The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

BOER SURRENDER, OUR TERMS ACCEPTED. One hour and a half before midnight on Satur- day at Pretoria the Boer envoys attached their signatures to a treaty of surrender, the news being conveyed to Great Britain in the following tele- gram received from Lord Kitchener, and posted at the War Office on Sunday evening:- To the Secretary of State for War. Pretoria, 11.15 p.m., 31st May. Negotiations with Boer delegates. The document containing terms of surrender was signed here this evening at 10.30 p.m. by all the Boer representatives, as well as by Lord Milner and myself. THE LAST WAR MESSAGE. Previous to the definite message just despatched Lord Kitchener sent the following telegram to the Secretary of State for Alvar. Pretoria, 31st May, 5.15 p.m. It is now settled that the Boer representatives will come here immediately, and also the High Commissioner from Johannesburg. It is possible that the document wnl be signed to-night. 1 have received from them a statement saying that they accept and are prepared to sign. Pretoria, Friday. The deliberations between the Boer delegates at Vereemgmg have resulted practically in the acceptance of the British terms, and the delegates may arrive here at any moment for tne purpose of signing the documents embodying the terms. Pretoria, Sunday, 10.25 a.m. The terms of peace were signed at half-past eleven. o'clock last night.-Reuter. KING TO HIS PEOPLE. The fact that peace had been agreed to was com- municated to the King on Sunday afternoon by Mr. Brodnck, and all the other members oi the Royal family were informed. Late on Sunday night his Majesty issued tne following address to his people:—"The King has received the welcome news of the oessation ot hostilities in South Africa with infinite satisfaction, and trusts that !>c&:E:' may be speedily followed by the restoration oi prosperity in his new Dominions, and that the feelings necessarily engendered by war will give place to the earnest co-operation of all his Majesty's South African subjects in promoting the welfare of their common country." LONDON'S JOY. Messages were forwarded to Lord Salisbury, Mr. Balfour, Mr. Chamberlain, and all the members of the Cabinet. The Lord Mayor had a copy of Lord Kitchener's second message sent to him in the evening, and this was at once posted at the Mansion House. An enormous concourse of people soon gathered, and Sir J. Dimsdaie, at their urgent demand, delivered a short speech. Refer- ences were made to the event in St. Paui's Cathe- dral and many of the ohurohes and chapels in the Metropolis. Enormous crowds marched througn the principal streets of the city and West-End until an early hour on Monday morning, cheering and singing patriotic songs, and many of the clubs were illuminated.

TERMS OF PEACE. GREAT BRITAIN'S SUPREMACY ABSOLUTE. Relief that the strife is over was intensified whea the terms of the instrument signed at Pre- toria on Sunday night were disclosed by Mr. Balfour in the House of Commons on Monday. They proved that the war has not been fought in vain. The supremacy of Great Britain is henceforward absolute. In the House of Lords, Lord Salisbury made a similar statement, and Lord Rosebery, following Lord Tweedmouth, expressed to the Government his "hearty, unstinted and unreserved congratu- lations on the announcement of peace." The principal points of the agreement are as follows: (1) Boers lay down their arms and recognise the King as their lawful Sovereign. (2) Boer prisoners to return on taking the oath of allegiance. (3) Dutch to be taught-at the request of parents—in the public schools. (4) Civil, to be followed by representative, government "at earliest possible date." (5) 23,000,000 to re-stock Boer farms. Rebels and foreigners excluded. (6) Disenfranchisement of all Cape rebels. Leaders to be tried for high treason, but no death penalty. The official correspondence giving the story of the negotiations shews that the Boers stood out for far greater concessions, but gave way before the firm attitude of the Imperial Government, acting through Lord Milner and Lord Kitchener. On the Stock Exchange and the various foreign Bourses there was a general rise in securities on Monday, though the rush was hardly as great as had been expected. Apparently, only in one quarter has the goad news caused dejection. That is at Utrecht, amid the entourage of Mr. Kruger, who still keeps the Vierkleur flying outside his residence. It is interesting to recall that on tluTvery day, May 31, on which peace was settled, Lord Milner was, three years before, urging Mr. Kruger, at the Bloejnfontein conference, to secure the inde- pendence of his Republic by meeting the griev- ances of the Outlanders in a fair and. liberal spirit.

CHESTER AND THE NEWS. A telegram received at the Courant" Office at 6.15 on Sunday, was the first intimation in Chester of the happy ending to a deplorable, but unavoid- able, struggle. When the telegram was posted in the Courant" window a large crowd speedily gathered together, and the news quickly spread through the city. We forwarded a note, conveying the intelligence to the Very Rev. the Dean at the Cathedral, and he passed the news on to the Bishop of Zanzibar, who was the preacher. While his lordship was in the midst of an eloquent sermon on missionary work the buzzer at Messrs. F. A. Frost and Sons' mill was blown, and prepared the large congregation for the interesting announcement, which the Bishop made at the close of his remarks. He said there had just come flashed from London that blessed message of peace. Let them thank God for it, and when they thanked God let them feel that sympathy for the many mothers whose sons were sleeping on those distant plains. Might they feel heartfelt sympathy for those who could not rejoice with a full heart because their loved ones they would never see again. Might they thank God that out of those battlefields there had sprung up in England a better'kind of patriotism, a nobler love of their country and of their King and God than perhaps had been known at any time before. Might they pray God to help them to use the message, and all it brought with it for His glory in His kingdom, and might every man and woman in the Transvaal at last sing with one great voice to the King of Glory who is their Lord and Redeemer for ever. When the congregation left the Cathedral they found the Town Hall square crowded with people, and the city all agog with excitement. Flags were flying from many shops and buildings, and the im- portant news for which Chester, in common with the rest of the Empire, had been waiting so eagerly, was being keenly discussed by everyone. The hoisting of the flag on the Town Hall square was greeted with loud cheering and the waving of hats, gtortly afterwards the Deputy Mayor (Alderman T. Brown) aopeared at the top of the Town Hall steps, accompanied by Mr. W. Leah (Deputy Chief Constable of Cheshire), Messrs. G. W. Haswell Wm. Carr, W. Ferguson, J. Siddall, J. William- son, S. Smith (Town Clerk), J. H. Dickson (deputy Town Clerk), W. Peers (Clerk of Committees), and G. Avery (School Board Officer). Addressing the assembly, Alderman H. T. Brown said I am very sorry that the Mayor is not here to-night, in order to declare to you the joyful news that has just reached us. He is, unfortunately, to-day in London, therefore I have, on his behalf, as his deputy, to announce to you the joyful news of peace. Although it has not come to us strictly officially, there is no question of doubt. It is absolutely true. It is upon the authority of a com- munication by the War Office to the authorities in Liverpool, repeated here, upon which I now declare to you that the war in South Africa is at an end. (Loud cheers). The Boer delegates have accepted the terms of England, and peace is declared. (Re- newed cheering.) Probably on no day could the glad news have been made public, more to the purpose, than to-day. We are to-day closing our feabbath. The declaration of peace surely comes most forcibly to us upon such a day as this. Now, I must not detain you to-night, but I would ask every one of you in your hearts to remember the glorious deeds of our brave Army. (Cheers.) Let us bear in mind, and sympathise with, the sorrows of those who have lost brothers, husbands, sons, relatives bravely dying for their country. Let us remember, also, oui brave enemies. (Hear, hear.) thevU\! sympathise with them in the sorrows that Wl W Te £ m tbe arrows that they are feeling, us be generous enough, henceforth, to bear in mind that we are from this day forth to be friends. Now this being Sunday is no time for s great demonstrations. I am not going to ask you to give cheers, even for the King but I will ask you all to join heartily in singing God save the King." The vast assemblage then sang the National Anthem. Merry peals were rung on the Cathedral bells and those of many churches, and the citizens con- tinued to walk about the streets discussing the glorious news until a late hour. During the crush the window of Mr. Evans, tobacconist, Bridge- street, was broken.

