Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
18 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
- 156 YEARS AGO.
156 YEARS AGO. — (Extraots from tho "Courant" of Nov. 7th, 1749). NEW SHERIFFS. Yesterday the folk wing gentlemen wore nomi- nated for sheriffs for the year ensuing, viz. :— Cheshire ■. Thomas Maddock, of Tatteaha-11, Esq. Robert Foulks, of Boughton, Esq. James Crox- ton, of Guildcn Sutton, Esq. Shropshire: Wil- liam Owen, of Porkington, Salop, Esq. William Lutwiche, of Brockton, Esq. Thomas Lee, of Wroxeter, Esq. Staffordshire: Samuel Swinien, of Swinfen, Esq.; Thomas Addys, of Bar. Esq. Thomas Bradney, of Penn, Esq. KNIGHT FOR DENBIGHSHIRE. Ruthin. O t. 20, 1749. To the Gentlemen, Clergy a.nd Freeholders for the County ot Denbigh. Having at a general meeting here this day been fixed upon as a. candidate for Knight. of the Shire for this county, in the room of the late worthy Sir Watkm Williams Wymn, liart., I take this opportunity of requesting your votes and interest, which favour shall bo ever most gratefully acknowledged.—By your obedient htsmbie servant, LYNCH SALUSBURY COTTON. THE PRETENDER'S ELDEST SON. By advioes from Venice of the 18th inst., we learn that the Pretender's eldest son is set out from Padua, where he has resided several months incog. It is said that his removal from thence is owing to the advice he received that the Britislh minister at Venice had found him out. It is now given out that he has gone to take his leave of his father at Albano, but that he will not remove far from the neighbourhood of Rome, Lucca or St. AJbano, two neutral cities or republics, being talked of for his retreat till an opportunity offers for setting him to work again in some shape or other.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT JOTTINGS.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT JOTTINGS. --+-- The Wrexham Town Council have appointed a Public Park and Recreation Ground Committee; but during the discussion on the subject Alder- man Thomas Jones said he really saw no hope of getting a park unless one was presented to the town. New municipal buildings were urgently needed. The present buildings were a disgrace and a discredit to a town of the impor- tance and enterprise of Wiexham. At the late meeting of the Menai Bridge Coun- cil complaint WM made of the conduct of the students of tho Normal College at the Menai Bridge Fair, which it was urged should be stopped. These students made a practice of in- terrupting the legiti mate business of tho stall- holders. It was not likely, however, urged Mr. Davies, chairman of the Fina.noo Committee, who brought the complaint, that the students would repeat their conduct, for on the occasion of their last visit they found Menai Bridge a veritable "Spion Kop." It was resolved to bring to the knowledge of tho authorities of the Normal Col- lege this disorderly conduct of the students, which was described as "shameful." Of recent years matters have developed in the Warrington, Town Council that have been the cause of considerable unrest, and which have most certainly not conduced to the dignity of that body. The list; of items of contention was addled to the other day when a Local Government Board inquiry was held concerning an application to be permitted to borrow £ 9,395 for the making of streets and other work. Mr. Samuel Gough ob- jected to the Corporation buying the setts for the work, as he said it had resulted in bad paving in the past. The Deputy Town Clerk, who supported the application, claimed that there were experienced men on the Paving Com- mifcfceo who exercised the greatest possible care is selecting the setts.—Mr. Gough: Rubbish!— The Deputy Town Clerk: You are not on the Paving Committee nor on the Council, and do not know.—Mr. Gough: As a. point of order I say it is not tri-it,The Deputy Town Clerk It is the truth.—The Inspector told Mr. Gough it was of no use his making statements of that sort, and he must ask him to be quiet if he could not tipeak more respectfully.—Mr. Gough replied that he would send his objections in writing to the Local Government Board.. He thought. they should have better work done- At a late meeting of the Aberystwyth Town Council the Mayor (Mr. T. Williams), referring to the recent action, Fear v. Morgan, unsuccess- fully defended by the Council in the High Court of Justice, said other members besides himsedf who were present at the trial felt very strongly on the matter, and ho asked the Council to allow the clerk to secure a transcript of the shorthand notes taken in the case, so that they might consider what future, action to take.. He asked the mem- bers not to listen to gossip about the town as to the costs incurred. The statements that were being made were outrageous. The Clerk said a transcript of the notes would cost about £ 12. Mr. J. Gibson asked if it was not enough for the ratepayers to have to pay the costs of the action without having a permanent monument in the shape of JE12 worth of shorthand notes. Alder- man Palmer asserted that the members of the Law Committee were responsible for the costs incurred, inasmuch as the Council as a body was not con- sulted in regard to the case. The clerk was. even- tually authorised to obtain a copy of the tran- script. An instance forcibly illustrative of -some men's industry, or want of it, was furnished at the re- cent meeting of the Preston Board of Guardians. Mr. Cochrane, the Corporation dredging master, offered employment at Lytham for a dozen men at 5d. per hour, which, in a 48 hours' week meant £.1, and ho asked the workhouse master to send him men. The master picked out seven inmates and informed them of the pay, and subsequently another man offered himself. He formally dis- charged the eight, men, fitted them out with all they wanted in tho shape of clogs, shirts, stock- ings, etc., and gave them a good meal. Since he had been in the board room, however, he informed the guardians he had received a communication from Mr. Cochrane stating that six out. of the eight men commenced on the job, working 4-i hours, while two refused point blank to start. Tho six who did start were there that morning t for their wages, and absolutely declined to do any more.—"That's the unemployed!" exclaimed a guardian, while another said he hoped the Board would take note of the nam2.S of the men and "make it warm" for them if they came again.— The Clerk: Of course you have evidence now of their being rogues and vagabonds.—The Master added that he had told Mr. Cochrane to inform the men if they returned to the workhouse they would bo prosecuted. At tho Birkenhead Board of Guardians, Mr. Mersey Jones, chairman of the Finance Commit- tee, aiked if any benefit had accrued from the labours of the new Distress Committee. He was informed that. the new Act had been found to be a use'oss measure. Hopes a.nd expectations were raised, only to be dashed down. He had come to the conclusion that an unemployed man had to die or become insane before his wife and chil- dren could get relief. The time had come when no GSowernmont could afford to ignore the claims of the unemployed, and he considered that some- thing should be done to meet; such crises as they had a.t present. The time would shortly arrive when tho unemployed would force their claims upon tho attention of the Government, and to prevent such scenes as were taking place at pre- sent he said the. Government ought to do some- thing. if only from a humanitarian point of view. The Chairman (Mr. T. Raffles Bullev) argued that the recently-issued returns shewed that pauperism was not increasing in proportion to the increase in t>o population. He claimed that Birkenhead had done its duty in the pa.st in regard to reliev- ing distress. He enumerated the several commit- tees that had been established with this end in view, adding that they did not feel able to do anything more than to make some suggestions for slightly increasing the scope of the work already beiu. done. A guardian claimed that Birkcn- head was fifteen months ahead of the Govern- i ment in, this work.
