoing duty at Upington, and enabled him to see plenty of fighting. Together with Private Sinclair, of the same company, he was attached to the Suffolk Mounted Infantry, the 9th Stafford Mounted Infantry, and finally the 1st Royal Munster Fusiliers. Mr. Owen is a promising young soldier and his career will be followed with interest.

UPTON. ANNIVERSARY SERVICES. Special ser- vices were held at the Upton Congregational Chapel on Sunday, in connection with the Sunday school anniversary. In the afternoon the children's service was conducted by the Rev. D. Wynne Evans. Mr. Frank Jones delivered an admirable address, while Mr. Sidney Clarke also assisted. In the evening Mr. Jones took the service. Mrs. F. Thomas rendered an excellent solo, entitled Abide with me." The following members of Mr. H. E. Crane's band played special selections and also accompanied the hymns-Messrs. H. E. Crane, G. Davies, N. Hull, F. Thomas, Spain, Kelly, B. Walton, Cochrane, C. Jones, and Miss May Thomas (accompanist). After the service the news of peace arrived, and the band assembled on the lawn and played the National Anthem and the Doxology. On arrival at Chester the orchestra played on St. Peter's Church steps the National Anthem and "Rule Britannia."

WORTH ENBURY. TEMPERANCE MEETINGS.-On Thursday two addresses were given in the schoolroom by Mr. George Langsdon, the Buckinghamshire Navvy." The first address was given to, the scholars at four p.m. The Rector presided, and there were also present Mrs. R. Howard and Mrs. Lofts. In the evening a general meeting was held. The audience thoroughly appreciated the original remarks of the lecturer. A collection was made at the close in aid o f the cause. IN DEATH THEY WERE NOT DIVIDED.— The funeral of Mr. and Mrs. Windsor, of Sarn Bridge, Worthenburv, took place on Tuesday at the Parish Church. The old couple, who were much attached to each other, had been in a bad state of health for some months, and on Saturday both succumbed to their diseases, the wife dying at four p.m. and the husband at 8 p.m. They were highly respected in the parish, where they had resided for many years, and the funeral was attended by many of their neighbours in addition to the relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Windsor had occupied their homestead on the Broughton estate for over twenty-five years, and previous to their marriage were both employed at the Hall, the former in the capacity of joiner, and the latter as laundry-maid. They leave no family.

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'i%TOLD. MOLD. WELL MERITED RECOGNITION. — The "Isotidon Gazette" announces that the rank of honorary captain in the Army, with the right to wear the uniform, has been conferred upon Captain T. M. Keene, 2nd Vol. Batt. R.W.F., for service in South Africa. A CANINE WALTONIAN. Spending the days of an honourable retirement on the banks of the Alyn is Sergeant-Major W. 1. Summerton, a veteran, who with the 60th King's Royal Rifles saw much active service in China in the '60's. The veteran's pet companion is a smart little dog "Vic," who has long ago acquired a reputation for hunting the water rat with which the river abounds. Last week, while in search of his customary prey, "Vie "'secured and brought to bank an eel nearly two feet in length. It requires no stretch of imagination to conceive that the captive did not take kindly to its new conditions, however, Vic's dogged determination surmounted every difficulty. In the presence of some astonished onlookers the dog succeeded in swallowing the eel and then complacently resumed operations on the river bank.

11 F, 8 WA L li. WEDDING PRESENTATION.—On the occa- sion of his marriage, Mr. Harold Newsom, manager of the Heswall branch of Lloyd's Bank, I was presented with a beautiful timepiece by Mr. A. E. Ellis and a few friends. The presentation took place at the private residence of Mr. Ellis, the Castle Stores, Heswall. Mr. Ellis presided, and at the outset proposed the loyal toasts, which were honoured with enthusiasm. An interesting programme of songs was gone through. At the presentation Mr. Shaw spoke of the able services Mr. Newsom had rendered to Heswall generally. The Chairman presented the gift, and said he was sure everyone present heartily joined in wishing both Mr. Newsom and his wife long life and very much happiness. Since they had known Mr. Newsom he had always shewn himself to be one of the first to join in any good undertaking for the benefit of Heswall generally. The youth in Heswall had always a good, staunch friend in Mr. Newsom, and in the case of the Lads' Brigade they knew he was a great enthusiast. In every good work for the enlightenment and develop- ment of Heswall he was ever to the front. In business matters no one could be more genial and amiable than Mr. Newsom. He trusted that Mr. Newsom would be spared many years yet to mingle among them at Heswall. (Ap- plause.) The recipient suitably responded, and acknowledged in feeling terms a nice present from Mr. Ellis and his wife.

