The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

THE KING. The King left London to attend the Epsom race meeting this morning.

THE PRINCE'S BIRTHDAY. The Prince of Wales's birthday was celebrated at Windsor to-day by the ringing of bells and firing of guns in the Long Walk.

BOATING FATALITY. A youth named Millington was drowned while boating at Ramsgate to-day.

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER SUFFOCATED. A Mrs. Langley and her daughter were suffocated by a fire which occurred early this morning at Teignmouth. -+-

BOER LEADERS & THE CORONATION Mr. Markham, M.P., has given notice to ask whether his Majesty's Government will instruct Lord Kitchener to invite the leaders of the Boers to attend at the Coronation of the King as the guests of the nation.

A FATAL DECORATION. TRAM CONDUCTOR'S TRAGIC DEATH. A Warwick tram conductor named Jones to-day Succumbed to a fractured skull through being caught by a streamer stretched across the street, and hurled off a car.

A MERSEY' MYSTERY. THREE APPRENTICES MISSING. Three engineers' apprentices went for a sail in the Mersey Channel on Saturday and have not re- turned. A boat containing shoes and an overcoat was found on a sandbank near Formby. Their whereabouts is enshrouded in mystery.

LIBELLING A JESUIT. In the King's Bench to-day Father Bernard Vaughan, member of the Order of Jesuits in London, was awarded E300 damages against "The Rock newspaper for a libel contained in a letter which referred to the plaintiff, and described the order as "Outlaws steeped in sedition." Father Vaughan said his family for a thousand years had been loyal to the Sovereign of this country. He was loyal to his King, and as an English gentleman utterly repudiated the foul libel.

A CORONATION REHEARSAL. There was a rehearsal in London to-day of the great procession which will perambulate the streets on the day after the Coronation. The procession started at six o'clock, and concluded the programme by 10, during which time a distance of 13 miles was traversed. The exact nature of the ceremony which will take place at St. Stephen's on the 27th has not yet been disclosed, but it is understood the taking of the oaths of allegiance, or paying homage, omitted from the abbey service may be performed there.

ONE FOR C.B. PLAIN SPEAKING BY SIR GORDON SPRIGG. [REUTEB'S SPECIAL CABLE.] Capetown, Tuesday. Sir Gordon Sprigg announced his intention of upholding Free Trade within the Empire. He speaks strongly against the suspension of the Con. stitution, and says the dissolution of Parliament would ensure a big Government majority, which would result in the passing of the Distribution Bill and the maintenance of British Supremacy for ever. He had the utmost confidence in the Imperial Government, but the Salisbury Cabinet would not last for ever, and he did not look forward to govern- ment by Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman.

SPORTING. EPSOM MEETING. TUESDAY. CRAVEN STAKES.—Presbyterian, 1; Rathburne, 2; Warminster, 3. Eleven ran. EGMONT PLATE. Nipperkin, 1 Orchid, 2; Robmo, 3. Seventeen ran. AsHSTEAD PLATE.-Bineele, 1; Blackbird, 2; Karakoul, 3. Ten ran. WOODCOTE STAKES.—Rock Sand, 1; Kroonstad, 2; Florinda, 3. Eleven ran. RowiNG.-On Saturday the annual eight-oared race between crews representing Royal Chester Rowing Club and Shrewsbury Grammar School took place on the Severn at Shrewsbury. The Royals had the outside station, and won m good style by a length and a half. The winning boat was stroked by Musaer.

THE EXCAVATIONS AT SILCHESTER. A The exhibition of Roman relics unearthed at Silchester last year, which was opened on Friday at Burlington House by permission of the Society of Antiquaries, is fully as interesting as those of former years. It might not have been so, for the section excavated in 1901 oontained but a comparatively small number of the pits and wells which have yielded so many evidences of the manners and customs of our Roman in- vaders. The finds were nearly as numerous as usual, however, and include a silver spoon of usual Roman form, the first, we believe, that has been found at Silchester. In the same case are many personal ornaments and useful articles in bronze and bone, some in excellent preserva- tion, a safety pin, for instance, with spring and catch as perfect as when it was in use fifteen centuries ago. Among other noteworthy finds are a pair of iron wheel tyres, a remarkable lead or pewter bucket, an iron hook, knives, and tools. Very few architectural details have been discovered, but. there is a stone finial and a sculptured portion of a niche or arch. A red tile, which formed part of a flue, was found inscribed, in rude letters cut in the unbaked clay, with the name of the maker, Clementinus. Two fine fragments of mosaic were found, one about 10ft. across, and a smaller one containing a head as part of the pattern. There is a good deal of pottery of varying form and colour, many articles being nearly perfect. Last year's excavations were carried on without break from May to November over an area of nearly six acres, and disclosed the foundations of three houses. Two of these were specially interesting, one having' been originally a complete example of the court- yard type, with mosaic floors in most of the rooms, but the occupier had made additions from time to time, which more than doubled the original accommodation. There were evident indications that this was a half-timbered" building. The second house was of less import- ance, but included a number of winter rooms warmed by an elaborate series of hypocausts. The exhibition will remain open until June 10, and no tickets are required. These valuable and interesting excavations are carried on at an ex- pense of 2500 a year raised entirely from volun- tary resources, and 22,000 would enable the committee to complete the investigation of the entire site of the ancient civil town of Calleva.

BISHOP AND EDUCATION BILL.-The Bishop of St. Asaph, speaking on Thursday at Oswestry to a meeting of Voluntary school managers for the arch- deaconry of Montgomery, dealt with the Education Bill. He expressed a general approval of the measure, contending in effect that it merely did justice to Churchmen who desired their children to receive a religious education, without doing injnstice either to Nonconformists or to the public generally. Regarding elementary education as a national rather than as a local service, he suggested that a targer proportion of the public grants in aid of it should come from taxes rather than from local rates. He declared that in maintaining their schools the desire of Churchmen was. not to proselytise, but to see that every child in the -day schools left a better and more intelligent Christian than when he entered them. A reso- lution was adopted approving the Bill generally but suggesting that the permissive clause should be omitted, that clause 8 should be amended so as to provide for repairs to be chargeable to the local authority, and that a larger propor- tion of the funds under the Bill should come from taxation. WEDDING OF MISS COTTON- JODRELL. — ♦ — [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] London, Tuesday. This afternoon the marriage was celebrated at St. Paul's Church, Knightsbridge, of Miss Dorothy Cotton-Jodrell, daughter of Colonel Edward Thomas Davenant Cotton-Jodrell, J.P., of Rease- heath Hall, Nantwich, and Shallcross Manor, Derbyshire, and Captain Henry Ramsden, R.A., fourth son of Mr. John Chas. Francis Ramsden, of Willinghurst, near Guildford. The bridegroom comes of a military line, his father being formerly a captain in the Royal Artillery, and having served in the Crimean campaign and the Indian Mutiny. Captain Henry Ramsden obtained his commission as second lieutenant in the same regi- ment on February 3, 1891, was promoted lieutenant 13th February, 1894, and captain March 15th, 1900. He is aide-de-camp to Earl Cadogan, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. His eldest brother mar- ried in 1887 Lady Elizabeth Maud Conyngham, daughter of the fourth Marquis Conyngham. The bride is well known in Cheshire as the elder daughter of the popular ex-member for the Wirral division. The happy event excited considerable interest in fashionable circles, and the spectacle at the ceremony was brilliant and picturesque. The church-the scene of the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Westminster and so many other society unions-was lavishly decorated, and ad- ditional colour was imparted by the presence of a detachment of the non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Horse Artillery at Woolwich, who lined the aisle. The arrival of the wedding party was witnessed by a large throng outside the church, the interior of which was crowded with friends of the couple. The bride, who was escorted by her father, looked charming in a dress of ivory white satin, veiled with a robe of ivory mousseline de soie, beauti- fully embroidered with silver mother-of-pearl and white roses in ribbon work. The bodice, cut slightly open, was of mousseline and lace, and the elbow sleeves and corselet belt were of the same material with like embroidery. She wore a wreath of myrtle and a tulle veil. Her father gave her away. In attendance were eleven bridesmaids —Miss Olive Cotton-Jodrell (sister of the bride), Lady Muriel Parsons (daughter of the Earl of Rosse), Lady Beatrix Taylour (sister of the Mar- quis of Headfort), Miss Chetwode, Miss Doreen Kearsley, Miss Barbara Tomkinson, and the little daughters of Lady Maud Ramsden, Mrs. Walrond, Mrs. Cosmo Bonsor, Mrs. Coleridge and Lady Delves Broughton. They were tastefully attired in gowns of ivory mousseline and lace, with toques of white roses and bouquets of the same, tied with green ribbons the children's frocks to match, with green sashes, green shoes and stockings, and white rose wreaths. They wore "matrix" pearl pendants with diamond initials, the gift of the bridegroom. The ceremony was conducted by the Bishop of Chester and the Rev. Canon Atkinson. Major Ramsden, the bridegroom's brother, acted as best man. Unfortunately', owing to the indisposition of the bride's mother, the reception which had been ar- ranged at 43, Lowndes-square, after the cere- mony, had to be cancelled. Captain and Mrs. Ramsden later in the afternoon left for Windsor, where the honeymoon will be spent. The wedding presents were exceedingly hand- some, and included a silver salver from the officers, past and present, of the 2nd Cheshire Royal Engineers Railway Volunteers, and a silver tea service from the Nantwich Habitation of the Primrose League.