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DEATH OF MR. A. W. BUTT. ♦——
DEATH OF MR. A. W. BUTT. ♦—— TRADESMAN AND COUNCILLOR. We regret to announce the removal by death of a leading tradesman and a zealous and conscientious public servant, under circumstances which have added poignancy to the sorrow of the citizens generally. We allude to the death of Mr. Alfred Wathew Butt, jeweller, councillor and guardian, who passed away suddenly on Wednesday morning at hie residence, 5, Grey Friars, Chester. It was known that Mr. Butt was not enjoying robust health, but he was attending to business until a few days prior to his demise, which therefore came as a. painful shock to the city. An attack of influenza some time ago left him in a condition susceptible to injurious influences, and while away on business at Hereford on Saturday he was seized with sudden illness and returned home immediately. His brother, Dr. Butt, of Hoole, and Dr. Taylor rendered all the aid which medical skill could give, but the patient's condition be- came so serious on Tuesday that Dr. Barr, the eminent specialist of Liverpool, was urgently sum- moned. The anxious attention of the three doctors, however, failed to arrest the progress of the illness, and Mr. Butt passed away as stated, death being due to septic blood poisoning. De- ceased was fifty-four years of age. Deceased succeeded his father, the late Mr. Francis Butt, in bu&mess about 35 years ago, and by dint of re- markable industry he extended the business, and always maintained the goodly reputation which had been enjoyed for so long by the house of Butt in the jewellery trade. Branches of the well-known shop in Chester have been etablished in Wrexham, Warrington, Shrews- bury, Oswestry and Hereford. As a matter of fact the development made too great a demand upon tho personal attention of Mr. Butt, who, with a view to securing for himself more time to devote to his public duties and recreative hobbies, had completed the transfer of his various businesses into limited liability companies. In connection with his trade Mr. Butt received a signal honour last July, when, at the eleventh annual reunion of the National Association of Goldsmiths, he was elected vice-chairman, a distinction which would in the course of time have been followed by the greatÆr honour of chairmanship. In his public capacity Mr. Butt was never con- spicuous, but he carried into his work as a. repre- sentative of his fellow-citizens all the efficiency of a successful business man. He never spoke unless he said something worth listening to, and his views invariably commanded respectful at- tention, whether in the Board of Guardians or on the Town Counoil. The deceased was an old guardian, having served in that capacity for a period approaching twenty years. He was a member of the Assessment Committee at one time, also a member of the Chaldrons' Homos Committee. It was only a year ago that he en- tered the Town Council, and he had the compli- ment paid him of being returned unopposed for St. John's Ward. In aspiring to serve his fellow- townsmen in the Corporation, he also had the very natural and laudable ambition of one day fillmg the office of Sheriff, to which Mr. Frances Butt was elected in 1865, the eecotid year of Mr. Robert Frost's Mayoralty. He was indeed on the threshold of what promised to be a long and use- ful career of municipal service, and his demise will be the more regretted since in these degener- ate days we can ill afford to lose men of his public spirit. Wesleyamsm in Chester has sustained a great loss by his death. He filled many prominent positions in local Wesleyanism, including senior steward of the Chester Circuit, trustee of many chapels, manager of St. John-street Wesley an Day Schools, conductor of St. John-street Choir, and formerly superintendent of St. John-street Sun- day aohooi. He had also been a delegate to the Wesleyan Confeience, the highest honour that could be paidl him by his co-worshippers in the cirouit. In politics Mr. Butt was a Radical, and the flag at the Radical Club, as well as the municipal Hag, wero hoisted at half-mast as a tribute to his memory. He was a member of the Bacne Golf Club, and the almost tragic news of his death was received on Wednesday just when a match was going to be played for two prizes, given by his brother, Dr. Butt. Although the teams were about to start it was decided to abandon the match, and iieartfelt expressions of regret were heard on all sides, sympathetic alius- sions being made by the president (Major MacGiAlyouddy), the vice-president (Mr. Yer- burgn) and others. Mr. Butt was also a Free- mason, being an esteemed member of the Gestrian Locige, No. 425. He was initiated a member in 1884, and if he liad lived, it was probable he would have been induced to take othoe at the next in- stallation. A pathetio circumstance is that he had bu.lt ior him a new liouse in. Curzon Park, whither he was contemplating removing in De- cember. He leaves a, widow and two grown-up daughters, to whom the utmost sympathy is ex- tended irom all sides in their terrible bereave- ment. CIVIC SYMPATHY. At the statutory meeting of the Chester Town Council on Thursday, the Mayor said he was sorry to say that death had removed one of their members. With deep regret he bad to allude to tilo loss the Cltyand the Council liad sustained in we death of Mr. Councillor Butt, Mr. Butt was a young councillor, but an old citizen. It was a singular coincidence that torty years ago that day Mr. Butt's father was elected Sheriff of the city; and they were indebted to his father for the handsome chain which, the Sheriff woro that day. h'Jt.rJ. profound regret he moved a vote of con- dolence with the widow and family m the fol- lowing terms:—That the members of this. Coun- cil desire to place on record their very sincere re- giet at the death of Mr. Councillor A. W. Butt, who by his constant attention to the work of the Council and tiie committees on winch he served proved himself a most valuable member of the Council; also to express to Mrs. Butt and family their heartfelt sympathy." The Mayor added that ior last year Counoilior Butt held the record for attenclanoo at committees. The Sheriff (Dr. Mann) rose with deep regret to second the resolution. The membeis of the Council had lost a most agreeable and useful col- league, and the ratepayers had lost a praiseworthy una conscientious repiestjntative. It seemed hard to beaeve that only last Friday Mr. Butt was with them taking part in their deliberations. As far as tliey could reasonably suppose then, Mr. Butt had beiore him a ioxig career of useful municipal work. Moreover, there was every reason to bei.eve that bcfoie very long he might have aspired to occupy the. position which the Mayor occupied that uay. Tueir sympathies moot suioeiely went out to tne sorrowing relatives wno were called upon to bear a terrib-e bereavement so unexpcoteoiy. The motion was carried by all the members standing. THE FUNERAL.r The funeral took place on Friday after- noon amid many manifestations of sorrow. Most of the principal tradesmen put up black shutters on their windows, and the crowd of mourners shewed by its representative character how widely regretted was Mr. Butt's death. A service