THE CHURCHES. At S. John the Baptist's Church, when the tidings became known, the Rev. Canon S. Cooper Scott offered a special prayer. When the news reached S. Peter's, the hymn "Now thank we all our God was sung. At St. Mary's-on-the-Hill the announcement of the news was handed to the rector (the Archdeacon of Chester) as he was giving out the hymn after the sermon. He at once said: "I am requested to announce that peace has been declared. We shall join all the more heartily in this joyous hymn; and shall be glad that we thus have the opportunity of at once returning thanks for this blessing in God's house." After the benediction the Te Deum was sung, and directly the service was over the bells rang out a joyous peal. On Monday also the ringers gave frequent peals throughout the day, beginning at 6 a m. The welcome tidings of the conclusion of the war was communicated to the worshippers at All Saints', Hoole, on Sunday evening, under sen- sational circumstances. During the prayers follow- ing the sermon, a messenger arrived at the church with tile momentous news, which was communi- cated to the church officers, and by them to the Vicar, the Rev. F. Anderson, who stopped the service to make the announcement. The intelli- gence that peace had at last arrived created a profound sensation, and at the Vicar's request, the worshippers rose and sang the National Anthem with impressive fervour. Immediately on the conclusion of the service, the congregation proceeded to the adjacent city to join in the demonstrations of rejoicing. The church bells pealed merrily in recognition of the event.

RENEWED "REJOICINGS IMPRESSIVE MILITARY SPECTACLE. An impressive spectacle was witnessed on the Little Roodee, shortly after noon on Monday when a salute was fired by Batteries 1 and 3 of the 1st Cheshire and Carnarvonshire Royal Garrison Artillery (V olunteers) in celebration of the historic occasion. Several thousand people had assembled on the City Walls, the new road below the Walls, and the Grosvenor-road. The guns-four forty- pounders—were drawn up facing the river, and behind them was a cordon of men of the Depdt Cheshire Regiment. Major-General Hallam-Parr was present with Colonel Courtenay, chief staff officer, and Afaj or Oxley, A. D. C. Col. Ommanney, commanding the 22nd Regimental District was in command of the men of the Dep6t, with Lieuts. Shore and Richardson, while the Artillery officers present were Hon. Colonel H. T. Brown, Major F. B. Mason, Captains V. H. Dickson and F. Taylor. Twenty-one rounds were fired, and at the con- clusion the band of the Depot played the National Anthem, and hearty cheers were given for the King. While one of the guns was being brought into position, a driver, named William Griffiths, of Hand bridge, slipped, and was dragged some distance. He got under the hoofs of the horses, but fortunately escaped with a bruised leg, and it was not considered necessary to detain him at the Infirmary where he was afterwards taken. The streets on Monday were gay with bunting, and the city presented a scene of great animation. The men at the Hydraulic Engineering Works went out on play, and the children at most of the schools were given a holiday. The bells of many churches pealed forth merrily, and the day, which was fortu- nately favoured with typical June weather, was one of general rejoicing. In the evening a feu de joie was fired by the 2nd (Earl of Chester's) V.B. Cheshire Regiment on the Roodee. Some thousands of people assembled to witness the event. The Headquarter Band, the Bearer Com- pany, under Surg.-Lieut.-Col. King, and the Cyc- lists' Corps, under Colour-Sergt. Dyke, were also present, and very smart the whole lot looked as they marched to the Roodee. The Volunteers, commanded by Colonel T. J. Smith, V.D., formed up in two lines, and faced the Walls. Three salutes were fired, and the band played a portion of the National Anthem. It is a matter of regret that a great number of the male portion of the gathering neglected to take off their hats during the playing of "God save the King." After the third salute had been fired, bayonets were fixed, and the men stood at attention, while the National Anthem was played right through. Colonel Smith then called for three cheers for the King, also for three cheers for the soldiers who had given their lives for their country. The Volunteers then proceeeded to the Drill Hall. Before dismissing them, Colonel Smith said he was pleased to see so large a muster at so short a notice. He hoped every man would turn out to the church parade at St. Paul's on Sunday, for a thanksgiving service. While returning from the Roodee, one man had lost a Burmah medal. A boy had been seen to pick it up and run away with it. He asked the men to do all they could to find the medal. The other officers present were:—Captain BromJey (acting adjutant), Lieuts. Nicholson, W. A. V. Churton, Hamilton and Musgrove, and Quarter- master Williamson. Afterwards the city gave itself up to rejoicing. The students from the College formed a torchlight procession, and dressed in grotesque costumes, and carrying flags, etc., paraded the town blowing all sorts and conditions of instruments, musical and otherwise. Enormous masses, of people thronged the streets, and indulged in confetti- throwing and other forms of amusement. Every- one seemed in a good temper, and it was a matter for congratulation that, with one or two excep- tions, there was an absence of rowdjism. Another gratifying feature was that nobody appeared to be actuated by a spirit of boastfulness—the general feeling was one of thankfulness at the termination of a long and sanguinary struggle.

WIRRAL COUNCIL RECORD IT. Presiding at the monthly meeting of the Wirral Rural District Council, on Monday, the Chairman (Mr. T. Davies) said he was sure they were all pleased to hear the gratifying news which had come from South Africa, that peace had been de- clared between this nation and the Boers. (Hear, hear.) He had great pleasure in proposing that the event be recorded on the minutes of the Council. (Hear, hear.) It had been a protracted struggle, and he trusted it was now ended in "peace with honour." He believed we need have no fear about that.—Mr. H. A. Latham (deputy- chairman) seconded, and trusted that the terms upon which the war had been concluded would be satisfactory not only to the British nation, but also to the vanquished Boers. Might the Boers feel the benefit of coming under British rule, and be a happy and prosperous nation. He believed the Boers, no longer our enemies, would never have occasion to regret coming under British rule. (Hear, hear.) We were all heartily glad the war was at an end, and hoped it would be many years before anything of the sort ever darkened the horizon of the British Empire. He trusted it would not be long before disputes between nations would be settled by arbitration.—The motion was unanimously agreed to.