CORONATION FESTIVITIES. (See also page 7.) THORNTON-LE-MOORS. A well-attended meeting of parishioners was held at the National School on Thursday evening.— Mr. Albert Barber, of Church Farm (chairman of the parish meeting), was voted to the chair, and stated that they were assembled to take into con- sideration the best means of celebrating the Cor- onation of our King and Queen. In other dis- tricts festivities were being arranged, and he thought that the adjacent townships might well combine to entertain children and adults, and to provide some permanent memorial.—Mr. Lee (Thornton Hall) announced that Mrs. Park-Yates, who owned more than half the township of Thorn- ton, had most kindly invited the scholars of the Sunday and day school, with their teachers, to spend the afternoon of Wednesday, July 2, in the beautiful grounds of Ince Hall, where they were sure to be bountifully entertained, and he hoped this generous invitation would be cordially ac- cepted. He would propose, further, that the adult parishioners should be entertained in the Parish Room on the following day, Thursday, July 3, and there might, with Mr. Prichard's permission, be a dance on the rector's lawn afterwards. If funds permitted, trees might be planted and a flag might be provided for the church tower.—Mr. Stafford said millionaires did not abound in the parish, and a large sum could not be counted on if every- one contributed.—Mr. Lee said the matter had been warmly taken up in Stanney, where over L14 had been subscribed, and also in Ince, where it had been decided to put up lamps in the village in commemoration of the Coronation. For himself, he had already contributed in two parishes, but he was prepared to help the Thornton funds; and as he could not hope to see another Coronation, he had decided to plant a tree, to perpetuate the memory of this important event.—The Rector (the Rev. C. C. Prichard, M.A.) said about 100 guests might be expected on July 3, judging from the number entertained at the New Year's party. A flag for the church tower would cost 35s., and trees in pots might be procured from Messrs. Dicksons' at prices varying from 10s. 6d. to 3s. If all the proposed arrangements were carried out, the ex- pense to the parish need not exceed £ 20.— After some conversation, the Chairman said the necessary sums ought to be contributed voluntarily, and he had no doubt they would be. He would request several gentlemen resident in Elton, Trafford- and Thornton to solicit subscriptions.—Mr. James War- burton and Mr. Joseph Ellams, Mr. Stafford and Mr. 0. Dutton, Mr. Lanceley and Mr. Wright un- dertook to call upon the inhabitants of the three townships.—Mr. Richard Lloyd consented to act as treasurer, and it was decided to hold another meeting at a date which should be announced. GRESFORD. A meeting of the committee appointed for carry- ing out the Coronation Festivities was held on Fri- day evening at the National Schools, under the presidency of Mr. J. Allington Hughes. The chair- man read a letter from Mr. T. H. Dixon, who was away in London, promising to assist, and at the same, time suggesting that something definite should at once be decided upon with regard to the erection of a permanent memorial of the coronation. Several lady collectors handed in their books, which were considered highly satisfactory, about P,80 having so far been promised for festivities alone. Mr. Jenner on behalf of the treat committee, submitted estimates for providing tea, &c., recommending that it should be let to a contractor, who would take the whole responsibility. A number of local ladies, however, offered to undertake the matter themselves. Mr. James Lee considered that it was a mistake to get a person from outside to do it when it could be managed cheaper and possibly better by themselves. —Mr. Lowndes strongly urged that a refreshment contractor should be asked to undertake it, fearing, as he did, that the work would be too much fo.r ladies. Upon its being put to the vote a large majority decided in favour of not letting it.—Mr. Mason, on behalf of the sports committee, submitted a capital programme of Old English sports, substan- tial prizes being offered. This was unanimously adopted.—The offer made by Miss Egerton, at the previous meeting, of her grounds for the festivities, was gratefully accepted. The clerk (Mr. Charles Da vies) submitted estimates for tents, which were referred to the treat committee. It is understood that Mr. G. F. Robertson will entertain the old people of the parish to a knife and fork tea, during the week, while Mr. Dixon will probably give a similar treat to the Gresford Volunteers, and Mr. Thorley Sykes has undertaken to entertain the children living in the Burton portion of Gresford parish at his charming residence, Croeshowel.

CHURCH CONGRESS PROGRAMME. The Church Congress will be held at Northamp- ton in October next, and the committee are already in the field with their list of subjects. Their pro- gramme shews both originality and courage. Amid a variety of subjects is one of national im- portance, viz.: "The Moral Teaching of the Ser- mon on the Mount as applied to (a) social obli- gations; (b) economics, including public relief and housing of the poor." The Church has long taken a leading part in social reform, as witness the number of guilds, unions, etc., and the discussion at Northampton promises to be a serious attempt to find a wise and reasonable remedy for many of the evils which oppress the social life of the people. The temperance problem is also to engage the attention of the Congress, while even on those matters which more immediately concern Church- men there is to be candid enquiry and criticism. Thus the question of home reunion is to be taken seriously in hand, while the grievances arising from the present exercise of Church patronage will also be considered with a view to their re- moval, most particularly in regard to the conduct of Divine service at the sole instance of the in- cumbent, and the continuance in office of an in- efficient incumbent. Other subjects to be dis- cussed are "The Duty of the Church in South Africa," "Publio Worship," "Education^" "Church Reform" and' "The Supply of Clergy," I