was held at two o'clock at the St. John-street Wesleyan Chapel, where deceased worshipped. Long before the appointed hour the mourners began to assemble, and with the exception of the gallery the chapel was crowded. The pulpit was heavily draped in black. As the wreath-covered coffin was borne into the chapel the burial sentences were read by the Rev. Thomas Wheatley. Next came the hymn "Now the labourer's task is o'er," and after the tune had been played over on ths organ. the con- gregation took up the beautiful but most sorrow- ful melody in voices almost choked with grief, so deep were the feelings of all. The Rev. W. A. Prunell read the 90th Psalm, "Lord, Thou hast been our refuge," and a. prayer was offered by the Rev. R. Wormwell. The lesson from the seventh chapter of Revelations was read by the Rev. Marshall Hartley, chairman of the Liver- pool district. A short address was given by the Rev. Thos. Wheatley. He said everyone always found in Mr. Butt a true Christian gentleman and a very- kind Christian friend, ever ready to help tboæ who needed help as far as he could. He had girown up among them from his childhood and had been increasing in his influence and power for good in the church and in the community at large. As a citizen and townsmen he had been very highly respected. He had been a man of sound judgment and good, wise counsel. They all knew his keen, shrewd business qualities, which had brought him success. He had been many-sided in his sympathies. His character had been naturally reverent and gientle; his temperament retiring and shy. He had been far more generous than many people knew. As a Wesleyan Methodist he had been most loyal and faithful in the various positions he had held in the church, as circuit steward, more than once as trustee for several places of worship in the circuit, and as ohoir-master. As Sunday school superintendent- for many years the children had simply loved him. His very unexpected death had been a staggering blow and a mosrt serious los to the church and circuit, and to the wider in- terests of the city. What the loss must be to his family they could only faintly imagine. He (Mr. Wheatley) had been most thankful to learn that his death had been, calm and beautiful. He had been led to think of the inspired words "Death hath been swallowed up in victory." The service at the chapel closed with the sing- ing of the hymn "Peace, perfect peace." Mr. George Davies presided at the organ and the choir was in attendance. The congregation at the church included the Mayoress (Mrs. Lamb). Several of the Sunday scholars were aJso present* On arrival at the Cemetery gates the cortege was met by a large body of mourners, including the Mayor and Corporation and public officials. The uniformed hearers of the civic sword and mace, which emblems were shrouded in crepe, stood on either side of the g-ate as the coffin was borne into the Cemetery. The committal portion of the service was conducted by the Rev. T. Wheatley and th09 Rev. A. H. Walker. The chief jnournera were Miss Ruth and Miss Frances Butt I (daughters), Mrs. Byrd and Mrs. E. H. Davies (sisters-in-law), Dr. Butt (brother), Mr. T. Moore Dution (brother-in-law), Mr. Hugh O. Duttoui, Mr. D. E. Byrd, Mr. J. D. Dutton, Dr. Seller, Mr. H. E. Dution and Mr. E. H. Dav es (biotliors- in-iavt), Mr. L Byrd (nephew), Mr. Matthew Wtl!& (eousin), Mr. C. Mylchrces-t. Mr. A. A. Williams, Mr. Frank Williams, Mr. W. Wiiiiams (cousins). Messrs. Plumme-r, B&inctt, Davenport, Lcociaid and Miller (managers), and the staff at Chester, including Mrs. Sparkes and Miss Jones. Tho memb2,r: of the Corpvration (tile Mayor and I Sheriff wearing- their chains of office) includcd Alderman Dr. Roberts, Alderman John Jones (St. Oswald's), Alderman W. H. Chuiton, Aider- man Dr. Hamilton, Alderman Dr. Stolterfoth, Councillors J. M. Frost, Dr. Lees, Martin Gib- bons, J. D. Siddall, Egerton Gilbert, Edgar Dut- ton, H. B. Dutton, John Williamson., W. H. Denson, Dr. Mann, Henry Dodd, D. L. Hewitt, John Griffiths, R. H. Lanceley, G. H. Reynolds, E. Owen Roberts, R. Cecil Davies, and T. Mills. Public officials present included Messrs. WT. Peers (clerk to committees), A. E. Lovell (director of education), George Avery (school attendance officer), F. J. Beckett (city accountant), and John Gardner (tramways manager). Apologies for absence were roceived from the Town Clerk, Alderman Cun- nah (who was represented by Mr. G. J. Roberts), Alderman John Jones (Boughton), Mr. R. T. Wickham, Mr. W. Vernon and Mr. John Dodd. The Cestrian Lodge of Freemasons was repre- sented by Mr. Edwin OkeU, Mr. R. J. Williams, Mr. James Storrar, junr., Mr. W. H. Lipsham, Mr. F. J. Warmsley, Dr. Geo. Harnson, Mr. J. Sheriff Roberts, Mr. R. Knowles, Mr. Alfred Clemenee, Mr. J. H. Layboume (chief constable), Mr. T. S. Dobson, Dr. Lees, Mr. J. C. Bolton, Mr. R. P. Bradbury and Mr. S. E, Britton, while Mr. Alex. Hornby represented the Lodge of Inde- j pendence, in addition to tho Bache Golf Club. A largo body of mourners also included Mr. C. P. Cookrill, Mr. W. Williams (Hoole), Dr. C. G. Lee (Liverpool), Mr. Helsby (representing Mr. G. F. Oulton Lee), Mr. J. Appleton, Mr. G. H. Evans (representing the Chester Traders' Association), Mr. J. Seller, Mr. W. J. Dutton (Nantwich), Mr. H. W. Richards, Mr. H. R. Dutton (Spurstow), Mr. T. H. Richards, Mr. C. P. Cockrill, Mr. R. Challinor, Mr. L. W. Challinor, Mr. J. Simon, Mr. Reuben Roberts, Mr. F. Maddocks, Mr. J. R Thomson, Mr. T. W. Morgan, Mr. A. W. Lucas, Mr. G. B. Lowe, the Rev. W. Jones, Mr. Hugh Miller, Dr. Taylor, Mr. F. Bolland, Mr. Geo. Izzett. Mr. Beresford Adams, Mr. J. Barber, Mr. E. Johnson, Mr. S Percy Davies, Mr. H. Wharton, Dr. J. O. Bridget, Mr. C. C. Bowles, Mr. J. Williams, Mr. J. Shone, Mr. John Davies, Mr. W. Shone, Dr. Jephcott, Dr, Henry Dobie, Mr. T. Harris, Mr. R. But-terworth, Messrs. W. H. Marc-bant, G. R. Griffith, Priddey, W. Maher, H. E. Crane, G. E Olckneadow, J. W. Garnett, F. F. Brown, J. S. Moss, Hart Davies, R.. Bithell, W. H. Barnes, J. Rowson, H. Preston, J. Ward Jones, James Williams (county accountant), E. T. Hallmark, W. K Lindop, W. H. Hallmark, W. H. Corlett, G. J. H. Brown. The various Wesleyan chapels in the circuit were represented. Floral tributes were sent by the widow and daughters, Frank and Lottie, Esther and Arthur, Mi". S. Percy Davies and family, Mr. and Mrs. W, Leonard Davies, Miss Edith Dutton, John and Polly, Edward and Elliø, nieces and! nephews at Hoole, Mr. W. T" Davies, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Davies, the Mayor and Mayoress, Linley, Margie and Jack Byrd, Tom and May, Mr. and Mrs. A. Clemence, Mr. Hugh 0. Dutton, Mr. Arthur Dodds, Mr. John S. Moss, Mrs. Armstrong and family, Mr. and Mis. Francis Down, the maids at Grey Friars, employes at Chester and Wrexham, the Warrington staff, "From all at t.he Square, Shrewsbury," Mr. and Mrs. H. Humphreys, the members of St John's Wesleyan Chapel Choir, the teachers of St. John's Chapel Sunday school, the scholars of St. John's Chapel Sunday school, the Bache Golf Club, Mr. and! Mrs. Hayes, the Chester Traders' Association, the staff of Chester Steam Laundry, the Worshipful Master and brethren of the Cestrian Lodge. Messrs. Joseph Beckett and Co. carried out the funeral arrangements.