CHESTER FREE OHUROHIEN- Presiding at a meeting held under the auspices of the Chester Free Church Council on Monday night, Alderman John Jones said their first word must be of congratulation and profound thankfulness that peace had been assured. (Applause.) What- ever views they might have entertained in relation to the war, and however severe their criticism might have been in relation to its conduct and management, they were all deeply grateful and they joined hands and hearts in congratulating themselves and the Government that the war had ceased and peace had been declared. (Applause.)

DISTRICT REJOICINGS. TARVIN. The message that peace had been concluded reached Tarvin about eight o'clock. As it was Sunday night, there was no great outward demon- stration, but on every hand satisfaction was ex- pressed at the news received, and small groups of people congregated together discussing the an- nouncement. On Monday there were rejoicings everywhere, the church bells gave forth joyful peals, the flag on the steeple was hoisted up; flags were also exhibited from many of the residences, and a holiday was declared for the children at- tending both the National and the Grammar Schools. SAUGHALL. The news was made known in Saughall about a quarter to eight on Sunday evening by the hooting of "buzzers" all round. Everyone guessed what it all meant, and on every hand were heard expressions of rejoicing that at last the war was over. The Sealand Church bell was rung, and fog- signals were sent off along the railway line. On Monday, flags were displayed in the village. In the day school the children gave cheers for the King and Queen, for Lords Kitchener and Milner and the soldiers, and after they had sung the National Anthem, a holiday was given in the afternoon. FARNDON AND HOLT. In Farndon and Holt the welcome tidings was made known to the parishioners by the ringing of the church bells at an early hour on Monday. Soon flags and bunting decorated the streets, and the firing of guns and small cannon seconded the effort of the bells to proclaim the good news. The school children of Farndon on assembling at nine o'clock received a short address from the rector, and then formed a procession and marched to the centre of the village. Here they sang a hymn of thanks- giving, the rector offered a prayer of thanksgiving, and after singing the national anthem the youngsters were given what they expected-a holiday. ROSSETT. The welcome news arrived at Rossett on Sunday evening, causing the liveliest satisfaction. At the conclusion of the services of all the neighbour- ing churches, the bells were at once set ringing. Salutes were fired late in the evening. GRESFORD. The news was received at Gresford on Sunday evening with feelings of the greatest delight. The church bells were rung in honour of the event. Cannons were also fired by Mr. Dixon at The Clappers. The rejoicings were kept up on Mon- day, when bunting was displayed from most houses, and the Union Jack was hoisted at the Drill Hall. In the evening there was a torchlight procession, headed by the Rhosrobin Brass Band. There was also a display of fireworks. The church bells at the same time rang out merrily. AUDLEM. The joyful news was received at. Audlem with the greatest satisfaction. The school children were given a holiday on Monday, bunting was freely displayed, and merry peals were. rung on the church bells. On Monday evening the Vicar (the Rev. Stapleton-Cotton) conducted a thanksgiving service in the parish church. There was a largo congregation. NEW BRIGHTON. The news reached the Vicar (tho Rev. C. Hylton Stewart) at the conclusion of the first lesson, and after the third collect hymn 379, "Now thank we all our God," was sung. At the close of the prayer the Vicar said, "In view of the happy news of the declaration of peace, which has just reached me, I will ask you to join the choir in singing the Te Deum as an act of thanksgiving. The Can- ticle was then sung by the large congregation to Oakley's quadruple chant. The sermon and offer- tory over, the Vicar addressed the congregation briefly, adding "At such a time we must not for- get those who have laid down their lives for their country, so I will now ask you to sing the hymn "The Saints of God." The "Halleluiah Chorus ended a more than usually impressive service. FRODSHAM. The news of the declaration of peace was known in Frodsham and neighbourhood on Sunday night about 7.30, just prior to the closing of evening service in the churches and chapels. In the parish church, the last hymn was just finishing when word was received, and the Vicar (the Rev. H. B. Blogg, M.A.) immediately offered up a prayer of thanksgiving for peace, and the hymn "Now thank we all our God" was heartily sung by choir and congregation as a recessional. The organist (Mr. Hibbertt) played the National Anthem, and soon after the ringers, who had quickly been assembled, rang out merry peals until nearly midnight. The welcome news was received by the general public with great satisfaction, and rejoicings were general, although, its being Sunday eve, the bounds of order and seemliness were in no wise outstepped. Everyone seemed imbued with the spirit of joyfulnees, and during the evening the streets we're thronged with people discussing the welcome intelligence. The flags of the Conserva- tive Club and parish church were the first to be hoisted, and within an hour the whole street was gay with a liberal profusion of bunting. The sirens and guns of Liverpool and elsewhere were distinctly heard in the town, fog-horns were let off on the station, and cannons in various quarters. The rejoicings were continued with increased ve- hemence during Monday. At nine o'clock the ringers assembled at the parish church, and rang out peals, which were continued at intervals throughout the day. The school children of the district, on assembling at school, were given the whole day's holiday, and in a very short time ex- tempore bands had quickly assumed gigantic pro- portions. Tins, trays, buckets and various other articles and unmusical instruments had been requisi- tioned, and the noise was almost deafening. The population gave vent to their feelings in a man- ner befitting the occasion during the day, some people making a general holiday. The only thing to sadden the gladness was the loss of poor C. Heffern of enteric, at Wynberg, news of which arrived in Sunday morning's papers. In the even- ing the streets soon assumed a crowded aspect, and enthusiasm and excitement reigned supreme. The Volunteer Band turned out and played patriotic airs. An effigy of Kruger was paraded in Main- street by a gang of boys, while several individuals dressed themselves in ridiculous costumes for the edification of the crowds. TARPORLEY. The news of peace became known to a few people here on Sunday night, and the glad tidings oecame more generally known on Monday morn- ing, when the church bells rang a merry peal. As the news was disseminated, flags were exhibited from the windows and guns fired. Several enter- prising and enthusiastic gentlemen fired a feu de joie from the church tower. In the evening tha Tarpor'ey and Clotton Brass Band paraded tho High-street, playing patriotic airs, and there was abundant evidence of the gladness with which the eagerly-expected news was received. ELLESMERE PORT. On the reoeipt of the news that peace was de- clared, tho streets in an incredibly brief time be- oame quite alive and full of excitement. The buzzers at the local works were all set going, and for some time the noise was well-nigh intolerable. The church bells rang a merry peal, as well ay the belis on the vessels in the docks. Crowds paraded the- streets. On the following day much bunting was displayed. A holiday was given at the sohools, and everywhere the news of peace was received with intense satisfaction. KELSALL. The glad tidings reached Kolsall on Sunday evening. On Monday morning the event was celebrated by the firing of guns and the beating of drums by the youngsters. The children of the day school were given a holiday in commemora- tion of the joyful event. MALPAS. The joyful news of the signing of the declara- tion of peace in South Africa reached Malpas by telephone from Liverpool just before eight o'olock on Sunday night. Crowds remained in the streets some time discussing the news, but there was no demonstration. At four o'clock on Mon- day morning, however, the church bells rang out a gladsome peal, and continued to do so at intervals throughout the day. Then the streets began to got lively, and the town was paraded up and down by bands of men and boys, and people were consequently out and about early, and flags were displayed. HELSBY. The first intimation of the declaration of peace was conveyed to the residents of Helsby and district by the blowing of the Telegraph Manu- facturing Company's Works siren, which was soon followed by the ringing of church bells. The joyful news, which arrived about the same time as the congregations were leaving the various places of worship, quickly spreadf through- out the district, and was received with heartfelt gratification by all classes of the community. With the exception of a few ardent enthusiasts, who paraded a portion of the village headed by aa impromptu band, there was little attempt at demonstration, but the rejoicings were none the less universal. On the Monday the Telegraph Manufacturing Company's employes were granted half a day's holiday without deduction of pay, while most of the schools in the district were also closed for the same period. Flags and bunting were profusely displayed throughout the village, which was paraded during the afternoon by the local silver band, playing patriotic airs. The rejoicings were generally kept up until a late hour. NESTON. The intimation reached Neston through the local telephone exchange. Word was passed to the parish church, where the service was drawing to a close, and the Vicar (the Rev. Canon Turner) formally announced the news and asked the con- gregation to sing the Te Deum. This was fol- lowed by the National Anthem, both strains being taken up with a heartiness that may have been equalled but has never been surpassed. Meanwhile the steam whistles for miles around set up a shrill chorus of jubilation, the church bells rang out merrily, fog signals exploded on the railways, and a variety of sound all ex- pressive of delight broke the calm of the Sabbath evening. Most of the congregations from the Nonconformist places of worship heard the news as they passed into the streets, and throngs gathered in all directions discussing the event. The