INTERESTING WEDDING. DR. WHICHELLO AND MISS READ. Yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, a large crowd thronged St. Paul's Church, Boughton, where the marriage was solemnised of Dr. Harold Whichello, of The Mount, Tattenhall, with Miss Blanche Mary Read, eldest daughter of Colonel and Mrs. Read, of Kenwyn, Dee Banks. It was an exceedingly pretty wedding, associated as it was with glorious sunshine, charming gowns and a wealth of flowers. At Kenwyn an evergreen arch spanned the gate- way, and on the house itself there appeared the wish, "Long life and happiness to the bride and bridegroom." The officiating clergy were the Rev. J. E. Woodrow (cousin of the bridegroom), the Rev. C. Arnold and the Rev. F. Edwards (vicar of the parish). Mr. Reynolds, of Birmingham, was the best man, and the bridesmaids were Miss F. Read (sister of the bride), Miss M. Sanders (cousin of the bridegroom), and Miss G. Kershaw and Miss Day (cousins of the bride), accompanied by Miss Winnie Read (niece of the bride) and Miss Eilleen Hayward (cousin of the bride), as train- bearers. The service was choral, the surpliced choir being in attendance. The bride, who was given away by Colonel Read, was gowned in white satin with Brussels lace berthe and brocade train. She also wore a veil, lent by the bridegroom's mother, and a wreath of orange blossoms, which belonged to .her own mother. The bridesmaids wore beautiful dresses of white poplin, and the little train-bearers white liberty satin Princess frocks. The bridesmaids and the train-bearers carried ebony sticks with bunches of lovely roses. After the ceremony, a reception was held at Ken- wyn. Messrs. Bolland and Son had charge of the whole arrangements for the refreshment buffet, which was in a marquee on the lawn, and was ex- quisitely decorated. They also supplied the cake, which was very handsome, in three tiers and decor- ated with natural flowers. The presents were beautiful. The following is a list: — TO THE BRIDE. From the Bridegroom, opal ring, silver card case and pearl ring: Mrs. Read, piano, house linen and portrait; Colonel Read, cheque; the Lady Mayor- ess of Liverpool (Mrs. Charles Petrie), Crown Derby ornament Dr. and Mrs. J. D. Hayward, gilt travelling clock in case; Mrs. J. Woods, chippen- dale chair and cauldron coal-box; Major F. H. Miall, silver pepper pots; Winnie, Doris and Phyllis Read, silver mustard pot Miss Roberts, silver flower vase; Parry (groom) glass dishes and cream and sugar bowl; Miss E. Musgrave, picture Mr. A. Musgrave, picture; Mr. H. L. Greenhouse, cut glass and silver box; Hart Davies and Sons, box of handkerchiefs; Mrs. Mason, silver-topped scent bottle; Miss Cunnah, Brussels lace handkerchiefs; Rev. F. and Mrs. Edwards, picture; Miss Edne Hayward, hand-painted pin cushion; Mr. and Mrs. W. Kershaw, pair of doulton vases; Dorothy, Frances, and Marjory Parry, blue delft vase; Surgeon-Lieut.-Colonel ami Mrs. Young, silver Hower vases; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Preston, silver pepper pots Mr. E. Haddon Petrie, silver mustard pot; Mrs. Hughes (Navan), hand-painted blotter; Miss Hughes, hand-painted centre Miss Webb, chippendale table; Rev. J* E. and Mrs. Woodrow, carved brush stand; Mr. T. Roberts, silversyphon holder; Mrs. Roberts, silver flower vase; Messrs. Lowe and Sons, antique silver spoons Mrs. G. Parry, case of silver tea knives; Captain and Mrs. Vincent Wright, table centre; Mrs. Mus- L grave, crochet tea cloth Mr. A., Miss, and Mr. S. Norton, brass spirit kettle; Mr. H. and Miss Davey, silver coffee or hot water jug Mr. and Mrs. W. J ones, ornaments and cream and sugar basin; the Misses Kershaw, table; Dr. and Mrs. Hay- ward, silver butter dish and knife Miss Hayward, table centre; Eliza, glass butter cooler; the Misses Parry, silver flower vases Mr. and Mrs. A. M. McCulloch, silver letter rack Mr. and Mrs. Crawfurd-Black and Miss Lansdowne, silver rose bowl; Mrs. Serpell, silver butter dish and knife Mr. E, Jones (gamekeeper) and Mrs. Jones, tea set; Miss Alice Gregory, cushion cover and crochet mats; Mr. and Mrs. W. Ockleston, silver urn vases; Mr. J. Kennedy, embossed silver dessert spoons; the Misses J. and M. Gillison, china vase Mr. Charles Mason, crochet mats; Herbert, Edwin, and Stanley Kershaw, chippendale chair; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Hutchinson, silver flower vases; Mr. John H. Reynolds, ivory opera glasses; Mr. J. Barber, Venetian glass orna- ment Dr. and Mrs. Giffen, silver preserve spoons; Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Read, canteen of cutlery and plate, silver and cut glass marmalade jar, and hand-painted dessert mats; Mrs. Haneox, Austrian vase; Mr. C. and Miss Faram, Wor- cester pot-pourri jar; the Rev. J. and Mrs. Cairns-Mitchell, silver gilt marmalade stand; Mr. and Mrs. A. Unsworth, silver fern pots; Mr. and Mrs. Christophers, silver urn fern pot; Mr. and Mrs. W. Dempster, silver picture frame; Miss Musgrave, silver cream jug; Miss Foy, silver sardine servers; Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Read, four antique silver spoons; the Misses Holmes, Cloisonne flower pot; Captain and Mrs. W. Hayward, case of silver buttons; Miss D. Young, white satin table centre; Mr. Lewis Evans, silver candlesticks; Miss G. Parry, point lace table centre; Mr. and Mrs. Cozens, pair of serpentine marble ornaments; J. Talmage (coachman) and his wife, silver sugar basin and spoon; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Butters, Doulton vase; the Misses Davison, picture; Colonel and Mrs. Crean; bed- spread; Housemaids at "Kenwyn," dessert set; Miss Ann Gregory, tea tray, crochet cloth, and cut glass jug and glasses; the Hon. Mrs. Garr, silver sugar sifter; Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Davey, Queen Anne silver tea service; Mr. and Mrs. Neison Pritchard, silver and cut glass scent bottle; Mrs. Royle, flower pots; Major and Mrs. Landgon, silver asparagus dish; Mr. and Mrs. Windram, silver salver; Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, silver rose bowl; Mrs. Harris, watch stand; Mr. H. Fogg, silver and cut glass biscuit box; Miss Cros, gilt travelling clock and case; Mr. and Mrs. S. Davey, silver jar stand; Mr. J. E. Hall- mark, pair of vases; Mr. H. Jones (gardener), carved paper knife; Mrs. H. Jones, silver eako knife; the Rev. R. and Mrs. Wilson-Jones, two silver bon-bon dishes; Mrs. Powell, silver and cut glass hairpin box; Mrs. Ray, silver pepper pots; Mrs. Bretherton,, silver photo frame; Mrs. Lucas, gold-mounted riding whip; Mr. S. Williams, silver egg boiler; Messrs. Guest and Wardle, bamboo tea table; Miss Salmon, silver photo frame; Miss Harriet Lyon, crochet tray cloth; Mr. L. St. C. Nicholson, silver bread fork; Mrs. Malt, teapot; Mrs. Parry, orna- ments; Mrs. Barrell, Worcester ornament; Mr. and Mrs. Geber, silver candlesticks; Mr. F. Read, brass standard lamp; Mrs. Roberts, bed- room slippers; Mrs. Thistlethwaite, embossed silver flower vase; Mr. R. and Miss Johnson, silver-mounted salad bowl and fork; Mr. E. Kershaw, table lamp and copper spirit kettle; Mr and Mrs. Bird-Grundy and family, silver entree dish; Miss M. Musgrave, chair; the Rev. W. and Mrs. Scarlin, worked tray cloth; Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Birrell, blotter; Mr. and Mrs. Blenoowe-Peake, silver and glass marmalade jar; Mr. and Mrs. F. Amos, case of silver serviette rings; Mrs. Hickey, crochet d'oyleys; Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Smith, silver cake knife, sifter, and Queen Anne teapot; Mr. T. Stanley Fogg, silver and cut glass flower vases; Mrs. Pierpoint, statuette, "Cupid's Mirror"; Mrs. Kershaw, lady's writing table; Miss Sears, brass coal scissors; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Wakom, silver cream and sugar stand; Dr. and Mrs. Lees, tea set; Mr. Holmes, silver butter dish and knife; Dr. and Mrs. Parry, Chippendale chair; Miss Van Gelder, salt cellars; Mr. and Mrs. Manley, silver and china sugar and cream stand; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Taylor, Worcester vase; Messrs. J. Beckett and Co., Brussels point de Gaze lace handkerchief; the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Ford, original water-oolour, "Early Morning" Master Cyril Ford, picture; Miss C. H. Dean, silver photo frames; the Misses Macphail, silver and cut glass scent bottle; Mr. and Mrs. Crawford, silver bon-bon dish; Mr. W. Jaeger, silver flower vases; Miss S. Parry, drawn linen teacloth; Mr. T. Wilfred Parry, silver photo frame"; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bartley, silver bread trencher and knife; Dr. and Mrs. Charles Hayward, silver and glass preserve stand; Edna and Eileen Hayward, silver muffineers; Mr. and the Misses Thomas, art vase; Mrs. and the Misses Marsden, rose bowl and vases; Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom, water-colour and silver' inkstand; Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Martin, double silver photo frame; Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Macphail, silver candlesticks; Mr. and Mrs. R. B. L. Johnson, case of silver gilt coronation teaspoons; Miss McLellan, silver bread fork; Mr. H. P. Harding, silver pepper pots; Mr. R. J. A. Shelley, rose bowl; Miss Raleigh, Satsuma ornaments; Miss F. Read, art overmantel with mirror and pictures; Miss S. Fair, poker work photo frame; Mr. Musgrave, dining-room clock; Miss Johnson, antique Chippendale box; Miss A. Kershaw, worked nightdress case; Mrs. Philip Hale, hand-painted satin sachet; TO THE BRIDEGROOM. From the bride, signet ring; Mr. Hen .ry Whichello, cheque; Mrs. Whichello, antique oak furniture; Mr. and Mrs. Capel Lutiner, Damask tablecloth; Mrs. Hulton and Miss Scott, eiderdown quilt; Mrs. and Miss Rogers, case of silver salts; Mr. and Mrs. F. Nelson, grandfather chair; Mrs. and Miss Holland, flower stand Mr. John Mosford, silver and cut glass claret jug; Servants at the Mount, ele- phant's head brush stand; Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Ayrton, antique tortoiseshell tea caddy; Mr. and Mrs. T. Moore-Dutton, silver toast rack; Mr. John H. Reynolds, barograph; Mr. and Mrs. George Barbour, silver salver; Mr. N. and Miss Sanders, carved table; Mr. John Pratt, picture; Mr. Gerald Harwood CQpe, book; Mrs. Caswell and the Misses Flint, case of silver gilt dessert spoons; the Rev. E. A. and Mrs. Hutton. silver bon-bon dish; Mr. and the Misses Orton, picture; Mr. and Mrs. George Sanders, silver entree dishes; Mr. Ernest and Mr. Walter Sanders, silver eggstand; Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Jones (Coddington Hall), Copeland centre piece; the Rev. C. L. and Mrs. Arnold, carved leather blotter; Mrs. Walter Saddler (Newton Hall), silver and glass inkstand; Mr. and Miss Risbee, silk handkerchief; Mr. Longbottom, silver- mounted pocket-book Mrs. Read, driving whip Mr. and Mrs. Norman Whichello, American writing table; Laura and Mary, waste paper basket; Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Sanders, Wedg- wood and silver salad bowl and servers.