DEATH OF A RHYL FREEMASON.…
DEATH OF A RHYL FREEMASON. The death took place on Saturday at Rhyl of Mr. H. A. Steer, wine and spirit merchant. He had resided in Rhyl for about 30 years, and was a prominent Freemason. He was initiated at the Caradoc Lodge (1674), Rhyl, in September, 1877, having been one of the brethren who were pro- posed at the consecration of that lodge in the previous August. In 1878 he filled the office of steward, and acted as secretary in 1879, junior deacon in 1880, and filled the master's chair in 1884. For three years he then acted as secretary, relinquishing that position to take up the duties of treasurer. In 1887 he was appointed standard bearer in the Provincial Grand Lodge of North Wales, and in the following year was chosen as grand director of ceremonies. In 1892 he filled the office of provincial grand junior deacon, and three years later he was appointed provincial grand junior warden. He took high honours in the Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of North Wales, and was one of the founders of the Cbnovium Chapter (Colwyn Bay) of Royal Arch Masons. He acted for years as the charity repre- sentative of the Caradoc Lodge, was a vice- president of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys, and had been steward of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls and the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution. He had served as one of the Rhyl Improvement Commissioners.
HAWARDEN GUARDIANS.
HAWARDEN GUARDIANS. On Friday afternoon the fortnightly meet- ing of the Hawarden Board of Guardians was held at the Broughton Workhouse, Mr. W. Fryer (chairman) presiding. COMPLIMENTS. Mr. L. E. Ford had given noti-ce to move the appointment of a vioe-chairman in the place of the late Mr. Morris Jones. Mr. Ford said they were all very sorry that Mr. Jones had been re- moved from among them, and testimony had been borne to his excellent qualities at the last Board meeting. It now became their duty to appoint a successor to him in the vice-chair. He submitted the name of Mr. Millington, the second vice-chairman, for the post. Mr. Roberts seconded and the motion was unanimously carried. Mr. Millington in acknowledging the honour, sajid he was sorry his appointment to the vice- chair had come about through the regretted death of Mr. Morris Jones. He was extremely obliged to them for the honour they had con- ferred upon him. As long as Mr. Fryer's health kept good and his business tact remained he (Mr. Millington) would not have very much to do. He hoped the Chairman would attend as regularly and everything would go on as pleas- antly as in the past. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Ford also proposed that Mr. John Wright be appointed second vice-chairman, believing he was a very fit person to take the position. Mr. R. Wynne seconded, and the proposition was tarried; unanimously. Mr. Wright said he felt very unworthy to fill the post. He thanked the Board for the confid- ence they had in him. He, too, had admired their chairman ever since ho had been on. the Board. H3 could not understand how the chair- miOi got through so much work. He hoped Mr. Fryer would have health and strength to con- tinue to attend regularly. I he Oha'rman thanked Mr. Millington and Mr. Wright for their kind remarks. RURAL COUNCIL. Subsequently a meeting- of the Rural Council was held, Mr. Fryer again presiding.—The first business was to appoint a clerk of the works for the Hawarden Special Drainage Area sewerage scheme, whicth involves an expenditure of about £21.000. Out of 107 applicants, three selected candidates, each asking £2. 10s. per week wages, attended before the Council and were questioned as to their qualifications for the poet. Mr. Newton Sutcliffe (30), of Bolton, at present en- gaged as inspector on the Thirlmero Aqueduot, wa." appoiribed.
---------------..........-.--HINTS…
HINTS ON FIRST-AID. -♦ In every walk of life, accidents are frequent— on the street, on the railway, in the workshop, and in the home; and much suffering and even loss of life is occasioned by the ignorance of those about the injured person, their inability to recognise what aid may be useful and their I awkwardness in knowing how to apply that aid, should it be at hand. Fortunately the necessary first-aid in case of accident is now within the reach of everyone, for in Zam-Buk, one has at I last realised that up-to-date science has given us a balm of extraordinary efficacy. The constituency of Zam-Buk is modelled on the hiinte thrown out by Nature herself in the shape of herbs and juices; and it is of these solely that Zam-Buk is composed; being entirely a vegetable preparation and containing no harm- ful mineral irritants or animal fats. Zam-Buk stands alone in its capacity as a eoother, allayer of irritation, germicide and anti- septic healer and a veritable grower of new skin. Zam-Buk is unequalled for eczema, ukers, ring- worm, hemorrhoids, psoriasis, scalp diseases. sourf, sores of all sorts, chafed skin, chapped hands, chilblains, oold-sores, bad legs, diseased ankles, sore heads and backs, sore throat and chest, sore faces and lips, aching feet, swollen joints, cuts, lacerated wounds, bruises, burns, scalds, stiff joints, sprains, festerings, gatherings, and poisoned wounds. Of all chemists, in 18. lid. and 2s. 9d. boxes (2s. 9d. boxes contains nearly four times the Is. l^d.), or post free, fori tfhe same price, from the Zam-Buk Co., Red Cress Street, London, E.C.
[No title]
Mr. Lyttelton, the Colonial Secretary, has re- plied to a correspondent that there is not a ves- tige of truth in the absurd rumour that the Government contemplate the oess-on of the W Indies to America.
LrrKRARY NOTICES. -,-
LrrKRARY NOTICES. <y NEW BOOKS. "TRADE rUNIONS AND THE LAW. Tit's book is not. of the nature of a street orange, which may bo parcel-sucked by one boy and finished by two chums; it cannot be shared; it must. bo read throughout and assimilated by the owner himself, if to be of profit- and advan- tage. It will lend itself to discussion by poli- ticians and lawyers, but each disputant or wrangler must bo in possession of a!l its facts— not merely of one or two. For Mr. David Pen- nant writes exhaustively; the book's legal lore is closely packed, and the skipping of school-girls is impermissible. Men of the world in the House and out of it have found Trade Unions "always with us" for many years past, and misconceptions have grown with tho fecundity of weeds on all sides of the subject. The leadera of the Unions thought to rule tho roost from tha very inception of their idea, and to wheel the whole public into their own line. It was only, however, when the law courts stepped in that these leaders saw they were but mortal. Mr. B. F. Pennant traces very clearly the progress of events both commendable and deplorable, both successful and disastrous, from the early days of the 18th. century until the year 1871. The increased power of Trade Unionists in Parliament- (he writes) was very quickly seen. In 1869 an Act was passed for the protection of Trade Union funds. Then came the Trade Union Commission, and in 1871 the Act was passed by which Trade Unions were made law- ful, and provision was made for their being registered and enabled to hold property. There can be no doubt that the officials of these Unions originally held that they were at liberty to induce men to strike that, so far as trade dis- putes were concerned, the old law of conspiracy was effete; that the funds were safe and secure from either embezzlement or actions in the courts, and' that the Act of 1875 considerably clipped the wings of the criminal law. Judicial decisions in successive actions swept all these happy ideas overboard, "but it was in 1901," Mr. Pennant writes, "that the blew really fell. In that year two decisions of