demonstrations were of course much more subdued than would have been the case had the news arrived on Monday, as had been expected. On Monday bunting streamed from all directions, from the church tower to the abodes of the humblest cottagers, and the district wore a general holiday appearance, even the locomotives on the railways donning their special finery for the oocasios. One Neston tradesman in par- ticular made a fine display at the Cross, and a huge white flag hung down the wall of his resi- dence bore in soarlet letters the words God Save the King." Before commencing the business at the Neston and Parkgate District Council meeting on Mon- day evening, the Chairman (Mr. J. Pemberton) congratulated the Council and district upon the intelligence which had reached thi3 country within the previous twenty-four hours. So far as he knew, the terms were of a liberal char- acter, though nothing was being sacrificed which would tend to the prosperity and happiness of the Empire. They owed much to the heroism of their soldiers, who had taken part in one of the most remarkable struggles in the world's history, and they deeply sympathised with those who had been so unfortunate as to lose those near and dear to them in the war. In conclusion, he expressed the opinion that South Africa was about to enter upon a new era of prosperity. MID-CHESHIRE. The news that peace had been declared reached Northwich about eight o'clock on Sunday night, and was the signal for the blowing of Messrs. Brunner, Mond's big chemical buzzer, followed by a cannon in Verdin Park, and a similar discharge at the Town Bridge, also by the blowing of buzzers at the salt and other manufactories. The whistling on praft along the river Weaver further spread the message. Bells were rung in the outlying districts. The good news was received by telegraph and tele- phone at Winsford and Middlewich just as the people were leaving church. Immediately there was great excitement. Buzzers proclaimed the news to the outlying country districts. Church bells were rung, and outside many churches and chapels hymns were sung by congregations. The streets were crowded in both towns, and people rushed about in a state of great excitement. Northwich was entirely given over to rejoicing on Monday. Not even during the most feverish days of the war was the enthusiasm—it is true, it was more subdued-greater and more stirring. At a very early hour the Northwich Council was summoned together and the Chairman (Mr. J. Poole) delivered a speech in which he spoke of the feeling which filled every heart on the receipt of the great news. A congratulatory telegram to the King was immediately agreed to, and then two of the Liberal members moved and seconded a telegram of congratulation to the Colomal Secretary. One member strongly opposed, but, with his dissent, the resolution was carried. The bellman was sent round the district calling upon tradesmen to close their places of business, a request which was immediately complied with. From end to end the town was decorated with flags and streamers, and from morning to night the streets were thronged. At 1.30 a public procession and thanksgiving service were held. The procession included the urban council, police, yeomanry, fire brigade, hospital committee, townspeople, and hundreds of children. Witton parish church rwas packed, and a service was con- ducted by the Rev. W. H. Binney (vicar and rural dean). He preached from the words, "The Lord shall give His people the blessing of peace," concluded by expressing the earnest hope that Dutch and English would live side by side in amity and brotherly love. After the service in amity and brotherly love. After the service the Council and townsmen adjourned to the Verdin Park, where a children's festival was held. This was followed in the evening by a thanks- giving service of the Free Churches and by a big torchlight procession and fireworks. CREWE. The peace rejoicings at Crewe on Monday were OOnducted on a most AluM. cnalA- FIrctr anH bunting were liberally displayed on the public buildings and from almost every place of busi- ness. There was no official holiday announced in Crewe Works, but shortly after nine o'clock a host of young men in the fitting shop led the way in the direction of the Works' gates, and to attempt to resist them was altogether out of the question. Eventually an intimation was received from the general office that those who chose to leave the Works were at liberty to do so. No sooner had this order gone the round than there was a general rush, and it is no exaggeration to say that before ten o'clock about half the em- ployes in the Works, both young and old, were participating in a day's holiday. Between 300 and 400 of the youths oonnected with the Old Works joined in procession immediately on leaving the Works, and proceeded to the Market Square. Here they sang a verse of the National Anthem, and, after becoming possessed of small flags and other emblems of loyalty, they wended their way in the direction of Compton's Factory with the intention of inducing the girls employed there to join with them in making the day one of universal rejoicing. Many of the girls at once threw down their work and helped to swell what by this time had become a large procession, as it had been already augmented by a large con- tingent of workmen from the Steel Works. They then proceeded to Harding's Factory, where they were joined by another large section of female employes, and altogether it made quite an im- posing procession. In the evening there was a great procession, organised by the local Patriotic Committee. WHITCHURCH. The sounding of fog signals at the railway station brought the first intimation to the majority of the inhabitants at Whitohuroh that peace had been proclaimed. The town was gaily decorated with bunting and flags on Monday, the church bells ringing forth merry peals at different intervals during the day. In the even- ing the town was crowded with people, and the town band, under the leadership of Mr. McGrath, paraded the streets playing patriotic airs, after which they retired to the Jubilee Park, where they also played several selections. A few shops in the town were illuminated with jets fixed on the "E. R." frame. At the conclusion of the usual Volunteer drill, the band proceeded to the Bull Ring, and played an enjoyable pro- gramme under the conductorship of Mr. Carl Heitman. God Save the King" was the final item. FLINT. The news was received at Flint on Sunday even- ing. The Mayor at once proceeded to the balcony of the Town Hall and made the an- nouncement. The news spread rapidly, and a crowd of some hundreds collected in front of the Town Hall and gave vent to enthusiastic cheers. Shortly afterwards the Volunteer brass band was called out and merry peals were rung upon the church bells. On Monday the town was gaily decorated, and all the school ohildren of the borough were given a holiday. THE DEE VALLEY. The message quickly flew all along the Dee Valley, Ruabon speeding it to Llangollen, whence it was handed on to Corwen and Bala, and so to the uplands of Merionethshire and the hill country beyond. Despite the rainstorm that suc- ceeded the thunder of Sunday morning, the in- habitants of every town and village flocked into the streets to procure corroboration of the event. On Monday the streets of Corwen, Bala, Ruabon, Cefn, and a dozen other places were ablaze with flags and bunting, and hurried preparations are being made to formally signalise the great event. The sight upon the mountains on Sunday even- ing was striking in the extreme. The heavy, damp clouds hung like a pall over the valleys; then suddenly there rang out the triumphant peals. Light after light flickered in the windows of isolated farmsteads until a continuous string stretched from one end of the vale to the other, their brightness accentuated by the darkness of the intervening gaps. On Monday night bon- fires blazed on the mountain crests and the re- joicings became general. The employes at the local collieries, brickworks, and chemical works did not even contemplate work, and the day, which was observed as a general holiday, was j devoted wholly to rejoicing. DENBIGH. The news was received in Denbigh by telephone directly after the time of evening service on Sun- day. The fire bell was rung, and a great crowd, including many of the Yeomanry from the camp, soon assembled and cheered heartily- Col. Wynne Edwards and the Town Clerk announced the receipt of the news, called upon the people to sing "Praise God from Whom all blessings flow" and the National Anthem, and then disperse quietly, which they did. On Monday the town was gaily ly decorated, and there were great rejoicings. The Mayor and Corporation sent a telegram to the King, congratulating him upon the happy ter- mination of the war. All the places of business were closed, and the Mayor, Corporation, and townspeople joined in procession to the Castle Green, where a united service of thank^ving was held, rejoicings and illuminations following it RHYL. The news of the conclusion of peace reached Rhyl about 7.30. The bells of St. Thomas's were immediately set ringing, and a large concourse of people assembled in front of the Post-office to await the official Government announcement. There was much satisfaction expressed, and some cheering. A number of flags were displayed, and fireworks were discharged from the pier, in front of which some thousands of people had assembled. WREXHAM. The rejoicings at Wrexham were very quiet, but were none the less sincere and heartfelt. The first intimation was conveyed to the delighted inhabi- tants of the district by the sounding, in accordance with a previous understanding, of the hooter at the Cambrian Leather Works. The news boys were soon afterwards shouting the joyful news, and it was also announced from the pulpit in many places of worship. At the parish church there was a brief thanksgiving service, and later on the bells added their music to the general jubilation. HAWARDEN. The joyful news of peace became known just after the evening service, and soon spread like wildfire. The main street speedily became alive with people, and the bells of the parish church joyfully pealed the glad news. The Volunteer Band also assembled in a very short time, and after playing the National Anthem, which the people most lustily joined in, paraded up and down the village tor a couple of hours, followed by the en- thusiastic villagers. Fireworks were let off, win- dows were illuminated, and the buzzers of the works in the neighbourhood were blown for several hours.