FRODSHAM. RETURN OF VOLUNTEERS.-On Wednes- day afternoon six out of the seven Frodsham Volun- teers, who left for South Africa some 15 months ago with the second Special Service Company of Cheshire Volunteers, arrived home. Their names are Sergt. Frank Davies, Lance-Corporal F. Jones, Privates G. Darlington, W. Hague, G. Youd, and J. W. Carter. Private C. Heffern has been left behind as he was unfortunately taken dangerously ill with enteric at Wynberg, near Capetown, just prior to the time of returning home. It was anticipated that the return from Chester would be made about 5.30 in the evening, and that the Volun- teer band would meet the train and take the soldiers down Main-street, as was done with the first contingent; but, owing to some misunderstand- ing and mismanagement, they unexpectedly arrived by the 2.30 p.m. train. The bellman had been requisitioned to go round the town and give warn- ing that the return would be made in the evening, and when the appointed time arrived a good number of inhabitants had congregated round Church-street and Main-street, only to be cruelly disappointed. Flags were flying at the Conservative Club and other prominent buildings, while festoons of small banners were stretched across the two principal streets. The six Volunteers look well and are greatly tanned. DEATH IN A TRAIN.-On Tuesday Mr. J. C. Bate, coroner, held an inquest at Frodsham concerning the death in a train (reported in our inner pages) of Mr. John Dowler Irven, of Dutton Lodge —Mr. C. N. Irven (son) gave evidence to the effect that his father was 69 years of age. He saw him alive last on 17th inst., since which time he had been staying at St. Asaph. As far as he knew he had been in his usual health. He had occasionally suffered from heart trouble during the past few years. He was returning home when he expired.— Amy Capon stated that she travelled in the same carriage as deceased, who was aoparently all right when leaving Chester. She heard him snoring and breathing heavily and thought there was something wrong with him. She therefore attracted the attention of another lady in the compartment, who pulled the communication cord and stopped the train.—Mr. W. Ray stated that he also travelled by the same train as deceased. The train was stopped between Dunham Hill and Mickle Trafford and his attention was called to deceased who was in a carriage close to. In his opinion death had taken place then. Deceased was in a sitting position with his back to the window. Witness came on to Frodsham with the body.—Mr. J. Faulkner (juror): I should like to know if anything is missing ?—Mr. C. N. Irven said he had no idea what deceased had when he started the journey.—The Coroner asked Mr. Faulkner whether he had any reason for suggesting that ?—Mr. Faulknef: We do suggest things at times that come true, and I should like to have that fathomed out.—The Coroner (to Mr. Irven): So far as you know there is no suspicion that he has not got all that belonged to him?—Mr. Irven Not the least.—The Coroner I don't think we need suspect that, considering the company in which the gentleman was. I cannot help expressing sympathy with Mr. Irven and the members of his family in this very sudden bereavement.—A verdict of death from Natural causes, probably heart failure." was returned. DEATH OF A VOLUNTEER.—It was -with deep regret that the news of Private J. C. Heffern's death from enteric fever, at Wynberg, on Wednesday, was received on Sunday mcrning in Frodsham. By a curious coincidence, his death occurred en the same day that his six comrades arrived home, and the news of his decease was heard on the same day that peace was declared. Private Heffern had suffered some illness previous to the departure to Cape- town, and had been treated for rheumatism in the shoulders and back, but had apparently got considerably better. He bore up brgively, and although suffering more or less continually, he determined to-battle on, and would not give in and go into hospital. He came down country to Capetown with the other six Frodsham Volun- teers, and was actually in the act of embarking with his kit when one of the medical examiners refused him permission to go aboard, although he bogged hard to be allowed to return home, and laughed and joked in his well-known char- acteristic manner as if nothing ailed him. Soon after he contracted enteric fever, and was spoken of twice in the papers as lying dangerously ill in Wynberg Hospital, near Capetown. It was anticipated that his strong constitution would stand him in good stead and that he might possibly recover. His death has caused quite a shook to his innumerable friends. He was ex- ceedingly well liked and respected by all on account of his geniality and kindness. He was the life and soul of the company in South Africa. He was possessed of great intelligence, had kept an accurate diary throughout his stay in South Africa, and had walked miles upon miles to different places solely to make himself acquainted with some spot he had heard of or wished to see. He had seen most of the famous Boer generals, and in fact it was generally remarked that if anything or anybody was worth seeing Private Heffern would put himself out of the way to go. In, Frodsham he was recognised as a good athlete, was a good footballer and splendid runner, having taken many prizes at various sports. He was married the same week that he sailed for South Africa, and leaves a widow and baby, for whom much sympathy is Mt.