the House of Lords revolution- ised the whole legal position from the point of view of Trade Unions." The author then pio- eeeda to deal with Sir Charles Dilke's Bill in eeeda to deal with Sir Charles Dilke's Bill in 1804 and with Mr. Whit-taker's Bill in the year following. His observations following these statements are clearly and concisely put-, and the dictum that exceptional legislation in any matter is for the most part harmful is very well argued. In seven reasoned chapters, destitute of verbiage and of exuberant elaboration, Mr. Pennant con- ducts the reader through the ambages and pitfalls of what is really a very intricate subject, and supplies a whole armoury of considerations and rellecti&tis which the student of Trade Unions should not lay aside. The public knows ex- actly where it stands on putting down this book, which is doubtless the object of the writer, and, no matter what a man's politics may be, it must bo said that in all oases Mr. Pennant has en- lightened and dono far more to mollify than to irritate. Tne book is one, indeed, without which no legal, political or editorial library could be considered adequately supplied. Perhaps we should add, that, when the schoolmaster returns from abroad, he might apply a new pen, made in Germany or elsewhere, to the re-writing of two or three sentences. "Trade Unions and the Law" (by David ralooner Pennant., of the Inner Temple, barrister- at-law. London: Stevens, Ghanoery-iane, W.C.; fcO. "THE DOINGS OF ARTHUR" (by Francis Brown. London: Methuen and Co.; s. 6d).— This is a political skit on the Premier from the pen of the "Westminster Gazette" Office Boy (Francis Brown), and purports to be "A trifling account, of the amazing adventures of Arthur during the past throe years; written for the en- tertainment of them what don t believe in him and the enlightenment of them what do." The pen-and-ink sketches herein contained are cer- tainly full of drollery and satire, and cannot fail to provoke a laugh from all politicians, regard- less of party. The picture, for example, of Mr. Chamberlain lifting the lid of the Premier's c.rannun, and peering down into "the open mind," of course, irresistibly funny. In much of the letter-press, however, the humour appears to us somewhat strained and forced, but our lack cf appreciation there naturally may be set down to political bigotry. "IN THE ROYAL IRISH CONSTABU- LARY" (by G. Garrow Green. Messrs. J. Biackwood and Co., Lovell's-eouit, Paternoster Row, London price 3s. 6d.).—The author of these sketches affords us very entertaining glimpses of the police administration of Ireland. He writes with all the authority of a. late 1st District In- spector, R.I.C., and draws upon a. lengthy and adventurous career in the Force for a collection of most interesting stones, which shed much light on the. Irish character. The tales abound in humourous incident, and 'have the of being true. The records of the Courts are vastly amusing. "At almost every sessions," he writes, "eomethmg droll crops, up, and I have heard a man say, when fined for common drunkenness, "By gor, yer honour, if Paddy Casey kep betther whisky I wouldn/t be spending me loose change this-away." The book is dedicated to the Right Hon. Arthur J. Balfour, Prime Minister, "in slfgbb token of the author's admiration of his unequalled and invaluable administration of affairs at a critical period as Chief Secretary for Ire- land, when, in addition to his onerous Parliamen- tary and other duties, he travelled alone to the remotest parts of the oountry to asoertain its real needs and supply them." "THE PASSPORT' (by Richard Bagot. Messrs. Methuen and Co., Essex-street, London; price 6s.).—The author of "Donna Diana" neither breaks new ground nor treats of a fresh theme in his latest book. It is a love story, and the scenes are laid in Roma and the Sabine mountains. Mr. Bagot always invests his stories with a wealth of stirring episode, and "The Passport" impels a quickening interest from first to last, notwithstanding that here and there the author is unquestionably prosy and sometimes even repetitious. The narrative treats of love at first sight between a Roman young lady of exalted rank and a young engineer, and of the difficulties they liad to contend with. One of tho principal characters is a priest who, in the role of spiritual and business advisor to the girl s stepmother and guardian, plays a deep gn-me to gain his own ends, and is subsequently exposed and renounced. At the close of the book there is a moving de- scription of a mob attacking a castle. All the characters in the book are very real, while tho local colouring attains the fidelity which can re- sult only from careful personal study on the spot. MILITARY HANDBOOKS (London: Gale and Polden, 2, Amen Corner, Paternoster-row).— w, have received three more of the neat and serviceable military handbooks issued by tins firm. "The Scouts' Alphabet of Notes and Queries" (Is.), is a most, useful work, and so smail that it could be easily carried in the pocket of a waistcoat. It provides a. soout with valuable hints in gaining reliable information, and the alphabetical arrangement makes reference an easy matter. Thus to estimate the strength of the enemy, he learns from the hand-bock that at a walk 120 cavalry in sections (four abreast) pass E. given point in ope minute, while at a trot 250 cavalry will pass. A field battery of artillery (six guns and nine wa.gons in column of routs) take three minutes to pass a given point at a walk, and half that time at a trot. A battalion of in- fantry (800 men) with first line of tranport passes a gIyen point in five minutes. "On Outposc Duty" is a new sixpenny manual, which contains most interesting and useful information. "Aid to Manoeuvre Duties," a. handbook also priced sixpen-cie, has been corrected to date. Infantry officers, especially in the Militia and Volunteers, wiU find it useful in many ways. THE WORLD OF ADVENTURE (London: Cassell and Co.)—The thirty-seventh and con- cluding fortnightly pa.rt of this work has now been issued, and cases for binding the parts into six volumes are now available. Mr. A. T. QuilIer- Conch, the editor, has collected stories of adven- ture from all parts of the globe, and the title of the work is amply justified by its contents. This class of literature has always a strong fascination for the public, and the gathering together of a representative collection of stories of adventure is sure to meet with appreciation.
THE NOVEMBER MAGAZINES.
THE NOVEMBER MAGAZINES. LTHIRD NOTICE.] The "Estate Magazine" for November (The Country Gentlemen's Association, 2, Waterloo Place, Pall Mall, London, S.W.) contains a sketch of the Le Strange Family and Estates at Hinstanton. Norfolk, with a. capital portrait of the present proprietor, Mr. Hamon Le Strange, as its principal feature. The practical farming and gardening hints and items are numerous and interesting as ever.
Advertising
NEW CAIRD GAME.—The signal success of the game of Pit" on its introduction has prompted the publishers to add another card game to those in existence. Messrs. Dean and Son, Limited, 160A, Fleet-street, are issuing this new form of amuse- ment under the name of "Quit." The game has all the interest of "Pit." but is perhaps better, in- asmuch that "Quit" can be played without that boisterous excitement associated with the sister game. There is a similarity between" Quit" and whist. The same scope for judgment in play is given m the new game as in whist, and" honours" are awarded by count cards. The action of the game is simplicity itself, and while it is worthy of 11 P'^ akill and forethought in the adult it will also be found of untiring interest to the young. "Quit" is published in two editions, the club edition having the different suits of cards printed-in »flrgtwet cokiora. )\ [. "I.