KITCHENERS" REWARD. With the glorious tidings of peace, the man who has been instrumental in bringing it about. mus not be forgotten. The document that was g at Pretoria on Sunday night is a;lonu™'<L an(]er splendid services both as a military and a diplomatic negotiator. It is safe to say tnat but for his indomitable energy and tact the war might have dragged on for a long time yet, and the demands upon the British taxpayer have been much more onerous than they now are. First by his skilful operations, and next by his negotiations with the Boer Generals, he has brought us peace. The British nation will not be slow to recognise these magnificent efforts by rewarding him hand- somely. In the ordinary course of things he will be promoted in the Army. At present he is a lieutenant-general, with the local rank of general, but the higher honour is certain to be bestowed upon him. A greater honour even than this awaits him. It is not given to every commander to receive the thanks of Parliament, but there is not the slightest doubt that the gratitude of the country will be expressed in this form. Then his King will not let the opportunity pass of shew- ing his gracious appreciation of the great com- mander who has brought about the fitting ter- mination of the tremendous struggle. It is only to be expected that Lord Kitchener will be^ ad- vanced in the peerage, besides having voted to him by Parliament a substantial sum of money for the conspicuous services he has rendered to King and Empire.

CRAWFORD'S CREAM CRISP and CRACKERS. CREAMY.

THREE NAUGHTY BOYS. ♦ IRON STEALING AT BOUGHTON. At the Chester Castle Petty Sessions, on Saturday, Isaac Field, aged 14, Mount Pleasant, Boughton; Robert Ferguson (who was represented by his father), aged 15, Christleton-road; and George Newman, aged 16, Ring-o'-Bells-entry, Chester, were charged with stealing a hundredweight of old iron, the property of the Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Company, at Tarvin Bridge Locks. Field and Newman pleaded guilty.— Constable Roberts stated that he received in- formation and went to Tarvin Lock. He had some old iron pointed out to him; there was also a truck there and a bag. He made enquiries and saw the boy Field at his home. Asked if he had been on Tarvin Bridge Lock, Field said he had. He also informed witness that his com- panions were Ferguson and Newman. Witness asked him what they had been doing there, and Field replied that they had been taking iron. Field also told him that they were going to take it to Dobbins's to sell it in order to make up some wages which Ferguson was short of and wanted to take home. He also had a talk with Newman, who said they were all taking the iron. They got a truck from a Mr. Chrimes's; previous tc that they had tried to get a truck from Mr. Walter Evans's. Mr. Low, of Tarvin Bridge Locks, spoke to see- ing the three boys on the bridge. He thought they were preparing to drown a dog. He was proceed- ing to the spot, when the boys ran away. He found the iron there. The Chairman (Mr. Thompson) said the magis- trates were very anxious not to put any 2rpater slur against their names than the boys had them- selves. They were not going to bind them to come up for judgment when called upon; they thought it better to tell them that they had done a very wrong thing. Possibly they did not intend to do all they had done; tliey perhaps did not think they were stealing. Insignificant though the things were, they led to bigger things.—The boys promised to be of better behaviour, and wi re dismissed.—Mr. Ferguson was ordered to bring his son before the Court next Saturday.