CITY POLICE COURT. -+-- MONDAY.—Before Messrs. H. T. Brown (pre- siding), J. R. Thomson and Geo. Dutton. EMBEZZLEMENT. Robert Morris, a respectably dressed young man, was charged on remand with embezzling the sum of 5s., belonging to his employers, the Singer Manufacturing Com- pany, on the 25th March.—Mr. W. H. Churton, on behalf of the company, stated that prisoner was employed as collector-salesman on salary and commission. He, in common with the other em- ployes of the firm, received a certain number of coupons, and it was his duty to give printed re- ceipts for all monies he received. The coupons had to be accounted for by him. The plan he adopted, however, was to give to customers coupons which had been previously'used, and therefore he did not account for the money he re- ceived. in the case m question, a customer named Henry Duckers, living at 115, Francis- street, paid the prisoner five shillings, for which he never accounted to the manager. The total amount of prisoner's defalcations was B6 18s. 6d., and involved twenty-nine cases.—Evidence in support of the case was given by Henry Robinson (superintendent for the company) and Henry Duckers.-Prisoner pleaded that in the case in question he had no opportunity to account to the manager for the money. He received it from Duckers a.t half-past eight in the morning, and Was dismissed from his employment at ten o'clock. —The magistrates took a serious view of the case, and sentenced prisoner to three months' bard labour. ALLEGED IMPUDENT THEFT.-Thomas Dolan and Mary Dolan (nee Mary McManus), two lTn<^n .c*laracters residing in Steam Mill- street, Boughton, were charged with stealing a purse containing two half-sovereigns, two half- crowns, and a key, from the person of a man named John Sowden, living at Queen's Ferry.— Inspector Tilley, in applying to the magistrates for a remand, explained that shortly after eleven o'olock on Saturday night the prosecutor met the female prisoner, who first accosted him, in Steam Mill-street. A few minutes after prisoner left him, he missed his purse and gave information to the police. He accompanied a policeman to the house of the prisoners, and found some of the money, and the purse in the possession of the man Dolan.—Prisoners were remanded till to-day (Wednesday).

CHESTER GUARDIANS- The fortnightly meeting of the Chester Board of Guardians was held yesterday (Tuesday) morn- ing, Mr. T. Knowles presiding over a large at- tendance. A KIND OFFER. A letter was received from Mr. W. H. Hall- mark, Milton-street, offering to place at the dis- posal of the Master of the house, free of charge, as many carriages as might be required for the purpose of conveying those inmates who were un- able to walk to view the illuminations during the Coronation festivities. (Applause.)—On the motion of Mr. T. Butler, a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Hallmark for" his kind offer. STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS. It appeared from the minutes of the House Com- mittee that the estimated cost of the alterations to the imbecile block was-E425 for fire escapes, and J3120 for the padded rooms. The estimated cost of alterations to the consumptive pavilion was £ 200. The committee had resolved that the plans, etc., regarding the consumptive pavilion be re- ferred back for alterations. They approved of the plans and estimates of the alterations to the im- becile block, and recommended the Board to sub- mit the same to the Local Government Board for approval.—The minutes were adopted. MR. BUTLER AND OFFICIALS' SALARIES. Mr. T. Butler moved—"That any officer of the Board, when applying for an increase of salary, shall at the same time tender his resignation, which can then be fully considered by the Board." He explained that the motion was not brought for- ward with the object of dismissing any officer of the Board, but in order to give guardians who were not members of the House Committee an opportunity of asking why the increase of salary was applied for, and whether the applicant de- served the increase. As the guardians knew, these applications were brought forward by the House Committee, and pushed through without the Board knowing hardly anything about them. Cries of "No." ^ur'jBut'er: keg your pardon. They have been pushed through without the rural guardians know- ing scarcely what they were for. Mr. W. Vernon: That is your own fault. Mr. Butler: Anyhow, when the applications are made, it will give us rural guardians a chance of asking whether a man is deserving of a rise, and whether he is worth retaining. Mr. E. T. Hallmark, seconded the motion for the sake of discussion, but be did not endorse all that Mr. Butler said. Mr. Vernon said he was sorry Mr. Butler had charged the committee with having tried to smuggle applications for increases of salary through the Board. On behalf of the committee, he emphatically denied Chat "was so. Whenever the House Committee brought a special matter before the Board, he, as chairman, always tried to make it as plain as possible and to give a good reason for the committee's action. It might meet Mr. Butler's wishes if they suggested to the com- mittee that a fortnight's notice should be given to the Board of applications for increase of salaries. Mr. Cox asked if the motion was legal. Mr. Butler: I understand it is perfectly legal. The Clerk (Mr. W. Turnock) quoted the opinion of a legal authority that the guardians could not compel an officer to resign his appointment before he applied for an increase of salary. Mr. H. Preston said there was a feeling abroad that public bodies in the county were too generous in the use of the public money in regard to in- creases of salaries, and that they had no business to acquire a reputation for generosity by giving inflated salaries to public officials. He did not think that charge had much force against boards of guardians; he thought it applied with more force to town councils. (Laughter.) He did not think it applied to boards of guardians in general, or to this board in particular. He did not like Mr. Buyer's resolution, because it embodied too much of the principle of the highwayman who pre- sented a pistol at the unwary traveller and de- manded his money or his life. (Laughter.) The resolution meant that a person was to abstain from asking for an increase of salary, or run the risk of losing his situation. He did not think that was fair. It was to the advantage of the guardians to keep on the best of terms with their officials. Surely the guardians had sufficient intelligence to judge whether an application was a right one or not. So long as Mr. Butler was on the Board to advocate the cause of the ratepayers, he did not think they would ever advise an increase of salary that was unfair. On the motion being put to the meeting, it was defeated by eighteen votes to thirteen. Mr. Butler (warmly): I am satisfied, but I tell you distinctly, I shall not be sat upon by any chairman or vice-chairman. I 4iave been treated for years in that way. (Cries of "Order, order.") THE WATER DISPUTE. A letter was received from the Chester Water- works Company on the subject of the Workhouse water supply. The company stated that it had from time to time been suggested by the guardians that this matter should be referred to arbitration. The suggestion had been considered by the directors, and they were prepared to act upon it, as they had every wish to avoid either litigation or friction with the guardians. If the guardians were wishful to have the matter so settled, the directors would be glad to have the names of one or two gentlemen to whom the guardians would be willing to refer the matter, and they would con- sider them and either offer a name or suggest others for the guardians' consideration. On the motion of Mr. H. "Preston, seconded by Mr. Rowe Morris, the letter was allowed to lie on the table.