CHINESE LABOUR. 0
CHINESE LABOUR. 0 DIFFICULTY OF OBTAINING KAFFIR WORK. Speaking at. a meeting of the shareholders in Giynn's Lydenbburg, Lid., at Johannesburg, on Oct. 6th, the chairman (Mr. Samuel Evans) said: Notwithstanding the fact that 45,000 Chinese have been imported for work on the Rand, the re- cruiting operations of the Witwatersraiid Native Labour Association continue to be of such a searching character that it is extremely difficult for mining piopositions in outside districts to se- cure the necessary labour. Those who opposed the Labour Importation Ordinance used to tell us that once permission was granted to bring in Chinese the mining companies would cease to exert their utmost endcavouis to utilise Kaffirs, and that the natural labour supply of South Africa would Lo negiected. This prediction, like many others, has been. completely falsified. It is en mines like ours, situated at some distance from the Rand, that is is possible to fuily appreciate the fact that the Witwatersrand Native Labour Association have not in the least relaxed their recruiting efforts since the arrival of the Chinese. Further, the wages now paid for Kaffir labour on the mines of the. Rand are higher than they have ever been before, with the result that the cost of unskilled labour to all industries in the Trans- vaal has been raised to a level which must affect the development of the country. Although our mine is situated in close proximity to the homes of a large Kaffir population, we have found it almost impossible to liiaintam our labour force for mine work. As the manager points out, we have had during the past year, for the first time in the history of the company, to meet heavy re- cruiting charges; we have 'had to consideiably in- crease our expenditure on luxuries for our Kaffirs, and we have had to materially raise their wages. On the, Rand, experienced mine natives leceive an average of about 60s. a month; they are well fed and well housed, and they have all their travelling expenses paiid from their kraals to the mines. I doubt if there is another place in the world where this clasB of labour is so munificently treated. As they have all their requirements provided by the companies, mine Kaffirs can, if they choose, save every penny cf their wages— in fact, many of them do save in a comparatively short time enough money to set themselves up as independent agriculturalists for the rest of their lives. That means, of course, that they go out of the labour market altogether. Indeed, it ap- pears to me that it is correct to conclude that the nett. effect of the high wages paid on the Rand is to diminish the available suppiy of Kaffir labour for the whole country, by rendering a large number of Kaflirs sufficiently wealthy to do without. working for the future. The authorities have recently been urged to repeal the Labour Importation Ordinance and prohibit the further introduction of Chinese labourers. It i, I think, lie certain as anything can be that the inevitable effect of such a step would be to seriously aggra- vate the present situation by compelling the. mines of the Rand to still further raise the wages of Kaffirs. A month ago delegates claiming to represent chiefly the agricultural community strongly advised the Government to have the Chinese sent back. I fail to appreciate the rea- sons which induced these gentlemen to advocate such a course, and in this connection I should like to ask the farmers of the Transvaal two questions: (1) Can they get all the labour they require at reasonable rates? (2) If so, why are we importing the bulk of our foodstuffs from abroad? I submit these considerations for the appreciation of those who at heart have really no desire to make the existing depressed state of affairs worse. I admit that this labour problem is an infinitely difficult one, and, unfortunately, it has not been rendered easier by the persistent attempts of the Government to regulate in detail the relations of employer and employed. ANOTHER CONVINCING SPEECH. VR, MOND'S "FANTASTICAL EXPERI- MENT." "AN ELECTIONEERING ADVERTISE- MENT.' Mr. Samuel Evans, speaking at the annual meet- ing of the shareholders in the Glen Deep at Johannesburg, on Oct. 18th, alluding to the labour problem, said: I doubt if any industry has ever had to face such obstacles as those which the mining industry of the Rand has had to over- come in order to secure an adequate supply of labour. We have been subjected to greater pub- licity and more unjust criticism, based on ignor- ance and falsehood, than has probably ever been the case before. Wo have been judged and con- demned by people 6,000 miles away, who have never been in South Africa, and who have to rely mainly for their information on impracticable faddists, professional agitators, and unscrupulous blackmailers. Everything that is said to our dis- credit is swallowed with avidity, and no sooner is one lie nailed down than another is invented. I do not propose to-day to oocupy your time by an attempt to refute in detail the calumnies which have been heaped upon us. I shall confine myself to certain features only of the labour problem. Tho fundamental difference between us and tho^e of our opponents who are honest and well mean- ing boils down to this: Is it, or is it not, possible to work the ore deposits of the Rand profitably and to the best advantage of South Africa by having- the unskilled work done with imported white labour, aidecF' by the available supply of Kaffirs? We hold that it is not possible, and that to limit the industry's unskilled labour force to Europeans and Kaffirs would have a paralysing affect on the whole of South Africa, as it would mean that only a few selected portions of the Rand could be profitably worked. At meetings of other companies I have repeatedly pointed out that every attempt to induce white men to do manual labour to any extent and for any length of time in South Africa has invariably failed. I have also suggested that it can hardly be argued that all the largo employers of labour for mining, railway construction, and other works in this part of the world are bad without a single exception. Such a sweeping condemnation would include all the Governments of South Africa for the past 100 years. Further, I suggested last year that seme of tho wealthy men who are taking part. in the anti-Chinese campaign at home should try to demonstrate the soundness of their views by ac- quiring a mine on the Rand and working it suc- cessfully with whi labour. No one has ever suggested that a few white- men cannot be found to do unskilled work in. this country spasmodi- cally. Our contention is that successful mining I I 1r on tho scale on which companies have to mine cn the Rand in order to make a. profit has never been done by the employment of white labour for the unskilled work, ana that all attempts to ac- complish this have, so far, failed. We have made an earnest attempt to solve this problem, arid have not succeeded it now remains for those who doubt us and disbelieve us to demonstrate the correctness of their views. A CURIOUS EXPERIMENT. It is true tha.t. a curious experiment is at present being carried out at the expense of Mr. Alfied Mond, the Liberal canddate for the city of Chester. I have no doubt that Mr. Mond is genuinely convinced that what he is doing will really prove something. A simple statement, of the facts will enable all who are acquainted with South Africa to apPfleciate the ridiculous and worthless character of this so-called demonstra- tion of the capability and willingness of white, men to do unskilled mining work in the Trans- vaal. Five Englishmen havo been sent out to work on some claims on the Queen's River, not far from Avoca, in De Kaap district. The pro- perty, I understand, belongs to a London com- pany, which, according to the ordinary books of reference, has an authorised capital of £ 120,000 in one pound shares, of which 60.000 were issued to the vendors, and seven shares were subscribed for at par. The men have been on the property for some weeks. They live in tents, and are occupied in fossicking, cutting surface trenches, odd jobs, and prospecting work generally. That is, they are doing the class of work which has been done by individuals and small groups of white men for the past thirty years in tho Pil- grim's Rest and De Kaap districts. You can see the Portuguese and Italian gardeners doing some- what similar work in the vicinity of Johannesburg to-day. Now. to have induced five Englishmen to live in tents on the banks of a river in an isola- ted part of the Transvaal and occupy themselves in digging trenches and sinking a few pits can hardly be said to prove that unskilled mining work on the Rand can bo successfully donie by Englishmen. I wish to point out that these five Chester men have been brought out, like the Clvnese, under contract, and without their wives, and that the main difference between the terms on which they have been imported and those under which we import Chinese is that Mr. Mond is, presumably, unaer no legal obligation to pro- vide them with good food, well-built and well- ventilated houses, medical attendance and hospital "accommodation. When the test comes to an end it will be interesting to know the total value of the gold output resulting from the mining opera- tions of these men, and also the amount of the dividend which they have earned for the share- holders of the company. I understand that in the Barberton district, the whole business is looked upon as a farce. I think all unbiassed persons acquainted with mining in this country will readily admit that the only purpose this fan- tastical experiment can serve is that of an elec- tioneering advertisement among electors who have no knowledge of South Africa. PRESS OPINIONS. In order that our readers may arrive at a con- clusion- as to the light in which the Press of the Transvaal views Mr. Mond's experiment., we give some extracts from newspapers received by the recent mail. NOT IN A MINE. The "Gold Fields News and Barberton Herald" of October 17th, commenting on the controversy, says:-As an example of what is being due. we may mention that the "Daily News" on Wednes- day in mail week devoted a whole pa ape to an article headed "Slavery Under the Flag," in which, under the plea of opposing Chinese Labour, a general attack was made on the pre- fo*emn»oi of S«nrt& Afrieft; And in Chi» oaMlBO&es tfitt tetW from thfr fteroltttt, eonfofr "1: ,¡.s I" ,I:
Advertising
TARPORLEY.