CHAIRMAN OF WIRRAL RURAL COUNCIL. A WEDDING PRESENT. On Monday the members and officials of the Wirral Rural District Council testified their esteem for Mr. Thomas Davies, their chairman, in a very interesting way. At the conclusion of the meeting of the Council and prior to the commencement of the highway business, Mr. Davies was made the recipient of a solid silver tea and coffee service on the occasion of his forthcoming marriage. The presentation was made by Mr. H. A. Latham, who alluded to Mr. Davies's many good qualities, the able and impartial manner in which he had con- ducted the business of the Council, and the esteem in which he was held by his fellow members on the Council. They wished Mr. Davies and his fiancee much happiness in their married life. Mr. E. S. Ollive (the clerk of the Council), as representing the officials, wished Mr. Davies and his future wife many years of perfect health and unalloyed happiness. Mr. W. H. Churton, clerk to the Highway Com- mittee, asked as one of the oldest members, not perhaps of that Council, but of the Highway Board, to be allowed to add his meed of praise. He trusted Mr. Davies might spend a happy futurity. It was the province of lawyers to do a great deal towards dividing husband and wife. (Laughter). During the short period that lovely Act of Parliament had been in force he did not know how many husbands and wives he had helped to separate. (Laughter). He might say he had separated one pair that morn- ing. (More laughter). It was only right he should join that day in helping to do the other thing. (Hear, hear). His friend, Mr* Davies, had at last made up his mind on the subject, and he was old enough and substantial enough to da it without fear of the consequences. (Laughter), A bright day had been chosen for the presentation, swvA they were not likely to forget that it was the day, after the announcement of peace between the, lepers and ourselves. And to shew the military characteristics of their chaiiman he might say that he had selected the 18th June, Waterloo Day, as the day when he was going to take to himself a wife, (Laughter.) He only hoped that the peace then inaugurated might be a happy omen of the peace and happiness in the married life of Mr. and Mrs. Davies. (Applause). Mr. W. Knowles said he had known Mr. Davies all his life, and had known Mr. Davies's father intimately. He could remember the time when he could hold the chairman up in one arm, but to-day he could not do it with two. (Laughter.) He trusted the union would be attended by every blessing. (Applause.) Mr. Humphrey Price, Mr. S. Jones, Mr. Davies (surveyor), and Dr. Kenyon (medical officer) each added their congratulations and best wishes. The Chairman acknowledged the gift in suitable terms. He much appreciated all the kind things which had been said and their good wishes for him-. self and his future wife.

UPTON HOUSE RANSACKED. JEWELLERY TAKEN. LAMPLIGHTER ACCUSED. On Saturday, at the Castle Petty Sessions, before Mr. John Thompson (in the chair) and Mr. B. C. Roberts, a lamplighter named Joseph Brads: law, of 13, New Craiia-street, Chester, was charged with feloniously breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Hannah Stockton, at Upton, znd stealing three gold rings, a gold brooch, a pair of gold ear-rings, part of a set of false teeth, two silk handkerchiefs, and a sik scarf, between the 13th and 19th May. Hannah Stockton, Church Cottage, Upton, a widow, stated that on Tuesday, 13th May, a box belonging to her was sent by her brother-in-law, Edward Dean, to her cottage at Upton. She placed the box in the lobby. The box, which was locked, contained several articles of clothing and a locked cash-box. The latter contained a gold dress curb ring, a gold mourning ring, a plain gold wed- ding ring, two gold brooches, a pair of gold ear- rings, portion of a set of false teeth, a pair of silver solitaires, three silk pocket handkerchiefs, and a silk scarf. The total value was about L8 12s. She locked the door and left the house and went to Upton Mill, where she had been staying with her nephew, Edward Dean. She visited her own house again on the following Monday, and found that the box had been broken open, the contents strewn on the floor, the cash-box broken, open and the contents missing. She went upstairs and found that the drawers, which she had pre- viously locked, had been broken into, and the contents scattered about. An entrance had ap- parently been effected by the breaking of a pane of glass in the kitchen window, and the pushing back of the catch. The back door, which bhe had previously fastened, she found left open. The gold mourning ring, two silk pocket handkerchiefs, a silk scarf and a portion of a set of false teeth, produced in court by Inspector Hoole, she identi- fied as her property. George Henry Kearle, 9, Beaconsfield-street, Chester, assistant to Mr. Edwin Dutton, pawn- broker, Foregate-street, said prisoner came to the shop on Thursday, the 15th May, between twelve o'clock and one o'clock. Prisoner offered in pledge the gold mourning ring, asking for 5s. to be advanced to him. Witness asked whose ring it was, and he replied that it was his wife's, and that he had paid half-a-sovereign for it. Witness offered to advance him 38. 6d., and he raid that would not be sufficient, and that he should go and ask his wife. He went away, taking the ring with him. Prisoner returned in about a quarter of an hour's time, and then again produced the ring, also two silk handkerchiefs and a silk scarf, asking for an advance of 5s. 6d. upon the lot. Witness advanced him 5s. 6d. Prisoner gave him the name and address of "William Davies, John-street, Chester." On the 20th May he handed the ring and other articles to Inspector Hoole. On Tues- day, 27th May, he identified prisoner at Hoole Police Station. Prisoner said he had never been in a pawnshop in his life. John Alfred Dutton, Northgate-street, eon of Edwin Dutton, recognised prisoner as the man who on Thursday, the 16th May, entered the pledge office and offered to him a portion of a set of false teeth. He said they belonged to his wife, and asked for a 6s. advance upon them. Witness made the advance, and prisoner gave him as his name and address, "J. Davies, Boughton." On the 20th May he handed the false teeth to In- spector Hoole. On Sunday evening, 25th May, he was in Crane-street about 8.30 o'clock, when he saw prisoner in the street. He was in company with two other lamplighters. He saw him cn Liverpool-road the same evening, and gave infor- mation to Inspector Hoole. Inspector Hoole received information on the night of 19th May. Next morning he went round the pawnshops with a list of the stolen property. He then gave evidence as to the articles he re- covered at the pawnshops. He took the articles to Upton Mill, and she identified them. He after- wards obtained at the pawnshops a description of the man who had pawned the articles. On Mon- day, the 26th May, he, in company with Detective Crewe of the city police, arrested Bradshaw at his house. He told Bradshaw in New Crane-street that he was going to charge him with breaking into the house between the 14th and the 19th mst. Prisoner said he never broke into a house in his life, and added, "I may have 'pinched' stuff from a garden like you may have done." At Hoole Ponce Station he formally charged the prisoner, who re- plied, "I am innocent. I have not been in Lpton since the end of March last." The bull s-eye lantern (produced) was one of three he found at prisoner's house. This lantern appeared to have been recently used. He also produced a lumber of locks and keys which he found m a shed m his ^Accused, who reserved his defence, was com- mitted to take his trial at the Quarter Sessions. K was allowed, himself in £ 20 and two sureties of £10 each.