SALMON AND THE DRIFT NET. A case of importance to the salmon fishing industry was heard at the Lancaster County Sessions on Saturday. Three fisherman were summoned for using a drift net to catch salmon in the estuary of the river Lune on Wednesday, and in view of the recent decision of the House Of Lords in a Scottish case, declaring the use of drift nets to be illegal, the Bench decided to convict, and fined the defendants forty shillings and costs each. The Fishery Conservators had declined to license drift nets, and the fishermen had appealed to the Board of Trade, but the board declined to interfere. THE BACHE GOLF CLUB. — The first annual o-eneral meeting of the members of this club was held at the Grosvenor Hotel, Chester, on Monday evening Dr. Lawrenccj the President, in the chair. From the committee's annual report it appeared that the club, which was origi nated about a year ago and h?^s been playing over a six-hole course on Mr. Ithell's farm for the past twelve months, is about to remove to better quarters. Through the courtesy of Captain Macgillycuddy an excellent,nine-liole course has been marked out on the Bache Hall estate, the greens are now in process of formation, a commodious pavilion has been erected, and the club will soon enter on its new links with every prospect of prosperity. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by the Rev. A. E. Farrar, Captain Macgillycuddy was unanimously elected President for the ensuing year, and a cordial vote of thanks was passed to Dr. Lawrence for his kind offices during the initial year of the club's existence.

DISTRICT COUNCILS. -+- HOOLE URBAN. The monthly meeting of this Council was held 'on Monday evening, Mr. T. B. Richardson pre- siding.-It was decided to oonsider the question of the Coronation festivities at a meeting on Friday evening.—The report of the medical officer (Dr. Butt) shewed that not a single case of infectious disease had occurred in the district during the past month.—On the recommendation of the Sanitary and Highways Committee it was decided to give a holiday to the employes of the Council on the two days of the Coronation festivi- ties.—On the motion of Mr. J. T. Ball the Council Agreed to accept the offer of the County Council of the sum of JE588 18s. 9d. for maintenance and improvements of main roads for the year ending 31st of Maroh, 1903.-011 the motion of Mr. W. E. Phillips the chairman and clerk were appointed to represent the Council at the annual conference of the Urban District Councils' Association, which will be held at Fleetwood.—A tender was received from Mr. Sumpter for the making of Griffiths's-terrace under the Private Streets Works Act for the sum of JB52, and it was ac- cepted on the proposition of Mr. Ball, seconded by Mr. A. L. Williams.—An invitation was re- oeived from the County Council to appoint two representatives to attend a conference of the Isolation Hospitals Act. Sub-Committee of that authority with a view to steps being taken for the establishment of a sanatorium or sanitoria for the treatment of consumptives.—On the motion of Mr. Croydon the chairman and Dr. Williams were deputed to attend the conference. WIRRAL RURAL. The monthly meeting of the Wirral Rural District Counoil was held at Birkenhead on Monday. Mr. T. Davies (chairman) presided, and there were also present: Mr. H. A. Latham, the Rev. P. C. Robin, and Messrs. W. Burkey, P. Allen, T. Strong, W. R. Phillips, C. E. Hope, S. Jones. W. Briscoe, G. F. Allender, J. R. Turton, R. Johnson, J. Evans, W. Knowles, E. Hughes, J. Price and S. C. Woodward. ASSISTANCE FOR THE CLERK. The clerk and his assistant retired while the Counoil disoussed the question of giving him extra assistance. The Rev. P. C. Robin said the committee had discussed the matter, and were satisfied that more help was required in some form. The point they had chiefly considered was whether they should raise the salary of the clerk or the Council them- selves should engage clerks in the office. The oommittee thought it better to give the clerk tho money and leave it to him to provide any extra assistance required. The committee con- sidered that it was obviously more satisfactory that the clerk should retain entire control of the staff of clerks. If the clerks were appointed by the Council it might lead to some little difficulty by their not taking orders from him. (Hear, hear.) They recommended that B50 extra per year be given to Mr. Ollive, leaving him to provide the extra assistance. Mr. Woodward asked whether the present clerks were not the Council's clerks. The Rev. P. C. Robin explained that they did Council work, but were Mr. Ollive's clerks. On the motion of the Rev. P. 0. Robin, seconded by Mr. Woodward, the recommenda- tion of the committee was confirmed. LITTLE SUTTON SEWERAGE. CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION. The Clerk read a letter from the solicitors acting on behalf of Mr. Cholmondeley, agent to the Naylor Trustees, with reference to Mr. Cholmondeley's claim for compensation for damages alleged to have been sustained to land at Hooton in connection with the carrying out of the Little Sutton sewerage scheme. At the last meeting the Council offered L300 to settle the claim. Mr. Cholmondeley's legal advisers now wrote that his claim of JE400 was a very moderate one, but they would accept L350 if an immediate settlement were effected. They could not accept any less sum, and unless they heard from the Council within the next ten days their instructions were to commence proceedings and have the matter settled by arbitration. The letter, the Clerk explained, had come before the committee, who thought the Council might offer JB325 to save litigation. Mr. Cholmondeley's solicitors were informed of this decision by Mr. Priest, and they had replied that they would advise the trustees to accept £ 325 in full settle- ment, provided that amount was paid by Wed- nesday.—The Council decided to forward a cheque for the £ 325. Mr. Davidson, Little Sutton, wrote putting forward a claim for compensation for loss sus- tained by the cutting of a sewer at Little Sutton last year. While the sewer was being cut in Red Lion-lane he was unable to take his cattle to his field, and was obliged to use an acre of hay grass that he had at home. He valued it at J63 10s. The contractor's foreman had paid for the blockage of the field, but held that he was not liable for the blockage of the road. The Engineer (Mr. Priest) said the question was whether the contractor was not responsible, and advised the Council not to interfere in the matter until the contract was finished. Mr. Woodward: We may have other claims, and before anything is paid we should let the matter come before the Little Sutton Parish Council. The claim was deferred. LATE HOURS AND LAMPS. A SINGULAR ATTITUDE. A letter from the Hoylake and West Kirby Gas and Water Company informed the Council that they contemplated laying gas mains through- out the parish of Moreton, and inquired whether they could depend upon an adequate number of street lamps being erected in that township. Mr. Briscoe was opposed to the erection of lamps. Half a dozen or so people came to live in the country, and immediately they got there they wanted to have it made into a town place. The want of lamps was only caused by some of the people staying too late in town at night. (Laughter and hear, hear.) It was a very funny thing to begin to light a country village. Mr. Strong thought there ought to be lamps from the station to the village; the road was a very dark one. The Chairman: You'll leave it to the Parish Council. Mr. Strong: I don't think they'll do it. (Laughter.) The Clerk said if the District Council thought it desirable to light Moreton they could do so without the consent of the Parish Council, but they had always worked with the Parish Councils and not against them. (Hear, hear.) The letter was referred to the Parish Council of Moreton for consideration and a report. A MATTER OF URGENCY. The Clerk explained to the Council that it was a matter of urgency that the Council should ap- proach the Local Government Board for sanction to borrow supplemental loans in reference to the works at Little Sutton, Great Sutton, and Over- pool. They had that day passed a resolution to pay JE32 5s., whereas there was an overdraft. He asked Mr. Priest to name the various sums re- quired. The Engineer (Mr. Priest) said the following additional sums were required:— £ 1,537 16s. 8d. for Little Sutton, JE149 8s. 6d. for Great Sutton, and B74 14s. 3d. for Overpool. It was decided to apply for sanction to borrow these sums as money required over the amount of the existing loans. HIGHWAYS COMMITTEE. At a meeting held in the afternoon for the transaction of highway business, Mr. H. A. Latham (vice-chairman) presided, and Mr. W. H. Churton, of Chester, was present as clerk. The treasurer's account shewed the receipt by the committee of 2314 16s. 8d. as a grant from the Local Government Board in aid of agricultural rates, and a balance due to the treasurer of 263 6s. 4d. The surveyor reported that the oon- tractors for the Wallasey Waterworks were seriously damaging Reed's-lane, Moreton. The clerk was directed to intimate to them that the committee would have a claim for extraordinary traffic. A DISAPPOINTED BENEFACTOR. Mr. Burton, who some two or three years ago obtained permission to put up drinking troughs near the cemetery gates, Flaybrick Hill, now wrote that the consumption of water was so great that he had been unable to keep them in order. The consumption in one period of six months amounted to 6,800 gallons. He had hoped that some society would have adqpted them as a public boon, but as he did not find any inclination that way he asked the committee to allow him to remove them.—The committee offered no objection. TARPORLEY URBAN. The monthly meeting was held on Thursday. Mr. T. li. Gordon presided over a full attendance of members, Mr. Thomas Done, who is ill, being the only absentee.—A report of Dr. Kenyon, medical officer of health, was read. It had refer- ence to some thirteen nuisances in the district, the most important being at Mr. Dodd's, Eaton, which was reported last year, and at that time produced a feeling in Eaton of an impending sewerage rate. On this matter the report stated: "Proposals have, I understand, been made for remedying the nuisance arising from the drainage of Mr. Dodd's farm, reaching the roadside lower down, which have not been acceptable. It might be more feasible to divert the drainage to the spot upon which Mr. Platt's drainage is turned. This belongs to another owner, but some arrange- ment might be come to."—On the motion of the Rev. W. 0. M. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Spend- love, it was resolved to serve notices on the proper persons to abate the nuisances complained of in the report.—The Clerk incidentally reported that he had received an intimation from the Chester Town Council that they could not make permanent arrangements for the reception of infected persons from the Tarporley Council's district to their Isolation Hospital. The matter would be more fully considered by the Isolation Hos- pital Committee.—The Clerk reported that that evening the Sewerage Committee had met and considered the tenders for constructing the sewerage works, and they I recommended that the tender of Messrs. H. P. Embrey and Co., amounting to L3,937 18s., which was about Mr. Baldwin Latham's estimate, should be accepted.—On the motion of Mr. Gastrell, seconded by Mr. Spendlove, the recommendation of the committee was adopted.—At the same com- mittee meeting it was decided to recommend the Council to employ Mr. W. Reece, of Tarporley, at L2 2s., as clerk of works There were six ap- plicants.—Mr. Siddom asked if only one name was recommended, and Mr. Gastrell informed him that he had proposed Mr. J. Vernon, but had received no seconder.—On the motion of Mr. Pickering, seconded by Mr. Wilson, Mr. Reece s appomtment was confirmed.