TARPORLEY. POULTRY SUCCESSES, At the Crystal Palace Poultry Show Mr. Joseph Lewis, of Cote- brook, Tarporley, won the following prizes in the modern game classes :-Pile cocks. first and second; pile hens, first and third cockerels, second and third pullets, first and second game cock selling class, first; pile game bantam cock, fourth ana the World's Challenge Trophy for the best game bird in the show.
HESWALL.
HESWALL. CONSERVATIVE PARTY'S ARRANGE- MENTS.—At a well-attended meeting of the local Conservatives, held on WTednesday evening at the Assembly-rooms, arrangements were com- pleted for a visit to Heswall on 8th December by Mr, Jos. Hoult, M.P. Mr. C. Mclver will occupy the dho.ir, and among the speakers will be Mr. J. S. Harmood-Banner, M.P. CHURCHYARD EXTENSION-—The exten- son of tho church grounds is almost complete, but in erecting the boundary walls a foot.pa.th leading down to the lane wbioh runs parallel to the railway has been obstructed- The pathway was m existence before the railway came through to Heewall, and it will be interesting to see what will be dene in the matter. 9
ELLESMERE PORT.
ELLESMERE PORT. LITERARY SOCIETY.—Oa Tuesday evening this society held another of its meetings. Mr. C- M. Collin read an eseay on the bwt fifty lyrical poems as selected by Professor Go wan. The Rev. W. Speddins- presided. PRIMTTIVE METHODIST BAZAAR.— Another meeting of the trustees and ohapel com- mittee was held on Wednesday ever, i ng. It was deoided that JB500 should be raised. Collooting books were distributed, and over £100 was pro- mised by the trustees. BOAT CAPTAIN AND HIS WIFE—At Chester Castle Petty Sessions, on Saturday, -be- fore Mr. R. T. Richardson and Mv. J. W. Macfie, Charies Jones, a boat, captain, wae ummoned by Mary Annie Jones, his wife, of Queeii-street, Ellesmere Port, for persistent. cruelty whereby he caused her to live apart from him. Mr. Bram- sey, who appeared for complainant, said tho parties had been married fourteen years, and there were three children of the marriage, agedl respectively 12, 9 sad 6 years. She applied for an order of separation and the custody of the chil- dren. He was the captadm of a "fly" boiit and earned JS3 per week. Complainant hJd been working with him cn boats twelve years-, and she had helped him to save over £ 100, which wa9 now in his name in the bank. During t'he past two or three years he had been knocking his wife about,, and within the last three months had threatened to knock her head off. Five months ago he knocked her down in the kitchen of her home, kicked her and left her unconscious. Four months ago he knocked her down again and kicked her in the back. He had also threatened to throw her into the canal. She had to go away to her mother. She could shew a bundle of hair which was entirely new and original.-The Magistrates' Clerk: I was going to ask was it stock. (Laughter.)—The Magistrates' Clerk {to defendant) Do you want to get rid of your wife? -Defenda.,nt: I ara not particular. (Laughter.) —Defendant, invited to give evidence 2,s to his means, insisted upon telling the court that she had been a drunkard. He had piver, her E5 and shewn her the way to save it. but 1C had shewn him the way to destroy it. He onee gave her £ 6 and she aid someone stole it off her.—The Magistrates' Clerk: How long ago is this?-—- Defendant: Two years ago.—The Magistrates' Clerk: You must keep to the last srix months. Mr. Brassey (to defendant): You renowned as being a bit of a canal boat lawyer, are yon not? (Laughter.)-No,. sir.—Defendant was cross- examined as to his means.—The bench granted B separation, ordered him to pay his wife an allowance of 10s. per week. and to pay the costs, including advocate's fee. They garo the custody of the two elder children to the defendant, and the custody of the youngest to the mother.— Defendant in a loud voice protested that he could not pay the allowance to the wife, and declared that_ he would not give up the youngest child to his wife.—The Magistrates' Clerk You want to get yourself in gaol, I c-nda.nt: I would sooner suffer death than they :ihe children) should live in ,'mch surroundings. Gentlemen, you must bear in mind they are men and women of the future.—The Magistrates' Clerk: It is no use your talking. We don't want any epeedh- making. -<
! DON'T LOOK OLD.
THE PIG BOOK.—A feature of evening parties during the ensuing season should be the intro- duction of the "Pig Book," published by Messrs. Dean and Co., Limited, London. Observed casually, the book does not strike one as being of any extraordinary attraction, and no one wouldk suspect it of creating so much merriment and pleasure. There are some critics of art who pro- claim that they could draw better than so-and-so with their eyes shut. Here then, in the "Pig Book," is the opportunity to shew their merit. The book is arranged in the manner of an auto- graph album, a space being left for friends to con- tribute a drawing of a pig. The drawing must be done while the artist has hi9 or her eyes closed. The result is amusing. Pigs of all shapes and no shape are contributed, and in each case the respon- sibility is fixed by the name of the artist being inserted in the space provided. The "Pig Book may be obtained from Chester booksellers. DON'T LOOK OLD. With advancing years greyness increases. Stop this with IOMYEWS SULPHUR HAIR RESTORES, which darkens to the former eolour and preserves the appearance. Lockyers keeps off ravages of time, by darkening the grey streaks, also caaeing growth of Hair. Large cheap bottled.