ERBISTOCK. ACCIDENT.—A c&rri^fnajeciden* befel the Rector of Erbistock and his family as they were driving home from Wrexham on Thursday evening. When passing Pontyffrwdd. Marchwiel, the residence of Mr. Robert Samuel, the horse took fright and dashed away. The carriage collided with a passing conveyance. The occupants of the rectory carriage were badly thrown, especially Mrs. Sparling. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel rendered every assistance, and after some time Mrs. Sparling was well enough to be conveyed to Erbistock Rectory. -e

WRFCXHAM. R.S.P.C.A.—On Thursday afternoon the annual meeting of the Wrexham and district branch of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was held at Wrexham. under the presi- dency of the Mayor (Mr. F. W. Soaines). The committee were pleased to announce that a Band of Mercy had been formed in Wrexham during the year. The inspector's report shewed fewer con- victions compared with the previous year. This omen, they hoped, shewed an improved disposition on the part of persons having the care and control of animals, and would also tend to shew that the previous work of the branch was bearing good fruit. The over-loading of stage carta was still a source of considerable complaint; in many in- stances there was a decided improvement in the class of animal used. The committee, however, regretted that nothing had yet been done of a definite character by the local authority to pre- vent those complaints recurring. It was much desired that a lethal box (for humanely destroying animals) should be procured for the town. The report was unanimously adopted. Speeches were delivered by the Mayor, Arch- deacon Wynne Jones, Mr. J. Allington Hughes, and Mr. Reeks. Sir R. A. Cunliffe was re-elected president of the branch, the Hon. G. T. Kenyon, M.P., vice-president, and Mrs. Rees hon. secretary and treasurer.

NjNTON. SUCCESS OF A SCHOLAR.—The only Wirral candidate who was awarded a scholarship at the recent County Council examinations (with tho exception of Seacombe) was, it appears, Cuthbert M. Hough, of the Neston National Schools. This was the first time that Neston Schools have sent up a candidate, and the result reflects much credit both upon the boy and the headmistress of the mixed schools, Miss Fairbrother, who has held her present position over four years, after serving about twenty years with the staff. CYCLING ACCIDENTS.—Mr. Andrew Jamie- son, son of Mr. Andrew Jamieson, of The Her- mitage, Neston, met with a painful accident whilo cycling home from Chester on Tuesday. When near the Hinderton corner, a rather large stone on the roadway caused his front wheel to skid, and he came heavily to the ground, lacerating his face severely and sustaining other bruises.—Oliver Hitchins, assistant to Mr. Scruby, a Neston grocer, met with a similar accident while cycling up High- street, Neston, but received little injury. IN THE SMALL HOURS. There was a great scare in one of the principal Neston thoroughfares a few days ago. About two o'clock one morning a lady suddenly flung open an upper window and called for help, under the impression that someone was breaking in the back part of her premises. A number of nightcapped heads were soon projecting from the adjacent windows, and .the alarm became general. The police were quickly upon the spot, and one of the local shopkeepers went round to the back of the premises armed with a gun One of the officers had already proceeded thither, and what might have been a desperate encounter in the dark between the plucky tradesman and the man in blue was con- verted into a hearty laugh as the gentlemen recognised each other No trace of a burglar could be discovered or cause assigned for the suspicious noises that had been heard. FATAL TRAP ACCIDENT—On Wednesday, Mr. J. C. Bate, coroner, held an inquest at Clatter- bridge Workhouse on the body of William Davies, 63 years of age, wheelwright, of 24, Wilkinson- street, off Borough-road, Birkenhead. Deceased and another man drove to Neston on the 17th April with a horse and conveyance to get some plants. The horse was borrowed from Mr. Price, of Birkenhead. On the way they experienced trouble with the animal, which shied and threw them both out of the trap. On the return journey the horse bolted at Neston Cross, and running the trap on the kerb, upset it. The occupants were both thrown out, and the trap feU on both of Davies's legs and fractured them badly. The man was taken into a house and after- wards removed to Clatterbridge Hospital. The fractures healed and he was progressing favourably. He died on Tuesday from heart failure.—A verdict of Accidental death" was returned. -+-