WILLASTON (WIRRAL). DEATH OF MR. JOHN B. CLARK.—Mr. John Blackwell Clark, an old and highly-esteemed resi- dent of Willaston, died very suddenly on Wednesday morning from heart failure, at the age of 72 years. Deceased was a single man, and for about thirty-six years has resided in the village, lodging with Mrs. Wright, a local farmer. He acted as superintendent of the Church Sunday Schools, and had been associated with them and parochial matters ever since the church was built. He was particularly fond of the village children, who, through his death, have lost a warm and generous friend. Deceased was connected with a Liver- pool shipping firm and was well known among the commercial circles of that city. As a contractor over the joint line he had long been a familiar figure to the large number of passengers who daily pass to and fro. Though he had been in feeble health for some time, he had been going about as usual on Wednesday morning, and it was not thought that the end was so near. The Vicar of the parish, the Rev. Walsham Postance, was with him when he died. The funeral took place at Willaston parish church yesterday (Friday), the Sunday School teachers and scholars taking part.

CONNAETS QUAY. DEATH OF MR. J. BAIRD.—The death took place at Connah's Quay on Wednesday, at the age of 88, of Mr. James Baird, head of the well- known shipbuilding firm of Ferguson and Baird, of that port. Mr. Baird was a Scotchman, and started shipbuilding on the river Dee in 1840. He had built most of the vessels using the river, and was a large owner of shipping. The son of an Edinburgh silkmercer, Mr. J. Baird was !Frn at Glasgow in 1814. After serving his time at Greenock, he came to Flint sixty-three years ago, and, in partnership with Mr. Maccallum, carried on business there for many years. When the owners of the Alkali Works acquired their ship- building yard, they removed to Connah's Quay. Mr. Baird's health had been breaking up for some years, and since October he has been confined to his house. Deceased leaves nine children, while his descendants total about 70. Esteemed by all who know him, Mr. Baird will be greatly missed. He was a member of the Wepre Methodist New Connexion body for a lengthy period, while for many years he was a teacher in the Sunday school. The funeral took place on Friday, at the Cemetery, a service being first held in St. Mark's Church, where the Rev. J. Williams (pastor) officiated.

TARVIN. FUNERAL OF MRS. LEACH.—Amid many manifestations of sympathy the remains of Mrs. Leach were interred in Tarvin Churchyard on Monday afternoon. The officiating clergy were the Revs. T. J. Evans, B. N. Atkinson, and J. T. Nash. Prior to leaving a short service was held at the house, conducted by the vicar. The chief mourners were Mr. James Leach (widower), Messrs. Herbert and Frank Leach (sons), the Misses C. and A. Leach (daughters), Mr. J. Leach (Rock Ferry), Dr. Tom Moreton, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Langford, Mr. A. Langford. Miss E. Langford, Mr. and Mrs. P. Darlington, Mrs. Spencer, Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths (Garston), Miss Benton Griffiths (Chester), Mr. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Shurrock, Mrs. Booth (Kelsall), Mr. and Mrs. S. T. Williamson, Mr. H. M. Sacre, Mr. W. Wilkes, Mr. J. Lloyd, Mr. J. Woodcock, &c. At the conclusion of the service in the church Mrs. Wilkes (organist) played a funeral march. The coffin bore the following inscription:—Mary Leach, died May 30th, aged 56 years. There were numerous floral tributes, includ- ing those from Mr. Leach, the. children, Mr. and Mrs. Langford, Mr. and Mrs. Darlington, Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths, Mrs. Booth and family, Mr. and Mrs. Williamson, Mr. S. Deane, Mr. J. Lloyd and family, Mrs. Howcroft and family, Mrs. Burton Griffiths, Mr. and Mrs. T. Dutton, Mrs. Lee, and many others. The grave, which had been prepared by Mr. E. Johnson (sexton), was beautifully lined with evergreens and flowers.