SNOW-CAPPED SNOWDON. ♦—■—- NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. [BY T. A. C.] At the beginning of May I spoke about winter in spring in the East Cheshire highlands, but at the end of the month the We!sh mountains were many of them snT-capped. From the little rocky peninsula, known as Llanddwyn Island, which is the south-western land's end of Anglesey, I had a glorious panorama of the Snowdon range. There was a strong northerly wind blowing, whirling the sand in cloudy wreaths across Newborough rabbit- warren, and making the flats of Malldraeth seem to smoke; but all round was summer. Yet, across the Straits, peak after peak was white with glistening snow, dazzling in the bright sunshine. The peak of Y Wyddfa towered above the others,, a cone of snow, while Crib-y-ddysgyl and the lower shoulder of Crib-goch poured miniature glaciers into the deep hollow of Cwm-glas. Away to the eastward Elidyr-fawr and Y Gam were snow- capped alps, backed by the rugged ridges of the Glydrs; and across the deep valley of Nant Francon the huge rounded whalebacks of the Carnedds were one mass of snow. Even Y Foel Fras had its white top, though the lower slopes of all the range were light-green from the new shoots of the larches and firs. Newhprough Warren, however, was hot enough where the high sandhills sheltered us from the wind. Flies and bees buzzed about the yellow catkins of the dwarf willows, whose low trailing stems creep over the flats between the sand dunes. By a shallow, sandy lagoon the fields were thick with may-flowers, and one end of the pool itself was resplendent with the flowers of a thick bed of bog-bean. Sedge-warblers sang and chattered in the brambles, and noisy whitethroats scolded us on every side. From the tops of the bushes came the jingling song of the corn bunting, and as the birds rose at our approach they flew off with their legs hanging down, a characteristio of this typical Anglesey bird. The edges of this lagoon were black with a swarming, struggling mass of tadpoles, which had just arrived at the stage when J their hind-feet begin to show. I AN UNFORTUNATE WATERHEN. In a thick bed of mare's-tail there was a small mass of wet-looking weed which demanded investi- gation. Shoes and stockings were soon off, and we waded into the cold water, for it was icy cold in spite of the sun, and found what we expected— a dabchick's nest. There were five eggs in the nest, so carefully covered over with the soaking wet weed that no signs of them could be seen till this was removed. Strange to say, only four were dabchick's eggs; the other was the egg of a waterhen. We covered them up again and won- dered if the stranger's egg would hatch with the weed-stained dabchicks, and if the mother bird would try to induce the little waterhen to cling to her back along with her own offspring. A little further on we found three empty waterhen's nests; one certainly had contained eggs, but there were evident signs that it had been robbed by men or boys. Close to, on the bank, was a sucked egg, rat-eaten and empty. There were several water- hens about, and probably one pair at least had had a sorry time; their nest robbed, one egg at least eaten by rats, and the poor bird at last forced to foist her egg upon the more careful dabchick. THE PIGEONS OF THE WARREN. Several birds make use of the rabbit burrows for nesting purposes. Wheatears were abundant on the Warren, and we found some of their light- blue egg-shells lying about where the birds had thrown them out of the nests. Stock-doves also nest in the burrows, and foolishly often fly out, shewing which hole they are occupying. We saw a good many, and found that some at least were sitting on eggs. Many years ago I took a couple of young stock-doves from a rabbit hole at Rhos' Colyn. They grew quite tame, and would sit upon my shoulder, twisting their necks round to take food out of my mouth. When I first brought them home they could not stand on their weak little legs, but would shuffle across the table; squeaking for food. I kept them through moults, until they attained their full ^i^mage, and the downy baby feathers to the full, fine burnished necks and purple of thg adult bird. "THE; BTRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL SHELDRAKE" f But there is another bird that haunts the bur- rows, a finer, nobler bird than wheatear or stock- doye. It is the eheld-dysk; the }?ird which Hud«<?a calls "the strange asd beautiful sheldrake." Or! the sands near the Warren we saw two or three of these fine birds, flying to or from their nesting holes, but on the Marsh we saw a sight vhich I am sure we shall never forget. Basking in the spn on the rush-covered saltings or wading in the pools left by the tide were sixty-one of these grand birds, and I do not think that we saw ill that there were upon the Marsh. The sheldrake breeds on Hilbre Island and along the Welsh shore of the Dee Estuary, and anyone travelling from Chester into North Wales may see the birds on the slub between Mostyn and the Point of Air, but they cannot get at close quarters with sixty sheld- duck there. At a distance the bird looks black and white, but when near to it will be seen that the head and neck are glossy green, and that the dark band, below the glistening white collar, is a rich chestnut, while the knobbed beak is bright red. The birds were squatting on the short grass, in among the clump of rushes, and they were by no means shy, allowing us to approach within a few yards; near enough, in fact, to see that a large number of them were ducks—smaller birds with- out the knob on the beak. When they flew a few of them uttered a quick, chuckling quack, but most of them were silent. They flew to one of the big pools left by the tide, where they at once began to feed. I know of only one really good illustration of the shold-duck, that in Lord Lil- ford's admirable work on British Birds. Here the duck is represented as looking into a burrow, and the artist-I think, from memory, Mr. Thorburn —has caught the exact angle at which the stooping bird carries its long neck. It is not a curve, but an obtuse angle; it was very noticeable when the birds were feeding in the shallow lagoon. MARITIME MOLES. On the edge of these saltings we came across the runs of a large number of moles. There were no heaps, though there were plenty on the Warren, for the ground was soft, and the animals nad bur- rowed only an inch or two below the surface, pushing the turf up above them as they progressed. These superficial tunnels ran in all directions, most of them in circles or arcs, crossing and re-crossing each other, while here and there a blind little road would run off at a sharp angle. But the most curious thing about them was that quite a number were extended below high-water mark. All were below Spring-tide mark, but many of them would be flooded at every neap tide. Possibly the moles had found that marine worms were quite as good eating as common earth worms; there is certainly more body in a lobworm, though, judging from its behaviour when stuck on a hook, it must be a very saltwatery diet. THE MAY BIRD. It was very pleasant to see so many whimbrels about, We saw no curlews; probably they were all tending their young on the higher moorlands. But whimbrels, or "may-birds," as they are often called, were not uncommon. They are slowly working their way north towards their arctic and sub-arctic homes, for the whimbrel does not breed in Great Britain, though a few nest in the Orkneys and Shetlands. It passes up Iour coasts in April and May, and can be easily distinguished from the larger curlew by its brown head with a light grey stripe down the middle, as well as by its smaller size and shorter beak. A BURROWING CRAB. Along the shore between Llanddwyn Island and the mouth of the Cefni we found quite a number of masked crabs, a curious crustacean that looks as if it was half-way between the crabs and lob- sters. They were buried in the sand, or lying help- lessly on their back by the side of the holes from which they had emerged. When put within reach of the waves, they brisked up, and made an at- tempt to bury themselves again. This is only to be effected by sitting upright on their hinder ends, and whenever they got into the right position, either the strong wind or the wash of the waves bowled them over in a most ludicrous manner. Now and then, in a lull, one would manage to make a start, and by working its ambulatory legs would gradually sink downwards, pushing the loose sand away with its claws. They sank out of sight all except their antennae, which remained stick- ing out above the sand like a tiny tuft; it was these tufts that shewed us where the crabs were hidden.

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

ARTS AND CRAFTS EXHIBITION. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—May I be allowed to draw the attention of your readers to a small "Arts and Crafts" Ex- hibition about to be held in the Assembly Rooms, Newgate-street? It has been organised by the Girls' Friendly Society in Cheshire, and the ex- hibits of pictures, photographs, carving, needle- work, etc., are the work of associates and mem- bers of the society, and of their friends. The exhibition will be opened on Wednesday, June 4th, at three o'clock, by Mrs. Lyon, of Appleton Hall, and will remain open until nine in the evening. Besides the attraction of the exhibits, there will be musio at intervals, and tea provided at a moderate charge, and any of your readers who are inclined to visit the exhibition may feel assured that by so doing they are encouraging the excellent work done among young women by the Girls' Friendly Society. The charge for ad- mission to the exhibition is only 6d.—Yours, etc ELIZABETH M. WILBRAHAM, President of the Girls' Friendly Society .for Chester Diocese. Cresswellshawe, Alsager, Cheshire, 2nd June.