HAWARDEN. THE COUNTY SCHOOL.-At the Hawarden District Council meeting on Thursday, the Hon. Mr3. W. H. Gladstone was elected a lady governor of the Hawarden County School in the place of Miss Gladstone resigned. GLADSTONE SILVER.STATUETTE.—Mem- bers of both Houses are taking an interest in a scheme which is on foot to present to the St. Deiniol's Library at Hawarden a statuette in silver of the late Radical leader-a reproduction in miniature of the statue by Signor Raggi which Mr. John Morley recently unveiled at Manchester. A meeting to further the project was held at the Westminster Palace Hotel on Friday. The com- mittee includes the Duke of Westminster, the Marquis of Ripon, Earl Granville, Lord Leigh, Lord Tweedmouth, Mr. Arnold Morley, Mr. Justice Phillimore, Sir Edward Hamilton, Sir James Kitson, M.P., Sir Christopher Furness, M.P., Mr. John Ellis, M.P., Mr. Robert Hudson, and Mr. Arthur G. Symonds. Mr Hans Shand, one of Mr. Gladstone's former secretaries, acts as hon. treasurer, and Mr. George Walpole, editor of "Hansard," as hon. secretary. The amount required to be collected is about £ 300. Subscrip- tions may be paid in to the Gladstone Memorial Statuette account at the London and Westminster Bank, Stratford-place Branch. AMBULANCE BRIGADE.-The distribution of certificates to the successful candidates of the Hawarden division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade took place at the Gymnasium on Thurs- day evening Mrs. Mayhew presenting them. Dr. Burlingham presided, and among others present were Miss Mayhew, the Rev. Alfred Abel, Miss Thom, Miss B. Thorn, Mr. T. B. Barnett, Mrs. Burlingham, Mrs. Adkins, Mrs. Leach, and Miss Maud Rowlands. The hon. secretary (Mr. T. S. Gibson) gave a brief account of the work of the division for the past season, stating that 27 members had joined the men's class and 8 the ladies' class. Of these several had left the neigh- bourhood and 21 had presented themselves for examination in the men's division, there being no examination in the ladies' class, although the latter had attended the lectures and practices during the winter session. Mrs. Mayhew then distributed the certificates to the following suc- cessful competitors: -First Aid: Harry Johnson, Albert Parish, William Griffiths, the Rev. Alfred Abel. George F. Griffiths, John Read, William H. Thompson, Charles J. Williams. Second year: Thomas Roberts, Joseph Griffiths, Newton Johnson, Robert H. Griffiths, Thomas Williams Thomas James, Thomas S. Gibson. At- the con- clusion of the distribution a demonstration of ambulance work took place under the superin- tendence of Mr. J. H. Adkins, the divisional superintendent, and it was followed with the greatest interest and appreciation by those present. The Rev. Alfred Abel proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Mayhew in suitable terms, and Mr. Adkins responded on her behalf. Similar compliments were also paid to Dr. Burlingham for presiding, and to Mr. Adkins for his work in connection with the division, which is in such a flourishing condition owing to the able superin- tendence of the latter gentleman. Various musical items were rendered during the evening by Miss V. Thompson, Mrs. Burlingham, and j Messrs. J. Worley and G. Holmes.