NANTWICH. BRINE BATHS HOTELS, LIMITED.—Mr. Justice Buckley, sitting on Wednesday for the disposal of company business, had before him a petition of John Harding for the compulsory wind- ing-up of this company, which was formed for the purpose of carrying on the business as hotel pro- prietors in the neighbourhood of Nantwich.—Mr. O. L. Clare, who appeared in support of the petition, stated that the hotel was valued at B47,000, and the furniture at some 96,700 more. There were mort- gages on the property to the amount of 920,000, and there were debentures to the amount of £ 9,550. The secured creditors amounted to about £10,000, which left about £23,000 for the other creditors The petition was supported by unsecured creditors to the amount of about £ 1,400, and was opposed by unsecured creditors to the amount of £ 1,100.— Mr. Astbury, K.C., for the company, said the amount of opposing unsecured creditors was over £ 3,000. This was one of those petitions which ought never to have been brought. The hotel was in a hunting country and had a very large hunting connection, but, owing to the war and a number of hunting men having gone to the front, the con- nection had diminished, and the company was temporarily in difficulties, A scheme for recon- struction had been proposed and had very nearly been carried through. The assets of the company would then be sold.—Mr. Clare said that all his client desired was to know what was going on.—Mr. Astbury said that he was willing to undertake to give the petitioner notice of every step that was J taken.—Mr. Clare having expressed himself satis- fied with that undertaking, no order was made on the petition.

HEJLSBY. ATHLETIC CLUB.—The annual meeting of this club was held on Monday evening, Mr. Jas. Taylor occupying the chair. The statement of accounts for the past year, which was adopted, was as follows Receipts, including a balance of V4 5s. Id. brought forward from the previous year, S171 lis. 3d and expenditure BlCO 11s., leaving a balance of £ 11 Od. 3d. to be carried forward. The election of officers resulted as follows :-President, Mr. J. Taylor; hon. secretary, Dr. A. J. Briant; hon. treasurer, Mr. G. Seddon general management committee, Messrs. J. Brotherton, A. Whalley, J. M. Harna- man, and W. B. Barlow, with another member to be elected by the members of the football section. Messrs. Jas. White and F. Stott were appointed auditors. It was resolved to reduce the full member- ship subscription to 10s. for the season, in the hopefe that a larger number of members would join. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. E. W. Crosland, who acted as hon. secretary in connection with last year's sports, and to all the officials for the excellent manner in which they carried out the arrangements. For this year's athletic meeting Mr. E. W. Crosland was re-elected hon. secretary with the following gentlemen as a committee Messrs. F. Cole, R. Wilson, J. Fedden, H. Oates, R. Bibby W. B. Barlow, G. Seddon, and H. Cooper.

WESLEY'S ORIGINAL IDEA. It is useful to be reminded from time to time that the founder of British Methodism did not con- template the separation of his movement from the Church of England. Thus the "Methodist Times" (May 22nd) is forced to admit that "at the be- ginning of the Methodist movement our ministers were mainly illiterates and also mainly Evan- gelists. No doubt Wesley's original idea was that the parochial clergy of the Established Church should form the permanent pastorate in every locality, and that the Methodist preachers should be an order of Evangelists roaming about the country as our Connexional Evangelista do now."

CHESTER STOCK & SHARE LIST Reported by Messrs. WARMSLEY, JONES & Co., 29, Eastgate Row (North), Chester. CONSOLS 97i BANK RATS 3% Present price. ChosterCorpomtion 3 Irredeemable Stock lltK-118 ChesterCorporation 3 Redeemable Stock par Chester Gas Co 5% Ordinary Stock .110^115 4 Preference Stock .105—108 Chester Waterworks Co. 7i Consolidated Stock » 7 New Ordinary Stock, 1st and 2nd moieties 170-175 it 6 £ 10 Perpetual Preference Shares, fully paid 161—17 i Wrexham Water- works Co Consolidated Stock 180-185 5 Preference £ 10 Shares 15 „ „ Ordinary £ 10 Shares 12 £ —13 Hawarden& District Water Co CIO Shares, fully paid par Nat. Pro v. Bank of England, Ltd. £ 75 Shares, 410 10s. paid .51 -52 „ £ 60 Shares, £ 12 paid 60 —62 North and South Wales Bank, Ltd. V,40 Shares, zClO paid 35s 35* Parr's Bank, Ltd. zelOO Shares, e20 paid 87| 88 Lloyds Bank, Ltd.. £ 50 Shares, k;8 paid "33i 33J Bank of Liverpool, Ltd ;CLOO Shares, zL12 10s. paid 341-341 British Law, Life, ° Fire Insur., Ltd. Z10 Shares, el paid 11-2 Chester Boat Co., Ltd ICIO Shares, fully paid 11—12 Chester Cocoa House Co., Ltd. £ 5 iC4 „ 54 Chester deneralX5 1;3 Chester General Cemetery Co £ 5 fully paid par Chester Ne,w Music Hall Co.,Ltd £ 25 .18- Chester Northgate Brewery Co., Ltd. Ord. klO Shares, fully paid 11^—12 » »» 6 £ 10 Pref. Shares, fully pd.,134—14 Bent s Brewery, Ld. £ 10 Ordinary Shares Hi—15* .» 6 £ 10 Pref. Shares 12i—12i Chester Grosvenor Hotel Co., Ltd. f20 Pref. Shares 31 35, Chester Queen Rail- way Hotel Co., Ld. £ 20 Shares, fully paid 28—30' »» » £ 20 „ £ 10 14-15- Chester Blossoms Hotel, Ltd. iClO fully ptid lo-lq Chester Steam Laundry Co., Ltd. &5 Chester Race Co., Ltd £ 100 „ 275 195—20&- Dee Oil Co., Ltd. £10rd. Shares Walkers, Parkers & Co., Ltd. £10 Shares, fully paid, 6 Cunl. Pret.1-2 T 'lr TV, F 4 £ Debentures J. H. Bilhngton, Ltd., Chester 4; First Mort. Deben. Stock par 1 it 5 Cum. Pref. A:10 Shares par •> » Ordinary £ 10 Shares !!par Victoria Pier and Pavilion Co., Colwyn Bay, Ltd. 21 Ordinary Shares 1-it Halkyn Drinage Co. tlO Shares, fully paid. 23t-24 Halkyn Mining Co., Ltd. 91 Shares, fully paid lo-IlL Holywell Halkyn Mining- and Tun- nel Co., Ltd. £ 1 Shares 19/- paid 19/—20/- East Halkyn Mining Co., Ltd. JS1 „ fully paid.2 -2t South Halkyn Min- ing-Co., Ltd £ 1 1 2 North Hendre Min- ing Co., Ltd £ 210s. Shares, fully paid 4 4% Talacre Mining Co., Ltd. JElOrd. „ 11 „ JBlPref. „ „ United Minera Co., Ltd iCl Ord. Isle of Man Mining Go., Ltd. (Fox- dale) Mines £ 5 „ „ —2J »• »> H Pref., £ 17 10s, paid 26—30- Llanarmon Mining Co., Ltd. £ l Ord., fully paid 7/6 12/6- £ l Pref. 12/6 17 B Wirral Railway 3% Debenture Stock V. pir » ». 4 Preference (1896 issue). "i'66^101 •■ » 4 Preference (1899 issue) 95—97 Wirral Railways Co. Ltd ICIO Ord. Shares, fully paid 3J—3J