CHINESE LABOUR. 0
ttonor, etc., who are now working at Sheba Sid- ing—which we quoted in our last- issue—is given the place of honour, as proof 'positive that white men could do the work that the Chinese are do- ing on the Rand. An article in the "Chester Courant," which we have no space to give in this issue, shews to what trickery the Liberals have stooped in order to make good their case. Mr. Yerburgh's offer was to obtain employment in the gold mines for white unskilled labour with Kaifirs and Chinese. The Chester paper complains of the secrecy with which these five men have been sent out by Mr. Mond, for no one at home knows in what mine they are working. Which is only natural, seeing that they aire not in a mine at all! It has been represented to us that this experiment was merely undertaken with j a view to shewing that white men could perform unskilled labour out here—a fact which nobody haa ever denied—but it is c-leax from the refer- in the papers to hand by this mafl that tilie ease is quite otherwise, for this "experiment" eeems to be the only real "fact." that the anti- African agitators possess to justify their cam- paign. MR. MOND'S ELECTION EXPENSES. "The Transvaal Leader" of October 19th, oom- mentoug on "the funny experiment initiated by Mr. Mond," says.—This gentleman, who has a deaire to prove the capability of Englishmen tQ. do unskilled work in our mines not wholly dissociated from his candidature for the city of Chester, has sent out five inhabitants of that town for the purpose. There were to have been half-a-dozen, but we believe that some difficulties of a legal nature interfered with the movements of one man. Probably when these men return they will be feted and carried round Chester, as living proofs of the truth of Mr. Creswell's doc- trines. It, would appear, however, that the con- ditions under which the experiment is being con- ducted rob it of all value. It might have been expected that these men would have been sent to the lowest level of some mine on the Rand, to work cheek by jowl with the Kaffirs. Not so, they work on a property called the Sheba. Crown, and live in tents on a river bank near a spot bear- ing the suggestively pleasant name Avoca. We do not understand that they go underground; they are opening up trenches, and prospecting around'. We must say that we would have all been ready to acknowledge the capacity of Eng- lishmen for such work without drawing on Mr. Mond's purse. There are hundreds of white men doing work in Africa to-day, prospectors, farmers, market gardeners and others. What will be proved one way or the other if these men com- plete their contract ? This leads on to another point. Like the Chinese, these men have been Bent out under contract, and without their wives, yet no one howls at Mr. Mond's brutality in do- ing this in order to try and win some votes. The Chinamen have this advantage-tliat, their quar- ters are subject to stringent sanitary regulations we hope similar precautions will be taken on behalf of our countrymen working in & diistrict that will soon be unhealthy. Indeed, uv hope that this experiment is being carefully watched by the Mining Department, and that the company which employs these men will supply full returns and plans in accordance with the regulation*. And we would also like to know what wages these men are getting from the company, nnd What pecuniary reward they expect to receive from Mr. Mond. And, further, it would' be in- teresting to know whether the oosts of this ex- periment, undertaken for electioneering purposes, should, not be reckoned, in Mr. Mond's election expenses. We have a legal opinion; before us that any expenses incurred by Mr. Mend to ob- tain information to be used in furtherance of htis candidature should be included in his return. The decision of the judges in the Youghal and Sligo cases shews that no limit of time will cover any illegal act or expense done or incurlred with the object of affecting the elect'on, and that every expense whatever directly incuirred on matters directly connected with the candidature must be included in the return of election expenses. But indeed the whole matter of the employment of the men on the "Sheba Crown" bristles with in- teresting point*. THREE ALTERNATIVES. The "Transvaal Leader" says: "Get rid of Chinamen and we are faced with three alterna- tive6-(I) Shortage of Kaffir labour, involving immediate dismissal of white men; (2) instability of Kaffir labour, involving uncertainty of labour for white men; and (3) cheap unskilled white labour, involving a loss of white prestige and a certain lowering of the standard of wages for white skilled men. None of these is quite a nice alternative after all." "ABSOLUTELY LUDICROUS. "The Johannesburg Star," dealing with the subject, says: Mr. Mond may have been deceived by those who undertook to find "coolie work" for his proteges. It will, however, be interest.;ng to await further developments. If Mr. Mond be honest in the desire to establish an economic fact and not merely to earn notoriety and politicei kudos, the sooner he realises the folly of his present proceedings, the better will it be for his reputation as a publicist. To place fossicking on the surface of an undeveloped claim area 011 the same level as rock-drilling and tramming and shovelling in the lower parts of a. Rand mine is sufficient to east. grave doubts on the "bona fides" of the Liberal candidate in this matter. Had he and those associated with him been sincerely anxious to arrive at the truth as to the assertions of the champions of unskilled white labour, they could easily have obtained facilities to put. their theories to a practical test-, instead of adopting means which are, not only worse than useless, but absolutely ludicrous. THE WHOLE TRUTH WANTED. "The South African Mines, Commerce and In- dustries" of Oct.. 21 remarks: We cannot- refrain from offering Mr. Mond, Liberal candidate for Chester, our condolences on tho failure of his fantastic and ridiculous little scheme. It may be, however, that his trouble and expense have been amply repaid by the potential capital already made by the publication of the pathetic epistle of the five sons of Chester in the "Da.ily Chroniole." The lie has had a long start; that u it will never be quite caught up is, of course, a certainty. Such a moving little tale, it would appear, has gono home to the British public of those five good men and true doing "the exact same work" as the Chinese and Kaffir labourer on the Rand mines! The enterprise of the "Gold- fields News," however, has elicited facts which go to shew that Mr. Mond's proteges* possess constructive imaginations equalled, only by their amazing ignorance, as reveaded in the aforesaid epistle, of practical working methods followed in the interior of t-tie mines on the Rand. The fact is s mp!y that the quintette from Chester is at surface work, such as digging prospecting trenches, at Sheba Siding, near Barberton and they are far from doing the work which, on the Rand. would be considered "the exact same work" as the coolie or Kaffir, viz., underground | stoping. tramming, etc. Supplementing and accentuating tho remarks of Mr. S. Evans, we have Mr. F. D. Chaplin's masterly presentment of the ti-tith at Thursday's meeting of the Cham- ber of Mines. In the face of examples of active and reiterated misrepresentation by a section of the English Press, is it to be. wondered at that the announcement, emanating from our usually 'well-informed contemporary the "Star," to the effect that a general ejection is pending and that the Liberals contemplate the appointment of a Royal Commission on the Asiatic labour question thereafter, has been hailed with unfeigned relief on the Rand? The whole truth, and nothing but the truth, has been at the disposal of those who sought it from the first the facts have been i available that all who would might read. The investigations of an impartial Comm;seicn which would nothing extenuate and set down naught, in malice, and which would appraise at ite value the evidence of, say, five men of Chester set against that, of technical and economic experts, have much to commend them. Were the results of such investigations to secure finality on this question; to remove the uncertainty which still to somé' extent affects Rand enterprise in the eyes of European investors; to allow us, in fine, to continue to work out our own industrial sal- vation according to the principles of scientific economics, then the early materialisation of the contemplated Commission is a consummation de- .Youtly"to be desired. r THE MAYOR OF JOHANNESBURG. EFFECT OF RADICAL AGITATION. The Mayor of Johannesburg writes as follows to the "Johannesburg Star" of Oct. 19th- Sir.-Should the news published in jenr papor last night turn out to be correct, i.e., that thero is to be a general election in November and a Royal Commission to inquire into the whole sub- ject of Chin labour as the first act cf the new Liberal Government, then I thiak we may haii it as of the very highest- importance to this com- munity. This campaign, with our vital economic inter- ests as the chief object of attack, accompau'ed by rancour and bitterness of the usual political sort, has raised in tho public mind oversea vague and impalpable idea-s of rank corruption being preva- lent here. On the one hand the investor is scared off by the doubt. raised as to what will be done by the Liberal party when in power, and on the other hand the. general impression creatcd in the public mind in England and Europe is one of dislike towards the community. The result is stagnation. The sooner, there- fore, that a general election takes place the better for "5; for what we need most is that our affairs might have a period of rest from t.ho constant attacks they have been subjected to The audacity with which leading Liberals claim that the new Government will settle tho Chinese labour question in their own way, viz., stoppage of importation and repatriation, raised the alarm to an acute stage owing to the un- reasoning hostility to the economic interests of this community thus shewn by men who will bo prominent members of the new Liberal Govern- ment. The suggestion of a Royal Commission to enquire into the whole matter gives groat relief. We can have nothing to fear from the most care- ful enquiry conducted by fair-minded and impar- tial men on the spot, but we have everything to fear from a brutal and arbitrary treatment, which, basQd an lack of knowledge, is'sure to perpetuate the injury which is killing us. This community should offer fervent prayers that the politicaj campaign in England may 00 speedily fought out and ended, and that an im- partial Royal Commission may bo sent cut here to investigate without delay. Rest and freedom from the attacks of our loving compatriots across the sea are what wa need, Jest we perish.—I am. etc.. G. H. GOCH. October 19.