TREATMENT FOR DOG-BITTEN PATIENTS. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—As I see some cases of dog-bite have oc- curred in your neighbourhood, will you kindly allow me brief space in your columns to say that all such cases are treated gratuitously at the Buisaon Institute for the cure and prevention of l Hydrophobia, Church-road, Upper Norwood, &.JS. I enolose leaflets giving fullest particulars. In cases of needy patients, travelling expenses and the cost of board and lodging will be defrayed, from a fund set aside for that purpose. It seems a pity, with such safe and simple treat- ment so easily available, that patients should be sent over seas to undergo the risk, at the Pasteur Institute, of inoculation with mad-dog serum.—I am, etc., FRED. E. PERKIS, Chairman National Canine Defence League.. The High Elms, Nutfield, Surrey, 30th May, 1902.

RATES. TO THE EDITOB. Sir,—Referring to Alderman John Jones's state- ment in the Council, comparing the rates levied last year in eighteen towns of similar size to Chester with those demanded this year off our unhappy fellow-citizens, allow me to point out that it is most misleading, inasmuch as he has not taken into con- sideration the water rate, which adds about Is. 6d. in the £ to our local taxes, but is in many places collected with, and included in the rates. It must also be borne in mind that the Chester assessment has been screwed up to, and now stands at, its utmost valuation. Surely it is quite time now to apply the brake to our municipal expendi- ture.—I am, sir, &c., CESTRIAN.

SCIENCE AND ART. « CHESTER RESULTS. In connection with the Chester School of Science and Art, the following result of the City and Guilds of London Institute examination in masonry, 1902, is to hand :—Philip H. Dykins, 2nd class honours grade; Richard Jones. 2nd class ordinary grade. The list of boys, in order of merit, who have been awarded Grosvenor Free Scholarships at the Technical Day School, 1902, is as followsJohn. Hughes, school attended, College; J as. Edwin! Taylor, St. Paul's; Roy Morris^ Christ Church; Leonard Thompson, Christ Church y Richard D. Laycock, Christ Church -r George! Pritchard, St. Paul's; Frederick "William Kinnerley, British (Victoria- Arthur Lewis, St. Paul s; Leonard Heywopq, Diocesan; Thos. Alexr. Thompson, St. y Wm. Edward Cooper, St. Paul's; W'. wr,, y, Golothan, College; Frank W. WilliamSt. St. John-street, Wesleyan; Gordon Roberts, Irtish (Victoria-road); Llewellyn Roberts, British (Victoria-road). l 'iiRJ.

LIGHTING-UP TABLE. All cycles and other vehicles in the Chester district must be lighted up as stated in the following table Wednesday, June 4 9,3d Thursday, June 5 9.3l Friday, June 6 9.32 Saturday, June 7 9.33 Sunday, June 8 9.34 Monday, June 9 .< 9.34 Tuesday, June 10 9.35

CHESTER INFIRMARY. « WEEKLY STATE, ENDED SATURDAY LAST. In-patients are admitted on Tuesday mornings at 11 o'clock. In-patients Discharged. In-patients. Cured 12 Admitted. 18 Believed 3 Remain in the House 88 Made Out-Patients 0 Unrelieved 0 Irregularity 0 Dead 0 House Visitors :—Mr. J. Shone and Mr. W. Ledsham. OUT-PATIENTS. Medical cases are seen on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Surgical cases are seen on Thursday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Ophthalmic cases are seen on Friday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Dental cases are seen on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at Ten o'clock. Out-patients admitted since Saturday last. 88

BIR TIIS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS 0 BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, and DxArus are charged at the rate of 20 words for la (prepaid). If not prepaid, the charge will be 2s. 6cL The announcement must be authenticated by the Signature and Address of the Sender. BIRTHS. BASSETT—May 22, at Crest View, Beacon's Hill, Denbigh* the wife of Herbert Pugh Bassett, of a daughter. DHIEs--May 24, at Pendinas, St. Asaph, the wife of W. L. Bowen Davies, M.R.C.S., of a daughter. LxAF-May 21, at Church Bank, Bowdon, the wife of Alfred E. Leaf, of a daughter. MARRIAGE. ORAM—BARRATT—May 22, at Bowdon Downs Congregational Church, Edward Sprague Oram, only son of Edward J. S. Oram, of Upper Clapton, to Katie, fourth surviving daughter of Henry Barratt, of Altrincham. DEATHS. BATES—May 26, at Bolton, Percy, youngest son of T. W. Bates, of Liscard, aged 23 years. CORBET-May, at Leamington, Maria, widow of Vincent Corbet, Esq., and daughter of Philip Humberston, of Chester, aged 91 years. HOOLE-At 9, Marshside-road, Southport, Sarah Anne, widow of the Rev. W. Spooner Hoole (late Rector of Thornton-le-Moors, Chester), aged 83 years. IRVEN—May 26, John Dowler Irven, of Dutton Lodge, Preston Brook, Cheshire, elder son of the late Thomas Irven, of Oak Alyn, Denbighshire. LEACH—May 30, at the Manor House, Tarvin, Mary, the beloved wife of James Leach, aged 56 years. Was interred in Tarvin Churchyard on June 2nd. PERKINS—May 11, at Elandsfontein, Transvaal, South Africa, Lewis Beckingham Perkins, 29th Co., Imperial Yeomanry, aged 23 years.

MEMORIALS. AT ALL PRICES, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE & ALABASTER, On View, and to order. W. HASWELL & SON, MASONS, KALEYARDS, CHESTER Estimates and Designs Free on application. Telephone No. 161A. ENGINEERING SUCCESS.-We notice the name of

Mr. Frank Hewitt, formerly of the Sanitary Depart- ment of the Chester Corporation, under Mr. Wharton, on the list of successful candidates at the examination of the Municipal and County Engineers Association held in London, on April 18th and 19th. Out of twenty-eight candidates only sixteen passed. Mr. Hewitt is assistant surveyor and engineer to the Hoyland Urban District Council, near Barnsley. HORSE SALES AT WREXHAM. -N-iessrs. Frank Lloyd and Sons' Coronation horse sales are adver- tised to take place in the North Wales Repository, Wrexham, on June 11th, 12th and 13th for light horses, and the 18th and 19th for heavy horses. Fifty guineas is offered in prizes and two champion cups. The two first days are set apart for single and double harness horses and match pairs, and the 13th for hackneys, show horses, cobs and ponies. On the 18th a champion cup, value 10gs., will be given to the best wagon horse. The winner at the last sale made 120gs. The last day is for light lurry, parcel vanners, and young horses. READS LIKE A ROMANCE WHAT DOBS P WHY, Mellor's Book on Eye Diseases, free. 27,000 successful cases. If you suffer with your eyes, write without delay to MELLOR, Eye Specialist, 286, Oxford-street, Manchester. 1 t