MARKETS AND FAIRS. +. LIVERPOOL CORN, TUESDAY. — Wheat, slow trade, about$d. under Friday. No. 1 Northern Duluth, new, 6s. lid. to 6s. li4d. No. 1 Chicago, spring, 6s. lid. to 6s. 2d. No. 1 Californian, 6s. 4d. to 6s. 4Jd. Beans, Saidi, 30s. to 30s. 3d. Peas, 6s. lOd. Oats, slow, but firm, white 3s. 2d. to 3s. 4d. Maize, only very small trade, irregular prices, new mixed, 9d. Flour, 6d. lower. SALFORD CATTLE, TUESDAY.—At market: Cattle 1,293, with very fair trade sheep and lambs 13,594, trade for choice sheep very good calves 183, prices maintained. Quotations: Cattle 6d. to 8d., sheep 6d. to 9d., lambs W. to 10d., calves 5d. to 8d. per lb. WREXHAM CATTLE, MONDAY.—There was a large supply of stock at to-day's market and business was good. Mutton was a trifle cheaper, but beef still remained dear. QU2tations :-Beef: Bid to 7§d. per lb. mutton, 7d. to 8d. lamb, 10d. to Is. veal, 8d. and pigs, 10s. 6d. per score lb. LIVERPOOL CATTLE, MONDAY.—There were a few more cattle in market to-day. Demand good and prices unchanged. Some good grass cattle easily made top quotation. Sheep supply larger. Trade good at prices in favour of sellers. Lambs did share in the improvement in trade, only really fat ones ipaking late rates. Quotations:- Beef to 6d, p<ir lb.; mutton, 9d. to 6 £ d. per lb.; lambs, Did- to 8 £ d. per lb. At Sheppard and Ellison's auction mart dairy cows met with a fair trade at prices from £ 14 10s. to £ 24. LONDON CATTLE, MONDAY.—Beast supply, as usual at this season, consisted chiefly of Norfolks for fat beasts of both prime and second quality trade rather slower, but last Monday's rates governed all transactions. Fat butchering cows and bulls sold readily at an advance of 2d. per 81b. Sheep market: Wether sheep were in steady demand at late rates, but ewes were much easier in price; best small lambs met a fair trade, but at less money heavy sorts lower and difficult to cash. Quotations: Beasts, 3s. 6d. to 5s. 4d.; sheep, 3s. lOd. to 6s. 2d. lambs, 5s. 2d. to 6s. Gd. per 81b. BRADFORD WOOL, MONDAY.—The peace news was naturally the subject of much talk to-day, and induced a better feeling, but it is too much to say that values were materially raised, as any benefits coming to a textile centre like this will be more lasting and substantial in character than rapid in arrival. At the same time the firmer tone which has characterised the wool trade for some weeks has undoubtedly received impetus from the declaration of peace. WHITCHURCH CHEESE, WEDNESDAY. — At the monthly fair held at Whitchurch there was a pitch of 57 tons, an increase compared with the same fair monthly fair held at Whitchurch there was a pitch of 57 tons, an increase compared with the same fair last year of 12 tons. The fair is now thoroughly established, and probably has no superior in England, and the credit of this is in no slight degree due to the energetic secretary, Mr. Thomas Waverley, himself a practical agriculturist. There was a very large attendance of dealers from Man- chester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Stockport, Wolverhampton, Chester, and many other large, centres, few of whom left without making pur- chases, the best lots being disposed of in an exceed- ingly short time; indeed, in little more than one hour scarcely a lot remained unsold. Most of the cheese was, of course, new and unripe, but the general quality was not to be complained of, for the months of April and May have not been unfavour- able to cheese-making. Cheese of the finest quality realised from 52s. to 59s. per cwt, and other grades from 45s., the number of poor lota being few. CHESTER CATTLE, THURSDAY.—A good supply of stock and an improved demand. Notwithstand- ing the continued high prices, more business was done and a much better clearance was made than for some time past. The trade for sheep was about the same as last week. Prices :—Milch cows, jEl4 to C22 calvers, J313 to P,20 barrens, C10 to jE14 heifers, E9 to £ 14 stirks, B6 to 910; bullocks, £10 to C13 sheep, 22s. to 28s. CHESHIRE BUTTER AND EGG. — Quotations for new-laid eggs less favourable for buyers, but home dairy butter easier at all centres. Stockport (Friday): Butter, Is. to Is. 2d. per lb.; eggs 12 and 13 for Is. Altrincham (Tuesday) Butter, Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 12 for Is. Mac- clesfield (Tuesday): Butter, Is. and Is. Id. per lb. eggs, 13 for Is. Crewe (Friday): Butter, lid. to Is. 1d. per lb. eggs, 14 for Is. Sandbach (Thursday): Butter, lid. to Is. per lb. eggs, 14 for Is. Congleton Butter, Is. per lb. eggs, 13 and 14 for Is. Northwich Butter, Is. Id. and Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 13 and 14 for Is. Nantwich Butter, Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 14 and 15 for Is. Knutsford Butter, Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 14 for Is. Runcorn: Butter, Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 12 for Is. Chester: Butter, Is. 2d, per lb. eggs, 13 and 14 for Is. CHESTER CORN, SATURDAY.—There is no home- grown wheat, with the exception of just an occasional sample on offer, and quotations- are nominal. All other grain in small supply to-day at unaltered rates. American maize is firm at late values. Other descriptions lower. Foreign wheat favors buyers on the week's prices. NEW OLD s. D. 8. D. S. D. S. D. Wheat, white per 751b. 0 0 to 4 8 0 0 to 0 0 Wheat, red 751b. 4 6 4 7 0 0 0 Malting Barley 601b. 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Grinding do 641b. 3 3 3 4 0 0 0 0 Oats 461b. 3 3 3 6 0 0 3 0 Beans „ 801b. 56 — 0060 — 0 0 Beans, Egyptian. 2401b. 0 0 —18 00 0 — 0 0 Indian Com 2401b. 14 9—15 00 0—15 0

THE STEAMSHIP TRUST. The "Shipping Gazette" understands that the time limit within which the shareholders of the White Star Line were invited to intimate their acceptance or other- wise of the offer made by the Shipping Trust has now expired. With practical unanimity the shareholders have approved the proposal placed before them. A like decision has been arrived at by the shareholders of the Dominion Line. The agreement between the Shipping Trust and the- Holland-America Line has, it is also believed, been finally ratified. That step, it is understood, had been previously postponed owing to the illness of Queen Wilhelmina Printed and published for and on behalf of the Cheshire and North Wales Newspaper Company, Limited, ly JAMES ALBERT BIRCHALL, at the Chester Couran1 Office, 8, Bridge-street, in the City of Chester. WEDNESDAY, June 4..1902.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. NAVY E 8~TTMA T E S. SUBSIDISED SHIPS. The House of Commons on Thursday, in Com- mittee of Supply, discussed the Navy Estimates. In reply to questions raised by Sir C. Dilke and Mr. E. Robertson, Mr. Arnold-Forster pointed to the fact that during the present year 75 vessels would be under construction, including armoured cruisers, and that 27 were in contemplation.—Mr. S. Roberts, as representing Sheffield, urged that in the workmen's interest orders for armour should be more evenly distributed over the year. —Lord Charles Beresford favoured the water- tube boilers, and condemned the method in con- templation of experimenting wholesale with com- bination boilers in new ships now being built.— Mr. Arnold-Forster defended the recommenda- tion of the Boilers Committee, and the vote was agreed to.—Mr. Arnold-Forster, dealing with subventions to merchant cruisers, said he was not empowered to say that the Admiralty contem- plated any idea of relinquishing the use of subsidised ships in time of war, although it was possible that the deliberations of the Committee on Subsidies might lead to a general modification of policy. The amount of the White Star subsidy was £ 21,000. The vote was then agreed to, and the sitting was suspended till nine o'olock. -At the evening sitting Mr. Nannetti moved the adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing the action of the Irish Executive in forcibly preventing a public meeting of the citizens of Dublin, and in assaulting himself and others on May 18th.-Mr. Wyndham accepted full responsibility for the action of the Executive, and maintained that the police had acted with tact and forbearance.—Mr. Balfour moved the closure, which was carried by 195 to 69, and the motion was defeated by 206 to 66.